2007 Alabama Crimson Tide

Nick Saban's friend, Governor Manchin, tells gives the scoop on Coach Saban. No, he is NOT (thanks, Sharp) moving to WV! I hate to break it to you other SEC fans. : )

I understand that he is a "moderate" Democrat and he appears to be strong on defense and pro life. I could vote for this guy!

"You've got a winner."

Way to go, Broadway Joe

Namath Back at Bama to Receive Degree

Graduation Saturday Features Athletics

Big 12 Bowl Previews: Independence

Tribe Will Play Crimson Tide Next Fall

Plans would up UA stadium to 100,000 plus

Hatred for Coach Saban hasn't disappeared....

2007-12-14T19:29:00.000-06:00

Sports Opinion: Saban burned his bridges with LSU, Racial slurs, comparisons to 9/11 have Nick Saban on the defensive - Justin Coons CU Campus Press

Unofficial 2008 SEC Schedule

2007-12-12T20:47:00.001-06:00

Articles from Sharp

2007-12-12T19:30:00.000-06:00

Check out some very good articles, sent to me recently by my friend, Sharp.

Saban tells Crimson Tide to 'buy in' or hit the road Montgomery Advertiser
"Saban is in the process of evaluating those younger players and several of them, perhaps as many as a dozen, will be encouraged to transfer to other schools in search of more playing time. The new coach and his staff have spent the year asking players to buy into his process. The players who did what was asked can only express disappointment toward those who didn't in the wake of a 6-6 season."

Crimson Tide OL Smith keeps focused on goals Montgomery Advertiser
"Andre Smith writes down his goals before every season."Keep God first, then my family, always play hard, do my school work," the Alabama sophomore left tackle said, listing his personal goals. "For the team, it's win at least 10 ballgames. "Win the Outland Trophy, but I didn't do that." He did the next best thing, earning the vote of Southeastern Conference coaches who selected Smith and Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs as co-winners of the 2007 Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the conference's top offensive lineman."

Colorado faces I-Bowl battle Shreveport Times
"The Buffs are trying to shed an image of a team that doesn't bring many fans to bowl games. In its last bowl game, the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl, Colorado sold fewer than 1,000 tickets to the bowl game."

Applewhite Tells Recruit He's Staying WIAT 42 Birmingham
"Star Jackson, a quarterback from Palm Beach, Florida, said the
coach looked him in the eye and told him he wasn't leaving during
an in-home visit Thursday that lasted past midnight."

A little weather humor...

2007-12-12T17:30:00.000-06:00

I was told this joke first as something against the University of Alabama, but as a lifelong Alabama fan and alumnus, I have changed it a little....

In the case of tornadoes sweeping through Alabama,we are asking all Alabamians to take shelter at Jordan-Hare Stadium located in Auburn, AL.We are fairly certain a touchdown will not occur there.

Well, I finally got the house decorated....

2007-12-06T06:13:00.000-06:00

Joke for today...

2007-12-06T06:12:00.000-06:00

A graduate from Auburn, a graduate from Alabama and a pig were in the hospital waiting room, each awaiting the birth of his first child. Suddenly, the lights went out. Fortunately, power was restored shortly thereafter and the head nurse made her way to the waiting room. "I've got good news and bad news, gentlemen and pig," she announced. "Despite the electrical outage, two healthy boys and one healthy piglet have been delivered". However, since the lights went out at a most inopportune time, we aren't sure which firstborn belongs to whom. The only way we know to resolve the problem is to draw straws and have the winner choose first." The three proud papas agreed, and the Alabama grad won the drawing. He was escorted into the delivery room and looked at the three newborns for a painstakingly long time. Finally, with head bowed, he scooped up the piglet and headed for the door. "Sir, are you quite certain that you've made the right choice?" the nurse asked. "No, I'm not," replied the Crimson Tide grad. "But I just couldn't run the risk of ending up with the Auburn kid."

ROLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!

Shula's not surprised....

2007-12-04T22:48:00.000-06:00

This is the closest we've come to hearing from ex Tide Head Coach Mike Shula:

Tide's future tied to LSU's past - Birmingham News

"Shula is not interested in getting into that conversation because, according to a person close to Shula, he recruited these players and is loyal to them. But also, he knows he was taking some chances with some of the players he signed in his first couple of recruiting classes.

Apparently Shula felt forced to roll the dice a little. He was, after all, facing an uphill battle. The program was under NCAA sanctions and the school's football reputation was suffering because of the turmoil. Shula was a first-year head coach with no college experience, which made him fodder for the not-so-subtle doubts planted in recruits' homes by rival coaches."

2007-12-03T22:33:00.000-06:00

Independence Bowl

2007-12-02T19:42:00.000-06:00

It was just announced that Alabama will play Colorado in the Independence Bowl four weeks from this evening on Sunday December 30 at 7:00 p.m. More to come.

Alabama heads to I-Bowl to face Colorado Shreveport Times

Once bitten...

2007-11-30T22:22:00.002-06:00

Auburn DB Jerraud Powers was bitten by a security dog during the UA / AU game in Auburn last Saturday night. Too bad the Tide couldn't have been as sucessful as the dog.

The pine box is warming up...

2007-11-30T06:11:00.000-06:00

Tommy Tuberville has allegedly been seen buck, I mean duck hunting in Arkansas. KHOG TV broke into programming last night to report that Arkansas has offered him $37 million over 10 years. Remember how he said the other day that he is not leaving Auburn? Today we are not so sure.

Right before he left Ole Miss to go to Auburn he made the statement that the only way that he would leave Oxford was in a pine box. Do I hear the pine box's motor cranking again for another trek across the SEC?

As an Alabama fan, I am not overly concerned either way. If he stays we have an opportunity to finally defeat him the next few years. On the other hand, he has done a good job with Auburn and the balance of power towards Alabama might be more likely and occur sooner if he leaves.

This cannot help Auburn's recruiting. Coach Saban is cleaning up in the recruiting battle and this will do nothing but help!

Alabama + Nick Saban = ???

2007-11-28T06:35:00.000-06:00

I do not know who to credit (or discredit) for the above "photo". It is circulating in an email that I got the other day. Notice Coach Croom lurking in the back?

Looking back and looking forward

2007-11-25T09:38:00.000-06:00

There is basis for hope for the future of Alabama football.

Alabama is ranked 3rd so far in recruiting. That is a good sign. The Tide has not been able to say anything close to that for years. While it is true that Alabama finished 6-6, how many times does a team lose 6 games and none of them were by more than 7 points? I expected something around 8-4.

But Coach Saban didn't lose the team. There were certainly some players that did not have the character necessary to win. There were definitely not enough leaders and good followers. Those people will be replaced by recruits who come to Alabama to play for Coach Saban, knowing up front what his expectations are. That will make a huge difference.

We knew before the season started that it would take a few years before Alabama could compete seriously and consistently for championships. I still say that can and likely will be the case. I realize we live in an instant gratification society, but these things take time.

Alabama didn't shipwreck overnight. It was a 10 year process of damaging a winning tradition. It might take at least a few more years to restore it. Don't give up hope Tide fans. There is reason for it.

CECIL HURT: Saban must first fix history to make it Tuscaloosa News
"There was no single moment that a person could pinpoint as the difference. It was not just the inability of a wide receiver to catch a ball that hit his hands late in the first half, turning what looked like a go-ahead touchdown into a drive-killing interception. It was not just the inability to avoid crucial second-half penalties: a drive-wrecking holding call, a critical penalty for running into the punter that deprived the Crimson Tide of what would have been excellent field position, yet another flag for roughing the passer, a close but devastating call that prolonged Auburn’s last touchdown drive.It was the accumulation of those things, slow drop by slow drop, that added up to a sixth straight loss. Auburn made some mistakes, too, and Alabama capitalized on a few of them — but not nearly enough.“When you are in a close game like this,” Saban said, “all those little things are critical.”

IRON BOWL NOTEBOOK: Bowl scenarios slim for Alabama Tuscaloosa News
“I thought [McClain] did a great job and made a great interception,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “At the end of the game I know he had a lot of tackles. I know that he’s probably contributed as much as anyone relative to responsibility.“Being a freshman, starting early in the season and Prince Hall coming back and starting, Rolando did a good job of getting out there and starting today. I am pleased with the progress he has made this year.”

Tigers' streak grows to six Tuscaloosa News
"The last time Alabama beat Auburn, the Tide’s current freshmen were in seventh grade.“It’s hard, man,” senior receiver DJ Hall said. “That’s something you’ve got to live with the rest of your life.”Defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry, another senior, believes many of Alabama’s wounds sustained against Auburn in his four years have been self-inflicted, both on and off the field. He isn’t willing to concede that the Tigers have been the better team each year.“I would lie if I said that, but I will say they’ve been the more disciplined team four years in a row,” he said.“I know one thing: Next year I can bet all 11 guys on the field will be on the same page. I’m just sad I won’t be here for it. I’m not saying we were and I’m not saying we we’re not [on the same page], but you can look at the results on the field.” Alabama head coach Nick Saban got his first taste of Alabama’s rivalry against Auburn, and was impressed.“This is a great rivalry, a great football game, and I have never been involved in a football game with as much excitement and enthusiasm as this game,” he said."

This year's crazy ride Cecil Hurt Tuscaloosa News
"Saban was asked on Wednesday night if Alabama was “where he expected” after his first year on the job.“That’s not really the point,” Saban said. “What I expected or didn’t expect isn’t the point. What matters is the choices we make every day. I preach it all the time. I’m responsible for it. I’m the head coach. I’m responsible for what happens. I’m responsible for everything, even if it happened before I got here.“But it is all about making the right choices. Our players have to do that. We have players missing class. They aren’t supposed to miss class. Sometimes, they come in late. Sometimes, we have to make guys stand up in meetings so they don’t fall asleep.“We also have some guys who do it the right way. We have guys who will do anything to win. You are always going to have eight or 10 guys like that on a team, guys who are always going to do it right, and you are always going to have about the same number who do it wrong. So the question is, how do you reach the ones in the middle? That’s what we are trying to do now.“We’re going to get it fixed.”

Scout.com 2008 Football Recruiting Rankings

Post your prediction...

2007-11-24T10:13:00.000-06:00

Mike: Alabama 17 Auburn 15
Joe: Alabama 13 Auburn 6
Matt: Alabama 24 Auburn 20
David: Alabama 42 Auburn 31

Weather...Alabama at Auburn...7 p.m.

2007-11-24T08:39:00.000-06:00

UPDATE: At 3:50 p.m. my forecast hasn't changed much for the Auburn area. Rain has increased earlier than expected over North Alabama. I do think there is a good chance that it will rain some before the Alabama-Auburn game is over. Most of the rain will fall after the game.

I have been hesitant to post this forecast. The weather pattern that we are in today is a tricky one to predict. The models, helpful as they are, tend to not handle shallow layers of cold air well nor the timing of precipitation in "overrunning" situations.

Our weather remains under the influence of a slowly retreating high pressure system. Cold air lingers near the surface (high pressure causes air to sink) flowing in from the east. At the same time, warmer and moist air is beginning to rise up and over the cold air at the surface from the southwest. As I write at 8:45 this morning, a thin layer of altocumulus is spreading over the Tennessee Valley.

As the day progresses clouds will thicken as moisture increases from the top down. The trick will be in determining when the airmasses reach the critical point when the moisture condenses and a cold rain begins to fall over a given point.

Light rain will gradually overspread the state from the southwest. It will be a cool evening in Auburn, Alabama with temperatures around 50. The game will begin under cloudy skies. A few sprinkles may occur during the first half. A little rain may fall before the game is over, but the majority of the rain will occur after the game. Depending on how long the game lasts (that is harder to predict than the weather these days), rain probably will not be a factor most of the game.

For those travelling home after the game need to drive carefully, though, because most of you will be travelling in rainy conditions.

Here is a look at the tornadic weather from the 1983 Iron Bowl in Birmingham. Here is what it looked like on television. Thanks to Bill Murray and Tim Coleman for those interesting posts over at Alabamawx.com. No tornadoes tonight!

One more prediction: Alabama 17 Auburn 15

Controversy

2007-11-24T08:21:00.000-06:00

My friend Sharp shared this article with me. It really put the Saban Press Conference controversy into it's proper perspective.

