His answer was short and sweet.

Two words were all that were needed when Nick Saban was asked what his favorite cake is.

Yes, when it comes to SEC media days, nothing is out of bounds. The Alabama coach talked about his trip to Italy and how he tried to get out of it. He was even asked about the viral video which saw him boxing a virtual reality opponent.

Of course, there was football talk.

Offensive lineman JC Latham made some strong comments Wednesday about the Tide being disrespected, and Saban responded, coining the phrase “negative rat poison,” while admitting Latham’s statement was true.

But cake?

What gives?

Saban talked about a lack of experience on this year’s roster, including at quarterback, while losing talent early to the NFL Draft. So, he made an analogy to Grandma Saban and cake.

“Our team seems to be pretty hungry this year and motivated, like all teams, we probably have some issues that are created by graduations and people leaving the program,” he said. “Obviously, the No. 1 thing that people are most interested in is the quarterback. We had a great quarterback, won a Heisman trophy. Bryce (Young) did a fantastic job for us.

“So, we have three guys that are competing for that position right now. All of those players are getting better, and it’s important for us that all those players get better. I don’t think anybody has actually separated themselves yet to this with the, and I don’t think it’s something that we are trying to rush.”

Here comes that analogy.

“I used the analogy earlier, Grandma Saban used to bake the best cakes in the world, and I used to stand by the oven when I was a kid and say, “When is this cake going to be done? When is this cake going to be done?

“She said, ‘If I don’t let it go through and take it out of the oven too soon, it will turn to mush and it won’t be a really good cake.’”

“So, I think we have to sort of let this develop and make sure we let the cake bake until somebody separates themselves and all the players are working hard. They all have a good attitude. They are all competing well.”

And, by the way, Saban’s favorite cake?

“Carrot cake, that’s easy.”

Short and sweet.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.