Brian Kelly press conference begins with a special message for Nick Saban

LSU‘s coach has been loose and fun in his last couple press conferences, with the Tigers sitting at 6-2 and heading into a showdown with No. 6 Alabama for the top spot in the SEC West. On Monday, Brian Kelly‘s press conference began with a special shoutout to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.

Kelly first joked with the local reporters present, chiding them over not wearing Halloween costumes, before tipping his cap to Saban.

“It’s a big day, as you know. It’s Nick Saban’s birthday, so I want to wish him a happy birthday to start this off,” Kelly said. “Maybe that’ll soften things up a little bit.

“You can always start a press conference by throwing a little happy birthday wish out to your opposing coach.”

While his birthday wishes from the Brian Kelly press conference are unlikely to soften Saban’s defense, the Crimson Tide enter this week trying to nurse a few key defensive linemen back to health after they missed the team’s win over Mississippi State eight days ago.

The possible return of defensive tackles DJ Dale and Jaheim Oatis will bear monitoring this week, as they could be instrumental in helping slow down a Tigers’ rushing attack that has been quite potent of late.

Jayden Daniels powering LSU ground game

The Brian Kelly press conference touched on a number of issues on Monday, but one of the key matchups will be LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels against the Alabama front seven.

Daniels and the Tigers have really settled into a groove of late, even after several injuries on the offensive line this year for LSU.

The Arizona State transfer has recorded 165 yards rushing and six touchdowns in the previous two games, proving an absolute nightmare for both Florida and Ole Miss in the red zone.

He’ll be a key factor on Saturday.

Alabama and LSU are slated for 7 p.m. ET kickoff with a broadcast on ESPN. The game will be played in Baton Rouge, La.