Saban, remarks make news ... in that order BamaOnline.com
"The moment the phrases '9-11' and 'Pearl Harbor' came out of Nick Saban's mouth Monday morning, I cringed just slightly from my usual third-row seat in the Naylor Stone Media Room. Not because I was offended that a war analogy was used in football context (I wasn't), but because I knew exactly what was coming. As this is a non-premium opinion conceivably read beyond the Alabama fan base, a brief paraphrase is in order: the Alabama football coach mentioned 9-11, Pearl Harbor and the bottoming out of alcoholics as moments in which real unity and clarity begin. He then suggested his team may have reached a similar low point after losing its third consecutive game to Louisiana-Monroe. Wal-Mart must have sold out of torches and pitchforks, because the lynch mob was on the march before Saban even stepped away from the microphone."

Sad news

2007-11-21T08:08:00.001-06:00

AP Photo

Some very sad news occurred in the Alabama family yesterday that puts sports back into perspective. Former star running back Siran Stacey, his wife Ellen Bible Stacy, and his children were involved in an automobile crash that allegedly was the fault of a drunk driver. Siran Stacy was likely driving his family to their Newton home when a 1999 Ford truck struck the 2007 Honda van he was driving, killing his wife, and four children. Siran Stacy and Shelly Stacy, 4, survived the crash.

Alcohol likely factor in crash which killed six Dothan Eagle

Mal Moore Issues Statement on Siran Stacy Fox 6 Birmingham
Words cannot express the depth of the heartache we share with the Bible and Stacy families at this tragic time,” said UA Director of Athletics Mal Moore. “I am sure I speak for all the members of the Alabama athletics family in expressing our shock and sadness for the tragedy that has befallen these two families. I also want to let both families know that we stand ready to assist them during this time of need and ask all Alabama fans to keep the Bible and Stacy families in their thoughts and prayers.”

Ex-Alabama star in crash; 6 dead Chicago Tribune

6 Dead in Wreck Involving Ex-Athlete AP
A van driven by former University of Alabama football star Siran Stacy was struck by a pickup at an intersection and six people were killed, including Stacy's wife and four of his children, state troopers said Tuesday. The driver of the second vehicle also was killed, said Dorris Teague, a spokeswoman for the state troopers. Stacy, 39, a star running back for Alabama during 1989-91, was listed in stable condition in surgical intensive care at Flowers Hospital in Dothan. His 3-year-old daughter, Shelly, was taken to Children's Hospital in Birmingham, which did not release her condition.

We don't have a chance?

2007-11-20T20:39:00.000-06:00

To listen to any sports talk radio show, you are led to believe that Alabama has no chance to beat Auburn. I heard Scott Griffin and Matt Coulter on 690 WJOX this morning talk about the possibility that Auburn will blow Alabama out. Paul Finebaum is giving the Tide no chance either.

I understand. But wait! NOT SO FAST MY FRIENDS!

Consider this:

Alabama gets all of its suspended players back.

Alabama has been ridiculed and feels it has something to prove.

This is the same team that wiped out the Vols and nearly beat the (now) #1 LSU Tigers

Auburn is really not that good (they were blown out by UGA, who Bama at least took to OT)

AU has lost by 3, 5, 6, and 25

Alabama has played close in all of its games (losing by 3, 7, 7, 5, 7).

After Saban lost to UAB in his first year at LSU, he defeated the ranked UT Vols the next week.

Bottom line:

As usual, turnovers and big plays will determine the winner. If John Parker Wilson throws no interceptions and the Tide does not fumble, expect an Alabama win. Alabama has the incentive of redeeming itself and changing the conversation in this state if it can beat Auburn. Auburn does not have as much incentive as Alabama. Auburn is not that good and Alabama is not that good either but better than everyone thinks. No one thought ULM would beat Alabama. No one thinks Alabama will beat Auburn. Maybe they won't, but they have a better chance than ULM did against Bama.

This reminds me of 1984.

My prediction:
Alabama 17 Auburn 15

UA vs. ULM ... my version of the day...

2007-11-20T20:02:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday was a great experience for me. I invited my sister, who lives in Chicago, to visit for the weekend and attend the Alabama vs. ULM game. I thought it would be a good game for her to see, with Alabama probably winning by at least three touchdowns. I was wrong.

We left our parents’ home in Huntsville at 7:50 am and arrived in Tuscaloosa a little after 10 a.m. We parked just off Bryant Drive near the baseball stadium. We walked across the Quad to the Ferguson Center. That was a cool experience as we discussed which buildings we had classes in as students. Her undergraduate major was in English and she had many classes in Morgan and Ten Hoor halls. She mentioned that her library classes (she has an MLS degree) were on the sixth floor of the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library. I didn't know that.

We ate at the Ferguson Center (student union building) and watched a little of the Michigan vs. Ohio State game. We browsed at the Sup Store before walking back towards the Quad and Bryant Denny Stadium. We “snuck” some diet cokes into the stadium and got there about an hour before kickoff.

I wandered down from our seats to take a few pictures of the Alabama players and coaches as they warmed up for the game. It was great to see a former co-worker at the game. Randy, who was a supervisor of another unit when I first began my current job way back in 1993, and his brother David were sitting next to us. His wife Joyce is my boss (and by the way, an Auburn fan). She bought two of my tickets for Randy and his brother. It was funny. I originally told her they were $45. When I delivered them to her I had a chance to look at them and told her they were actually $40. She told me not to tell Randy and she would keep the extra $10 until I told her that they might actually look at the tickets and see the price. At the game Randy told me to ask her why she charged him $60 when they were really $40.

Before the game, Randy and David were thanking me profusely for selling them the tickets and asked me to remember them in the future. By the fourth quarter, Randy held up the two tickets and jokingly asked for a refund! I cannot say that I blame him. It was a very disappointing performance by the Tide. The crowd was just as disappointing as the team. It was sluggish from the beginning. The loudest cheering might have been during the “wave” in the 4th quarter. I refused to participate in the wave as I was so ticked off by the poor performance of the Tide. Actually it took at least 5 or 6 tries before the wave got going. Waves in college football games are NOT a good sign when your home team is losing to ULM.

Despite the loss, my sister and I had a great time! I would say that we bonded more and talked more than we had in years. We were not that close in college as we both went our separate ways. The beauty of the day was that we learned more about each other and enjoyed each other’s company more than ever when we were both students. The last game she attended was about 17 or 18 years ago with me.

We talked about the game and our personal lives on the way back to our parent’s home like never before. I have been through a lot lately in my personal life and my sister has as well. We talked a lot about our parents. We are so thankful for the sacrifices they made to enable us to attend college. My Dad has some health problems and we talked a lot about that. My sister “interviewed" him this weekend and it was some fascinating stuff. In the process he produced his resume. His resume is a history of computers from 1950-1990. I had no idea the huge number of people that he supervised and the degree of responsibility he had over so many people and his technical knowledge. I ended the weekend with a greater appreciation than ever for my Dad and my sister.

Yes, the Tide lost. But I won.

ULM gameday photos

2007-11-18T20:02:00.000-06:00

Tide articles this week

2007-11-16T18:43:00.000-06:00

Alabama's Tiffin turning into Mr. Reliable Fox 6 Birmingham
"Leigh Tiffin is turning into Mr. Reliable for Alabama, making long and short kicks, big ones and not-so-big ones. It's a big transformation from the freshman kicker who had a disastrous game against Arkansas as a freshman and even from the guy who started the season in shaky fashion. Tiffin made four field goals, including a 50-yarder and a 51-yarder, in a 17-12 loss at Mississippi State. Tiffin has now made nine straight and is 21-of-28 this season, ranking third nationally with 2.10 field goals made per game."

Alabama Crimson Tide's Chris Capps still working to be starter despite criticism B'ham News
Wayne Brantley reads your posts on Internet message boards. The former Landmark Christian (Ga.) School football coach hears your calls to talk radio shows, too. He is sensitive to the often-harsh criticism of his former star pupil Chris Capps, now a University of Alabama senior tackle. Sometimes, he just doesn't get it.

Alabama notebook Huntsville Times Britt's mother to attend La.-Monroe game
TUSCALOOSA - Senior guard Justin Britt will play his final game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. And his mom, Vera, plans on being there to see it. Britt said Tuesday his mom would be at the game less than two months after sustaining life-threatening head injuries in a fall Oct. 6.

End of MSU-Bama game video

2007-11-14T22:16:00.000-06:00

I have received so many kind, classy, and grateful notes from MSU fans that I couldn't resist posting this video of the end of the last Saturday's game.

Before this becomes Bulldog blog, I will revert back to my usual fare soon. ; o )

Really...THANKS for all of the comments and good luck the rest of the way Bulldogs!

Kudos to the State fans

2007-11-13T06:08:00.000-06:00

I posted the interception video here and someone else posted it here. Another one is here. The State fans who have posted have been unbelievably kind and comlimentary. Thanks to you all for your positive feedback.

Welcome State fans!

2007-11-12T14:35:00.000-06:00

Apparently I am getting a lot of hits to the site from MSU fans. Welcome. I hope you enjoy the 100 yard interception video. I could have done without it!

Enjoy!

100 yard interception return

2007-11-12T08:16:00.000-06:00

This is my video from Section V of Davis-Wade Stadium on Saturday November 10, 2007 of the game changing interception thrown by John Parker Wilson. Mississippi State's Anthony Johnson returned it 100 yards, putting State ahead 10-9. They never looked back.

Cecil Hurt column

2007-11-12T08:05:00.001-06:00

Mr. Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News always does a good job analyzing the Alabama football games and the program in general. Here is a really good column rearding the big mistake that pretty much decided Saturday's MSU gameat the end of the first half.

CECIL HURT: One play is one play, even if it stands for much more
It’s an oversimplification to blame any loss on one play.That’s true even if it is a disaster of a play. Even if it’s a catastrophe of a play – it’s just one play. Even if it is a headphone-throwing, dog-cussing, dream-wrecking meltdown of a play – it’s just one play. Even if it is as bad a play, in terms of its outcome, as a committee of worst-case-scenario pessimists sitting in deck chairs of the Titanic could draw up in their worst bad dreams – it’s just one play.Yes, Alabama’s final offensive play of the first half was a train wreck of the sort you would have if the northbound train was filled with cute, cuddly kittens and the southbound train was loaded with enough nitroglycerin to blast a crater the size of Mark Mangino in solid granite. There is no arguing that. But before taking a look at that play, it’s worthwhile to mention that a lot of things happened after that play as well. And not very many of the things that happened were very good for Alabama.

If you don't think tomorrow's a big game....

2007-11-09T18:37:00.000-06:00

....try losing it.

Gene Stallings knows as well as anyone that every game poses a threat, especially games you are supposed to win. If Alabama defeats Missisippi State tomorrow in Starkville they will have surpassed last year's win total with three games remaining. They will still have a chance of extending their NCAA record of 10-win seasons. They will be in good position to finish 2nd in the SEC West (which may not sound like much, but it represents great improvement). An last but not least, they will build some much-needed confidence.

If they lose it will be a major step backward in their resurgence. It will show that they have not improved as much as previously thought. It will diminish their momentum and confidence. Some fans will even become a little disillusioned. It will give MSU the upper hand in a series that has been dominated heavily by Alabama forever. It will prove that the Tide made a poor choice in overlooking Sylvester Croom when they hire Mike Shula. It will "become" a bigger game than the loss to L.S.U.

This is not lost on Coach Saban, his staff, and probably not the players. But they will have to fight the tendency of dropping their guard after last week's valiant effort. Stallings was right.

My prediction: Bama wins it in an exciting finish, 27-24. I hope I'm right.

-----

Bulldogs Set For West Showdown With 'Bama mstateathletics.com

Croom faces 'Bama with need for win Sporting News

MSU gameday factsheet

AL.com gameday fctsheet

Looking back to the LSU game

2007-11-09T17:37:00.000-06:00

On Saturday November 3, David and I traveled to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama vs. LSU game. We left home at about 6 a.m. and arrived at our parking spot near the Sewell-Thomas baseball stadium around 8 a.m. We visited the Bryant museum and picked up a few free programs from the Alabama-Tennessee game. After that we saw the football tam walk around the block in front of our parking place for their morning walk. The fans were a little later arriving than they were for the Tennessee game, which started at 11:30. We say my friends Gary and Tee Drake who parked near our vehicle.

