Fresh off a 41-10 victory over Fresno State, Alabama turns its attention to another non-conference contest this week with Colorado State coming to town. But at the beginning of his weekly press conference Monday, coach Nick Saban’s thoughts were elsewhere.

“First of all, our thoughts and prayers (go) out to all the people that are affected by Hurricane Irma,” Saban said. “We have lots of friends and a place in Florida, so you kind of the full feeling of anxiety that comes with all this. Hopefully we’ll be able to do something to help some of those people as well.”

Saban then jumped into his thoughts on both last week’s game and its impending matchup with the Rams:

  • Saban said he felt the Crimson Tide “improved some as a team” in last Saturday’s victory. Says the execution and attention to detail “were a bit better.” He added he wants to see more aggressiveness on defense going forward.
  • On the injury front, Saban said offensive lineman Lester Cotton would miss today’s practice and be back Tuesday. Freshman linebacker Dylan Moses will also miss today’s session, but Saban expects him to “be back sometime soon.”
  • Saban says “Colorado State is a really good football team.” Praises the Rams’ physicality and their offensive system.
  • Saban on the offensive line: “I think it did a better job in (the Fresno State) game. I think when I talk about ‘finishing plays,’ there were about seven plays that we have a hat on a hat, that if we finish one block, that play would be significantly more successful and maybe even an explosive big play. So when I talk about finishing, I think that’s what we need to do.”
  • Linebackers Jamey Mosley and Chris Allen “made a lot of progress” in last Saturday’s victory, Saban said. But Saban noted “both need to continue to develop at that position.”
  • Saban believes the intense scrutiny of Jalen Hurts’ development as a passer is overblown.
  • The Crimson Tide has yet to commit a turnover in the first two games, but Saban said that hasn’t been an area that received extra emphasis. “We always emphasize taking care of the ball,” Saban said, “and we always emphasize attacking the ball. We haven’t created as many turnovers on defense as we would like in terms of ripping the ball out. We have made a few interceptions, but we need to attack the ball more and create more turnovers.”
  • Saban ends the presser with a few injury updates: Running back Josh Jacobs “worked some in practice last week” and won’t know about his status until Wednesday. Saban said the same went for linebackers Rashaan Evans and Anfernee Jennings. “If they have a chance to do some things in practice, there may be a chance that they can play in the game,” Saban said. “But I think it’s too early to tell right now. Both are making good progress in their rehab, so we’ll have to wait and see.”