Alabama plundered Tennessee’s soul yet again on Saturday.

The Crimson Tide destroyed the Volunteers, as many expected it would, 45-7.

While Alabama didn’t look great for a good portion of the first half, it eventually wore out the Vols.

Here’s what Saban had to say after the Tide’s big win:

Opening statement:

“I was really pleased with the way our team came out and played in the second half. I thought we were more physical, we played with more energy, we played faster on offense. Defense did a good job of on third down getting off the field so they couldn’t sustain drives. We had a lot of respect for their running back and their running game, we did a better good job except for a couple draws.

“This is a big game for us. It’s a big game for a lot of our people. It’s a traditional game that means a lot to a lot of folks that we have a tremendous amount of respect for. I’m excited, pleased and happy that we were able to win this game.

“We were able to play a lot of players, which is good. Tua got a lot of valuable experience and he even had an opportunity to bounce back after throwing an interception that they ran back for a touchdown. We were able to stick with him to show him that we still have confidence in him and he continued to play well. He moved the team well.”

How much has Jalen Hurts improved? How does that open up the offense?

“To have balance on offense is really, really important. We didn’t do a good job setting the line of scrimmage in the first half… They really forced us to throw the ball and we were able to make some plays in the passing game and Jalen did a nice job.”

On Tua’s interception:

“He felt bad. I think any player would. He got hit right as he was throwing the ball, I couldn’t tell from the sideline whether it was a good decision or not. The most important thing is he went back in the game and played well and made plays. Even though he felt bad, it didn’t affect his confidence and I don’t think it affected the players’ confidence in him.”

On his decision to go for it on 4th and goal during the first two scores of the game:

“Well, look, when the ball is inside the 1-yard line, I don’t know how long you been around here but I don’t know if there was ever a time we didn’t go for it. Maybe if we had to win the game we wouldn’t go for it. But one day we might get stopped. If you have a good defense, even if you don’t make it, if you keep them down there you are going to get fairly good field position. So, chance of getting a field goal, which is what you are willing to settle for are pretty good if you can stop them and keep them down there and get good field position coming out of it.”