NEW ORLEANS — Alabama is currently practicing at the Superdome in New Orleans.
Media is not allowed to watch this practice, so we can't report on what is going on. It's still unclear as to who will replace suspended left tackle Andre Smith in Friday's Sugar Bowl.
Coach Nick Saban is expected to speak with reporters following the practice session. It will be his first comments since Smith was suspended for an alleged improper contact with an agent. Keep in mind that Alabama has not used the word "agent" when describing Smith's situation as of yet.
This should probably be one of the more fun Saban news conferences to say the least.
— Josh Cooper, The Anniston Star
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Memories of 1980 Mississippi State loss still hurt
TUSCALOOSA — The memories are not pleasant for former Alabama quarterback Don Jacobs. When Jacobs, the football coach at Elkmont High, talks with his Alabama teammates about their years playing together, the 1980 game against Mississippi State never comes up.
“We talk about the good times,” Jacobs said. “We don’t talk about the bad times.”
On Nov. 1 of that year, the then-No. 1 Tide came to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss., undefeated and riding a 28-game winning streak. It eyed its third consecutive national championship and an 8-0 record. But the Bulldogs stuffed the Tide, allowing 180 total yards in a 6-3 win.
“It was as tough a loss as any I had ever been around,” Jacobs said. “We had won a bunch of games, we had not gone through a loss and having to feel those emotions.”
Before this year, that day was the most recent time Alabama was ranked No. 1 in the regular season.
If Alabama wins this year’s game, it will not bring any kind of retribution or closure for members of the 1980 team. That loss has its own place in their personal histories.
“It’s a new day. You are talking about different coaches, players, offenses and defenses,” former Tide running back Major Ogilvie said. “That game is what it is. Going back 28 years, that’s a long time, and a lot has changed since then.”
If there is one constant between the two games, it’s the fact that Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom will be a part of each one as a coach. In 1980, he was Alabama’s inside linebackers coach.
“It was disappointing to lose that game because I think that was definitely a national championship-caliber team,” Croom said. “Mississippi State ended that.”
• DAVIS NO LONGER IGNORED: Right tackle Drew Davis is kind of the forgotten man on Alabama’s offensive line. He did not start before this season, and most of his playing time before 2007 came in mop-up duty.
But last Saturday Davis was a key contributor in preventing LSU from sacking quarterback John Parker Wilson. The coaching staff named Davis one of the offensive players of the week for his play.
“I've always been confident. Coming through the spring, I just felt comfortable,” Davis said. “I think we've stepped up. I think we've continuously gotten better, and I think we'll continue to get better.”
• GRANT WILL GET TOUCHES: With running back Roy Upchurch still nursing a neck injury, Tide coach Nick Saban reiterated that running back Terry Grant could see more action Saturday against the Bulldogs.
Last year, Grant led the Tide with 891 yards rushing, but has seen himself fall behind Glen Coffee, Mark Ingram and Upchurch at running back.
“You have to be ready to take advantage of the opportunity when you get it,” Saban said. “He has worked hard and done a good job the last few weeks, and will probably have a good chance to have an opportunity some in this game.”
• CODY CANNONBALLS HURT: Imagine how much this would hurt: 6-foot-5, 365-pound nose tackle Terrence Cody diving on a pile of players. Of course, it would hurt the most if you are at the bottom of the pile.
“He loves to play football, he loves to hit, he loves to fly around. As big as he is, he runs to the ball, dives on piles and everything,” defensive end Brandon Deaderick said. “He dove on me once or twice last week.”
— Josh Cooper
“We talk about the good times,” Jacobs said. “We don’t talk about the bad times.”
On Nov. 1 of that year, the then-No. 1 Tide came to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss., undefeated and riding a 28-game winning streak. It eyed its third consecutive national championship and an 8-0 record. But the Bulldogs stuffed the Tide, allowing 180 total yards in a 6-3 win.
“It was as tough a loss as any I had ever been around,” Jacobs said. “We had won a bunch of games, we had not gone through a loss and having to feel those emotions.”
Before this year, that day was the most recent time Alabama was ranked No. 1 in the regular season.
If Alabama wins this year’s game, it will not bring any kind of retribution or closure for members of the 1980 team. That loss has its own place in their personal histories.
“It’s a new day. You are talking about different coaches, players, offenses and defenses,” former Tide running back Major Ogilvie said. “That game is what it is. Going back 28 years, that’s a long time, and a lot has changed since then.”
If there is one constant between the two games, it’s the fact that Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom will be a part of each one as a coach. In 1980, he was Alabama’s inside linebackers coach.
“It was disappointing to lose that game because I think that was definitely a national championship-caliber team,” Croom said. “Mississippi State ended that.”
• DAVIS NO LONGER IGNORED: Right tackle Drew Davis is kind of the forgotten man on Alabama’s offensive line. He did not start before this season, and most of his playing time before 2007 came in mop-up duty.
But last Saturday Davis was a key contributor in preventing LSU from sacking quarterback John Parker Wilson. The coaching staff named Davis one of the offensive players of the week for his play.
“I've always been confident. Coming through the spring, I just felt comfortable,” Davis said. “I think we've stepped up. I think we've continuously gotten better, and I think we'll continue to get better.”
• GRANT WILL GET TOUCHES: With running back Roy Upchurch still nursing a neck injury, Tide coach Nick Saban reiterated that running back Terry Grant could see more action Saturday against the Bulldogs.
Last year, Grant led the Tide with 891 yards rushing, but has seen himself fall behind Glen Coffee, Mark Ingram and Upchurch at running back.
“You have to be ready to take advantage of the opportunity when you get it,” Saban said. “He has worked hard and done a good job the last few weeks, and will probably have a good chance to have an opportunity some in this game.”
• CODY CANNONBALLS HURT: Imagine how much this would hurt: 6-foot-5, 365-pound nose tackle Terrence Cody diving on a pile of players. Of course, it would hurt the most if you are at the bottom of the pile.
“He loves to play football, he loves to hit, he loves to fly around. As big as he is, he runs to the ball, dives on piles and everything,” defensive end Brandon Deaderick said. “He dove on me once or twice last week.”
— Josh Cooper
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Saban stays mum on Presidential election
TUSCALOOSA — Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban had a stake in last Tuesday’s elections. While Saban did not say whether he voted for Barack Obama or John McCain for President, his good friend, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, won reelection. Manchin defeated Russ Weeks.
“All I know is, there are a whole bunch of people who voted for the guy who won and a whole bunch of people who voted for the guy that lost,” Saban said. “So why would I talk about either one of them? Seems to me like I’d be making a mistake with a whole bunch of people.”
On Tuesday night, players crammed in front of their televisions to watch the eventual outcome.
“That was a big time for our country, and a lot of guys paid attention to it,” left guard Mike Johnson said. “A lot of people were like, ‘Come to my house to watch the election.’ Like it was a football game or something.”
• SABAN SHINES LIGHT ON MILES: Saban tried to put to rest the talk of LSU coach Les Miles living in his shadow.
“I like Les Miles. He’s won more games there than I’d have won if I had stayed,” Saban said. “I don’t know why anybody is upset that I left, because they’ve done better since I left than when I was there.”
In this three-plus years at LSU, Miles has a 40-8 record. In four years at LSU, Saban finished with a 48-16 record.
“Les might not like me, but I have no personal problems with any of this stuff,” Saban said.
• SMITH ALMOST WENT TO LSU: Left tackle Andre Smith said he came close to choosing LSU over Alabama. In 2006, when Smith made his choice to play with the Tide, the Tigers were his second selection.
“(Alabama) was close to home, and I was able to go to church on Sundays back home, and my family would’ve had to drive five hours if I was at LSU,” Smith said, adding with a smile, “Nothing is like my church.”
• DAVIS READY FOR RETURN: Alabama defensive end Luther Davis has good reason to be nervous for his family, for himself and for his football future.
In 2007, Davis, a native of West Monroe, La., publicly committed to LSU, took back his commitment and went with Alabama after visiting Tuscaloosa. Tigers fans called him a traitor, and Davis says his father, who worked for LSU fans, almost lost his job.
“It was pretty emotional, just for my family experiencing things every day,” Davis said. “Just having the whole city and state turn their back on you, treating you all kinds of ways, calling you names, just because you didn’t do what was best for them, but best for yourself.”
Davis said that when he informed LSU coach Les Miles of his decision, Miles referred to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban as the devil. Miles refuted the claim and said that Davis has reached out to LSU in the past year, though he did not specify the reasoning. Davis was suspended for spring practice for an undisclosed reason.
“I know (Davis) has tried to communicate with this program several times since he’s been at Alabama,” Miles said. “Emails, texts. We have not communicated with him. We just wish him the very best.”
Davis said he is not nervous about his return. In fact, he has received ticket requests from as far west as Washington and California.
“I’ve been trying to get myself prepared for it for about a year now. I’m trying not to think about it, but at the same time, I know what’s going to happen is going to happen, so I’m just trying to bear with it the best I can.”
• LSU DEFENSE A PROBLEM FOR LSU: In its past three SEC games, the Tigers have allowed 120 points to Florida, South Carolina and Georgia combined. Does that sound like an LSU defense?
“You don’t expect that from an LSU defense at all,” quarterback John Parker Wilson said.
The Tigers might have lost first-round NFL pick Glenn Dorsey, but it still has several talented players in defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Ricky Jean-Francois, as well as linebacker Darry Beckwith. Despite the bad numbers, it still has the talent to be a top defensive unit.
“We’re going to go in there expecting that they’re the best team we play,” Wilson said. “They’re going to be the best defense we’ve played and we’ve got to go at them.”
• MOUNT CODY RETURNS?: Nose tackle Terrence Cody is expected back after missing the past two games with a strained right knee ligament.
Saban said the amount Cody plays depends on how much stamina he can build up as the Tide prepares to face the Tigers. But Cody’s return might not matter all that much. Without Cody, Alabama allowed 173 total yards to Tennessee and 158 total to Arkansas State. But LSU brings a better running attack than either of those teams. The Tigers average 186.13 yards of rushing offense per game.
— Josh Cooper
“All I know is, there are a whole bunch of people who voted for the guy who won and a whole bunch of people who voted for the guy that lost,” Saban said. “So why would I talk about either one of them? Seems to me like I’d be making a mistake with a whole bunch of people.”
On Tuesday night, players crammed in front of their televisions to watch the eventual outcome.
“That was a big time for our country, and a lot of guys paid attention to it,” left guard Mike Johnson said. “A lot of people were like, ‘Come to my house to watch the election.’ Like it was a football game or something.”
• SABAN SHINES LIGHT ON MILES: Saban tried to put to rest the talk of LSU coach Les Miles living in his shadow.
“I like Les Miles. He’s won more games there than I’d have won if I had stayed,” Saban said. “I don’t know why anybody is upset that I left, because they’ve done better since I left than when I was there.”
In this three-plus years at LSU, Miles has a 40-8 record. In four years at LSU, Saban finished with a 48-16 record.
“Les might not like me, but I have no personal problems with any of this stuff,” Saban said.
• SMITH ALMOST WENT TO LSU: Left tackle Andre Smith said he came close to choosing LSU over Alabama. In 2006, when Smith made his choice to play with the Tide, the Tigers were his second selection.
“(Alabama) was close to home, and I was able to go to church on Sundays back home, and my family would’ve had to drive five hours if I was at LSU,” Smith said, adding with a smile, “Nothing is like my church.”
• DAVIS READY FOR RETURN: Alabama defensive end Luther Davis has good reason to be nervous for his family, for himself and for his football future.
In 2007, Davis, a native of West Monroe, La., publicly committed to LSU, took back his commitment and went with Alabama after visiting Tuscaloosa. Tigers fans called him a traitor, and Davis says his father, who worked for LSU fans, almost lost his job.
“It was pretty emotional, just for my family experiencing things every day,” Davis said. “Just having the whole city and state turn their back on you, treating you all kinds of ways, calling you names, just because you didn’t do what was best for them, but best for yourself.”
Davis said that when he informed LSU coach Les Miles of his decision, Miles referred to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban as the devil. Miles refuted the claim and said that Davis has reached out to LSU in the past year, though he did not specify the reasoning. Davis was suspended for spring practice for an undisclosed reason.
“I know (Davis) has tried to communicate with this program several times since he’s been at Alabama,” Miles said. “Emails, texts. We have not communicated with him. We just wish him the very best.”
Davis said he is not nervous about his return. In fact, he has received ticket requests from as far west as Washington and California.
“I’ve been trying to get myself prepared for it for about a year now. I’m trying not to think about it, but at the same time, I know what’s going to happen is going to happen, so I’m just trying to bear with it the best I can.”
• LSU DEFENSE A PROBLEM FOR LSU: In its past three SEC games, the Tigers have allowed 120 points to Florida, South Carolina and Georgia combined. Does that sound like an LSU defense?
“You don’t expect that from an LSU defense at all,” quarterback John Parker Wilson said.
The Tigers might have lost first-round NFL pick Glenn Dorsey, but it still has several talented players in defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Ricky Jean-Francois, as well as linebacker Darry Beckwith. Despite the bad numbers, it still has the talent to be a top defensive unit.
“We’re going to go in there expecting that they’re the best team we play,” Wilson said. “They’re going to be the best defense we’ve played and we’ve got to go at them.”
• MOUNT CODY RETURNS?: Nose tackle Terrence Cody is expected back after missing the past two games with a strained right knee ligament.
Saban said the amount Cody plays depends on how much stamina he can build up as the Tide prepares to face the Tigers. But Cody’s return might not matter all that much. Without Cody, Alabama allowed 173 total yards to Tennessee and 158 total to Arkansas State. But LSU brings a better running attack than either of those teams. The Tigers average 186.13 yards of rushing offense per game.
— Josh Cooper
Sunday, November 2, 2008
LSU coach Miles happy he's not in Saban's position
TUSCALOOSA — LSU coach Les Miles said can’t imagine what it would be like to coach against a team he had an emotional bond with. He never has, but he almost did. In 2006, LSU could have played the Michigan Wolverines, Miles’ alma mater, in the Rose Bowl, had Florida not gone to the national championship game that year. Instead, LSU played Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
“When it fell through I can't tell you how happy I was,” Miles said. “I just was relieved. It would not have been something I would have enjoyed.”
• TIDE STRUGGLE THROUGH AIR: Within its dominating 35-0 victory, Alabama did have one trouble spot — it’s ability to pass the ball with consistency.
Quarterback John Parker Wilson completed 15 of 28 passes for 152 yards. He was also picked off in the end zone for his fourth interception this season.
