The Monday after beating Michigan 41-14, Alabama got right back to it, beginning preparation for its home opener Saturday against Western Kentucky.
“They do a great job in terms of putting a lot of pressure on you,” head coach Nick Saban said of the Hilltoppers. “Their defense really pressures the offense a lot. Offensively, they do a lot of formations, a lot of shifts, a lot of motions—lots of things to try to outflank you in a lot of different ways.”
It was muggy and about 86 degrees at the start of the Tide’s practice. But about 10 minutes in, the winds changed, cooled off, and raindrops started to fall. Here are some observations form the media viewing period before the team headed inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility for the remainder of practice:
-True freshman linebacker Reggie Ragland, who sprained his ankle against Michigan Saturday, was the only injured player in a black no-contact jersey. Saban said at his press conference earlier Monday that noseguard Jesse Williams (concussion) and linebackers Tana Patrick (undisclosed) and Trey DePriest (ankle) would be limited this week, but they were dressed out today.
-Safety Robert Lester, who missed part of the second half Saturday with a shoulder stinger, practiced and was first in line in all defensive back drills. He looked fine.
-Wide receiver Amari Cooper, who missed much of last week with a foot injury, was practicing today. He had one catch for 15 yards against UM.
-Eddie Lacy still has his ankle heavily taped, but he looked fine working with running backs Jalston Fowler, Dee Hart, T.J. Yeldon, Kenyan Drake, etc. today. Video below:
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