Alabama Football: Per Nick Saban and others, what’s going on in T-Town

As Alabama football finishes prep work for Mizzou, what Nick Saban and others are saying.

Alabama football fans, we have some facts, some buzz and some rumors about the Crimson Tide. Thank Nick Saban for the facts.  More on that below.

The buzz is not a loud hum but it still matters. Once again media members covering the SEC have chosen Alabama football as the future Conference Champion. Not many Tide fans will get too excited. Picking the Crimson Tide is common for the media. Going back through the history of the SEC’s preseason picks, the media voters are wrong almost as often as they are correct.

Alabama Football dominated the picks for SEC Champion with 77 votes. Georgia and LSU got seven votes each. The Florida Gators received five votes. The Crimson Tide was a popular favorite to win the West, followed by a bunched up group of LSU, Auburn and Texas A&M. The Gators got the SEC East nod. Following closely in votes were the Georgia Bulldogs. Tennessee and Kentucky were at No. 3 and No. 4 in the East, well off the pace.

Nick Saban is never encumbered by such hypotheticals. Nick has more important things at hand. On Wednesday he complimented his team for its intensity and preparation this week. He said defensive lineman, Christian Barmore’s knee has improved, but it is too soon to know if he can play on Saturday. Nick did not name a starting punter, but he said he will only take one to Columbia. The 70-man SEC travel restriction does not leave room for multiple specialists.

Nick also said he was doing mask research. His intention to wear one is clear, but he wants to be heard by the players and Alabama football staff.

The full media review session can ve seen below.

Alabama football insiders have been chirping for days about how hungry the Tide defense is to make a statement. The Mizzou offensive line is in for quite a chore. The Tide first-team defense’s desire to show out will be balanced by the coaching staff’s need to develop backups.

Rumors persist that neither Skyler DeLong and Keilan Robinson are part of this season’s team. DeLong has not been mentioned in conversations about who will win the punting job. Frequent rumors are Keilan Robinson has chosen to opt-out for this season. Robinson would be eligible to return next season and might benefit from a greater chance at playing time.

Crimson Tide fans hoping for starter decisions for Saturday will have to wait until Saturday. As always, part of those Saturday decisions, especially on defense, will be dictated by what the Missouri offense throws at the Crimson Tide.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has one more practice session in Tuscaloosa on Thursday. Missouri is expected to field 61 scholarship players in the opening game.