In one of the most anticipated contests of the 2015 season, Nick Saban’s Alabama squad took down previous unbeaten LSU 30-16 in Tuscaloosa during Week 10. The Crimson Tide now sits atop the SEC West in advance of a trip to play at Mississippi State in Week 11.

Saban addressed the media on Monday. Here’s a recap of what he talked about:

  • He opened by saying he didn’t have much to comment on the LSU game that he didn’t say following Saturday’s contest.
  • In typical Saban fashion, he said he was concerned with correcting the things he saw that were wrong in that game so that they can do them better in the future.
  • Saban was very complimentary of Mississippi State in his opening remarks, commenting on how physical the Bulldogs defense has played this season: “Dan Mullen has done a really good job there. … This is an outstanding team all the way around.”
  • “I think our specialists have improved and gotten better.”
  • Saban praised Cam Robinson and Ryan Kelly as standout performers on the offensive line. Said he was pleased with run blocking, but still sees some area for improvement in pass protection.
  • On Missouri boycott situation: “I don’t really know a lot about the situation. … We always believe in equal rights for all groups and we would continue to support that for any group on our campus.”
  • On usage of RB Derrick Henry: “I don’t think it was our plan to have him carry the ball 38 times in that game. But when he’s running well, it’s hard to take him out.” He said they try to manage his workload and movements in practice.
  • Saban said RB Kenyan Drake got his bell rung during Saturday’s game. He thinks he’ll be OK in the long run, but will monitor his work during practice this week.
  • Saban mentioned that Monday practices have become pretty light to preserve players at this point of the season.
  • On Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott: “I think he continues to improve as a passer.” Noted his efficiency and improved ability to look off guys as he’s going through progression.
  • Saban praised Prescott’s stable of receivers this season, especially De’Runnya Wilson: “Wilson is a very big guy who uses his body well. A very physical receiver.”
  • After nine more penalties against LSU, Saban said eliminating those has become a point of emphasis. He puts the penalties and who is called for them up on the board for all players to see.
  • Saban said the Mississippi State offense is “well conceived. Every guy on defense has got to do a really good job because they force you to defend the entire field horizontally.”
  • On the subject of how to quantify maturity as it relates to preparing for a big game coming out of the win: “I’m not a psychiatrist. I’ve never claimed to be a sports psychologist.” He said he thinks you can see a lot in a player’s body language.