Nick Saban praises Vanderbilt before Saturday’s game in Tuscaloosa
By Jake Faigus
Published:
College GameDay is heading to Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s rematch against Vanderbilt. The Commodores shocked the world last year and will have revenge on their minds. Ahead of the rematch, legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban praised what the Commodores have looked like so far this year and thinks they are an even better team than last year.
“I think these guys are an excellent football team,” Saban told the assembled media at a Monday Morning Quarterback meeting. “Clark Lea has done a fabulous job there. Obviously, Diego (Pavia) is an outstanding quarterback. They have an excellent running back. I think this is a letter team just watching them all away around than they had a year ago.”
Saban did say that Alabama’s key difference from last year to this year is that they are focusing more on ball control, and it’s worked out so far.
“They are a ball-control team,” Saban said of Kalen DeBoer’s squad. “One of the significant differences in Alabama’s team that I see that could be a substantial benefit in the game is that, a year ago, there were a lot of three-and-outs and big plays. This year, they sustain the ball. Just like in the Georgia game, they kept the ball in possession.
“Seldom has the team with more rushing yards had less time of possession, which was the case in that game. They are good on third down. I hope we can continue to run the ball a little bit better in that area.”
Saban’s point is that Alabama beat Georgia this past weekend despite being outgained 227 to 117. They dominated on third down, going 12-19 on third downs. That will continue to be very important against the Commodores on Saturday.
