Defense stands out in second Alabama scrimmage

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban’s message after the first scrimmage was clear: The tackling was poor.

After the Crimson Tide’s second and final scrimmage Saturday afternoon, Saban had a little bit different message.

“Last time, we talked about the focus being on improvements. I think we made some improvements,” Saban said. “I think we tackled a little better on defense today. We didn’t give up as many explosive plays. We were in better position to make plays. We got some turnovers. I think we made less mental errors.”

Javier Arenas intercepted a John Parker Wilson pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. Wallace Gilberry had three sacks and four tackles for a loss and Marcel Stamps led the team with nine tackles. Simeon Castille also had an interception.

Obviously, with the defense improving its play Saturday, Saban didn’t have the same glowing remarks for the offense that he had after the first scrimmage. He cited the offense’s weary legs as a reason for the inconsistency.

“Offensively, we played OK,” Saban said. “We didn’t dominate like I would like to see us dominate in terms of dominating the line of scrimmage with the offensive line. They’ve done a real good job all fall camp, and I think we’ve got a lot of leg-weary guys right now.”

Saban said he was impressed with the way Wilson managed the offense, despite his two interceptions. Wilson completed 18 of 32 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns.

Freshman running back Terry Grant continued his solid play with six carries for 68 yards. Grant also was on the receiving end of a 71-yard touchdown pass.

Matt Caddell led all receivers with four catches for 49 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown grab. DJ Hall, Earl Alexander and Nick Walker each hauled in three passes. Walker caught a 1-yard touchdown pass.

With two scrimmages and two different results, Saban maintained that consistency is still a hurdle for the Tide.

“We need to have more guys that can play with a consistent level of intensity and a sense of urgency relative to what it takes to play winning football all the time,” Saban said. “That’s football team-wide.”

Christensen listed day-to-day with quadricep injury

Senior kicker Jamie Christensen wore a black jersey for Saturday’s scrimmage after straining his quadriceps. Saban said Christensen was listed as day-to-day.

Saban also had positive comments for Leigh Tiffin, who started three games last season for Alabama as Christensen recovered from a groin injury. He boomed a 54-yard field goal in the first scrimmage and missed a 57-yarder wide right during Saturday’s scrimmage.

Tiffin made five of his seven field goal attempts Saturday. He was good from 26, 37, 39, 44 and 49 yards.

“Leigh Tiffin has done a really good job this entire camp,” Saban said. “He’s done a real good job for us, and we have a lot of faith, trust and confidence in him.”

Freshman defensive tackle Brian Motley underwent surgery to repair a hand injury. Saban said he should be able to practice in less than a week and would be able to play with a cast on.

Junior offensive lineman Cody Davis was also in a black jersey Saturday.