TUSCALOOSA — With two practices down since returning from Christmas break and two more to go before heading to Miami, Alabama coach Nick Saban said he likes what he has seen so far.

“The key to it is to sustain it and get really four good days of work,” Saban said. “The quality of practice is more important now than it is during the season, because you haven’t played for a long time.”

Alabama practiced Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon and will work out again today and Saturday. The Tide will get a break Sunday and Monday before leaving Tuscaloosa by plane Tuesday. The team will land that afternoon in Miami, which is the site of the BCS National Championship Game.

Vogler’s contribution: Count backup tight end Brian Vogler as one of the Crimson Tide’s unsung contributors in its drive to a third BCS National Championship Game appearance in four years.

Saban tossed some praise Vogler’s way Thursday night after practice, as the Alabama coach addressed a variety of topics with reporters.

When asked about Vogler, Saban said, “He’s done a nice job for us all year long, been kind of a role player, does a really good job of blocking. We’re hopeful that he continues to progress and becomes a really good player for us on a consistent basis and is a potential starter for us in the future.”

Used mostly as a blocker, Vogler has caught two passes this season for 21 yards.

He has started twice when Alabama began the Ole Miss and Western Carolina games with more than one tight end.

He has gotten plenty of playing time, including in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia when the Crimson Tide turned heavily to its running attack.

Golson the passer: Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson has 11 touchdown passes, 15 fewer than Alabama’s AJ McCarron. Golson also has five interceptions, two more than McCarron.

But no matter what the statistics say, Saban said he is seeing a good passer when he watches game film of Notre Dame.

“He’s a very effective passer,” Saban said. “So anybody who thinks he’s not capable as a passer is totally missing the boat.”

MARK EDWARDS,

DAILY SPORTS EDITOR