Bleacher Report - Articles by CrimsonTusks.com

"Pot Versus Kettle" Gregg Doyle of CBS Takes on Paul Finebaum

CrimsonTusks.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:16:54 -0400

by Darren Carter –

Someone once compared Southern Football to religion. A reply was made that, in fact, Football was much more important than that. While such commentary might border on blasphemy to some, it doesn't strike far from the truth. While Sunday mornings remain the most segregated time in our nation, Southern College Football Saturdays have become a time of fellowship and camaraderie that would make even the Apostles proud—the jihad of rivalries not withstanding.

Coming out of the reconstruction period following the Civil War, the South had little to be proud of. When Alabama burst onto the national scene as a power in 1925, the sport became a point of pride for southerners—something that continues to this day. In fact, 13 of the last 20 years have seen a team east of Texas and south of Kentucky win at least a share of the national Championship. Suffice it to say that while others play football, the South lives it. To continue the comparison to religion, the South is often referred to as the “Bible Belt,” and the Southern Baptist denomination is the largest in the land. If there was a “Football Belt,” it would reside in SEC country. Media markets around the country resemble dying churches and seldom visited Sunday Schools outside of football season, but the Deep South is College Football's mega-church, and like it or not, the evangelist with the largest pulpit and congregation is Paul Finebaum.

Love him or hate him (and it is likely that one applies), Finebaum is the South's most listened to sports-talk radio program, and his syndicated column is read by fans all over the world. Since his arrival on the scene in the waning days of Bryant era, Finebaum has made an indelible mark on the most intense and involved sports market in the nation.

Finebaum is a masterful writer, and if influencing the court of public opinion is any indication, an expert on the human mind vis-á -vis L. Ron Hubbard. Countless thousands pay attention to what Finebaum says. Sports Illustrated named his radio program one of the top 12 sports-talk shows in the country, and Finebaum is a permanent fixture among top 10 listings of the most influential people in the Southeastern Conference. While the intro to his radio show proclaiming that he gets football coaches fired may not be a bragging point, it is not entirely untrue.

Finebaum is opinionated and will state his opinion without a sugar coating, a practice that has garnered the hatred of some and the respect of others. Some have called him the pied piper of sports talk—he plays his flute (stirs the pot) and whatever fan base he is after will respond in droves—driving up his ratings even more. Regardless of how you feel about him, an undeniable truth (T-R-U-T-H) is that Finebaum's opinions are both informed and uncannily accurate—a side effect of having spent 30 years building relationships and connections in the Southeast.

Last week, Finebaum wrote a column (as in a statement of opinion) stating that he believed Florida Coach Urban Meyer would leave the University for Notre Dame in 2010. While no doubt largely speculation, it is his opinion. Meyer has stated publicly (and privately) that Notre Dame is his dream job. His biography revealed that he passed on Notre Dame because the timing wasn't right. It has been commented on in the past that Meyer chose Florida over Notre Dame because there was far less rebuilding to be done, and that Florida would give him a platform to win championships and make Meyer a household name. It is hardly speculation to say that recruiting nationally (as a Notre Dame coach must) would be much easier as a proven winner on a national state—instead of someone who just flew in from Utah. Meyer knew that a good coach could win big right away at Florida, and he is a good coach.

Not surprisingly, Finebaum's column ruffled feathers and rattled cages in the Sunshine State. Meyer's media men went running to their keyboards to defend and deflect Finebaum's speculation. Daily fishwrapper “journalists” aspiring to gain the confidence of Meyer flew into action; venom flowed from their Underwoods.

I am sure that Finebaum was smiling as their attention expanded his market and Internet listening base, and brought in dozens of new callers to his radio show. The Florida writers heard the flute and followed...but it doesn't change Finebaum's accuracy or reliability.

The most recent “journalist” to bite on Finebaum's bait is CBS Sportsline columnist Gregg Doyel. To clarify with another church comparison, Doyel is the Sunday School Teacher whose only students are his own children. His church is large but nobody attends outside of Football season. Even then, nobody really listens to him. In his July 19th article “Idiots Making Meyer News Where None Exists,” Doyel launched one of the most venomous print attacks in recent memory, calling Finebaum: an idiot, dishonest, hack, empty-skulled, third rate, and a cockroach. Gee Gregg, tell us how you really feel. Adding to the humour of his rant, Doyel readily admits to being a Florida grad who touts the intellectually stimulating sport of MMA as being the best sport on earth. Doyel's open admission of his history as a Florida homer wreaks of self-indulgence, and in no way invalidates the truth of the issue. Lampooning the truth doesn't change it.

What Doyel fails to realize is that he is a mosquito insulting a windshield. His characterizations of Finebaum fly in the face of reality. Doyel's attempts at downplaying Finebaum is akin to ignoring the 800-pound gorilla in the room, and while Finebaum is a pot-stirrer, he is no fool.

Whether or not Doyel believes his own diatribe is questionable, given his background and connections I would speculate his article was the result of a late night phone call from Gainesville. I can imagine a call along these lines...“Gregg, this is Urban Meyer, I need to you go after Finebaum for me.”

Doyel complied. After all, he doesn't want to end up like Shane Mathews—excommunicated by Pope Urban.

Taken in light of his background, his rant has the reverse effect of what he desired. I am more convinced than ever that Meyer is on his way out. The voracity of Doyel's attack on Finebaum was not fueled by a desire to defend honesty and integrity in the media—after all Doyel works with Dennis Dodd. If Doyel truly desired to be a media exterminator, he would lead Dodd to a roach motel. The problem is, neither of them would check out.

Ultimately, Doyel came across as a love smitten buffoon having his strings pulled like a marionette. The whole world knows that his girlfriend is cheating on him, yet he attacked the only person with the guts to tell him.

Or maybe Doyel just heard the piper.

The State of the Spurrier Address

CrimsonTusks.com — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:25:27 -0400

The use of the word "excitement" and finding the phrase "a high pitched fervor" in the same sentence isn't at all uncommon for observers of the South Carolina Gamecock fan base.

It's an annual tradition, a feat quite frankly unmatched, for those fans to have unbridled optimism.

Optimism, preceded by "cautious," isn't commonplace.

It's had its rightful place at times.

The days before their first victory against the Florida Gators back in November 2005 were a fitting occasion.

The mere thought they had a chance to compete for the SEC Eastern Division hasn't been an ideal time for anything other than a pessimistic view—including the 2002 season that followed one of their best seasons (9-4) in recent history.

A six-point loss to Georgia in 2002 kindled passions and comments that "they weren't that far away."

Three consecutive wins versus other SEC teams made fans dream of Atlanta. Ending the season with five consecutive losses quickly led to the ol' stand-by—"there's always next year."

Lou Holtz was hired for the 1999 season the Gamecock faithful believed they had that missing piece—a coach that knew how to win, knew how to motivate, and had been one of the select few that coached a team to a national championship.

Renewed optimism, quickly followed by abject failure as the 'Cocks were winless (0-11) in Holtz' first season.

Lou Holtz was able to bring a measure of success to Columbia. In his third season as head coach he led the Gamecocks to a 9-3 record, including an Outback Bowl victory over Ohio State. That season has its place in the South Carolina record books as the second most successful season in their history.

Yet, despite what seemed to be a foundation for success being built, it was soon followed by a program described as "out of control." It was a program that was in disarray.

There was no better evidence to be found than the concluding seconds of their annual game with Clemson that ended in an on-the-field brawl.

Reality set in.

This wasn't the state the fans, nor the administration of South Carolina, wanted for their football program. That fall afternoon, with the fight against Clemson, marked the end to the second stint Holtz had in Columbia.

The optimism was renewed again when the "Ol' Ball Coach" was hired. After all here was a coach that knew how to win, knew how to motivate, and had been one of the select few that had coached a team to a national championship.

Now, heading into Spurrier's fifth season, it's time to ask...

Is the program in better shape now that it was before he arrived? Just how solid of a program has Spurrier built at South Carolina?

The 2005 season seemed to indicate Spurrier had leveled the playing field in the SEC East to a degree. The Gamecocks enjoyed five SEC victories in a row, won their first game ever against Tennessee in Knoxville and were able to defeat Florida for the first time in the school's history.

But, if we fast-forward from 2005 to 2007 we saw a team that started 6-1, giving foundation for that ever-present optimism, only to finish with five straight losses. Even with a 6-6 record, the bowl committees shunned the Gamecocks, seeing a program that had taken a nose-dive.

Stuck right in the middle is a 3-5 SEC record for 2006—although it did represent one of the better years under Spurrier statistically.

Here we are today—a few months removed from another mediocre season under Spurrier.

The Gamecocks of 2008 did feature one of the top pass defenses in the nation that went right along with one of the worst offenses in the nation.

Lou Holtz had his highs, marked by the 2001 campaign ending with the bowl victory, and the lows.

Overall, a degree of success defined as average...mediocre.

Spurrier's teams have enjoyed their highs (2005) and their lows as well.

Overall, a degree of success defined as average...mediocre.

So, how do you define the program? Considering this marks the fifth season under Spurrier, is it safe to do so based on the wins and losses for this upcoming season?

If we look into the future we'll see history repeating itself: a season that could be very well defined by mediocrity.

Historically, when a team loses 50 percentage (or greater) of it's starters from the previous year, loses the same amount of lettermen and also returns an inexperienced quarterback they've only improved their record (versus the previous year) less than 10 percent of the time.

In other words, South Carolina's, Spurrier-led Gamecocks have a one in 10 chance of improving on last years 7-6 record.

Can Spurrier pull a rabbit out of his hat—er, visor?

It's entirely possible, I'm just not sure it's probable. Intangibles make me think he's got their program flying in the right direction. Sadly, the question remains how often those translate to wins.

SEC Preseason Capsules: An In-Depth Look at the Tennessee Volunteers

CrimsonTusks.com — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:37:34 -0400

If there was ever an opportunity to erase past, or in this case only momentarily forget it, the Tennessee fan base would jump at the opportunity to forget the 2008 season. After capping off the 2007 season with an Outback Bowl victory over Wisconsin, hopes were high in Knoxville for the Vols to compete for the SEC Eastern Division. After all, they had won the East in 2007 and had some playmakers returning for the '08 campaign. But, then came the overtime loss to UCLA followed by losing five of their first six conferences games. Does the Volunteer program return as a contender in 2009? Or, is it just another repeat of 2008 with different names and faces on the sidelines? Here's a look at the UT football program heading into the fall football season.

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A College Football Tradition Comes to an End as The "Three Daves" Are Let Go

CrimsonTusks.com — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:56:51 -0400

Dotting the “i” in The Horseshoe.

Running through the “T” in Knoxville.

The Auburn Walk down on “The Plains.”

The entire crowd at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown singing John Denver’s “Country Roads.”

FSU’s Seminole pregame with Chief Osceola and Renegade.

“We may not win every game, but we ain’t never lost a party!” Is the long standing mantra overheard on The Grove in Oxford.

All of these long standing traditions—all a part of the fabric that makes Saturday’s and college football an integral part of our lives in the fall.

This fall, due to the new television contracts negotiated by the SEC, one tradition of our autumn Saturdays falls by the wayside. No longer will SEC football fans see football through the eyes of “The Three Daves”—Dave Neal, Dave Archer, and Dave Baker.

Often criticized, and in some cases rightfully so, they’ve become a part of SEC football as much as some of the other traditions. Their weekly reports from different venues around the SEC are just as much a part of our lives as famed ESPN’s GameDay has become a must see for most college football fans.

Was the criticism justified? Or, was this just a case of “homerism” at its finest?

Memphis radio host and columnist Clay Travis pulled no punches with his assessment of their talents last fall commenting,

"How bad are the three Daves? Picture the A-10 basketball television network games, then cut the quality in half. Come on, someone else out there is also an A-10 basketball fan, right? (Crickets.) Okay, they’re so bad Emmitt Smith chuckles at the ineptitude while he watches."

What prompted Travis’ critique was a suggestion by Mr. College Football himself, Tony Barnhart, when he opined that ESPN should consider keeping the trio.

"This is just one man’s opinion, but if ESPN is smart, they’ll keep the same broadcast team of Dave Neal, Dave Archer, and Dave Baker to do the early SEC games. In fact, the SEC should insist on it. Continuity is important, especially in the over the air package of games, which has played an important role in the growth of the conference on TV. It’s just something to think about."

With the announcements this week of ESPN’s GameDay crew, it appears the folks in Bristol may have listened to Barnhart; in part at least.

Lost are the voices of Dave Archer and Dave Baker.

However, despite his unfettered and loudly voiced love affair with all things SEC, ESPN has decided to retain the services of Dave Neal. (He’ll be joined by Andre Ware in the booth and Cara Capuano on the sidelines.)

I have to side with Tony on this one, although I can’t completely disagree with the thoughts of Clay Travis.

As one Alabama fan said when the ESPN broadcast teams where announced, “I’m glad we’re keeping one of the Daves. Jefferson Pilot truly feels like the 1970′s furniture in your attic…for whatever reason you just can’t part with it.”

One simply can’t deny the passion that Dave Neal demonstrated week in and week out despite being saddled with covering a game far from considered a “must see.”

“Nashville is the place to be this weekend. There won’t be another game of this magnitude on the slate today as we come to you from Vanderbilt where the Commodores host…”

The last thing I want to do is sit back and criticize a man for his delivery—even if it does rival William Shatner for overly dramatic.

But, one thing I can’t bring myself to consider is his love for the conference is unique or unjustified. After all, it’s a passion for a tradition we are all guilty of loving a little too much.

SEC Pre-Season Capsules: An In-Depth Look at the Vanderbilt Commodores

CrimsonTusks.com — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:36:54 -0400

If you stand right now and claim you expected the season the Vanderbilt Commodores had in 2008 there is one thing I can assure you of — you're in the minority. However, if you are like me, the fall progressed a little in this fashion. Seeing Vandy pull out the 24-17 win over then #24 ranked South Carolina brought the comment, "That's nice. Good to see them get an SEC win under their belts." For the Commodores to travel to Oxford, manage another win in similar fashion against Mississippi (23-17) to win their second consecutive SEC victory probably raised your eyebrows a bit. Sure, it was a new staff at Ole Miss. But, a road win for the 'Dores? Then, the weekend that may have defined the Auburn Tigers season. ESPN's Gameday crew visits Nashville for the first time. The Commodores pull a stunning come from behind victory to knock of the 13th ranked Tigers 14-13. "Are you kidding me? Did I just witness what I thought I did?" But, alas, the Vanderbilt team we are all accustomed to finally arrived on the scene. Despite starting the 2008 season 5-0, the 'Dores finished their campaign losing six of their last seven contests. Ah, but they did make it to their first bowl game in decades beating another ranked opponent, Boston College, 16-14 in what was essentially a "trip around the block" for the Music City Bowl. What does 2009 bring? Do we see the Vanderbilt that started the season winning their first five ball games? Or, do we see a team that mirrors the latter half of the fall of 2008? In the first of our 12 part series on the SEC in 2009, here's an in-depth look at the Vanderbilt Commodores.

