These are the tough weeks for Alabama.
Coming off a thrilling win over Ole Miss, Alabama’s players must refocus and avoid any type of letdown on Saturday when it hosts Kent State. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on the SEC Network.
It’s human nature to let off the gas against lesser opponents, but Alabama coach Nick Saban doesn’t want that to happen.
Saban doesn’t want top-ranked Alabama to fall victim to some of the pitfalls that trap other ranked teams in these types of games.
“The Mid-American Conference is sort of known for being able to come up against really good teams and come up with some wins,” Saban said. “Obviously, North Dakota State beating Iowa, which is a ranked team, this happens every week and it happens because the teams that they are playing don’t have the proper respect. They don’t prepare correctly. They don’t play very well and the other team has players too that are very capable. They need to be respected, and we need to focus on what we need to do to get better as a team and play to out standard, and that certainly is going to be the message for this week.”
Following Alabama’s win over Western Kentucky in Week 2, Saban was critical of the effort of both the players and the coaching staff. Saban went as far to say that he was embarrassed at how the team played.
Alabama’s leadership group is being more vocal this week in hopes of keeping everyone locked in and focused as to not disappoint Saban and the fans.
“There are no down shifts,” said Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson. “We’re going to practice this week like we’re preparing for the National Championship. That’s the only way we’re going to get better as a team. You can’t down shift and then pick it back up. You just can’t do it.”
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
–C Bradley Bozeman started at center and produced the Tide’s highest grade along the offensive line, posting a grade of 86 percent. He did not allow a sack, commit a penalty or surrender a pressure while recording three knockdown blocks.
–QB Jalen Hurts led Alabama with 304 yards of total offense, including 158 through the air and 146 on the ground. He finished 19-of-31 with five explosive passes for 17 yards or more, including a long of 45.
–LB Ryan Anderson finished the Ole Miss game with three tackles, including his sack for a loss of -8 yards, and a forced fumble.
–S Eddie Jackson took his first career punt return 85 yards for a score with 1:05 remaining in the second quarter. The punt return brought the Tide to within seven and was a key piece of the UA comeback from its early 21-point deficit.