After a 2-0 start and two 50-point performances, Alabama turns its attention to the start of conference play and a challenging schedule the next two weeks.

Head coach Nick Saban met with the media on Monday to talk about the team's preparations and what message he'll be sending his players.

"The real season is really starting now," Saban said. "I think that SEC play coming up, we've had some gifts given to us in the first couple games and I don't think that's going to happen. The players have to know the importance of stepping it up a notch in terms of level of preparation and what we need to do to continue to improve."

First up on the SEC schedule is Ole Miss. The Rebels are still dealing with NCAA sanctions but the team has one of the best offenses in the league as evidenced by its 76-point output on Saturday.

"We also have a tremendous amount of respect for Ole Miss and their team. Obviously Matt Luke has done a really good job there. They're playing as well offensively as anybody in the country. They've got a lot of weapons."

Here's what else Saban addressed during the press conference:

  • What Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta'amu allows their offense to do and how he's so effective.
  • Tua Tagovailoa's passing success and his strengths in the pocket.
  • Deionte Thompson's effectiveness at safety
  • Injury updates on Jalyn Armour-Davis and Stephon Wynn
  • What he's thought about the defensive line's performance through the first two games.
  • His confidence in the kicking game right now
  • Thoughts on some of the success in the passing game with the skill players Alabama has.

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