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Alabama Fans Have No Reason to Fear the Ole Miss Game in 2009

CrimsonTusks.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:54:08 -0400

I've sat and read the preseason polls over the last few months and have certainly been intrigued by the "love" the Ole Miss Rebel football team has been receiving.

Please, don't get me wrong.

I do understand where it's coming from—and I don't mean from whom.

If we took that aspect, from whom, in consideration for just a moment we could come up with a number of points that would rival a MBA student's dissertation in length. So, that's an aspect I want to set aside for the time being.

What I find intriguing about these rankings is where they are ranked, specifically which teams they find themselves ranked above.

The reasons are evident.

There is the indisputable fact that Ole Miss was the only team that beat the eventual national champions last year. Add to that, it makes the second year in a row a Houston Nutt coached team has beaten the eventual BCS champion.

A solid foundation exists for those thoughts based solely on Jevan Snead returning.

Experience at the QB position is a huge plus in a college football season. We need to look no further than LSU, or Auburn, or Tennessee, or...you get my point.

Then, we have the schedule the Rebels face in 2009. With two games at home against the two teams considered "the ones to beat in the SEC West," it would seem to give even more credence to their rankings.

But, I still don't buy it.

Specifically, I don't buy that Alabama has a reason to fear the Rebels, and there's no reason as well for fans to look at the matchup on October 10 with any trepidation.

Why?

A few reasons...

Ole Miss and Home Field Advantage

I'll admit, I don't look at LSU's stadium and automatically think "home field advantage."

But, there's reason behind that considering how often Alabama and LSU win on the road versus each other.

That said, Vaught-Hemingway is not even in the same league as Tiger Stadium when it comes to a crowd having an impact on an opposing teams offense. Of course, having a difference in attendance of close to 30,000 people tend to impact the noise a crowd can make.

The capacity isn't the reason I look at Alabama playing at Vaught-Hemingway and see nothing to dread.

History indicates it means very little when it comes to the success of the Rebels.

If you take a moment and look at the record Ole Miss has posted at home this decade versus SEC opponents, you see a record that doesn't eclipse the .500 mark (19-21.)

Does the experience last year change that? They were .500 at home last year so how would it?

But Ole Miss Has Houston Nutt Now

I have respect for Houston Nutt. I do consider him to be a good team motivator.

But, there is a reason Arkansas fans don't care for HDN, and it has nothing to do with the fact he's now coaching at a fellow SECW school.

It all comes down to expectations and the lack of fulfillment of those expectations.

Each time his former Razorback teams were thought of to be "a team to beat" they did fulfill that expectation—they were a team beaten.

If history is an indicator on his coaching ability, he'll lose games he's supposed to win. In this case, enough to prove the lofty preseason ranking is undeserved.

Using Last Year as an Indicator of This Years Results

That's where the love is coming from for reasons we briefly discussed earlier.

Alabama fans, here is where it doesn't get any prettier for the Rebel faithful.

Sure, the final score of last years game in Tuscaloosa was close; a 24-20 Alabama victory.

Any fan of the SEC will readily admit, if they chose to look at last year realistically, that Bama started off strong in the first half and then hit a lull in the second half of some of their games last year.

It was a trend that continued until mid-October when they faced Tennessee.

In fact, it was almost the biggest dichotomy found in collegiate sports last year—a true Jekyll and Hyde. A great example of how this game has two halves.

Alabama jumped out to a 24-3 lead by the half, and allowed Ole Miss back in the ball game. The last scoring drive to put Ole Miss back in the ball game was one handed to the Rebels on a silver platter due to an interception thrown deep in Bama territory.

But, those are the breaks of the game.

This season, I don't see Ole Miss any more than a one dimensional team when they face the Tide in Oxford.

Last year, they had success (to the tune of 158 net yards rushing) against the Alabama defense. Yet, in that statistic there is a huge caveat; 118 of those rushing yards came over the left tackle.

Twenty-five of those rushing yards came from draw plays, specifically from Jevan Snead in the form of QB draws. (OH, by the way, those draw plays also came after Terrance Cody left the game with his knee injury.)

This also comes back to "who." In this case, who isn't on the offensive line at Ole Miss.

The success Ole Miss enjoyed in that game running the ball came behind left tackle Michael Oher and left guard Darryl Harris—neither of the two will be on the field for the Rebels this fall.

Should I go into detail on the returning players on defense for the Tide this fall? I won't, but I'm sure you understand the rhetorical question.

Jevan Snead

If Alabama can, and you can see why I suspect they will, make Ole Miss a one dimensional offensive team this game rides on the shoulders of Jevan Snead.

Tim Brando, CBS's football analyst and commentator, when discussing last years Bama vs Ole Miss game said,

Ole Miss would have been better last year if they had a running game. Snead would have been better, as in more consistent, if he had a running game to take the pressure off of him.

"Tim, the Ole Miss rushing attack won't be as good against Alabama this fall as it was last fall."

John Jerry, the Rebel right tackle, does return. His compadre, right guard Maurice Miller, isn't even listed on their depth chart.

And, as we just discussed, we see the damage success results the Ole Miss running attack had behind the right side of their line.

Let's not forget the vaunted "Wild Rebel formation." The same formation that had zero success against the Bama rush defense last season.

Snead completed just over 50 percent of his passes against Alabama last year with two interceptions. While that was a few percentage points lower than his season average, the losses along his offensive line don't bode well for a better showing in 2009.

To Me, All This Means

I don't have a problem admitting I was high on Ole Miss last year.

I saw a team that could beat Auburn.

I saw a team that could challenge LSU.

I suspected it was a team that would give Bama a run for their money as well.

This year, that doesn't change a lot.

The Rebels can challenge LSU. Just as LSU's secondary is going to challenge Snead.

The Rebels could challenge Alabama for the SECW title. But, without the ability to run the ball with any degree of success I see a Nutt coached team failing to live up to fans' and media members' expectations.

Did Bad Coaching, Bad Recruiting, or Both Lead to Miami Hurricanes Downfall?

CrimsonTusks.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:20:20 -0400

The demise of Larry Coker.

It's pretty clear to even the most casual of college football fans what ultimately led to his dismissal in late November of 2006.

In 2001 and 2002, the Coker-led Hurricanes' program were at the pinnacle of the college football world. In back to back seasons they were playing for the "big one," the BCS national title game.

Over that two year period the Hurricanes won the National title in '01 followed by a loss to Ohio State the following year ear-marked by a few questionable calls.

Coker, and the Hurricane program, enjoyed a 24-1 record over the same period of time.

But, slowly and surely, the program started to decline.

2003 saw Miami finish at 11-2.

2004-'05 were 9-3 seasons until the final nail was driven in his coffin in 2006 when Coker's team finished .500 in league play and he was fired.

"Even a mediocre coach can win with superb talent" is a cliche' we hear often.

Is that a fair description of Larry Coker?

Or, perhaps, is this another situation where the mistakes weren't made on the field of play? A situation where they weren't made during the season in practices but rather in the football offices of the Miami program?

There's sufficient reason to think it's the latter. Matt Shodell, who reports on Miami and their recruiting efforts, made this comment in an interview with the Orlando Sentinal,

"I used to go in the coaches' offices, and sometimes they would literally have Rivals.com up on their screen. I won't name the coaches, but they would be writing names down on pieces of paper. I don't know how much film they were looking at."

Matt's opinion on how the Miami staff coordinated their recruiting targets was verified by Clint Hurtt, Miami recruiting coordinator.

"That's accurate. We spent way too much time recruiting off [Internet] lists and finding these top guys instead of truly evaluating. You can't just go off hearsay or just because Florida, Florida State or Alabama is recruiting him. That doesn't mean a thing."

The Miami staff had decided to take a short-cut, per se, and spent their time at home while other staff's where busy traveling from school to school evaluating talent.

I'm sure you all remember the story of Willie Williams and the soap-opera that surrounded his recruitment.

You may ask, "where is Williams now?"

He transferred after what can only be described as lack-luster results on the field.

In a more shocking statistic, Miami had one, ONE, player drafted this year by the NFL. If there is a more glowing example of the decline of talent on the Miami campus over the last few years, I'm hard pressed to find it.

Things have changed in Miami. Now the staff is not only evaluating highlight tapes but are making personal evaluations as well.

This bodes well for the future of the Miami program with two questions left to be answered.

One, do they have the right coach in place assuming they evaluate the talent on campus?

And two, is it any wonder why coaches like Pete Carroll and Nick Saban are still voicing their displeasure about being restricted from evaluating high school players in the spring?

I suspect Randy Shannon is on their band-wagon as well.

Who Should Be Held Responsible for Alabama's NCAA Sanctions?

CrimsonTusks.com — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:52:21 -0400

By Terry Pellman

There are two things to be said about Southeastern Conference sports fans.

One, they represent a segment of college sports fans whose passion for their respective teams is arguably unmatched around the nation.

Two, depending on the situation, it can also be argued they lose perspective more quickly, and to a greater degree, than any other fan base on collegiate sports.

As a member of the SEC, Alabama and her fan base couldn't be in a better conference. It's a fan base who passion is unrivaled. It's also a fan base who has a segment that loses perspective very quickly and to a great degree at time.

This latest story surrounding the "textbook saga" is a prime example of the latter—a glowing example of some who have allowed their perspectives to be molded by the thoughts of others.

Then there are the others who have quickly painted people in a corner and proclaim them to the be one(s) who should be accountable. The problem with their painting is the use of a broad brush stroke which does nothing but cover the finer details underneath, the nuances that make up the entire picture.

The person painted in the corner? Athletic Director Mal Moore.

It's a sobering fact that the University has spent the majority of Moore's tenure as Athletic Director under the watchful eye of the NCAA due to probationary sanctions. It's also a fact that the face the NCAA's Committee on Infractions (COI) has seen most often this decade is the face of one Mal Moore.

However, holding him responsible for the reason the University was before the COI is the classic case of painting with a broad brush stroke.

His first appearance was due to the Albert Means fiasco—one we all remember all too well.

Along with the football staff in place when he took over the reigns of the athletic department in the fall of 1999 this was a case, a problem, he inherited.

Earlier it was mentioned how some fans have had their thoughts molded by the opinions of others. As recently as last night, Friday the 12th, well known radio personality Paul Finebaum was pointing to the number of times Moore has been in front of the COI.

Completely ignored in Finebaum's diatribe was the fact that these violations had occurred with people hired before he (Moore) took over the Alabama athletic department—a situation and staff that he inherited when he took over the position.

Alabama's probationary window was extended with another NCAA ruling where Moore was once again the figure head familiar to the COI. This time due to a basketball coach who had mentioned to two boosters in the Houston area that a high school basketball player was "for sell."

The COI complimented the Alabama compliance staff for the job they had done as they passed down the extension of the probationary window. Yet, this appearance is once again put in the same light as the Means fiasco.

Moore was there.

Again what's left out in this situation is Tyrone Beamon, the Alabama basketball coach who was involved with the Houston basketball recruit, was discovered trying to break the rules in 1998, before Moore took over the department.

A problem inherited, but dealt with by the person in charge at the time.

Now, with this latest response by the NCAA, people are once again trying place Moore as the scapegoat. One person made a comment that sums up quite well what some fans are thinking,

If we so much as receive a letter of admonishment, then Mal Moore better be summarily and PUBLICLY fired by Dr. Witt.

Perspective?

Sure.

Painting this picture with a very broad brush and thereby covering the finer details of responsibility?

Most definitely.

There wasn't just a mere breakdown in the system with these student athletes abusing the textbook distribution system. It was a resounding failure to do ones job that allowed this to take place.

Pure and simple incompetence?

Possibly.

Derelict of duties?

Most definitely.

Let's follow the chain just a minute...

Every month the reports from the bookstore were submitted to the athletic department. An administrative assistant separates these reports and then sent them to an assistant athletic director who in turn, after supposedly reviewing these monthly reports for compliance, passed on his findings to to an associate athletic director.

To put this picture in the finest resolution possible, these reports were submitted to one Jon Dever, assistant athletic director, who was supposed to maintain a constant watch over the monies being spent and if they remained with the guidelines of compliance.

It was his responsibility to oversee the textbook distribution operation.

The report submitted to the NCAA's COI said that he had failed to check the individual charges by the student athletes. He did not compare the month to month charges submitted to the athletic department and did not check the charges for compliance purposes.

There are no if's, and's or but's about that last paragraph.

It was the University of Alabama stating that the head of Student Services, an associate athletic director to boot, wasn't doing his job.

Does it make matters worse that these reports Dever compiled, of work he didn't do, were submitted to assistant athletic director Kevin Almond who in turn signed off on them and sent these reports on their merry way?

It certainly isn't a prettier picture despite it being a process as easy as "Painting by Numbers" available at your local Walmart.

Is it a fair perspective to expect the Athletic Director of the University of Alabama to not only do his job, but to also do the job of Almond and when he's finished with that do Dever's job as well?

If the ol' cliche "the buck stops here" is an accurate cliche for this situation why is it Moore is the one being centered on and not UA President Robert Witt?

While a lot of football fans around the country are looking at the sanctions handed down by the NCAA as a slap on the wrist the biggest slap on the wrist came in the form of a letter of reprimand issued to Jon Dever as his "punishment."

It can easily be argued that his story, the overall picture of his career, needs to be judged on all the finer points including the improvements in academic standing we've witnessed from our student athletes.

On the other hand, it can be argued that if a person needs to be held responsible it should be the person who simply did not do his job.

The punishment metted out for that needs to be something far greater than a simple "letter of reprimand" in his employee file.

While putting this all in perspective there is a tone of irony found throughout.

Jon Dever and Kevin Almond were on staff when Moore was hired as Athletic Director in their current positions.

Two people who eventually landed Mal Moore and Dr. Witt in front of the NCAA's COI representing the University of Alabama.

Two people - inherited.

------

Alabama Should, and Likely Will, Appeal NCAA's Ruling.

CrimsonTusks.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:18:35 -0400

By Terry Pellman

Mixed reactions.

That's the easiest way to describe the feelings of football fans around the southeast about the recent penalties announced from the NCAA.

It was easy to find many Alabama fans voicing a sigh of relief that there were no scholarship losses. But, that wasn't a situation where worry was warranted.

As late as last week word from those around the UA athletic department remained on the same tune it had been since their meeting with the Committee on Infractions in February.

"At worst, we are thinking a couple of years probation (two or three) and possibly the loss of a few scholarships."

On one end the news was expected. The Alabama Athletic Department was given a three-year probation extension.

