SEC Nation announces Week 12 destination

SEC Nation, the SEC Network’s flagship traveling show, announced its Week 12 destination on Saturday. After holding their Week 11 show in Knoxville, Tennessee for the Volunteers’ game vs. No. 1 Georgia, SEC Nation will be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama next Saturday ahead of No. 2 Alabama’s matchup with No. 25 Arkansas.

SEC Nation will bring show host and ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum to Tuscaloosa, along with Laura Rutledge, Tim Tebow, Jordan Rodgers and Roman Harper – who played at Alabama. Marty Smith and Ryan McGee will also hold their “Marty & McGee” show prior to SEC Nation.

NEXT STOP: ALABAMA 🐘 🏈#MartyAndMcGee and #SECNation are headed to Tuscaloosa! @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/tFe25XvzVz

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 13, 2021

The matchup between Alabama and Arkansas will mark the 32nd all-time meeting, with the Crimson Tide leading the series 24-7. Alabama has won 14 straight against the Razorbacks, with its last loss being a 24-23 double overtime setback on Sept. 23, 2006.

Nick Saban addresses how he expects Alabama’s defense to improve moving forward

Nick Saban watched his defense have arguably their best performance of the season last weekend against LSU. With a reprieve this weekend against New Mexico State, Saban mentioned how he’s looking for his defense to improve over the rest of the year.

“I think we’ve made some progress,” Saban stated on this week’s SEC coaches teleconference. “But I also think that consistency — not making mental errors, giving up big plays is something we’ve worked hard to overcome. I think we’re making progress in that regard.

“It’s a work in-progress. We got to continue to do that. Play each play, focus and everyone do their job.”

Saban’s defense has been much improved since their loss to Texas A&M. While Tennessee got off to a hot start, the Crimson Tide quickly doused their fire. Afterwards, Will Anderson and company took care of business against LSU — stopping their bid for a monumental upset.

After New Mexico State, Alabama has Arkansas and Auburn before a potential showdown with Georgia. Nick Saban will need his defense firing on all cylinders by then.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.