[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA -- Perhaps the worst mistake an Alabama defensive player can make is telling coach Nick Saban, "I didn't get the call."

"That's like an eruption," Saban said. "Don't tell me you didn't get it, because you're responsible to get it. We're really, really adamant about communication, because when you don't have it, you have busts."

Effort wasn't a problem for Alabama's defense in Saturday night's 52-6 drubbing of Western Carolina. However, communication in Saban's multi-faceted 3-4 scheme remains, for now, a work in progress.

"We'll be able to practice it more and everybody will be more familiar with the calls," cornerback Simeon Castille said. "Everybody won't be having to ask, 'What's the play? What's this mean? What's that mean?'"

Few expected defense this year to be easy for Alabama, which lost six starters off last season's 6-7 team. Four Tide defensive players -- cornerback Kareen Jackson, linebacker Rolando McClain, linebacker Darren Mustin and nose tackle Lorenzo Washington -- made their first career starts Saturday night.

Saban has enjoyed defensive success at nearly every coaching stop. The system he brought to the Crimson Tide has a playbook roughly the size of a science textbook, players have said.

If he has backed off his usual tactics, he isn't claiming it.

Saban's message loud, clear- al.com

[Stoney]

The good news is he is getting some underclassmen good playing time so there won't be a huge dropoff in experience should an injury occur. Note to Prince Hall time to make something happen your spot may be in jeopardy.