On the other end, the news was better than some expected—no loss of any scholarships for the football program. But, that doesn't mean that the staff at UA took the announcement in stride.

Anyone who thought (or thinks) that the University officials breathed a deep sigh of relief with the word of no scholarship losses needs to pause—think again.

With a plethora of adjectives at my disposal, I'm going with a little southern vernacular to describe their reactions..

They ain't too happy.

By no means are they insinuating that some of the charges weren't true. But, both were adamant in pointing out three things they felt warranted more attention than it was given.

There wasn't a single instance of any player profiting from the textbook distribution process monetarily.
The action of giving books to friends didn't give any players a competitive edge against their opponents.
Not one coach, staff member, or administrative employee was involved in the indiscretions.

UA President Dr. Witt noted:

"The penalties imposed affect the past. They do not impact our future. They in no way affect the ability of our football team to compete fully, without competitive disadvantage."

But, was also quick to point out,

“We’re disappointed with the severity of the penalties."

In the press conference both officials noted they were going to "seriously consider the appeal process." What they didn't mention were members of the University's legal team have been working on the appeal process for quite sometime now.

With a few "i's" to dot and a few "t's" to cross on the appeal itself, expect for UA to file within the next two weeks.

From what I've been told, the two areas contained in the appeal are:

Vacating wins—punishing players for something they weren't involved with and didn't know anything about. That appeal is much like the appeal Oklahoma made a few years ago when it was discovered they had football players being paid for hours not worked.
The three-year probation period—based on other cases, and in those cases members of schools involved to a great degree, other schools weren't assigned that length of a probationary penalty.

Statements from Dr. Witt and Coach Moore

University of Alabama President Dr. Robert Witt:

“This afternoon the NCAA announced penalties imposed on the University of Alabama because of violation of NCAA policies regarding the distribution of textbooks to student-athletes.

In 2007, when we learned of this problem, we immediately reported it to the SEC and to the NCAA. We rapidly and thoroughly investigated the problem in cooperation with both the SEC and NCAA and reported our findings to both organizations.

In our report we acknowledged the violations and accepted full responsibility. The University of Alabama failed to monitor its textbook distribution program. As a result, a small number of athletes purposefully took advantage of the program to obtain textbooks for their friends— textbooks that had to be returned or paid for at the end of the semester.

It’s important to note that no coach or staff member was involved in the violation. No sport gained a competitive advantage and not one athlete pocketed one dollar.

It’s also important to note that the penalties imposed affect the past. They do not impact our future. They in no way affect the ability of our football team to compete fully, without competitive disadvantage.

We are disappointed in the severity of the penalties. We regret that a large number of players and coaches are being penalized for something they were not involved in.

The University of Alabama is committed to doing things the right way—to being in full compliance with all SEC and NCAA polices—and steps have been taken to ensure that in the future we will be.”

University of Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore:

“Upon discovery of this situation in 2007, we conducted an exhaustive review and we have corrected and strengthened our textbook monitoring process. We have clearly demonstrated our commitment to doing things the right way.

Throughout this process, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with the SEC and the NCAA enforcement staff. We are disappointed in the ruling by the NCAA Committee on Infractions.

This case involves a failure in an isolated area of the program. There is neither evidence, nor allegations, of other NCAA violations.

No head coaches or assistant coaches of any sport had any knowledge or involvement. No players gained financially or otherwise.

There was absolutely no competitive advantage gained. All of the books were returned.

We will carefully consider our options regarding an appeal, as we feel that we owe that to our current and former student-athletes and to our alumni and fans. It is important that our fans and supporters understand this:

The ruling does not hinder our efforts going forward, in recruiting or in competition, but the ruling is a clear reminder that we must maintain strict compliance with all NCAA regulations.”

SEC Out-of-Conference Games in '09: Tennessee vs UCLA

CrimsonTusks.com — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:40:55 -0400

There was one thing that you could say about last year’s Volunteers/Bruins matchup on Sept. 1:

Classic

Classic, but not in the ways that we normally think of.

In fact, the game was incredibly ugly in a lot of ways.

It was ugly when the two starting quarterbacks combined to throw five interceptions.

It was ugly for the UCLA running game, managing only 29 yards on 31 attempts for the game.

Tennessee kicker Daniel Lincoln might still be having nightmares of his dismal performance that night. Lincoln missed three field goal attempts in the game. Had he made even two of his attempts, Tennessee doesn’t lose 27-24 in overtime.

And let’s not even get started on what Phillip Fulmer must have thought about the debacle.

Is it reasonable to assume that this one game played a major role in the Tennessee collapse last year that ultimately led to a coaching change in Knoxville?

Maybe the best analogy one could use to describe last year’s matchup is that of the 10-car pile up on the interstate.

You know what I’m talking about.

You’ve been there and done it.

You slow down as you drive by (or, as you flip through the usual ESPN channels in the Lazy Boy) and you take a quick glance.

At first you’re embarrassed and hope that no one sees you looking. But then you realize that everyone is slowing down to look. As nasty, brutal, and ugly as the situation is, you just have to look.

That’s what this game was. It was the proverbial 10-car pile up.

Here’s the thing though.

If you slowed down and looked long enough at the carnage, you were ultimately rewarded with an incredibly exciting second half of football (along with an overtime period).

To see UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft throw for only 66 yards, with three picks in the first half, and then come out in the second and TORCH the vaunted Volunteer defense was amazing!

It was actually one of the better quarterback performances (for a half) that I can recall seeing recently.

Craft finished the game going 25/43 for 259 yards and a score.

Conversely, Tennessee signal-caller Jonathon Crompton tanked in the second half, making crucial mistakes that kept the game close and allowed the Bruins to stay in it until the end. When it was all said and done, the Bruins kicked a 47-yard field goal in overtime to send the Vols home wondering what just hit them.

Will this season’s game provide the same level of entertainment as the 2008 version? That remains to be seen, but one thing we do know is that this one will feature an all-new cast of characters.

To start with, don’t expect to be seeing Kevin Craft under center for the Bruins.

In an ironic twist, the hero of last year’s game actually enters the this one in the same situation this season as he was in last year. As a backup. Third-stringer, to be exact.

Even though Craft went from zero to hero in the span of one half in last season’s game, the fact is, he would never have seen the field that night had it not been for a rash of injuries to the quarterbacks in front of him on the depth chart.

And aside from his magical moment against Tennessee, Craft did himself no favors whatsoever as the season wore on. Twenty interceptions, freshmen or not, is hard to live with.

Going into this season, UCLA appears to be counting on freshman quarterback Kevin Prince to lead the offense. It will be interesting to see how Prince responds to the hostile environment he will encounter in Knoxville.

Starting a freshman at quarterback in major college ball is rarely a good thing these days. Starting that freshman on the road in Neyland Stadium, against what is expected to be a very solid defense, is even worse.

The starting quarterback for the Vols will once again be Jonathon Crompton, but that’s due to a lack of options, not because Crompton actually earned the starting job.

Crompton played so poorly last season that he was actually demoted in favor of Nick Stephens halfway through the season. Stephens might have entered this season as the starter, but a spring injury has thrown a monkey wrench into that scenario, at least for the moment.

Sophomore B.J. Coleman was considered by some to be the best passer of the group, but being unhappy with his current situation, has decided to transfer and seek his fortunes elsewhere. All this has led to coach Lane Kiffin to name Crompton as the starter heading into the 2009 season.

One can almost hear the collective groan coming from Knoxville.

Regardless of who lines up under center, the going is expected to be tough. The offensive line is already down to almost the bare minimum number of players required to run a play. If injuries strike, Tennessee coaches might have to resort to moving tight ends inside. Seriously!

Now, having said all that, what you can expect to see from the Volunteers offense is a steady dose of the downhill rushing attack. This may very well be the key to the game when it’s all said and done.

While Tennessee is deficient in some areas, and will have to play through the season with a smoke machine and a few mirrors here and there, they can usually run the ball downhill with effect. Can the Bruins stop it? That’s pretty much the question.

For all that was said about last season’s “ugly” game, this is exactly what Tennessee wants to turn the contest into this season. While the Tennessee offense lacks numbers on the offensive front, and are not an especially good group at pass protection, they do one thing well.

That one thing is powe-run blocking. With an erratic quarterback and a stable of horses, get ready for Lane Kiffin and company to run it straight ahead, attempting to control the clock, and win with superior defense.

As far as the running backs go, Montario Hardesty is back for his senior campaign, after finishing the ‘08 season with almost 300 yards and six scores (two coming against UCLA). But he’s not really the guy that people are talking about or waiting to see in 2009.

If Tennessee did anything in the recruiting season, they added running backs. They signed Bryce Brown, who was arguably the top high school player in the nation last year, and David Oku, a do-it-all back who would be the jewel in any recruiting class...that didn’t sign Bryce Brown.

There’s a lot of excitement in Knoxville these days when it comes to their running backs. Expect the Tennessee staff to give UCLA a heavy dose of the ground game.

Again, when talking about the Bruins offense, we’re really not sure what to expect at this point. We know that during the Spring, coach Rick Neuheisel (I should get points for spelling that) gave the offense a grade of “incomplete.”

Is it likely to improve much going into the Tennessee game? Probably not. And if last season is any indication, Norm Chow can only do so much.

Yeah, THAT Norm Chow. The same Norm Chow that coached the Matt Leinart-led USC Trojan offense. The Norm Chow that mentored Phillip Rivers at North Carolina State, and last but not least, the Norm Chow that helped Brigham Young University win a national championship in 1984.

If you didn’t realize that Chow was now the offensive coordinator at UCLA, then don’t feel bad. It’s not like anything they did last season offensively would have led you to think that they were a prolific offense in any way.

To be honest, UCLA could have named last year’s offense “The Legion of Doom”.

Remember when you were like...19 or 20? I meant to say...remember when you were like seven or eight, and watched The Superfriends on Saturday mornings? The Superfriends always faced off against the Legion of Doom, and the Doomers had like, their own alter-ego guys? Like the Hulk had Solomon Grundy, and Super Man had Bizarro?

That was last year’s UCLA offense. It was like...Bizarro-Chow. It was kind of Chow, but not really. It was just like a Norm Chow-coached offense, but without all the scoring and points. Basically the evil, dark, side of Chow’s persona.

Yeah. It was that bad.

But it wasn’t all Norm’s fault.

As a coach myself, I can tell you that there is one truth in coaching, and all coaches know it.

If you don’t have the horses, you can’t run.

At any level of football, be it pee wee or major college, if you simply do not have the talent to make plays, then no amount of game-day coaching is going to make up for it in the end.

That’s what Chow ran into last year. There was no Robbie Bosco under center for the Bruins. No Ty Detmer or Phillip Rivers.

Going into 2009, Chow is relying on an unproven commodity once again, in Kevin Prince. Now, no one knows how Prince will fare in the game against Tennessee, but one thing is almost certain; If the Bruins can play some defense, and if Prince can get some help from his friends at the skill positions, this one has the potential to be a real dandy!

Tennessee can be beaten in this one. While UCLA comes into the contest with a lot of issues and some uncertainty, the Volunteers come in with just as much, if not more.

The freshmen quarterback versus the prodigal son.

Two solid defenses going against offenses with major question marks.

Will Bryce Brown become an emerging star in college football after this one, or will Kevin Prince become the next great Chow-coached quarterback?

I don’t know the answers, but I know one thing; I’m really looking forward to watching this match up. I suspect that what might start out as a highway pileup, could potentially end up as another early-season, out of conference, classic.

Up next: Oklahoma State faces Georgia.

The Alabama Pipeline: Town Creek's Own Kerry Goode

CrimsonTusks.com — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:39:52 -0400

Kerry Goode was the star running back on Hazlewood’s 1982 state championship team.

He was named Player of the Year for 1982 by the Decatur Daily News, and was on the 1A All State team.

Kerry was part of Ray Perkin’s very first recruiting class at Alabama. He did not attract a lot of attention at the time.

After all, a lot of very good small school players didn’t work out at the college level, where the competition was a lot tougher.

Under Perkins, Alabama was changing over from the wishbone to a pro style offense for 1983. Even with the new offense returning, seniors Linnie Patrick and Joe Carter were the favorites for the starting job at running back.

The upperclassmen held the starter’s job to begin with, but the speedy freshman caught the staff’s eye, and by midseason, he had earned the starting job.

Kerry had a very nice freshman season, playing in all 11 regular season games, logging 693 yards rushing on 103 carries (second only to Ricky Moore), and adding 43 receiving yards on seven catches.

His longest run was an 86 yard touchdown versus Tennessee.

His best rushing game was 142 yards versus Auburn. (Obviously he understood what games called for big efforts.)

This team’s regular season mark was only 7-4, but it was very close to being much better.

A terrible call in the Penn State game negated Preston Gothard’s touchdown catch and allowed the Nittany Lions to beat us.

We were unable to hold a Fourth Quarter lead against Tennessee. Bo Jackson had a great game against us, but we were still in it until a torrential downpour throughout the Fourth Quarter made offense impossible.

Still, the team went to the Sun Bowl and hammered a highly regarded SMU team led by Eric Dickerson. Only the loss to Boston College in Foxboro was beyond being a win if things had been a little different.

Perkins second team opened the season against Boston College at Legion Field in a nationally televised game.

(That was a lot more significant in 1984 than it is today.)

BC was led by its great quarterback, Doug Flutie, who was the front runner for the Heisman. The Tide was breaking in a new quarterback (Walter Lewis had graduated), but still figured to have a powerful running game led by Moore and Goode.

The Tide also was still stinging from the late season loss at BC the previous season and looking for revenge.

For a half, it looked like Bama would avenge the loss in 83. With Goode leading the way, Bama stormed to a 24-14 halftime lead. Goode had already rushed for 68 yards on 10 carries, including a 25 yard touchdown run.

He had also snagged three passes for 32 yards, with an 18 yard TD reception. To top this off, he returned the second half kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, (for the Game Four KO returns for 199 yards) extending the lead to 31-14.

At this point, the Heisman candidate on the field looked to be Goode, not Flutie.

Then fate stepped in.

On Alabama’s next possession, Goode went down with a torn ACL, ending his season.

Flutie led a BC comeback and the Tide dropped this one 38-31.

Robbed of Goode’s explosiveness, the offense struggled the rest of the year and the Tide suffered it's first losing season since 1957.

Reconstructive knee surgery was primitive in 1984 compared with what it is today, and Kerry never quite got back to his early form.

He played sparingly in 1985, logging 26 carries for 76 yards and one reception for 11 yards. He saw a bit more action in 1986, with 47 carries for 210 yards and 12 receptions for 101 yards.

His 1987 numbers were similar as he was mainly a back up for Bobby Humphrey's.

