Alabama coach Nick Saban will be looking Saturday for the players he'll focus on to prepare for the Sept. 4 opener against San Jose State.
His defense will just be looking to improve.
A week after the offense compiled almost 700 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in a scrimmage designed to be pass-oriented, the Crimson Tide returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the second scrimmage of the preseason.
"They've improved this week," center William Vlachos said of the defense, "and we just kind of want to pick up where we left off."
Saban wants today's scrimmage to "probably be a little more game-like for a while," and also include situational drills.
"We still want to let the players play," he said. "We want to see who can go out there and play at a higher level in terms of taking their knowledge, experience, ability to adjust and adapt, still play hard and play effective winning football. We're still looking for a number of guys at a number of positions to find out who we're going to coach for this season."
The workout, per Saban's usual wishes, is closed to the general public and media, although booster-club members are expected to be able to attend.
PICKING IT UP: Tight end Michael Williams said the intensity and pace of practice has increased since veterans such as quarterback Greg McElroy and linebacker Dont'a Hightower addressed a team-only meeting after practice Monday morning.
Tempo has been an issue this preseason for Saban, who has spoken many times about the team lacking a sense of urgency during drills.
"It has picked up a lot," Williams said. "When you get in camp, you get lackadaisical. It's just you keep going and going and before you know it, you're 12 or 13 days in and start feeling your body wearing down. But our veterans, they stepped in and did a good job of telling everybody what the purpose of this team is, and it picked up."
MAKING A MOVE: Judging by practice groupings, sophomore walk-on Will Lowery continues to be in the mix for playing time in the secondary.
Although Lowery is listed as only 5-feet-9 and 188 pounds, he has earned teammates' respect to this point.
"A feisty little man," Williams said. "Most people look at him and probably think they've got an advantage, but I can promise you they don't. His technique is outstanding, and you have to be technically sound in the secondary."
INJURY REPORT: Defensive end Undra Billingsley (ankle) was back at practice Friday, while cornerback DeMarcus Milliner (ankle) and running back Blake Sims (dislocated toe) remained out of action. Therefore, it is doubtful Milliner and Sims will be used in Saturday's scrimmage.
BACK INDOORS: Saban moved Alabama's practice into the air-conditioned indoor practice facility again Friday, making the third time this preseason he has done so to avoid the heat.
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