We finished the deal!!
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!
9/27/08
9/25/08
Some Cool News...
I'm the new contributor at Alabama Gameday, a really awesome blog on everything Bama-related. The site's administrator, Tony, is a great guy and I was thrilled when he asked me to partner up with him to write for the blog.
He introduced me today and I will start writing and posting there soon on a regular basis.
Tide Chick will still be up-and-running. I will use this post to write about random Bama news and items; and, of course, I will use it to post pictures from games and other cool, personal things like that.
But visit Alabama Gameday to regularly read my more "formal" insights into Alabama football.
And oh yeah....
there is a game this weekend.
Alabama vs. Georgia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am pumped up and ready!
(And how about that Southern Cal/Oregon State game earlier tonight? USC's defeat opens up all sorts of possibilities for the national championship race. It's all very exciting!!)
Come back tomorrow for my game picks for the weekend!
I'm the new contributor at Alabama Gameday, a really awesome blog on everything Bama-related. The site's administrator, Tony, is a great guy and I was thrilled when he asked me to partner up with him to write for the blog.
He introduced me today and I will start writing and posting there soon on a regular basis.
Tide Chick will still be up-and-running. I will use this post to write about random Bama news and items; and, of course, I will use it to post pictures from games and other cool, personal things like that.
But visit Alabama Gameday to regularly read my more "formal" insights into Alabama football.
And oh yeah....
there is a game this weekend.
Alabama vs. Georgia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am pumped up and ready!
(And how about that Southern Cal/Oregon State game earlier tonight? USC's defeat opens up all sorts of possibilities for the national championship race. It's all very exciting!!)
Come back tomorrow for my game picks for the weekend!
9/23/08
It's Tuesday afternoon...
which really is a perfect time for another random Bama-related post (if your Tuesdays are anything like mine...slow and easy and full of chores and other "have-to- get-it-done"s).
So, I really couldn't pass this little gem up:
Texas Tech's Mike Leach is more of a Renaissance Man than we realized! We knew he loves to talk about history, and loves anything related to piracy ("aargh!"), but did you realize that he also has no qualms in handing out dating advice? On his recent call-in show, Leach answered some dating questions from a caller and did it with dead-pan seriousness (one of his suggestions was to take a girl to a coffee shop, because you can spend time talking about the "odd characters who come and go").
At Espn.com, one of my favorite sportswriters (Pat Forde) took this little gem and opined on what sort of dating advice coaches would hand out to their players.
His take on Nick Saban is priceless...
"Tell her you're too busy breaking down Tennessee's third-and-long offensive tendencies to go on some stupid date. Where is your commitment, son? Who gave you permission to have a life? Drop and give me 20."
Gave me a good little chuckle this afternoon. Perhaps it's not what an 18-year-old would seriously want to hear in regards to the ladies, but when it comes to getting ready to play #3 Georgia...it's nice to think that your football players are committed, and focused, and ready to roll!!!!!!
which really is a perfect time for another random Bama-related post (if your Tuesdays are anything like mine...slow and easy and full of chores and other "have-to- get-it-done"s).
So, I really couldn't pass this little gem up:
Texas Tech's Mike Leach is more of a Renaissance Man than we realized! We knew he loves to talk about history, and loves anything related to piracy ("aargh!"), but did you realize that he also has no qualms in handing out dating advice? On his recent call-in show, Leach answered some dating questions from a caller and did it with dead-pan seriousness (one of his suggestions was to take a girl to a coffee shop, because you can spend time talking about the "odd characters who come and go").
At Espn.com, one of my favorite sportswriters (Pat Forde) took this little gem and opined on what sort of dating advice coaches would hand out to their players.
His take on Nick Saban is priceless...
"Tell her you're too busy breaking down Tennessee's third-and-long offensive tendencies to go on some stupid date. Where is your commitment, son? Who gave you permission to have a life? Drop and give me 20."
Gave me a good little chuckle this afternoon. Perhaps it's not what an 18-year-old would seriously want to hear in regards to the ladies, but when it comes to getting ready to play #3 Georgia...it's nice to think that your football players are committed, and focused, and ready to roll!!!!!!
Seeing a sentence like this in print...
"The SEC has four BCS national championship contenders: No. 3 Georgia, No. 4 Florida, No. 5 LSU and No. 8 Alabama."
just makes me happy.
(By the way: This is from a really good article in today's online ESPN. Read it HERE.)
I'm already anticipating this week's match-up with Georgia. The lights will be on, Gameday will be in town, the Georgia team and fans will be in black, and I think the Tide will be ready!
"The SEC has four BCS national championship contenders: No. 3 Georgia, No. 4 Florida, No. 5 LSU and No. 8 Alabama."
just makes me happy.
(By the way: This is from a really good article in today's online ESPN. Read it HERE.)
I'm already anticipating this week's match-up with Georgia. The lights will be on, Gameday will be in town, the Georgia team and fans will be in black, and I think the Tide will be ready!
9/19/08
My Picks
Let's just get started with the "Big" game in my book, and then proceed to the other highlight games of the weekend.
Alabama vs. Arkansas
This one always makes me a little nervous, since the teams always seem to play it down-to-the-wire. Bama's leading the nation in defense against the rush, but Arkansas' quarterback has been on-fire in his passing yards and percentage, so we've got to be tough against the pass as well. I think the key will be Bama having some long, sustained drives (good power rushing from Mark Ingram, anyone?) to keep Arkanasas off the field. I feel like we are the better team by quite a bit (I think we actually have the talent to win by three or four touchdowns), but you never know with an SEC game on the road. I'm going to ignore my nervous feelings a bit and trust that Coach Saban has the team ready and moving along on "the process."
Alabama 24-14
Other games going on...
Auburn vs. LSU
Oh, what a quandary we have. Should I cheer for Auburn or LSU (I'm not a crazy Bama fan who always cheers against Auburn; I usually pick whatever will increase our chances to win the West)? And should I pick Auburn or LSU? They're both hard to figure out. Their defenses are awesome (although LSU hasn't really played any sort of competition yet), and their offenses are struggling. This game is always a low-scoring, defensive battle; and I'm going to predict something similar. I think Auburn wins a close win, aided by the home field advantage (although nothing will surprise me).
Auburn 13-10
Ole Miss vs. Vandy
I actually think this might be the most interesting game of the SEC matchups this week. Both teams have promise (Vandy is 3-0!) and have played well so far. Ole Miss may have the league's most entertaining quarterback and Vandy's defense is playing lights-out. I'm actually cheering for both of them to become bowl-eligible this year (only makes the SEC look better). I'm picking the Rebels in a buzzer-beater.
Ole Miss 23-20
Florida vs. Tennessee
Could get messy quick (with Florida destroying Tennessee). Or it could get surprising quick (with Tennessee pulling something out of its hat and catching us all off-guard). You never know in Neyland Stadium. I still think Florida wins, on the strength of Tebow and Harvin.
Florida 35-17
Georgia vs. Arizona State
This game has lost some of its luster after ASU decided to choke against UNLV last weekend. But still, it will be a good one to gauge the strength of Georgia; they looked uninspired against South Carolina, plus it's a long road trip out west. Still, Georgia prevails (in one closer than expected).
Georgia 28-24
And some other picks for reasons that I will reveal to you...
Texas vs. Rice
My family (especially brother and father) have burnt orange in their veins, and they are officially my "second favorite college team." Texas still hasn't convinced me yet of their rankings (similar, actually, to how I feel about Alabama) and I'm ready to see them play some tough Big 12 competition. But, Rice (even though a good C-USA opponent) shouldn't be much work for the Horns.
Texas 41-17
Notre Dame vs. Michigan State
I will have to apologize ahead of time for this one, but my daughter Delaney is a big Notre Dame fan for some odd reason (last week at the Bama game, she was honestly searching the score scroll for a ND update). I enjoy tormenting her when they lose, but I let her bask a little bit in the win last week against Michigan. Not so much this week, though.
Michigan State 28-14
Purdue vs. Central Michigan
For reasons that only bloggers will understand, I have become a Purdue Boilermakers fan. All because I have become friends with a fellow blogger who is a former Purdue cheerleader and an avid fan worthy of my respect (he seems as "crazed" about his team as I am for Bama!). And, because of Phats, I now find myself cheering for Purdue whenever I can find them on tv. Purdue had a heartbreaker of a lost last week in double overtime, and think that this week's game will give them a much-deserved win.
Purdue 31-20
Any other games you guys are especially interested in this week? (It's sort of a strange week, since neither the country's #1 or #2 are playing, so most eyes will be on the SEC.) Any different takes on my picks?
