Alabama Crimson Tide

Crimson Tide vs. Kent State: Saban On His Defense and His Alma Mater

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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During this week’s SEC coaches conference call, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban answered several questions about the team.

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As usual, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban preached that Alabama should respect this week’s opponent. “I think we have a lot of work to do in terms of the improvement we can make on consistency and execution,” he said, citing the Ole Miss game as proof.

More than most weeks, the goal on Saturday should be improving the team’s execution. Grinding out another win shouldn’t be a problem, but the team can use extra reps to iron out issues and minimize mental mistakes going forward. Given that the matchup itself presents little threat (though history suggests no one should tell Coach Saban that), this week’s questions focused on specific players as well as Coach Saban’s relationship to Kent State.

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Asked about the performance of linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton, Saban responded with praise. “Shaun Dion has played really well for us,” he said. “He’s a very dependable guy, a smart player always in the right place. He’s made a ton of plays for us this year, and we’re really excited that he’s been able to take the role that he has. He’s a really good leader out there.”

Without a doubt, Hamilton’s performance has been impressive. Through just three games, he has amassed 16 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack. One can only hope that like C.J. Mosley and Reuben Foster, he eventually chooses to boost his draft stock by returning for his senior season.

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Tyler Ferguson (7) tries to get away from Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dakota Ball (44) and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

On that note, Saban was also asked about Jonathan Allen’s decision to forego last spring’s draft and return to school. “I think it’s always a touch decision,” he said. “I think the fact that he was injured, it was going to be tough for him to get ready to work out, and based on the grade that he got from the Junior Committee, made a good business decision.” He also noted that Allen avoided a deep class of defensive linemen in the 2016 draft.

At the time, Allen’s decision seemed a bit odd (though certainly welcome). However, looking back on a draft in which Alabama linemen A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed both fell into the second round, Allen’s decision makes more sense. Based on his performance so far this season, he should make a lot of money next April.

Coach Saban also responded to a question about the performance of Dalvin Tomlinson. “Dalvin has been a real contributor for us two years now, last year and this year,” he said. “He’s made a lot of plays, bats down a lot of balls. He’s a very consistent player, smart player. He plays really good technique and is athletic and can rush and do a lot of things. He’s been an outstanding player for us.”

Against Ole Miss, Tomlinson broke out for seven tackles and a tipped pass. His play in the defensive line rotation is important for this year’s defense to continue improving.

Saban also praised Ryan Anderson’s leadership qualities saying, “Ryan has been a very productive player for us the last two years. He’s a real leader on the team.”

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) grabs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Mike White (14) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Williams gets much of the credit for Alabama’s pass rush, but Anderson’s performance should not be overlooked. Last season, he managed six sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, and so far this year he’s managed at least a half-sack in every game. As a trio, Anderson, Williams, and Jonathan Allen should continue to haunt the dreams of opposing quarterbacks.

Finally, Coach Saban answered several questions related to his time at Kent State. In a press conference earlier this week, he noted having few memories of playing there, but on Wednesday, some memories returned. When asked about his favorite memories from that time, he recalled his senior season in 1972, when Kent State won the only Mid-America Conference championship in school history. “I remember we beat Bowling Green at Bowling Green that year when we were huge underdogs, and that kind of set us toward having a chance to [win the MAC title]. Beat Miami [of Ohio] at Miami, even though I was injured and couldn’t play. Jack Lambert made three or four goal line stops in a row from the one-yard line to win the game. Then we played Tampa in the Tangerine Bowl…I think we lost by three points or something. [I have] a lot of great memories of that team and being a part of that team and that senior year and those coaches and the impact that they had on us.”

Speaking of the impact his coaches, Coach Saban also noted that his coach at Kent State, the legendary Don James, talked him into entering the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant “when I didn’t really want to be [a GA].” Alabama certainly owes a great deal to Kent State and Coach James.

Enjoy Saturday’s game, everybody. Be loud, and stay for four. Roll Tide.

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