Kerry’s college career was certainly distinguished, but he never got back to his early brilliance. If he hadn’t blown out the knee as a sophomore, he could well be mentioned today along with the greatest of Alabama runners.

Of course a healthy Goode might have meant no Bobby Humphries (bad) or no Gene Jelks (good).

Kerry did get a shot at the NFL.

He played the 1988 season with Tampa Bay, largely as a third down back. He started the 1989 season with the Dolphins, but another knee injury ended his playing days.

Kerry spent ten years working with Denver and Giant coach Dan Reeves as his strength and conditioning coach before leaving football.

After football, Kerry got into the trucking business and is still involved in it today. He lived in Atlanta for a time, but now has returned to his roots back in Town Creek.

Town Creek: Alabama's Powerhouse Football Pipeline

CrimsonTusks.com — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:58:00 -0400

Town Creek is a small northern Alabama town nestled on U.S. Highway 72 (alternate) about midway between Florence and Decatur, and about a mile south of Joe Wheeler State Park

For many years it was noted for the catfish at nearby Joe Wheeler Dam and the abundant cotton crop raised in the surrounding countryside.

I got to know Town Creek as a kid in the '50s. My uncle was principal of the local high school (Hazlewood). Since he and my aunt loved children but didn’t have any of their own, I got to spend a week or two with them every summer.

It was a much slower-paced world back then, especially in small towns in the rural South. (I must admit that I don’t remember Montgomery, where I lived with my parents, to be fast-paced back then either.)

By the time I was high school, I didn’t go up there as much, and when college came along I saw my aunt and uncle mostly at family gatherings around the holidays. A massive heart attack claimed my uncle’s life in the fall of 1967. My aunt, though related to us only by marriage, stayed close to our family over the years, so I remained an occasional visitor to Town Creek.

It was just after my uncle’s death that I noticed something.

The little town was becoming known for something besides cotton and catfish. The Golden Bears of Hazlewood High School were starting to play dynamite football.

The school was tiny, a 1-A school by the standards the Alabama High School Athletic Association used to classify teams, but they regularly were taking on larger schools, holding their own with them, and winning more often than not.

They actually stepped up to class 2-A for a time, not because the school grew but because they couldn’t get schools in their class to play them. Even then they had to fill out their regular-season schedule with 3-A and 4-A foes in order to get their 10 games in.

They became regular visitors to the state playoffs, winning far more than you’d expect. At first they were just numbered among the best teams.

They won their first state championship in 1970, led by running back Aaron Goode. (Yes, he’s related to that Goode family.) They waited until 1975 to add their second, and lost in the championship game in 1978. Then they kicked it into high gear. They won it all in 1981 and 1982, and again in 1985. They went an astounding 64-4 during this period, but the best was yet to come.

They next reeled off a string of championships like you’d associate with Yankees or Celtics teams of the '50s and '60s, winning five straight championships from 1988-92. That made an astounding eight state championships in 12 years. They slipped to runner up in 1993 and were second again in 1995. They won their last state football championship in 2000. (It is noteworthy that Goode returned to his alma mater as head football coach in 2000—a position he still holds.)

They achieved all this success under three different head coaches: David Hogan, Rickey Johnson, and Goode.

Since 2000 the Golden Bears have not won a state championship, but their reputation is such that they always have a bull’s-eye on their back. They are still a feared power—so much so that the local newspaper, The Decatur Daily News, refers to them as “reloading” each season.

High school football at this level is very different from the mega programs like Hoover in the Birmingham area. Typically the team has only 30 or so players, with no junior varsity or freshman team. A ninth-grader who's talented or big for his age will of necessity see the field very early in his high school career. (As noted by Ronald Weathers and Reuben Gant in their entertaining book on Alabama high school football, Hazlewood was routing a playoff foe in a quarterfinal playoff game in the '80s and decided to bench Pierre Goode, their great senior running back, for the second half. Pierre had four carries for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Backup Antonio Langham, Goode’s cousin and a ninth-grader, played the second half and had four carries for 206 yards and four touchdowns.)

Depth seldom exists, and many of the starters play both ways.

Injuries can be much more devastating to a small program than to one at the big-school level. This makes Hazlewood’s great run all the more amazing.

Even though our readers are for the most part huge football fans, I am sure that you are starting to think, "this is really neat, but why should I be interested?".

I am glad you asked that, because in the time span of their greatest success this tiny school sent nine players to the University of Alabama.

Of these nine, two made All-American and six went on to see at least a little time in the NFL. In future articles, I will be telling you about these nine players and their high school, college and professional careers. Where possible, I'll include a “where are they now” feature on them.

First up will be Kerry Goode.

Is is Safe to Call the SEC the Quarterback Conference?

CrimsonTusks.com — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 06:10:02 -0400

By Terry Pellman

I've said, readily, that I'm not a fan of the NFL.

It's never been about the product they offer as it is with the NBA. It's always been about the by-product, for lack of a better term.

I was a huge fan of Roger Staubach as a child which translated to being a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

When Jerry Jones made his entrance on the stage and immediately "released" Tom Landry, the fascination with football on Sundays was diminished.

"Hollywood" Henderson, and the by-products that came from his athletic achievements also played a large part in the beginnings of disinterest in the professional football game itself.

Of course, when you add the publicity surround Michael Irvin (to name only one) I was pretty much done.

They haven't done much, as a league, to entice me back into the fold of a Sunday afternoon football fan. In fact, more often than not, news surrounding the league has pushed me further away.

Today, hours before the NFL draft, I'll have to admit I'm curious about what happens with a few players. And, it has nothing to do with the longing to see them play on Sunday but remembering what it was like to watch them on Saturdays.

These players we've all watched on a Saturday afternoon in the fall, seeing them have success on the first day of the draft isn't uncommon. Frankly, it's expected.

LSU having had a first round draft pick five years in a row.

Auburn, having success a few years ago when their entire starting backfield was drafted on the first day: Carnell Williams, Ronnie Brown and Jason Campbell.

Jason Campbell...a Quarterback.

His name was bantered about yesterday in trade talks, making an impact on draft day.

A quarterback, from the SEC, making an impact on draft day.

Then, just after hearing that, reports have the Detroit Lions coming to an agreement with Matthew Stafford and selecting him as their first pick, which just happens to be the No. 1 pick overall in today's first round.

The SEC has long been known for fielding solid defenses and strong running attacks. But, over the last of the 20th century and the beginning of this one is it a safe statement to say, "The SEC is a quarterback's league?"

Is it safe to say that despite all the attention on Saturday's that has been paid to other conferences, their quarterbacks and the statistics their corresponding offenses put up?

I'd say, yes. It is a safe statement.

Considering the following under the assumption that Detroit does take Stafford as the first pick of the 2009 draft.

2009 - SEC QB from Georgia taken as the first pick.
2007- SEC QB from LSU (JaMarcus Russell) taken as the first pick.
2004- SEC QB from Ole Miss (Eli Manning)...
1999- SEC QB from Kentucky (Tim Couch)...
1998- SEC QB from Tennessee (Peyton Manning)...

In the interest of perspective, there have been 12 QB's selected as the first pick in the last 20 years. Just to compare the SEC's success to other conferences:

2005- Alex Smith - Utah (Mountain West)
2003- Carson Palmer - USC (Pac 10)
2002- David Carr - Fresno State (WAC)
2001- Michael Vick - Virginia Tech (ACC)
1993- Drew Bledsoe - Washington State (Pac 10)
1990 -Jeff George - Illinois (Big 10)
1989- Troy Aikman - UCLA (Pac 10)

Let's suppose, for only a moment, Tim Tebow has the kind of year that convinces NFL scouts he can be a very good NFL quarterback this fall.

Do the cheers of J-E-T-S, Jets - Jets - Jets get replaced?

Are we soon destined to hear, SEC, SEC, SEC?

In Nick Saban's Mind, What Does It Take to Become a Starter for Alabama?

CrimsonTusks.com — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:05:23 -0400

By Terry Pellman

"We've got a real barnburner."

"The Irish should just play Notre Dame football."

"That's a nail in the coffin."

"There's no question about it."

In the world of sports we live in, clichés have become as synonymous with the game as the questions of sexual identity have become with Lindsey Lohan: There's no question about it.

At this time of the year, when teams are looking to fill positions vacated by graduation or early entry into the NFL draft, we hear another of these clichés—so often, in fact, it has become somewhat mind-numbing when seeking a definition for one word.

Leadership.

It's a question on the tip of every football fan's tongue: the main ingredient in a good majority of any beat writer's questions to the coach or player they might be interviewing at the time.

In fact, it's something that has seeped its way down to the point players tend to use the phrase to answer questions offered no matter what the question.

Recently, when asked about what was needed on the defensive side of the ball for this year's Alabama team, instead of talking about better coverage skills (more endurance) or better tackling techniques, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain responded to the question by answering:

"I know I need to be more of a leader with Rashad (Johnson) gone. Just lead by example and be a vocal leader. My play speaks for itself, I think, but I have to do a better job of keeping everyone intense and keeping everyone up."

At the risk of using yet another cliché, Alabama fans want to see the "best 11 players on the field" next season when the Tide arrives in Atlanta to face Virginia Tech in their season opener.

Who fits that bill?

For one to find the answer to that question, one has to ask what it is that constitutes a starter in coach Nick Saban's mind. What is it he's looking for out of the players that makes them the ideal man to fill that role?

Athleticism is something that I think we can all set aside.

While recruiting rankings are suspect when it comes to forecasting wins and losses in the future, they do provide an accurate view on where players stack up against others on the Alabama squad; a common trait found with all of them is they are very good athletes.

According to Coach Saban, there are three areas that come into play when the staff makes their determinations on who fills these starting positions.

"The most important thing we look for in a scrimmage is how a guy competes," Coach Saban said. "A guy who plays hard, doesn't get frustrated, is relentless, coming back and playing is important to him, they have the right plan and really get after it."

The players who aren't in starting roles right now are beginning to fall into two categories this spring. In fact, these two groupings were described in the opening statements in Saban's press conference following a practice session this week.

He mentioned how these are players separated not by leadership, but by maturity. Some of them are "relentless competitors that are fighting their way through the struggles" that are inherent with spring camp. Others, who are not going to fall in consideration for those vacant positions, are "doing just what they have to just to get through spring practice."

Team loyalties aside, which group would you want to see receive the most playing time?

It's a simple answer, only complicated by those who try to look at these competitions far too intently.

"The No. 2 things are the consistency and performance, that level that everyone has been able to achieve when they're out there on their own."

I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, consistency and performance do fit the bill of clichés. However, also in that arena, it's a definitive description of what a head coach is going to want out of his key personnel.

One of the anticipated battles of the Alabama spring camp hasn't been a battle, or even a minor skirmish at this point.

There was a lot of talk about whether redshirted freshman Star Jackson was going to push Greg McElroy for the starting quarterback position for the 2009 season. Yet McElroy has entrenched himself as the man to beat.

How did he do it?

The decisions he's made while running the offense this spring have been mature, consistent decisions. It's important that he understands his role and how it fits in the Alabama offense, but most important is how he understands exactly the goals of the Bama offense: how all of these have a direct bearing on how the unit performs as a whole.

That understanding of the offense has allowed him to tutor other players in areas where they are improving in their performance.

Dare I say it?

His consistency and performance have allowed him to emerge as the leader of the offense—the starting quarterback.

Saban's third criteria, which is most likely a given in any football fan's mind (perhaps the most obvious as well), is also the most crucial.

"And then obviously to evaluate players. There are some guys who practice well, and they get into a game and they can't take it to the field. There are other guys it's always a struggle in practice, but they always play a little better in a game."

"That's why they pay him the big bucks."

The latter of those two I've only witnessed once: Shaun Alexander.

In his days at the Capstone, he wasn't a player that was close to being known for his conditioning work. But when it came to Saturday, his performances spoke for themselves. He was a true "diamond in the rough."

The former isn't something a coach wants to see, but surely something they want to recognize before Saturdays in the fall.

"We have to make sure anyone who can help us is on the field."

Common sense?

Cliché?

Understatement?

While the basics of what it takes to be a starter for Alabama this fall are elementary, I won't begin to even think about even the topic for a dissertation that might describe those nuances Saban holds close to his vest.

All I can say is:

He has a great feel for the game.

-----------------------------

News, notes, and video following Alabama's last practice, second scrimmage of the spring.

Alabama Spring Camp: Reviewing the First 10 Practices of 2009 (Offense)

CrimsonTusks.com — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:21:18 -0400

By Terry Pellman

After following several decades of Alabama spring camp, I've been shocked very few times.

This spring very well may make the one of the largest shocks I've experienced considering the pre-conceptions I had going in to the first practice close to three weeks ago. Some of the news has been expected. Some of it, well, dull, if it is even possible that football news could be described in such a manner.

I fully expected the battle for the starting role at quarterback to be one we really didn't have a clear cut answer for until we found ourselves emerged in fall practice. But, evidenced by Coach Saban's remarks during his press conference last week, this anticipated battle may not even qualify as a skirmish.

Greg McElroy made the comment "he feels good about where he is right now." That's understandable considering Coach Saban has described him as "being ahead of everyone right now."

McElroy's self-evaluation of the offense this spring is one that is "moving the ball effectively, assignment proof, and understands what they are doing out there."

Greg's confidence at this point can only be taken as a good sign due to the continued shuffles he's seen along the offensive line this spring.

Moves along the offensive line haven't been as shocking, but have been surprising nonetheless.

John Michael Boswell, by all indications, has put up his name (at least in pencil) to take the vacated right guard position. After spending last year as a backup tackle, he was one name tossed around as a possible starting tackle this upcoming season.

On the flip side of the coin, Alfred McCullough practiced the majority of the time last year at guard, but he has seen some quality time at the left tackle position as well. While signs point to newcomer James Carpenter to fill that left tackle position this fall, fans can begin to dismiss the drastic drop in production they witnessed last season when then starter, Andre Smith, wasn't in the lineup.

When McCullough was asked about his move to the left tackle position he commented,

"When [coach] first told me I was [surprised], but once I got out there, it was just like any other position. ... I think right guard is harder than left tackle, but you have more responsibility as a left tackle because you've got the blind side of the quarterback in pass protection."

What comes as absolutely no shock is the apparent plans the Tide has for using the tight end position in 2009.

The 2008 season saw the play of Travis McCall and Nick Walker serve as one of the cornerstones of the offense. 2009, while the names will be different, looks to continue featuring that foundation.

Much has been expected from Colin Peek.

In the second half of the 2008 season fans got a glimpse of what Brad Smelley brought to the position even though it wasn't in the tradition tight end position, but in more of a "H-back role."

The combination of these two players looks to make up a good percentage of the offensive production in 2009. Both players have the speed to get in the secondary, the discipline to run the correct routes making McElroy's job that much easier, and the experience to be a pivotal position for the Alabama offense.

