Jordan Battle reveals Nick Saban's message, call for more turnovers from Alabama defense

Alabama coach Nick Saban has issued a challenge to safety Jordan Battle and the Crimson Tide defense ahead of a marquee matchup against No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday in Knoxville.

Speaking with the media on Tuesday, Battle revealed that Saban has put heavy emphasis on forcing turnovers in practice this week. That will be a major key against Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker, who has yet to throw an interception through five games thus far.

“Obviously, that’s been the talk for us the whole year,” Battle said. “We know this is probably one of our down years turnover-wise on defense. Coach Saban let us know that. Getting turnovers is a big emphasis going into every game. Knowing that he has zero interceptions, we’re trying to cause one of those this week. We only have two interceptions now as a team, so trying to cause interceptions going into every game, every week.”

Alabama is tied with Auburn for last place in the SEC with 0.8 turnovers forced per game, down from 1.3 last season. As Battle said, that includes just two interceptions. Saban has made his team acutely aware of that fact, and hopes they will not only go after interceptions, but try to force fumbles as well against Tennessee.

“It’s kind of almost embarrassing, because usually you see a Bama defense, they getting turnovers every game,” Battle said. “So that kind of resonated with us this week. We’re gonna focus on ripping at the ball when we try to make a tackle. When they throw the ball downfield, make a play on it. We’re gonna get the swats, the PBUs, but try to get an interception. Tips on the overthrows or something like that.”

Saturday’s matchup features the top two scoring offenses in the SEC, so whichever defense comes up with a few stops could have a big impact on the outcome. Jordan Battle will hope that can be Alabama, as the Crimson Tide will hope to stand up to the challenge presented by Nick Saban.

“Oh no, I don’t say anything,” Battle said when asked his response to Saban’s message. “Just listen. Do what you can do to create turnovers practicing in practice and hopefully it correlates to the game.”

Alabama and Tennessee are set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday in Knoxville.