We walked down Bryant Drive all the way to the Rama Jama restaurant which is on the southwest side of Bryant-Denny Stadium. We ate breakfast there and then walked up 10th Avenue (west side of Bryant-Denny) and went on towards the Quad and the Ferguson Center. We watched some of the Vanderbilt vs. Florida game there with Tee and then we shopped a little while at the Sup Store. David even took a bit of a nap while we watched the game on TV.

We then walked to the car, got our stuff together and walked to the stadium around 2:00, two hours before kickoff. When we went in the stadium we stood down by the field for about an hour, watching the team practice. David met former coach “Brother” Bill Oliver and got his autograph.

The game itself was extremely entertaining. David and I shared numerous “high-fives” with each other and the fans around us. WE saw my friend from college, Greg Sanders, at halftime. The Javier Arenas 61 yard punt return in the fourth quarter was probably the most exciting moment of the game. The crowd noise that followed was the loudest sound I have ever heard at a sporting event. Of course, Alabama ended up losing to a very good LSU team which is now ranked number two in the nation.

Coach Nick Saban said after the game that he does not believe in moral victories. I cannot argue with that philosophy. Nevertheless, most Tide fans came away from this game realizing that this is no longer the Alabama team that we have been used to seeing during the last several years. The Tide can play with anyone in the nation and the future looks bright.

Now it’s on to Starkville tomorrow. Let’s go “teach the Bulldogs to behave.” Roll Tide.

Gameday experience - LSU 11/3/07

2007-11-07T20:13:00.000-06:00

Bama / LSU video

2007-11-05T18:50:00.000-06:00

Flyover

My video from section N2 when Wilson passed to Brown to make the score 20-17

Crowd noise after Javier Arenas' 62 yard punt return to make the score 34-27

Highlights...Thunderstruck

Article on instant replay

2007-11-04T19:44:00.000-06:00

Here is an excerpt from an interesting article on the subject:

Standard: There must be indisputable video evidence for an on-field 0fficiating decision to be changed by the Instant Replay Official working from a private booth in the press box. Indisputable video evidence can be described as sufficient, viewable camera angles that provide undeniable proof that a correction to the call is necessary. Additionally, the play must have direct competitive impact on the game to warrant game stoppage for review. Instant replay officials will be instructed to err on the side of caution when competition will be directly affected, but to refrain from stopping the game any more than necessary. The replay system will not guarantee that all officiating decisions are corrected.

Matt Caddell's catch...

2007-11-04T14:34:00.000-06:00

Earlier I posted some images of Matt Caddell's forth quarter catch that was overturned by SEC replay official James Allison. Here is the video from CBS. Again, there was NO indisputable evidence that the catch was not made. In fact the CBS announcers were in complete agreement that a catch was made. The point in this scenario is that "indisputable" means that no one would argue that a catch was not made.

Catch and fumble recovery overtuned, 4:25 left in 3rd

2007-11-04T12:58:00.000-06:00

With 4:25 left in the third quarter, the ruling on the field was that the LSU player caught the ball, fumbled, and that the fumble was recovered by Alabama. The question for the reviewer was whether there was INDISPUTABLE evidence that this was not a catch. This call should not have been overturned without indisputable evidence. Even the announcers were "disputing" what the replays indicated.

Does the reviewing official James Allison even know what the word INDISPUTABLE means?

That was a catch!

2007-11-04T02:13:00.000-06:00

Supposedly this catch was overturned because it was "indisputable" that Matt Caddell didn't make the catch. If these photos are not proof that it was very disputable, I don't know what is. The burden of proof was on the side that says the catch was not made. In my opinion, it would be easier to say it was indisputable that the catch was made!

From the NCAA rules, "In order to reverse an on-field ruling, the replay official must see indisputable video evidence through one or more video replays provided to the monitor."Indisputable means: not disputable, unquestionable, indisputable proof, beyond dispute or doubt; undeniable, indisputable evidence.

This call probably should not have been reviewed, but if it was reviewed or challenged, this shows that there was no INDISPUTABLE evidence that justifies taking this catch away from Caddell and Alabama. It is true to say that we lost this game in many other ways and I am not putting it all on the refs like some Ole Miss fans did after Bama defeated them a few weeks ago. I just expected a little better result from the officials. When are they held accountable for their performance? The replay rule is turning into a joke when they review too many plays and they do not understand the meaning of indisputable evidence.

Just got in...

2007-11-04T00:03:00.000-05:00

David and I had a great day and lots of fun. I will hopefully be able to post stories and photos tomorrow.

Off to see the Tide....

2007-11-03T05:45:00.000-05:00

About finished packing the car.... Lord please bless this trip with David.

Roll Tide!

Getting ready for LSU

2007-11-02T18:33:00.000-05:00

This video alone will give Bama fans added incentive (as if any was needed) to pull for Bama to win this game!

The Nick "Satan" line is old, tired, and frankly stupid. Can you say "jealousy"?

Peaking at right time Columbus Ledger Enquirer
Nearly everyone in the Alabama football complex, from coach Nick Saban on down to the Crimson Tide players, credits the team's current three-game winning streak to a more consistent performance offensively. At least superficially, that's correct. Not counting a season-opening blowout of Western Carolina, Alabama has posted its three of its top four totals of 2007 in both yardage and points in victories over Houston, Ole Miss and Tennessee. Quarterback John Parker Wilson has been particularly effective of late...

Pivotal SEC bout pits Tigers against Tide The Sports Network
One of the best games of the college football weekend pits the third-ranked LSU Tigers against the 17th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in an SEC clash. LSU is still alive in the hunt for the national championship, and the lone blemish on the team's 7-1 record came in triple overtime against Kentucky on the road. The Tigers avenged that loss with a 30-24 decision over Auburn last time out, and they have had two weeks to prepare for Saturday's showdown. With other victories over the likes of Virginia Tech, South Carolina and Florida, LSU has beaten a number of strong opponents. Like the Tigers, the Crimson Tide has had two weeks to prepare for this weekend's tilt. Alabama has put together a three-game win streak for the second time this season and is bowl eligible at 6-2. The most recent victory for the club occurred on October 20th by a 41-17 final over Tennessee. As for Alabama, it holds a commanding 43-22-5 series lead over LSU, and the teams did not meet last season.

LSU fans to mock Crimson Tide tradition at game Crimson WhiteThe Houndstooth hat that legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant wore while pacing the sidelines for the Alabama football team may be the trademark symbol of the Crimson Tide's tradition, and LSU fans plan to don a mockery of it Saturday when the No. 3 Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa.An article printed in Friday's issue of The Daily Reveille, LSU's student newspaper, featured three students who purchased 60 houndstooth hats and decorated them with a purple band around the outside of the hat and a yellow feather through the band."There is no better idea than to put purple and gold on a Paul 'Bear' Bryant hat and have the whole student section wearing them," LSU junior Nathan Roy told The Daily Reveille.Roy and two friends - junior Mustafa Mohammad and senior Hussien Mohammad - are selling their hats for $25 on Facebook.com Marketplace and are trying to encourage other LSU students to make their own hats."The houndstooth hats are clearly an Alabama tradition," said Sarah Shea, a freshman majoring in elementary education. "For [LSU] fans to be wearing them means they are having to use our tradition instead of having their own."

Pitiful, isn't it!

Alabama v Tennesse photos 10/20/07

2007-10-28T21:08:00.000-05:00

Joe enjoys an Alabama Krispy Kreme Doughnut

Joe and I stop on our way into Bryant Denny Stadium

Million Dollar band prepares for pregame show

Coach Saban before the game

O-line, including Cullman native Justin Britt warm up

Million Dollar Band members are ready

Tight end Nick Walker

This is for David...Tuscaloosa News photographer is a Cubs' fan

No caption necessary...

This was the first of (too) many times we heard Rocky Top

O-line huddles up

Coach Saban prepares his players

Matt Caddell lines up at wide out during warm ups

Bama's awesome offensive lineman, Andre Smith

#93, Bobby Greenwood

Andre

Matt Caddell

#11 Matt Caddell

#28, Javier Arenas

Million Dollar Band plays the National Anthem

Fly-over

Close-up of fly-over

Jamie Christiansen's surprise onside kick to start the game

"Pride of the Southland Band"

Bama is driving

Leigh Tiffin puts it through for three

Good start to a great day

TD Pass...John Parker Wilson to Terry Grant

Joe is happy!

Tiffin makes it 10-0

Tide fans enjoy a great start

Joe took a pic of Smokey, the Vol's mascot

Having fun at the half

Bama threatens again in the red zone

Rocky Top, for the upteenth time

Don't be deceived...they had little to cheer about

Another field goal by Tiffin

We are happy...Bama has a huge lead in the 4th

No more onsides kicks needed

Unhappy Vols fans begin to leave with over 8 minutes left

Bama fans are enjoying the domination of the Vols

Fans like to dress like the coach

My boy and I had a wonderful day

It doesn't get any better than this

Another field goal...Tiffin had a great day

Vols fans continue to leave...see ya next year

Time to cool of with a lemon ice treat

'nuff said!

Vols band was the only good thing going for UT

Joe got lots of autographs after the game

I saw my friend Gary there

Joe got to meet one of his favorite players, Will Oakley

Tide player and Cubs fan

One our favorites, Andre Smith

Good day for Joe

Assistant coach and former Bama receiver AC Carter

Ole Miss game photos

2007-10-16T05:24:00.000-05:00

Tons of Tide fans taking the Ole Miss exit

We just parked and we're ready to Roll with the Tide

Cleansing Tide

David, Matt, and Joe outside Vaught-Hemingway

Crimson Tide enters the stadium

Ole Miss enters the stadium

West stands of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, MS

North stands of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

Ole Miss kicks off to Bama to start the game

Ole Miss atempts a field goal

Game-saving sack during Ole Miss' final drive at the end of the game

Alabama 27 Ole Miss 24

2007-10-14T22:21:00.000-05:00

Saturday the boys and I drove to Oxford to watch the Tide take on the Ole Miss Rebels. This was an exciting game to watch. As usual, we all predicted Alabama to win. This time I was the closest, as I predicted Alabama to win by 3 points, 31-28. Joe predicted Alabama would win 24-17, Matt predicted the Tide would win 20-10, and David predicted 31-14. I wish David was correct.

No one could have predicted that the game would have been won based on a reviewed call. On the other hand, this was the fifth game in a row that the game was decided on the last or next to last play of the game. This Crimson Tide team is nothing if it is not exciting to watch.

We got up at 6 a.m. and began our three hour drive on Highway 278 west at 6:45 a.m. After finding a good place to park, we walked over to the stadium took a few pictures, and got some food before settling into our stands for the 11:35 a.m. start.

Alabama fans turned out in droves. In my estimation the crowd was pretty close to a 50/50 split. On the way to Oxford we stopped at the Mississippi Welcome Center. That welcome center was covered up with Bama fans so much that it seemed like we were at the Ferguson center. I even saw one Bama fan holding tickets in the air to sell.

Matthew commented several times on how exciting the game was. He was right. Both teams made several big plays. There were turnovers, long pass plays, long runs, great punt and kick-off returns, critical penalties, sacks, and most importantly for Bama fans, a few very big officiating reversals on challenged calls. Throw into the mix some very angry, classless Ole Miss fans who threw cups and whiskey bottles and you have the makings of a true barn-burner.

I took several photos and a few videos which I will post here soon.

Crimson Tide clip Ole Miss with 10-point rally, late replay reversal ESPNU
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) -- John Parker Wilson passed for 265 yards and Alabama scored 10 points in the final eight minutes and benefited from a critical replay reversal in the closing seconds to beat Mississippi 27-24 on Saturday. Ole Miss quarterback Seth Adams completed a 41-yard pass to Shay Hodge to give the Rebels possession at the Alabama 4 with 7 seconds left.
After a 5-minute review clearly showed Hodge stepped out of bounds and returned to the field to make the catch, the play was ruled illegal and Alabama (5-2, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) took over on downs for a final snap to seal the victory. Ole Miss (2-5, 0-4) has lost three straight to Alabama, each by three points.

