"Nick Saban talks Alabama and Arkansas at his weekly radio show"

Quote

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - Nick Saban arrived at Buffalo Wild Wings just before 7 p.m. Thursday to take the stage for his weekly radio show.

The crowd was lively with plenty of anticipation for the 2:30 p.m. game Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium between No. 3 Alabama and No. 14 Arkansas.

The media guest Thursday was ESPN.com's Chris Low.

Here's a brief outline of Saban's talking points:

* More talk about Dre Kirkpatrick's comment about Saban being all "crunked or krunked" up this week for Arkansas. Saban asked, "isn't everybody?"

* Jake Bequette's injury will force him out for Arkansas. Saban said he's similar to Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower in terms of his dual role as linebacker/rushing end.

* Saban said beside parents and family, his former head coach Don James and Wayne Huizenga.

* Saban said he would be working with cars in some form or fashion if he couldn't be a football coach.

* Saban said he has a lot of respect for "the good sportswriters." He called Low one of the good guys. He said some reporters don't get it right, and they create speculation.

* Saban said Arkansas wants to get off to a fast start. "This is a NASCAR type offense, not that they're no huddle." They are well scripted to begin the game. Saban said that led to last year's opening touchdown, which included a pair of "busted assignments."

* This is a difficult preparation for the defense. "This is what I'm used to as an NFL coach."

* Saban said the game plan is broken up by certain coaches in the staff taking responsibility for different preparation. Then he spoke about some of the details throughout the week for practice.

* When you play against teams such as Arkansas, you find out how deep you are.

* Favorite Eagles concert? In 1991 in Cleveland Stadium. Saban said he and Bill Belichick love to go to concerts, and would go together.

* Saban said he uses an iPod to listen to music when he watches film.

* Saban said the quarterback has a freedom within a structure to change the play at the line of scrimmage.

* A "Nike check" is when the quarterback picks up his leg to get the defense to declare if they will defend against a run or a pass.

* Ryan Mallett was a really good quarterback. Tyler Wilson is a really good quarterback. Doesn't have the same zip on his passes, but can throw the deep ball and can run a little bit. The real strength of the offense is the wide receiving corps.

* The kicking game has the most to do with controlling vertical field position. Arkansas has returned one kickoff and two punt returns for touchdowns. They are explosive.

* Saban would rather play on grass than turf any day. He said the turf today is a lot better than it used to be.

* Jack Lambert was an outstanding player, who was a great leader. Rolando McClain was a lot like Lambert with how he played or play on the field.

* Arkansas will be a challenge for Alabama's defensive backs. Saban said he is confident the defensive backs can cover Arkansas' receivers. He said Alabama has not played as smart as it needs to through three games.

* Dont'a Hightower has made a lot of progress from last year to this year on how he ~~effects~~ affects other people. Alabama had a leadership seminar for the entire team before the season. It was about communication. ...Basically, the players learned what teammates think of them is important, and hearing it from their teammates is equally important.

Click here for link