It’s officially game week for Wisconsin and Nick Saban held his press conference this afternoon to get things started. We also have a depth chart. If you are waiting for news on the starting quarterback, you are going to have to wait a bit longer. You probably won’t know until around 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Anyway, you can click below and see it. Lots of freshmen making moves. More on that in a bit.
Alabama depth chart 1/2 pic.twitter.com/9oWc1XCjpI
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
Alabama depth chart 2/2 pic.twitter.com/ncS58m3TmO
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
This really got my attention and I like it. It seems like Saban has a good feeling about things. Maybe I am reading that wrong.
Saban: Now is the time to establish an identity of being a dangerous team.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
Saban or the players will never bad mouth an opponent. The Tide is facing a good opponent in Wisconsin. They did beat another team across the state in their bowl game last season. Saban’s record is great in this neutral site opening games. They won’t underestimate them.
"This is a very good team we're playing this week. They won 11 games last season." -Saban
— Tide 100.9 (@Tide1009) August 31, 2015
Saban calls Wisconsin "one of the best defensive teams in the country," #SeasonHere
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) August 31, 2015
Saban: "Paul Chryst, I have a tremendous amount of respect for him." Praises Chryst's ability to develop QBs, expects to see more passing.
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) August 31, 2015
There is some injury news. If you read our Tide Report this morning, there was a little smoke about a Rashaan Evans injury but Saban never mentioned anything during the press conference.
Saban says he expects both Parker Barrineau and Korren Kirven to return to practice this week. Lists them as "questionable" to play Sat.
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) August 31, 2015
All three quarterbacks have been getting positive feedback leading up to the game.
Saban: I've been pleased with all three quarterbacks (Coker/Bateman/Morris).
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
Richard Mullaney is another that has had his name called in a few practice reports. Seems like the transfer from Oregon State will work out just fine.
Saban: Richard Mullaney has been a nice addition with the consistency he's brought.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
Excited to see Cam Sims back on the field when he is ready. Kid is nothing but a playmaker and it sounds as though we will see him sooner rather than later.
Saban says the team will make a call later this week on whether or not Cam Sims (knee) will play this game.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 31, 2015
Some of the youngsters making some mistakes but that’s nothing to worry about. They are young and will learn.
Saban says Calvin Ridley and Daylon Charlot need to continue to develop at WR to the point where they don't play like freshmen.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 31, 2015
Marlon Humphrey will get the start at cornerback.
Saban: Marlon Humphrey has done a really good job. Said he's really competitive and has improved this offseason.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) August 31, 2015
All three have one last chance to shine.
Saban on QBs: Each day a different guy (Coker, Morris, Bateman) will get a chance to run practice as the starter.
— BamaCentral (@BamaCentral) August 31, 2015
Fitzpatrick has been the buzz all fall camp. Can’t wait to see him.
Saban: Minkah Fitzpatrick has been able to learn and pick up on things very very well. He's role will be more at Star this game.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
Hoping things have improved from last season. They are getting those faster guys in there so maybe we will see an improvement.
Saban on Bama's defense being equipped to play tempo offenses: "That remains to be seen. It's definitely something we need to improve on."
— Alex Byington (@_AlexByington) August 31, 2015
Saban closes out the day with some words on the quarterback, give a few freshmen a little praise, and there is even a quote to add to your collection.
Saban on Adam Griffith: As anyone who's had a back issue can attest, it's an issue that never really just goes away.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
Saban on QBs: I'm confident in all the guys. I'd like to see someone win the team over, which might happen in a game.
— BamaCentral (@BamaCentral) August 31, 2015
Saban: Damien Harris has done a good enough job for us to have confidence in him to have a role in this game.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
Saban on Daron Payne: Explosive, quick, can play with power.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
Saban: Biggest question I have about this team, is dynamics of Alabama football has changed. I want to get back to what he used to be.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 31, 2015
"Tradition is always under construction, and identity isn't inherited." -Saban
— Tide 100.9 (@Tide1009) August 31, 2015
True freshmen names in UA defensive depth chart: Daron Payne, Adonis Thomas, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Shawn Burgess-Becker, Ronnie Harrison.
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) August 31, 2015
More from Bama Hammer
- Alabama Football: Gut check time for 11 guys Saturday afternoon
- Alabama Football: Moving past Crimson Tide quarterback rumors
- Alabama Football: How improved is the Ole Miss defense?
- Alabama Football: Power Ranking the SEC after week three
- Alabama’s latest win total projection hints that team is in trouble this season