Nick Saban talks injuries, Alabama's win and Ole Miss game

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Although they aren't expected to practice later Monday, Nick Saban said he's hopeful of having both linebacker Terrell Lewis and nose tackle D.J. Dale back for this week's game against Ole Miss.

The coach added that he thought both with practice Tuesday. Lewis (knee) didn't play against Southern Miss and Dale (ankle/foot) left the game early.

The outlook for kicker Will Reichard isn't optimistic: "I think he may be a little more day-to-day and a little more questionable," Saban said.

Saban called Alabama's win against Southern Miss the Crimson TIde's most complete game yet this season, and Ole Miss arguably the toughest team it's faced this season.

As for guard Deionte Brown, who completed his six-game suspension, Saban said now has the same opportunity to earn playing time as anyone else.

"He has to beat someone out," he said.

The coaching staff also named its players of the week for the 49-7 victory over Southern Miss: Najee Harris, Henry Ruggs III and Jedrick Wills Jr. on offense; Anfernee Jennings and Xavier McKinney on defense; and Slade Bolden, Jaylen Moody and Ruggs on special teams.

OFFENSE

Najee Harris

Led all Tide backs with 14 carries for a season-high 114 yards on the ground
Added a five-yard touchdown reception for Alabama’s third touchdown of the day
Averaged 7.9 yards per carry with half of his rushes resulting in a first down or touchdown for UA

Henry Ruggs III

Finished with a career-high and team-best 148 yards on just four receptions
Matched the team-high mark with two touchdown catches, a total that tied the junior’s previous career best
The two touchdowns moved him into third place on Alabama’s career touchdown receptions list with 21, just one behind Jerry Jeudy and 10 behind the program’s all-time leader, Amari Cooper (2012-14)

Jedrick Wills Jr.

Turned in his most consistent performance of the season, playing 50 snaps without a sack, hurry or pressure on Tua Tagovailoa
Missed only one assignment on 50 snaps with the junior’s efforts helping the Crimson Tide roll up 514 yards of total offense on the day

DEFENSE

Anfernee Jennings

Registered five tackles, including a sack (-14 yards) to go with one pass breakup
The sack added to the redshirt senior’s team-leading sack total of three (-27 yards)
His efforts helped the Alabama defense limit the Golden Eagles to only 226 yards of total offense

Xavier McKinney

Tied with Jennings for third on the team in tackles, totaling five stops from his starting safety spot
The junior’s efforts in the defensive backfield forced the USM quarterback into a 17-of-26 afternoon that included an interception and resulted in just 174 yards passing

SPECIAL TEAMS

Slade Bolden

The redshirt freshman earned special teams recognition for a second straight week thanks in part to his tackle on kickoff coverage

Jaylen Moody

Combined for two tackles on kickoff coverage to put the sophomore ahead of all special teamers in that category

Henry Ruggs III

Recorded two tackles on special teams with one stop on punt coverage and one on kickoff

Alabama didn't have anyone named a player of the week by the Southeastern Conference.