Alabama’s Nick Saban rages after special teams mistake

There are few things that will upset Alabama head Nick Saban more than mental mistakes. 

In the first half against No. 6 Tennessee, Alabama made more than a few, being penalized nine times for 71 yards. Seven of those penalties coming in the first quarter. 

With just under 13:00 minutes remaining in the second quarter, Alabama finally forced a stop of the Tennessee offense after the Vols had scored touchdowns on its first three possessions. 

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Tennessee punted from inside its own territory, but Alabama junior Quandarrius Robinson inexplicably tried to pick up a bouncing ball with defenders all around him, allowing Tennessee to recover at the Crimson Tide’s 40-yard line. 

And Saban did not take kindly to the mental error. 

Alabama has allowed its most points of the season – in the first half – as Tennessee entered halftime up 28-20. 

“We played about as bad as we could play in the first half, especially on defense,” Saban told CBS at halftime, according to AL.com “A lot of penalties. A bad error on special teams to basically give them a score.”

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is 12-16 for 166 yards and two touchdowns, while the Tennessee rushing attack has gained 81 yards, getting into the end zone twice.

Tennessee is attempting to beat Saban for the first time since he arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007. In 15 tries, the Vols are 0-15 against Saban, last winning in 2006. 

The Vols are off to their best start since 2016, led by an offense that is No. 1 in the country in yards per game (547.8), No. 7 in passing yards per game (340.4), and are No. 2 in the country in points per game (48.8).