Nick Saban makes a wild statement about his defense with Tennessee on deck
Nick Saban has very high standards. That's not surprising, given the level of excellence that Alabama has operated at for the last decade of a half. And when those standards aren't met, the fiery head coach is not shy about letting everyone around him know about it. Coordinators, players, even fans and media have met […]
Nick Saban has very high standards. That's not surprising, given the level of excellence that Alabama has operated at for the last decade of a half.
And when those standards aren't met, the fiery head coach is not shy about letting everyone around him know about it. Coordinators, players, even fans and media have met his ire when he doesn't like something.
And he did not like how his defense was attempting to tackle Arkansas QB K.J. Jefferson last Saturday. Saban spoke afterwards about his defense's underwhelming attempts to get Jefferson on the ground.
"I've got a lot of respect for Arkansas' team," Saban said. "This is not the kind of team that you all think they are. They're a good team and that quarterback is a handful. I mean, when a quarterback can take a major college football player and sling them off like a gnat on a fly's ass, I mean, a gnat on a cow's ass. I mean, that was one of the most impressive plays I've ever seen a player make."
Saban is hilariously referring to Alabama DB Terrion Arnold attempting to bring down Jefferson in the fourth quarter on a blitz. Jefferson shook him off, rolled out, and dumped it off for a big gain. Arkansas scored to draw within 3 after being down 24-6 in the third quarter.
Now, the Crimson Tide defense will undoubtedly have regrouped after what have likely been some unpleasant positional meetings this week, looking to do a much better job against another big, strong, and fast quarterback in Joe Milton. Milton's size and strength will present the Tide's defense with a similar challenge when they try to get their hands on him.
Saban spoke highly of Milton yesterday in advance of the game.
"I think I don't see Joe a whole lot different than what we played against in the past, when Hooker was there. The guy can throw the ball. He's accurate. He's got a strong arm, he can make plays down the field, which, you know, they take a lot of vertical shots, and he certainly has the capability of making those plays. But he's also athletic enough to extend plays in the pocket and run if necessary."
If Milton does end up running, Saban will hope that his metaphorical flies will do a better job sticking to the metaphorical rear end of the cow on Saturday afternoon.
Nick Saban explains why everyone hates facing Tennessee’s offense
The Alabama head coach addressed the challenges of facing the Vols’ offense at his Monday press conference
