Last week LSU coach Les Miles joked that fans should not be concerned with Alabama because several teams in Louisiana defeated the Crimson Tide last season.

Bama coach Nick Saban agreed.

“Well, he told the truth. He told it like it was,” Saban said on the second day of Southeastern Conference media days. “We need to earn the respect. That’s what we’ll work to do. That’s what we are trying to do.”

One of the keys to earning that respect is being consistent on the field. Saban said the Tide struggled to finish games last season and the team played to its competition.

Safety Rashad Johnson also had concerns with the way the team played.

“Finishing and consistency is a big thing for us,” Johnson said. “Our season could’ve been totally different if we would’ve finished strong, so that’s what we’ve been talking about doing during this summer.”

Saban is hoping his second season as coach will instill more confidence in the team, which will provide more consistency.

He said the players will be better adjusted to what he and his staff wants from them.

“Having a better understanding of what they’re supposed to do, how they’re supposed to do it, and why it’s important to do it that way probably contributes to it as much as anything,” Saban said.

That holds true for quarterback John Parker Wilson, who will have to adjust to a new offensive coordinator.

Saban said he was concerned at first about Wilson learning those new schemes, but now thinks it can be an asset for the seasoned quarterback.

“I think it’s helped him tremendously. His capacity to learn and make adjustments had probably been enhanced by all that stuff,” Saban said. “He’s adapted extremely well to our current coordinator (Jim McElwain). I think he can have an outstanding year if he can just stay on task here.”

Offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell said he feels Wilson is poised for a breakout season because he is the most experienced quarterback in the conference and he has a strong offensive line to protect him. He also feels the players are getting a better understanding of what Saban is trying to accomplish.

“I think a lot of guys this year grasp what he’s saying, that we have to focus on the process and not the results,” Caldwell said. “You’d think it wouldn’t make a big impact, but if you think about it, it only takes about three or four guys to mess up a game and a season. I think the guys are buying into it now and that makes a big difference.”

With things heading in the right direction on the field, many fans wonder about the numerous problems the Tide have had off the field.

Saban said while there have been some bad incidents there are many players that have made good choices.

“You know, I’m not going to clean house and get rid of everybody just because they might be a problem.” Saban said. “Now, when players don’t do the right things and make poor judgments, then they cannot be part of the program.”