One of the most notable facts about Alabama’s recent run of dominance is coach Nick Saban’s undefeated streak against teams coached by his former assistants.

Saban has a chance to keep that going this week against Tennessee, which is coached by former Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. During Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, Saban revealed why he thinks he has been so successful versus old staff members.

“It’s not really me. We have an established program,” Saban said. “… When the assistants go elsewhere, they are building a program. … It takes these guys long to get the players in. … It’s not a fair assessment to say anything about that.”

That logic can be applied to what Pruitt is trying to do with the Volunteers (3-3, 1-2 SEC), who travel to face No. 1 Alabama (7-0, 4-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Here’s everything else Saban said during his portion of the teleconference.

On coaching against Pruitt, does having the knowledge of what he likes to do, will that help?

  • It goes both ways; they know what we do too. I think it’s a wash. … It’s no different when you know someone, you may know what they will do but you don’t know when they are going to do it.

On Pruitt:

  • He’s a really good coach. He believes in the right stuff, with the players, helping them make the right decisions. … He is a very bright football guy with plenty of experience. He’s one of the best coaches we’ve had around here, and I think that’s reflective of the way his team is playing.

On Tennessee QB Jarrett Guarantano:

  • You can see him grow in the system, where to go with the ball. His confidence in passing — the wide receivers are good, (and) he is the catalyst behind all of that.

On former Tennessee coach and current Alabama analyst Butch Jones, and his return to Neyland Stadium:

  • Butch can’t coach the players, but he works hard in planning and prep. He is a very bright guy. Basically what he does is assist (offensive coordinator) Mike (Locksley) as much as possible and gives me a summary. … It’s been helpful.

On Jones’ prep for Tennessee:

  • Yeah, he goes on trips for us. Won’t be any different. … Obviously he knows the personnel well, but the schemes are different this year.

On bringing in former head coaches to Alabama:

  • I think those guys have done well along the way, to get head jobs. … Their knowledge and experience is something that can be beneficial. … I think they all do it to some degree.

Do you enjoy helping others?

  • Well, I think the No. 1 thing is they create value in the program, and No. 2, I respect what they did elsewhere. … If it helps them get back on track. That’s a bonus for them.

On Alontae Taylor:

  • I see these guys making a lot of progress on defense. They are playing with better confidence, they are playing better as a team. Taylor is certainly a guy that’s been impressive. I always think it’s harder for guys to play a new position because they don’t have the background. It’s a sign of coaching on their part to help bring him along.

On the College Football Playoff, why is it the same teams more often than not?

  • There are more teams in now. I think everyone that’s capable is in there. I don’t care if we have four, eight, 16, there’s always debate but expanding the Playoff takes away from the bowls. … Now everyone talks about the Playoff, and I think that takes away from the rest of the games.