Let's just get started with the "Big" game in my book, and then proceed to the other highlight games of the weekend.
Alabama vs. Arkansas
This one always makes me a little nervous, since the teams always seem to play it down-to-the-wire. Bama's leading the nation in defense against the rush, but Arkansas' quarterback has been on-fire in his passing yards and percentage, so we've got to be tough against the pass as well. I think the key will be Bama having some long, sustained drives (good power rushing from Mark Ingram, anyone?) to keep Arkanasas off the field. I feel like we are the better team by quite a bit (I think we actually have the talent to win by three or four touchdowns), but you never know with an SEC game on the road. I'm going to ignore my nervous feelings a bit and trust that Coach Saban has the team ready and moving along on "the process."
Alabama 24-14
Other games going on...
Auburn vs. LSU
Oh, what a quandary we have. Should I cheer for Auburn or LSU (I'm not a crazy Bama fan who always cheers against Auburn; I usually pick whatever will increase our chances to win the West)? And should I pick Auburn or LSU? They're both hard to figure out. Their defenses are awesome (although LSU hasn't really played any sort of competition yet), and their offenses are struggling. This game is always a low-scoring, defensive battle; and I'm going to predict something similar. I think Auburn wins a close win, aided by the home field advantage (although nothing will surprise me).
Auburn 13-10
Ole Miss vs. Vandy
I actually think this might be the most interesting game of the SEC matchups this week. Both teams have promise (Vandy is 3-0!) and have played well so far. Ole Miss may have the league's most entertaining quarterback and Vandy's defense is playing lights-out. I'm actually cheering for both of them to become bowl-eligible this year (only makes the SEC look better). I'm picking the Rebels in a buzzer-beater.
Ole Miss 23-20
Florida vs. Tennessee
Could get messy quick (with Florida destroying Tennessee). Or it could get surprising quick (with Tennessee pulling something out of its hat and catching us all off-guard). You never know in Neyland Stadium. I still think Florida wins, on the strength of Tebow and Harvin.
Florida 35-17
Georgia vs. Arizona State
This game has lost some of its luster after ASU decided to choke against UNLV last weekend. But still, it will be a good one to gauge the strength of Georgia; they looked uninspired against South Carolina, plus it's a long road trip out west. Still, Georgia prevails (in one closer than expected).
Georgia 28-24
And some other picks for reasons that I will reveal to you...
Texas vs. Rice
My family (especially brother and father) have burnt orange in their veins, and they are officially my "second favorite college team." Texas still hasn't convinced me yet of their rankings (similar, actually, to how I feel about Alabama) and I'm ready to see them play some tough Big 12 competition. But, Rice (even though a good C-USA opponent) shouldn't be much work for the Horns.
Texas 41-17
Notre Dame vs. Michigan State
I will have to apologize ahead of time for this one, but my daughter Delaney is a big Notre Dame fan for some odd reason (last week at the Bama game, she was honestly searching the score scroll for a ND update). I enjoy tormenting her when they lose, but I let her bask a little bit in the win last week against Michigan. Not so much this week, though.
Michigan State 28-14
Purdue vs. Central Michigan
For reasons that only bloggers will understand, I have become a Purdue Boilermakers fan. All because I have become friends with a fellow blogger who is a former Purdue cheerleader and an avid fan worthy of my respect (he seems as "crazed" about his team as I am for Bama!). And, because of Phats, I now find myself cheering for Purdue whenever I can find them on tv. Purdue had a heartbreaker of a lost last week in double overtime, and think that this week's game will give them a much-deserved win.
Purdue 31-20
Any other games you guys are especially interested in this week? (It's sort of a strange week, since neither the country's #1 or #2 are playing, so most eyes will be on the SEC.) Any different takes on my picks?
The Drive
I was there live at the game and saw it unfold right before me (our seats last year were in the endzone, so we literally had a perfect view of it!). I've seen it on replay many times over the past year. And it lives on as a Gamechanging performance.
But "The Drive" last year in the Alabama/Arkansas game still makes me nervous watching it today. I know we win, but I still get that little "sick to my stomach" feeling as the drive goes from play to play. Silly, huh?
Enjoy the flashback...
And let's get ready to roll tomorrow!!!!
I was there live at the game and saw it unfold right before me (our seats last year were in the endzone, so we literally had a perfect view of it!). I've seen it on replay many times over the past year. And it lives on as a Gamechanging performance.
But "The Drive" last year in the Alabama/Arkansas game still makes me nervous watching it today. I know we win, but I still get that little "sick to my stomach" feeling as the drive goes from play to play. Silly, huh?
Enjoy the flashback...
And let's get ready to roll tomorrow!!!!
9/18/08
Razorback Memories
I'm a Bama fan through and through, no doubt about it.
But...
I lived in Fayetteville, Arkansas, from the time I was six until I was almost 14 (with a year, way back in 1976, in the land of the Longhorns!), and really loved my days there. The town is quaint, the surrounding Ozark Mountains are beautiful, and there is something to be said for growing up as a Hogs fan.
So, yes...
I wore my share of Razorback shirts.
I went to basketball games at Barnhill Arena.
I actually owned a Coach Lou Holtz doll.
And I have actually had one of those plastic Razorback hats on my head.
Of course, I went on to "see the light" and exhanged red for crimson and "Wooe Pig Sooie" for "Roll Tide!!"
Still, though, I have fond memories of my childhood days in Fayetteville and, as a result, I always look forward to the Alabama-Arkansas football game.
It's almost always an entertaining game. It usually sets the course for the rest of the two teams' seasons. It's always a big first test for both of us.
And, because of those factors, the game always makes me a little bit nervous. I always have that little, gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach as game time approaches.
This year is no different.
On paper, I think that Alabama is the better team. I feel like we should win, and we might perhaps win by a few touchdowns.
But, that little corner of my mind that still remembers the intensity that those players and fans play with (remember: I was a six-year-old who yelled ferociously for them!), is a little nervous.
I can't wait for game day to get here. I'm ready to roll. And--good memories of my childhood days aside--I'm ready to beat these Hogs and keep the winning days going!
I'm a Bama fan through and through, no doubt about it.
But...
I lived in Fayetteville, Arkansas, from the time I was six until I was almost 14 (with a year, way back in 1976, in the land of the Longhorns!), and really loved my days there. The town is quaint, the surrounding Ozark Mountains are beautiful, and there is something to be said for growing up as a Hogs fan.
So, yes...
I wore my share of Razorback shirts.
I went to basketball games at Barnhill Arena.
I actually owned a Coach Lou Holtz doll.
And I have actually had one of those plastic Razorback hats on my head.
Of course, I went on to "see the light" and exhanged red for crimson and "Wooe Pig Sooie" for "Roll Tide!!"
Still, though, I have fond memories of my childhood days in Fayetteville and, as a result, I always look forward to the Alabama-Arkansas football game.
It's almost always an entertaining game. It usually sets the course for the rest of the two teams' seasons. It's always a big first test for both of us.
And, because of those factors, the game always makes me a little bit nervous. I always have that little, gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach as game time approaches.
This year is no different.
On paper, I think that Alabama is the better team. I feel like we should win, and we might perhaps win by a few touchdowns.
But, that little corner of my mind that still remembers the intensity that those players and fans play with (remember: I was a six-year-old who yelled ferociously for them!), is a little nervous.
I can't wait for game day to get here. I'm ready to roll. And--good memories of my childhood days aside--I'm ready to beat these Hogs and keep the winning days going!
9/17/08
9/12/08
Some Good Friday Reads as We Get Ready for Game Day...
Good News...Prince Hall be back sooner rather than later
Even better news...Andre Smith looks like he's ready to go tomorrow
SEC Blog...Chris Low's lowdown on Week 3 in the SEC (he says that "Good Bama" will be back)
Funny...The Best Names in college football right now (personally, I also like our own Brandon "Kick em in their" Fanney)
The BIG game this weekend...Some takes on whether Ohio State has a chance against USC
Strategy for Saturday...Western Kentucky's offense is a different look
My man Tony...Dallas Cowboys QB doesn't just throw well and stand around looking cute. He's also a roadside hero
9/9/08
The "Hot Nows" of our Season So Far...
Okay, so this morning I got sidetracked a little bit by the "Hot Now" sign blinking at my local Krispy Kreme establishment. Even with my self-control put into high gear, I seriously can never resist that orange neon blinking beacon (despite the strange connection between KK and Tennessee's Coach Phil)...if it's blinking, I'm buying (although this morning, I only bought two for myself, which was a pretty good case of self-control).
