Through the first four games of the season, every Alabama game has kicked off at 3 p.m. CT or earlier, including its two home games. On Wednesday, Nick Saban took some time to thank the Crimson Tide fans for showing up for two hot September afternoons in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“My hat’s off to them,” Saban said at his Wednesday post-practice press conference. “I don’t think people really realize how difficult it is for the fans.”

Saban didn’t end his answer to a reporter’s question there. He directed the rest of his response to those who have dealt UA the early home kickoffs.

“I wish that some of the TV people and the people from our conference would come to any of the stadiums and see how difficult the circumstances really are,” Saban added.

Alabama fans attending Saturday’s Ole Miss game will be dealing with another afternoon kickoff, as CBS selected the Ole Miss game for its 2:30 p.m. CT broadcast. After the Week 5 game, Saban’s squad is off in Week 6 and on the road in Week 7 at Texas A&M. A kickoff time has not yet been set for the “Third Saturday in October” home game against Tennessee.