College Football
Nick Saban is reminded of Tim Tebow when studying Mississippi State QB Nick Fitzgerald
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Alabama continues to march toward a date against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, but before the Tide can get there, the team will have to leave Starkville with a win this weekend. This looks to be the best Mississippi State team the Tide has faced since 2014, and the rowdy cowbell-carrying crowd always makes it tough on opponents to concentrate and execute at the highest level.
Nick Saban coach spoke Wednesday during the SEC Coaches Teleconference.
Here’s a summary of what he had to say:
- Opening comments: This is going to be a challenging game for us, they are doing a great job this year. They are balanced, their defense is very improved.
- On defending LSU Jet Sweeps: I thought we did okay, we tried to keep our edges as best as we could. Our players lost leverage a few times. We gave up the big play when they were in Wildcat, outside of that, we did okay.
- What do Jet Sweeps do to defenses? Hard to adjust, it forces the secondary to move quickly. Otherwise, you have to slide the entire box, which is tougher.
- On the difference of the MSU defense? Todd Grantham has done a great job everywhere he’s been. They do so many things that force you to adjust and they are sound in the defensive backfield.
- Thoughts on kicker Andy Pappanastos? He’s done really well, we’ve been pleased. We get what we expect from him.
- Thoughts on Nick Fitzgerald? We have tremendous respect for him, we did last year and now have more respect for him. He’s Tim Tebow-like. He has a strong arm, he’s accurate. This is a very explosive offense.
- What concerns you the most about MSU? Their OL is playing really well this year. We have respect for their skill players but this is a very balanced team. Dan does a good job with his guys.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
