Alabama is the SEC’s top scoring offense (No. 3 nationally), averaging 49.4 points per game.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban knows his team will be challenged facing an Auburn defense coached by Kevin Steele. The Tigers are one of the stingier defenses allowing just 22 points per game, which ranks No. 3 in the conference.

“I think Kevin is just really sound, fundamental,” Saban said in his weekly Zoom press conference. “You win with execution. Their players really do a good job of executing whatever it is they do. They make really good adjustments to take away what you’re trying to do. And the players play hard, and they play with a lot of toughness. I think those are all signs of Kevin’s leadership. But it’s always a challenge to play against him, that’s for sure. And I’m sure it won’t be any different Saturday.”

Steele was part of Saban’s Alabama staff for four seasons spread out over multiple stints from 2007-14. This is his fifth season as Auburn’s defensive coordinator after spending a year away from the Iron Bowl on Les Miles’ LSU staff in 2015.

Steele’s Auburn unit is ranked No. 7 in the SEC in total defense, allowing 402.1 yards per game. Alabama is ranked No. 2 in the conference in total offense, averaging 548.6 yards per game.

[H/T Bama OnLine]