"We all want to take the tight end position from what it was last year to make it a more vital, more pivotal position on this team, and also a more elusive position where we can all do everything," Peek said. "We can be out there in four-wide and it's two tight ends at the same time. Or we can be in a two tight end set and just pound the ball the whole game."

When it comes to that true blocking tight end role, Saban has been quick to praise the improvement in Michael Williams and the performance of the group as a whole.

"I think they've done a nice job as a group, and I think they have got a ton of reps because we play so many two tight ends," Saban said. "I think Michael Williams has probably made the most improvement. We moved him over there during bowl practice, and he is a big body guy that is a pretty good blocker.

"So that whole group has made nice progress and I am pretty pleased with the way they have developed."

Colin Peek discusses the tight ends, receivers, and offense as a whole:

Alabama's New Basketball Coach: Who is Anthony Grant?

CrimsonTusks.com — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:47:10 -0400

By Terry Pellman

Sunday night, at 6PM CST, University of Alabama's Athletic Director is scheduled to formally announce the new basketball coach for the Crimson Tide, Anthony Grant.

The last few days have been an interesting ride, albeit a quick one.

A question may have been answered when it comes to those that follow the athletic programs. We either have a fan base that has become lackadaisical over the last few years expressing their feelings and support of Alabama basketball.

Or, and I'll admit I'm tempted to lean this direction, we have a fan base that is prone to find things to complain about and do so under the guise of "being a fan of a particular sport."

The lack of those expressing their opinions about the search wasn't to be found this past week. The lack of fans that looked at the situation with our coaching search logically was found—and found in abundance.

For now, I'll choose to quietly dismiss the inane grumblings all the time knowing they'll resurface eventually.

For now, as we await Sunday evenings press conference it seems like an opportune time to look past the hiring process and look at the man who was hired.

Who is Anthony Grant?

Looking around the SEC at the reactions of rival fans has been an interesting past time the last 12 hours.

Commonly seen is, "Well, I'm glad they didn't get Mike Anderson." I find that reaction entertaining at its best.

On the flip side of that coin, if Alabama were to have pursued and landed Anderson, I'm sure I would have read two things.

One, the phrase, "I'm glad they didn't get Anthony Grant." And two, perhaps most importantly because it would have a bearing on how this search was conducted, would be the statement, "Good luck to the Tide in graduating players."

It's a new hire that isn't as publicly spoken of as Nick Saban's hire in January of 2007, but it is a hire that rivals around the SEC can't ignore despite their expressions that it hasn't created an interest on their part.

After all, this is the same coach that was considered the replacement to Billy Donovan when he flirted with the NBA's Orlando Magic two years ago. That, after all and according to their opinions then, was a solid replacement.

Hey, let's not forget this is the same coach that both LSU and South Carolina pursued one year ago only to be told no in the end. This was also the same coach said to the the "apparent leader for the Georgia job" as well.

Perhaps, one of the many coincidences this hire has with Nick Saban's, is it's another coach that the state media told Alabama fans, "you'll never hire him."

But, since I've used Nick Saban's hire a few times as small examples already, I thought it would be prudent to follow that train of thought and see where it takes us.

Often criticized by those on the outside, sometimes by those from our own inner circle, Saban's personality is "all about football." It's a very business-like approach, serious, with little room for frivolity.

Grant seems to be of the same mold. About the only jokes that come from the practice courts are those told after players have moved on to their post-collegiate careers.

“Guys used to joke that they didn’t want to be at Coach Grant’s end of the court for individual workouts,” said San Antonio Spurs forward Matt Bonner, who played at Florida from 1999 to 2003.

In fact, the serious approach Grant takes in life isn't just limited to his professional life - it hasn't just seeped over to his personal life, it's a staple there. So prevalent, it was something his wife Christina mentions as a trait that attracted her to him early on.

“The no-nonsense personality he shows when he coaches carries through when he’s at home with our kids,” Grant’s wife of 11 years, Christina, said with a chuckle, acknowledging that Anthony’s serious demeanor attracted her to him.

Coach Saban often talks about things that are "beyond their control" when it comes to off-the field distractions. He's one whose focus is on the task at hand—never wanting to be the story or even part of the story.

That attitude is one of the things that attracted Virginia Commonwealth to Anthony Grant—his seemingly single minded approach.

While he has the right to be proud of his time at Florida and being part of their national championship run, you don't see him sporting the ring awarded to him for his contributions to that team.

Rather, he's a coach that you'll see standing quietly in what could be described as a pensive mood—never wanting to be a part of something that distracts him or his team from the task at hand.In fact, his commands and instructions are often concise: very short and very much on point.

Florida coach Billy Donovan's remarks mirrored what many have observed.

“I think because Anthony doesn’t get into the politics of coaching, because he’s not a self-promoter, a lot of schools didn’t do their homework on him a little bit earlier,” Donovan said in a telephone interview. “I think a lot of people missed out when they could have had him when he was very, very young.

Brett Nelson, who was a guard on Florida's 2000 Final Four team and then served as Grant's Director of Basketball Operations at VCU described Grant's first few days with the VCU program,

“A lot of times guys are hesitant to listen when they have a new coach, but he’s had their focus and commanded their respect since Day One."

That didn't happen from day one with Saban, but it did eventually.

Alabama fans can hope, with reason to do so, that the basketball team will do as the football team and learn just who their head coach truly is.

Alabama Spring Practice: An "A-Day," of Sorts...

CrimsonTusks.com — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 07:36:35 -0400

By Terry Pellman

A year ago this spring, after witnessing the impact that the spring camp coaching clinic had on the visiting coaches, I began to get a glimpse of the impact and importance this short two-day weekend has on high school coaches and how it's viewed by Coach Nick Saban.

Last year, I was impressed, and Saban summed it up well with his thoughts looking forward to that weekend.

The annual coaching clinic is one of our favorite events of the year," said Alabama head coach Nick Saban. "This year we have a great lineup of speakers, including Vince Dooley, Bill Belichick, Dean Pees, Al Groh, and Fernando Bryant. We will also be featuring several of the region's championship-winning high school coaches."

Bill Belichick...his name summed up the story. Al Groh (whose son is currently serving as a graduate assistant at Bama) and Vince Dooley are two well known coaches in college football around the Southeast and were highly sought after that weekend.

What struck me the most was the invitation of Fernando Bryant. It wasn't his career as an NFL player that made his name a "headliner" to the weekend, it was the point of a former Alabama player being welcomed back to the Capstone.

"I didn't feel welcome," Bryant said. "I didn't feel like the old tradition was being upheld, and I didn't want to be a part of it."

That tradition, albeit a new one when compared to the clinics held by former coaches Shula and Franchoine, was upheld his weekend when former All-American and current NFL General Manager, Ozzie Newsome, was invited to be a part of this weekend's clinic.

Newsome, who addressed the media shortly after speaking to the high school coaches attending the camp, spoke briefly on the importance of his return weekend.

“I think there were two reasons,” Newsome said. “A friend called, Nick (Saban), and said he would like for me to come down and share and be a part of his clinic. And the second part is to show my appreciation for high school football.

"That is where I got my start at. I wanted to let those coaches know that they do make an impact and they have a chance to make a difference in a young man’s life.”

Coach Dooley, who brought the experience of a college national championship along with the business side of running an athletic department to last years clinic, certainly has his equal appearing this weekend. Perhaps, depending on your point of view, his visit was eclipsed.

Tom Osbourne, known for his coaching acumen during his days leading the Nebraska Cornhuskers, was the featured speaker this weekend in Tuscaloosa.

Osbourne, currently the Athletic Director at Nebraska, is joined by other notable coaches like Derek Dooley, Jason Garrett, Stan Hixon, and several of the region’s championship-winning high school coaches.

The reported attendance at this years camps is over 1,200 high school coaches, which is thought to be the largest group to have ever attended a coaching clinic at UA.

Oh...lest I forget. "Hey, there's Joe Montana!"

NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana attended Friday’s practice along with his son Nick. Nick currently holds a scholarship offer from UA as one of the handful of quarterbacks the Tide staff has offered for the 2010 freshman class.

OK, it wasn't "A-day," the official designation for Alabama's Crimson and White game to cap off the spring season.

But, it's certainly a day that featured a "A-list" of personalities in the football world.

On to the practice fields

If practicing four of the 15 allotted days as an offensive guard is an indication there is serious consideration being given to John Michael Boswell taking over the vacated right guard position on the offensive line...well, we've got an indication despite the "no depth chart" mandate.

In fact, we may be beginning to get a glimpse at how the line will shake out for the fall. The center positions' mainstay this year has been William Vlachos, with Barrett Jones and Evan Cardwell also sharing snaps.

What's interesting is it was reported by one practice observer that David Ross was getting a look at the center position as well.

In Friday's individual drills, IF they were an indication of how the Tide would field an offensive line if we played today, we'd see James Carpenter (LT), Mike Johnson (LG), William Vlachos (C), John Michael Boswell (RG), and Drew Davis (RT).

The Fanny watch continues...well, better said, the Fanney search continues.

Brandon, serving a suspension from the team, wasn't practicing with the team yesterday.

The JACK position has seen a few players getting reps this spring. Yesterday, as has been the case a few times this spring, Eryk Anders was working with the first unit at that hybrid linebacker position.

Dont'a Hightower, who has worked at that position as well this spring, was in the same position he spent Wednesday (and last season) as the weak side linebacker.

The leader of the linebacking corps, inside/middle linebacker Rolando McClain, had high remarks for Dont'a after last Wednesday's practice.

"Dont’a can play any position on the field,” McClain said. “He’s a freak to me. He’s amazing. I can’t explain it. I’m sure I can’t do certain things he can do and the way he just takes it and they move him to jack one day and back to will the next day, he’s doing a good job. He’s just going with it. If we need him to play jack, he can play jack. Or whatever. We’re not worried about it."

What a lot of fans have as a concern is who ends up replacing the leadership role Rashad Johnson had last year on defense. While McLain doesn't play in the same position, he understands his role in filling that void.

"I know I need to be more of a leader with Rashad gone. I was a little last year but I think my role has intensified some. I just want to lead by example as well as being more of a vocal leader. I do a good job trying to be vocal in practice. I mean, my play speaks for itself, I think. But I need to do a better job of keeping everybody intense and everybody up."

In the meantime, the battle for filling the actual position continues with a variety of players getting a look at the safety positions. Ali Sharief, Mark Barron, and Tyrone King saw reps there Friday.

Alabama returns Saturday for its fifth spring practice and is expected to be in full pads for the workout. The first scrimmage of the year, originally thought to be today, is expected next Wednesday.

Video Highlights of Friday:

Crimson Tide Practice Notes: Spring Camp Day Two

CrimsonTusks.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:00:18 -0400

In a wild stretch of my imagination, I'm going to attempt to pull your undivided attention away from the basketball search and look at football for just a minute. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to discuss what my thoughts are on Anthony Grant and the latest headlines about the coaching search—but, after all, we are a football school, eh?

In all honesty, and it is pretty much what was expected, not a lot changed in the last 10 days. The Tide resumed practice today and worked once again on the fundamentals that our staff stresses with the first few days of each spring camp. It looks like it'll be mid-week, maybe the end of the week, before the players get into the nuts and bolts of preparation for the fall of 2009.

“The purpose of spring ball is to give every member on the team the best chance to be successful, I’d say that’s the No. 1 goal,” Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said. “Knowledge, technique, what to do, how to do it, why it’s important to do it that way. I think for every player that’s critical.”

On the suspension front, nothing has changed since Coach Nick Saban announced in his press conference last Friday that Prince Hall and Brandon Fanney were suspended. While the length of Fanney's suspension is not known, he wasn't a part of the drills this afternoon and the Thomas-Drew practice facility.

The experiments, or one might use the word "shuffles," continue on the offensive line. Much like we alluded to in the report on day one, it's something we should expect for a good portion of the spring camp.

Meet Coach Sal.

Ok, so we knew that Coach Saban was demanding.

We knew Coach Saban hired assistants the fit his demeanor, his personality, and is work ethic. But, did the players know what they were getting into when Coach Sal took over?"

The media got the first glimpse of the intensity he brings to the coaching position today, albeit a brief look.

The players? They might wish they were as fortunate.

One thing is to be assured, there has been a coaching upgrade with the Alabama linebacking corps and it'll be seen with the intensity the unit brings this season.

Brandon Fanney wasn't practicing with the group today. In a few of the drills observed Don'ta Hightower had moved to the JACK position. While he's getting reps today at the JACK position, it's certainly not a move that is expected to be a permanent position change. (As a side observation, I thought I noticed Ivan Matchett running drills with the linebackers today. It was someone wearing the same number he has. At this point, yet to be confirmed.)

Jerrell Harris was getting reps at both the inside and outside positions today. When Coach Saban announced he'd be getting a look at the inside linebacker position it was an indication we were starting to get some versatility in our linebacking corps. Adding to that thought, when Don'ta was outside we saw Cory Reamer working inside. Having a group of linebackers that are interchangeable in position provides a lot of flexibility depth wise.

On the other hand imagine yourself as someone studying film and reading the linebacking set. Yeah. You can see it as well, can't you?

Friday, a week ago, sophomore John Michael Boswell and junior college transfer James Carpenter worked at left tackle while senior lineman Brian Motley and junior lineman David Ross lined up at right guard. Today included a few shuffles with Alfred McCullough getting some reps at the tackle position.

"He has long arms, good feet and he's very athletic, so we may even look at him at tackle some... He (McCullough) had a really good off-season, he's very athletic, probably a little bit more athletic and explosive than some of our other guys."

Coach Saban went on to note it's hard to evaluate how a group is progressing when they are just in "shorts and helmets," but it doesn't take a seasoned reporter to notice he was pleased with the progress he's seen so far on the offensive line. Along with a few others, he had encouraging remarks about Carpenter and Warmack, the two new players that joined the Tide this winter.

"We've been really pleased with the two newcomers. [JuCo transfer tackle] James Carpenter did a really good job and looks like he has some potential to be a guy that can make a contribution in some way," Saban said. Chance Warmack, for a young guy, can strike and has some power and size and can bend and explode. Those two guys are very, very helpful, I think, in terms of depth and competition in that group.

"Tyler Love has made a significant amount of improvement, Drew Davis and Mike Johnson are both back and both are providing good leadership...Vlachos has done a really good job at center so far."

Depth at running back?

While all the attention right now is placed on how the quarterback position is going to pan out, you can easily see there isn't a lot of satisfaction with what we return in our running back unit.

Numbers? Sure, we've got them.

Experienced depth? A resounding no.

Before spring camp, it's a position I didn't pay a lot of attention to specifically. Now, going into the fall camp you have to wonder if Saban's remarks in his press conference were meant to realistically address the situation or inspire players to "step up."

