Alabama Football: Day 3 Vols prep and the latest from Saban

Alabama football worked outside on Wednesday in full pads as Tennessee preparation continued. Afterward, Nick Saban reviewed the progress toward the Third Saturday in October.

Alabama football continued preparation for the Vols on Wednesday. The 2017, Third Saturday in October will be the 100th meeting between the two schools in football.

It has not been much of a competitive rivalry the last few seasons. There has been only one somewhat close game since 2009. Historically the story is quite different. In what could arguably be called the greatest southern football rivalry, the 99 previous games favor Alabama football by a less than five-point margin.

This Saturday’s game is not expected to be anywhere near that close. Don’t tell Nick Saban that. In the post-practice review Saban said,

"In games like this, it doesn’t matter what the record is or what anyone is saying out there."

What everyone is saying is that the Vols have no chance. Nick Saban more than hates such estimations, he does not believe them. He is fully convinced lack of focused preparation, lack of attention to detail and lack of execution leads to losses by top ten teams against lesser teams.

Saban was clear today that it is all about “what you choose” to do or not do. And as Nick said, speaking about his players, “I can’t make them choose it right.”

In a less philosophic moment, Saban complimented Rashaan Evans for battling back from injury. He said Evans was not 100 percent yet and has had to play through pain. Speaking of Rashaan’s contribution to the team, Nick said,

"He impacts the game wherever we put him. … It’s really been good to get him back and see him play the way he has."

Practice Notes

• Very little new injury news. Da’Sahawn Hand will not play. Everyone else should be available though a few (maybe more than a few) have some lingering ailments: Evans, Holcombe, Jennings, Brown, Bozeman.
• One small lineup change was seen during the media viewing period. True freshman Daniel Wright was working out with the second-team at Money. Wright’s special teams’ performance has been excellent. Older teammates on the kick coverage team have been impressed with Wright’s physical play.
• Bama Insider reported the Tide worked on the Dime Rabbits package with Payne and Buggs working with their hand down, while Evans and Jennings rushed from the edge.

An inexperienced Vols QB and that Dime Rabbits package should be a joy to watch for Alabama football fans Saturday.

Next: Tide guards against Clemson and Wazzu examples of complacency.

From personal experience, we can state there is no sweeter image than orange-clad Vols fans streaming down from the North Upper Deck of Bryant-Denny, early in the second half. When that happens Saturday, please stand and wave goodbye to them.