For as much as Nick Saban has tortured LSU fans, he brought them loads of happiness 15 years ago.

Saban coached the Tigers to the 2003 BCS national championship before briefly leaving for the NFL only to return to the college ranks at Alabama. During Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, Saban was asked what he remembered about that championship season.

“Great team. I don’t think you ever forget the team, the memories of accomplishing something like that,” Saban said. “It was my first and it was great for the state of Louisiana.”

Saban’s reign at Alabama has been anything but great for Louisiana. His Crimson Tide teams have won seven straight games against LSU, starting when his 2011 squad deprived the Tigers of another national championship.

The SEC West rivals are set for another championship-level clash at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday when No. 1 Alabama (8-0, 5-0 SEC) travels to face No. 3 LSU (7-1, 4-1). Saban previewed the high-stakes matchup and gave updates on a few injured players during the teleconference.

How has QB Tua Tagovailoa evolved?

  • His knowledge and his experience has been grown. He’s played well all season but continues to improve.

How do you prep for LSU’s offense?

  • Joe (Burrow) has played very very well. The offensive line has played well. They can go tempo; they have good skill guys. … Probably have as good of balance as anyone we’ve played this year.

On the Cotton Bowl being back in the Playoff rotation:

  • I think it’s one of the best in the country. The people are great. I think they have every right to be one of those bowls to have that right.

On WR DeVonta Smith:

  • He has practiced all week, he is day-to-day

On Jalen Hurts’ status:

  • I think he is starting to turn the corner; he can move now. That’s going to be a confidence thing. We’ll have to see him on the field and go from there.

On CFP poll, do you see that you are No. 1?

  • No, I actually didn’t. It’s an honor to be put in that position, but it’s what you do from here that matters. We have some of our toughest games coming up. It’s like a new season after this bye week.

Is there any member of the Baton Rouge media that you miss more than others?

  • You guys are all my favorite. I used to have you guys as coaches, but I was never impressed with that.

What stood out to you about Texas A&M assistant coach Dameyune Craig that you hired him in the past?

  • Well, he was a graduate assistant back at LSU. Jimbo (Fisher) knew him and coached him, and he did a good job for us. Not surprising that he’s had a solid career.

On the run game:

  • We’ve had our moments of controlling the line of scrimmage, but there are other times where we feel we can do better. We are going to play the best front seven we will be seeing on Saturday.

Do you ever soak in the atmosphere at Death Valley?

  • The key is to be calm in the midst of chaos. … Hopefully, our players see that as a challenge to stay focused in the midst of all that.

Have you reached out to get help with your kickers?

  • We are not allowed to bring in outside coaches, but we do seek information on that from advisers. … We believe in our guys and think they are making improvements.