The No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide continued its preparations for the top-ranked LSU Tigers Wednesday. Despite the hype surrounding the game, head coach Nick Saban said he’s kept his team focused on the game and let the players motivate themselves.

For senior linebacker Courtney Upshaw, that motivation lies in the loss his team had last year against the Tigers in Death Valley. The motivation comes not so much from losing the game, but that they didn’t execute as well as they could have.

“Just the fact that we made mental errors,” Upshaw said, “that’s the difference from last year’s team and this year’s team. Where we made mistakes, where we could have won the game if we just did things right – that’s the main thing from that game.” Another thing Saban said he has stressed to his team is focus. Junior Michael Williams said the team has stayed focused, especially considering the huge implications of the game.

“We don’t ever look at that,” Williams said. “We like to go out and play our best execution. If we execute better, execute well, the outcome should take care of itself. “Coach has molded it into us – we’re not playing against an opponent, we’re not playing against scoreboards, we’re playing against execution. That’s one thing we thrive on.”

Series of the century

What has become known as the “Game of the Century” between the top two teams in the land is just the latest in a line of great games played between the Tide and the Tigers, dating all the way back to 2005. In that matchup, the No. 4 Tide and No. 5 Tigers clashed in Tuscaloosa in what would become an overtime thriller. The Tide lost the game 13-16. Still, the game signified the first of several matchups between the two teams that have been decided by only one possession.

Only two games have been decided by more than a possession in that span: in 2006, when LSU beat Alabama 28-14 in Baton Rouge, La., and in 2009, when eventual national champion Alabama won 24-15 in Tuscaloosa. Besides those two games, however, the average margin of victory has been 4.75 points.

Still, Upshaw said his team is only worrying about the here and now.

“With what Coach Saban says all the time, we prepare the same for any other team,” Upshaw said. “But it’s just the fact that we’re all going to be hyped and ready… ” Despite the focus of the team, Upshaw said the enormity of the game didn’t escape him.

“It’s going to be a big game for us as a whole,” Upshaw said. “Offense, defense, special teams. Those guys coming in, No. 1, of course you hear a lot of talk about those guys. “It’s a big game. Rivalry or not, it’s a big game when it’s us and LSU.”

Practice notes

Head coach Nick Saban said despite Alfred McCullough getting the start for Tennessee, right guard Anthony Steen has continued to practice this week. Saban said he will put in the player who best puts his time in an opportunity to win.

Running back Eddie Lacy continued practicing with the team Wednesday, although his right foot is still wrapped, and he is still limping slightly.