Nick Saban and No. 11 Alabama (5-1, 3-0) will aim for a fifth straight win when they host Arkansas (2-4, 0-3) this weekend for homecoming.

It will be an early kickoff (12 p.m. EST) against an opponent that has yet to win a conference game this season. However, Saban is quick to dismiss the contest against the Razorbacks will be easy.

Saban is imploring his team and Crimson Tide fans to make their presence felt.

 

“You need to raise your energy level. Every game is important. This game is really important. Don’t look at people’s records. They are a very capable team,” Saban said. “They haven’t had the success that they deserve. They’re a hungry team. They’re a tough team. They’re physical. We’ve got to have great energy and enthusiasm in our stadium with our players and with our team.”

Saban’s message to his team is to be self-motivated, not inspired by exterior factors.

“As soon as you have expectations about something, you’re always going to be disappointed when it doesn’t work out the way you think it should,” Saban said. “Rather than just focusing on what you need to do to get the outcome you want.”

Saban wants Bryant-Denny Stadium to be rocking for the homecoming contest as a show of support for the Crimson Tide players.

“We need to create a great atmosphere for homecoming,” Saban said. “These players have worked hard and they need your support and your help to be able to continue to grow and develop as a group and team that can have success.”

Arkansas at Alabama will be televised on ESPN.