[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA - Somewhere deep in the euphoria that followed the University of Alabama's first win of the season, mixed in the afterglow of the debut of coach Nick Saban, was a snippet of realism.

It was Saban himself who delivered it.

The Crimson Tide defense had held overmatched Western Carolina to just six points. It had provided several SportsCenter moments, including when linebackers Darren Mustin and Rolando McClain hit Catamounts running back Willie Harper so hard his helmet popped off.

Yet along with a sun shower of praise was this rainstorm on the hit parade: "I think we're soft at the point (of attack) sometimes," Saban said.

On Monday, Saban explained. Being physical is one thing, but dominating an offensive line is another. Refusing to receive the brunt of an opponent's blow, and doing it every play, is the expectation.

"We try to attack the offense," Saban said. "There were times in the game where we kind of caught the blocks, instead of attacking the blocks. We'll work hard to improve on it. We just have to play a little more physical."

With Saturday's SEC game at Vanderbilt, and the Tide playing a young and inexperienced defense that has six new starters, there is plenty of work ahead.

Defense on the mind- al.com

[Stoney]

Saban is smart for reeling in the players before they get a big head. They could win by a hundred and he would still gouge thier pride by pointing out the mistakes. That is what great coaches do.