It appears the speculation that Terry Grant might transfer can be put to rest. I'll admit, I was one that thought there was a good chance he might. But, the staff seems determined to find a role for him this fall.

"Terry Grant has been very, very good in two practices. So, we are hopeful that he is going to be one of those guys that can help us in developing a role that's going to add to our team," Saban said. "Maybe in a different way to the guys we had last year, but some kind of way."

The Tide returns for their third practice Wednesday afternoon.

Is Anthony Grant the Right Choice for Alabama?

CrimsonTusks.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:47:09 -0400

With the NCAA tournament ending its second week, the focus of Alabama basketball fans has begun to intensify when looking at who will replace the recently-released Mark Gottfried.

The names offered up range from young coaches who have very little experience, to some with a few years under their belts in mid-major conferences, all the way up to names on the lips of every basketball fan across the country.

Those in the Alabama Athletic Department who are responsible for this search have maintained it's something they are going to do quietly. That's definitely been the case, as evidenced by nothing more than educated guesswork by the national and state media.

In fact, it's so secretive that some writers have resorted to using phrases like "breaking news" when making a guess that Alabama might contact a coach about the open position.

Other media outlets have gone as far as to publish the "list is final" without any basis other than opinions offered by fans around the Internet and water cooler.

Tom Izzo and John Calipari are names that would be the "big splash" Tide fans would like to see. Realism meets a mirage is more than likely the case with either candidate.

A segment of fans seem to be in a full court press to push the name Mike Anderson to the top of the list. While that's not the topic of this editorial, one does have to address that notion, albeit briefly.

I would support someone like Mike Anderson in the position. But I also feel there are more qualified candidates that would be willing to listen if Alabama approached them.

Personally, all I want is for the university to explore all the options available. What I question are those locked into hiring a guy because he is from the state and has worked at a school in the state.

Sure, Anderson has made an impressive run this year at Missouri, but I also look at a guy like Sean Miller and see consecutive runs that demonstrate to me an option just as viable, if not more so.

The name most frequently associated with the position so far has been Virginia Commonwealth's Anthony Grant.

Grant's name became prominent in the basketball circles of the NCAA first as an assistant under Billy Donovan at Florida.

At Florida, he was one of the assistant coaches credited with some of the high profile recruits they signed that eventually led to the Gators National Championship run (that point is somewhat debatable, with some pointing to Donald Jones as the main recruiter).

He was again at the forefront of conversation with Florida when Donovan explored his job options in the NBA, only to remain in Gainesville.

Grant's resume is impressive if you put it in terms of where he is coaching and what they've accomplished. Since 2006, he's led the VCU program to two postseason appearances in the NCAA tournament, though never past the second round.

In the one year he didn't make the NCAA field, the VCU program received an invitation to the NIT, only to fall out in the first round. The program also won the regular season title but lost in the conference tournament.

With three conference titles to his credit, his current record stands at a winning percentage of .760 (76-24).

However, with this track record of success he's enjoyed, is he the right guy for the Alabama position? Is the record at VCU reflective of his ability as a head coach or a by-product of the system Jeff Capel put in place before taking the head coaching job at Oklahoma?

A question that is even more important, would Grant be an improvement over the Gottfried years, or is Alabama setting themselves up to repeat those years under a different coach?

The similarities in the two coaches, Gottfried and Grant, seem to be enough to make any Bama fan pause, if only for a second.

In the past three years, Grant's record sits at 76-24. Gottfried was hired after leading Murray State to a record of 68-24.

Grant's teams have been to the NCAA tournament twice, the NIT once. Gottfried's team at Murry State? The same.

Conference titles? Both coaches won them while spending a few years at a mid-major program.

Working with a successful coach and on a National Championship team? Again, the same story with both men.

So, what separates the two men? More importantly, what would make Grant the right choice for Alabama?

Alabama Spring Camp Preview: Players To Watch on Offense

CrimsonTusks.com — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:12:23 -0400

The Alabama football team opens its spring camp for 2009 just over a week ago with drills centering more on conditioning and fundamentals than solving some of the question marks regarding starting positions for the fall football season.

Depending on who you ask you'll get a different answer on which position is going to be the most scrutinized battle this spring.

Some will be looking to see who fills the shoes of John Parker Wilson at the quarterback position. Others, will be more concerned with Andre' Smith's vacated left tackle position.

That's not beginning to approach the discussions on the defense, center, right guard on the offense line and a few others.

Position Battles: Offense

Center

If one were to go strictly by the depth chart at the end of the 2008 season they would be led to think that William Vlachos is the odd's on favorite for the starting center job in 2009. Vlachos saw action in half of the regular season games last year including three of the SEC games on the schedule.

However, it's important to note in all of those SEC games the outcome was well in hand when he was replacing departed senior Antoine Caldwell on the line.

Evan Cardwell has seen more "SEC action" than any of the prospects for the position. But, his time there last year was certainly limited—partly due to issues with a back injury. His experience at center certainly makes him one of the candidates to fill that role.

What remains the "unknown factor" is how Coach Joe Pendry utilizes his interior lineman. He likes for his guards and centers to be able to play any of the three positions which leads to a number of guys who are getting a look at center this spring.

Barrett Jones, who was considered the best center in the nation coming out of high school (despite playing tackle in high school,) practiced in every position on the line last fall but was limited in his development due to a re-occurring injury problem with his shoulder.

Who mans the center position could go hand in hand with the decision on which player is the best fit for the right guard position.

Right Guard

If we make the assumption that we won't see any of the prospects for the center position at the right guard position we'd be ignoring obvious talent.

Family members have speculated that Vlachos feels he's destined to play guard even with his experience last year at center. Cardwell, mentioned earlier as well, has seen time at the right guard position in practice as well.

Again, based on what we saw last season, it would seem the right guard position would fall to David Ross. If we were to look at all the offensive lineman (backups) for Alabama, Ross is the one with the most "game experience." He played in every game last season starting in three of the contests.

Barrett Jones finds his name in this mix as well along with three other players; true freshman Chance Warmack, converted defensive tackle Alfred McCullough and converted defensive lineman Brian Motley.

It's an easy assumption to think that the position battle is going to be between Ross and Motley based on their experience. There is a question mark surrounding Motley in terms of how well he can actually do when given the opportunity. His early career at Alabama seemed highlighted by the injuries he sustained.

The reports from the fourth quarter program included a lot of positive notes on Warmack's progress, conditioning and growing strength. While he's a dark-horse candidate for the role, he definitely has a bright future ahead of him although it's likely we won't see him in full time action until 2010.

Tight End

Here were have a situation best described with the word semantics. We do have a true tight end position and we also have a tight end/H-back position that could be described either way.

Colin Peek doesn't have a strangle hold on the tight end position, per say, but it's definitely his position to lose going into the spring and fall. IF the NCAA would have ruled differently last season he would have seen action in that role.

Now, in his last year of eligibility, he'll be considered the Tide's starting tight end and it's not highly likely he'll see someone come along and take that position from him.

Brad Smelley, who came on very strong in the last of the '09 season, looks to be the odds on favorite for the starting H-back role.

The story becomes cloudy, at best, when we starting getting deeper in the rotation. Chris Underwood, Michael Williams and Preston Dial all figure to fit in the battles for the backup roles in the fall of 2009.

What becomes intriguing about the tight end/H-back position and the amount of playing time seen by both positions is partly reliant on how the wide-receiver battles end up. As example, Smelley lined up last year in the slot position at times because of his ability to be more than just a short yardage receiver.

If the 'Tide finds itself still searching for that "other receiver" opposite Julio Jones, the chances we'll see Smelley and Peek on the field at the same time grow tremendously.

Wide Receiver

Who's No. 2?

After spring camp, it still may be a question left to be answered. We would hope not, but considering the production we had last season out of our wide receiver corps (outside of Jones) there's a good chance this just might be the case.

Mike McCoy fits the role of that No. 2 WR in terms of experience and class rank. But, for him to escalate his game to the point of taking pressure off of Julio Jones is where the question remains.

He's seen action the past two years at Alabama, but has yet to step into the role of a "guy the team can count on."

Marquis Maze has what could probably be considered as having as likely of a chance to fill the position as McCoy. He didn't have as many receptions as McCoy did last year (but seriously, what's the difference between 16 receptions and 11 for Maze?) but he did show he had the ability to be that "down field threat" Alabama has been in search of.

The wide-receiver rotation is literally a guessing game at this point. Earl Alexander, Brandon Gibson, Darius Hanks, and Chris Jackson will all have plenty of opportunities to display what they are able to accomplish.

In the past there has been a question of enough bodies to fill a wide receiver rotation at times, now it's now a question of numbers but a question of talent.

Does Alabama have a legitimate threat in that second receiver slot?

Running Back

We'll likely leave the spring the same way we enter.

"What is the RB rotation going to look like in August?"

Mark Ingram started last year hot but seemed to develop the "Darby syndrome" in the last part of the season. Roy Upchurch, on the other hand, didn't see a lot of action early on but developed into a play maker in the last half of 2008.

This spring Ingram is the one that'll be watched the most simply because we know what he's capable of accomplishing. Upchurch, who is still recovering from a neck injury, is cleared to participate in spring drills but so far hasn't been cleared for contact.

That leaves guys like Jeramie Griffin and Terry Grant. It's impossible to compare the two because they are so far apart in what they bring to the field.

Jermaine Preyear, Ivan Matchett and Demetrius Goode. Now is their opportunity. Little is known in terms of how they'll do in the running back position other than they were all highly thought of recruits.

Most assuredly, the guy that will receive the most "lip service" this spring won't even be on the practice fields—in uniform: Trent Richardson.

One thing we can all be assured of: The running back position has a multitude of players an no matter who steps forward the Tide will be in great shape come fall.

Quarterback

I suspect, more so than the last two years, we'll see more people asking what the back up quarter back can bring to the playing field in 2009.

It's not a question of whether I have faith in Greg McElroy, it's a situation of having faith in the Alabama fan base. Faith, in this case, described by "always looking at the back-up quarterback as an answer."

Using the term "favorite" to describe who is in the starting position at QB this spring probably isn't the right term. Favorite, in this case, meaning he's the one the staff prefers.

Saying McElroy is "favored" for that role seems more accurate. "Favored," in that he's seen more game action than Star Jackson; though that game action is limited at best. "Favored," based on his age and maturity combined with him being the conduit for offensive plays called from the booth this past season.

If Greg assumes this role like he assumed the QB position in high school when starter Chase Daniels graduated he'll quickly become a fan favorite. He's demonstrated, on a few occasions, the touch and accuracy he was known for in his high school playing career.

Star Jackson does bring a more athletic approach to the QB position. He's going to get the same opportunity to prove what he's capable of this spring.

It's a safe assumption to say we'll see Greg running with the first group at times and we'll read reports of Star doing the same. But, to say either has won the starting job is premature.

It's also a safe assumption we'll likely see more of a QB rotation in the fall of 2009 than we have the past two years under Coach Saban.

In the end, the starter is going to be decided on one factor. Which one is playing with the fewest number of mistakes in the role.

Alabama Spring Camp Preview: Players to Watch on Defense

CrimsonTusks.com — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 06:46:50 -0400

After looking at some of the questions hanging over the offensive side of the ball this spring, the overview of the defense is much simpler. In fact, considering the Tide returns nine of its 11 starters from the 2008 squad, Alabama finds itself in a position it hasn't enjoyed in a long time.

Yet, even with so much experience returning, there are still a few areas of interest...a lot of interest when taking into account that the leader of last year's defense, Rashad Johnson, looks to play on Sundays this fall.

Who fills the role vacated by Rashad's graduation?

Defensive Backs

In the defensive backfield, the way the Tide leaves spring camp could mean very little when summer camp starts in August. While it would almost be amiss not to think ahead about how a player like Dre Kirkpatrick may impact the rotation, it serves little purpose when considering the spring.

If we consider the amount of time Bama has spent in their nickel package the last two seasons, one could say the Tide starts three corner backs. Two of those positions, the true corner positions, feature returning starters Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson. There, you won't find a question as to who leaves spring in the starting role.

When Alabama moves to the nickel package the first guy on the field in 2008, Marquis Johnson, returns for his senior season. If there is a position battle, it's found in who fills the role of the "first guy off the bench."

It would be to Bama's benefit if one guy could step up and become that true nickel back. Last season, when the Tide went into the nickel package, Javy Arenas moved from his corner position into the STAR (nickel back) position and Johnson took his corner back role, a position where Arenas was more consistent than Johnson.

Here we have a battle of seniors, as Chris Rogers is entering his final year of eligibility with both Alonzo Lawrence and Robby Green looking to challenge as well.

The unknown this spring is how well B.J. Scott will make the transition to defense. He's was slated to start working with the safeties, but when practice commenced, he was getting his first look in the STAR position, as well as a true cornerback.

Who lines up alongside Justin Woodall will draw the majority of the attention.

Right now, based on who saw action last year, the player most likely to fill that position is Ali Sharrief.

While Sharrief didn't see a lot of action last season with the safeties in regular downs, he was a contributor when the Tide moved into its dime package.

Mark Barron is certainly going to push Ali for playing time in the role. Barron spent the majority of his time last year on special teams, although he did get some time in the secondary as well.

Ali, when forced into action at the end of last season, didn't perform as well as the defensive coaching staff would like, which led to Barron taking his place. While it's easy to assume Ali has the edge due to his age and experience, Barron is likely to take as many reps as Ali throughout the spring.

In a nutshell, the open safety position may not be answered until the fall of '09.

Linebackers

The linebacking corps returns fully intact from 2008.

Considering how vital the unit is in Coach Saban's 3-4 defense just because the Tide returns their four starters, doesn't mean it's an area we can dismiss as settled.

Realistically, the unit could be described as "filled" when they have eight or more players who can come in with little to no drop in productivity.

The majority of the attention will go to Courtney Upshaw and Jerrell Harris.

Brandon Fanney had a solid season in 2008, but hardly spectacular when one considers the need for the JACK linebacker to be able to get consistent pressure on the quarterback from his down position.

Upshaw turned many heads last season with his special teams play, and a lot of Bama fans are hoping he's the missing ingredient for that position.

Now, with the announcement that Fanney has been suspended for a period of time, the door is wide open for Upshaw to make his presence known.

The move of Jerrell Harris to inside linebacker was a small shock to a lot of Bama fans who expected him to contribute last year from the outside. While it's still labeled as "an experiment" by the staff, Harris will provide a lot of speed and athleticism to the inside.

By no means should anyone discount the production from Eryk Anders last year who seemed to be coming into his own as the season progressed. We'd be making a mistake in thinking that Chris Jordan won't compete for his share of playing time as well.

The best we can hope for is the Tide is able to leave spring camp with a solid two-deep rotation and then have the luxury of being able to add a few of the incoming freshman to the mix in August.

