Alabama coach Nick Saban met with the media Monday to preview Saturday's game against Tennessee. The Crimson Tide head into the weekend ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25 poll after narrowly beating Texas A&M.
Here are some key notes and quotes from Saban's press conference:
– Saban on the matchup: "We're going to play a really good Tennessee team. This game means a lot to a lot of people in Alabama. It's kind of a rivalry game, and it's always been an important game for us. Tennessee's got an outstanding team – they're undefeated. Josh (Heupel) has done a really, really good job there."
– Saban feels that Tennessee has "one of the most explosive offenses – if not, the most explosive offense – in the country." He mentioned that the Vols have some playmakers at the wide receiver position and two "really good" running backs.
– Saban on Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker: "Hooker has really done a nice job of executing their offense. He's one of the leading pass efficiency guys in the country. He has the ability to extend plays with his feet. He's a very good athlete all the way around. He's had an outstanding year."
– Saban says that the Vols' defense is good at creating negative plays and makes it difficult for opponents to score. "17 points a game is really good and one of the top in the SEC," he said.
– Saban said that quarterback Bryce Young – who missed the Texas A&M game – will be reevaluated on Monday and the Tide is hopeful to have him available on Saturday at Tennessee.
– Saban on Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt: "He's an outstanding player. He's got really good speed. Their offense spreads everyone out. He, in particular, has made a lot of big plays." He noted that the Tide's defense will have their hands full trying to contain the Vols' receiving core.
– Saban: "This is a really, really good team – a real challenge for us."
Here are some key notes and quotes from Saban's press conference:
– Saban on the matchup: "We're going to play a really good Tennessee team. This game means a lot to a lot of people in Alabama. It's kind of a rivalry game, and it's always been an important game for us. Tennessee's got an outstanding team – they're undefeated. Josh (Heupel) has done a really, really good job there."
– Saban feels that Tennessee has "one of the most explosive offenses – if not, the most explosive offense – in the country." He mentioned that the Vols have some playmakers at the wide receiver position and two "really good" running backs.
– Saban on Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker: "Hooker has really done a nice job of executing their offense. He's one of the leading pass efficiency guys in the country. He has the ability to extend plays with his feet. He's a very good athlete all the way around. He's had an outstanding year."
– Saban says that the Vols' defense is good at creating negative plays and makes it difficult for opponents to score. "17 points a game is really good and one of the top in the SEC," he said.
– Saban said that quarterback Bryce Young – who missed the Texas A&M game – will be reevaluated on Monday and the Tide is hopeful to have him available on Saturday at Tennessee.
– Saban on Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt: "He's an outstanding player. He's got really good speed. Their offense spreads everyone out. He, in particular, has made a lot of big plays." He noted that the Tide's defense will have their hands full trying to contain the Vols' receiving core.
– Saban: "This is a really, really good team – a real challenge for us."
