TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP)—Want to get Nick Saban riled? Get him to go on a nice long rant?

Ask him about the possibility of a letdown when No. 5 Alabama goes from an impressive win over No. 7 Virginia Tech to facing relatively unknown Florida International. That’s the kind of attitude Saban doesn’t want from players, fans or even the media.

“In no uncertain terms, you’re a typical fan,” Saban told a reporter Monday, his voice rising as he delivered a 3-minute answer. “That’s fine. But I respect the people that we’re playing. I respect our opponents. I want our players to respect our opponents. This guy No. 4 (FIU receiver T.Y. Hilton) is a better offensive player than anybody that we played against last week. You understand that? Whatever your perception is and what they ought to be, I don’t think it’s that. I don’t want our players to think that either.

“Fans can think that as much as you want. You create that perception, which just creates more problems for me because the players read the papers, too.”

Save that speech, coach. You might need a similar one again next week. The Crimson Tide (1-0) managed to overcome the hype for a Top 10 opening matchup— and some distractions during the week—with a 34-24 victory Saturday night over the Hokies.

The next challenges could come more in the head than on the field. Now, Alabama must get up for two Sun Belt Conference teams—FIU, which hasn’t played yet, and North Texas. The Tide is a 33-point favorite for Saturday’s home opener and figures to be in a similar spot the next week.

Saban doesn’t want his players’ approach to change, and pointed to a couple of NBA stars to get that point across.

“I don’t think Kobe Bryant cares who he plays against,” Saban said. “I don’t think LeBron James cares who’s guarding him when he’s playing. He’s trying to be the best player that he can be. That’s what we want our team to do. That’s what we want our individual players to do.”

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-t25-alabama-saban&prov=ap&type=lgns

I dont think that loss at home to the SunBelts Louisiana Monroe has left the fans minds quite yet has it?