The Alabama Crimson Tide held their second scrimmage inside Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday and Coach Nick Saban addressed the media immediately after it.
It’s getting down to crunch time for kickoff with Wisconsin and the players won’t have too many more opportunities to shine in practice. Let’s see what Saban had to say.
Hopefully, the reports from today’s scrimmage are more positive. Looks like Coach saw some improvement.
Nick Saban: I thought there was a lot of improvement out there.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 22, 2015
According to some there, Coker came out a bit rough to start the day but settled down as the scrimmage went on. After Saban had a “calm chat” with them, things started to click a little better.
Saban: In the beginning, the first two teams didn't dominate like you'd like them to dominate.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 22, 2015
Two different folks told me that the defense was stingy and tough today. They were making plays all over the field and did well against the pass and run.
Saban: As the scrimmage moved on, the first teams played a little better. The defense forced some turnovers, two for scores.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 22, 2015
RUN THE BALL!! We may see that a little more this season. Saban has said he doesn’t think the Tide will need the quarterback to win the game. Let the defense and running game carry them. Make some throws to keep the defense honest.
Saban: I like the running backs, I like the things we can do in the running game.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 22, 2015
Anytime you get a mention from Saban in the press conference, you did well.
Nick Saban went out of his way to praise ArDarius Stewart, who had eight catches today.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) August 22, 2015
There’s your breakdown of how many snaps the quarterbacks got today.
Saban: All the QBs showed improvement. Bateman had 27 throws, Coker had 26, Morris had 21, Barnett had 11.
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) August 22, 2015
One Twitter user said Ragland was mauling folks today.
Saban: Reggie Ragland has had a really nice camp.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 22, 2015
OL Dominick Jackson strained his shoulder during scrimmage. Could be out few days.
— John Talty (@JTalty) August 22, 2015
Saban is getting tired and needs a night to recharge. Maybe he and Miss Terry can go grab a bite to eat and relax. That probably won’t happen.
Saban: AJ Scott had a really good day punting the ball.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 22, 2015
(He meant JK)
There’s your kick returners if you are wondering.
Saban: Cyrus Jones will be one of the main return guys. Looking at 3 or 4 guys beyond that. Mentions Chris Black and Richard Mullaney.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 22, 2015
Goal met. Good job team.
Saban: Goal was for Derrick Henry to have eight carries. He had eight carries.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 22, 2015
Drake must be getting over him minor injury since he is taking some hits. Good to see.
Saban: We wanted Kenyan Drake to get hit. He hadn't been hit since the Ole Miss game.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 22, 2015
Many seem to think that Coker and Morris are tied at the top after today. Only a few people know for sure and they are in Tuscaloosa.
Saban on Alec Morris: He understands the offense & helps others play better. He's showing command at the position.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 22, 2015
Y’all thought we would get the secret info?
Saban on who which QB was with the 1s, 2s, 3, etc.: It's important to us, but it's not something that needs to be put out for speculation.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 22, 2015
Lots of freshmen getting shoutouts. Expect to see them this year. Some more than others
Saban: Damien Harris had the most carries today.
— Tide 100.9 (@Tide1009) August 22, 2015
Saban singles out Shawn Burgess-Becker as a solid special teams player.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 22, 2015
Well, let’s look at the stats and compare. Never mind.
No stats, per UA.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 22, 2015
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