Defensive Line

The decision Terrance Cody made to return for his senior season means that the defensive tackle position for the spring is practically determined. The combination of Cody and Chapman last year enabled Alabama to be one of the better rushing defenses in the NCAA and that should only improve throughout the spring and fall.

Given that Cody has reported to spring camp in the best shape he's been in his career, the chances have grown he'll be seen on more than just "rushing downs."

It's the defensive ends that'll garner the speculation as Alabama looks to replace one of its best pass rushers from 2008, Bobby Greenwood.

It's odd to say the leading candidate to replace last year's starter was actually a full-time starter on the defensive line two years ago.

But, with Lorenzo Washington, that is precisely the situation. With Brandon Deaderick also returning, the starting three along the line looks to be solid, if not dominant.

We mentioned Chapman, who is serving as the primary back up for Cody. The second team defensive ends bring the same trait Chapman does, experience and talent with very little drop off, if any, in ability.

The upperclassman of the group, Milton Talbert, will get his opportunity to earn a back up role but he's not what one would consider the prototypical defensive end in Saban's scheme.

He's likely to find himself in the same position as he did before Greenwood graduated; running with the third-team defensive ends. In fact, there's the chance that he'll have a battle on his hands for that role with Undra Billingsley and Nick Gentry.

Two of "Saban's recruits," Luther Davis and Marcel Dareus, should be considered the odds-on favorites to secure their positions backing up Deaderick and Washington. Both have seen a decent amount of playing time early in their career.

Overview

As you can see, not a lot of questions over this unit for the spring. A few, but they are primarily centered on what players will see reserve roles for 2009.

Coach Saban has commented time and time again how much he loves the teaching aspect of college football. With this group, he should have a heck of a good time this spring.

Recruiting: Auburn's Gene Chizik Has a Plan?

CrimsonTusks.com — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:18:09 -0500

By Terry Pellman

If there were any doubts among you that the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is an action-reaction scenario, those suspicions can be laid to rest.

After meeting with a group of reporters this week, newly hired Auburn football coach Gene Chizik has announced he "has a plan for retaking the state of Alabama" in terms of recruiting.

I realize, this begs the question if Auburn ever had the state of Alabama in the first place, but we'll leave that question for a later date.

Over the past two years, the Auburn program has found itself virtually locked out of the recruits that both the Auburn and Alabama staffs had a mutual interest in. Overall, both schools have heavily recruited more than 30 players in common, with Alabama coming out on the winning end in all but a scarce few.

In the 2009 class, Alabama secured signatures from eight of the top 10 players in state and 10 of the top 15, which included all of the top five. That followed the success Bama had in 2008 as well, where the Tide signed 11 of the top 15, including the top five in the state.

Conversely, Auburn found itself shut out of the top 10 in 2009 and only able to secure two of the top 15. In 2008 they set the precedent for '09 by finding themselves left out of the top 10 and signing one of the top 15.

To summarize, that's 21 of the top 30 players in the state of Alabama headed to Tuscaloosa versus three of the top 30 headed to the "Plains of Auburn."

It's an interesting approach Chizik has decided to use. In fact, if we take the latest very successful team Auburn has fielded, the undefeated 2004 Tigers, it's a stark contrast to what has been their recipe for success.

"You've got to have a starting point and a home base, and this state will be it," Chizik was quoted as saying. "After that, we'll move outside the state."

Curtis Luper, Auburn's new recruiting coordinator and running backs coach, said he's approaching this in-state battle with thoughts of his days in the Army, where he served as an air traffic controller.

“One of the basic elements of the military is that you protect your border,” Luper was quoted as saying. “So we got to protect our border. We’re going to start right here in this state.”

Luper said he has divided the state into seven territories, each of which will be assigned its own coach. Factor in Chizik, and the Tigers will have eight different coaches in players' homes across the state.

Compare that to the past staff under the leadership of Tommy Tuberville, who had half of that number assigned to the state of Alabama.

Luper said he will assign two coaches to the South, two to the North, one each in greater Birmingham, Huntsville, and Montgomery and one in the Lee County region, which includes Columbus and LaGrange, Ga.

This move definitely represents a different way of thinking than what has been the mantra on the Plains.

In a matter of a couple of weeks we've seen their program move from "Recruiting rankings don't mean anything, we don't pay attention to them" to a stance now that includes "We need the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. That's what I want. That's my goal," according to Luper.

It seems possible he's considering his days in the Army as an air traffic controller even more prominently that one might suspect, considering the amount of travel time this will force on the Auburn staff.

There will be five coaches recruiting in Georgia and four on the beat in Florida; most will have multiple assignments.

In what can be described as a more concentrated effort in one state can equally be described as spreading a staff very thinly around the Southeast.

By drawing a comparison to their last successful season, 2004, what bears the most attention is it was a roster than was mostly filled with out-of-state talent from Georgia, Florida, and the other surrounding states.

For every Carnell Williams a coach finds in Alabama, he finds a Jason Campbell from Mississippi and a Ronnie Brown from Georgia.

In fact, looking over their roster of sholarship players, two of every three came from outside the state.

The Stark Contrast

The efforts of the Alabama staff for their 2010 class are quite the opposite.

The staff, as evidenced by the number of offers in-state and out-of-state, is being very selective in which in-state players receive offers and are pursuing more prospects from out-of-state. They are in a position where they are seeking to "plug holes" in their lineup with some of the Southeast's elite.

Will Changes Pay Dividends?

With their senior seasons still left to be played, how the state's players situate themselves in terms of talent is somewhat left to be seen. But, there have been enough displays of their talents to get a good feel on how they'll produce in their senior seasons.

Among the top prospects like B.J. Chitty, C.J. Moseley, Solomon Patton, Craig Sanders, and Jarrick Williams, the trend looks to be continuing. Alabama is the team to beat.

Rest assured, this new approach for Auburn will pay dividends for some of the in-state kids who wish to remain in the state.

Auburn or Troy?

Looking North to Knoxville: UT in a Football Perspective

CrimsonTusks.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:46:33 -0500

By Terry Pellman

I’ll readily admit, it’s been a truly entertaining week.

With Lane Kiffin’s comments, intentions aside, the college football world has already started looking forward to the 2009 season with special attention to games in Gainesville and Tuscaloosa.

As much fodder as there is available today (in terms of discussions of the coaching staff at Tennessee) it seems prudent to put aside the “off the field situations” and look a little more in depth at what the Volunteers will bring to the playing field in the fall of this season.

While a lot of football fans want to focus on offense, I want to spend a few minutes talking about the defense and the vaunted “Tampa 2″ scheme the Vols will utilize. But, before getting into that subject—a brief moment on the offense.

When it comes to an offensive play caller, you always want someone that isn’t caught up in the moment. You want a mentality that looks to the future, considers the proverbial “ying and yang” of every move, and makes judgments based on all those considerations.

If Kiffin’s “off the field” decision making skills are indicative of the decisions he’ll make as a head coach and offensive play-caller, the UT offense doesn’t fit the bill of “something to be feared.”

As a caveat, I have to add it may be something of interest to watch especially when given examples of 70+ yard field goal attempts that have been called in the past—but I digress.

With the senior leadership provided by defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, one could assume the ‘09 Volunteer defense should be disciplined. The “Tampa 2″ and Monte Kiffin go hand in hand, but it’s also a defensive scheme that is falsely attributed to the elder Kiffin when it’s described as “his defense.”

What does this scheme bring to Tennessee? Is it a scheme that in and of itself automatically leads to a successful, NCAA leading unit? Therein lies the question.

To define the “Tampa 2″ defense, using as generic of a description as possible, it’s a defense that isn’t difficult to learn or teach. It isn’t as complex as some defenses can be, like Saban’s over/under 3-4 scheme.

But, the principles of this defense are shared with many others: aggressive play, speed, and the players swarming the area of attack.

It typically consist of four defensive lineman, three linebackers and four defensive backs. Yes, it is the traditional 4-3 defensive look. However, there is a difference between the “Tampa 2″ and the 4-3.

The primary difference between the two is found at the middle linebacker position (MIKE) where they are not only responsible for run support but are also prone to drop back in pass coverage, sometimes deep coverage normally reserved for a safety.

The secondary isn’t a complicated scheme. It’s a “cover 2″ shell with the safeties covering “over the top” of corner backs.

The “cover 2″ essentially has the safeties dividing the field in half with each covering their respective side. The “Tampa 2,” when the MIKE position drops into coverage, essentially changes the coverage to a “Cover 3,” or the backfield divided into thirds versus halves.

As you can see, very simple in concept.

The premium ingredient is having the right personnel in place. A MIKE that can handle both run support and effectively cover the defensive backfield with as much speed and talent as a safety isn’t as simple as it may seem.

In fact, it’s a safe assumption finding those type of players can be a difficult task.

Without that special player at the MIKE position, you are going to sacrifice one of two things: the run support or the pass coverage.

Almost as essential as having that type of playing at MIKE, this defense must have a superb front seven. It’s a defense that isn’t known for a lot of blitzing packages leading to the absolute need for defensive ends and tackles that can penetrate the line of scrimmage.

In terms of how Kiffins’ defense does in the SEC, I can see both sides of the spectrum; successful versus some, average versus others.

If we take teams that look for that explosive play, the proverbial “big play,” they are going to be limited if Tennessee has the talent in place. If there is one thing that is almost a given it’s the ability of the “Tampa 2″ to take away the big play capability of teams that live and die by those plays.

If you take a team whose focus is to establish the run, a team who is satisfied with being able to gain four, five, or six yards per carry, a problem quickly develops.

Unless, you have that MIKE position manned by the right player, a player not often found even in the NFL.

I look at this UT team this fall and don’t see a team that falls into the “toss-up” category if we were to discuss wins and losses for the ‘09 edition of the Crimson Tide. In fact, I see a team coming to Bryant Denny Stadium this fall that fits perfectly with the plans the Alabama offensive staff will have in place.

Like 2008, we’ll see this offense have the ability to use their tight ends in passing routes. If you consider that, combined with the speed Alabama will have coming out of the slot position, you can easily see how the UT defense will be forced to drop that MIKE back into the secondary.

For Lane’s benefit, I’ll be laconic: play action.

I’m sure you can see where I’m headed—and specifically who I have in mind. It’s a simple case again, this time a choice of “picking your poison” among a very deep running back unit the Tide will field in ‘09.

By no means do I mean to sound disrespectful of Monte Kiffin or the defensive scheme he brings to the Volunteer program.

However, by all means I mean to say it isn’t something that makes me curious about it being a dominating scheme that’ll end up being a frustration to offensive coordinators, specifically ours, when we meet again this fall.

Simply put, it comes down to personnel…which in turn leads to having a good crop of recruiters in place.

Then, it comes down to those recruiters also having the ability to coach. That’s found in one Monte Kiffin, but definitely a subject of debate when the rest of the Tennessee staff is considered.

That sounds a lot like I’m going back to Lane Kiffin again.

Read this and more Alabama commentary at RollTideBama.com

Alabama's 2009 Recruiting Class Swings the Talent Disparity in the Tide's Favor

CrimsonTusks.com — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:02:06 -0500

By Terry

We've all seen the statement.

Whether it was something personally said or it was a point made by a rival fans over the last decade, Alabama fans have faced the reality that the talent fielded by teams in the SEC, and the NCAA as a whole, meant the Tide wasn't considered at an advantage.

In fact, it was a disparity that was easily recognized not only on the scoreboard, but in how many of those players leaving programs were of the ability to make it to the next level: playing on Sundays.

Most recently, we've seen both sides of this argument. One, against Florida in the SEC title game when the common cliche' was "Alabama has no match for the skill players Florida fields."

On the other end of the spectrum, we saw where rankings of prep players didn't have an impact, but having mature quality athletes led to Utah winning the Sugar Bowl of '09.

"When Nick Saban get his players in place..."

Rewind to last year...

Feb. 6, 2008.

ESPN Football Analyst Mike Gottfried:

"I said this earlier in the day. Write this down. This is the day the Alabama program turned the corner, and is going to become a power, and win the National Championship."

That was said after Coach Saban was able to sign his first complete class at Alabama. In one fatal swoop, he had signed as many 5-star players in one class than Mike Shula had signed in his entire tenure as the head coach of Alabama.

Fast forward to today...

The Playing Field is even.

While there is still a lot of youth on the Bama sidelines, as compared to a few of the other programs ranked highly around the league, the talent level isn't as heavily slanted as it once was in favor of those playing against the Tide.

The issue so often referred to ("depth is their weakness,") isn't a phrase that can be used when looking at the upcoming match-ups the Tide will face in 2009 and beyond.

In fact, it's closely becoming a situation where the professionals will end up saying, "Alabama fields more talent" than teams like Texas, LSU, Florida and will soon be on the same level as USC (the real one).

Granted, the rankings of a recruiting service are not the end all-be all, when it comes to results on the field. But, when you look at teams who are the front runners to compete for the BCS National Championship, you'll find one thing they all have one thing in common: a roster filled with players rated 4 and 5-Star prospects coming out of their high school careers.

Is the playing field about to be slanted to favor Bama across the board?

Now, we are beginning to see the last stage of grief among rival fans.

1) Denial: From "Nick Saban won't coach at Alabama" to "Nick Saban can't bring in the talent he did at LSU."

2) Anger: From "he's a liar" to "Can you believe they are paying him that much money to coach football?"

3) Bargaining: "It was a down year in the SEC." Or more recently, "No way can Saban lead another Alabama team to an undefeated regular season."

4) Depression: "The best class in college football last year" and "now he's gone and done it, again?"

5) Acceptance:

The numbers don't lie.

2008-09 Classes:

They reflect one fact; Alabama has as many highly rated prospects on their roster than any other team in the SEC: in the NCAA for that matter, save one in Pasadena.

If you look at the last two recruiting classes, using the ratings provided by Rivals.com, here's the end result.

What you see is a level playing field.

What you see is a team, one found in Tuscaloosa, that can place itself side by side with any other team in the nation in terms of talent.

Now, what's left, is player development that falls squarely on the abilities of a head coach and his staff.

Remember acceptance?

Senior Bowl Q & A with Alabama's Rashad Johnson

CrimsonTusks.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:43:05 -0500

Crimson Tide safety Rashad Johnson sat down with a staff member for RollTideBama.com last week for an exclusive interview during the Senior Bowl.

What do you hope to show the NFL coaches and scouts this week?

I want to go out and show that I can be consistent and play at a high level the entire week. I want to have great practices every day. I don’t want to go out on Monday and have a good practice then fall off on Tuesday. I want to be consistent in what I do and consistent in my play all week. I want teams to know that if they draft me they are going to get a guy that is going to come to work every day and he’s the same guy no matter what.

