TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --Alabama coach Nick Saban said after defeating Arkansas, 24-21, on Saturday that it's great to get a win in the SEC «relative to how we progressed» from a rocky start to the season, including a Week 2 loss at home to Texas.
But to say that Saban was pleased with the outcome of the game would miss the mark. Alabama started out slow, spotting Arkansas a 6-0 lead in the first quarter.
Then, after scoring 24 unanswered points and taking control of the game, the Crimson Tide let their foot off the gas, giving up back-to-back touchdowns to make it a one score game late. «Hopefully we can learn how to beat the other team,» Saban said. «Not just win the game, beat the other team.» Saban cited poor execution on both sides of the ball.
Penalties, especially on offense, he said «put us behind the eight-ball.» A frustrated Saban singled out a face mask penalty that contributed to an Arkansas touchdown.