Nick Saban Press Conference Updates

by WAKA Action 8 News

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Nick Saban is holding his weekly Monday press conference to discuss the victory over Wisconsin and what to expect for Middle Tennessee State. Quotes from players will follow.

 

DERRICK HENRY:

Henry on a QB winning the team “Jake Coker did a great job. And that’s coaches decision. Both quarterbacks did a great job.” 

Henry saying how hard Ryan Kelly works and how he leads the offensive line

“It was fun to score, but I knew it was early in the game.” on the 4th down TD

“We competed well. Very physical. Offensive line did a great job.” 

 

O.J. HOWARD:

“He looked very fast to me” on Kenyan Drake. 

“You want to treat it as a tied game 0-0 the whole time.” on having energy

He liked hearing that Nick Saban wants to get him the ball more, but understands the offense succeeds by spreading th ball to those who are open.

Said both Coker and Bateman played well but wouldn’t say thay either has “won the team” yet.

 

 CYRUS JONES:

Jones says that he is a natural leader, and knows since he is older, that he needs to set the example for the young secondary.

‘We just gotta be on point in the secondary.” on preparing for Middle Tennessee St who scored 70 points last week.

Said that he came away from the game knowing that the team is hungry and wants to win.

“I thought they did well for their first time out there.” Jones on the young DB’s like Marlon Humphries

I think we have the best front seven in the country. Said their pressure helps the secondary out.

He said that the secondary settled down in the second half.

 

NICK SABAN PRESS CONFERENCE:

“One guy could get 10 opportunites unscripted, and another could get two.” Saban on distributing passes to many recievers. Said it depends on the coverage but he is happy a lot of players got involved.

“We were happy with the way they both played, but they both need to improve.” Saban on Jake Coker and Cooper Bateman competing at QB. Then rants some more about focusing on Middle Tennessee State.

Saban now going on his rant about respecting Middle Tennessee, ignores another question to rant some more. Then says “I’m sorry, it’s not your fault” to the reporter with the 2nd question.

“I don’t look a it like that at all.” on question if QBs are competing for the job this week. 

On Kirk Herbstriet saying punter JK Scott has been struggling in camp. Saban said “Not really” but that he has had some inconsistency. “He just has to get confidence back in his drop and he’ll be fine.” 

“We’re not disspointed in where we are, but we have a lot to improve on.” – Saban on cornerbacks. Didn’t like the penalties and play on third downs, but liked that they didn’t give up big plays.

Saban on Kenyan Drake “I’ve been trying to convince you guys all spring that he is 100%” Then went on a rant, asking the reporter what he thought.

Saban said that it was good for the unexperienced players and QBs to have success but also make mistakes that allow them to learn.

Saban said the young players need to realize and see the standard that the program has and the veterans show. Said it’s important going forward.

The Alabama-Wisconsin game drew 4.3 overnight rating and a 46.7 rating in Birmingham

The Alabama depth chart given out today is the same from last week.

The series history between Alabama and Middle Tennessee State is closer than you may think. They’ve played two times previously. Alabama won in 2002 with the score 39-34 and in 2005 by 26-7.