Advertisement
football Edit

NOTES: Saban sees no 'stretch;' Fitzpatrick named Player of Week

Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) scrambles under pressure from Alabama linebacker Tim Williams (56) and defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) during the Tennessee-Alabama game on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) scrambles under pressure from Alabama linebacker Tim Williams (56) and defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) during the Tennessee-Alabama game on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Laura Chramer | Special to The Tuscaloosa News)

It’s been a talking point since the start of the season, the three-game stretch of games that began last Saturday against Arkansas. Those three games in succession against Top 25-ranked teams including two Top 10 teams, beginning with Arkansas and followed by a trip to Tennessee and home against Texas A&M, could largely determine Alabama’s season, at least that was the thought process for most college football analysts.

Not surprisingly, head coach Nick Saban doesn’t see it the same way. To him, there is only the opponent in front of him and his team and that opponent in No. 10 Tennessee.

“…we have one game that we’re concerned about, so there’s no stretch or anything,” Saban said during his Monday afternoon press conference. “It’s just one game. That’s this week, and that’s the most important thing that we’re trying to do and hopefully we’ll be able to execute well this week and keep the consistency up where it’s beneficial to our team.”

It’s human nature to point out the challenge a three-game grind like the one the Crimson Tide is currently in the midst of is, and even an Alabama player noted it last week. Sophomore cornerback specifically mentioned it in a tweet, writing, “We’re not escaping this stretch…we are dominating like we always do. Roll Tide.”

Fitzpatrick did his part with three interceptions against Arkansas on Saturday night.


Speaking of Minkah

For his three-interception performance, including setting a program record for the longest interception return during his 100-yard touchdown, Fitzpatrick was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week, Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week and he was one of the UA Coaches’ Players of the Week.

“It was a great honor,” Fitzpatrick said of this week’s acclaim. “It was a great team effort. Defensive line helped out a whole lot, linebackers help me out a whole lot. But we’re looking forward to Tennessee this week.”


Big-play offense

Alabama isn’t a methodical, run-the-ball-down-your-throat offense this season, although it could be if it wanted to be. No, this year’s offense, at least through six games, is an explosive, big-play offense.

O.J. Howard said the offense’s goal is at least nine “explosive” plays per game. That number hasn’t been an issue to achieve so far.

Against Arkansas, the offense averaged a first down every play, with 10.1 yards per play. For the season, it is second in the SEC with 6.85 yards per play and it averages a league-best 44.8 points per game. For context it’s important to point out that nine touchdowns this season have come from defense and special teams. It’s also fair to point out that the offense fumbled inside Arkansas’ 5 yard line twice Saturday night, so the total could be higher, too.

What’s the key this season?

"We're in rhythm,” sophomore running back Damien Harris said. “That's the biggest thing. Being in rhythm, establishing a run game, a pass game, getting all phases of the offense on the same page.

“Once you do that, big plays are out there to be made. We've got a lot of big players that can make those big plays. It's just getting the offense in sync and trying to make those big plays.”


POTW

Joining Fitzpatrick as SEC Players of the Week were J.K. Scott, who was named Special Teams Player of the Week after averaging 51.5 yards per punt against Arkansas.

True freshman Jalen Hurts was named Freshman of the Week after throwing for 253 on 13 of 17 passing with two touchdowns and one interception.


CBS picks up Texas A&M game

The league announced that CBS will broadcast Alabama’s next home game, an Oct. 22 clash against the unbeaten Texas A&M Aggies.

The network will broadcast the game at 2:30 p.m. It will be the third game of the season CBS has broadcast involving Alabama. The network televised the game Ole Miss game and will bring a national-television audience the Tennessee game from Knoxville on Saturday.


Not pleased

Saban wasn’t thrilled when his linebacker Rashaan Evans had a sack taken away and a personal foul assessed for a low hit on Arkansas’ Austin Allen.

The rule was implemented to keep defenders from purposefully going low to hit the quarterback. Saban said that didn’t happen in this case.

“I just thought that the guy beat the guy around the edge and lowered his shoulder and was getting pushed and was off balance and it wasn't an intentional thing,” Saban said. “But that's a judgment call and we're certainly going to have to live with the call.”

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.

Advertisement