Alabama Football: Monday Ole Miss prep and POTW honors from ASU

Alabama football began its Ole Miss preparation Monday afternoon. Check out the POTW honors against ASU, Saban comments and injury updates.

Before returning to the practice field Monday afternoon, Nick Saban discussed the Alabama football team performance against ASU and the upcoming Ole Miss game.

Before the media session, the Alabama football staff announced the Players of the Week (POTW) from the Arkansas State game. On offense, the players selected were Tua Tagovailoa, Najee Harris and Ross Piersbacher. On defense, it was Deionte Thompson, Isaiah Buggs and Raekwon Davis. The sole special teams player recognized was Joseph Bulovas.

During the Monday media session, held before practice,

• CNS described this week as the beginning of the real season as SEC play begins for the Tide. He said the Tide had “some gifts handed to us” in the first two games and “that is not going to happen in SEC play.”
• Saban said the Ole Miss offense has improved by becoming more balanced and described Jordan Ta’amu as a “very efficient passer.”
• In response to a Tua question, Nick stated Tua has good instincts and “sees the field well.”
• Commenting on the Tide offensive line, Nick said they need “more consistency, play more physically and be better finishing blocks.”
• Asked about the Ole Miss wide receivers, Saban said the Tide will need to do a good job “covering them and tackling them” and the defense will need to “affect the QB.”
• Discussing the kicking game, Nick said DeLong needs to get the ball “off quicker” and the placekickers need to “gain confidence.”
• Watch the video linked above and particularly when Nick patiently explained the basics of QB reads.

In the practice session, the Tide worked outside in shorts and shells. The media viewing period provided no clues of pecking order changes in the position groups. Alabama football fans have asked if Alex Leatherwood might lose the right guard slot to Deonte Brown. Leatherwood has had difficulty in pass protection. Nothing on Monday indicated a change in the first unit offensive line.

Latest Injury Status

• Defensive linemen, freshman Stephon Wynn returned to practice in a black, no-contact jersey. There is no definitive word on his game availability but he is not expected to be recovered in time to play against Ole Miss.
• Fellow defensive lineman, Johnny Dwight was seen with a brace on his leg. He was not in a black jersey. Also not confirmed is the rumor Dwight had a medical procedure last week.
• It was confirmed on Monday freshman cornerback, Jalyn Armour-Davis is out for the season due to a knee injury.
• Freshman outside linebacker, Jarez Parks returned to practice Monday after missing three sessions last week following a death in his family.

Alabama football ran up 613 yards against Ole Miss last season, without Tua as a starter. Yet there is optimism in Oxford. Another example of why college football is so great.