Saban: Predictions for birds

Here’s a prediction: Nick Saban won’t like questions about predictions. The Alabama coach says “they hijack the game” by putting the focus on the BCS and who will play in the final game each season. Saban tried to shoot down such talk at Sunday’s media day – before reporters even asked a question. His analogy is a team trying for the consistency of a thermostat rather than an ever-fluctuating thermometer. Saban says the Tide is focusing on building synergy. Left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio says he’s “not even sure where we’re ranked.” The coaches ranked Alabama No. 2 behind LSU in their preseason poll. – AP