The hot doughnuts turned my thoughts toward Bama football (doesn't everything these days?) and I began to ponder a bit on the way the team played against Tulane this past Saturday. For all of you were there--or for all of you who've caught the rerun on television, or read the articles about it in the newspaper--I think it's pretty obvious that the game was a step backwards. We wanted to see a performance similar to what we saw against Clemson a week earlier, but it never materialized. The offense was very stagnant, people couldn't catch balls, the line couldn't protect the quarterback, and the defense didn't have as many big plays as it needed.
It seems that Coach Saban knew something that we all didn't want to admit--that this team still has a lot of maturing to do, and that it would have a hard time living up to the hype that had built around it since the week before.
Since I am a Glass-Half-Full sort of personality (seriously--while the obnoxious guys two rows behind me continued to yell, "They suck!" and seemed to think that they could coach better than anyone else on the field, I really wanted to turn around and tell them WHY some of things were happening and that they were all correctable!), I think, though, that a positive spin can be taken on the game.
This, then, is who I see as my "Hot Nows" on our football team two games into the season...
Hot Now #1: Javier Arenas
This guy is seriously Number One in my heart right now! He has speed...he has grit...he has heart! (Anyone who blacks out, suffers a concussion, and then has to have his teammates take away his helmet to keep him from coming back in the game is Awesome with a capital A! Take some of his determination and lavishly dispense it on the other guys!)
Hot Now #2: Mark Ingram
I think I'm going to start calling him The Bulldozer. Ingram apparently has no fear in running over anyone in his path. He is strong and powerful and fast, and the most promising freshman on the team right now. Give him even more runs, please!
Hot Now #3: Rolando McClain
Fifteen tackles during the game is one way to make a difference! Good for Baby Ro (that doesn't really seem imposing, does it? but the team apparently calls him this), who bodes really good things for our future (since he is our strongest defensive player right now, and is only a sophomore).
Hot Now #4: Our defense in the Red Zone!
Yes, the defense let Tulane get a lot of plays that they shouldn't have. They even gave up some pretty big plays. But did you see the way they toughened up in the Red Zone? Last year, this was a serious issue...but I am pleasantly surprised so far this year!
Being the Glass-Half-Full person that I am (remember, I mentioned that propensity of mine already?), I'm not going to mention the Cold as Krispy Kreme's Yummy Frappacino Players today (I think you all kinda know who they are!).
9/7/08
There is something special about...
the first home game of the season!
I have season tickets to the home games and the rule for the tickets goes something like this: "Mom gets to go to all of the games. Then, the rest of you can fight over who gets to go with her." Yesterday, Delaney won the argument (actually, she has to go to the early season games because her travel softball tournament schedule gets going pretty soon afterward) and got to attend the Alabama vs. Tulane game.
The game was surprisingly disappointing (our offense just sputtered all day long and we never got much of anything going...let's just say that Coach Saban can tell us he was right all along about us not getting too ecstatic from our win over Clemson...but, as I like to say, a win is a win is a win!).
So, Delaney and I had a great time in Tuscaloosa for game day.
We enjoyed watching the decorations and festivities on the way into town...
getting all dressed up and ready to go, with our tickets in hand.
heading down the Strip towards campus...
enjoying the statues outside Bryant Denny...
and (my favorite!) posing in the spot reserved for the statue of our next national championship-winning coach...
then enjoying our new seats this year (we're in a great spot with a really good view of the action!)...
There is nothing like spending an afternoon and evening on campus and in the stadium. The sounds of Roll Tide, the aroma of nachos (the new Dreamland bbq nachos smell wonderful!), and the feel of the cool breeze ... just a wonderful time! (I'm hoping that next week's fun time...with McKenna this time around...will also involve a lot more touchdowns on our part!)
Tomorrow...
the Day After Analysis.
the first home game of the season!
I have season tickets to the home games and the rule for the tickets goes something like this: "Mom gets to go to all of the games. Then, the rest of you can fight over who gets to go with her." Yesterday, Delaney won the argument (actually, she has to go to the early season games because her travel softball tournament schedule gets going pretty soon afterward) and got to attend the Alabama vs. Tulane game.
The game was surprisingly disappointing (our offense just sputtered all day long and we never got much of anything going...let's just say that Coach Saban can tell us he was right all along about us not getting too ecstatic from our win over Clemson...but, as I like to say, a win is a win is a win!).
So, Delaney and I had a great time in Tuscaloosa for game day.
We enjoyed watching the decorations and festivities on the way into town...
getting all dressed up and ready to go, with our tickets in hand.
heading down the Strip towards campus...
enjoying the statues outside Bryant Denny...
and (my favorite!) posing in the spot reserved for the statue of our next national championship-winning coach...
then enjoying our new seats this year (we're in a great spot with a really good view of the action!)...
There is nothing like spending an afternoon and evening on campus and in the stadium. The sounds of Roll Tide, the aroma of nachos (the new Dreamland bbq nachos smell wonderful!), and the feel of the cool breeze ... just a wonderful time! (I'm hoping that next week's fun time...with McKenna this time around...will also involve a lot more touchdowns on our part!)
Tomorrow...
the Day After Analysis.
9/5/08
Each week, the Crimson and White Roundtable questions are discussed on various Bama-themed blogs. I thought I'd start joining the fun, and am excited to answer the questions for this week.
(The Roundtable is hosted by the Tide Druid. Go read his take on these questions, and enjoy all the good stuff on his blog.)
Question #1: Due to that colossal victory over a Top 10 team in Clemson, Alabama has shot up in the polls (13th in AP and 17th in Coaches). What are your feelings on Alabama’s current position in the polls? (Too High? Too Low? Just Right?) Expound on this if you can.
High ratings are great, because they put you in a better position for good post-season bowl games. That said, though, I certainly think there is a danger in peaking too high. Still..#13 and even #17 sure feels good to a lot of Bama fans, myself included. It's been awhile since we've been able to really revel in a quality win and we're all enjoying the national attention right now.
Honestly, if I were a pollster, I would have shot us up to around #15 (so I guess the polls have it pretty right). I certainly think that we would have a good chance of beating most of the teams sitting between 15 and 20.
The challenge here is exactly what Coach Saban apparently preaches to all of his players (and us fans) about. To not rest on the higher ranking; to use it as encouragement to get better week by week, so you can continue to climb in the polls.
#2: We’re all a little shocked at how much Alabama dominated that game on Saturday. What aspect of the game did Alabama control that shocked you the most?
"Dominance" is the word I kept muttering to myself the night of that game, and pretty much this whole week since. It's been a very long time since we have truly dominated. And what I liked was that it was done on BOTH the offensive and defensive lines. I felt pretty good about our offensive line going in, but was very pleasantly surprised by the pressure that the defense put on the Clemson team all night long.
#3: Name your player of the game on Offense. Also name one on Defense.
There were excellent players on both sides of the ball. But I will have to go with two newcomers--freshman running back Mark Ingram for the offense (that guy can pound, can't he?) and tackle Terrence Cody (he lived up to his billing as "Mount "Cody). I would, though, also give an honorable mention to: John Parker Wilson on offense (it was really comforting to see him look so, well, comfortable in the game plan. He looked in control the whole time!). I think that our season hinges a lot on how Wilson performs. As he goes, so does the rest of the offense!
Thanks for letting me join in the fun on the Roundtable.
I have my Bama vs. Tulane tickets in my hot little hand, and I am already pumped about heading down to Bryant Denny tomorrow. Roll Tide!
9/3/08
Cover Story from this week's Sports Illustrated
Glen Coffee (and some stumbling Clemson defenders) graces the cover of Sports Illustrated this week.
CLICK HERE to read the cover story.
(Are you worried about the SI jinx?)
Glen Coffee (and some stumbling Clemson defenders) graces the cover of Sports Illustrated this week.
CLICK HERE to read the cover story.
(Are you worried about the SI jinx?)
9/2/08
Day After Analysis
Actually, this is the Day After Day After Analysis. Labor Day weekend, plus extra-birthday-partying, left me all confused as to what day it was. Besides, the euphoria of our win over Clemson made me kinda lethargic and twittery at the same time (making it hard to find the time or energy to post earlier than now).
So, it's a little late, but here is my Day After (Day After) Analysis of the Alabama vs. Clemson game...
