Saban Hoping for Stronger Start Against New Mexico State

Despite blowing out Duke 42-7 last weekend, Alabama head coach Nick Saban wasn’t satisfied with his team’s start but did like how his team fought the entire game. Even though the Crimson Tide went scoreless in the first quarter, they finished with 512 yards of total offense while controlling the tempo as they held the football for over 36 minutes.

Finishing last season sixth in the nation in yards per game and third in points per game, Alabama seems to have picked up right where it left off.

Saban Looks to Keep Winning Streaks Going

The team’s home opener is this Saturday as the Crimson Tide hosts New Mexico State at 3:00 p.m. for the first ever meeting between the two schools. Saban will look to keep his home opening record unblemished as he is a perfect 12-0 in the first home game of the season since becoming head coach while Alabama football hasn’t lost a home opener in 17 years. Equally impressive is the Crimson Tide’s streak of 83 victories in a row against unranked opponents.

Aggies on the Rebound

New Mexico State comes in to Tuscaloosa looking to end a three game skid that dates back to last season. The Aggies fell to No. 22 Washington State 58-7 last week. They’ll be seeing a lot of crimson on the field as well as in the stands.

🔴⚪️ LIGHT ⚪️🔴
⚪️🔴 ’EM 🔴⚪️
🔴⚪️ UP! ⚪️🔴#RollTide pic.twitter.com/QhDOTA35A7

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) August 16, 2019

Saban said his team can’t afford another slow start against a New Mexico State team that returns a lot of talent from last season and isn’t afraid to sling the ball downfield.

Starting QB Josh Adkins threw the ball 42 times in the season opening game, suggesting the Aggies will lean on the passing game. However, Alabama allowed only 97 passing yards against Duke while intercepting the ball twice. This should be a good test for a young defense before the Crimson Tide begin SEC play next weekend on the road against South Carolina.