“We didn’t throw the ball like we are used to,” Wilson said.
Added Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, “I think they played a little bit of a match-up coverage at times and that forced (John Parker) to hold the ball. And they played man-to-man a few times and our guys didn’t get away from them as well as we need to.”
• TIDE WON’T FORGET LOSS TO LA.-MONROE: Even with Alabama’s victory against the Red Wolves, the signs representing the Crimson Tide’s 2007 loss to Louisiana-Monroe will remain throughout Alabama’s football complex.
While the Tide might have dominated Arkansas State, Saban said he wants to continue sending a message to his team. But he understands that there are more players who follow his program than last year, and that has lent to Alabama’s undefeated record.
“We have more guys getting it,” Saban said. “We’re starting to develop that attitude of ‘Be as good as you can be,’ and ‘Don't play to your opponent.’”
• TIDE STILL HEALTHY: As it has most weeks this season, Alabama came out of Saturday’s game with Arkansas State in relatively good health.
Running back Glen Coffee bruised his bicep and fellow back Mark Ingram bruised his knee on his 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Saban said that both injuries were nothing major.
— Josh Cooper
“When it fell through I can't tell you how happy I was,” Miles said. “I just was relieved. It would not have been something I would have enjoyed.”
• TIDE STRUGGLE THROUGH AIR: Within its dominating 35-0 victory, Alabama did have one trouble spot — it’s ability to pass the ball with consistency.
Quarterback John Parker Wilson completed 15 of 28 passes for 152 yards. He was also picked off in the end zone for his fourth interception this season.
“We didn’t throw the ball like we are used to,” Wilson said.
Added Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, “I think they played a little bit of a match-up coverage at times and that forced (John Parker) to hold the ball. And they played man-to-man a few times and our guys didn’t get away from them as well as we need to.”
• TIDE WON’T FORGET LOSS TO LA.-MONROE: Even with Alabama’s victory against the Red Wolves, the signs representing the Crimson Tide’s 2007 loss to Louisiana-Monroe will remain throughout Alabama’s football complex.
While the Tide might have dominated Arkansas State, Saban said he wants to continue sending a message to his team. But he understands that there are more players who follow his program than last year, and that has lent to Alabama’s undefeated record.
“We have more guys getting it,” Saban said. “We’re starting to develop that attitude of ‘Be as good as you can be,’ and ‘Don't play to your opponent.’”
• TIDE STILL HEALTHY: As it has most weeks this season, Alabama came out of Saturday’s game with Arkansas State in relatively good health.
Running back Glen Coffee bruised his bicep and fellow back Mark Ingram bruised his knee on his 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Saban said that both injuries were nothing major.
— Josh Cooper
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Notes from Saturday's game
• Ingram returns to form: After Alabama’s victory against Tennessee, Saban said, freshman running back Mark Ingram did not look like himself. Against Arkansas State, Ingram looked every bit like the player who ranks second on the Tide in rushing yards. He led Alabama with 113 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
“He is a warrior,” running back Glen Coffee said. “He is a great football player and a great addition to the team.”
• What offense?: Arkansas State entered Saturday ranked No. 22 in total offense, averaging 435.7 yards per game. It didn’t even achieve half of that against Alabama, as the Crimson Tide allowed 153 yards to the Red Wolves.
Arkansas State quarterback Corey Leonard had averaged 260.4 total yards per game, and finished Saturday with 48. The only bright spot for the Red Wolves offense was running back Reggie Arnold, who gained 72 yards on 15 carries.
“You can tell why they are No. 2 in the country,” Leonard said. “They don’t make many mistakes.”
• McCall and McCall: After the win against Arkansas State, Alabama tight end Travis McCall had a little family business to attend to.
His cousin, Gregory McCall, plays on the Red Wolves defensive line and had a sack against the Tide. The two did not talk much during the week leading up to Saturday’s game, but Saturday night, Gregory stayed with Travis.
“It was fun. I didn’t get to block him that much,” Travis said. “I did have to block him once on a punt. That was pretty cool.”
• Saban praises, retracts praise: Saban made a slight mistake Saturday during his post-game news conference: He referenced Alabama’s 9-0 record.
Saban often refuses to comment on his team’s record, or success, but when asked about next Saturday’s impending game with LSU, Saban acknowledged Alabama’s dominance.
“This team is 9-0 and has played extremely well all year long,” Saban said.
Later Saban corrected himself when it was brought to his attention that he had said Alabama’s record.
“Well, I shouldn’t have mentioned that,” Saban said.
• Cody to practice: Saban said that nose tackle Terrence Cody should practice with the team, starting this week. Cody, who injured his right knee ligament against Ole Miss, did not play Saturday, and walked up and down the sidelines wearing his crimson Alabama warm-up pants and his crimson jersey.
“He is day-to-day and I don’t anticipate anything,” Saban said. “But we feel like he has progressed in his rehab enough that he should be able to do some practicing this week.”
• Eva Longoria Parker in the house: Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria Parker watched Saturday’s game in Tuscaloosa. Parker, who is married to San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker, is friends with country singer Sara Evans, wife of former Crimson Tide quarterback Jay Barker.
Evans and Parker were on the sidelines before the game wearing matching Alabama jerseys. The back of Evans’ said “Mrs. Barker” and the back of Parker’s said “Mrs. Parker.”
— Josh Cooper
“He is a warrior,” running back Glen Coffee said. “He is a great football player and a great addition to the team.”
• What offense?: Arkansas State entered Saturday ranked No. 22 in total offense, averaging 435.7 yards per game. It didn’t even achieve half of that against Alabama, as the Crimson Tide allowed 153 yards to the Red Wolves.
Arkansas State quarterback Corey Leonard had averaged 260.4 total yards per game, and finished Saturday with 48. The only bright spot for the Red Wolves offense was running back Reggie Arnold, who gained 72 yards on 15 carries.
“You can tell why they are No. 2 in the country,” Leonard said. “They don’t make many mistakes.”
• McCall and McCall: After the win against Arkansas State, Alabama tight end Travis McCall had a little family business to attend to.
His cousin, Gregory McCall, plays on the Red Wolves defensive line and had a sack against the Tide. The two did not talk much during the week leading up to Saturday’s game, but Saturday night, Gregory stayed with Travis.
“It was fun. I didn’t get to block him that much,” Travis said. “I did have to block him once on a punt. That was pretty cool.”
• Saban praises, retracts praise: Saban made a slight mistake Saturday during his post-game news conference: He referenced Alabama’s 9-0 record.
Saban often refuses to comment on his team’s record, or success, but when asked about next Saturday’s impending game with LSU, Saban acknowledged Alabama’s dominance.
“This team is 9-0 and has played extremely well all year long,” Saban said.
Later Saban corrected himself when it was brought to his attention that he had said Alabama’s record.
“Well, I shouldn’t have mentioned that,” Saban said.
• Cody to practice: Saban said that nose tackle Terrence Cody should practice with the team, starting this week. Cody, who injured his right knee ligament against Ole Miss, did not play Saturday, and walked up and down the sidelines wearing his crimson Alabama warm-up pants and his crimson jersey.
“He is day-to-day and I don’t anticipate anything,” Saban said. “But we feel like he has progressed in his rehab enough that he should be able to do some practicing this week.”
• Eva Longoria Parker in the house: Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria Parker watched Saturday’s game in Tuscaloosa. Parker, who is married to San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker, is friends with country singer Sara Evans, wife of former Crimson Tide quarterback Jay Barker.
Evans and Parker were on the sidelines before the game wearing matching Alabama jerseys. The back of Evans’ said “Mrs. Barker” and the back of Parker’s said “Mrs. Parker.”
— Josh Cooper
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tide finds new fullback in Upchurch
TUSCALOOSA — Roy Upchurch doesn’t look like a fullback. At 6-foot, 201 pounds, he doesn’t exactly have the prototypical size for the position. But Saturday against Tennessee, he stood in the backfield with fellow running back Glen Coffee, blocking for quarterback John Parker Wilson and Coffee.
“It helps the offense. You can do more, open up more, and run a lot of trick plays,” Upchurch said. “I don't have a problem with it. This was my first time playing fullback, so I guess I need to eat my Wheaties.”
Not only did Upchurch block, he also ran for a career high 86 yards on 14 carries.
“I kind of bring a little more burst to the game,” Upchurch said. “Glen (Coffee) is going to hate me for that, Mark (Ingram) going to hate me for that, but I'm just being honest. I bring a little more burst to the game — a little more speed through the holes.”
• MONROE LOSS NOT FORGOTTEN: Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has put signs reminding Alabama of its 2007 loss to Louisiana-Monroe all throughout the football complex.
While players said they have tried to forget that game, it’s just a reminder of what could happen if Alabama doesn’t prepare for Saturday’s contest against Arkansas State.
“I think they're going to stay up,” cornerback Kareem Jackson said. “I think Coach Saban wants us to always remember that, so they'll be up there.”
• TIDE UNCONCERNED WITH HOMECOMING: Alabama will not pay attention to homecoming distractions this week. Not the parade nor the naming of the homecoming queen during the game against Arkansas State.
“We don't get to experience any of the campus activities like everybody else does,” linebacker Cory Reamer said.
Asked whether he would look at the homecoming queen celebration, kicker Leigh Tiffin smiled and said, “That is the last thing I’ll be worried about.”
• CODY GETTING BETTER: Nose tackle Terrence Cody took part in light jogging around the Alabama practice fields Tuesday. He had a long brace on his right leg. Cody strained his right knee ligament against Ole Miss on Oct. 18.
— Josh Cooper
“It helps the offense. You can do more, open up more, and run a lot of trick plays,” Upchurch said. “I don't have a problem with it. This was my first time playing fullback, so I guess I need to eat my Wheaties.”
Not only did Upchurch block, he also ran for a career high 86 yards on 14 carries.
“I kind of bring a little more burst to the game,” Upchurch said. “Glen (Coffee) is going to hate me for that, Mark (Ingram) going to hate me for that, but I'm just being honest. I bring a little more burst to the game — a little more speed through the holes.”
• MONROE LOSS NOT FORGOTTEN: Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has put signs reminding Alabama of its 2007 loss to Louisiana-Monroe all throughout the football complex.
While players said they have tried to forget that game, it’s just a reminder of what could happen if Alabama doesn’t prepare for Saturday’s contest against Arkansas State.
“I think they're going to stay up,” cornerback Kareem Jackson said. “I think Coach Saban wants us to always remember that, so they'll be up there.”
• TIDE UNCONCERNED WITH HOMECOMING: Alabama will not pay attention to homecoming distractions this week. Not the parade nor the naming of the homecoming queen during the game against Arkansas State.
“We don't get to experience any of the campus activities like everybody else does,” linebacker Cory Reamer said.
Asked whether he would look at the homecoming queen celebration, kicker Leigh Tiffin smiled and said, “That is the last thing I’ll be worried about.”
• CODY GETTING BETTER: Nose tackle Terrence Cody took part in light jogging around the Alabama practice fields Tuesday. He had a long brace on his right leg. Cody strained his right knee ligament against Ole Miss on Oct. 18.
— Josh Cooper
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Upchurch carries the day
TUSCALOOSA — In the second half against Tennessee, Alabama needed a change of pace with its running game. With freshman Mark Ingram struggling, the Tide called on Roy Upchurch.
The junior from Tallahassee, Fla., led Alabama with a career-high 86 yards rushing on 14 carries, all of which came in the second half of Alabama’s 29-9 victory.
On the Tide’s final scoring drive, Upchurch carried the ball on four consecutive plays, including a 4-yard touchdown run that put them ahead 29-3 with 9:43 left.
“We all know what kind of talent Roy has,” left guard Mike Johnson said. “He's one of those backs who hasn't got a lot of carries this year, but he's been patiently waiting his turn. He came in and provided a little bit of a change for us and made some great cuts and made some people miss.”
• TENNESSEE’S BROWN GOES DOWN: With 5:26 remaining, Tennessee defensive end Wes Brown hit the ground of Neyland Stadium hard and grabbed his right knee. Brown then had to be helped to the Tennessee sideline. He’s battled an injury in the knee all season, and during his Sunday teleconference, Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said that the problem was an extension of the initial injury.
Fulmer said he expects Brown to play Saturday against South Carolina. Brown finished the game against Alabama with three tackles.
• CAN’T SMOKE’EM CAUSE YOU DON’T GOT’EM: There were no victory cigars after Alabama defeated Tennessee — NCAA rules have disallowed them the past two years — but the Tide still celebrated the fact that it had its first back-to-back victories against the Volunteers since 1991 and 1992. The Alabama senior class finished its four-year run with a 3-1 record against its rival.
"It makes us feel good,” safety Rashad Johnson said. “We've been around a lot of good players here. We did a good job of beating them in ‘05, then we came up here two years ago and played them close, but they beat us. Then last year, we did a good job of beating them without some key players.”
• TIDE FEELING HEALTHY: Alabama came out of the Tennessee game without any major injuries. Saban said that tight end Nick Walker bruised his arm and cornerback Marquis Johnson bruised his knee, but each was fine and returned to the game after the injury took place.
— Josh Cooper
The junior from Tallahassee, Fla., led Alabama with a career-high 86 yards rushing on 14 carries, all of which came in the second half of Alabama’s 29-9 victory.
On the Tide’s final scoring drive, Upchurch carried the ball on four consecutive plays, including a 4-yard touchdown run that put them ahead 29-3 with 9:43 left.
“We all know what kind of talent Roy has,” left guard Mike Johnson said. “He's one of those backs who hasn't got a lot of carries this year, but he's been patiently waiting his turn. He came in and provided a little bit of a change for us and made some great cuts and made some people miss.”
• TENNESSEE’S BROWN GOES DOWN: With 5:26 remaining, Tennessee defensive end Wes Brown hit the ground of Neyland Stadium hard and grabbed his right knee. Brown then had to be helped to the Tennessee sideline. He’s battled an injury in the knee all season, and during his Sunday teleconference, Vols coach Phillip Fulmer said that the problem was an extension of the initial injury.
Fulmer said he expects Brown to play Saturday against South Carolina. Brown finished the game against Alabama with three tackles.
• CAN’T SMOKE’EM CAUSE YOU DON’T GOT’EM: There were no victory cigars after Alabama defeated Tennessee — NCAA rules have disallowed them the past two years — but the Tide still celebrated the fact that it had its first back-to-back victories against the Volunteers since 1991 and 1992. The Alabama senior class finished its four-year run with a 3-1 record against its rival.
