SECMD16: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri take Day 3

As the 2016 SEC Media Days entered their back half, all eyes were on Alabama and Nick Saban's take on a variety of issues. Representatives from Arkansas, Kentucky and Missouri closed out the day with comments on the offseason and their respective programs.

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Top quotes from Day 3 of SEC Media Days 2016:

Alabama HC Nick Saban on implementing some hurry-up no-huddle, which he wholeheartedly disagreed with teams running at Media Days two years ago…

“That was something that we did philosophically because of the issues that it created for us, you know, defensively. And it was the rule. You know, just like I don't necessarily agree with the illegal man downfield rule and a guy should be able to go seven yards downfield on a pass play, I don't agree with that, but it is a part of our game. It is the rule. So, for us to not use those plays is a disadvantage for us.

"So, even though we may not philosophically agree that this is the way football was meant to be played or should be played, if it creates issues for the other team and for the defense, and pace of play has been something that I think has done that, so have all of these run pass option plays that people run, then we need to use those things, too, or we're creating a disadvantage for ourselves.

"It's been a work in progress for us to learn how to do that because we do not have an offensive coach on our staff that came from that background, came from that hurry-up, no-huddle offense. I think our coaching staff, including Lane, has done a fantastic job sort of developing a system that has been very effective for us in terms of what we've been able to do. So, it's the issues and problems that it creates that made us move in that direction, and that's what we will continue to do.”

Alabama TE O.J. Howard on ‘Bama fans flocking to SEC Media Days…

“Our fans arrived in the morning. That’s just an example of how they’re going to be in the fall when the season comes around. The fans are always traveling with us. They show great support. This isn’t even half of our fans. I can only imagine what it’s like when fall rolls around.

"It was kind of like, ‘Wow, these fans are just here for Media Days. Imagine what they do for an actual game.’ It wasn’t nerve-racking. It was just shock seeing all the people coming for Media Days.”

Alabama S Eddie Jackson on new DC Jeremy Pruitt…

“Coach Pruitt is a great coach. We love Coach Pruitt. He’s the type of guy who is going to get on top of you. If you’re doing something wrong, he’s not going to kiss your butt, he is going to let you know. But he also is going to let you know when you are doing something good, the things you can fix to become a better player.”

Arkansas HC Bret Bielema on hearing the news the Arkansas-Michigan game had gotten cancelled…

“I was in Europe with my wife. We were on a train headed to Paris. My wife said, ‘Hey, there's something about — on the Internet about a Big Ten team canceling with an SEC team.’ I said, ‘I don't know anything about it.’ She said, ‘Really? Your picture's right here.’ And so I read the article and realize we've been canceled.

"And, you know, a lot goes into it. I get it. I understand how the SEC — I'm sorry, the Michigan-Notre Dame thing — sounds sexy to everybody else, but I think Michigan and Arkansas sounds sexy.”

Bielema on what he felt was a bad call two years ago in the A&M-Arkansas game that may have cost the Razorbacks the game…

“Two years ago, J-Will (Jonathan Williams) broke a run that we went up by, would have been 21. But we had an unfortunate tripping call called, which was a marvelous call for Steve Shaw (SEC Director of Officiating) and his staff. First tripping call I've ever seen in college football but it was a good call, and we deserved it.

"But it did kind of change the momentum of the game and brought it back. I hope there's a moratorium on complaining about ref'ing but that will just … well …”

“Summy, last year, when we got done with the game and we're walking across to shake hands, he said, ‘I don't know what to say.’ I said, ‘Don't say anything, I might punch you.’ But it's just one of those … it's a great rivalry.”