The SDS crew is onsite this week in Hoover, Ala., covering the 2015 SEC Media Days. If you missed the coverage today, here’s your day 3 recap…

Saban discusses range of topics at Media Days

KEVIN DUFFEY: Nick Saban was his usual self during his opening remarks… pretty long-winded, touching on a range of topics and using plenty of hand gestures. One thing perhaps we haven’t seen as much is how much he emphasized affirming his players in a positive light. Saban mentioned encouraging his players when they’re doing the right thing. Additionally, upon closing, he gave a lengthy thank you message to the media for how they help and contribute to SEC football as a whole. What a great guy!

I really enjoyed his comments about how defense has changed in light of the uptempo offenses in the SEC, but definitely the most reaction came from his mentioning of the NFL Drat deadline rule as a possible distraction for his team as they prepared for Ohio State last year. While critics called it an excuse, I believe Saban was simply explaining his position on an issue we don’t hear about much. And guess what? He’s right. The Draft deadline should be moved back to accommodate for a college football schedule that has crept into mid-January.

After his appearance in the main room, Saban spoke to the SEC Network folks on camera and used the opportunity to clarify his position:

CHRISTOPHER SMITH: Alabama elicited the largest swell of fans at the Wynfrey Hotel, but several veteran media members mentioned that it was the smallest crowd Nick Saban ever has drawn at the event. It’s been more than two seasons since the Tide won a national title, and the team isn’t favored to do so again this year. The biggest fascination Wednesday involved Saban’s comments about a) the timing of NFL feedback to potential early draft entries and b) his defense wearing down late in the year due to additional plays with Alabama’s no-huddle offense. Several media members framed it as “excuses,” putting out a narrative that he didn’t want to admit Ohio State was the better team. Still others came to his defense in quiet conversations in the media area and on Twitter.

Additional Alabama Coverage from Media Days

Kentucky Looking Forward

BRAD CRAWFORD: Kentucky’s moving on from last season’s second-half slide that squandered a bowl opportunity, at least according to A.J. Stamps and Melvin Lewis, veteran defenders who repeatedly referred to ‘turning the page’ on Wednesday. Coach Mark Stoops says he’s excited about Year 3 and expects vast improvement across the board.

Additional Kentucky Coverage from Media Days

Pinkel at home in the SEC

KEVIN DUFFEY: Gary Pinkel is quite comfortable in his position of leading the wildly successful Missouri Tigers at SEC Media Days. He was cool, confident and polished. What’s new? Topics covered included gaining respect in the SEC, reloading along the defensive line and consistency at the quarterback position.

I loved how Pinkel dismissed recruiting rankings, but praised Missouri’s record of getting guys into the NFL.

Kudos to Evan Boehm on the best beard at Media Days:

BRAD CRAWFORD: Kudos to Maty Mauk. He’s had enough of his critics. Mizzou’s junior QB shouldered the blame for last season’s offensive struggles and fired back at a reporter Wednesday who asked about his low QBR in four losses (in 18 career starts). “I’m 14-4 as a starter. I came here to win football games.” Sounds like Mauk, who says he’s becoming a more consistent passer from the pocket, is on a mission to appear in his third straight SEC title game in December.

Additional Missouri Coverage from Media Days

Head Hog Ready For Year Three

KEVIN DUFFEY: Everybody loves Bielema. The guy rocks some bling sneakers, gets emotional while talking about the three players he brought to Media Days and masterfully deflected the question regarding Steve Spurrier’s “jab” from earlier this week. Bielema has the Arkansas program heading in the right direction, and he’s one of the most likable coaches in the league.

CHRISTOPHER SMITH: Arkansas coach Bret Bielema managed to simultaneously a) give several earnest, riveting interviews that won over the media and b) not say much of substance. That’s got to be the jackpot for an SEC football coach this week. He owned the room and his genuine appreciation of the moment was obvious. If his team can manage to win 9 or 10 games in 2015, Arkansas is going to be a hot commodity in the national media next offseason, and Bielema’s anti-car sales personality is a major reason why.

Additional Arkansas Coverage from Media Days