"It makes us feel good,” safety Rashad Johnson said. “We've been around a lot of good players here. We did a good job of beating them in ‘05, then we came up here two years ago and played them close, but they beat us. Then last year, we did a good job of beating them without some key players.”
• TIDE FEELING HEALTHY: Alabama came out of the Tennessee game without any major injuries. Saban said that tight end Nick Walker bruised his arm and cornerback Marquis Johnson bruised his knee, but each was fine and returned to the game after the injury took place.
— Josh Cooper
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tide left tackle Smith not worried about NFL Draft
TUSCALOOSA — Junior left tackle Andre Smith says he doesn’t want to think about the NFL draft. Not right now, not when his team is ranked No. 2 in the country. But his family sometimes comes up to Smith and tells him what draft experts say about him, that he is a potential first round pick.
“I’m always like, ‘Don’t come to me and tell me that,’” Smith said. “It doesn’t matter. I’m worried about this game this week. All that will take care of itself. I’m really just focused on the team. And us.”
• MORENO GOES WITH MOHAWK: Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno sported a slight Mohawk for Saturday. Unfortunately for Moreno, the new ‘do didn’t help him, as he had 34 yards on nine carries.
Moreno came into the game as a Heisman trophy candidate, but did not receive any carries in the fourth quarter. Georgia’s inability to run the ball made it difficult for the Bulldogs to use one of its favorite weapons: the play-action pass.
“We could play seven-man fronts and stop their runs,” Saban said. “So that means the defensive line did an outstanding job.”
• TIFFIN NOT A TACKLER: Kicker Leigh Tiffin doesn’t want to hang around on kick offs. He would like to boot the ball, watch someone else make the tackle and get off the field. That has rarely happened this year for Tiffin.
He has often found himself as one of the last lines of defense on kick coverage. Against Tulane, Green Wave linebacker Travis Burks knocked Tiffin into a daze on a kick return. He left after the play, then returned in the second half.
It happened to Tiffin again Saturday against Georgia. Though he never left the game, he said he is starting to think that maybe he needs to work a little more on his tackling.
“Coach says you’ve got to beat them with speed and you’ve got to avoid (blockers) the right way,” Tiffin said. “That’s important — avoiding to the ball. You’ve got to be smart about it. It’s an effort play, you’ve got to run hard down there.”
Tiffin has tried to avoid tackling this year by kicking the ball farther on kick offs. Tiffin has averaged 62.7 yards per kick this year. Last year he averaged 60.0 yards per kick.
“You’re looking at hang time and location. Those are two big factors,” Tiffin said. “You don’t always try to just rip the ball. Things can go haywire when you try to just kill the ball.”
• TIDE ANNOUNCE PLAYERS OF WEEK: The Crimson Tide announced its players of the week Monday. On offense, quarterback John Parker Wilson, wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Roy Upchurch were all recognized. On defense, linebacker Rolando McClain and safety Rashad Johnson were honored.
Kicker Leigh Tiffin, who kicked two field goals Saturday, was the Tide’s special teams player of the week.
• MCCOY HURTS HAMSTRING: Alabama might be without one of its starting wide receivers for Saturday’s game against Kentucky. Wideout Mike McCoy pulled his hamstring Saturday against Georgia and wore a non-contact jersey at practice. He was joined on the exercise bike by tight end Preston Dial who had arthroscopic surgery on his knee last week.
Freshman running back Mark Ingram bruised his knee against Georgia but was not limited in practice Monday.
— Josh Cooper
“I’m always like, ‘Don’t come to me and tell me that,’” Smith said. “It doesn’t matter. I’m worried about this game this week. All that will take care of itself. I’m really just focused on the team. And us.”
• MORENO GOES WITH MOHAWK: Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno sported a slight Mohawk for Saturday. Unfortunately for Moreno, the new ‘do didn’t help him, as he had 34 yards on nine carries.
Moreno came into the game as a Heisman trophy candidate, but did not receive any carries in the fourth quarter. Georgia’s inability to run the ball made it difficult for the Bulldogs to use one of its favorite weapons: the play-action pass.
“We could play seven-man fronts and stop their runs,” Saban said. “So that means the defensive line did an outstanding job.”
• TIFFIN NOT A TACKLER: Kicker Leigh Tiffin doesn’t want to hang around on kick offs. He would like to boot the ball, watch someone else make the tackle and get off the field. That has rarely happened this year for Tiffin.
He has often found himself as one of the last lines of defense on kick coverage. Against Tulane, Green Wave linebacker Travis Burks knocked Tiffin into a daze on a kick return. He left after the play, then returned in the second half.
It happened to Tiffin again Saturday against Georgia. Though he never left the game, he said he is starting to think that maybe he needs to work a little more on his tackling.
“Coach says you’ve got to beat them with speed and you’ve got to avoid (blockers) the right way,” Tiffin said. “That’s important — avoiding to the ball. You’ve got to be smart about it. It’s an effort play, you’ve got to run hard down there.”
Tiffin has tried to avoid tackling this year by kicking the ball farther on kick offs. Tiffin has averaged 62.7 yards per kick this year. Last year he averaged 60.0 yards per kick.
“You’re looking at hang time and location. Those are two big factors,” Tiffin said. “You don’t always try to just rip the ball. Things can go haywire when you try to just kill the ball.”
• TIDE ANNOUNCE PLAYERS OF WEEK: The Crimson Tide announced its players of the week Monday. On offense, quarterback John Parker Wilson, wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Roy Upchurch were all recognized. On defense, linebacker Rolando McClain and safety Rashad Johnson were honored.
Kicker Leigh Tiffin, who kicked two field goals Saturday, was the Tide’s special teams player of the week.
• MCCOY HURTS HAMSTRING: Alabama might be without one of its starting wide receivers for Saturday’s game against Kentucky. Wideout Mike McCoy pulled his hamstring Saturday against Georgia and wore a non-contact jersey at practice. He was joined on the exercise bike by tight end Preston Dial who had arthroscopic surgery on his knee last week.
Freshman running back Mark Ingram bruised his knee against Georgia but was not limited in practice Monday.
— Josh Cooper
Friday, September 26, 2008
Cooper's take
Cody Effect
It’s tough to say who Alabama’s MVP is through the first four games, but right now it might be nose tackle Terrence Cody.
None of Alabama’s opponents have had an answer for the giant junior college transfer as he has stuffed up the middle and opened up lanes for the Tide’s defensive players.
Arkansas, with its All-America center Jonathan Luigs, still needed to double-team the 6-foot-5, 365-pound Cody. Going against a ground attack like Georgia’s with running back Knowshon Moreno will be a challenge.
Said Georgia coach Mark Richt, “I don't think we will knock him back."
Air Tide
Quarterback John Parker Wilson hasn’t been the most productive player on offense, but then again he hasn’t needed to be.
So far the Crimson Tide has out-rushed its opponent 947-220. Meanwhile, Alabama’s opponents have thrown for more yards, 753 to 603. In his first two years at Alabama, Wilson showed the ability to make plays throwing the ball, but this year Alabama coach Nick Saban has asked that his quarterback simply manage the game. The Bulldogs are ranked third in the country in rush defense, so if the run isn’t there, the Crimson Tide will ask Wilson to find receivers and beat Georgia that way.
“We're a good passing team,” Wilson said. “But when you're running the ball like you do, there's no need to throw the ball.”
— Josh Cooper
It’s tough to say who Alabama’s MVP is through the first four games, but right now it might be nose tackle Terrence Cody.
None of Alabama’s opponents have had an answer for the giant junior college transfer as he has stuffed up the middle and opened up lanes for the Tide’s defensive players.
Arkansas, with its All-America center Jonathan Luigs, still needed to double-team the 6-foot-5, 365-pound Cody. Going against a ground attack like Georgia’s with running back Knowshon Moreno will be a challenge.
Said Georgia coach Mark Richt, “I don't think we will knock him back."
Air Tide
Quarterback John Parker Wilson hasn’t been the most productive player on offense, but then again he hasn’t needed to be.
So far the Crimson Tide has out-rushed its opponent 947-220. Meanwhile, Alabama’s opponents have thrown for more yards, 753 to 603. In his first two years at Alabama, Wilson showed the ability to make plays throwing the ball, but this year Alabama coach Nick Saban has asked that his quarterback simply manage the game. The Bulldogs are ranked third in the country in rush defense, so if the run isn’t there, the Crimson Tide will ask Wilson to find receivers and beat Georgia that way.
“We're a good passing team,” Wilson said. “But when you're running the ball like you do, there's no need to throw the ball.”
— Josh Cooper
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Saban pays attention to Auburn
TUSCALOOSA — So Nick Saban says that he doesn’t pay attention to what Auburn does? Well, think again. The Alabama coach chuckled when asked about the Tigers’ 3-2 victory against Mississippi State last weekend. The laughter did not come at the expense of Auburn’s offense, but mostly because of its stellar defensive performance.
Saban talked about the Tigers’ opponents’ third down conversion rate (3-for-46) and said that he has never seen a team with a conversion rate like that three games into the season.
“I’m sure they’ll get their thing straightened out, but when you play good defense, you’re always going to play to keep from losing the game, and that’s probably a good way to win a lot of them,” Saban said.
• WILDER WATCHES PRACTICE: Olympic boxing heavyweight bronze medalist Deontay Wilder watched the end of Alabama’s practice Tuesday. Saban introduced Wilder, a Tuscaloosa native, to the team following practice.
— Josh Cooper
Saban talked about the Tigers’ opponents’ third down conversion rate (3-for-46) and said that he has never seen a team with a conversion rate like that three games into the season.
“I’m sure they’ll get their thing straightened out, but when you play good defense, you’re always going to play to keep from losing the game, and that’s probably a good way to win a lot of them,” Saban said.
• WILDER WATCHES PRACTICE: Olympic boxing heavyweight bronze medalist Deontay Wilder watched the end of Alabama’s practice Tuesday. Saban introduced Wilder, a Tuscaloosa native, to the team following practice.
— Josh Cooper
Monday, September 15, 2008
3 things
Three things Alabama should remember after its 41-7 victory over Western Kentucky
The real game begins: It's nice to be 3-0, but now it's time for the real part of the season to start. Clemson was a test, but wins at Arkansas and Georgia can validate whether you are for real.
Run the ball: It is pretty obvious that the strength of your offense is the running game. I know the offense strives for balance, but maybe you should consider tilting it a little more toward the rushing attack.
Stay consistent: Throughout the course of Nick Saban's tenure, Alabama has often backed up a good performance with a bad one. It can't fall into that trap with SEC play about to begin.
— Josh Cooper
The real game begins: It's nice to be 3-0, but now it's time for the real part of the season to start. Clemson was a test, but wins at Arkansas and Georgia can validate whether you are for real.
Run the ball: It is pretty obvious that the strength of your offense is the running game. I know the offense strives for balance, but maybe you should consider tilting it a little more toward the rushing attack.
Stay consistent: Throughout the course of Nick Saban's tenure, Alabama has often backed up a good performance with a bad one. It can't fall into that trap with SEC play about to begin.
— Josh Cooper
Accolades for Julio
Alabama's star freshman nabbed an SEC honor, which was announced on Monday. Here is the snippet from the SEC offices.
SEC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
JULIO JONES
Wide Receiver
ALABAMA
6-4 • 210
Foley, Ala. (HS)
• Jones caught five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in Alabama’s 41-7 win against Western Kentucky.
• The score was the second of his career and was a 12-yarder in the third quarter, which gave the Crimson Tide its final victory margin, 41-7.
• Jones leads the Tide in receptions this season with 10 for 107 yards.
• He is one of two true freshmen to start the first three games and one of 15 to see playing time this season.
Here's how the other awards shook out ...
SEC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Games of Sept. 13)
SEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
MIKE HARTLINE
Quarterback
KENTUCKY
6-6 • 204 • Sophomore
Canton, Ohio (GlenOak HS)
• Hartline completed 28-of-47 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions’ in Kentucky’s 20-14 win over Middle Tennessee.
• Trailing 14-10 in the fourth quarter, Hartline led a 57-yard scoring drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Derrick Locke for the game winning score.
• On his next drive, Hartline led the Wildcats to a field goal to make the final margin, 20-14.
• Hartline has not thrown an interception this season and has a streak of 96 consecutive passes without throwing an interception dating back to last season.
SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RENNIE CURRAN
Linebacker
GEORGIA
5-11 • 220 • Sophomore
Snellville, Ga. (Brookwood HS)
• Curran had six tackles, a forced fumble, sack and two quarterback pressures in Georgia’s 14-7 win at South Carolina.
• He forced a fumble at the Georgia goal line while South Carolina was threatening to score the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.
• The Bulldogs held South Carolina to just 18 yards rushing in the game.
• Curran leads the Bulldogs this season with 20 tackles, including a team-high three for losses.
SEC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
TRINDON HOLLIDAY
Return Specialist
LSU
5-5 • 164 • Junior
Zachary, La. (Northeast HS)
• Holliday returned four punts for 163 and one touchdown in LSU’s 41-3 win over North Texas.
• His 92-yard punt return for a score in the second quarter is tied for the second longest in LSU history.
• Holliday’s 163 total punt return yards rank second in school history and the sixth-highest total in SEC history.
• The yardage total is the most in the SEC since 1983, when LSU’s Norman Jefferson had 169 punt return yards against Ole Miss.
• Holliday is now one of only four players in LSU history to score TDs on punt and kickoff returns in a career.
SEC OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
CHRIS SCOTT
Tackle
TENNESSEE
6-5 • 310 • Junior
Riverdale, Ga. (Lovejoy HS)
• Scott graded the best of a Vols offensive line in Tennessee’s 35-3 win against UAB.
• Tennessee finished the game with 548 total offensive yards, the best for the Vols in 24 games. In the game, UT had 282 passing yards and 266 rushing yards.
• The Vols now lead the SEC in total offense, averaging 457.0 yards per game.
SEC DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
JESSIE BOWMAN
Defensive Tackle
MISSISSIPPI STATE
6-1 • 305 • Senior
Brookhaven, Miss. (HS/Copiah-Lincoln JC)
• Bowman posted a career-high eight total tackles with 3.5 for losses, in Mississippi State’s 3-2 loss to Auburn.
• Among his stops was a fourth-quarter forced fumble that the Bulldogs recovered.
• Bowman helped lead a Bulldog defense that kept Auburn out of the end zone.
• Bowman leads the SEC with four pass deflections and ranks tied for fourth in the SEC in tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
OTHER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES FROM WEEK 3
OL ANTOINE CALDWELL (Alabama) -- Helped clear the way for Alabama offense to gain 557 total yards and 30 first downs against Western Kentucky.
