Nick Saban challenges Alabama fans vs Tennessee
Nick Saban is challenging Alabama fans who will be in attendance for their game this Saturday against Tennessee. He’s not asking them to bring mustard bottles and golf balls, but he wants the Crimson Tide faithful to bring the ruckus.
“We’re going to need a great crowd with great enthusiasm and energy,” stated Saban in his press conference. “That affects the game in a really positive way for our team. That’s always helpful.
“I would think because we’re playing Tennessee and it’s a rivalry game and playing at home and haven’t been at home for awhile that everybody should be really excited about this game. And what we need to do to try to play as well as we can possibly play so we have a chance to be successful.”
Since taking over the Crimson Tide, Saban has owned the Volunteers. Currently, Alabama possesses a 14-game winning streak over Tennessee — where the games haven’t been particularly close, either.
Throughout the impressive win streak, Saban has seen multiple coaches come and go in Knoxville. Now, Josh Heupel is looking to prove he’s the man who will stick around. If he beats Nick Saban, it’ll be hard to argue.
The Alabama crowd will be rowdy and ready to cheer on the Crimson Tide. In history is an indicator, they’ll be sent home happy on Saturday.
Saban: ‘This offense is very challenging.’
Moreover, Nick Saban is evidently impressed with the Tennessee offense and their talent. Prior to Saturday, he’s preparing his defense for quarterback Hendon Hooker and the rest of the Volunteers talent.
“I think that they go fast, so people have to get lined up and be ready to play,” Saban said of what troubles him when facing Tennessee’s offense. “I think they’ve got a really good runner. And I think their quarterback’s ability to run contributes to that.
“ .. They’ve got ability to throw the ball so you can’t just say we’re going to play the quarterback runs because they’ve made a lot of explosive plays in the passing game because [of] the vertical stretch of the field — and when they get you spread out, they’ll spit it out there if you don’t have enough guys out there and make positive plays as well. So this offense is very challenging.”
Tennessee’s offense has produced 249 yards per game on the ground this season. Also, the Volunteers average 473 yards of total offense while averaging 39 points per game. As Saban detailed, Tennessee’s offense gets to the line of scrimmage quickly with their high-tempo style of play.
Saban’s focus will be on making sure the Crimson Tide come into the game with discipline in their assignments, and that they’re prepared to be in a hurry while the Volunteers have the football.