Alabama Wins Another Nail-Biter Kirk McNair, Scout.com
In this incredible five-game stretch of Alabama football games, the outcome has rested at or near the final play of the game week after week. Some weeks it was the offense making a play, some weeks a defensive play, and some weeks a special team play. Saturday the key play may have been a re-play. Alabama went to Oxford and came out with a 27-24 win over Ole Miss. The only thing that kept the Rebels from having a chance to win or tie the game on the final play of the game was that on the next-to-last play of the game a long pass completion by Mississippi was overturned by Southeastern Conference replay officials. Officials with benefit of replay were able to correct the wrong of the official on the field, who apparently couldn’t see down the sideline as well as Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban could. Saban saw the Rebels’ Shay Hodge come from out of bounds back into the field of play and called a time out to challenge the call. It was obvious Hodge had been out of bounds before out-battling Tide cornerback Lionel Mitchell for the ball. That’s not legal. And since it was a fourth down play with only seven seconds to play, it was left only for Bama to take a knee and wrap up the victory. With the win, Alabama improved its record to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in SEC games.

Alabama 30 Houston 24

2007-10-14T21:08:00.000-05:00

On Saturday October 6, 2007, the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Houston Cougars 30 to 24. Alabama moved to 4-2 on the year with the Homecoming victory.

To sum this game up in a nutshell, Alabama played like champions in the first quarter, rolling to a 23-0 lead. They played like chumps the rest of the way, being dominated by the 2-3 Cougars by a score of 24-7 over the final three quarters.

Story from UA Media Relations

Box score

It was great going to game with three friends from my school days. I have known Rob since 2nd grade. I have known Johnny and Brian since high school.

r O B

2007-10-09T22:57:00.000-05:00

This is a clip from the 2007 University of Alabama Homecoming Parade as telecast on WVUA TV from Tuscaloosa. I was there with my friends Johnny, Rob, and Brian. It seems as though Rob has his own sorority! We got a big laugh out of this!

UA Homecoming Parade 2007

2007-10-08T11:57:00.000-05:00

I will post more when I get back from my trip later this week.

Special story on Big Al...

2007-10-04T06:35:00.000-05:00

My friend Johnny shared this stoy about Big Al. He said something about having tissue handy. He was right! This is a "must read"!

A symbol of hope Crimson White

For many people who love the University of Alabama, Big Al is the mascot of a great tradition. As much a part of game day as tailgate tents, barbecue sandwiches and houndstooth hats, the big gray elephant is a symbol of the victory Alabamians expect from their Crimson Tide. But for one little girl from Bessemer, Ala., Big Al is much more than a tradition. He is a symbol of hope. Peyton Sheheane is a 4-year-old bundle of energy. With her dark brown pigtails swaying from side to side, she smiles as she talks of the elephant she loves so much. "What does Big Al do on the field?" her mother, Tara, asks."He shakes his booty!" Peyton giggles, as she acts out one of Big Al's signature moves.

FSU 21 Alabama 14

2007-10-01T18:55:00.000-05:00

This was a very frustrating game to watch as a Bama fan, and we are hearing all about it this week on talk radio and in the paper. The offense was inept for the first 50 minutes of the game and had as many yards in the last few minutes as they had accumulated in the whole game up to that point. We showed very little ability to run the few times we tried. John Parker Wilson made several terrible throws and overlooked some other wide open receivers. We were tied 0-0 at the half due to a tremendous job by the defense, which had their back to the wall almost the entire half.

In the second half, the offense continued to sputter and the defensive backs made a couple of critical errors which resulted in easy touchdowns for FSU. John Parker Wilson proved effective, yet again, in the two minute offense. He almost put us in a position to win. His critical fumble deep in our own territory, after his protection had broken down, set up FSU for an easy score from 7 yards out. Then, with a little over a minute to go, it briefly looked like the Tide had recovered an onside kick. Unfortunately, the replay clearly showed the ball deflect off of Jimmy Johns' helmet before travelling the required 10 yards. The story of the game was that Alabama's offense produced too little too late.

Alabama notebook Huntsville Times
Season on brink for Tide
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- After starting the season 3-0 and jumping to No. 16 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, things have swerved the wrong direction. The Tide has lost two straight and Saturday's 21-14 loss to Florida State was the first game this season in which Alabama has not led at any point.

'Bama gets dose of reality with 2 straight losses Sporting News
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Not so fast, Alabama.
The Crimson Tide's early surge back into the national rankings had all the makings of a dramatic turnaround, a 3-0 start that included a stirring comeback win over Arkansas. But back-to-back losses to Georgia and Florida State have brought a heavy dose of reality: This program might be on its way back, but it's not there yet. And that comes as no surprise to coach Nick Saban, who said he undertook a "building process" upon his hiring in January, not an overnight turnaround.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK Alabama Decatur Daily

Alabama vs. Florida State preview

2007-09-29T09:43:00.000-05:00

If you want me to post your prediction, drop me a comment by 3:30 CT!
Our predictions:
David: Alabama 35 Florida State 21
Joe: Alabama 14 Florida State 7
Matt: Alabama 25 Florida State 17
Dad: Alabama 20 Florida State 17

Bama's RB rotation a three man show - Sporting News

Bobby, 'Bama and the Bear Paul Newberry Associated Press

Several Bama players grew up rooting for FSU Dothan Eagle

Big wins outside the SEC far between Cecil Hurt Tuscaloosa News

Tuscaloosa News staff picks

ESPNU Notebook:

Mention given to terry Grant as the "top rookie running back":
Grant (5-10, 188) is a pint-sized speedster in the mold of former Florida State star and current Falcons running back Warrick Dunn. New offensive coordinator Major Applewhite likes to spread it out with a lot of three- and four-receiver sets, which result in lots of creases for his rookie back to exploit. The system obviously agrees with Grant, who has burst onto the scene with 120.8 yards per game.

Breaking down Alabama-Florida State
By Bill Curry, ESPN.com
Alabama is a very interesting team. It has the potential to be one of the better teams in the SEC by the last four games of the season -- if not a great team. For Bama to improve, John Parker Wilson has to grow up. He had a number of chances against Georgia but wasn't able to finish the job. On the other hand, he's a really gritty competitor who is willing to put his team on his back. One thing that has mystified me this season is how dominating the Tide's defense looks at times -- sometimes over long stretches -- but at the moment the Tide can least afford it, the D gives up the big play. That's certainly one area concern for Nick Saban's staff. Florida State, on the other hand, certainly is a work in progress. The Noles are breaking in a new staff on offense and they're implementing gradual changes. It might be a full year before we see what the real Florida State looks like.
Alabama has the upper hand in this matchup, especially because of how tournament-tested this team already is. The Tide has had tough, close, physical games against Arkansas and Georgia, which should benefit them later in the season. We're all creatures of habit: If you've been cruising, it's hard to put it in overdrive. If you've been fighting, however, it's second nature. Those are the teams that are the toughest to beat.

ESPN Gameday 9/23/07

2007-09-28T05:58:00.001-05:00

Yes I was on ESPN Gameday Saturday morning 9/22/07, barely. Can you find me?

Matt shows off our sign

Coach Saban on the set....the fans went wild...

One of my favorite signs...one of my favorite commercials...

This Paris Hilton sign freaked me out every time I turned around...
It looked too real at first glance...

My favorite Rick and Bubba sign there

Big AL

Lots of back and forth happened between bama and UGA fans

Georgia 26 Alabama 23, OT

2007-09-27T18:48:00.000-05:00

On Saturday September 22, 2007, the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 26 to 23 with an overtime pass from Georgia QB Matthew Stafford. Alabama twice came back from 10 point deficits but could only manage a field goal in their overtime posession.

Article from UA Media Relations

Box Score

Gameday Experience 9/22/07 UGA

2007-09-27T17:48:00.000-05:00

I will be posting some photos here later. Matt and I had a great day despite the loss.

Matt and I left Vinemont at exactly 6 a.m. on Saturday 9/22/07. We arrived in Tuscaloosa at the McFarland Blvd exit around 7:40 or so. As usual we stopped at the Chevron station, used the bathroom, and bought a newspaper. We then stopped at the McDonald’s on 15th Street for breakfast. Matt had a sausage biscuit and I had an Egg McMuffin. We parked west of the stadium near the intersection of University and Queen City Blvd. We walked down the “Strip” towards Bryant Denny around 8 a.m.

We arrived at the set of ESPN College Gameday and initially stood behind the tuba section of the band. Later were able to move up some. Matt and I had made a sign the night before and we held it up. Later I saw where it barely made an appearance on television. After Gameday ended, we sat on the grass and rested, had a cold drink, and called Joe and David. I had also called my Mom earlier and asked her to tell Dad to look for us on ESPN Gameday.

Matt and I walked over to the Bryant Museum and toured it. Admission is very reasonable ($2 for adults and $1 for children). After that we made our way across the quad and went to the Ferguson Center and watched the Florida-Ole Miss game on the big screen in the theater. We both dozed off for a few minutes and that probably gave us a little stamina for the late night that awaited us.

Then we bought some Chic-Fil-A and ate there at Ferguson. At Matt’s request we visited the Sup Store and looked around there but didn’t purchase anything. I did see a former co-worker who is now a judge and her daughter.

We walked over to the Quad and arrived there in plenty of time to get a good view of the band and cheerleaders. American Idol Taylor Hicks also made an appearance. We went straight from the pep rally across the quad to Bryant Denny Stadium. It seemed to take a long time to get across the Quad.

The atmosphere seemed crazier for this game than previous games all day. First, during the morning, an older lady who was for Alabama got in a verbal fight with a nice looking college age Georgia fan. That one almost came to blows and would have been ugly. It seemed like I saw more drunk folks than usual as we crossed the Quad. There was a banner (that was removed later in the day) hanging from the frat house across from BDS that said, “Make like Mike Vick and murder the dawgs.” During the game, several police officers had to attend to some kind of disturbance in the seating area above us. Finally, there was then the much publicized throwing of debris on the Georgia players from the Alabama student section after they scored the winning touchdown.

The game itself was rather intense from the stands. The fans were cheering loudly throughout the game and were especially supportive of the defense. It seemed, though, that Georgia QB Matthew Stafford handled the noise very well. He seemed to perform at his best in pressure situation when the crowd noise was at its peak. It was great fun cheering Alabama’s comeback from being 10 points down during the final few minutes. It was a rather disappointing loss, though, after it appeared we had gained the momentum and expectations were raised.

The game ended at 10:20 and Matt and I got out of there right away, walked quickly to the car, and beat almost all of the traffic on the way home. He actually stayed awake with me most of the way home. I think the nap he had in the afternoon worked wonders. We listened to some of his CD’s and some of the Alabama post-game show. We also called my Mom as well as his mom and brothers. The post game show went off the air as I pulled into my driveway at 12:30 a.m. One of the last things they said was that the police estimated that at least 125,000 people were in the area of the stadium and that traffic was still backed up on the interstate. I was glad to be home but Matt and I had an awesome day. It was a very special and memorable one-on-one time.

What if?

2007-09-26T20:49:00.000-05:00

Another view on Bowden's story about Alabama Dothan Eagle

In the Dec. 16 column published in this space, I explored the possible conversations various coaches may have had with Rich Rodriguez, the former candidate for the vacant University of Alabama coach position. I cited an occasion I had with Florida State’s Bobby Bowden several years ago in which
Bowden incorrectly assumed he was about to be offered the post when Bill Curry was eventually hired back in 1986.

Bowden might have changed the Tide of history Orlando Sentinel
By Andrew Carter Sentinel Staff Writer
September 25, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Here they are, telling stories, Bobby Bowden's old friends. Laughter muffles words. This is where Bowden grew up, and the guys he grew up with, all gray hair and memories, are carrying on like they're a half-century younger. Remember the time ol' Bobby came home 15 minutes past 10, and Ann, his new bride, locked him out 'cause he was later than he said he'd be? Or the one time they ever heard him utter a four-letter word? Or how 'bout this: Remember when Bowden's Florida State team beat Indiana in the 1986 All-American Bowl here in Birmingham?

