Ad Disclosure
Every Thursday night, Alabama coach Nick Saban answers questions on a weekly call-in radio show “Hey, Coach!” Here’s what Saban had to say this week as Alabama gets set to host Louisiana Monroe in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, 4 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Saban got a wide variety of questions that led to humorous responses (the position he would’ve loved to play in college was QB, but the former Kent State defensive back said he said he was too short), and not-so-humorous responses (when asked about the 2007 loss to ULM: “Those types of games stick with you forever when you lose to a team you’re not supposed to lose to.”) Here are a few highlights from the show.
Saban said fatigue played a factor towards the end of the Tide’s loss to the Rebels last Saturday.
Saban said Alabama's offensive players were tired at end of Ole Miss game, particularly WRs. But young players weren't ready for more snaps
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) September 25, 2015
Saban got a few questions from callers about Alabama’s play-calling in the defeat but said he picks his spots in that department.
Saban said he stays out of play-calling decisions until specific moments. http://t.co/UPnFrJooBE
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) September 25, 2015
More specifically, there were those who wondered why Alabama tested Ole Miss’ athletic defense east and west with jet sweeps. Saban explained that the Tide had success with them in the first two games, so he wanted the offense to build other plays into that look.
Saban agrees w/ caller who questions why Alabama was running jet sweeps against Ole Miss' defense which was very fast running side-to-side.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) September 25, 2015
Despite the loss, Saban is happy with the contributions of Oregon State transfer receiver Richard Mullaney, who broke out with 7 receptions, 61 yards and two touchdowns against the Rebels.
Saban says no one prepares for a game better than Richard Mullaney. Said he's been a great addition to the team. Very smart player.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) September 25, 2015
If there’s a such thing as a “Sabanism,” the Alabama coach offered one up here:
Nick Saban was asked if he makes practice fun on occasion to mix things up for the players. "The fun for me is winning."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 25, 2015
He also offered up another rule change.
Nick Saban wants to change the way rules are changed. http://t.co/UPnFrJooBE
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) September 25, 2015
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