LB TRAY BLACKMON (Auburn) -- Led Auburn with six tackles and a tackle for loss against Mississippi State.
TB KNOWSHON MORENO (Georgia) -- Rushed for 79 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown and also had two catches for 13 yards and a 32 yard punt return against South Carolina.
P/K TIM MASTHAY (Kentucky) -- Averaged 52.7 yards on three punts and had two touchbacks on kickoffs against Middle Tennessee.
RB CHARLES SCOTT (LSU) -- Rushed for 102 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns against North Texas.
DL PERIA JERRY (Ole Miss) -- In his first start of the season, registered six tackles and two for losses against Samford.
P BLAKE McADAMS (Mississippi State) -- Averaged 38.1 yards on 10 punts and had three downed inside the 10-yard line against Auburn.
WR MOE BROWN (South Carolina) -- Had career-highs in receptions (7) and reception yards (130) and a touchdown against Georgia.
WR LUCAS TAYLOR (Tennessee) -- Caught nine passes for 132 yards against UAB.
PR/KR/DB D.J. MOORE (Vanderbilt) -- Accounted for 206 all-purpose yards against Rice (84 punt return, 54 kickoff return, 37 rushing and an interception for 31 yards).

SEC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
JULIO JONES
Wide Receiver
ALABAMA
6-4 • 210
Foley, Ala. (HS)
• Jones caught five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in Alabama’s 41-7 win against Western Kentucky.
• The score was the second of his career and was a 12-yarder in the third quarter, which gave the Crimson Tide its final victory margin, 41-7.
• Jones leads the Tide in receptions this season with 10 for 107 yards.
• He is one of two true freshmen to start the first three games and one of 15 to see playing time this season.
Here's how the other awards shook out ...
SEC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Games of Sept. 13)
SEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
MIKE HARTLINE
Quarterback
KENTUCKY
6-6 • 204 • Sophomore
Canton, Ohio (GlenOak HS)
• Hartline completed 28-of-47 passes for 254 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions’ in Kentucky’s 20-14 win over Middle Tennessee.
• Trailing 14-10 in the fourth quarter, Hartline led a 57-yard scoring drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Derrick Locke for the game winning score.
• On his next drive, Hartline led the Wildcats to a field goal to make the final margin, 20-14.
• Hartline has not thrown an interception this season and has a streak of 96 consecutive passes without throwing an interception dating back to last season.
SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RENNIE CURRAN
Linebacker
GEORGIA
5-11 • 220 • Sophomore
Snellville, Ga. (Brookwood HS)
• Curran had six tackles, a forced fumble, sack and two quarterback pressures in Georgia’s 14-7 win at South Carolina.
• He forced a fumble at the Georgia goal line while South Carolina was threatening to score the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.
• The Bulldogs held South Carolina to just 18 yards rushing in the game.
• Curran leads the Bulldogs this season with 20 tackles, including a team-high three for losses.
SEC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
TRINDON HOLLIDAY
Return Specialist
LSU
5-5 • 164 • Junior
Zachary, La. (Northeast HS)
• Holliday returned four punts for 163 and one touchdown in LSU’s 41-3 win over North Texas.
• His 92-yard punt return for a score in the second quarter is tied for the second longest in LSU history.
• Holliday’s 163 total punt return yards rank second in school history and the sixth-highest total in SEC history.
• The yardage total is the most in the SEC since 1983, when LSU’s Norman Jefferson had 169 punt return yards against Ole Miss.
• Holliday is now one of only four players in LSU history to score TDs on punt and kickoff returns in a career.
SEC OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
CHRIS SCOTT
Tackle
TENNESSEE
6-5 • 310 • Junior
Riverdale, Ga. (Lovejoy HS)
• Scott graded the best of a Vols offensive line in Tennessee’s 35-3 win against UAB.
• Tennessee finished the game with 548 total offensive yards, the best for the Vols in 24 games. In the game, UT had 282 passing yards and 266 rushing yards.
• The Vols now lead the SEC in total offense, averaging 457.0 yards per game.
SEC DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
JESSIE BOWMAN
Defensive Tackle
MISSISSIPPI STATE
6-1 • 305 • Senior
Brookhaven, Miss. (HS/Copiah-Lincoln JC)
• Bowman posted a career-high eight total tackles with 3.5 for losses, in Mississippi State’s 3-2 loss to Auburn.
• Among his stops was a fourth-quarter forced fumble that the Bulldogs recovered.
• Bowman helped lead a Bulldog defense that kept Auburn out of the end zone.
• Bowman leads the SEC with four pass deflections and ranks tied for fourth in the SEC in tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
OTHER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES FROM WEEK 3
OL ANTOINE CALDWELL (Alabama) -- Helped clear the way for Alabama offense to gain 557 total yards and 30 first downs against Western Kentucky.
LB TRAY BLACKMON (Auburn) -- Led Auburn with six tackles and a tackle for loss against Mississippi State.
TB KNOWSHON MORENO (Georgia) -- Rushed for 79 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown and also had two catches for 13 yards and a 32 yard punt return against South Carolina.
P/K TIM MASTHAY (Kentucky) -- Averaged 52.7 yards on three punts and had two touchbacks on kickoffs against Middle Tennessee.
RB CHARLES SCOTT (LSU) -- Rushed for 102 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns against North Texas.
DL PERIA JERRY (Ole Miss) -- In his first start of the season, registered six tackles and two for losses against Samford.
P BLAKE McADAMS (Mississippi State) -- Averaged 38.1 yards on 10 punts and had three downed inside the 10-yard line against Auburn.
WR MOE BROWN (South Carolina) -- Had career-highs in receptions (7) and reception yards (130) and a touchdown against Georgia.
WR LUCAS TAYLOR (Tennessee) -- Caught nine passes for 132 yards against UAB.
PR/KR/DB D.J. MOORE (Vanderbilt) -- Accounted for 206 all-purpose yards against Rice (84 punt return, 54 kickoff return, 37 rushing and an interception for 31 yards).

Monday, September 8, 2008
SEC Players of the Week
Both Alabama and Auburn got one this week. Here's the list from the SEC offices.
SEC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Games of Sept. 6)
SEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
KNOWSHON MORENO
Tailback
GEORGIA
5-11 • 207 • Sophomore
Belford, N.J. (Middletown South HS)
• Moreno rushed for 168 yards on 18 carries and a career-high tying three touchdowns in Georgia’s 56-17 win over Central Michigan.
• Moreno also had three catches for 30 yards.
• He scored three touchdowns for the second week in a row and leads the SEC and tied for second in the nation in scoring (36 points).
• He had a 52-yard TD run and also had a 29-yard run in which he hurdled an opposing player.
• Moreno was part of an offense that racked up 552 total offensive yards.
SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
PATRICK BENOIST
Linebacker
VANDERBILT
6-0 • 222 • Junior
Southlake, Texas (Carroll HS)
• A second-year starter, Benoist turned in a career-best performance in Vanderbilt’s 24-17 victory against #24 South Carolina.
• Benoist contributed 15 total tackles, including a six-yard quarterback sack, a two-yard tackle for loss and a pass deflection against the Gamecocks.
• His performance helped the Commodores limit South Carolina to a lone second half score and 325 total offensive yards.
SEC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JAVIER ARENAS
Return Specialist/Cornerback
ALABAMA
5-9 • 198 • Junior
Tampa, Fla. (Robinson HS)
• Arenas had five punt returns for a school-record 147 yards and a TD in Alabama’s 20-6 win against Tulane.
• His 87-yard return for a score was the fifth longest in school history.
• The punt return record had stood for 61 years, since Harry Gilmer had 122 yards against Georgia in 1947.
• Arenas now has four punt returns for TDs in his career, tying him with David Palmer for the school record.
• He finished with 212 all-purpose yards and 3 tackles.
SEC OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
JASON BOSLEY
Tackle
AUBURN
6-4 • 273 • Senior
Huntsville, Ala. (Grissom HS)
• In 70 plays, Bosley graded out at a team-best 94 percent in Auburn’s 27-13 win against Southern Miss.
• Against the Golden Eagles, Bosley tallied five “rodeo” blocks and two “cockroach” blocks.
• Bosley has moved from center to right tackle, playing exclusively at that position for the first time in his Auburn career.
• Auburn tallied 380 total offensive yards for a 5.1 yard per play average in 75 plays.
SEC DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM
Defensive End
FLORIDA
6-3 • 250 • Junior
Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson HS)
• Cunningham logged nine total tackles (five solos) with two for losses (-10 yards), including a sack (-8 yards) in Florida’s 23-3 win against Miami (Fla.).
• The Gator defense held Miami to three points, the fewest the Gators have allowed the Hurricanes since 1960 (UF, 18-0).
• The Gator defense held the Hurricanes to just 140 yards of total offense and forced nine punts.
SEC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
JOE ADAMS
Wide Receiver
ARKANSAS
6-0 • 175
Little Rock, Ark. (Central Arkansas Christian)
• Adams led Arkansas with seven catches for 89 yards in the Razorbacks’ 28-27 win over Louisiana-Monroe.
• Adams’ seven catches were the most by a Razorback in a single game since 2005 (7 by Peyton Hillis vs. Auburn).
• Two of his catches came to aid Arkansas’ fourth-quarter comeback, netting first downs on each catch.
• He also recorded a nine-yard rush against the Warhawks.
SEC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Games of Sept. 6)
SEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
KNOWSHON MORENO
Tailback
GEORGIA
5-11 • 207 • Sophomore
Belford, N.J. (Middletown South HS)
• Moreno rushed for 168 yards on 18 carries and a career-high tying three touchdowns in Georgia’s 56-17 win over Central Michigan.
• Moreno also had three catches for 30 yards.
• He scored three touchdowns for the second week in a row and leads the SEC and tied for second in the nation in scoring (36 points).
• He had a 52-yard TD run and also had a 29-yard run in which he hurdled an opposing player.
• Moreno was part of an offense that racked up 552 total offensive yards.
SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
PATRICK BENOIST
Linebacker
VANDERBILT
6-0 • 222 • Junior
Southlake, Texas (Carroll HS)
• A second-year starter, Benoist turned in a career-best performance in Vanderbilt’s 24-17 victory against #24 South Carolina.
• Benoist contributed 15 total tackles, including a six-yard quarterback sack, a two-yard tackle for loss and a pass deflection against the Gamecocks.
• His performance helped the Commodores limit South Carolina to a lone second half score and 325 total offensive yards.
SEC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
JAVIER ARENAS
Return Specialist/Cornerback
ALABAMA
5-9 • 198 • Junior
Tampa, Fla. (Robinson HS)
• Arenas had five punt returns for a school-record 147 yards and a TD in Alabama’s 20-6 win against Tulane.
• His 87-yard return for a score was the fifth longest in school history.
• The punt return record had stood for 61 years, since Harry Gilmer had 122 yards against Georgia in 1947.
• Arenas now has four punt returns for TDs in his career, tying him with David Palmer for the school record.
• He finished with 212 all-purpose yards and 3 tackles.
SEC OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
JASON BOSLEY
Tackle
AUBURN
6-4 • 273 • Senior
Huntsville, Ala. (Grissom HS)
• In 70 plays, Bosley graded out at a team-best 94 percent in Auburn’s 27-13 win against Southern Miss.
• Against the Golden Eagles, Bosley tallied five “rodeo” blocks and two “cockroach” blocks.
• Bosley has moved from center to right tackle, playing exclusively at that position for the first time in his Auburn career.
• Auburn tallied 380 total offensive yards for a 5.1 yard per play average in 75 plays.
SEC DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM
Defensive End
FLORIDA
6-3 • 250 • Junior
Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson HS)
• Cunningham logged nine total tackles (five solos) with two for losses (-10 yards), including a sack (-8 yards) in Florida’s 23-3 win against Miami (Fla.).
• The Gator defense held Miami to three points, the fewest the Gators have allowed the Hurricanes since 1960 (UF, 18-0).
• The Gator defense held the Hurricanes to just 140 yards of total offense and forced nine punts.
SEC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
JOE ADAMS
Wide Receiver
ARKANSAS
6-0 • 175
Little Rock, Ark. (Central Arkansas Christian)
• Adams led Arkansas with seven catches for 89 yards in the Razorbacks’ 28-27 win over Louisiana-Monroe.
• Adams’ seven catches were the most by a Razorback in a single game since 2005 (7 by Peyton Hillis vs. Auburn).
• Two of his catches came to aid Arkansas’ fourth-quarter comeback, netting first downs on each catch.
• He also recorded a nine-yard rush against the Warhawks.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
TIde learning to rely in Ingram
TUSCALOOSA — With 4:41 remaining in the third quarter, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban ditched his running back rotation and went with freshman Mark Ingram as the feature back.
The move proved fortuitous, as Ingram rushed for 39 yards on the drive, including a touchdown run where he swept to the left, found a hole and ran in for the 15-yard score.
“He certainly made some outstanding runs when there wasn't much there,” Saban said. “Mark has probably been our most consistent guy with the ball in his hands and hopefully he can continue to improve.”
For the second consecutive game, Alabama primarily used Ingram, who led the Tide with 63 yards on 11 carries, and Glen Coffee who had 55 yards on nine carries. Saban said that he tried to use running back Terry Grant more, but couldn’t after Alabama got out of its gameplan. Grant had one reception for nine yards.
• Offensive line gets makeover: Alabama played Saturday’s game against Tulane with three new offensive linemen. Well, that’s not really the case, but that was the way Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban saw it.
With starting left tackle Andre Smith injured, Alabama began the game with Mike Johnson at left tackle, David Ross at left guard, Antoine Caldwell at center, Marlon Davis at right guard and Drew Davis at right tackle.
Then when Marlon Davis went down in the first half with a hamstring injury, Saban moved Ross from left guard to right guard and inserted Brian Motley at left guard.
“We had Motley playing a different place, David Ross playing a different place and Mike Johnson playing a different place, so you actually had three different people playing from what we were last week,” Saban said. “We kind of lost our continuity on the offensive line.”
• Newcomers show their stuff: Those looking for a big game out of freshman wide receiver Julio Jones were disappointed. One week after his four catch, 28-yard performance against Clemson, Jones made one catch — a 13-yard grab — against Tulane.
Jones might be the most recognizable member of the freshman class — his introduction Saturday elicited the loudest cheers from the fans — but several other newcomers played roles in Alabama’s win against Tulane. Linebacker Don’ta Hightower finished with 10 tackles and Mark Barron filled in at Alabama’s extra defensive back slot after cornerback Javier Arenas went out with a head injury in the third quarter.
