Crimson Red Sports

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - Nick Saban hosted his weekly press conference Monday afternoon.

This week, the third-ranked Crimson Tide faces No. 14 Arkansas. 

Saban comments
* Quick review of the 41-0 win against North Texas.
* Spoke about elevating intensity, practice habits to get the little things right in games.
* Spoke well of olayers of the week.
* Injuries: Robert Lester (back spasms), Dee Milliner (sick) and a couple of unnamed players. Everyone should be full strength tomorrow.
* Arkansas has a great football team, Saban said. Bobby Petrino has done a great job. Saban said this could be the best Arkansas team they've faced.
* Arkansas has one of the best wide receiver corps in the country.
* Arkansas can run the ball well.
* Arkansas' defense has improved every year, and this could be the best group they've had.
* Arkansas has had three kick returns for touchdowns.

Questions from the media
* Saban was asked what he learned about his team after three games. Have a better focus to get it right. That's it.
* Talk about the challenge of Alabama's defense? He said Arkansas has a pro-style offense and will challenge down the field.
* Saban was asked about why he likes using the Nickel defense.
* Lester and Mark Barron and their confidence of getting interceptions last year?
* Arkansas provides a pro-style attack.
* Asked about Barrett Jones playing at right tackle.
* Saban also spoke about the solid play of safety Will Lowery.
* Was asked why the big run plays worked. Saban indicated the running plays are the same as some that have 5-yard losses. The reason the big runs work is because the blocking is correct.
* Darius Hanks returned against North Texas, and Saban said his experience is an asset to the entire group.
* Christion Jones, hope he continues to develop. He has good speed. Saban also said Kenny Bell and DeAndrew White have improved.
* Saban was asked about being "crunked up." Here's my story from today from Dre Kirkpatrick's comments about Saban being more "crunked up." Saban said, "at least I know what the players are expecting."
* Saban was asked about Duron Carter. There is no new news. Saban indicated there might be something in the works, but sounded pessimistic.