Nick Saban and Alabama got off to a strong start, and avoided further mistakes with a late turnover and near punt-block late in the 1st half at Kentucky on Saturday.

Alabama played without injured defenders LB Deontae Lawson and DB Jaylen Key as they dealt with ankle and quad injuries, respectively:

“The other guys have stepped up and played well,” he said at halftime on ESPN. “We made a mistake down there on the goal line on their touchdown in the coverage. But new guys playing new spots, sometimes you get that. But I’m happy with the way the guys are playing, but we’ve got to come out in the 2nd half and do a good job.”

Jalen Milroe had a strong 1st half, except for a late interception that the Alabama defense itself wiped away with another pick. Milroe began 7-for-7 passing with 4 total touchdowns as Alabama led 28-7 in Lexington.

“It started out really well, I think he’s got to take what the defense gives,” Saban said. “We don’t want to throw interceptions, you can throw the ball away. They dropped 8 guys and know where to go with it, so sometimes you just got to give up.”