Nick Saban Updates Team’s Status as Kent State Week Begins

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team didn't practice Monday after a hard-fought victory over Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon. Head coach Nick Saban said the team needed an extra day of rest after the 48-43 win.

"We aren’t practicing today. I think our team needs a little bit of a physical rest and recovery time, so we will have our normal meetings, and we will do stretch and stride, but we are not practicing today.

“ArDarius Stewart would be the biggest question mark for this game. I think Jalen (Hurts) is fine, Eddie Jackson is fine and Minkah (Fitzpatrick) is fine, but it may take a day or so to get those guys back in the lineup. The focus here for us is to sort of pay attention to detail, play in and play out, so that we get better consistency and execution."

After falling behind 24-3, Alabama battled back and went on a huge run to eventually take an 18-point lead. Saban applauded the team's effort but pointed out the improvements that need to be made before the next game.

"As I said after the game, I am very proud of the way our team competed in the game. The guys really played hard; played with a lot of heart; played with a lot of competitive spirit; but when you look at things the devil is kind of in the details. We could have really lost the game based on mental mistakes, metal errors, and lack of execution at times, which led to really bad plays for our team."

The Crimson Tide will be facing Saban's alma mater on Saturday, which makes for an unique matchup for the head coach.

"Kent State, my alma mater. I was telling Terry this morning, I watch these games and tapes and look out on the field and (think about how) I played there, and I can’t remember too many games that I played in there, so I guess I’m getting old."