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WATCH: Nick Saban previews LSU-Alabama

On3 imageby: Billy Embody10/31/23BillyEmbody
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Oct 21, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban during warmups before their game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama head coach Nick Saban met with the media on Monday to preview Saturday’s matchup at LSU and share how the Crimson Tide used the bye week.

Facing Alabama is Heisman Trophy contender Jayden Daniels, who will put pressure on Alabama’s defense to defend the entire field, is a tall task. Saban saw Daniels lead the Tigers last year to an overtime win in Baton Rouge.

“I think we want our guys to play aggressive,” Saban told reporters. “I don’t think you want guys getting pushed by the pocket. You don’t want guys to lose contain on the guy. So there’s a fine line between that. If you get pushed from the pocket, we’re playing with 10 guys now. If you lose contain and he gets outside, you put everybody in harm’s way that’s trying to sort of plaster their coverage and stay with the guys they gotta guard.

“Plus, he can take off run. So I guess there’s a fine line between that. We’ve never ever told guys to rush in their pass lanes, but be cautious. Never, ever even thought of that. We’re not coaching that.”

Not only can Daniels beat Alabama with his legs, he has true deep threats in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, Jr. at his disposal.

“I think there’s lots of challenges,” Saban said of defending the deep ball. “You’ve got to read run-pass and they’ve got a good play-action plan. They’ll seven-man protect and throw vertical routes. They’ve probably made more explosive plays running and passing than any team we’ve played in recent times. You’ve got to guard them. You’ve got to keep them cut off, and you’ve got to be disciplined in your eye control so that you have the best opportunity to do that.

“Play zone, play man, play pattern match sometimes. Try to mix it up. And that’s the key to the drill. If you let guys get behind you, you don’t get people cut off, you’re probably going to give up big plays because they’ve got a good thrower and guys that can go up and get the ball.”

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