Nick Saban Likes the Way Alabama Football is Competing, But Wants Better Execution

The Crimson Tide has its back against the wall with the 13th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels coming to town.

Austin Hannon | Sep 18, 2023

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Alabama Crimson Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It's shaping up to be quite the weekend in Tuscaloosa.

With SEC West foe Ole Miss coming to town, there may not a better time for Lane Kiffin to finally upend Nick Saban. Kiffin started the fireworks on Sunday, hinting that Saban changed defensive coordinators last weekend in Tampa.

On Monday, Saban refuted that while also naming Jalen Milroe the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback once again.

As Kiffin said two years ago in Tuscaloosa, "Get your popcorn ready."

Alabama hasn't looked worse in several years than it does right now. The Crimson Tide is currently the laughing stock in college football after a 17-3 win over a program that has won five games over the span of four years. That performance followed an embarrassing loss against Texas where Alabama completely fell apart in the fourth quarter.

If you still like Alabama's chances, the time is now to buy low on the Crimson Tide — because this may be the most cornered Saban and Alabama has been in 15 years.

Saban still likes his group, but he wants to see more execution on the field.

"So, after watching the film, what I said after the [USF] game really kind of goes," Saban said. "We had a lot of players that really competed hard in this game, played hard, competed well. We didn't always execute the way we want to execute. And I think everybody can look to something that they can improve on, and that's certainly going to be the focus that we have this week."

"There's a responsibility that goes with that for the player but also for the coaches, so that we're doing things that players can do, so they can go on the field and play fast and know exactly what they're supposed to do and go out there and execute it. And I think that's going to be important for all of us this week so that when our guys get out there they can play fast."

The Crimson Tide has shown flashes, especially on defense. Alabama's wide receiver and tight end group have been perhaps slightly better than they were last year. And now that Milroe is back in the saddle, maybe the Crimson Tide has a refreshed identity going into SEC play this weekend against the Rebels.

"Look, I like the team. I've got confidence in our team. I really do," Saban said. "We've had some tough stretches before and players have bounced back, but I think everybody has got to make a commitment to doing that. It's not easy. We've got really tough competition coming up, but everybody has got to challenge themselves, I think, to be their best as a player, be their best as a team guy, be their best as a leader. I've liked this group so far. I just think our execution has got to get a little more consistent."

Saturday may be the breaking point for Alabama and the status of the program. It also could be the beginning of something new.

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