The Alabama football team struggled in a 34-24 defeat to Texas at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
It put an end to the Crimson Tide’s 29-game winning streak in September. The most recent setback was a four-point defeat against Ole Miss in 2015. Prior to an unexpected result from a former assistant, Nick Saban had only ever lost once as the head coach at UA, and it was against a non-conference team at home.
Following the loss, Saban spoke with reporters.
“Everyone was put to the test with this. It was a test for the coaches, a test for myself, and a test for each and every player, and we plainly failed it. The midterm, not the final, is what matters, Saban added.
Everyone essentially has two options: eith either give up, give in, and settle for mediocrity, or they can fight, work hard, and take the necessary steps to succeed. You shouldn’t squander a mistake, and we surely shouldn’t waste this one, in my opinion.
I have faith in these athletes. These athletes have put in a lot of effort. The stadium tonight had a fantastic vibe. The fans are wonderful. Certainly, they contributed in some way. We didn’t perform our part well enough. As I just said, it begins with me. But we’ll make every effort to correct it and make it right.
— Saban said that several of Texas’ five sacks were the result of four-man rushes, and one was even the result of a three-man chase. Saban stated of Ewers, “We had absolutely no impact on him.”
Jalen Milroe sometimes hung onto the ball for too long, according to Saban. Saban said that while the Tide’s rapid strikes kept him in the game, he had thought about benching him.
He made a few fantastic moves toward the end of the game. Undoubtedly, the interception was important.
When questioned about whether Milroe was cautious after his first interception, Saban said, “I really can’t say that.
“Asking him that question would probably be preferable. We were on excursions, and I don’t believe he saw the thing roll up. I believe they sort of catted the corner from the rear and rolled the covering. It was the wrong move.
Saban said that Alabama found it difficult to manage Texas’ motion. There is a ton of technical information, but you can’t allow someone to pass you in the secondary.
Alabama’s snapping issues, according to Saban, are “surprising.”
The difference, according to Saban, was Texas’ “explosive plays” and the Tide’s late-game lack of execution. “They made a great deal of efforts in the game as well as made them… That is the means by which they play.”
Saban discussed how Texas’ hurry-up system was difficult for Alabama to manage and how this resulted in huge plays.
“The pattern didn’t fit us. Alabama struggled more when they rushed up on it, even though I believe we had the call on both occasions.
