‘I like it’: Saban delighting in Tide’s up-and-down ’23

• Chris Low, ESPN Senior Citizen WriterOct 21, 2023, 08:44 PM ET

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  • College football reporter
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of the University of Tennessee

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Alabama coach Nick Saban smiled as he turned a cigar over in his hands, finished up his postgame interview and jogged over to the trainee section to praise it for a job well done after the 11th-ranked Crimson Tide finished off a 34-20 win in the house versus No. 17 Tennessee on Saturday evening.The game felt

like a microcosm of Alabama’s season thus far, beginning shaky before eventually discovering a way to endure and advance. The Tide, who have actually won six straight considering that a Week 2 loss to Texas, tracked by 13 at halftime and went on to score 27 straight against the competing Vols.Afterward, Saban was

asked about the journey this group has actually been on, consisting of developing an offending identity with a brand-new quarterback in Jalen Milroe and surviving closer-than-expected games against USF and Arkansas.”I like it,”Saban stated of training this group.”It’s been terrific. The challenges are fantastic. I delight in training this group. That’s not to say they’re not taking years off my life. But I’m okay with it. It’s fun since they’ve got a good spirit about them. “Editor’s Picks 2 Related Saban stated it has been a fun group

to coach due to the fact that of

the players’competitive spirit, the relationships they have and their ability to take coaching.Milroe was benched a week after throwing 2 interceptions versus Texas. In the five games because he was renewed

as the starter, he has actually thrown eight touchdowns and 3 interceptions. “I do not think we often reveal the maturity from a competitive perspective to do everything on a consistent basis, which is what we keep attempting to pursue,”Saban stated.”But I’ll tell you, 8 weeks in a row [without a bye] and the grind that we have actually had the last 4-5 weeks with the games in our league, I believe mentally we most likely had a bit of an exhausted team out there at the start of the game. And I believe the momentum of the game provided the energy they needed to play the way they could.”Saban said the defense adjusted at halftime, changing from three down linemen to 4, which assisted them develop pressure on Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton.Milton finished 28-of-41 for 271 yards, 2 goals and no interceptions. He was sacked 3 times.Defensive back Malachi Moore, who returned from an ankle sprain to play, stated the message in the locker space at halftime was to”keep battling.” “This is what we do,” he said.”We’re developed for scenarios like this.”Moore acknowledged that the game suggested “a lot, “provided the method the Tide lost last season at Tennessee. Vols fans hurried the field and arena operators played Alabama favorite”

Dixieland Delight”over the loudspeakers in celebration.Moore, who ended up the game with five tackles and a pass break up, stated the Tide had actually been thinking of that loss all year long. “It was individual,” stated linebacker Chris Braswell, who had two sacks.Saban, who contacted fans to be loud this week, made a point to acknowledge the energy they offered the group.”I want I might thank each one of them personally,” he said.After completing taking concerns, Saban had a parting message for press reporters. “Appreciate you all, “he said.”Enjoyable day.”Alabama, which has the next week off, will host

No. 19 LSU on Nov. 4.