• Tide jump up two spots in AP poll: Alabama moved up two spots in the Associated Press poll and one in the USA Today Coaches Poll on Sunday.
Alabama went from No. 13 to No. 11 in the AP poll and from No. 17 to No. 16 in the coaches poll.
— Josh Cooper
The move proved fortuitous, as Ingram rushed for 39 yards on the drive, including a touchdown run where he swept to the left, found a hole and ran in for the 15-yard score.
“He certainly made some outstanding runs when there wasn't much there,” Saban said. “Mark has probably been our most consistent guy with the ball in his hands and hopefully he can continue to improve.”
For the second consecutive game, Alabama primarily used Ingram, who led the Tide with 63 yards on 11 carries, and Glen Coffee who had 55 yards on nine carries. Saban said that he tried to use running back Terry Grant more, but couldn’t after Alabama got out of its gameplan. Grant had one reception for nine yards.
• Offensive line gets makeover: Alabama played Saturday’s game against Tulane with three new offensive linemen. Well, that’s not really the case, but that was the way Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban saw it.
With starting left tackle Andre Smith injured, Alabama began the game with Mike Johnson at left tackle, David Ross at left guard, Antoine Caldwell at center, Marlon Davis at right guard and Drew Davis at right tackle.
Then when Marlon Davis went down in the first half with a hamstring injury, Saban moved Ross from left guard to right guard and inserted Brian Motley at left guard.
“We had Motley playing a different place, David Ross playing a different place and Mike Johnson playing a different place, so you actually had three different people playing from what we were last week,” Saban said. “We kind of lost our continuity on the offensive line.”
• Newcomers show their stuff: Those looking for a big game out of freshman wide receiver Julio Jones were disappointed. One week after his four catch, 28-yard performance against Clemson, Jones made one catch — a 13-yard grab — against Tulane.
Jones might be the most recognizable member of the freshman class — his introduction Saturday elicited the loudest cheers from the fans — but several other newcomers played roles in Alabama’s win against Tulane. Linebacker Don’ta Hightower finished with 10 tackles and Mark Barron filled in at Alabama’s extra defensive back slot after cornerback Javier Arenas went out with a head injury in the third quarter.
• Tide jump up two spots in AP poll: Alabama moved up two spots in the Associated Press poll and one in the USA Today Coaches Poll on Sunday.
Alabama went from No. 13 to No. 11 in the AP poll and from No. 17 to No. 16 in the coaches poll.
— Josh Cooper
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
New rankings
The new polls are out, and there's good news and bad news.
Alabama moved up four spots to No. 17. That, for the Alabama fans, would be the good news. The bad news? Well, if you can call it that, is that for right now, the Tide will not get a shot at the No. 1 team in the country in a few weeks.
After Southern Cal's impressive win over Virginia, Georgia slipped to the No. 2 spot.
Here is the USA Today/ESPN poll
Alabama took the biggest move in the Associated Press poll, moving up 11 spots. Georgia fell in this one, too.
Read about it here.
Alabama moved up four spots to No. 17. That, for the Alabama fans, would be the good news. The bad news? Well, if you can call it that, is that for right now, the Tide will not get a shot at the No. 1 team in the country in a few weeks.
After Southern Cal's impressive win over Virginia, Georgia slipped to the No. 2 spot.
Here is the USA Today/ESPN poll
Alabama took the biggest move in the Associated Press poll, moving up 11 spots. Georgia fell in this one, too.
Read about it here.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Tide headed to Conway, S.C.
Alabama found out its baseball postseason destination on Monday. It's Conway, S.C., home of Coastal Carolina University.
The third-seeded Crimson Tide (34-26) will face East Carolina (40-17) in a first-round game of the double-elimination regional. Top-seeded Coastal Carolina (47-12) and Columbia (22-28) will face off in the other first-round game.
The schedule for the regionals will be released later today.
The third-seeded Crimson Tide (34-26) will face East Carolina (40-17) in a first-round game of the double-elimination regional. Top-seeded Coastal Carolina (47-12) and Columbia (22-28) will face off in the other first-round game.
The schedule for the regionals will be released later today.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
And ... maybe not
The SEC baseball tournament and the deadlines of the print media world collided in catastrophic fashion Wednesday night, at least for me.
In a column I wrote for Thursday's paper, I predicted that this Alabama team was different than those of the last three years, which had made pitiful showings in Hoover. Since Alabama's first-round game with Kentucky didn't start until 10:50 p.m. (nearly three hours after the regularly-scheduled first pitch), I had to write something to fill the space in the paper.
Little did I know, Alabama would go out on the field and get embarrassed by a pitcher making his first career start. The Crimson Tide got three runs and five hits against Kentucky starter Aaron Lovett in its first trip through the order, but couldn't manage much after that in a 9-3 loss.
Alabama has now lost four consecutive SEC tournament openers, and will try to stay alive when it faces top-seeded Georgia at "1 p.m." today. (I put that time in parentheses because there is a game that starts at 10 a.m., meaning Alabama's game will surely not begin on time). Austin Hyatt is scheduled to pitch for the Crimson Tide.
Most of those in the know (I'm not including myself in that category) have speculated that Alabama is already in the NCAA tournament, even if it goes 2-and-out in Hoover for the second straight year. But another loss today might make up the selection committee's mind in a negative way.
Though it finished second in the SEC West and fifth in the overall SEC standings, Alabama is ninth in the league in the RPI rankings. It's possible the 6-8 seeds in Hoover and perhaps even 9th-place Arkansas, could jump the Tide in the tournament pecking order.
At least today --- and for as long as Alabama stays alive in Hoover --- we won't have to worry about a deadline crunch.
In a column I wrote for Thursday's paper, I predicted that this Alabama team was different than those of the last three years, which had made pitiful showings in Hoover. Since Alabama's first-round game with Kentucky didn't start until 10:50 p.m. (nearly three hours after the regularly-scheduled first pitch), I had to write something to fill the space in the paper.
Little did I know, Alabama would go out on the field and get embarrassed by a pitcher making his first career start. The Crimson Tide got three runs and five hits against Kentucky starter Aaron Lovett in its first trip through the order, but couldn't manage much after that in a 9-3 loss.
Alabama has now lost four consecutive SEC tournament openers, and will try to stay alive when it faces top-seeded Georgia at "1 p.m." today. (I put that time in parentheses because there is a game that starts at 10 a.m., meaning Alabama's game will surely not begin on time). Austin Hyatt is scheduled to pitch for the Crimson Tide.
Most of those in the know (I'm not including myself in that category) have speculated that Alabama is already in the NCAA tournament, even if it goes 2-and-out in Hoover for the second straight year. But another loss today might make up the selection committee's mind in a negative way.
Though it finished second in the SEC West and fifth in the overall SEC standings, Alabama is ninth in the league in the RPI rankings. It's possible the 6-8 seeds in Hoover and perhaps even 9th-place Arkansas, could jump the Tide in the tournament pecking order.
At least today --- and for as long as Alabama stays alive in Hoover --- we won't have to worry about a deadline crunch.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Nick Saban, always one step ahead
It didn't take Alabama football coach Nick Saban long to find away around the new NCAA rule --- AKA the "Saban rule" --- that prohibits head coaches from recruiting off-campus during the spring recruiting period (April 15-May 31).
Saban has begun taking advantage of new technology, using video-conferencing over the Internet to get a chance to meet coaches and prospects that he would have previously been allowed to meet in person. Here's the explanation Saban offered during his Crimson Caravan stop at Talladega Superspeedway on Tuesday night :
"We had video conferencing in our office from a medical standpoint, for some of our guys to use to talk to sports psychiatrists and different things like that," Saban said. "It was just a part of our program; it's a part of our peer-intervention program. We have several people involved in that. So, we had it. Obviously, we've seen it used before and we've used it before and just thought it would be a much better opportunity, a personal opportunity, to visit with the high school coach, as well as the prospect, even though in most cases, they end up calling us."
It will be interesting to see how long it takes the NCAA to try and close this loophole as well, the way it did with text-messaging. But you have to give Saban credit for always trying to be one step ahead of the competition when it comes to recruiting, and just about everything else.
Saban has begun taking advantage of new technology, using video-conferencing over the Internet to get a chance to meet coaches and prospects that he would have previously been allowed to meet in person. Here's the explanation Saban offered during his Crimson Caravan stop at Talladega Superspeedway on Tuesday night :
"We had video conferencing in our office from a medical standpoint, for some of our guys to use to talk to sports psychiatrists and different things like that," Saban said. "It was just a part of our program; it's a part of our peer-intervention program. We have several people involved in that. So, we had it. Obviously, we've seen it used before and we've used it before and just thought it would be a much better opportunity, a personal opportunity, to visit with the high school coach, as well as the prospect, even though in most cases, they end up calling us."
It will be interesting to see how long it takes the NCAA to try and close this loophole as well, the way it did with text-messaging. But you have to give Saban credit for always trying to be one step ahead of the competition when it comes to recruiting, and just about everything else.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Couple of newsworthy items
Few things on a Friday afternoon:
* First, Alabama has set its 2008 homecoming football game. It will be the Nov. 1 game against Arkansas State.
That's a little later than ideal in terms of weather, but since schools generally like to face a non-conference (read: beatable) opponent for homecoming, it might have been the only option. The Tide's other non-conference home games are against Tulane on Sept. 6 and Western Kentucky on Sept. 13, dates considered too early for homecoming.
* Alabama's baseball team was picked to finish last in the SEC West by league coaches. That's no surprise, given the Crimson Tide returns virtually no experienced pitchers from a year ago.
But baseball teams have been been known to make significant one-year turnarounds, so I wouldn't count Alabama out of the race just yet. The Crimson Tide opens the season a week from today, at home against Cal Poly on Feb. 22.
* Speaking of baseball, one of the Crimson Tide's all-time greats announced his retirement from the game on Friday. Jeremy Brown, a catcher at Alabama from 1999-2002, hung up his spikes after six years in the Oakland Athletics' system.
Brown was a first-round pick by the Athletics in 2002 and a prominent figure in the best-selling Michael Lewis book "Moneyball." But due to injuries and perhaps just bad luck, he never stuck at the major-league level, getting 10 at-bats in his lone big-league call-up in 2006.
* Fourth, and not least, Alabama softball is off to a 6-0 start heading into today's Crimson Classic. The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 4 in the country and preseason SEC favorite, has already sold every tickets for its home schedule.
* First, Alabama has set its 2008 homecoming football game. It will be the Nov. 1 game against Arkansas State.
That's a little later than ideal in terms of weather, but since schools generally like to face a non-conference (read: beatable) opponent for homecoming, it might have been the only option. The Tide's other non-conference home games are against Tulane on Sept. 6 and Western Kentucky on Sept. 13, dates considered too early for homecoming.
* Alabama's baseball team was picked to finish last in the SEC West by league coaches. That's no surprise, given the Crimson Tide returns virtually no experienced pitchers from a year ago.
But baseball teams have been been known to make significant one-year turnarounds, so I wouldn't count Alabama out of the race just yet. The Crimson Tide opens the season a week from today, at home against Cal Poly on Feb. 22.
* Speaking of baseball, one of the Crimson Tide's all-time greats announced his retirement from the game on Friday. Jeremy Brown, a catcher at Alabama from 1999-2002, hung up his spikes after six years in the Oakland Athletics' system.
Brown was a first-round pick by the Athletics in 2002 and a prominent figure in the best-selling Michael Lewis book "Moneyball." But due to injuries and perhaps just bad luck, he never stuck at the major-league level, getting 10 at-bats in his lone big-league call-up in 2006.
* Fourth, and not least, Alabama softball is off to a 6-0 start heading into today's Crimson Classic. The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 4 in the country and preseason SEC favorite, has already sold every tickets for its home schedule.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Spring Football
For those of you wanting to keep up with the rest of the league, here's the spring football dates as released by the SEC.
Alabama (Start: March 13 / Finish: April 15 / Spring Game - April 12)
Arkansas (Start: April 3 / Finish: April 26)
Auburn (Start: Feb. 28 / Finish: March 29)
Florida (Start: March 19 / Finish: April 12)
Georgia (Start: March 3 / Finish: April 5)
Kentucky (Start: March 26 / Finish: April 19)
LSU (Start: Feb. 29 / Finish: April 5)
Ole Miss (Start: March 17 / Finish: April 12)
Mississippi State (Start: Feb. 26 / Finish: March 29)
South Carolina (Start: March 19 / Finish: April 19)
Tennessee (Start: March 11 / Finish: April 19)
Vanderbilt (Start: March 11 / Finish: April 5 / Spring Game - March 29)
Alabama (Start: March 13 / Finish: April 15 / Spring Game - April 12)
Arkansas (Start: April 3 / Finish: April 26)
Auburn (Start: Feb. 28 / Finish: March 29)
Florida (Start: March 19 / Finish: April 12)
Georgia (Start: March 3 / Finish: April 5)
Kentucky (Start: March 26 / Finish: April 19)
LSU (Start: Feb. 29 / Finish: April 5)
Ole Miss (Start: March 17 / Finish: April 12)
Mississippi State (Start: Feb. 26 / Finish: March 29)
South Carolina (Start: March 19 / Finish: April 19)
Tennessee (Start: March 11 / Finish: April 19)
Vanderbilt (Start: March 11 / Finish: April 5 / Spring Game - March 29)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Thompson named top recruiter
In perhaps the least surprising news of the week, Alabama assistant coach Lance Thompson has been named Rivals.com's National Recruiter of the Year. Read that story here.
Thompson helped Alabama lock down the talent-rich Mobile area this year, serving as the primary recruiter for the likes of Julio Jones, Burton Scott, Mark Barron and Glenn Harbin. In total, he secured 10 verbal commitments, two from five-star prospects and six from four-star prospects.
Alabama landed what has universally been regarded as the top signing class in the country Wednesday, and Thompson was perhaps the biggest reason why.
Rivals.com also released its Top 25 recruiters for 2008 on Wednesday. Read that story here.
One flaw in Rivals' system is that only one coach from each school was listed. Alabama's Curt Cignetti, Kirby Smart and Kevin Steele probably deserved to be on that list in addition to Thompson.
Thompson helped Alabama lock down the talent-rich Mobile area this year, serving as the primary recruiter for the likes of Julio Jones, Burton Scott, Mark Barron and Glenn Harbin. In total, he secured 10 verbal commitments, two from five-star prospects and six from four-star prospects.
Alabama landed what has universally been regarded as the top signing class in the country Wednesday, and Thompson was perhaps the biggest reason why.
