Nick Saban’s No. 7-ranked Alabama squad will take on No. 4 LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday in what will be one of the most-watched games of the SEC football season.

Here’s a recap of what Saban had to say when addressing the media on Monday:

  • Saban said that the bye week was productive, gave the players a few days off to rest.
  • Injured S Eddie Jackson (knee) practiced last week and should be “OK” to practice on Monday.
  • S Ronnie Harrison (ankle) and OL Dominick Jackson (ankle) are also looking for clearance to practice this week, but their status sounded less certain.
  • Called game with LSU a “great rivalry because of the quality of the programs.”
  • Saban called LSU RB Leonard Fournette “as dominant as in any player in the country.”
  • He acknowledged the Tigers offensive line was the biggest and most physical that the Crimson Tide has seen all year long.
  • Saban on his recruitment of Fournette: “We thought he was a fabulous player in high school. … He was a really, really fine young man. Great family. And it is no surprise to me that the guy has developed into one of the best players in the country and arguably the best running back in the country.”
  • On whether this game still has extra significance a former LSU coach: “This game is about our team, our players and our program. It has nothing to do with me and the previous experiences I’ve had.”
  • Saban was very complimentary of LSU QB Brandon Harris: “The guy has not played like a first-year quarterback at all.” … “He was certainly turned into an outstanding player for them.”
  • Saban said he brings all of the crazy endings to games (Duke/Miami, FSU/Georgia Tech, Michigan/Michigan State) to his player’s attention. Says they are moments he can teach from.
  • On recruiting in Louisiana: “It has outstanding high school football and some really good players. We’ve been fortunate to get a few. LSU dominates that state, but we’ve had an opportunity to get a few and they’ve been an important part of our program.”
  • On Derrick Henry: “Derrick’s done an outstanding job for us. He’s had a fantastic year and I don’t think you can say enough about the way he’s played.” He went on to praise the things he’s done without the ball, such as pass protection.
  • On keeping his team’s emotions in check for such a big game: “In games like this you have to focus on not worrying about the outcome of the game so much but winning your box. … assuming the player you may be playing against may be the best player you play against all year long.”
  • On Frank Beamer’s retirement: “Frank Beamer has been one of the icons, in my mind, in this era as a coach. Has a fantastic record at Virginia Tech. … one of the great guys in our profession. I’ve always admired him as a coach but also his professional character and the way that he treats other people.”