Nick Saban 'excited' about his offense's progress, confidence this season

Alabama has come a long way from losing to Texas at home during Week 2. The Crimson Tide have rattled off seven consecutive wins since, and aren’t expected to slow down before the regular season is over.

Head coach Nick Saban was taken notice of his offense’s progress over the past several weeks and explained what has made offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ squad click after its early season wake-up call.

“I’m really excited about the way our offensive team has kind of developed and grown and improved throughout the course of the year,” Saban said on his weekly coaches show. “I think they’re developing a lot of confidence. Some of the younger, more inexperienced guys are developing more and more confidence which, I think, contributes to the consistency that we’re able to play with.

“… But I think probably the most important thing of all the statistics that are laid out there was being 11 for 14 on third down because that is one of the goals you have in the game when you’re playing against a really good offensive team and a great player at quarterback like Jayden Daniels is — to keep the ball away from him. To convert on all those third downs to keep the ball is really a significant and important factor in being able to win games like that because you don’t want to give them the ball.”

In particular, Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe was masterful on Saturday against the Tigers, completing 15-of-23 passes for 219 yards throughout the 42-28 win. While he was unable to throw a touchdown pass during the contest — he more than made up for it on the ground boasting 20 carries for 155 yards and four touchdowns, rivaling Jayden Daniels‘ production in the process.

Of course, Milroe hasn’t been able to do it himself. Everyone on Alabama’s offense has improved immensely since losing to Texas during Week 2. Players like true freshman left tackle Kadyn Proctor, sophomore wideout Isaiah Bond and others have broken onto the scene as major players in Alabama’s offensive unit.

Next up for the Crimson Tide is an SEC road matchup against Kentucky. Alabama isn’t in any real jeopardy of losing this matchup — and Milroe and the Crimson Tide offense should have their way with the Wildcats’ defense. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET live on ESPN. Alabama enters the weekend as an 11-point betting favorite.