Nick Saban enjoys resilient Alabama team despite bumpy ride

Alabama coach Nick Saban expresses satisfaction with the team's performance and resilience as they secure a 34-20 victory over Tennessee.

Alabama coach Nick Saban is embracing the challenges his team has faced this season, despite the toll it may be taking on him. The Crimson Tide have had to fight for every win so far, narrowly defeating Arkansas, struggling against South Florida, surviving against Mississippi, and needing a strong second-half performance to beat Tennessee. Saban, however, sees this as an opportunity for growth and enjoys coaching this team, even if it means it's taking years off his life.

With a 7-1 record, Alabama is the only SEC Western Division team without a conference loss. Their next challenge will be hosting No. 15 LSU, their biggest division rival, in two weeks. While the Tide haven't looked like a national contender for a full game this season, they showed their potential in the second half against Tennessee, outscoring them 27-0. Quarterback Jalen Milroe acknowledged that winning in the SEC is difficult, especially for a team that has struggled with penalties, sacks, and turnovers. However, the team's resilience and refusal to quit is what sets them apart.

Alabama's performance against Tennessee was a step closer to their standard of play. They committed only one penalty and allowed just one sack in the second half, compared to their school-record 17 penalties in last year's loss to the Vols. Linebacker Chris Braswell highlighted the importance of playing disciplined football and meeting the "'Bama standard." The defense stepped up in the second half, making key stops and containing the Vols' offense.

The up-and-down nature of Alabama's play seems to be a characteristic of this team. Despite the challenges they've faced, they have rebounded from their loss to Texas and have shown resilience in their subsequent wins. Saban appreciates the spirit and camaraderie of his players, who genuinely care about each other and the team's success. He believes that the mental toll of the SEC grind affected their performance against Tennessee, but a quick touchdown drive in the second half sparked their energy and allowed them to play to their full potential.

In conclusion, Alabama's season has been far from easy, but Saban embraces the challenges and enjoys coaching this team. The Tide have shown resilience and a refusal to quit, even when faced with adversity. While they haven't played a complete game yet, their second-half performance against Tennessee showcased their potential. Alabama's focus on discipline and meeting the "'Bama standard" has been key to their success. Despite the occasional bumps in the road, Saban is proud of his team's spirit and camaraderie.