Rivals.com also released its Top 25 recruiters for 2008 on Wednesday. Read that story here.
One flaw in Rivals' system is that only one coach from each school was listed. Alabama's Curt Cignetti, Kirby Smart and Kevin Steele probably deserved to be on that list in addition to Thompson.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Head-to-head = no contest
Alabama didn't sign every player it went after this football recruiting season, it just seemed that way. But perhaps more signficantly, the Crimson Tide absolutely hammered Auburn on the recruiting front, both in-state and out-of-state.
You can theorize all you want as to why this is, but it's safe to say that Nick Saban's arrival has upped the stakes in at least this aspect of the Iron Bowl rivalry. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville spent signing day and much of the last week trying to explain this trend, and I won't comment on that here.
But as Kevin Bacon said in "A Few Good Men," these are the facts, and they are indisputable:
* Alabama signed 22 players rated four- or five-star prospects by Rivals.com, and 20 rated rated four- or five-star prospects by Scout.com. Auburn signed six and five, respectively.
* Rivals.com ranked 16 players in the state of Alabama's Class of 2008 as four-star or better prospects. Alabama signed 12 (including the Top 5 and 7 of the Top 10), Florida 2, Clemson 1 and Auburn 1 (No. 13 Cameron Henderson).
* Scout.com ranked 11 players in the state of Alabama's Class of 2008 as four-star or better prospects. Alabama signed 8 (including the Top 5), Florida 2, Clemson 1 and Auburn ZERO.
But perhaps the most telling stat --- and the most-disheartening one if you're an Auburn fan --- is this:
According to the individual player scholarship offers tracked by Rivals.com, Alabama signed 15 players who also had offers from Auburn. Auburn signed ZERO that also had offers from Alabama (I would link this info, but it's subscriber-only content on Rivals, so you'll just have to believe me if you're not a subscriber to that Web site).
I'm not saying this proves anything, least of all that Alabama is about to begin dominating Auburn on the field. But anyone who says the Crimson Tide didn't just do so in recruiting is either ill-informed or in full Orange and Blue spin mode.
You can theorize all you want as to why this is, but it's safe to say that Nick Saban's arrival has upped the stakes in at least this aspect of the Iron Bowl rivalry. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville spent signing day and much of the last week trying to explain this trend, and I won't comment on that here.
But as Kevin Bacon said in "A Few Good Men," these are the facts, and they are indisputable:
* Alabama signed 22 players rated four- or five-star prospects by Rivals.com, and 20 rated rated four- or five-star prospects by Scout.com. Auburn signed six and five, respectively.
* Rivals.com ranked 16 players in the state of Alabama's Class of 2008 as four-star or better prospects. Alabama signed 12 (including the Top 5 and 7 of the Top 10), Florida 2, Clemson 1 and Auburn 1 (No. 13 Cameron Henderson).
* Scout.com ranked 11 players in the state of Alabama's Class of 2008 as four-star or better prospects. Alabama signed 8 (including the Top 5), Florida 2, Clemson 1 and Auburn ZERO.
But perhaps the most telling stat --- and the most-disheartening one if you're an Auburn fan --- is this:
According to the individual player scholarship offers tracked by Rivals.com, Alabama signed 15 players who also had offers from Auburn. Auburn signed ZERO that also had offers from Alabama (I would link this info, but it's subscriber-only content on Rivals, so you'll just have to believe me if you're not a subscriber to that Web site).
I'm not saying this proves anything, least of all that Alabama is about to begin dominating Auburn on the field. But anyone who says the Crimson Tide didn't just do so in recruiting is either ill-informed or in full Orange and Blue spin mode.
Tide on top
Julio Jones' committment to Alabama vaulted the Crimson Tide into the No. 1 spot in the national recruiting rankings, according to Rivals.com. The Tide had been second at the beginning of the day.
See that list here.
Alabama already ranked No. 1 according to Scout.com.
See that list here.
Alabama already ranked No. 1 according to Scout.com.
Julio to Alabama
Five-star wide receiver prospect Julio Jones of Foley has verbally committed to Alabama. Check annistonstar.com for updates throughout the day.
Alabama recruiting tracker, 3rd update
Add the following players to Alabama's official list of 2008 signees, according to rolltide.com:
DB Wesley Neighbors
DE Michael Williams
DL Brandon Lewis
DB Alonzo Lawrence
OL John Michael Boswell
DB Wesley Neighbors
DE Michael Williams
DL Brandon Lewis
DB Alonzo Lawrence
OL John Michael Boswell
Dareus brothers to Bama?
Birmingham Huffman football players Marcel and Demerius Dareus each verbally committed to Alabama on Wednesday morning, but it's unclear if both will sign with the Crimson Tide.
Of the two, only Marcel Dareus has a firm offer from the Crimson Tide, according to Rivals.com. Marcel, a 6-foot-4, 275-pound, three-star defensive tackle, chose the Crimson Tide over offers from Auburn and North Carolina, among others.
Demerius Dareus, a 6-5, 245-pound defensive end, is rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com. He had reported offers from Arkansas, Southern Miss and Tennessee, but apparently not from Alabama.
Guess we'll have to wait until Alabama's official list of signees comes out before we know if the Crimson Tide landed one or two Dareus brothers today.
Of the two, only Marcel Dareus has a firm offer from the Crimson Tide, according to Rivals.com. Marcel, a 6-foot-4, 275-pound, three-star defensive tackle, chose the Crimson Tide over offers from Auburn and North Carolina, among others.
Demerius Dareus, a 6-5, 245-pound defensive end, is rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com. He had reported offers from Arkansas, Southern Miss and Tennessee, but apparently not from Alabama.
Guess we'll have to wait until Alabama's official list of signees comes out before we know if the Crimson Tide landed one or two Dareus brothers today.
Alabama recruiting tracker, 2nd update
Add the following six players officially to Alabama's 2008 signing class, according to rolltide.com:
DL Damian Square
RB Ivan Matchett
OL Tyler Love
DL Undra Billingsley
DL Glenn Harbin
LB Courtney Upshaw
Also, Birmingham Huffman defensive tackle has pushed his announcement back to 11 a.m. He's narrowed his choices to Alabama, Auburn and North Carolina.
DL Damian Square
RB Ivan Matchett
OL Tyler Love
DL Undra Billingsley
DL Glenn Harbin
LB Courtney Upshaw
Also, Birmingham Huffman defensive tackle has pushed his announcement back to 11 a.m. He's narrowed his choices to Alabama, Auburn and North Carolina.
Quinn commits to North Carolina
Robert Quinn, a 4-star defensive end prospect from North Charleston, S.C., committed and signed with North Carolina on Wednesday, a rare recruiting loss for Alabama.
Quinn, from Fort Dorchester High School, had narrowed his final three choices to North Carolina, Alabama and Auburn, but ultimately opted to stay close to home and signed with the Tar Heels.
Alabama has gotten commitments from nearly every major prospect it has recruited this winter, and will receive word from the likes of five-star wide receiver Julio Jones and four-star linebacker Jerrell Harris later today.
Quinn, from Fort Dorchester High School, had narrowed his final three choices to North Carolina, Alabama and Auburn, but ultimately opted to stay close to home and signed with the Tar Heels.
Alabama has gotten commitments from nearly every major prospect it has recruited this winter, and will receive word from the likes of five-star wide receiver Julio Jones and four-star linebacker Jerrell Harris later today.
Alabama recruiting tracker, update
Add the following to Alabama's 2008 signing class,according to rolltide.com:
DB Robby Green
OL Barrett Jones
LB Don'ta Hightower
RB Chris Jordan
DB Mark Barron
QB Brad Smelley
WR Destin Hood
RB Jermaine Preyear
DB Robby Green
OL Barrett Jones
LB Don'ta Hightower
RB Chris Jordan
DB Mark Barron
QB Brad Smelley
WR Destin Hood
RB Jermaine Preyear
Alabama recruiting tracker
For the first time, Alabama is giving live recruiting updates on its official site, rolltide.com. As of 8:20 a.m., the Crimson Tide had two letters of intent in hand, from Tallahassee, Fla., wide receiver Melvin Ray, and Norcross, Ga., wide receiver/linebacker Devonta Bolton.
With the December signings of kicker Corey Smith (Bunker Hill, W.Va.) and wide receiver Chris Jackson (McDonough, Ga.), Alabama now has four official signees.
Check back throughout the day for updates ...
With the December signings of kicker Corey Smith (Bunker Hill, W.Va.) and wide receiver Chris Jackson (McDonough, Ga.), Alabama now has four official signees.
Check back throughout the day for updates ...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Spring start date set
Alabama football coach Nick Saban announced on Thursday that the Crimson Tide will begin spring practice on March 13, but will have its workout schedule interrupted by spring break.
The Crimson Tide will practice both March 13-14, then take the following week off for spring break. Practice will resume on March 24, with three workouts per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) leading up to the April 12 A-Day game.
The reason for the split is to avoid conflicting with a triathlon event scheduled for Tuscaloosa on April 19. The two events coincided last year as well, but that didn't stop the Crimson Tide from drawing a record crowd of 92,138.
The spring practice schedule is less than ideal for another reason as well. March 13 is also the opening day of the SEC basketball tournament.
The Crimson Tide will practice both March 13-14, then take the following week off for spring break. Practice will resume on March 24, with three workouts per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) leading up to the April 12 A-Day game.
The reason for the split is to avoid conflicting with a triathlon event scheduled for Tuscaloosa on April 19. The two events coincided last year as well, but that didn't stop the Crimson Tide from drawing a record crowd of 92,138.
The spring practice schedule is less than ideal for another reason as well. March 13 is also the opening day of the SEC basketball tournament.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tide hires McElwain as offensive coordinator
Per UA Media relations:
TUSCALOOSA --- Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced the hiring of Jim McElwain as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on Wednesday.
McElwain served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Fresno State last year after spending the 2006 season in the NFL as quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders. McElwain made an immediate impact in his first season at Fresno State as he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record, a significant turnaround from the previous year in which Fresno State posted a 4-8 mark.
“Jim is a phenomenal coach and we are thrilled to have him on board,” said Alabama head coach Nick Saban. “He did an outstanding job last year at Fresno State. Their improvement on offense, especially in the play of their quarterback, was tremendous. They had an impressive showing offensively against a very good Georgia Tech defense in their bowl win. In terms of production, they upped their offensive numbers significantly compared to the previous year. He’s worked with some great coaches including Pat Hill, John L. Smith and Scott Linehan. He also brings NFL experience working with quarterbacks, which is another big plus. We talked to a large pool of coaches when we interviewed for this position and Jim was absolutely the best candidate we spoke to.”
McElwain’s offense at Fresno State averaged 419.5 yards per game (38th nationally) and 32.9 points per game (32nd) last season. That was a significant increase from the 2006 campaign when the Bulldogs averaged 338.2 yards per game in total offense and 23.0 points per game in terms of scoring offense. After Fresno State rolled up 571 yards of total offense and defeated Georgia Tech 40-28 in the Humanitarian Bowl, McElwain moved up to No. 18 in the Rivals.com national power rankings (offensive coaches). His quarterback, Tom Brandstater, finished 2007 with a passing efficiency rating of 140.5, which ranked 23rd in the country. Brandstater showed remarkable improvement under McElwain’s watch as he had posted a pass efficiency rating of 106.7 (89th) the previous year.
“I’m excited as heck about the opportunity to join the staff at the University of Alabama,” said McElwain. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m ready to hit the ground running as soon as I arrive in Tuscaloosa. Coach Saban and his staff have the Alabama football program on the rise and I want to do my part to continue that momentum. I’m leaving a great place at Fresno State and appreciate all that Coach Hill, the players, the staff, and the fans did for me and my family while we were there.”
McElwain served as the assistant head coach, receivers coach and special teams coach at Michigan State from 2003-05. The 2003 team reached the Alamo Bowl behind a receiving corps that set school records for receptions (312) and yards (3,510). He coached 2004 All-America punter Brandon Fields and kicker Dave Rayner, who led the Big Ten Conference in scoring. In 2005, five Spartan receivers had at least 28 receptions and the group combined to a set another school record with 24 touchdown catches.
“Jim is a great coach and I think he’s going to be an outstanding head coach one day,” said Fresno State head coach Pat Hill. “We’ve lost some good assistants over the years and our offensive coordinators have gone on and done well, including Jeff Tedford at Cal. That’s the nature of the business. I never want to hold anyone back from better opportunities. Jim did a great job for us and we wish him and his family all the best.”
Prior to his stint at Michigan State, McElwain spent three seasons (2000-02) at Louisville as the receivers coach and special teams coach as the Cardinals earned bowl bids in each of those three seasons. He coached four first team All-Conference USA selections at Louisville and also tutored three of the Cardinals’ all-time leading receivers, including Deion Branch and Arnold Jackson.
From 1995-99, McElwain was the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and receivers coach at Montana State. Under his direction, quarterback Rob Compson threw for nearly 7,000 career yards and a school-record 54 touchdowns. McElwain also coached the Bobcats’ all-time leading receiver Chip Hobbs, who caught 144 career passes for 2,060 yards and 18 TDs. Montana State led the Big Sky Conference in scoring in 1998, averaging 31.6 points per game.
McElwain was at Eastern Washington from 1985-94 in a variety of capacities, starting as a graduate assistant and working his way up to quarterbacks and receivers coach. The Eagles made two NCAA Division I-AA playoff appearances (1992 and 1995) and earned a share of the Big Sky Championship in 1992. McElwain coached EWU’s all-time leading receiver, Tony Brooks (2,969 career yards), who earned third team AP All-America honors in 1993.
An all-state quarterback at Missoula (Montana) Sentinel High School, McElwain played quarterback at Eastern Washington from 1980-83 and earned his degree in Education from EWU in 1984. He and his wife, Karen, have three children, JoHanna, Elizabeth and Jerrett.
TUSCALOOSA --- Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced the hiring of Jim McElwain as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on Wednesday.
McElwain served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Fresno State last year after spending the 2006 season in the NFL as quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders. McElwain made an immediate impact in his first season at Fresno State as he helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record, a significant turnaround from the previous year in which Fresno State posted a 4-8 mark.
“Jim is a phenomenal coach and we are thrilled to have him on board,” said Alabama head coach Nick Saban. “He did an outstanding job last year at Fresno State. Their improvement on offense, especially in the play of their quarterback, was tremendous. They had an impressive showing offensively against a very good Georgia Tech defense in their bowl win. In terms of production, they upped their offensive numbers significantly compared to the previous year. He’s worked with some great coaches including Pat Hill, John L. Smith and Scott Linehan. He also brings NFL experience working with quarterbacks, which is another big plus. We talked to a large pool of coaches when we interviewed for this position and Jim was absolutely the best candidate we spoke to.”
