Nick Saban provides update on WR Jermaine Burton following Alabama's victory over Kentucky

Nick Saban provided an update on Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton following the Crimson Tide’s victory over Kentucky in Week 11.

Burton missed Saturday’s victory due to an illness, but it wasn’t revealed until this morning that he’d miss the SEC clash. Afterwards, the Alabama leader elaborated on the wide receiver’s status, with the hope that it won’t be something that affects him long-term.

“We had more guys out today than probably ever before, with Ja’Corey Brooks and Jermaine Burton,” Saban explained. “Jermaine is just sick. I mean, he was so sick. He couldn’t even make the trip. Hopefully he’ll get better, and that won’t be a long-term thing.”

Prior to Week 11, Burton had amassed 537 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the Crimson Tide this season, and was the team’s leading receiver by over 100 yards.

Alabama has a slight reprieve next weekend with Chattanooga, but they’ll be back on the horse against Auburn and in the SEC title game. Jermaine Burton will probably be feeling better by then, at least Alabama fans will be hoping so.

Nick Saban discusses Alabama clinching the SEC West with win over Kentucky, Jalen Milroe’s performance

Moreover, Alabama locked up the SEC West once again and booked yet another trip to the SEC Championship game here in a couple weeks after beating Kentucky on the road. 

The Crimson Tide dominated from start to finish, scoring an opening drive touchdown before a scoop-and-scamper to the one-yard line by the Alabama defense set Jalen Milroe up to score his third touchdown of the day to take a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Ultimately, Kentucky never really fought back to make things competitive and the Tide rolled to a 49-21 victory in Lexington. 

With the win marking the completion of Alabama’s quest for the divisional title, Nick Saban said afterward was thrilled for his guys to experience the achievement, even if it’s a common one in Tuscaloosa. 

“Well, you know, no matter how many times you’ve done it before, you’re happy for the group of guys, what they’ve done, how they’ve improved, how they worked hard all year. I’m really proud of this group, man, I love this team. So hopefully, we just keep learning and getting better and get an opportunity to play for the SEC championship.”

As mentioned, Milroe was superb yet again. He scored the first three touchdowns and also the next three, finishing with three passing scores and three rushing scores before handing the keys to the B-team towards the end of the ball game. Saban had nothing but praise for the continued development of his QB. 

“He’s done a great job, you know. He stayed very positive about what he needed to learn to improve and grow and get better and learned how to play the next play, and he’s done a fantastic job for us. I think the team has a lot of confidence in him, he’s become a leader, he’s given us an opportunity where we want to go.”

On3’s Alex Weber contributed to this article.