Nick Saban understands his words carry weight.

That would explain the disclaimer he provided Saturday during ESPN’s “College GameDay.”

“There are going to be a bunch of Alabama folks that don’t like what I’m going to say here,” he started.

The conversation had turned to Auburn facing Cal later in the day. It is the second time the teams will meet in the past two seasons.

“I think (Auburn coach) Hugh Freeze is going to do an outstanding job,” Saban said. “I think they are going to be one of the most improved teams in the SEC.

“D.J. Durkin is a great addition for them as a defensive coordinator. I really think they are going to make a huge impact, especially with the explosive players they have added to their offense. They are someone that everyone is going to have to reckon with.”

The Tigers host the Golden Bears after winning 14-10 last season. The Tigers have brought in seven new receivers to help out quarterback Payton Thorne, who struggled in that game. It’s that fact that Saban pointed to.

“I think the big thing here at Auburn is Payton Thorne, who last year probably didn’t have a lot of confidence in his receivers,” Saban explained. “They have a much-improved receiver group. They made a lot of explosive plays last week. They are going to match up against Cal and their secondary. They had three interceptions last week.

“I think one of the keys of this game is going to be how can Cal’s secondary match up with Auburn’s skill players?”

The Tigers are coming off a 73-3 win over FCS Alabama A&M but get a bigger test now. Cal overcame a close first half to pull away 31-13 from UC-Davis in its opener.

Auburn receiver Sam Jackson V played quarterback for the Bears in that game, and Kirk Herbstreit said Auburn “is a surprise team in the SEC.”

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.