The stats can really speak for themselves. Just consider some of these:
Total offensive yards: 419 for Bama, 188 for Clem
Net yards rushing: 239 for Bama, 0 for Clem
Avg. per rush: 4.8 for Bama, 0 for Clem
First downs: 25 for Bama, 11 for Clem
Rushing first downs: 13 for Bama, 2 for Clem
Yards lost rushing: 8 for Bama, 30 for Clem
Our top two rushers (Mark Ingram, Glen Coffee) ran for 97 and 90 yards
Their top two rushers (James Davis, CJ Spiller) ran for 14 and 8 yars
Passing first downs: 1o for Bama, 8 for Clem
Third down conversions: 11 of 17 for Bama, 1 of 9 for Clem
Sacks by (# and yards): 3 for 28 for Bama, 0 for 0 for Clem
Time of possession: 41:13 for Bama, 18:47 for Clem
Although I'm not necessarily a numbers person (I struggled through all my Math classes in high school and college!), these statistics fascinate me. They really tell the story of how the night turned out the way it did.
Any way you look at it, it adds up to Domination. Domination on the offensive side of the ball. Domination on the defensive side of the ball. Domination in ball control. And, though it's not measured in stats, Domination in attitude and strength and conditioning and readiness.
A few thoughts about players of the game, difference-makers, and other assorted ramblings...
* Mark Ingram is going to be a huge player for us this year. The true freshman from Michigan led all rushers with almost 100 yards in his debut game. His style of running is powerful and bruising; he basically forced his will upon any one in his way. I found myself shaking my head at him every time he got his hands on the ball; I never doubted that he'd plow through those guys and get four or five yards.
* Glen Coffee was also incredibly effective and, as well know, two star rushers are better than one. (And with Roy Upchurch and Terry Grant as well, we should have fresh legs all year long1)
* John Parker Wilson was cool and collected--more so than I've seen in his three years as a starter. He was clearly comfortable in new offensive coordinator Jim McElwains' new offense; the short passes, the quick deliveries, the no-stand-around-and-think-about-it-decisions are seemingly perfect for his psyche.
* The tight ends were Wilson's favorite targets all night. Nick Walker had a career game, and Wilson went to him and the other TEs often. With the dual threat of our wide receivers (Mike McCoy and, of course, JULIO Jones the best among them), we have more opportunities than we've had in years.
* The beast of an Offensive Line made all of that possible! The surge they kept going all night was incredible; rarely did Clemson's defensive front get ahead of our offensive line. Andre Smith and Mike Johnson, I thought, were especially effective.
* Why do I ever doubt our defense? Sure, our defense was the big "If" part of our team; they are unproven with few returning starters (and among our starters, most of them are incredibly young--i.e., Ro McClain), but they came up BIG In the game. They forced their will on Clemson's offense and dared them to try and gain any yards--either in the air or on the ground.
* Terrence Cody, the new junior college nose tackle transfer, is amazingly physical for his size. He was double-teamed most of the night (if my eyes don't deceive me, I once saw him triple-teamed). There seemed to be no answer for the pressure he gave.
All of these different aspects to the game added up to an unbelievable game by our Crimson Tide. The questions now are these: Is this something we can hope to see the rest of the season? Can the offense and defense live up to the same brand of intensity all year? Is this game plan going to work against SEC teams? Will this consistency and intensity take us through the entire season?
It's hard to know the answer to these questions yet. Time will tell. But, I do think we have a different team this year. Different in intensity. Different in schemes. And, hopefully, different in the way it believes in itself. And that, I think, can make all the difference in the world this year!
Actually, this is the Day After Day After Analysis. Labor Day weekend, plus extra-birthday-partying, left me all confused as to what day it was. Besides, the euphoria of our win over Clemson made me kinda lethargic and twittery at the same time (making it hard to find the time or energy to post earlier than now).
So, it's a little late, but here is my Day After (Day After) Analysis of the Alabama vs. Clemson game...
The stats can really speak for themselves. Just consider some of these:
Total offensive yards: 419 for Bama, 188 for Clem
Net yards rushing: 239 for Bama, 0 for Clem
Avg. per rush: 4.8 for Bama, 0 for Clem
First downs: 25 for Bama, 11 for Clem
Rushing first downs: 13 for Bama, 2 for Clem
Yards lost rushing: 8 for Bama, 30 for Clem
Our top two rushers (Mark Ingram, Glen Coffee) ran for 97 and 90 yards
Their top two rushers (James Davis, CJ Spiller) ran for 14 and 8 yars
Passing first downs: 1o for Bama, 8 for Clem
Third down conversions: 11 of 17 for Bama, 1 of 9 for Clem
Sacks by (# and yards): 3 for 28 for Bama, 0 for 0 for Clem
Time of possession: 41:13 for Bama, 18:47 for Clem
Although I'm not necessarily a numbers person (I struggled through all my Math classes in high school and college!), these statistics fascinate me. They really tell the story of how the night turned out the way it did.
Any way you look at it, it adds up to Domination. Domination on the offensive side of the ball. Domination on the defensive side of the ball. Domination in ball control. And, though it's not measured in stats, Domination in attitude and strength and conditioning and readiness.
A few thoughts about players of the game, difference-makers, and other assorted ramblings...
* Mark Ingram is going to be a huge player for us this year. The true freshman from Michigan led all rushers with almost 100 yards in his debut game. His style of running is powerful and bruising; he basically forced his will upon any one in his way. I found myself shaking my head at him every time he got his hands on the ball; I never doubted that he'd plow through those guys and get four or five yards.
* Glen Coffee was also incredibly effective and, as well know, two star rushers are better than one. (And with Roy Upchurch and Terry Grant as well, we should have fresh legs all year long1)
* John Parker Wilson was cool and collected--more so than I've seen in his three years as a starter. He was clearly comfortable in new offensive coordinator Jim McElwains' new offense; the short passes, the quick deliveries, the no-stand-around-and-think-about-it-decisions are seemingly perfect for his psyche.
* The tight ends were Wilson's favorite targets all night. Nick Walker had a career game, and Wilson went to him and the other TEs often. With the dual threat of our wide receivers (Mike McCoy and, of course, JULIO Jones the best among them), we have more opportunities than we've had in years.
* The beast of an Offensive Line made all of that possible! The surge they kept going all night was incredible; rarely did Clemson's defensive front get ahead of our offensive line. Andre Smith and Mike Johnson, I thought, were especially effective.
* Why do I ever doubt our defense? Sure, our defense was the big "If" part of our team; they are unproven with few returning starters (and among our starters, most of them are incredibly young--i.e., Ro McClain), but they came up BIG In the game. They forced their will on Clemson's offense and dared them to try and gain any yards--either in the air or on the ground.
* Terrence Cody, the new junior college nose tackle transfer, is amazingly physical for his size. He was double-teamed most of the night (if my eyes don't deceive me, I once saw him triple-teamed). There seemed to be no answer for the pressure he gave.
All of these different aspects to the game added up to an unbelievable game by our Crimson Tide. The questions now are these: Is this something we can hope to see the rest of the season? Can the offense and defense live up to the same brand of intensity all year? Is this game plan going to work against SEC teams? Will this consistency and intensity take us through the entire season?
It's hard to know the answer to these questions yet. Time will tell. But, I do think we have a different team this year. Different in intensity. Different in schemes. And, hopefully, different in the way it believes in itself. And that, I think, can make all the difference in the world this year!
8/31/08
And the cheers rang out..."SEC! SEC!"...
and the Rammer Jammer was heard wafting through the rafters...
and the Tide was back on top...
with an expertly played game on all sides of the ball.
And today happens to be my 40th birthday,
and I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present.
ROLL TIDE!!!!
(Back tomorrow with some actual intelligent analysis. For now, I am simply reveling in the victory!)
8/29/08
It's kinda like Christmas Eve.
You remember the feeling, don't you? You're a little kid and all you can do is think about what's coming tomorrow. You'll rush through the evening's activities, trying to hurry the hours along. And then, when you finally get in bed, you won't be able to go to sleep.
It's just all too darned exciting, and you're not sure if you can make it those last few hours or not.
That's kinda how I feel today.
I got my first taste of college football last night, and boy did it ever feel good. I watched South Carolina smoke N.C. State (they really creamed them, but SC still looked very shaky), and then caught updates of Vanderbilt beating Miami (Oh.). I was glad to see the SEC go 2-0 on opening day.
And now comes the real fun.
Just one more day until Alabama vs. Clemson, and I've got that "I'm really excited, but I also feel like I could puke" feeling in my stomach. I go from feeling really good about our chances...to realizing that, really, we don't have enough experience to win it...but then back to thinking maybe we do have a chance after all. And then I just settle down and realize that the game is really a no-lose situation. This is still a rebuilding year...we're young...and it's going to be a great time to see what the future holds. But, then, wouldn't it be great if we won?!
