Everything Alabama Offensive Coordinator Nick Sheridan Said After Vanderbilt Loss

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan met with the media Monday in the Naylor Stone Media Room inside the University of Alabama’s Mal Moore Athletic Complex. Sheridan talked about the difficulty of playing the Vanderbilt Commodores as they shortened the game on Saturday. He talked about Alabama’s running backs and how Jalen Milroe reacted after an early interception.

Full transcription from Nick Sheridan:

On evaluating the offense in Vandy:

“The message to the players is that any time you don’t win, you haven’t done well enough. Our job as an offense is to score one more point than the opponent, and we haven’t. not done last Saturday and so, collectively, we’re very disappointed with that. We have to take advantage of the opportunities that we have and capitalize on those and we had more than enough opportunities to score more points, and we. We couldn’t do it. So there’s a lot of plays that you’re proud of, that the guys did a good job and executed, but we definitely couldn’t find a way to win the game.

On how game management was affected by the defense’s inability to get off the field:

“I think that’s our job, just take advantage of the opportunities that we have. And the possessions that we didn’t execute were very costly in the game. You can’t turn the football over. You have to turn over the field. when you’re down, and we weren’t able to do it in those moments, and that’s ultimately the difference in the game. And so, those are the areas where we need to do a better job, maintain the “execution throughout the game, and we are working tirelessly to resolve these issues.”

On what Vandy did to limit Jalen Milroe’s rushing ability:

“We didn’t run him as much. I would just say he had a touchdown in the red zone. And that’s just kind of how the game flowed. Some of the different things we did, the ball just went to other people, so that’s kind of how the game played out, and kind of the plays that we called and the plays that we were running, they weren’t necessarily designed so he could execute them that he passed there, and the others were off-schedule scramble type situations, so there weren’t many opportunities for him to show up and we didn’t. We didn’t call as many as we had during the game, but that’s kind of how the game went.

What made Geno VanDeMark play right guard in the game?

“I’m just echoing what I said earlier, any time you don’t win, nobody played well enough, nobody coached well enough. And I’m not specifically saying Geno, I just think that collectively, as a whole, you take responsibility. We will continue to put players into the game who deserve to play, who have earned it in training, to try to maximize the group. that, and that’s why we thought Geno deserved an opportunity to do it. “He played and he got in there, and like the rest of the group, he did some great things but obviously not good enough. “

What did you see after the defeat of your offensive leaders?

“Well, we’ll see tomorrow more precisely. Obviously we had the chance to be with the players yesterday and on the trip home. The first impressions were exceptional. I think it reveals their character, which is excellent And certainly, the week of preparation will give them the opportunity to lead in the way I know they will. I fully expect them to respond and continue to improve, to learn from. their mistakes and their mistakes, that they move forward and that they are excited to compete this Saturday.”

How did Jalen respond to pick 6?

“Well, I was in the box so obviously I didn’t see him face to face, but there was definitely communication and he was great. He was able to score 1-0 and go forward. It was The third play of the game, there was a lot of football left, I’m pretty sure we were able to respond and score a touchdown on the next drive if I remember correctly, he kept playing. to execute and do his job, so I did his job. I didn’t think it affected him at all.”

Time of possession and lack of success as a ball carrier?

“I think Saturday’s game was a little bit unique in that sense, in terms of running the football. We put ourselves in a hole early on. We caught up a little bit throughout the game, so we Didn’t have as many opportunities to run the football as maybe we expected, because I think there were times where we ran the ball well. Justice made some good runs. I think this is something that needs to be emphasized to be more effective in managing football, but I also know that you have to do whatever is necessary in a match to try to score points and win. and every game can go differently and that’s exactly how the game went on Saturday.

How do you rate Jam Miller and Judge Haynes?

“I think they’ve both been effective and very helpful in our offense and I know that will continue to be the case. It’s a long season. There’s still a lot of football left to be played. Obviously, they all have the two had some good moments and found the end zone and helped us, no doubt about that I also think they do a great job without the ball as well. Some of the perimeter runs they’re involved in have been outstanding. . and their visual discipline has been exceptional. They are two great players and their attitude has been excellent. Their work ethic has been excellent and I know that they will continue to improve and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. so we’re happy with where they are. Like I mentioned with everyone, no one has done well enough. So I know that everyone, not just these guys, every position, every coach knows. that we have to do better and find a way to win. . That’s kind of the message.

“I’ll just say you asked a question about time of possession, I didn’t answer that question. I think ultimately you want to have control of the game. You do that by executing and So I think part of the imbalance from that is the four possessions that we didn’t execute. That would have allowed us to have more opportunities, more plays and more. time of possession. I think at the end of the day you want to have control of the game. If you score quickly, that’s part of the problem. We’re not going to stop guys from doing that. short scoring streaks this season, which can sometimes tip the scales one way or the other, but I definitely think you’re one of them. I want to control the game and be able to execute it and get. the first tests.