Alabama football is set to open SEC play this week against Ole Miss at Bryant-Denny Stadium. It’s a game that already has Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin playing mind games with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

Saban named Jalen Milroe Alabama’s starting quarterback for Saturday’s game during his Monday press conference. On Wednesday, he spoke to media members again for his final such availability before the game.

Here are the highlights from Saban’s press conference

— Saban says he’s looking forward to the Ole Miss game as a competitor. Says he’s expecting a great environment Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Says they’re working on getting players to the right place as far as mental intensity goes. Emphasizes intensity. Says Tide is pretty good when it does things correctly, but when that doesn’t happen, “we’re not so good.”

— Saban says Tyler Booker and Jaheim Oatis are both practicing. Says they haven’t had issues, they’re still day to day, but they are practicing.

— Saban says Jalen Milroe has had a good week of practice. Says the QB’s energy and effort have been excellent.

— Saban says Crimson Tide had more games to play younger players last year as an explanation for Tide having less freshman appearances this year. Says it’s good to not have to play freshman too early, but does like to see them grow.

— Says he’d like to see more running backs get involved. Praises Roydell Williams and Jase McClellan. Says Justice Haynes and Jam Miller will contribute and are ready to play.

— Says Ty Simpson has been getting most of the snaps with the second-team offense.

More: What Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin said about Alabama football QB Jalen Milroe