Alabama arguably used to win games and championships despite its quarterback play. In 2019, the Crimson Tide have become more dependent on a strong passing game than ever before with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban explained during Wednesday’s teleconference that without Tagovailoa this week because of an ankle injury, everyone has help the team overcome the loss.

Saban expressed confidence in all of his players because “everyone has a skillset” that can help the team win. He said the key is to keep those players comfortable by not asking them to do anything they can’t.

The six-time national champion coach also said the new starting quarterback “has to take the bull by the horns and be the commander and chief as well.

“It’s about the team and the player having the right disposition,” he added.

Without Tagovailoa, sophomore Mac Jones is expected to see a majority of the snaps behind center this Saturday against Arkansas. Alabama also has freshman Taulia Tagovailoa, Tau’s brother, available if needed.

Here’s what else Saban said on Wednesday:

  • On Arkansas offense and scheme: We have a lot of respect for them, both QBs play well, Good RB, TE is outstanding, WRs are ascending, they have a great scheme on offense, it’s tough to defend, a lot of multiples to defend. We struggled last year, we need to improve.
  • On Arkansas defense under John Chavis: They are playing sound, solid ball. They have some inside players that are playing well… their coverage makes it tough to scheme against them.
  • On Mac Jones: He has been good, really good. He has executed really well, we just need to keep improving as he gets more repetitions… Mac has got to do his job and everyone else has to do their job so we can go out and execute.
  • On Alabama’s defense causing more turnovers, anything different there? We have done the same thing all the way around but player awareness, just knowing when to take their shots.
  • On winning 88 games in a row vs. unranked teams, what is the key to that? I think every player should play to their standard and what they can do. Respect your opponent and every SEC team can bite you if you aren’t careful. I think it’s about players playing to their standard and how important that is… go out there and execute and have the right intensity when the game comes.
    on listening and adapting, is there humility there? I think humility is a really important part of growing and being successful… I don’t think you’ve ever really arrived and if you have that humility, you don’t set the tone for not doing things the right way.