Alabama football defeated Ole Miss, 24-10, in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Both teams opened Southeastern Conference play on Saturday and a strong defensive effort by the Tide led to the Rebels’ first defeat of the season. Meanwhile, in his first game as Alabama’s unchallenged starting quarterback, Jalen Milroe stepped up in the second half to lead a Tide rally.

Here’s what Nick Saban told the media postgame.

–”We told the players we believe on the team. … But there’s a responsibility that goes with that belief.

“We played hard, guys competed, played really physical, dominated the line of scrimmage. … I was really proud.”

–Saban noted the “drive killers” like UA’s fifth touchdown getting called back due to a penalty and the bad snap that stopped an Alabama drive that started on the 1-yard line.

— “I thought Jalen played really, really well,” Saban said. He explained the similar defensive concept that UA does that Ole Miss defensive coordinator deployed for Milroe’s interception.

RELATED: 3 takeaways from Alabama’s 24-10 statement SEC win over Ole Miss

This post will be updated.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].