So, I'm biding my time with "real" stuff (like that pesky thing called Work; dang it, that I can't get paid to just surf around Bama sites and blogs all day long) until The Day gets here.
Back in a bit with my weekend predictions...
You remember the feeling, don't you? You're a little kid and all you can do is think about what's coming tomorrow. You'll rush through the evening's activities, trying to hurry the hours along. And then, when you finally get in bed, you won't be able to go to sleep.
It's just all too darned exciting, and you're not sure if you can make it those last few hours or not.
That's kinda how I feel today.
I got my first taste of college football last night, and boy did it ever feel good. I watched South Carolina smoke N.C. State (they really creamed them, but SC still looked very shaky), and then caught updates of Vanderbilt beating Miami (Oh.). I was glad to see the SEC go 2-0 on opening day.
And now comes the real fun.
Just one more day until Alabama vs. Clemson, and I've got that "I'm really excited, but I also feel like I could puke" feeling in my stomach. I go from feeling really good about our chances...to realizing that, really, we don't have enough experience to win it...but then back to thinking maybe we do have a chance after all. And then I just settle down and realize that the game is really a no-lose situation. This is still a rebuilding year...we're young...and it's going to be a great time to see what the future holds. But, then, wouldn't it be great if we won?!
So, I'm biding my time with "real" stuff (like that pesky thing called Work; dang it, that I can't get paid to just surf around Bama sites and blogs all day long) until The Day gets here.
Back in a bit with my weekend predictions...
8/27/08
Go check this out...
I'm the Guest Blogger on THIS Purdue blog. I rhapsodize on "Seven Reasons Why I'm Excited College Football Season Is Here."
I love blogging for many reasons, but one of the best is that you become friends with people you'd otherwise never meet. Phats is a former Purdue cheerleader and one of the biggest Boilermaker fans out there. He and I became "blog buddies" when we both realized how much we love football. Now I've got him cheering for the Crimson Tide and, I have to admit, I now catch Purdue when I can find them on tv and find myself looking out for Purdue scores on Saturday evening (or on the stadium score scroll when I'm at Bryant Denny). And...last year, when I won his March Madness challenge, I got a Purdue tshirt in the mail. I will be wearing it this year for him.
I'm the Guest Blogger on THIS Purdue blog. I rhapsodize on "Seven Reasons Why I'm Excited College Football Season Is Here."
I love blogging for many reasons, but one of the best is that you become friends with people you'd otherwise never meet. Phats is a former Purdue cheerleader and one of the biggest Boilermaker fans out there. He and I became "blog buddies" when we both realized how much we love football. Now I've got him cheering for the Crimson Tide and, I have to admit, I now catch Purdue when I can find them on tv and find myself looking out for Purdue scores on Saturday evening (or on the stadium score scroll when I'm at Bryant Denny). And...last year, when I won his March Madness challenge, I got a Purdue tshirt in the mail. I will be wearing it this year for him.
8/25/08
We have a depth chart!
In his press conference today, Coach Saban released the official depth chart for the opening game against Clemson (which, if you if you aren't already counting the days down, it's now less than five days away). As was expected, a slew of freshman are seen in the rotations. Three make the starting spot for their positions--wide receiver Julio Jones (who also, apparently, will return kicks...which now makes the return game especially interesting, don't you think?, with opposing teams trying to figure out whether to kick it to Julio or Javier Arenas), defensive back Dont'e Hightower (who is officially the "will" back), and nose tackle Terrence Cody (who isn't, officially, a freshman but is new to the team as a junior college transfer).
More freshman make it into the second and third spots (and people like running back Mark Ingram could, actually, get a lot of playing time since there is so much rotation among the backs). In fact, newcomers are all over the place!
This is very exciting...and interesting...news to me, especially with opening day so soon against a highly-touted opponent. There's nothing like throwing your new players into the fire and seeing how they do. It's really a no-lose situation; if you lose, it's because we're young and inexperienced; if we win, it's a huge statement for us. And--either way--we're getting a lot of young guys getting serious experience...which can only mean good things for our future!
Here is the depth chart as released today by the athletic department:
In his press conference today, Coach Saban released the official depth chart for the opening game against Clemson (which, if you if you aren't already counting the days down, it's now less than five days away). As was expected, a slew of freshman are seen in the rotations. Three make the starting spot for their positions--wide receiver Julio Jones (who also, apparently, will return kicks...which now makes the return game especially interesting, don't you think?, with opposing teams trying to figure out whether to kick it to Julio or Javier Arenas), defensive back Dont'e Hightower (who is officially the "will" back), and nose tackle Terrence Cody (who isn't, officially, a freshman but is new to the team as a junior college transfer).
More freshman make it into the second and third spots (and people like running back Mark Ingram could, actually, get a lot of playing time since there is so much rotation among the backs). In fact, newcomers are all over the place!
This is very exciting...and interesting...news to me, especially with opening day so soon against a highly-touted opponent. There's nothing like throwing your new players into the fire and seeing how they do. It's really a no-lose situation; if you lose, it's because we're young and inexperienced; if we win, it's a huge statement for us. And--either way--we're getting a lot of young guys getting serious experience...which can only mean good things for our future!
Here is the depth chart as released today by the athletic department:
Offense:
LT 71 Andre Smith 6-4, 330, JR
75 Barrett Jones 6-5, 280, FR
-or- 72
LG 78 Mike Johnson 6-6, 299, JR
66 Brian Motley 6-2, 289, SO
C 59 Antoine Caldwell 6-3, 305, SR
70 Evan Cardwell 6-2, 279, JR
-or- 73 William Vlachos 6-0, 305, FR
RG 76 Marlon
74 David Ross 6-3, 295, SO
RT 79 Drew
67 John Michael Boswell 6-5, 300, FR
-or- 68
TE 83 Travis McCall 6-2, 260, SR
88 Nick Walker 6-5, 248, SR
87 Chris Underwood 6-3, 224, FR
85
-or- 17 Brad Smelley 6-3, 218, FR
QB 14 John Parker
12 Greg McElroy 6-2, 220, SO
2 Star
-or- 16 Thomas Darrah 6-5, 212, FR
RB 38 Glen Coffee 6-1, 198, JR
22 Mark Ingram 5-10, 215, FR
-or- 29 Terry Grant 5-9, 190, SO
5
FB 40 Baron Huber 6-3, 249, JR
34 Jeramie
X 8 Julio Jones 6-4, 210, FR
82 Earl Alexander 6-4, 216, SO
19 Chris Jackson 6-1, 190, FR
11 Brandon Gibson 6-1, 196, FR
Z 80 Mike McCoy 6-2, 205, JR
4 Marquis Maze 5-9, 171, FR
-or- 9 Nikita Stover 6-0, 203, SR
H 80 Mike McCoy 6-2, 205, JR
1 B.J. Scott 5-11, 188, FR
15 Darius Hanks 6-0, 172, SO
DE 93 Bobby
97 Lorenzo
90
94 Undra Billingsley 6-3, 275, FR
NG 62 Terrence Cody 6-5, 365, JR
99 Josh Chapman 6-1, 305, FR
DE 95 Brandon Deaderick 6-4, 287, JR
96 Luther Davis 6-3, 299, SO
-or- 57 Marcel Dareus 6-3, 280, FR
SAM 13 Cory Reamer 6-4, 218, JR
5 Jerrell Harris 6-3, 215, FR
-or- 55 Chavis Williams 6-4, 223, SO
MIKE 25 Rolando McClain 6-4, 249, SO
45 Charlie Higgenbotham 6-0, 218, SO
21 Prince Hall 5-11, 235, JR
WILL 30 Dont’a Hightower 6-4, 250, FR
36 Chris Jordan 6-2, 220, FR
42
JACK 98
32 Eryk Anders 6-2, 227, JR
41 Courtney Upshaw 6-2, 230, FR
LC 28 Javier Arenas 5-9, 198, JR
24 Marquis Johnson 5-11, 192, JR
15 Alonzo
RC 3 Kareem
8 Chris Rogers 6-0, 195, JR
-or- 23 Robby Green 6-0, 180, FR
SS 27 Justin Woodall 6-2, 220, JR
4 Mark Barron 6-2, 215, FR
FS 49 Rashad Johnson 6-0, 186, SR
26 Ali Sharrief 5-9, 205, JR
-or- 20 Tyrone King 5-11, 198, JR
Specialists:
PK/KO 99 Leigh Tiffin 6-1, 199, JR
44 Corey Smith 6-0, 195, FR
HOLD 97 P.J. Fitzgerald 5-11, 198, JR
SNAP 50 Brian Selman 6-0, 211, JR
61
-or- 53 Daren Hallman 6-3, 230, FR
P 97 P.J. Fitzgerald 5-11, 198, JR
98 Heath Thomas 6-3, 213, JR
PR 28 Javier Arenas 5-9, 198, JR
8 Julio Jones 6-4, 210, FR
KOR 28 Javier Arenas 5-9, 198, JR
8 Julio Jones 6-4, 210, FR
What is your initial reaction to our first official depth chart of the season?
