Nick Saban: 'We'll see what kind of teacher I am' against Tennessee

All week, in the lead-up to the Third Saturday in October matchup against Tennessee, Nick Saban spoke about the importance of maintaining intensity for all four quarters. That was his message after Alabama’s close victory over Arkansas in which the Crimson Tide let the Razorbacks back into it after leading 21-6 at halftime.

Now, he’ll try to see if that message got across as Alabama looks to avenge last year’s loss to Tennessee.

Saban spoke with CBS Sports’ Jenny Dell prior to kickoff of the matchup against the Volunteers and pointed out the coaching points he hit when trying to get his players to compete for all 60 minutes. If Alabama can do all three things, he said that’ll be key to victory.

Whether his message got across might be another story, though, as he said with a smile.

“I think there’s three things that are probably important,” Saban said. “You’ve got to have a sense of urgency to start with, which is immediacy, aight? Then, you’ve got to have intensity and be able to sustain it in the game for 60 minutes. But then, you’ve also got to be intelligent and play smart and not make the kind of mental errors, penalties, things that help the other team, that are drive-stoppers for you so that you’re playing with the kind of consistency you need to play with for 60 minutes in the game.

“That’s what we’re teaching. That’s what we’re trying to teach. We’ll see what kind of teacher I am, I guess.”

Nick Saban: History is what makes the Third Saturday in October rivalry special

The Third Saturday in October is circled on Alabama and Tennessee fans’ calendars. This game will be the 106th matchups between the two teams in the rivalry, which dates back to 1901. Of course, the Crimson Tide have plenty of other rivalries, which comes with the territory of being one of the best teams in the country.

To Saban, though, the history with Tennessee sets this one apart from the others.

“I think this is an old, traditional rivalry that goes way back in history,” Saban said. “Even though we’ve adapted through the years, it’s sustained itself as well as any rivalry in the country.”

Tennessee found a way to defeat Alabama last year at Neyland Stadium on a walk-off field goal. This year, the Crimson Tide are out for revenge as they look to stay atop the SEC West standings.