What might have been Tommy Deas, Tuscaloosa News

Imagine if Paul W. “Bear” Bryant wasn’t the only all-time winningest coach to ever walk the sidelines at the University of Alabama.Imagine if Bill Curry never wore crimson, if Gene Stallings wasn’t around to coach Alabama to the 1992 national championship, if the Crimson Tide had never endured the Mike DuBose and Mike Price scandals, if Dennis Franchione had never bolted for Texas A&M, if crippling NCAA sanctions had never been levied.Imagine no Mike Shula and, yes, even no Nick Saban.Imagine if Alabama had hired Bobby Bowden.It almost happened.

Bama Baptism

2007-09-26T20:29:00.000-05:00

Bama Notebook Mobile Press Register

CLEAN COFFEE: Alabama tailback Glen Coffee came back from a few days off without the usual dreadlocks atop his newly shaven head. Why? He's about to get baptized.

"I did it for my mom. I figured I could do something nice for a big event," Coffee said. "I'm just trying to change. I hit that turning point in my life and I just figured I'd take that step and continue on from there."

Great news. Praise the Lord!

Gameday is here...

2007-09-22T05:15:00.000-05:00

I'm reading a few articles and fixin' to get Matt up to head to T-town. You just might see us on ESPN Gameday! Look for the sign that says "Eventually Saban Produces National championships"

Go Bama!

Fans expect Saban to ward off gameday jinx Tuscaloosa News

Alabama's transforming defense a challenge Tuscaloosa News

Go teach the Bulldogs to behave...

2007-09-20T17:31:00.000-05:00

Bama leads the series 35-23-3

Georgia rule - Richt weary of Alabama spies, closes practice access SI.com

GameDay to broadcast from Walk of Champions Tuscaloosa News

No game -- and no fishing -- for Munson AJC

5 keys to Georgia's win over Alabama Redandblack.com

Breaking down RB's Grant v Moreno ESPN
Running back is typically a leading position when it comes to freshmen participation in college football. This season is no exception. Through three weeks, four of the nation's top 52 rushers (quarterbacks excluded) hail from the freshman class. Two of those rookie standouts -- Georgia's Knowshon Moreno and Alabama's Terry Grant -- will square off in the key SEC interdivisional battle in Tuscaloosa this Saturday night. Neither Mark Richt nor Nick Saban has been hesitant to lean on their young premier backs to this point. So there's good reason to believe Moreno and Grant will play a critical role in the outcome of this weekend's game. In order to get a true feel for what to expect from these youngsters in such a pressure cooker of an environment, I broke down the tape of each back's biggest collegiate game to date. Not exactly a difficult decision considering there were only six games from which to choose. For Moreno it was the 16-14 loss versus South Carolina two weeks ago. For Grant it was this past Saturday night's 41-38 win versus Arkansas.

Georgia v Alabama ESPNU
Georgia's offense has a lot of promising talent. But until it does some damage versus a legitimate opponent, how can anyone truly take this unit seriously? Sure, QB Matt Stafford and company have looked crisp in scoring 80 combined points against a bad Oklahoma State defense and a Division I-AA opponent in Western Carolina. However, in their only outing versus an SEC opponent, South Carolina held the Bulldogs without a touchdown, while Stafford connected on just 19 of 44 pass attempts with an interception. That's why we think Alabama, despite some personnel flaws on the defensive side of the ball, should be able to keep the Bulldog offense in check. The key is to follow the Gamecock's blueprint, which essentially is a bend-but-don't break approach. Like Alabama, South Carolina was overmatched on the perimeter versus Georgia WR's Sean Bailey, Mohamed Massaquoi and Mikey Henderson. So, instead of loading up the box versus the run and taking chances with lots of blitz-packages backed by man-coverage, South Carolina spent more time backed off in cover-2 zone looks. It led to a lot of underneath completions and decent rushing yards on the ground, but Stafford only average 4.8 yards per completion and Georgia converted only three of 18 third-down attempts. Because they are still comparatively inexperienced on offense, the mindset for Alabama's defense should be to force the Bulldogs to sustain long drives without making a mistake.

BamaNation Exclusive: scouting report on Georgia
The Georgia Bulldog’s season thus far has been one of happiness, then shock. They come into the game with a record of 2-1, starting with an impressive 35-14 over Oklahoma State, before losing a 16-12 heartbreaker to South Carolina, then dispatched Western Carolina 45-16. The Interesting note here is that this is the same Western Carolina team that we beat in our opening game, 52-6. Could the difference between the two games against the Catamounts being 10 points better on defense and 7 points on offense be a telling omen for Saturday’s game?

Alabama prepares for another tough challenge Commercial Dispatch
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Coming off a thrilling, comeback win over Arkansas, Alabama coach Nick Saban and his team know there is little time to celebrate. “We are real excited.” said halfback Terry Grant, who was selected the leagues freshman of the week for the third straight time. “Most of the guys are excited. We have the confidence that we need. We have mature guys that know how to keep it 24 hours like Coach Saban told us to do. We have to come back in here and focus on Georgia instead of Arkansas.”Grant says the Tide coaching staff has sage advice after each win. “They tell us to go celebrate hard, and get it over with, because we're coming back in here (Mondays) to get ready for the next game,” Grant said.

There's more to talk about than Nick Saban Decatur Daily

Georgia: Getting prepped for Bama Bleacher Report

Tide trying to keep it rolling against Georgia Sporting News

The popularity of college football grows in the South Western Carolinian
The University of Alabama has won 21 SEC titles and a total of 12 national titles; they also have one of the richest football traditions in the entire country. In Tuscaloosa, just about every person you see is a die-hard Alabama Crimson Tide football fan. Everywhere you go, flyers and posters support the Crimson Tide.

UGA v Alabama College Football: Bama or Bust Athens Exchange
The No. 22-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are ready for the border rivalry against the No. 16- ranked Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Al. on Saturday night. "I liked how practice went today, I talk a lot about how important it is to have energy out there, and we had it today," head coach Mark Richt said after practice on Wednesday. Coach Richt knows what he is talking about. Georgia is 22-3 under his leadership in road games and 1-0 in Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium. The history between these SEC titans began in 1894 as Georgia took the first contest 30-6 in Columbus, Ga. Since then, Alabama has led the series overall with a record of 35-24-4. "I think there will be an awful lot of excitement there in that stadium knowing it will be a night game, knowing that the Alabama fan's are excited about the start of their season and knowing that Game Day is there," Richt added.

Great article

2007-09-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

Tired and bruised, the UA defense is inspired Tuscaloosa News - Christopher Walsh

TUSCALOOSA | There were still more than eight minutes remaining in Saturday’s game, but University of Alabama coach Nick Saban had seen enough. As his defensiveplayers walked off the field after allowing the go-ahead touchdown by Arkansas, he stopped them short of the sideline and verbally let them have it. “He was doing some screaming, and some cussing,” senior cornerback Simeon Castille said. “The gist of it was for everyone to do their jobs.” But that wasn’t the catalyst for Alabama’s crucial defensive stand that gave the offense a chance to win the 41-38 game. It came a few minutes later when Saban went back to ask the defense, “Can you do it?”

Alabama 41 Arkansas 38

2007-09-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

Coach Saban's post game press conference from Tidesports.com

Gameday experience 9/15/07

2007-09-18T06:48:00.000-05:00

Matt before kickoff

Joe before kickoff

David before kickoff

Players entering BDS

Players enter BDS two hours before kickoff

Coach saban arrives

Matt waiting on the "Walk of Champions"

The crowd begins to gather

Inflatable Big Al

Tailgating with the Word of God

Lots of tailgaters looking East on University Blvd.

Good parking is much harder to find this year

Another inflatable Big Al

A unique tent on the Quad

Alabama flags

Yet another cool tailgating setup

No shortage of dishes here, and I don't mean food

Another bama flag flies with pride, Tide Pride, that is

TYDFNS are everywhere

The boys played a little football outside BDS

Walking around the Quad

Near the Bryant Museum

More from the Quad

Parking money at Baptist Student Union goes for a good cause

Our spot for the Arkansas game

Matt at our spot early in the morning

David

Joe

The boys played catch at our tailgating spot

Alabama 41 Arkansas 38 articles

2007-09-17T07:01:00.000-05:00

Matt Caddell catches the winning TD pass.
Photo from the Tuscaloosa News

AP Photo

One-man cheering section AL.com
"When my alarm went off at 2:45 a.m. this morning, it did not feel like football time.
Afghanistan is nine and a half hours ahead of Alabama time, making it inconvenient for a Crimson Tide fan to catch his team in the ESPN night game."

An in depth look at Alabama's 41-38 win against Arkansas Tuscaloosa News
"Alabama had played 65 games since the last time it won due to a fourth-quarter touchdown, 14-13 against Iowa State in the 2001 Independence Bowl (Andrew Zow to Terry Jones). It’s believed to be the first in a “home” game since the 1996 Iron Bowl in Birmingham (Freddie Kitchens to Dennis Riddle), in Gene Stallings’ final season."

Tide, Tigers pass in the night Birmingham News, Kevin Scarbinsky

Terry Grant now ranks fifth in the nation in rushing according to ESPNU

Caddell TD caps wild finish as Bama upsets Arkansas ESPNU (video included)

Saban already has Tide on the rise Washington Times

Alabama back in AP poll for first time since 2005 ESPNU

Notre Dame, Auburn, Oklahoma State among teams looking for do-overs ESPNU
"In the five seasons from 2002 to 2006, Alabama trailed in 27 fourth quarters -- and failed to rally for the win in any of them. So what did the Crimson Tide do when faced with their first fourth-quarter deficit of the Nick Saban era? They won, of course (hey, he doesn't get paid the big bucks for nothing). After Darren McFadden and Arkansas scored 28 straight points to take a 38-31 lead in the last stanza, Bama responded with a field goal, then a game-winning touchdown with 8 seconds remaining. It was the program's first fourth-quarter rally since a Dennis Franchione-led Tide team beat Iowa State 14-13 in the 2001 Independence Bowl."

Bama rally resounds across state Tommy Hicks Mobile Press Register
"Today -- right now -- it is the best team in the state and it's not close. And Troy, which played Florida closer than Tennessee and handed Oklahoma State a more impressive spanking than Georgia, is probably No. 2. "

Power already shifting in state Crimson White

SEC Football Players of the Week Announced Grant makes it three in a row...
"SEC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK TERRY GRANT Running Back ALABAMA 5-10 • 188 Lumberton, Miss. (HS) Grant rushed for 96 yards on 20 carries in Alabama's 41-38 win against Arkansas. Grant had 96 of the Tide's 123 rushing yards against the Razorbacks and had 20 of the team's 34 rushes. His 39 yard run on 3rd-and-1 in the first quarter, helped set up Alabama's second touchdown to put the Tide ahead, 14-0. He is second in the SEC with 134.3 rushing yards per game and five rushing touchdowns."

Hogs Forced To Deal With Alabama Fallout Bamamag.com

Tide earns ranking, also learns Paul Gattis Huntsville Times

Saban: Adversity part of great victories Montgomery Advertiser

Stats
John Parker Wilson ranks 4th in the SEC in Total Offense (666 passing, 14 rushing - 680 total) #57 in the nation
Terry Grant ranks 11th in the SEC in Total Offense (415 rushing, 39 receiving - 403 total) #107 in the nation, ranks 2nd in the SEC in Yards Pergame (134 yards) - #8 in the nation, tied for 3rd in the SEC in scoring with 30 points - #26 in the nation

Musselman kicker Smith boots Central Martinsburg, WV Journal
"BUNKER HILL —The Musselman locker room was rocking to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” after Friday night’s 20-13 win over Central-Woodstock, Va., and it was all Corey Smith’s doing.Smith, the Applemen senior kicker committed to play Alabama next season, booted a 59-yard field goal off a rare free-kick opportunity after drilling a 47-yarder earlier in the game. The 59-yarder, pending certification with the Secondary Schools Athletic Association, shatters the old state mark of 55 yards held by Nitro’s John Hogshead (1977) and Fayetteville’s Craig Williams.“Yeah, it’s kinda cool,” Smith said. “But to get that ‘W’ on the board, that’s the main thing.”"

Bama v Arkansas preview

2007-09-14T18:46:00.000-05:00

We are all looking forward to tomorrow. David, Joe, and Matt are going to type their own predictions for tomorrow's games. They are also going to tell why they predicted what they did.