McElwain’s offense at Fresno State averaged 419.5 yards per game (38th nationally) and 32.9 points per game (32nd) last season. That was a significant increase from the 2006 campaign when the Bulldogs averaged 338.2 yards per game in total offense and 23.0 points per game in terms of scoring offense. After Fresno State rolled up 571 yards of total offense and defeated Georgia Tech 40-28 in the Humanitarian Bowl, McElwain moved up to No. 18 in the Rivals.com national power rankings (offensive coaches). His quarterback, Tom Brandstater, finished 2007 with a passing efficiency rating of 140.5, which ranked 23rd in the country. Brandstater showed remarkable improvement under McElwain’s watch as he had posted a pass efficiency rating of 106.7 (89th) the previous year.
“I’m excited as heck about the opportunity to join the staff at the University of Alabama,” said McElwain. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m ready to hit the ground running as soon as I arrive in Tuscaloosa. Coach Saban and his staff have the Alabama football program on the rise and I want to do my part to continue that momentum. I’m leaving a great place at Fresno State and appreciate all that Coach Hill, the players, the staff, and the fans did for me and my family while we were there.”
McElwain served as the assistant head coach, receivers coach and special teams coach at Michigan State from 2003-05. The 2003 team reached the Alamo Bowl behind a receiving corps that set school records for receptions (312) and yards (3,510). He coached 2004 All-America punter Brandon Fields and kicker Dave Rayner, who led the Big Ten Conference in scoring. In 2005, five Spartan receivers had at least 28 receptions and the group combined to a set another school record with 24 touchdown catches.
“Jim is a great coach and I think he’s going to be an outstanding head coach one day,” said Fresno State head coach Pat Hill. “We’ve lost some good assistants over the years and our offensive coordinators have gone on and done well, including Jeff Tedford at Cal. That’s the nature of the business. I never want to hold anyone back from better opportunities. Jim did a great job for us and we wish him and his family all the best.”
Prior to his stint at Michigan State, McElwain spent three seasons (2000-02) at Louisville as the receivers coach and special teams coach as the Cardinals earned bowl bids in each of those three seasons. He coached four first team All-Conference USA selections at Louisville and also tutored three of the Cardinals’ all-time leading receivers, including Deion Branch and Arnold Jackson.
From 1995-99, McElwain was the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and receivers coach at Montana State. Under his direction, quarterback Rob Compson threw for nearly 7,000 career yards and a school-record 54 touchdowns. McElwain also coached the Bobcats’ all-time leading receiver Chip Hobbs, who caught 144 career passes for 2,060 yards and 18 TDs. Montana State led the Big Sky Conference in scoring in 1998, averaging 31.6 points per game.
McElwain was at Eastern Washington from 1985-94 in a variety of capacities, starting as a graduate assistant and working his way up to quarterbacks and receivers coach. The Eagles made two NCAA Division I-AA playoff appearances (1992 and 1995) and earned a share of the Big Sky Championship in 1992. McElwain coached EWU’s all-time leading receiver, Tony Brooks (2,969 career yards), who earned third team AP All-America honors in 1993.
An all-state quarterback at Missoula (Montana) Sentinel High School, McElwain played quarterback at Eastern Washington from 1980-83 and earned his degree in Education from EWU in 1984. He and his wife, Karen, have three children, JoHanna, Elizabeth and Jerrett.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Caldwell to announce plans on Monday
TUSCALOOSA --- Alabama offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell has scheduled a press conference for noon Monday to announce his status for the NFL draft.
Caldwell, a junior from Montgomery, has one year of eligibility remaining at Alabama, but said in December that he was considering forgoing his senior year. The deadline to enter the NFL draft is Tuesday.
Caldwell started nine games at four different positions for the Crimson Tide in 2007, but sat out four games due to a suspension for violations related to textbooks. He started at center in the Dec. 30 Independence Bowl, and is expected to play that same position in the NFL.
Caldwell filed paperwork with the NFL draft advisory board last month, and received word last week. He is believed to be projected as a third- or fourth-round pick should he enter the draft.
Caldwell has already graduated from Alabama, having received his degree in human environmental sciences last May. He began work on a second undergraduate degree in financial planning this past fall.
Alabama has not had a player leave early for the NFL since 2003, when both offensive lineman Justin Smiley and defensive end Antwan Odom departed after their junior seasons. Both Smiley and Odom were second-round picks, Smiley by San Francisco, Odom by Tennessee.
Caldwell, a junior from Montgomery, has one year of eligibility remaining at Alabama, but said in December that he was considering forgoing his senior year. The deadline to enter the NFL draft is Tuesday.
Caldwell started nine games at four different positions for the Crimson Tide in 2007, but sat out four games due to a suspension for violations related to textbooks. He started at center in the Dec. 30 Independence Bowl, and is expected to play that same position in the NFL.
Caldwell filed paperwork with the NFL draft advisory board last month, and received word last week. He is believed to be projected as a third- or fourth-round pick should he enter the draft.
Caldwell has already graduated from Alabama, having received his degree in human environmental sciences last May. He began work on a second undergraduate degree in financial planning this past fall.
Alabama has not had a player leave early for the NFL since 2003, when both offensive lineman Justin Smiley and defensive end Antwan Odom departed after their junior seasons. Both Smiley and Odom were second-round picks, Smiley by San Francisco, Odom by Tennessee.
Friday, January 11, 2008
A-Day set for Saturday, April 12
Per Alabama media relations. No start date for spring practice has yet been set:
TUSCALOOSA --- The University of Alabama football program will hold its annual A-Day Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A kickoff time remains undetermined. Further details about Alabama’s Spring Practices and all A-Day weekend activities will be released as they are finalized.
TUSCALOOSA --- The University of Alabama football program will hold its annual A-Day Spring Football Game on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A kickoff time remains undetermined. Further details about Alabama’s Spring Practices and all A-Day weekend activities will be released as they are finalized.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The rest of the story
A little more on the story that we ran on the page 5C dealing with the future of a playoff system in college football.
From the AJC story ...
Here is how the other presidents responded when asked which of four categories best summarized their stance:
It’s time for a playoff but I’m not sure about this particular model.
— Henry Bienen, Northwestern
— Richard Brodhead, Duke
— Jack Hawkins, Troy
— Robert Khayat, Ole Miss
— Steadman Upham, Tulsa
Brodhead said an eight-team playoff “makes the season too long” but “we might well support a four-team playoff.”
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but it’s time to at least talk about a playoff.
— James Barker, Clemson
— Scott Cowen, Tulane
— Robert Foglesong, Mississippi State
— Judy Genshaft, South Florida
— James Ramsey, Louisville
— Martha Saunders, Southern Miss
Said Ramsey: “On the surface, I think there needs to be careful analysis of a playoff - and if the analysis supports such a playoff, I would be in full favor.”
I think college football should stick with the BCS.
— David Ashley, UNLV
— Ray Authement, Louisiana-Lafayette
— Brady Deaton, Missouri
— Dave Frohnmayer, Oregon
— Jo Ann Gora, Ball State
— John Hennessy, Stanford
— Richard McCormick, Rutgers
— Sean O’Keefe, LSU
— Graham Spanier, Penn State
— Marlene Strathe, Oklahoma State
— Lee Todd, Kentucky
— John White, Arkansas
— John Wiley, Wisconsin
— Robert Witt, Alabama
Adams is sure to meet the most resistance from his fellow presidents at Big Ten and Pac-10 schools, who prefer their traditional arrangement with the Rose Bowl. He also could face an uphill battle in his own conference. Among the naysayers were four SEC leaders.
Jeff D’Alessio writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: jd’alessio@ajc.com.
From the AJC story ...
Here is how the other presidents responded when asked which of four categories best summarized their stance:
It’s time for a playoff but I’m not sure about this particular model.
— Henry Bienen, Northwestern
— Richard Brodhead, Duke
— Jack Hawkins, Troy
— Robert Khayat, Ole Miss
— Steadman Upham, Tulsa
Brodhead said an eight-team playoff “makes the season too long” but “we might well support a four-team playoff.”
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but it’s time to at least talk about a playoff.
— James Barker, Clemson
— Scott Cowen, Tulane
— Robert Foglesong, Mississippi State
— Judy Genshaft, South Florida
— James Ramsey, Louisville
— Martha Saunders, Southern Miss
Said Ramsey: “On the surface, I think there needs to be careful analysis of a playoff - and if the analysis supports such a playoff, I would be in full favor.”
I think college football should stick with the BCS.
— David Ashley, UNLV
— Ray Authement, Louisiana-Lafayette
— Brady Deaton, Missouri
— Dave Frohnmayer, Oregon
— Jo Ann Gora, Ball State
— John Hennessy, Stanford
— Richard McCormick, Rutgers
— Sean O’Keefe, LSU
— Graham Spanier, Penn State
— Marlene Strathe, Oklahoma State
— Lee Todd, Kentucky
— John White, Arkansas
— John Wiley, Wisconsin
— Robert Witt, Alabama
Adams is sure to meet the most resistance from his fellow presidents at Big Ten and Pac-10 schools, who prefer their traditional arrangement with the Rose Bowl. He also could face an uphill battle in his own conference. Among the naysayers were four SEC leaders.
Jeff D’Alessio writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: jd’alessio@ajc.com.
Major (Applewhite) vacancy?
Looks like Mack Brown could be prying around on the other side of the state now in attempts to bring a legend back to Austin.
But don't get your seat cushion in a wad just yet. It's just a (unlikely) rumor according to Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman.
With rumors swirling about the possible return of Longhorn legend Major Applewhite to Austin as new running backs coach with a possible title attached, here’s what we know.
Check the rest of it out here.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Rolando McClain, All-American
Courtesy Alabama media relations:
NEW ORLEANS, La. --- University of Alabama true freshman linebacker Rolando McClain has been named to the 2007 Freshman All-America team by the Football Writers Association of American (FWAA) at the organization’s annual awards breakfast on Tuesday.
McClain, a native of Decatur, started in nine of the team’s 13 games in his initial collegiate season. He became the first true freshman since Saleem Rasheed in 1999 to start the season-opener at the linebacker spot in Alabama’s 52-6 win over Western Carolina on Sept. 1.
A 2007 Coaches Freshmen All-Southeastern Conference selection, McClain finished the season with 75 tackles, good for fourth-best on the team. He added five tackles for loss, one sack, four pass breakups and two interceptions.
McClain had 15 tackles in the regular-season finale at Auburn and picked off a pass in the second quarter, the first interception of his career. Against Colorado in the PetroSun Independence Bowl, McClain tallied five tackles and picked off another pass on the Buffaloes’ first play from scrimmage despite playing with a fractured thumb.
For his efforts in the class room, McClain earned the team’s Academic Excellence Award at the team awards banquet in early December.
NEW ORLEANS, La. --- University of Alabama true freshman linebacker Rolando McClain has been named to the 2007 Freshman All-America team by the Football Writers Association of American (FWAA) at the organization’s annual awards breakfast on Tuesday.
McClain, a native of Decatur, started in nine of the team’s 13 games in his initial collegiate season. He became the first true freshman since Saleem Rasheed in 1999 to start the season-opener at the linebacker spot in Alabama’s 52-6 win over Western Carolina on Sept. 1.
A 2007 Coaches Freshmen All-Southeastern Conference selection, McClain finished the season with 75 tackles, good for fourth-best on the team. He added five tackles for loss, one sack, four pass breakups and two interceptions.
McClain had 15 tackles in the regular-season finale at Auburn and picked off a pass in the second quarter, the first interception of his career. Against Colorado in the PetroSun Independence Bowl, McClain tallied five tackles and picked off another pass on the Buffaloes’ first play from scrimmage despite playing with a fractured thumb.
For his efforts in the class room, McClain earned the team’s Academic Excellence Award at the team awards banquet in early December.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Should Caldwell go?
Alabama center Antoine Caldwell has until Jan. 15 to decide whether or not he'll give up his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft. Perhaps expediting Caldwell's decision, however, is the fact that spring classes at Alabama begin on Wednesday.
So look for Caldwell to make his decision in the next 48 hours. But until then, should he stay or should he go?
It's an interesting debate, particularly in Caldwell's case.
On the "go" side, he's already graduated from Alabama, so staying in school to get his degree isn't an issue. There's also the constant specter of serious injury next season, which would obviously affect Caldwell's draft prospects for 2009.
On the "stay" side, Caldwell could probably improve his stock if he stays in school, particularly if Alabama has a good season on the field. A big senior year --- he's a likely preseason candidate for all-conference and All-America recognition, as well as some individual awards --- might vault him into the first couple of rounds.
Centers and guards don't usually go that high in the draft; you have to be an exceptional player to do so. Since 2003, there have been 33 interior linemen drafted in the first three rounds of the NFL draft --- 13 centers and 20 guards.
Only six of those --- two centers and four guards --- have been taken in the first round, and none before the No. 19 overall pick.
Here's the complete list (number in parentheses is overall draft order):
2007 (6 --- 2 C, 4 G)
First round
(29) Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn --- Baltimore
Second round
(35) Arron Sears, G, Tennessee --- Tampa Bay
(39) Justin Blaylock, G, Texas --- Atlanta
(59) Ryan Kalil, C, Southern Cal --- Detroit
(60) Samson Satele, C, Hawaii --- Miami
Third round
(88) Andy Alleman, G, Akron --- New Orleans
2006 (7 --- 4 C, 3 G)
First round
(23) Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma --- Tampa Bay
(29) Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State --- N.Y. Jets
Second round
(41) Deuce Lutui, G, Southern Cal --- Arizona
(51) Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico --- Minnesota
(56) Chris Chester, C, Oklahoma --- Baltimore
Third round
(65) Charles Spencer, G, Pittsburgh --- Houston
(75) Jason Spitz, C, Louisville --- Green Bay
2005 (6 --- 2 C, 4 G)
First round
(32) Logan Mankins, G, Fresno State --- New England
Second round
(33) David Baas, C, Michigan --- San Francisco
Third round
(79) Evan Mathis, G, Alabama --- Carolina
(81) Richie Incognito, C, Nebraska --- St. Louis
(94) Adam Snyder, G, Oregon --- San Francisco
(100) Nick Kaczur, G, Toledo --- New England
2004 (7 --- 2 C, 5 G)
First round
(19) Vernon Carey, G, Miami --- Miami
Second round
(34) Chris Snee, G, Boston College --- N.Y. Giants
(45) Jake Grove, C, Virginia Tech --- Oakland
(46) Justin Smiley, G, Alabama --- San Francisco
Third round
(66) Nick Hardwick, C, Purdue --- San Diego
(83) Stephen Peterman, G, LSU --- Dallas
(84) Sean Locklear, G, N.C. State --- Seattle
2003 (7 --- 3 C, 4 G)
First round
(21) Jeff Faine, C, Notre Dame --- Cleveland
Second round
(33) Eric Steinbach, G, Iowa --- Cincinnati
(38) Al Johnson, C, Wisconsin --- Dallas
(50) Bruce Nelson, C, Iowa --- Carolina
Third round
(72) Vince Manuwai, G, Hawaii --- Jacksonville
(81) Derrick Dockery, G, Texas --- Washington
(87) Taylor Whitley, G, Texas A&M --- Miami
There are a lot of good players on the that list, but just as many guys who are no longer in the league.
