Alabama Football returns to SEC play this week, traveling to Oklahoma for a game he must win to staying alive in the college football playoff race. The Sooners have struggled in their first season in the SEC and enter the game 5-5 overall, 1-5 in conference.

Oklahoma had a bye week before Saturday’s game, while Alabama played its annual FCS game, eliminating Mercer. Saturday’s game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT in Norman and will be broadcast on ABC.

On Monday, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer, along with coordinators Nick Sheridan and Kane Wommack spoke with local reporters. Here are highlights from the press conference.

— Sheridan is first. He asked about the backup quarterbacks who played Saturday. Sheridan says they all did well and the shots were invaluable to their growth and development.

— The question is about what makes Jalen Milroe’s skillset so dangerous. Sheridan says he has a unique talent, with his arm talent and ability to pass the ball. According to Milroe, the work he has done throughout his career must be recognized.

– Sheridan is asked what stands out about Oklahoma’s defense. He compliments the tenacity and effort of the Sooners show. Said he respects OU players and staff.

— The question is about playing in a road environment. Sheridan says Alabama will draw on past experiences to help them manage the road trip.

— The question concerns some of the Alabama receivers who arrived Saturday. Sheridan praises the group, especially Rico Scott and Caleb Odom. He says the Tide’s young receivers have worked extremely hard. He said the UA coaching staff was encouraged by the performance.

— Sheridan says Richard Young has done well throughout the season. He praises his effort in the Mercer game and says Young is well-liked by his coaches and teammates.

— The question concerns center Parker Brailsford. Sheridan says Brailsford’s strength helps him overcome his lack of size. Indicates body control and balance as other positive traits held by the center.

— Sheridan is asked about pass protection. He says that while he didn’t award a sack, there were times Saturday that he wasn’t particularly happy with. He says it’s a job for all 11 players on the field, and notes things the team can do to keep the defense from getting stuck in the pass rush.

— The question concerns Caleb Odom. Sheridan praised his work ethic and said he could learn from a missed deep pass in the Mercer game. According to him, Odom “has excellent football in front of him”.

— This ends Sheridan’s game. Kane Wommack is next.

– Wommack starts by saying it was good to have some of the younger Tide players in the game. He said the group gave up too many yards in the first half, but improved in the second half, even with substitutes in the match.

–Says Alabama does a good job taking the ball away from teams. He said he was encouraged to watch the film, seeing how many times UA players tried to create turnovers.

— Says Norman will be an exciting environment to play in. Says Oklahoma is fighting hard, despite struggles this season. He praises the skills of OU quarterback Jackson Arnold.

– Wommack is asked what he did to get Alabama to create takeout. Said Alabama has six different drills to emphasize creating turnovers, and sometimes has stretches in practice where it only tries to take the ball away, not worrying about tackling.

— The question concerns Bray Hubbard. Wommack said Hubbard’s preparation level didn’t change, the freshman was extremely locked in so he was ready to take on the opportunity.

— Wommack is asked about his relationship with Jalen Milroe. He says Milroe has a “gravitational pull” with the way he carries himself. He says he enjoys being around Milroe and jokes that the quarterback and the kicker are the defensive coordinator’s two best friends.

-The question is about the Tide pass rush and how they can exploit Oklahoma. He says Alabama has had success in this area by creating multiple looks upfront, something it will continue to do. He says the goal is to try to create as many one-on-one matchups as possible.

– Asked about the transition from head coaching position at South Alabama to his current role in DC. He says it’s a very different role and that he trusted Kalen DeBoer completely when he made this choice. Praises DeBoer’s consistency and support of assistants, which helped Wommack feel like he could do his job better.

— Wommack is asked about Qua Russaw’s interception on Saturday. Says Russaw is growing as a player on the edge. He said the interception came because the defense executed well, and Russaw is doing a good job staying “relentless in his process” and playing better as the season goes on.

— Wommack says Yhonzae Pierre is taking positive steps. He says it’s fun to watch young players mature over the course of a season. He notes that the Tide’s young talent is paying attention to some of the older UA starters.

— DeBoer will come next.

— DeBoer said he was pleased with his team’s focus heading into the game against Mercer. Said older players appreciate being able to give younger players time on the court during a lopsided victory.

— Says the Oklahoma game is a chance for Alabama to prove itself once again. He says it will take a good week of preparation.

— DeBoer is asked about special teams coordinator Jay Nunez, who came from Oklahoma this offseason. He says he has never worked with Nunez before, but they have worked at the same locations. Says Nunez is “a very good football coach” and notes special teams coordinator touches almost every player on roster.

— The question concerns Tuscaloosa locals William Sanders and Kevin Riley, who first played against Mercer. DeBoer says he is excited about the future of both players. He praises Sanders’ attitude and personality. He says Riley is explosive and he’s learning from former Crimson Tide running backs.

— DeBoer is asked about the possibility of bringing Alabama players on the field against Mercer. He says he’s proud that Alabama’s regular players understand how hard casual players and underclassmen work. He says these moments bring the team closer together.

– The question is whether DeBoer was able to predict Wommack’s success in turnovers for the Alabama defense. DeBoer says he saw the same thing at Indiana, and Wommack is very good at adapting throughout games and seasons. Said Wommack did a good job creating defensive personnel unity.

— DeBoer is asked how he encouraged Milroe to embrace both the passing and running elements of his game. He says it all comes down to what the team needs to do to run. Says Milroe has done a good job lately trusting his teammates on offense and understanding what the Tide needs from him to win.

— The question concerns the status of Keon Sabb. This implies that Sabb is probably done for the year. He says they are expecting him for next season.

— DeBoer says Alabama is learning from its past experiences playing in tough road environments.

— DeBoer is asked about the outside noise when it comes to making the SEC Championship and CFP. Says Alabama needs to focus on what it needs to do to succeed. Said the Tide players have a good understanding of what they need to do on a weekly basis.

— The question is about what leads to success in November. DeBoer says it comes down to the fact that teams always get better throughout the year. He says it’s important to have a season program that keeps the team strong.

— DeBoer is asked about his consistency. He says he doesn’t know if he picked it up from somewhere, but he’s never been overcome with emotion since he was playing. He says that’s what people expect from him as a leader. He says if he can show consistency, it will hopefully trickle down to his staff and team.