What do you think?8/24/08
8/23/08
Optimism
My husband laughs pretty regularly at my glass-half-full mentality. I can pretty much be positive in just about any situation ...and that positivity usually translates into the way I watch sports as well. I don't just solely see the bad in a loss; I also see the reasons for optimism (well, aside from the ULM, and MState, and Auburn losses last year; there wasn't much of anything good to remember from those!).
But, at the beginning of the year especially there is the reason for optimism. And I see a lot of it in this team and this season. Lots of excitement building, and lots of things to look forward to (heck, even Coach Saban has praised a bunch of his players throughout the fall).
I thought this was an excellent read from the Montgomery Advertiser on the topic...
Reasons Abound for Optimism at UA
My husband laughs pretty regularly at my glass-half-full mentality. I can pretty much be positive in just about any situation ...and that positivity usually translates into the way I watch sports as well. I don't just solely see the bad in a loss; I also see the reasons for optimism (well, aside from the ULM, and MState, and Auburn losses last year; there wasn't much of anything good to remember from those!).
But, at the beginning of the year especially there is the reason for optimism. And I see a lot of it in this team and this season. Lots of excitement building, and lots of things to look forward to (heck, even Coach Saban has praised a bunch of his players throughout the fall).
I thought this was an excellent read from the Montgomery Advertiser on the topic...
Reasons Abound for Optimism at UA
8/22/08
Friday Afternoon Stud of the Week
I am a regularly reader of Roll Bama Roll, one of my favorite Bama-themed blogs. I enjoy all of the author's insightful posts about Bama football throughout the week...then come to Friday, when he posts photos of his blog "babe," and then goes onto post some "beefcake" aimed toward his female readership. Let me assure you, the beefcake pictures are done in jest...no good-looking man in the bunch!
Now that there is a woman doing a Bama blog--that would be moi--I think it's only fair that I instigate a regular weekly post entitled "Friday Afternoon Stud of the Week."
Surely, I could come up with studs from the Alabama sports program...but I am actually going to make the rule that I must go outside the "family" for my weekly favorite, and that they need to prove athletic prowess (not just a pretty face!).
With that in mind, then, I must go to the Olympics where I have found many a stud in the pool, on the track field, on the basketball court, even on the gymnastics mat. I have found myself cheering, of course, for any American who is involved in the competition. But, beyond that, I find myself cheering for the stud!
Therefore, my inaugural Stud of the Week award goes to the entire American swimming team for (1) their incredible studliness and (2) the joy they gave me as I saw them win the 4 x 200 relay that gave Michael Phelps his second gold of the games. (I have never yelled so loudly and jumped up and down quite so boisterously while watching a SWIMMING race).
And in case you need some Bama news this afternoon...
** This is a good read on receiver Mike McCoy's improved play and leadership. I think he's going to be a good one this year!
** Here is a good read on moves made yesterday by Coach Saban (Lorenzo Washington to defensive end; Josh Chapman and Terrance Cody fighting for nose tackle position).
** Here is a good read on Alabama getting ready for Clemson in practice (just eight days!!!)
I hope you all have a great weekend. It's the last one without college football--so enjoy the sleep you can get tonight and Saturday night!
I am a regularly reader of Roll Bama Roll, one of my favorite Bama-themed blogs. I enjoy all of the author's insightful posts about Bama football throughout the week...then come to Friday, when he posts photos of his blog "babe," and then goes onto post some "beefcake" aimed toward his female readership. Let me assure you, the beefcake pictures are done in jest...no good-looking man in the bunch!
Now that there is a woman doing a Bama blog--that would be moi--I think it's only fair that I instigate a regular weekly post entitled "Friday Afternoon Stud of the Week."
Surely, I could come up with studs from the Alabama sports program...but I am actually going to make the rule that I must go outside the "family" for my weekly favorite, and that they need to prove athletic prowess (not just a pretty face!).
With that in mind, then, I must go to the Olympics where I have found many a stud in the pool, on the track field, on the basketball court, even on the gymnastics mat. I have found myself cheering, of course, for any American who is involved in the competition. But, beyond that, I find myself cheering for the stud!
Therefore, my inaugural Stud of the Week award goes to the entire American swimming team for (1) their incredible studliness and (2) the joy they gave me as I saw them win the 4 x 200 relay that gave Michael Phelps his second gold of the games. (I have never yelled so loudly and jumped up and down quite so boisterously while watching a SWIMMING race).
And in case you need some Bama news this afternoon...
** This is a good read on receiver Mike McCoy's improved play and leadership. I think he's going to be a good one this year!
** Here is a good read on moves made yesterday by Coach Saban (Lorenzo Washington to defensive end; Josh Chapman and Terrance Cody fighting for nose tackle position).
** Here is a good read on Alabama getting ready for Clemson in practice (just eight days!!!)
I hope you all have a great weekend. It's the last one without college football--so enjoy the sleep you can get tonight and Saturday night!
8/21/08
My biggest question marks...or,
"Wouldn't it be great if________?"
If my faith in Alabama was written on a dollar bill, it would contain one of these statements: "In Andre Smith I trust," "In Antoine Caldwell I trust," "In Nick Saban I trust." But with so few assurances on the team this year, I find myself instead leaning on Andre, and Antoine, and Coach Saban and the other returning performers, and then looking forward to seeing if some of the other players (even freshmen!) perform like I think they can.
I recently read an article by Stewart Mandel over at Sports Illustrated that broke down his list of ten things he'd like to see "live up to their billing" this season in college football (things like Tony Franklin, BYU, Jimmy Clausen and, yes, Julio Jones), and I immediately made my own "wish list" of things I'd like to see come to fruition this year.
So I give you my fill-in-the-blank answer to the question: "Wouldn't it be great if ____________?" . . .
John Parker Wilson had a monumental senior season. It kinda seems like he's due for one. After all, he owns all sorts of Alabama records and, when you look at the numbers, he's looked pretty good since his start at Bama and has even had flashes of brilliance (against Tennessee last year, in the closing moments of the Arkansas game), but he's suffered from a lack of consistency and what I like to call "scaredy cat feet."
If he can get smarter with his decisions and not throw into situations that he shouldn't, I think he'll have a really good season. And we all know that, "as the quarterback goes, so goes the team."
Jim McElwain's new offense brought consistency. McElwain seems like a pretty sharp guy, with a good track record at Fresno State and a reputation as a good coach to quarterbacks. If he can get Wilson settled down, as well as create a productive offensive scheme, he will be in good shape. (Right now, indications from practice seem to say that the offense will be quicker with more dink-and-dunk passes, more use of tight ends, and more use of runners as receivers).
Julio Jones lived up to all the hoopla, and become a bonafide playmaker.
For the first year ever, I got sucked into the recruiting hype this year and got a tad bit nervous right before heralded Foley five-star receiver Jones signed his letter of intent. Not that one person can change a team, but all the hype said that this guy could be the "real deal." Once he'd committed, though, I waited with guarded optimism to see what he might bring to the team; and early signs show that he could truly be a "real deal." Reports from practices and scrimmages say he has a great vertical leap; that he can outmanuever defenders; and make some catches others can't make. I see a primary mixture of Julio and Mike McCoy adding some brand-new excitement to the receiving game this year.
Mark Ingram became the type of power runner we've needed for a while.
All indications are that Ingram is a bruising runner with lots of speed and power, who's hard to take down. Since he came all the way from Michigan, he's a bit of an unknown in the South...but I think Saban knew what he was doing with this guy. I expect him to be one of the freshmen to get significant playing time (probably alternating it in with Terry Grant and Glenn Coffee) from very early on.
The linebacking corps gelled as a group, with the youngsters quickly adjusting to SEC play. This is where we are most thin this year, after losing Ezekial Knight, Jimmy Johns, and temporarily Prince Hall out of the lineup. I heard Coach Saban in a radio interview this morning and he made it sound like all of the freshmen in this group will be in the two-deep rotation. So, it's a young group...but, if it's a young, talented group that gels well, we might improve pretty quickly.
