Nick Saban addressed the media Monday as Alabama begins preparations for its game at Tennessee this Saturday.

Here is a summary of what he said:

-- Saban said Alabama took a step forward in the victory over Missouri. Still, Saban lamented the performance in the red zone, noting the Tide only scored three touchdowns in seven tries.

-- Saban said receiver DeVonta Smith is most questionable because of his hamstring injury. He said the plan is to take him day-to-day.

-- Saban met with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey to discuss Raekwon Davis' actions in the Missouri game, when he was spotted throwing punches at a Tigers lineman. Saban indicated Davis' playing time will be affected going forward and that discipline will be handed internally.

-- Saban indicated quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (knee sprain) is fine and that as long as the medical staff continues to clear him he will be made available to practice. Earlier, Saban seemed to hint at speculation about the severity of Tagovailoa's injury and objected to the notion the quarterback was in worse shape than Alabama was letting on.

-- Saban said Shyheim Carter is more comfortable playing his role now that he is working primarily at Star.

-- Saban complimented Jeremy Pruitt and said Tennessee is as well-coached a team as Alabama has played all season.

Rainer Sabin is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @RainerSabin