Nick Saban explains why he took moment to thank fans following win vs. Tennessee

Moments after Alabama notched a 34-20 against Tennessee on Saturday, Nick Saban jogged over to the student section. The Crimson Tide coach took a brief moment to wave to fans — his way of saying thank you for their support — before turning around and heading back to the locker room to meet his team.

It’s not often we see this type of gesture from Saban, but he felt it was necessary for the way the fans stayed involved all afternoon long. The coach explained why in his postgame press conference, heaping praise on them for keeping the energy high in the heated rivalry.

“I know how much it means to our fans. The rivalry of this game, Tennessee,” Saban said. “I also wanted to thank them because of what a great job they did. The impact that they had on the game, the atmosphere they had on the game.

“I think it kept the energy level up for our team and kept the momentum rolling in the second half for us. So it was fantastic and I wish I could thank each one of ’em personally.”

I don’t remember ever seeing him do this before

— Katie Windham (@katiewindham_) October 21, 2023

It was a packed house Bryant-Denny Stadium as Crimson Tide fans gathered eager to avenge last year’s loss to the Volunteers. Tennessee notched its first win in 15 years this past season in Knoxville, but had still not won in Tuscaloosa since 2003.

It will now have to wait another two years before getting another chance at snapping that record thanks to an all-around solid performance from Alabama. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe finished the game with 14-of-21 passing for 220 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Jase McClellan led the way on the ground with 115 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Thus, Alabama got to celebrate with the traditional postgame cigars after watching the Vols blow smoke last season. Nick Saban knows that the fans played a part in that, and made sure to give them their props.

With the win, the Crimson Tide improved to 7-1 (5-0 SEC) and will have a bye week before turning around for another rivalry against LSU on Nov. 4.

Nick Saban gives injury update on Terrion Arnold

Alabama rolled Tennessee in the second half, getting back to winning ways on the Third Saturday of October. A come-from-behind victory, Nick Saban watched his defense pitch a shutout in the second half. However, it was without starting cornerback Terrion Arnold, who was in street clothes coming out of halftime.

Following the game, Saban revealed Arnold suffered a concussion. He went through protocol but was not cleared and Alabama was not going to put him back on the field for safety reasons. Saban hopes Arnold will not be held out for too long.

“Terrion (Arnold) has a slight concussion,” Saban said during his postgame press conference. “He didn’t clear protocol, so the thing that you do is not play the guy for safety reasons. Hopefully, in a few days, he’ll clear.”