Caldwell has played four positions in his college career, but his pro future probably lies at center. And an average of a little more than two centers per year have been drafted in the first three rounds since 2003.
Caldwell is rated among the Top 5 centers for this year's draft --- alongside such players as Arkansas' Jonathan Luigs, Bowling Green's Kory Liechstenstein, Wake Forest's Steve Justice and Cal's Alex Mack. Luigs and Mack, like Caldwell, are juniors who have yet to make their intentions known.
I honestly don't know what I would do if I was Caldwell.
So look for Caldwell to make his decision in the next 48 hours. But until then, should he stay or should he go?
It's an interesting debate, particularly in Caldwell's case.
On the "go" side, he's already graduated from Alabama, so staying in school to get his degree isn't an issue. There's also the constant specter of serious injury next season, which would obviously affect Caldwell's draft prospects for 2009.
On the "stay" side, Caldwell could probably improve his stock if he stays in school, particularly if Alabama has a good season on the field. A big senior year --- he's a likely preseason candidate for all-conference and All-America recognition, as well as some individual awards --- might vault him into the first couple of rounds.
Centers and guards don't usually go that high in the draft; you have to be an exceptional player to do so. Since 2003, there have been 33 interior linemen drafted in the first three rounds of the NFL draft --- 13 centers and 20 guards.
Only six of those --- two centers and four guards --- have been taken in the first round, and none before the No. 19 overall pick.
Here's the complete list (number in parentheses is overall draft order):
2007 (6 --- 2 C, 4 G)
First round
(29) Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn --- Baltimore
Second round
(35) Arron Sears, G, Tennessee --- Tampa Bay
(39) Justin Blaylock, G, Texas --- Atlanta
(59) Ryan Kalil, C, Southern Cal --- Detroit
(60) Samson Satele, C, Hawaii --- Miami
Third round
(88) Andy Alleman, G, Akron --- New Orleans
2006 (7 --- 4 C, 3 G)
First round
(23) Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma --- Tampa Bay
(29) Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State --- N.Y. Jets
Second round
(41) Deuce Lutui, G, Southern Cal --- Arizona
(51) Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico --- Minnesota
(56) Chris Chester, C, Oklahoma --- Baltimore
Third round
(65) Charles Spencer, G, Pittsburgh --- Houston
(75) Jason Spitz, C, Louisville --- Green Bay
2005 (6 --- 2 C, 4 G)
First round
(32) Logan Mankins, G, Fresno State --- New England
Second round
(33) David Baas, C, Michigan --- San Francisco
Third round
(79) Evan Mathis, G, Alabama --- Carolina
(81) Richie Incognito, C, Nebraska --- St. Louis
(94) Adam Snyder, G, Oregon --- San Francisco
(100) Nick Kaczur, G, Toledo --- New England
2004 (7 --- 2 C, 5 G)
First round
(19) Vernon Carey, G, Miami --- Miami
Second round
(34) Chris Snee, G, Boston College --- N.Y. Giants
(45) Jake Grove, C, Virginia Tech --- Oakland
(46) Justin Smiley, G, Alabama --- San Francisco
Third round
(66) Nick Hardwick, C, Purdue --- San Diego
(83) Stephen Peterman, G, LSU --- Dallas
(84) Sean Locklear, G, N.C. State --- Seattle
2003 (7 --- 3 C, 4 G)
First round
(21) Jeff Faine, C, Notre Dame --- Cleveland
Second round
(33) Eric Steinbach, G, Iowa --- Cincinnati
(38) Al Johnson, C, Wisconsin --- Dallas
(50) Bruce Nelson, C, Iowa --- Carolina
Third round
(72) Vince Manuwai, G, Hawaii --- Jacksonville
(81) Derrick Dockery, G, Texas --- Washington
(87) Taylor Whitley, G, Texas A&M --- Miami
There are a lot of good players on the that list, but just as many guys who are no longer in the league.
Caldwell has played four positions in his college career, but his pro future probably lies at center. And an average of a little more than two centers per year have been drafted in the first three rounds since 2003.
Caldwell is rated among the Top 5 centers for this year's draft --- alongside such players as Arkansas' Jonathan Luigs, Bowling Green's Kory Liechstenstein, Wake Forest's Steve Justice and Cal's Alex Mack. Luigs and Mack, like Caldwell, are juniors who have yet to make their intentions known.
I honestly don't know what I would do if I was Caldwell.
Poll results
What do you think about Alabama's trip to the Independence Bowl?
Shreveport again? No thanks. | 4 (7%) |
They're lucky to be in a bowl at all | 27 (51%) |
UA was robbed. They should be headed to the Liberty Bowl | 1 (1%) |
At least it's not the toilet bowl | 7 (13%) |
The teams are even, so it should be a good game | 13 (25%) |
The results seem to show well grounded fans. Don't forget to vote on the next poll.
-aj
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Edwards picks LSU
Tyler Edwards, one of Alabama's top remaining targets of the recruiting season, verbally committed to LSU on Saturday. The four-star tight end prospect from Monroe, La., made his announcement during ESPN's broadcast of the Under Armour All-Star game.
No surprise there. Edwards' older brother, Eric, was a tight end on the Tigers' 2003 national-championship team, and most considered the younger Edwards ticketed for the Tigers from the beginning.
But largely due to the Edwards family's relationship with Nick Saban, Alabama made Edwards' final 3 along with LSU and Florida. But in the end, Edwards went with his heart, and I don't suppose you can blame him for that.
No surprise there. Edwards' older brother, Eric, was a tight end on the Tigers' 2003 national-championship team, and most considered the younger Edwards ticketed for the Tigers from the beginning.
But largely due to the Edwards family's relationship with Nick Saban, Alabama made Edwards' final 3 along with LSU and Florida. But in the end, Edwards went with his heart, and I don't suppose you can blame him for that.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Clemson game official -- UPDATE
We'll have a more complete story up later and on the print edition, but a few nuggets from today's press conference announcing the Alabama-Clemson game in the Georgia Dome to begin 2008:
* The game will be a 7 p.m. (Central time) kickoff on either ABC or ESPN on Saturday, Aug. 30. As with Alabama's game against Florida State in 2007, it's a one-off game, meaning there are no future games between Alabama and Clemson scheduled.
* There will tentatively be a 50/50 ticket split for the game, approximately 33,000 tickets allotted to each school. The Georgia Dome seats a little over 71,000 for football, meaning there will only be about 5,000 tickets set aside for the general public.
* Alabama will release its full schedule later today, but athletic director Mal Moore confirmed that the Western Kentucky game (originally scheduled for Aug. 30) will now be played on Sept. 13. That means Alabama's four non-conference games are Clemson (Aug. 30), Tulane (Sept. 6), WKU (Sept. 13) and Arkansas State (Nov. 1). The Crimson Tide will have open dates on Oct. 11 (between Kentucky and Ole Miss) and Nov. 22 (between Miss. State and Auburn).
* Though the game is technically a neutral-site contest, Clemson will serve as the home team and dress in its purple jerseys, with Alabama the visitor dressed in white.
* The game will be sponsored by Chick-fil-A, with the Chick-fil-A Bowl's staff handling game-day management. Chick-fil-A Bowl president Gary Stokan said he hopes the game will become an annual affair, with two major schools meeting every year in the Georgia Dome to kick off the season.
One more thing, Ron Middleton to Duke is now official. Here's that link.
* The game will be a 7 p.m. (Central time) kickoff on either ABC or ESPN on Saturday, Aug. 30. As with Alabama's game against Florida State in 2007, it's a one-off game, meaning there are no future games between Alabama and Clemson scheduled.
* There will tentatively be a 50/50 ticket split for the game, approximately 33,000 tickets allotted to each school. The Georgia Dome seats a little over 71,000 for football, meaning there will only be about 5,000 tickets set aside for the general public.
* Alabama will release its full schedule later today, but athletic director Mal Moore confirmed that the Western Kentucky game (originally scheduled for Aug. 30) will now be played on Sept. 13. That means Alabama's four non-conference games are Clemson (Aug. 30), Tulane (Sept. 6), WKU (Sept. 13) and Arkansas State (Nov. 1). The Crimson Tide will have open dates on Oct. 11 (between Kentucky and Ole Miss) and Nov. 22 (between Miss. State and Auburn).
* Though the game is technically a neutral-site contest, Clemson will serve as the home team and dress in its purple jerseys, with Alabama the visitor dressed in white.
* The game will be sponsored by Chick-fil-A, with the Chick-fil-A Bowl's staff handling game-day management. Chick-fil-A Bowl president Gary Stokan said he hopes the game will become an annual affair, with two major schools meeting every year in the Georgia Dome to kick off the season.
One more thing, Ron Middleton to Duke is now official. Here's that link.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
A rumor ends, a coach leaves
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that West Virginia will name interim coach Bill Stewart as the permanent replacement for Rich Rodriguez. Here's that link.
Update: Stewart's hiring is now official. Link.
This is important for our purposes because it means we can put the "Nick Saban to West Virginia" rumors to bed. Thank goodness.
It's not like I or anyone in this state every really though Saban would leave, even given his strong ties to his home state. He would have had to take a 50 percent pay cut to take the West Virginia job, for one thing.
But now that the Mountaineers apparently have a coach, Alabama fans (not to mention sportswriters who cover the Crimson Tide) can stop looking over their shoulder and enjoy the offseason.
In other news, Alabama tight ends/special teams coach Ron Middleton is expected to be named to a similar position at Duke some time this week. Middleton previously coached under new Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe at Ole Miss.
The timing of Middleton's departure isn't exactly ideal, given that recruiting is about to really heat back up (the NCAA dead period ends Tuesday). Middleton was one of the stronger recruiters on the staff, instrumental in the recruitment of current verbal commitments Terrence Cody and Jermaine Preyear and current top target Alonzo Lawrence.
Don't look for any confirmation from Alabama anytime soon. In the past, Saban has waited until the new coach is in place before announcing anything official.
Alabama can probably make due without Middleton for a few days, but probably needs to have Middleton's replacement in the fold by next weekend at the latest.
Update: Stewart's hiring is now official. Link.
This is important for our purposes because it means we can put the "Nick Saban to West Virginia" rumors to bed. Thank goodness.
It's not like I or anyone in this state every really though Saban would leave, even given his strong ties to his home state. He would have had to take a 50 percent pay cut to take the West Virginia job, for one thing.
But now that the Mountaineers apparently have a coach, Alabama fans (not to mention sportswriters who cover the Crimson Tide) can stop looking over their shoulder and enjoy the offseason.
In other news, Alabama tight ends/special teams coach Ron Middleton is expected to be named to a similar position at Duke some time this week. Middleton previously coached under new Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe at Ole Miss.
The timing of Middleton's departure isn't exactly ideal, given that recruiting is about to really heat back up (the NCAA dead period ends Tuesday). Middleton was one of the stronger recruiters on the staff, instrumental in the recruitment of current verbal commitments Terrence Cody and Jermaine Preyear and current top target Alonzo Lawrence.
Don't look for any confirmation from Alabama anytime soon. In the past, Saban has waited until the new coach is in place before announcing anything official.
Alabama can probably make due without Middleton for a few days, but probably needs to have Middleton's replacement in the fold by next weekend at the latest.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Zeke Knight, record-breaker?
Here's a note to file away for next season ...
I hate to post this and jinx the man, but this is just too cool to wait until the fall. Wedowee's own Zeke Knight, who just finished his junior season at Alabama, is on pace to set the Crimson Tide career record for games played.
Knight has played in 41 games in his Alabama career, 11 away from the record of 52 set by former Tide fullback Tarrant Lynch from 1990-94. If Knight plays in all 12 regular-season games in 2008, he'll break Lynch's record by one (fittingly, he'd do so against Auburn in the final home game of his career). If the Crimson Tide makes a bowl game and/or plays in the SEC championship game, Knight could extend his own record.
Of course, to break the record, Knight will have to stay healthy. Ironically, it was a medical situation that put him in position to surpass Lynch's mark in the first place.
After playing in all 12 Alabama games in both 2004 and 2005, Knight played in just four in 2006 before being sidelined by a medical condition that was eventually diagnosed as a heart murmur. He received a medical redshirt from the NCAA, and was thus a junior for the second straight year in 2007.
Knight played in all 13 games this season, finishing sixth on the team in tackles with 60, and second in tackles for loss with 11.5. He also added three sacks, two interceptions and five quarterback hurries in his first season at linebacker.
I hate to post this and jinx the man, but this is just too cool to wait until the fall. Wedowee's own Zeke Knight, who just finished his junior season at Alabama, is on pace to set the Crimson Tide career record for games played.
Knight has played in 41 games in his Alabama career, 11 away from the record of 52 set by former Tide fullback Tarrant Lynch from 1990-94. If Knight plays in all 12 regular-season games in 2008, he'll break Lynch's record by one (fittingly, he'd do so against Auburn in the final home game of his career). If the Crimson Tide makes a bowl game and/or plays in the SEC championship game, Knight could extend his own record.
Of course, to break the record, Knight will have to stay healthy. Ironically, it was a medical situation that put him in position to surpass Lynch's mark in the first place.
After playing in all 12 Alabama games in both 2004 and 2005, Knight played in just four in 2006 before being sidelined by a medical condition that was eventually diagnosed as a heart murmur. He received a medical redshirt from the NCAA, and was thus a junior for the second straight year in 2007.
Knight played in all 13 games this season, finishing sixth on the team in tackles with 60, and second in tackles for loss with 11.5. He also added three sacks, two interceptions and five quarterback hurries in his first season at linebacker.
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