David:
I predict that Alabama will win 35 to 21 in tomorrows game.
My reason I think Alabama will score 35 points is because we have an awesome offense, with Terry Grant and John Parker Wilson will do awesome. I think Arkansas will score 21 points mainly because of there runningbacks.

MATTHEW. I PREDICT ALABAMA WILL WIN 41 TO 34 IN TOMORROWS GAME. CAUSE THE OFFENSE IS GOOD. CAUSE JOHN WILSON AND
TERRY GRANT IS GOOD. MATTHEW PREDICT.

Joe:
I predict Alabama will win 38 to 28 in tomorrows game.
I think Alabama will score 38 because they have a good coach, and a awesome Offense.

Dad:
Alabama 31 Arkansas 21

~~~~~~~~~~

More stuff...

Tony Barnhart
Tide 17 Hogs 16

Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Seattle Times How hungry are they for Alabama football deep in Dixie? Crimson Tide faithful besieged the Vanderbilt ticket office — not only for the $22 and $42 seats for last week's game, but for season tickets. Eric Jones, the Vandy ticket manager, told the Birmingham News Alabama's 4,000 allotted tickets went in 32 minutes when released Aug. 1. That didn't stop season-ticket purchases, at $99 and $175 per.

Tiffin hoping for second shot ESPN

Local Alabama fan converts pay phone trailer to a tailgaters dream Demopolis Times

Nice article on Terry Saban

2007-09-12T15:56:00.000-05:00

Terry Saban talks family, life Crimson White

"The lone unhung painting in the living room propped next to the stairs is the only evidence that Nick and Terry Saban haven't been living in their home for years.In reality though, it's been little more than three months since the whirlwind courtship of Nick Saban landed the Crimson Tide football team a new head coach.Just in from walking the family dog and curled up on a couch in a red Alabama sweatshirt, Terry, the coach's wife of 35 years, couldn't help smiling and laughing as she recounted the events of the past few months.For the Sabans, the transition from Miami to Tuscaloosa was a relatively easy one, Terry said. The past three months have been jam-packed for her, though."

A perfect day....

2007-09-11T22:50:00.000-05:00

Here is a really cool, funny, and insightful thread on the Tidesports.com forum.

Saturday was a good day for Tide fans!

Sour grapes, anyone...

2007-09-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

AU coach Tubberville is losing it. In an obvious reference to Coach Saban (the SEC's only first-year coach), he complimented MSU Coach Croom who he said didn't come in in his first year and start breaking recruiting rules like "some coaches." He is going trying to make it look like Saban is breaking the rules. Yeah, right. That is the pot calling the kettle black if I ever heard it!

God Bless America

2007-09-11T06:13:00.000-05:00

Bama news this week

2007-09-10T21:39:00.001-05:00

A good start but still a long way to go Cecil Hurt

Grant, defense lead Tide to win Crimson White

Alabama-Vanderbilt notebook: Hall at 2000 and counting Tuscaloosa News

Alabama's next three games... Sporting News

Tide to open 2008 with Clemson? Columbus Ledger

Football and faithAuthor combines two loves into book on the Crimson Tide and their Christian ties Tuscaloosa News

Bear's shadow looms large in Tuscaloosa Sporting News

Alabama's next 3 games will supply answers about whether Crimson Tide is back Sporting News

McFadden Returns To Place Where It All Began Hawgs Illustrated.com

Eddie Robinson Portrait Is Symbol of Saban’s Respect For Legendary Coach RollTide.com
"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." Proverbs 22

Kines' coaching career may be over, but he's still preaching college football Macon.com

Alabama Crimson Tide Site, News SI.com

"Although the game was a sellout (39,773), a clear majority of fans were rooting for Alabama. “It surprised me when I got off the bus," Saban said. “It’s almost like playing a home game. There was a lot of red out there."

Cecil Hurt

2007-09-10T21:39:00.000-05:00

A good start but still a long way to go Cecil Hurt

Grant, defense lead Tide to win Crimson White

Tide News

2007-09-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

What about academics at UA? Just to remind you that we haven't totally forgotten our mission!
All-USA Academic Team

~~~~~

Terry Grant - Ranks eighth in the nation in rushing (307 yards). He also is tied for first with five touchdowns. He is averaging 7.3 yards per carry.

He is number 1 so far in the SEC!

Which so-called expert predicted that?

Keep it up Terry!

Alabama 24 Vanderbilt 10...articles

2007-09-08T19:50:00.000-05:00

Not Vanderbilt's year, nor a year of weak Alabama football - Cecil Hurt
"It’s no slight to Nick Saban to suggest that Saturday’s performance was somewhat Gene Stallings-esque. It’s a compliment. But it wasn’t a performance that seemed to satisfy Saban.Alabama was physical. Saban wants the Crimson Tide to be more physical. Alabama was the aggressor. Saban wants more aggression. Alabama won easily. Saban wants to win more easily."

Home away from home - Tide brings more fans than Vandy, as Saban wins SEC opener AP story

Grant gone wild Tuscaloosa News

Wilson sputters in Alabama's victory Tuscaloosa News

Tide defense steps up against Commodores Tuscaloosa News
"Mustin and freshman linebacker Rolando McClain led Alabama with six tackles each. Ezekial Knight and freshman Kareem Jackson each had five stops. Safety Rashad Johnson intercepted one pass and had another near-interception overturned by replay. Defensive end Bobby Greenwood had three tackles, two behind the line of scrimmage, a sack and a quarterback hurry.Linebacker Prince Hall, who missed the season opener due to a violation of team rules, played briefly as McClain’s backup.“Rolando did a good job today,” Saban said. “He was a little mad that he got knocked off a fumble, and he dropped an interception, but at least he was around the ball.”Mustin gave credit for an assist that didn’t show up in the postgame statistics.“Our fans are the greatest in America,” he said after seeing the stadium filled with more Crimson attire than Vanderbilt home gold. “They were really loud and that fired us up.”"

Bama-Vandy notebook BamaMag.com

Photos from the Tuscaloosa News Part 1

Photos from the Tuscaloosa News Part 2

Alabama 24 Vanderbilt 10...a few thoughts

2007-09-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

Random thoughts...

Some people have suggested that Coach Saban replace Wilson with McElroy.
You don't give up on a good QB every time he struggles. The 'grass is always greener' comes to mind. It disturbed me that he made some uncharacteristically poor decisions, throwing into coverage. However, during the first half, in particular, he was under a lot of pressure. I would like to see McElroy get some more playing time, but John Parker deserves to be our starter unless he continues to regress. I think Applewhite, Saban, et. al., will do whatever is best.
Even on a sub-par day, he was 14/28 for 150 yards. Way better than Brandon Cox, down the road...

I think Bama has shown that it deserves to be ranked in the top 25.

Have you noticed that helmets are falling off more this year. Is it harder hitting, players wearing them more loosely, or the long hair?

Someone ( I think Chris Fowler) said Alabama was not very exciting today.
First of all, it doesn't matter. We got the "W". Second, he is wrong. He must have missed Arenas and Grant running wild. What is stronger? The anti-Saban/Alabama bias at ESPN or the anti-conservative bias at CNN?

Nashville seems like Alabama's home away from home. Eli Gold estimated that 20-30,000 out of the 39,000 in attendance were Alabama fans. The Tide has not lost there since 1969. Not bad.

Alabama has had some big breaks this year. There have been at least three long TD playes called back by penalties in the first two games. The calls were probably correct. It made no difference in the final outcome, but it did make our defense look better. Alabama's defense is vulnerable to long pass plays.

Some of Alabama's future opponents have struggled at times: UT, UGA, FSU, MSU, AU, Miss, Ark. So far, only LSU has looked unbeatable. If the Tide continues to improve (a very BIG if), we might exceed expectations this year.

Nick Saban recruit Rolando McClain looked dominating today. He was all over the field. Not back for a true freshman linebacker. He's leading the team with 13 tackles after two games.

Terry Grant proved that last week was no fluke.

Saturday morning musings...

2007-09-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Just seen on College Gameday on ESPN: An LSU fan holding up a large cut out photocopy of Nick Saban holding money bags in his hands and a Michigan tee shirt. Dream on Tigers!

Not many people realize one of the most interesting statistics from last week: Alabama set a school record with 35 first downs. Think of all of the blowout wins over the past 115 years of Alabama football!

On today's pre game show, Alabama announcer Eli Gold was describing his conversation with Mal Moore about the tiny Vanderbilt locker room. Mal Moore told him that if it seemed like it was small this morning he should have been in there at half time of a game in which the Tide was playing poorly against Vandy and Coach Bryant was expressing his displeasure.

Gold said that Coach Saban records his pre-game interview as soon as he arrives at the stadium. The other coaches did it the day prior to the game. Gold described the coach's mood this morning as tightly wound, terse, but cordial.

The big question posed on Gameday was whether Vandy will upset Alabama. They compared playing at Vandy to a spring game for Alabama. Then they corrected themselves and noted that Alabama spring games attract 92,000 fans, not 41,000.

Last week the boys and I wrote down our predictions. Joe and I both (independently, I might add) predicted Bama 52, WC 3. Amazingly we were both only off by 3 total points.

My prediction for today: Alabama 34 Vanderbilt 21. No upset in Nashville today!

Update at 10:49 a.m.: More predictions:
My Dad - Alabama 24 Vandy 21
David - Alabama 35 Vandy 21
Joe - Alabama 38 Vandy 31
Matt - Alabama 41 Vandy 21

I hope one of us is correct, preferably Matt!

Picks by Tuscaloosa News staff

Newest threat out of the backfield

Off to watch the game with my Dad...
RTR!

Easy practices at Alabama?

2007-09-07T06:42:00.000-05:00

Is there a difference in the intensity on Alabama's football team in 2006 and 2007?

Here's a link and a quote...

After choosing Alabama over Florida State during his recruitment, Dial arrived to find that college practices weren't as tough as what he was doing in Mobile. "He loved Shula and loved the coaching staff, but it wasn't quite as intense as he thought it would be, which it is now," Billy Dial said. "I think he made the comment that, 'Now it's like I thought it would be the first day I walked onto campus.' It's just what he was accustomed to." Asked if he made the right decision coming to Alabama, Preston Dial said he is more sure now than he was before. "I think it was one of the greatest things that happened to us," he said of the coaching change. "No offense to our old staff, who I love, but I think it's better for the personnel we have. "We have an exciting group. We're full of passion now."

Moving up in the rankings...

2007-09-06T17:17:00.000-05:00

Who is the best up and coming offensive coordinator in college football? Don't look now, but Major Applewhite is moving up the list.

OC - Applewhite - #19 and rising
QB - John Parker Wilson - #19
WR - DJ Hall - #15
OL - Andre Smith - #18
DB - Simeon Castille - #14
HC - Nick Saban - #10

Alabama has no hope

2007-09-05T22:37:00.000-05:00

by Kirk McNair...
Bamamag.com

"Alabama Coach Nick Saban has a reason for everything he says, and following Alabama’s practice Wednesday there was the suspicion that he was still speaking to his players as he addressed the media. Saban almost always says he is not disappointed, but that doesn’t translate to “satisfied.”

For what it's worth....

2007-09-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

Alabama is ranked sixth at this point in recruiting by scout.com.

We almost lost Javy...

2007-09-05T20:35:00.000-05:00

Some "behind the scenes" info from Ivan Maisel...

On his first kickoff return of the season, Alabama sophomore Javier Arenas went 30 yards to the Western Carolina 47. On his second, he set a personal record, taking the kickoff 45 yards to the Catamounts' 36. Both returns set up touchdowns in the Tide's 52-6 victory, and the Bama coaches named Arenas the special teams player of the week.

"Saturday was like a big party," Arenas said.
Not bad for a player who talked to head coach Nick Saban last month about quitting the team.

It is easy to forget that 19-year-olds who shimmy through and around opposing tacklers go through emotional crises.

"I was just thinking negative as far as my playing defense," said the 5-foot-9, 193-pound reserve free safety from Tampa and a cousin of NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas. "I just can't really explain it. I wasn't being treated unfairly. It was just me. I had to make a decision in my life. I had to question whether I wanted to play or not. … Basically, I didn't know if I wanted to proceed."

