TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama coach Nick Saban usually gives the team an extra day off every six weeks, but after visiting LSU and hosting No. 1 Mississippi State on back-to-back Saturdays he’s making an exception.

Following the 25-20 victory over the Bulldogs the coach announced that the players will not practice Monday. Alabama hosts Western Carolina (7-3) of the Football Championship Subdivision next Saturday, followed by rival Auburn.

Junior running back T.J. Yeldon might get more time than that off after having 16 carries for 72 yards and making two receptions.

“I thought he played well in the game,” Saban said. “He probably wasn’t as explosive as normal. The guy’s a true warrior in terms of there was no way you were going to keep him out of the game. He wanted to play and hopefully we’ll be able to get him healed up and he’ll be better here down the stretch here if we can get him a little time off.”

Yeldon had been considered a game-time decision after sustaining foot/ankle injuries against both Tennessee and LSU. He warmed up for Mississippi State and essentially started, although wide receiver Amari Cooper was in the backfield for the first offensive snap.

“Just great,” junior center Ryan Kelly. “Any time you see No. 4 in the backfield it’s awesome for an offensive lineman.”

Alabama had 32 carries for 124 rushing yards on Saturday, the third-lowest output of the season. The last two weeks the Crimson Tide has averaged 3.78 yards per attempt.

“I think it’s the key,” Saban said about getting the offense more consistent before the postseason. When we can run the ball it makes a high difference.”

Saban didn’t update the status of junior linebacker Dillon Lee, who had to be helped off the field late in the game. Senior wide receiver DeAndrew White missed part of the second half with a hamstring injury, but did return and came up with the ball on the onside kick.