Nick Saban is one win away from coaching Alabama to its tenth Southeastern Conference Western Division title of his tenure.
Alabama football takes on Kentucky in an SEC road matchup in Lexington, Ky. The Crimson Tide has turned a corner since a week two loss to Texas, winning eight straight games. It has become a second-half team, especially on defense, shutting down some of the best offenses in college football after halftime. Kentucky has playmakers under Mark Stoops, but Coach Saban delivered a significant message to his team before kickoff. Alabama needs to dominate for 60 minutes to impress the College Football Playoff Committee and put a complete game together. Saban spoke about the importance of being physical.
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“It is always important to be the most physical team, to be the most disciplined team, to be able to go out there and execute and do your job well and whatever the circumstances are,” Saban said on ESPN GameDay. “I think those things are really, really important and be able to play 60 minutes and just keep playing the next play. We expect a tough game.”
The Wildcats are a physical team under Coach Stoops. Kentucky wants to run the ball with Ray Davis and try to beat up Alabama’s defensive front. Devin Leary is a good quarterback, but the Wildcats look to win in the trenches.
Saban wants to see the Tide impose its will on the road.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
