At the heels of playing a top-25 opponent in a hostile environment, The University of Alabama Crimson Tide is not looking ahead of the North Texas Mean Green. The last time Alabama played against North Texas, also in Tuscaloosa, the Tide routed them 53-7 in what was essentially a glorified scrimmage.

Still, players said the team wouldn’t take anything for granted in what they feel is an underrated North Texas team.

“We look at all the teams as equally challenging,” said sophomore wide receiver Kevin Norwood. “We got a challenge ahead of us every week, so we just go out and play our best.”

Senior center William Vlachos also said his team didn’t have any issues trying to stay focused against North Texas and that it would continue playing up to it’s own standards.

“It really is about us,” Vlachos said. “It really is. At practice, we gotta do what we do and focus on getting better, and that’s all that really matters.”

For junior tight end Michael Williams, it’s not hard for any team that is trying to stay focused, especially when you have a coach like Saban keeping you focused during practice.

“So no team has been overlooked, and it’s not hard nowhere for anybody to think they’re better than this or too good to do this,” Williams said. “Because with a coach like Coach Saban, it’s not gonna happen anyway.”

Team ready to have Hanks back

After a two-game hiatus, senior receiver Darius Hanks will make his premiere Saturday against the North Texas Mean Green. As Alabama continues to find its identity on offense, his presence on the field can only elevate his team’s play, especially since it’s still uncertain if Duron Carter will be able to take the field this week.

“[His return] does a lot,” Vlachos said. “He’s a guy that’s been around a long time. Explosive player. I think most of all he kind of brings a leadership to the offense.

“He’s always vocal. No matter how many routes he has to run in practice he always has a good attitude, he’s always a vocal leader for our offense. So it’s gonna be big for him.”

Apart from the level of talent that Hanks himself brings back to the offense, his presence should also help the ongoing growth of quarterbacks AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims.

“I mean, confidence wise, I would say that it helps both of them because they had them all during the spring, all through summer, all during fall camp,” Williams said. “So, I think their confidence level will be even higher than what it already is, and it’s already up there.”

Still, Hanks’ return will surely help both quarterbacks in their development on the field against a North Texas defense that was recently scorched by Case Keenum of the Houston Cougars.

“I’m sure it’s devastating for him not to be able to come out and join the team and be a receiver,” Norwood said. “He’s going to have a big impact. He’s an important receiver for this offense.”

Carter update

Duron Carter is still practicing with the team, although there is no word on whether he will be able to take the field for this first time Saturday against North Texas.