Sophomore Rolando McLain continues where he left off last season.
McClain was our biggest impact newcomer last year as a true freshman. And it says a lot for the youthfulness of the Bama team this year that he is already considered a veteran--even though he's just a sophomore. If McClain can keep up his all-SEC play, we'll have one fewer question to worry about.
Terrence Cody administered at least one concussion per game. Cody is a huge junior college transfer (he came in around 400 pounds and has apparently gotten down to more like 370, but still...) who seems to have been quite impressive in Fall practices. At the second scrimmage of the season, he was instrumental in a goal-line stand preventing the offense from getting into the endzone on four straight tries. He also apparently can do a 360 slam dunk, and is quite lithe on his feet. He sure looks happy here...
but he'll assuredly look happier still when he is administering said concussion (not that I promote violence or anything. I'm just ready for a tough as nails tackle who is big and strong).
With that being said...
What are YOUR biggest questions for the upcoming season?
What surprises on the playing field would make you most happy?
Who do you think needs to excel especially for the team to do well this year?
~~~~~~
The Mandel column in SI that I already referenced was really good, and I recommend it for your reading pleasure.
Some other good reads on this morning include ...
* Over on Espn.com, Pat Forde gives his predictions for the SEC season this year. (Included: a no-repeat for Tebow at Heisman, a surprise win in either the first or last week for Bama)
* This season's CBS schedule was apparently leaked and this blog got a hold of it. I'm not sure if it's 100% accurate, but it has Alabama's Kentucky, LSU, and Auburn games scheduled.
* In my favorite "so absurd that it can't be true" story, go read about the outbreak of jock itch that invaded the USC campus.
* It's now just nine days until our opening game with #9 Clemson. This is a good story about Clemson's last scrimmage of the preseason (it's always good to know what you're going up against).
* I have totally enjoyed the "Blog around the SEC" that Espn's Chris Low is winding up right now. He traveled the SEC over the course of a few weeks and gave some really good insights into fall camps and expectations. He gave some good interviews with coaches and players too; if you are an SEC fan, it is well worth the read. Start reading it here, but also scroll down and read all the blogs in the series (the Alabama stories are several days past).
Nine days and counting...Roll Tide!
(And thanks to all of you who popped by yesterday for my debut. Keep stopping by!)
"Wouldn't it be great if________?"
If my faith in Alabama was written on a dollar bill, it would contain one of these statements: "In Andre Smith I trust," "In Antoine Caldwell I trust," "In Nick Saban I trust." But with so few assurances on the team this year, I find myself instead leaning on Andre, and Antoine, and Coach Saban and the other returning performers, and then looking forward to seeing if some of the other players (even freshmen!) perform like I think they can.
I recently read an article by Stewart Mandel over at Sports Illustrated that broke down his list of ten things he'd like to see "live up to their billing" this season in college football (things like Tony Franklin, BYU, Jimmy Clausen and, yes, Julio Jones), and I immediately made my own "wish list" of things I'd like to see come to fruition this year.
So I give you my fill-in-the-blank answer to the question: "Wouldn't it be great if ____________?" . . .
John Parker Wilson had a monumental senior season. It kinda seems like he's due for one. After all, he owns all sorts of Alabama records and, when you look at the numbers, he's looked pretty good since his start at Bama and has even had flashes of brilliance (against Tennessee last year, in the closing moments of the Arkansas game), but he's suffered from a lack of consistency and what I like to call "scaredy cat feet."
If he can get smarter with his decisions and not throw into situations that he shouldn't, I think he'll have a really good season. And we all know that, "as the quarterback goes, so goes the team."
Jim McElwain's new offense brought consistency. McElwain seems like a pretty sharp guy, with a good track record at Fresno State and a reputation as a good coach to quarterbacks. If he can get Wilson settled down, as well as create a productive offensive scheme, he will be in good shape. (Right now, indications from practice seem to say that the offense will be quicker with more dink-and-dunk passes, more use of tight ends, and more use of runners as receivers).
Julio Jones lived up to all the hoopla, and become a bonafide playmaker.
For the first year ever, I got sucked into the recruiting hype this year and got a tad bit nervous right before heralded Foley five-star receiver Jones signed his letter of intent. Not that one person can change a team, but all the hype said that this guy could be the "real deal." Once he'd committed, though, I waited with guarded optimism to see what he might bring to the team; and early signs show that he could truly be a "real deal." Reports from practices and scrimmages say he has a great vertical leap; that he can outmanuever defenders; and make some catches others can't make. I see a primary mixture of Julio and Mike McCoy adding some brand-new excitement to the receiving game this year.
Mark Ingram became the type of power runner we've needed for a while.
All indications are that Ingram is a bruising runner with lots of speed and power, who's hard to take down. Since he came all the way from Michigan, he's a bit of an unknown in the South...but I think Saban knew what he was doing with this guy. I expect him to be one of the freshmen to get significant playing time (probably alternating it in with Terry Grant and Glenn Coffee) from very early on.
The linebacking corps gelled as a group, with the youngsters quickly adjusting to SEC play. This is where we are most thin this year, after losing Ezekial Knight, Jimmy Johns, and temporarily Prince Hall out of the lineup. I heard Coach Saban in a radio interview this morning and he made it sound like all of the freshmen in this group will be in the two-deep rotation. So, it's a young group...but, if it's a young, talented group that gels well, we might improve pretty quickly.
Sophomore Rolando McLain continues where he left off last season.
McClain was our biggest impact newcomer last year as a true freshman. And it says a lot for the youthfulness of the Bama team this year that he is already considered a veteran--even though he's just a sophomore. If McClain can keep up his all-SEC play, we'll have one fewer question to worry about.
Terrence Cody administered at least one concussion per game. Cody is a huge junior college transfer (he came in around 400 pounds and has apparently gotten down to more like 370, but still...) who seems to have been quite impressive in Fall practices. At the second scrimmage of the season, he was instrumental in a goal-line stand preventing the offense from getting into the endzone on four straight tries. He also apparently can do a 360 slam dunk, and is quite lithe on his feet. He sure looks happy here...
but he'll assuredly look happier still when he is administering said concussion (not that I promote violence or anything. I'm just ready for a tough as nails tackle who is big and strong).
With that being said...
What are YOUR biggest questions for the upcoming season?
What surprises on the playing field would make you most happy?
Who do you think needs to excel especially for the team to do well this year?
~~~~~~
The Mandel column in SI that I already referenced was really good, and I recommend it for your reading pleasure.
Some other good reads on this morning include ...
* Over on Espn.com, Pat Forde gives his predictions for the SEC season this year. (Included: a no-repeat for Tebow at Heisman, a surprise win in either the first or last week for Bama)
* This season's CBS schedule was apparently leaked and this blog got a hold of it. I'm not sure if it's 100% accurate, but it has Alabama's Kentucky, LSU, and Auburn games scheduled.
* In my favorite "so absurd that it can't be true" story, go read about the outbreak of jock itch that invaded the USC campus.
* It's now just nine days until our opening game with #9 Clemson. This is a good story about Clemson's last scrimmage of the preseason (it's always good to know what you're going up against).
* I have totally enjoyed the "Blog around the SEC" that Espn's Chris Low is winding up right now. He traveled the SEC over the course of a few weeks and gave some really good insights into fall camps and expectations. He gave some good interviews with coaches and players too; if you are an SEC fan, it is well worth the read. Start reading it here, but also scroll down and read all the blogs in the series (the Alabama stories are several days past).
Nine days and counting...Roll Tide!
(And thanks to all of you who popped by yesterday for my debut. Keep stopping by!)
8/20/08
The Legacy...and Love...of College Football
I guess you could say that I was born with college football in my blood.
Born to college student parents, I lived my first two years on a college campus (a small one in east Texas), where Dad said they'd walk from their married dorm to the stadium every Saturday afternoon and get into the games for free. He still gets a little misty eyed when he tells the tales of those idyllic days, long before College Game Day and blue-chip recruiting...when a day at a football game was pure enjoyment (and that's all).
As my father ventured into the world of academia, I was blessed to live all of my growing-up days in college towns. And, let me tell you, there is no better place to grow up...surrounded by the smell of books, the sound of ringing chimes, an appreciation for marbled columns, and a love of learning. And, of course, an unabashed passion for tailgating and fight songs, for cheerleaders and marching bands, and for touchdowns and game-winning field goals.
As a girl, my first love came in the hue of burnt orange. My father received his PhD from the University of Texas, and he says he can still remember the look in my eyes when I first heard "The Eyes of Texas" played at dusk right beneath the Tower. At just eight-years-old, I learned to yell "Hook em Horns" with the best of them.
