College Sports

TUSCALOOSA — The college football world can change quickly, and Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban knows this better than anyone. Last week he saw his team jump from No. 8 in the country to No. 2 after its victory against Georgia.

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Slideshow: Alabama vs. Kentucky View photos from the football game between Alabama vs. Kentucky.

Alabama (6-0, 3-0 SEC) stayed at No. 2 this week but lost eight first-place votes in the Associated Press poll — it has 13 total, down from 21 — and now sits 72 votes behind No. 1 Oklahoma.

Still, it's a spot that after six games has surprised Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. With the Tide's sterling performance through the first half of the season, the upcoming off week has come at a perfect time for Alabama. It's clear that after its emotional victory against Georgia and its lackluster outing against Wildcats, Alabama needs a break.

"There are plenty of things we need to work on in this bye week to try and improve our team," Saban said. "But I also think our team needs some rest right now. Our team has played at a very high intensity level and they've played with a lot of toughness and they should be commended for that."

Through the first six games of the season, Alabama has beat up its opponents with its powerful offensive and defensive lines. It has run the ball with success with four different running backs, and with Auburn's loss to Vanderbilt, finds itself dueling with LSU for first place in the SEC West.

But in the past two games, Alabama has let up to some degree. In the second half against Georgia, the Bulldogs outscored the Tide 30-10. Then Kentucky almost pulled off the comeback in the second half against the Tide by not allowing a touchdown in the final 30 minutes, eventually losing 17-14.

After its 14-0 start in the first quarter, Alabama appeared sluggish at times and made undisciplined penalties. On a drive near the end of the second quarter, the Tide was called for two offensive holding penalties, one by All-American left tackle Andre Smith, and another by right tackle Drew Davis.

Also, wide receiver Julio Jones was called for two pass interference penalties on long sideline throws by quarterback John Parker Wilson.

The Tide was penalized 10 times for 92 yards and committed three turnovers. That's uncharacteristic of a team that had disposed of its opponents through its controlled play.

"When you get satisfied, you lose your intensity, you lose your focus, you get more penalties, you miss more assignments, you don't finish things and you don't do things exactly right," Saban said. "(The penalties) didn't help any. I think it puts you behind in down and distance."

Alabama will not practice today, giving the Tide its first day off since preseason practice in August. One year ago, when asked about the off week, Saban said that it depends on the team's situation. That time, Alabama came out of its weeklong rest and almost beat then-No. 3 LSU, losing 41-34 on a late fumble.

The Crimson Tide stumbled from that point on, losing its final four regular season games before beating Colorado in the Independence Bowl.