What Nick Saban said following Alabama's tight win over Arkansas
Alabama fans would have liked that one to be a little more affirming.
The Tide won Week 7’s matchup 24-21 over Arkansas in the end, thanks in part to a key final drive by Milroe and the Alabama offense. But that doesn’t mean the 2nd half was very pretty.
Tide head coach Nick Saban would agree. Following the game, Saban addressed media and was not too happy with his team’s performance. Here’s a few of the highlights from Saban’s postgame press conference:
For one, Saban didn’t really think Alabama won that game. Instead, he feels Arkansas lost it. One of the first things he mentioned was that Alabama needs to learn to truly go out and win games.
Nick Saban: “It’s great to win. It’s great to be where we are in the SEC. But there’s a difference between beating the other team and winning the game.”
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 14, 2023
Saban: “Hopefully, we can learn how to beat the other team. Not just win the game but beat the other team.”
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 14, 2023
Saban also updated the status of a pair of players who went down with injuries Saturday, CJ Dippre and Trez Marshall. He wasn’t sure about the extent, but said that he doesn’t think either are “bad(ly) hurt.”
Saban on CJ Dippre, Trez Marshall: “I don’t think they’re bad hurt. One guy’s got a pulled muscle. The other guy’s got a bruised ribs. I can’t tell you the extent of those injuries.”
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 14, 2023
He held some very high praise for kicker Will Reichard as well, saying he’s “as good a player at his position” as Alabama has ever had.
Saban on Will Reichard: “He has been, probably, as good a player at his position — even though he’s a specialist — as anybody we’ve ever had here.”
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 14, 2023
The Tide are back in action next Saturday for a rematch from last year’s thrilling game against Tennessee.