HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - Alabama coach Nick Saban is still waging a battle with expectations and hype.

For a change, though, he is facing more questions about the nation's top-rated recruiting class and how some of those highly touted players can handle it.

Last year, Saban contended with fan buzz and talk that he would instantly turn around a struggling Crimson Tide program.

Saban told reporters at Southeastern Conference media days Thursday he thinks external expectations can be dangerous. And his
team just needs to focus on getting better.

The incoming freshmen will likely have to fill some needs, especially at wide receiver and linebacker.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)