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.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The game is on
This will be the last blog post until at least halftime for two reasons:
Number 1: Live blogging is not allowed.
Number 2: Anyone who would read this is probably busy watching the game.
Oh give me a home ...
Colorado has one of the cooler mascots around Ralphie IV is a live 1,200-pound female buffalo. According to the media guide, the current mascot was donated to CU by Ted Turner. That's kind of surprising because Turner runs Ted's Montana Grill which includes bison burgers on its menu.
Two local groups
Cecil Garrison and Anthony Pate brought their families from Lincoln. Pate had planned to come for a while, but Garrison decide to come on Thursday. He and his crew left around 5:30 Saturday, drove until midnight and then got up and came the rest of the way this morning.
Pate (who was quoted in my print story this morning) and his family say they like the bowl because of the increased access to the team and the field. Pate's son Colton was able to get on the field yesterday and said he ran around and did a Reggie Bush-style flip across the goal line.
"It was awesome being in there," he said.
LSU fans are out in force
The surprise of the night so far is the number of purple-clad LSU fans. Some of the more impressive tailgating setups are from the Tiger supporters. Walking through the tailgate area, there were about three Alabama fans and two LSU fans for every Colorado fan.
I guess if you are an LSU fan in Shreveport you could come to the game just like I'm sure there were a few Bama fans at the PapaJohns.com Bowl in Birmingham.
Lincoln resident and Bama fan Cecil Garrison had another theory.
"They're here to boo Saban," he said. "They said we love your fans but we hate your coach."
I'll be interested to see what kind of reception he gets at the game.
A better picture of the Monroe billboard
I found a better picture of the La. Monroe billboard here at the War Eagle Reader. I saw the board on the way in but in my post I was only able to get a blurry-bigfoot-in-the-woods style shot out the car window. The rest of the site is full of anti-Bama stuff, but I thought I'd include the picture.All right, now it's time for tailgating. -aj
Warming up to Shreveport
I know that I've made a few posts talking bad about Shreveport, but it's really a pretty nice place. We had lunch at the Louisiana Boardwalk which is right on the Red River and is right up there with cities like Chattanooga when it comes to a nice place to walk around and eat or shop. Here are a few more pictures of the boardwalk (which is actually all concrete). Next I'm headed out to the tailgating area.
Winning record the only prize
Here is Creg's print story. -aj
SHREVEPORT, La. — Finishing the season with a winning record will be the reward for the winner of tonight's Independence Bowl, but just getting here was a near-epic struggle for both Alabama and Colorado.
Considering how it played the final month of the regular season, Alabama (6-6) is lucky just to be back in Shreveport for a second consecutive year. The Crimson Tide returns to the Independence Bowl after losing its last four regular-season games under first-year coach Nick Saban, to finish with a .500 record for the second consecutive year.
On Oct. 20, Alabama sat at 6-2 and ranked No. 17 in the country after blasting Tennessee 41-17. But consecutive losses to LSU, Mississippi State, Louisiana-Monroe and Auburn knocked the Crimson Tide from its perhaps prematurely lofty perch and had the team holding its breath when bowl matchups were announced earlier this month.
"It's not like we intentionally wanted to lose our last four games so that we could wind up in Shreveport again," Alabama defensive end Wallace Gilberry said. "Unfortunately, we fell off at the end, but there's nothing we can do now to change that. The only thing we can do is focus on what we need to do to improve and go out and get a win."
Judging by where it was a year ago, Colorado (6-6) is ecstatic to be playing in a bowl again, any bowl game. The Buffaloes went 2-10 in 2006 under first-year coach Dan Hawkins, but rebounded for victories against the likes of Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Nebraska this season.
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