Arenas said his dissatisfaction had nothing to do with his teammates, whom he didn't want to let down. Arenas met with Saban, who said that he would respect whatever decision Arenas made.

"He wanted me to think it over," Arenas said. "I told him I was questioning a lot of things."

Over the next three or four days, Arenas just sat and thought. He kept coming back to what Saban had told him. And he reminded himself that he had never quit.

"I know he's been around it for many, many years," Arenas said. "He's seen a lot of situations like that. He told me I would regret it. … [What Saban said] wasn't even about playing football. It was about academics and a great opportunity in my life. I couldn't let that go."

It sounds as if Arenas re-recruited himself to Alabama all over again. He said he felt more relaxed on the field Saturday, which may explain the two kickoff returns past midfield.

"I am more confident," Arenas said. "Everything is in place."

All of which made his August crisis seem as if it belongs to a different person. Maybe it does.

"I look back and think, 'What was I thinking?'" Arenas said.

Offensive stats

2007-09-05T12:16:00.000-05:00

I know it's real early, but the Tide is ranked eighth in the country!

Alabama v W Carolina 9/1/07 Video

2007-09-05T07:49:00.000-05:00

Some news and opinion...

2007-09-04T17:20:00.000-05:00

After win by blowout, Saban still cracks down Decatur Daily

Saban faces real test now Finebaum Mobile Press

Defense on the mind Birmingham News

Tide find plenty of room for improvement Sporting News

Johnson sees no advantage in drawing Saban, Tide early Sporting News

Start of Saban era thrills Alabama fans Tony Barnhart AJC

Crimson pride fills Quad Tuscaloosa News

Tide targets Saints QB - Mobile Press

CECIL HURT: No upsets, just a beginning of togetherness

Gameday experience 9/1/07

2007-09-03T10:34:00.000-05:00

We left our home a few minutes before 5 a.m. and arrived in Tuscaloosa around 6:45. Fortunately we went to bed around 8:30 Friday night! We set up our canopy, table, chairs, grill, etc. The quad is pretty quiet between seven and eight in the morning before a night game. The boys worked real hard helping me out. The University has taken a much more restrictive stance as far as parking is concerned. Our only real problem was having to park so far away from or tailgating spot. At 7 a.m. they allow you to drop off your supplies at the quad. However, there is still a very long walk if you need to get back to the car.

We spent a lot of the morning reading the newspaper and media guide and listening to the radio while we talked. Around 9:30 I fired up the grill and cooked sausage, bratwurst, hot dogs, and hamburgers. I figured that we would have plenty of grilled goodies to eat as leftovers during the upcoming week. Besides we had some expected (and unexpected guests) to join us. My friend "Tee", the security guard where I work, his friend Ralph, and his son Gary joined us from late morning through mid-afternoon. The boys' mom and her boyfriend also showed up unexpectedly at the game. The boys knew he was going to the game, but they thought he was going with a co-worker of his who also helped me coach Matt's baseball team this year. It was cool watching the end of Appalachian State's upset of fifth ranked Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The boys played football on the mound much of the time we were there. The weird part is that I had to practically order them to go ahead and play. For some reason they were wanting me to walk them across campus to the car to get their own football. The funny thing about it was that once they got started, I couldn't hardly get them to take a break or stop. David and Matt probably played for the better part of three hours. David's white Alabama shirt was covered in dirt and sweat. He looked as if he had been mowing the yard all afternoon.

Later in the afternoon we watched the trombone section warm up on the Mound. Then we walked over to the library steps and listened to the band . We then walked over to the car and got to the stadium about 53 minutes before the kickoff. I thought they might get real sleepy by the time the game was over, but they actually hung in there pretty well, even Matt. It was interesting to notice that our seats were in the same place as last year in section N2. Not only that, but most of the people sitting around us were the same as last year as well.

The game was fun to watch as a Bama fan. Last year we had a few games against poor opponents that should have been more fun, but ended up being very frustrating. I will post more about the game itself later.

After the game we stopped by the Fox 6 tent where Rick Karle and Paul Finebaum were broadcasting "live" between nine and ten. I noticed later that I actually got on TV briefly, just under Rick Karle's shoulder. Insert "lol" here! Finebaum was giving us the latest update on the Auburn-Kansas State game. We walked back to the canopy, watched the end of the Auburn game on our "neighbor's" television, packed up our stuff and loaded the vehicle. I think we left around 11:45. It was a long, fun, tiring, and memorable day at the University!

Future posts...

2007-08-31T09:40:00.001-05:00

I'll post about our gameday experience and the game itself later in the weekend and next week!

A new era in Bama football...

2007-08-31T09:20:00.000-05:00

It's been a long road for the Tide. After decades of glory that ended in the late 1990's, Alabama has been wandering in the wilderness most of the past decade. Obviously no one knows exactly how this season will turn out. One thing is clear, however. The Tide has a strong, effective leader at the helm in Coach Saban. Alabama fans have good reason to be optimistic that this year's team will show an intensity that has been lacking for many years. That is not to say they will win all of their games or that they will even win 10 games this year. I'm not saying they won't do that either. There seems to be an intangible quality that you can see in the players' eyes and hear in their words. I think Coach Saban is teaching these players about the importance of pushing themselves to be intense in everything they do. There have been setbacks, and there will probably be more. Finally, though, I get the feeling Alabama is headed in the right direction!

Looking forward to gameday.......Roll Tide!
~Mike~

What is a catamount, anyway?

2007-08-31T06:17:00.000-05:00

Here's the scoop.

Great new article

2007-08-29T22:40:00.000-05:00

AJC's Tony Barnhart interviews Coach Saban last Saturday...

My only problem....if Alabama was the "new wife" she would be afraid that he would return to his old flame, and soulmate, LSU...

Saban: 'I try to do the right things'

Published on: 08/30/07

Since 92,138 of them turned out for Nick Saban's unofficial coaching debut – in a spring game, no less – Alabama fans have been counting down the days until kickoff. Saban, who in January became college football's highest-paid coach, sat in his office with the AJC's Tony Barnhart last weekend to discuss his hopes to change the culture in Tuscaloosa, how he mishandled his departure from the Miami Dolphins and more.

Q: You're days away from your first game as Alabama coach. What's the most important thing you still don't know?

A: I'm anxious to see what happens if things don't go well on the field. That will be the key to the drill. That's a problem on our team right now. That's the culture here. Players have high expectations, but as soon as something goes bad, they kind of go in the tank. And that's lethal when it comes to being a competitor.

Q: You say you want to change the culture at Alabama. What do you mean by that?

A: We live in a culture of instant gratification. It's the fans. It's the media. It's the way young people look at the world. I had to get on my guys one day. I told them, "You guys are talking about winning a championship. Fans are talking about winning a championship. And nobody has done anything to win a championship. You guys don't go to class. You don't work like you need to on the field. You're not dedicated to being as good a player as you can be." I told them, "Do you guys think you're doing anything different than what Tennessee, LSU and Auburn are doing?" I just got tired of hearing it.

Q: Does that learning curve also exist for the fans?

A: I wouldn't want to coach anyplace where they didn't have an expectation of winning. But expectations also are what set people up so that if things go wrong, they think the sky is falling. We've got this expectation that everything is going to be great. But as soon as it's not great, it's a catastrophe. So how do you improve in that environment? It's like everything is all or nothing. It's important that we get that message out there, and I try to talk directly to our fans every chance I get.

Q: The word in the coaching fraternity is you're a tough guy to work for. Is that fair? Why do you push people the way you do?

A: To me, the human condition is not to be great. Most people are satisfied to make a C. Some people want to do good so they can take it easy. That's the way most people are. Trying to be the very best you can be is really kind of special. It takes a certain amount of character and mental and physical toughness to succeed. It's not normal to go out there in 100-degree heat and do what you have to do to win a championship.

Q: Does it bother you that members of the media, particularly in Miami, continue to pound you over the way you handled your decision to come here?

A: It does bother me, and I do care about it because I try to be a good person. I try to do the right things. I try to do the right things for other people. I try to do the right things for my players. I am constantly trying to do the right things, and it's hard to do because you can't please everybody.

Q: But do you understand that reaction, given the fact that you stood up in that news conference in Miami and said that you would not be Alabama's coach?

A: I should have handled it better. I should have just not talked about it. But it kept coming up and it kept coming up. Then came the hypothetical question: "Will you be the coach here next year?" I never answer hypothetical questions, but in this case I did, and I made a mistake. And [then] people questioned my character and integrity. It was a tough situation and I didn't handle it very well and I'm responsible for it. So whatever is happening to me, I know it's nobody's fault but mine.

Q: Is there any concern this issue will follow you for the rest of your career?

A: The biggest mistake was leaving college football in the first place. That's what I like and that is where I think I can affect people the most. I've been on the ethics committee for the NCAA. I've been on the rules committee for the NCAA. I would like to think I've done a lot of good things for college football. It's important to me. So to get beat up when it's not really who you are, it's not easy. But I think who I am is more important than what I did or what everybody thinks. I will probably forever regret the way that all happened.

Q: Any other regrets?

A: I will forever regret what this has done to my relationship to the people in Louisiana, who I have a tremendous amount of respect for and love dearly. We accomplished something with those people [winning the 2003 BCS championship at LSU] that is as special as anything that has been accomplished in my life. And now that's tarnished because now it's that I'm a traitor because I came here.

Q: Bottom line, what will it take to get this program back among the nation's elite?

A: In college, if you can recruit well for a few years, you've got a chance. But there is a greater disparity between the good teams and the bad teams in college football than there is in the pros. In college, you have to rebuild the entire program. We've got some good kids to build around. But the key is you have to have a critical mass of good players who believe in what you're doing. Then the other guys don't fit in if they don't conform. That is what you need.

Q: What will you be thinking about before Saturday's opener?

A: I want to do well for the people here. There are great people in this state and they have been very supportive. I want to do good things for them. I want to give them what they want. And I'm sure we're going to go through some frustrating times trying to get there. But things that are worth accomplishing don't come easy – and I don't expect this to come easy.

Monday 8/27

2007-08-27T18:27:00.000-05:00

The Rising Tide - SI.Com

Brown, Hall suspended for opener

Brown, other Tide receivers, ready to make big impact

For Wilson, maturity coming with experience

CECIL HURT: Eagerly awaiting for Sept. 1

Saban releases depth chart

Saban lands UA back on SI cover

All Hail Saban

Alabama's Burnthall battles for playing time

The nations best: Seventh annual Herbie awards

Vegas banking on Saban

Sox are New England's Crimson Tide

2006 All in the past for Tiffin

Bama gets down to business with Saban

Articles

2007-08-26T22:30:00.000-05:00

Mustin: From small-school sub to 'Bama starter

LSU eyeing title and the Tide

Alabama starting lineup - Mobile Register - 8/26/07

Sunday's news

Recent articles

2007-08-25T21:59:00.001-05:00

Brown, other Tide receivers, ready to make big impact

Castille speaks out on arrest

For Wilson, maturity coming with experience

Saban's move one of eight ways 2007 will deliver

Saban brings back winning feeling at Alabama without having coached a game

More August Bama news

2007-08-19T21:04:00.000-05:00

Crimson Tide 'works through’ stifling heat

Wild card? Johns at fullback gives Tide more options with the versatile junior

Scrimmage More ‘Game-Like’ - Bama Mag - 8/16/07

Alabama's Saban looking for big returns - Columbus Ledger-Enquirer - 8/16/07

NCAA Football Preview - Alabama Crimson Tide - Sportsnetwork - 8/17/07

Hot? Not for heat, but for football - Tuscaloosa News - 8/18/07

'Bama players got a kick out of karate - Tuscaloosa News - 8/19/07

Saban handling Castille's punishment internally - Birmingham News - 8/19/07

Going crimson Crimson, white and elephants popular décor for UA fans - Tuscaloosa News - 8/19/07

CECIL HURT: Listen carefully to what Saban is saying - Tuscaloosa News - 8/19/07

Tide News

2007-08-11T13:29:00.000-05:00

Saban top topic for UA's Moore - Montgomery Advertiser - 8/1/07

Tide takes the practice field - David Wasson - Tuscaloosa News - 8/3/07

Prothro's playing days over at 'Bama - SI.com - 8/3/07

Tide offseason conditioning program paying off - Tuscaloosa news - 8/5/07

Saban Positive, But Realistic - Kirk McNair - BamaMag.com - 8/5/07

Crimson Tide draws 9,000 for fan day practice - Decatur Daily - 8/6/07

Pulling the Tide Out of the Rough - Washington Post - 8/6/07

Demand soars for Tide tickets - Montgomery Advertiser - 8/7/07

Alabama's Hall is chasing wins, records - Sporting News - 8/7/07

So Far, So Good For Bama - Kirk McNair - BamaMag.com - 8/7/07

Top returning Tide tailback switches positions - Montgomery Advertiser - 8/9/07

SEC West ready for football season - Crimson White - 8/9/07

Krauss Joins Crimson Tide Broadcast Team; Watts Takes On Larger Role - WVUA - 8/10/07

UA 'Fan Day' shows glimpse of Saban and local stars - South Alabamian - 8/10/07

Nick Saban press conference video - Tuscaloosa News - 8/10/07

Tide scrimmages today - Paul Gattis - Huntsville Times - 8/11/07

Texas ex Applewhite takes reins of Alabama offense - Young coordinator's work at Rice noticed by new players - John Zenor, AP - 8/11/07

Alabama gaga over overrated Saban - MSNBC - 8/11/07

ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Caldwell to don cap, gown - Montgomery Advertiser - 8/11/07

Practice 8/5/07

2007-08-06T14:51:00.000-05:00

I was impressed by many things yesterday during Alabama's football practice.

