Punting hasn't been a concern at Alabama in recent years.

While there have been a few adventures in place kicking, the non-scoring transfer of possession has been among its greatest strengths.

Now, with two-time Ray Guy Award finalist JK Scott a Green Bay Packer, things have slipped a bit. True freshman Skyler DeLong has punted it 15 times for an average of 35.9 yards per attempt.

"The things about Skyler is he's been a lot better in practice and done a good job in practice and actually had a really good week in practice last week," Saban said. "We know he's capable."

DeLong, the No. 4 ranked punter in last season's recruiting class, had a season-long 51-yarder Saturday against Texas A&M. He also had a 13-yard boot that gave the Aggies possession at its own 48 on a drive that ultimately went 3-and-out.

"I just think that maybe his confidence in the game is not what he needs it to be right now," Saban said, "and I think we need to support him and try to help him develop the consistency in game situations that will allow him to have success, and we certainly need for him to do that."

Alabama's 35.9-yard average ranks 120th in the 130-team FBS. The Tide was in the top-four in three of four seasons from 2013-2016 spanning Cody Mandell's senior season and the first three with Scott.

Last year, the 42.1-yard average was No. 50, but Scott was a finalist for the nation's top punter largely because only six of his kicks were returnable. Only three teams had fewer punts returned on them in 2017.

To this point, none of DeLong's punts have been returned.

Alabama ranking, average yards per punt

2018 ... No. 120 at 35.9 yards per punt

2017 ... No. 50 at 42.1

2016 ... No. 4 at 46.9

2015 ... No. 27 at 43.3

2014 ... No. 1 at 48.0

2013 ... No. 2 at 46.9

2012 ... No. 14 at 44.3

2011 ... No. 81 at 39.3

2010 ... No. 91 at 39.2

2009 ... No. 44 at 41.5