But, children are fickle, and when the University of Arkansas came calling, I quickly learned to call the Hogs. I have such sweet memories of going to games at Razorback Stadium (for some reason, the one that sticks out in my mind was one against SMU, back in the days of the Southwest Conference), but even sweeter ones of Barnhill Arena and the heydey of Arkansas basketball.
My loyalties were divided and I often riled up my family when I'd cheer for the Hogs over the Horns (and, in fact, I almost got booed out of a game in Austin one time when they played each other...but, I guess the fans didn't have it in them to eject a twelve-year-old).
But, soon, no loyalties would exist in my own personal world of college football allegiances. My family moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, before my sophomore year in high school. That's never an easy age at which to start over. I cried when we left Fayetteville; cried for my lost friends and the fear of beginning again. And, yes, I cried because I was leaving behind my beloved Hogs.
We arrived in 1983, as Ray Perkins took the helm of the football program. So, no, I never experienced the Bear Bryant era; I never heard him speak or saw him stalk the sidelines (in fact, my only "real life" memory of him is of him beating all the teams I ever cared about as a child). So, you see, I never really expected to fall in love with the Crimson Tide...but, I did... just as sure as you can't help but fall for the allure of the perfect boy. You know the one? The one with the smile and the swagger and the sense of humor and the style. That's what happened once I moved to Tuscaloosa. I developed a big ole crush on the town and the campus and, of course, the football team.
I spent six years at the Capstone (in undergraduate school, and then again in graduate school) and some of my fondest memories are of the Saturdays spent either at Legion Field in Birmingham or at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. At registration, I got a little jolt of anticipation as I saw the new slate of classes on my schedule; and got an even bigger jolt when I checked the box that said, yes, I'd like to order my student football tickets for the season.
Time has gone by since then, and I've endured the ups and the downs over the years. The heartbreaking losses (how can I forget the loss to Tennessee by two points? We actually sang a dirge in the stands of Legion Field after it ended); the mediocre seasons; the unbelievable wins; and the national championship run (we watch the 1992 game on DVD every year before bowl season, and my three daughters almost know the plays by heart).
And so it is that I have come to the beginning of another season of Alabama football. It's 2008 and the slate is clean. The opportunities are endless. The future is bright. And the day can absolutely not get here soon enough
In fact, in just ten days, we will kick off against a highly-touted Clemson team. It will be the big game of the weekend; ESPN will be there; the bourbon will flow and the ribs will be a'smokin; the fans will be worked into a frenzy; and the sounds of Roll Tide will emanate from every corner.
I will be watching from home, my stomach tied into knots before the opening kickoff. I will cross my fingers, say a little prayer (I know that God really doesn't care much of anything about the outcome of a football game, and I usually ask for forgiveness for getting my priorities out of whack when I head to church the next morning), and then cheer for the team that might just fulfill my football dreams this season.
And then I will settle down...and just enjoy the ride for the rest of the next four months.
~~~~~~~
(And that, my football friends, is my little introduction to this blog which I am affectionately calling "Tide Chick." I will share day-after analysis of the Bama games each week; post any news I find as I scour across the Internet; share pictures and videos and other fun stuff; hopefully start a podcast as the season moves along; and pretty much share anything that has to do with college football, sports in general, and Alabama football. And, as you can probably tell from this post, I will also be known to wax philosophical about my love of the game. Despite my love for the game, though, I am also an intelligent student of the game and I think I'm pretty unbiased as a fan. I hope, then, this blog will not only be entertaining but also knowledgeable.
So... I hope that you will pop by often. Tell your other football friends about it, and comment to let me know that you're stopping by. And join in with me as we scream "Roll Tide" as we start on the 2008 season...a season that I, actually believe, holds a lot of promise and is going to set us on the road for some championship seasons sooner rather than later.)
I guess you could say that I was born with college football in my blood.
Born to college student parents, I lived my first two years on a college campus (a small one in east Texas), where Dad said they'd walk from their married dorm to the stadium every Saturday afternoon and get into the games for free. He still gets a little misty eyed when he tells the tales of those idyllic days, long before College Game Day and blue-chip recruiting...when a day at a football game was pure enjoyment (and that's all).
As my father ventured into the world of academia, I was blessed to live all of my growing-up days in college towns. And, let me tell you, there is no better place to grow up...surrounded by the smell of books, the sound of ringing chimes, an appreciation for marbled columns, and a love of learning. And, of course, an unabashed passion for tailgating and fight songs, for cheerleaders and marching bands, and for touchdowns and game-winning field goals.
As a girl, my first love came in the hue of burnt orange. My father received his PhD from the University of Texas, and he says he can still remember the look in my eyes when I first heard "The Eyes of Texas" played at dusk right beneath the Tower. At just eight-years-old, I learned to yell "Hook em Horns" with the best of them.
But, children are fickle, and when the University of Arkansas came calling, I quickly learned to call the Hogs. I have such sweet memories of going to games at Razorback Stadium (for some reason, the one that sticks out in my mind was one against SMU, back in the days of the Southwest Conference), but even sweeter ones of Barnhill Arena and the heydey of Arkansas basketball.
My loyalties were divided and I often riled up my family when I'd cheer for the Hogs over the Horns (and, in fact, I almost got booed out of a game in Austin one time when they played each other...but, I guess the fans didn't have it in them to eject a twelve-year-old).
But, soon, no loyalties would exist in my own personal world of college football allegiances. My family moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, before my sophomore year in high school. That's never an easy age at which to start over. I cried when we left Fayetteville; cried for my lost friends and the fear of beginning again. And, yes, I cried because I was leaving behind my beloved Hogs.
We arrived in 1983, as Ray Perkins took the helm of the football program. So, no, I never experienced the Bear Bryant era; I never heard him speak or saw him stalk the sidelines (in fact, my only "real life" memory of him is of him beating all the teams I ever cared about as a child). So, you see, I never really expected to fall in love with the Crimson Tide...but, I did... just as sure as you can't help but fall for the allure of the perfect boy. You know the one? The one with the smile and the swagger and the sense of humor and the style. That's what happened once I moved to Tuscaloosa. I developed a big ole crush on the town and the campus and, of course, the football team.
I spent six years at the Capstone (in undergraduate school, and then again in graduate school) and some of my fondest memories are of the Saturdays spent either at Legion Field in Birmingham or at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. At registration, I got a little jolt of anticipation as I saw the new slate of classes on my schedule; and got an even bigger jolt when I checked the box that said, yes, I'd like to order my student football tickets for the season.
Time has gone by since then, and I've endured the ups and the downs over the years. The heartbreaking losses (how can I forget the loss to Tennessee by two points? We actually sang a dirge in the stands of Legion Field after it ended); the mediocre seasons; the unbelievable wins; and the national championship run (we watch the 1992 game on DVD every year before bowl season, and my three daughters almost know the plays by heart).
And so it is that I have come to the beginning of another season of Alabama football. It's 2008 and the slate is clean. The opportunities are endless. The future is bright. And the day can absolutely not get here soon enough
In fact, in just ten days, we will kick off against a highly-touted Clemson team. It will be the big game of the weekend; ESPN will be there; the bourbon will flow and the ribs will be a'smokin; the fans will be worked into a frenzy; and the sounds of Roll Tide will emanate from every corner.
I will be watching from home, my stomach tied into knots before the opening kickoff. I will cross my fingers, say a little prayer (I know that God really doesn't care much of anything about the outcome of a football game, and I usually ask for forgiveness for getting my priorities out of whack when I head to church the next morning), and then cheer for the team that might just fulfill my football dreams this season.
And then I will settle down...and just enjoy the ride for the rest of the next four months.
~~~~~~~
(And that, my football friends, is my little introduction to this blog which I am affectionately calling "Tide Chick." I will share day-after analysis of the Bama games each week; post any news I find as I scour across the Internet; share pictures and videos and other fun stuff; hopefully start a podcast as the season moves along; and pretty much share anything that has to do with college football, sports in general, and Alabama football. And, as you can probably tell from this post, I will also be known to wax philosophical about my love of the game. Despite my love for the game, though, I am also an intelligent student of the game and I think I'm pretty unbiased as a fan. I hope, then, this blog will not only be entertaining but also knowledgeable.
So... I hope that you will pop by often. Tell your other football friends about it, and comment to let me know that you're stopping by. And join in with me as we scream "Roll Tide" as we start on the 2008 season...a season that I, actually believe, holds a lot of promise and is going to set us on the road for some championship seasons sooner rather than later.)
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