The overall organization. Everyone seemed to know where to go, what to do, and when to do it.

The tempo of practice was quick. People were moving and moving quickly. When the foghorn sounded everyone hustled to their next task.

They seemed to be in very good physical condition. Sweat was pouring off of me as I sat in the stands. The temp was close to 100 degrees with very high humidity. These playerw were not dragging around. They were hustling.

The strength and conditioning coach has a loud voice and was yelling instructions to the team like a drill instructor. The team responded in perfect unison.

Coach Saban is very much a hands on coach of the cornerbacks. He was in constant motion putting them through a variety of drills. It was interesting watching him throw passes for them to defend on the sideline. Not a bad arm for a 50+ year old man!

The quarterbacks looked good. Freshman Nick Fanuzzi did run into halfback Roy Upchurch while attempting to hand off during drills.

The running backs were interesting to watch as they did one-legged drills over the raised platforms. Jimmy Johns, jumped on top of them instead of between them as he was supposed to do.

The placekickers spent a lot of time standing around. That was my main concern about practice. I don't understand why they were not practicing place kicking.

Fan Day 8/5/07

2007-08-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

Coach Saban, right after a hot practice and signing a jillion autographs.

Ok, I'll sign a few more...

Coach is about to sign my son Joe's helmet.

Coach Saban signs my A-Day 2007 program, which I gave to Matt.

I was the guy with three boys standing right in front of the officer who said, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news but we have to cut off the line here." Luckily I kept standing in my spot in the line to take pictures. I said to the officer, "What about these kids? We've been out here for hours." I asked to at least stay and take a few photos. Then Coach Saban agreed to do a few more. My three sons were therefore able to get Coach Saban's autograph. I didn't get an autograph, though, because right before Coach would have picked up my ball one of the officers moved my ball away from hi and out of my reach. Coach signed a few more then left. I was glad my boys got autographs (and that was my main concern), but it bothers me that an officer basically "stole" one from me. Coach Saban was very cordial and kind to stay after the deadline to keep signing for fans. I would not have blamed him if he left at the appointed time after a long hot day on the field. Alabama has a winner!

Photos from the Tuscaloosa News

Sad news from T-Town

2007-08-03T12:52:00.000-05:00

End of the lineTide's Prothro put on medical hardship; career essentially over - Tuscaloosa News - 8/3/07
TUSCALOOSA University of Alabama senior wide receiver Tyrone Prothro has been ruled out for the 2007 season, essentially ending his college football career. Prothro sustained a horrific multiple leg fracture 670 days ago against Florida, a 31-3 victory, from which he has yet to recover. The closest he got to the field last season was bringing out the game ball against Auburn.With 105 players reporting for fall camp Tuesday, Prothro and three others were placed on medical hardship. Each will still receive athletic financial aid, which will not count toward the 85-man limit.“It’s a permanent situation, there is an appeal process that a player could go through, but our medical staff would not put a guy on this if they though that a guy be able to come back and play,” Saban said.

CECIL HURT: Reality of Prothro's status sets in - Tuscaloosa News - 8/3/07
“It’s great to be optimistic. It’s probably not so good to be pessimistic.“But it’s best to be realistic.”If Nick Saban has had a mantra this summer, that’s probably been it. It’s a phrase he’s repeated at most press conferences and public speaking engagements. The inference is he’s priming the safety valve on the boiler of expectations. He’s cooling off Alabama fans who are ready to jump from hiring a new coach to hoisting the BCS championship trophy without even the formality of a season — and certainly not the bother of two or three — in between.Saban didn’t employ that frequently employed phrase on Thursday, when he once again met with the press. But the words still echoed, in an entirely different context.When Saban announced that Tyrone Prothro would be moved to a “medical scholarship” for the 2007 school year, it represented more than just a necessary personnel decision. It represented a switch from optimism — or, more precisely, over-optimism — to realism.

Bama video Collection

2007-08-02T06:54:00.000-05:00

If you ever get in the mood to see some cool Alabama video clips, check this site out!

Great Column

2007-07-31T12:37:00.000-05:00

CECIL HURT: So what’s the secret to all these early UA commitments? - Tuscaloosa News - 7/31/07

Excerpt:

There are some things that are more appropriate in February than they are at the end of July. Snowball fights, for instance. Mailing valentines. Evaluating the recruiting classes of college football programs.

It’s still too early to give any sort of final analysis of Nick Saban’s first full class of recruits as Alabama’s head coach. (While he put his stamp on last February’s class, it wasn’t fully a Saban production.)

All the time-honored cliches about early commitments apply here. No, you don’t ever know how they are going to turn out, particularly now, when the prospects haven’t even played their final year of high school ball yet. No, verbal commitments aren’t binding. All that is true.

But this isn’t an attempt to take the University of Alabama’s sudden flurry of early commitments, amounting now to 13 or roughly half the Crimson Tide’s eventual class, and predict their ultimate impact on the football field.

This is an attempt to measure psychological impact, moreso than physical. Exactly why is Alabama -- still a team in transition -- having so much success, and not just among players who have close ties to the Crimson Tide program? Players like Tuscaloosa County’s John Michael Boswell, who lives just across from the river from the UA campus, or Tyler Love of Mountain Brook, who has numerous family ties to Alabama, are important recruits and their verbal pledges can in no way be diminished in importance.

July articles of interest to Bama fans

2007-07-30T06:23:00.000-05:00

Applewhite: A Hot Commodity on a Hot Seat - Scout.com - 7/4/07

Not all faculty, staff will get football tickets - Birmingham News - 7/4/07

Crimson Tide self-reports three football violations - Birmingham News - 7/6/07

Mentoring the Tide's new mentor, Trio of coaches who gave Saban a job say that he had his fun, serious sides - Decatur Daily - 7/7/07

$ales soar with $aban - Huntsville Times - 7/8/07

QB hopes to return Tide to national scene this year - Mobile Press Register - 7/9/07

Times may be a-changin' in Tuscaloosa - Real Football 365 - 7/9/07

Saban: Tide should play Notre Dame - Birmingham News - 7/11/07

Nick Saban talks about Tide team at YMCA - Montgomery Advertiser - 7/11/07

Irish can't make Tide fit in schedule - Birmingham News - 7/14/07

Got Nick? Saban items hot sells for Crimson Tide followers - SI.com - 7/14/07

Tide coach expounds on Dolphins departure Saban on SportSouth - Montgomery Advertiser - 7/14/07

Three Tide players arrested over weekend - Crimson White - 7/19/07

Castille leads Tide as first-team selection - Dothan Eagle - 7/20/07

Preseason polls pick Trojans No. 1 - Montgomery Advertiser - 7/20/07

Alabama Introduces New Crowd Control Plan - WRBL, Columbus, GA - 7/22/07

Alabama QB McElroy waiting in the wings - SouthLake (TX) Times - 7/25/07

Teammates aid in Tide discipline - Birmingham News - 7/27/07

Perfect fit to be with Tide? Saban can slog through the insanity - CBS Sportsline.com - 7/26/07

SEC Preview: Alabama - BamaMag.com - 7/29/07

Crimson Tide gets Love, Tallahassee receiver - Decatur Daily - 7/29/07

SEC Media Days

2007-07-26T17:17:00.000-05:00

Nick Saban addressed the media today. I will post some interesting links here.

Photos from Tidesports.com

Saban appears at SEC Media Days

Tide schedules first practice, Fan Day

Discipline on the Down Low - Bamamag.com

Snake Speaks

Rival coaches keep close eye on Nick Saban

CECIL HURT: Discipline to be measured in due time

Coach Saban Audio

Saban's return, Alabama revival talk of SEC media days - ESPN - 7/26/07

COMMENTARY: Tide fans go football crazy - Montgomery Advertise 7/27/07

Awesome video

2007-07-17T06:35:00.000-05:00

This a truly awesome video for anyone who loves he history of Crimson Tide football!

I hope we have more of these days to come!

2007 Alabama Crimson Tide

Independence Bowl

Recruiting, Saban style...

Holiday Greetings from UA Alumni

Interview with WV Governor Joe Manchin

More Bama articles

Way to go, Broadway Joe

Namath Back at Bama to Receive Degree

Graduation Saturday Features Athletics

Big 12 Bowl Previews: Independence

Tribe Will Play Crimson Tide Next Fall

Plans would up UA stadium to 100,000 plus

Hatred for Coach Saban hasn't disappeared....

Sports Opinion: Saban burned his bridges with LSU, Racial slurs, comparisons to 9/11 have Nick Saban on the defensive - Justin Coons CU Campus Press

Unofficial 2008 SEC Schedule

More good Tide articles...

Articles from Sharp

Colorado faces I-Bowl battle Shreveport Times"The Buffs are trying to shed an image of a team that doesn't bring many fans to bowl games. In its last bowl game, the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl, Colorado sold fewer than 1,000 tickets to the bowl game."

A little weather humor...

Well, I finally got the house decorated....

Joke for today...

Shula's not surprised....

Independence Bowl

Once bitten...

The pine box is warming up...

Alabama + Nick Saban = ???

Looking back and looking forward

Post your prediction...

Weather...Alabama at Auburn...7 p.m.

Controversy

Sad news

We don't have a chance?

UA vs. ULM ... my version of the day...

ULM gameday photos

Tide articles this week

End of MSU-Bama game video

Kudos to the State fans

Welcome State fans!

100 yard interception return

Cecil Hurt column

If you don't think tomorrow's a big game....

Looking back to the LSU game

Gameday experience - LSU 11/3/07

Bama / LSU video

Article on instant replay

Matt Caddell's catch...

Catch and fumble recovery overtuned, 4:25 left in 3rd

That was a catch!

Just got in...

Off to see the Tide....

Getting ready for LSU

Alabama v Tennesse photos 10/20/07

Ole Miss game photos

Alabama 27 Ole Miss 24

Alabama 30 Houston 24

r O B

UA Homecoming Parade 2007

Special story on Big Al...

FSU 21 Alabama 14

Alabama vs. Florida State preview

ESPN Gameday 9/23/07

Georgia 26 Alabama 23, OT

Gameday Experience 9/22/07 UGA

What if?

Bama Baptism

Gameday is here...

Go teach the Bulldogs to behave...

Great article

Alabama 41 Arkansas 38

Gameday experience 9/15/07

Alabama 41 Arkansas 38 articles

Bama v Arkansas preview

Nice article on Terry Saban

A perfect day....

Sour grapes, anyone...

God Bless America

Bama news this week

Cecil Hurt

Tide News

Alabama 24 Vanderbilt 10...articles

Colorado faces I-Bowl battle Shreveport Times
"The Buffs are trying to shed an image of a team that doesn't bring many fans to bowl games. In its last bowl game, the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl, Colorado sold fewer than 1,000 tickets to the bowl game."