How has Coach Saban prepared you for a career in the NFL?

He’s prepared me in a lot of different ways—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

When we are out on the field with him—the way he teaches us and coaches us—he’s so strict and so firm, he’s at you all the time.

That definitely makes you better able to control your emotions and go out and play the next play. And not only that, we did so many things on defense that it is just unbelievable. It was definitely and NFL-type defense in terms of what he had us doing. Physically we worked out hard every day and went hard every day in practice.

When you walked on at Alabama, did you ever think that you’d be playing in the Senior Bowl one day, and be looking at a likely first day selection into the NFL Draft?

When I walked on, playing in the Senior Bowl was not a thought at all, and being a first day pick was even farther off than being in the Senior Bowl.

No, neither one of those were thoughts of mine. It was basically just me going in and trying to help the team whichever way I could. It didn’t matter what it was.

I got a role on special teams and practiced as hard as I could, and that grew into the coaches having more confidence in me and giving me a bigger role to play on defense. As my roles got bigger, my goals got bigger, and it definitely worked out for the best.

Why were you so successful at Alabama, going from a walk-on running back to an All-American safety?

If I had to point to one thing it would just be hard work. I was just determined to be a good player and determined to do the right things no matter what it was. On the field, if a coach asked me to do something, I did it—no questions asked. I did it, and it helped me to be a better player. As I moved over to safety, I started to learn the game, learned how to play the position, learned how to study offenses, and I think that was the biggest thing in turning my career from a walk-on running back to an All-American safety.

One of the biggest performances of your career was the LSU game in Baton Rouge this past season where you clinched the win with your third interception of the game. You broke on that play before anyone else on the field, what did you see to make that play happen?

I had been playing in the game all day, and in the second half they had been doing that a lot. They were splitting out and throwing the comeback route, and getting big plays off of it. I had seen on film where they were doing it, but every time they did it, they’d also run the corner route, but they had not done it the entire game. The thought that went though my head was, it was third down and they have nothing to lose by taking a shot to the endzone–I believed that before the play even started.

On the snap, I saw him roll out and I was just looking for a receiver that was going up the field. I saw him, and I never slowed down, I knew the ball was going there the entire time and once he let it go it was just a chance to make a play on it.

What do you think will be the biggest learning curve for Justin Woodall and Mark Barron when it comes to quarterbacking the defense and coverage’s next season?

I think both of those guys have the skills to do it. Justin did a great job of learning the defense this year and he really understands it. Mark caught on—it took him a little while—but he caught on. It isn’t as much of a learning curve; it’s who is going to step up and be the vocal guy.

In that defense you have to have someone in the secondary that is vocal, and someone that will make the checks, even if they are not the right checks.

If you make a check, and everyone is one the same page, then you are playing the right defense. That’s better than people being all over the place in different defenses.

So it is going to be whoever steps up and puts the weight on their shoulders and decides, “Hey, I’m going to be the guy that makes the checks and let everyone depend on me and I’ll get it done.”

What was it like playing for a high energy guy like Kirby Smart?

I loved it. It was just like he was a player—a teammate—even though he was my position coach and he was teaching me day in and day out.

But when the game came around, he was one the field with you. I could hear his voice when I was out on the field, over everyone else in the stadium, over all the yelling and screaming from the fans.

When you make a big play, he’s the first person to run out on the field and greet you, and more excited than you are. It lets you enjoy doing what you do when you know that your coaches love the game and are so passionate about what they do.

You were elected team captain in both 2007 and 2008 by your teammates. That doesn’t happen often. What did that mean to you?

It meant a whole lot, especially last season as an underclassman. I wasn’t even on the list, and a guy raised his hand in front of everybody in a meeting and asked Coach if my name could be added to the list for voting.

That really meant a lot that my teammates felt that good about me and they way that I carried myself, and that I did the right things, and that I put the team first. To get it again as a senior, again means a lot.

I came in as a captain this season and just tried to be more vocal. I can’t wait to go to Bryant-Denny on A-Day and be able to put my hands back in the cement again. It’s definitely going to be a fun time.

What was your most memorable game or moment at Alabama?

The most memorable game would have to be the LSU game. The stadium was rocking the entire night; it was back and forth, back and forth. I was able to make some plays that put us over the top, and it really meant a lot that I was able to do everything that I could to help us win that game and clinch the SEC West.

How do you think Alabama will look next season?

I think they have a chance to be really good. They have some younger guys that will have to be playing again, and there’s a couple of starters will be replaced on offense, but there are some great recruits coming in and a bunch of great players that were playing behind those guys that are leaving.

They just have to focus on who’s going to take over and be the leader and say, “We’ve got a good team, now let’s all get to work and put it together.”

Is there a lighter side of Coach Saban you can share with us?

He is a down to earth person. People say he’s all hard and he’s all business, but if you get the chance to be around him as much as we are, you get to see the other side of him.

We sit around and laugh and joke with him. It was funny today, he was out on the field after practice and he came up to me and hugged me and shook my hand. He said, “I saw you out there slacking off, you know I wouldn’t have let your ass do that at our practice, right?”

It is just funny because I know how intense he is, and the practice we had today was nowhere near as intense as what I’m used to with him, so it was a breeze for me. But it is just great to have him in your corner.

He’s a great guy, and he let us all know that if we ever need anything to just give him a call, and it means a lot to us that we really and truly know that he meant it.

Coming soon:

Antoine Caldwell

Travis McCall

Jury in Session: Coaching Changes in the SEC: Tennessee

CrimsonTusks.com — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:02:46 -0500

By Terry Pellman (TerryP)

It seems like the spring of 2008 reincarnated.

The coaching changes around the SEC last year seemed unprecedented in volume alone. While it hasn't been uncommon to see a change in the staffs at different SEC schools each and every year, seeing complete makeovers like SEC football fans saw in the spring of last year wasn't common, at all.

Arkansas and Ole Miss replaced their entire coaching staff. Only four of the twelve SEC teams had the same coordinators returning for the 2008 season. It was enough shake-up within the ranks of the SEC that anyone looking at their schedule and trying to determine how their team would fair could only do so with question marks over some games.

Today, we see much of the same around the SEC. Except, the turnover going into spring camp in 2009 eclipses that of 2008 with total staff changes. Now we see Tennessee, Auburn and Mississippi State breaking in entirely new coaching staffs but not as much change across the board with position coaches.

Deliberating Tennessee's Choices

Tennessee wasn't the only school that released a coach who had been in the SEC for a long time. While the firing (resignation to be politically correct) came as a shock to some, when the entire picture was looked upon it was clear why UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton made the choice.

It was a decision clearly based on the Volunteers record this century over top 25 teams and against the upper-echelon teams of the SEC.

At any school, much less one with the tradition found in Knoxville, having a winning percentage in games like those (less than .500) isn't going to keep anyone employed no matter what contributions they had made to the program.

If you were to have asked any UT fans what they wanted out of their new head coach, almost to a man they would have said, "We need to make a big splash with the new hire."

Enter Hamilton announcing the hire of Lane Kiffin.

There was a splash with this announcement. There were eyebrows raised when people heard that Kiffin would take over the reigns of the Volunteer program.

But, those raised eyebrows weren't in amazement of UT hiring a well-known coach, they were in shock that UT had hired a coach that the University of Minnesota had passed over for the same position.

There wasn't a splash made in the vast pool of coaches Tennessee could have pulled from. Instead, it was a splash made in a mud hole. A hole Kiffin had just left on the West Coast; a large part of it left on his face with the dismal job he did as head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

SEC fans eyebrows didn't recede with the hire; neither did Tennessee fans.

Now, the Volunteer faithful were still left wanting. But their judgments weren't submitted. They were all left to hold on to one hope; "let's see who he hires as assistant coaches before we judge just how good, or bad, this staff is going to be."

With the announcement Lane Kiffin was bringing his father, Monte Kiffin, to Knoxville the Vol fans' hope grew.

The elder Kiffin, known for his defensive scheme, was an addition of experience and a hire that any FBS school could be proud of.

While the Vol fans were moving towards a state of comfort, rival fans still held onto their judgments; it's still a staff that didn't create a re-birth of the Volunteer program. After all, the hiring of a guy who is known as one of the coaches to develop the "Tampa 2" defense, that scheme is as new to college football as the Pro-set offense is today.

The big splash? Still, unseen.

I'm reminded of a kid, one who hasn't had his way and makes the choice to pitch a temper-tantrum. A fit jumping up and down until someone takes notice of what he wants; attention.

The younger Kiffin, still in his mud-hole, certainly seems to be having just that fit.

If you have ever been in a situation where, by virtue of someone being careless, had your pant legs splashed and muddied you know the feeling of frustration.

Now, with Kiffin jumping up and down in his mud-hole, he has carelessly slung mud around the SEC. He's done so with a purpose in mind.

It started with pulling David Reaves from Spurrier's staff at South Carolina. Considering Reaves is Kiffin's brother-in-law, the move made sense. But when weighed against the animosity felt by the Vol nation towards Spurrier and the subsequent verbal jabs the two coaches have thrown at each other there is more here than meets the eye.

Mississippi State recruiting coordinator, one of Alabama's best recruiters and a long time member of Auburn's staff, has since joined the coaching staff at Tennessee as well.

It's one thing for a coach to surround himself with good assistants. To that point, Kiffin has done a good job in his first month in Knoxville.

It's one thing to make a splash in the coaching pool based on what the head coach has done in his career. It's quite the opposite to make that splash by jumping up and down screaming, "look at what I've done:" bragging openly.

"To be able to take South Carolina's recruiting coordinator, Mississippi State's recruiting coordinator, Alabama's best recruiter and Auburn's best recruiter over the past 10 years was a great accomplishment for us. Once again, I would like to thank Mike Hamilton, the athletic department and our donors for making this possible."

Now, looking at this develop in Knoxville, I'm reminded to two different stories that mirror what Kiffin is attempting to do.

A few years ago, at the end of former Mississippi State head coach Jackie Sherrill's tenure, he brought in a lot of quality assistants in an effort to boost his program.

When Alabama hired Mike Shula, the fans had the same stance as the Tennessee faithful have had, "let's wait and see who he hires on his staff."

We've seen how both situations resolved themselves.

Having a staff full of great recruiters is a great way to bring talent into a football program. However, talent isn't something that the Volunteer program has lacked in recent years, and they've had mediocre results with that talent.

Now, it certainly appears Kiffin is going to continue to put an emphasis on bringing in as much talent as possible. But, there is still a huge question left unanswered.

Ed Orgeron is considered a phenomenal recruiter. Lance Thompson is as well. But, when both are considered in the light of "how well they coach" you don't see the "splash" some assistant coaches bring to the picture. It's a ripple, at best.

When it comes to Kiffin, not only is there doubt when it comes to his coaching ability, it's doubt supported by a resume that's less than impressive.

Kiffin, and Tennessee, have succeeded in getting the attention they desired. They've done so in a manner that's based on "look what we took" versus "look what we can accomplish."

While I view the hiring of Kiffin as very suspect, I view the hiring of his staff as a move in a good direction. Despite that positive attribute, being able to surround yourself with good recruiters doesn't translate to winning results on the playing field.

Sugar Bowl Preview, Part One: The External Factors

CrimsonTusks.com — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:42:44 -0500

Along the same lines as the preview published for the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, we are going to look at the upcoming Sugar Bowl in several parts. We’ll talk about the Alabama offense and compare it against the Utah defense and vice versa.

We’ll look at how the coaches match up against each other, in terms of schemes, success, their approach to this game, and other assundries.

Assundry: Defined in this case as the gratuitous use of a southern phrase that really isn’t a word, but it should make a few of our visiting Utah fans pause for a moment, so what the hell. After all, we are southern folk, right?

Before getting into the X’s and O’s of this matchup, with consideration of the fact this will mark the first time these two programs have played each other in football, it seems like a good idea to ask, “What external factors outside of what happens in the Dome come into play for the Sugar Bowl?”

(Before you comment, I know both coaches comment on how “external factors” are something we can’t control. That’s true. But there isn’t a coach out there that ignores the fact they do come into play.)

If there is one word that I’ve seen tossed around, sometimes frivolously, it's the word "respect." There is a general feeling among a lot of the Utes' fan base that they aren’t receiving the respect they should. Some of that angst is directed towards Alabama fans, some of it towards the media, some of it towards the BCS.

I’ve seen some strange analogies used to describe this game and the lack of respect that is “felt” by Utah fans. None was as out there as this article posted by Ken Schreiner.

A series of complaints ranging from a “Big-Brotherish” BCS system, ignoring the fact Utah is ranked No. 6 in the same system, to the thought that Coach Nick Saban was somehow disrespecting the Utah team when he stated his team was the only one "that plays in a real BCS conference that went 12-0."

This is the proverbial cart-before-the-horse paranoia, considering the the matchup between Utah and Alabama hadn’t been announced when he made that statement.

What’s more disturbing, in my point of view, is his statement was true, but in this case, let’s disregard the truth of the matter and take offense to what we can make his statement all about.

Was that about disrespecting Utah? Was it about diminishing the success the Utes have had on the field this year? Or, perhaps, was that about a coach talking about a team that had exceeded his expectations and exceeded the expectations of virtually every football fan in America by being the only undefeated team in a real BCS conference in 2008?

You be the judge.

If you have answered yes to any of the first two questions, I have a small note for you to consider: Nick Saban didn't have the slightest thought about Utah that Saturday. If you feel disrespected because you weren’t on the mind of the Alabama coach, the problem doesn’t lie in the area of lack of respect, but in an overblown sense of self-worth.

You weren’t an issue that Saturday night. His team, on the other hand, was the only issue.

When the bowl game teams were announced, Coach Saban made comments regarding what he thought about the Utah team. Those comments, we’ll get to in a few minutes.

Personally—and this is my opinion and not necessarily that of any other member of 'Bama Nation—I look at the Utah team a lot like I looked at the Ole Miss team in 2003. The Rebels, and their fan base, enjoyed a very good season that year, led by future Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning.

I respected what they had accomplished that year. I didn’t hesitate for a moment to voice that respect, because it was due.

Did I anoint that team as a team that had reached the upper echelon of the SEC and therefore deserved my respect the following year as well? No. Their 7-6 record the year before, followed by their 4-7 season in 2004 should answer any questions as to why.

Utah has made it to this stage before and faced a Pittsburgh team in the Fiesta Bowl. They won that game decisively, and at first glance it may be a win that would cause a moment of reflection. But when I consider things like who Pittsburgh was in 2004, I immediately go back to thinking about Ole Miss.

Pittsburgh had a good season in 2004, albeit filled with some very questionable losses. But that season was immediately followed by a 5-6 record the next year. To say the least, wins and losses aside, this was a team from the Big East. The '04 Panthers did nothing to put themselves in consideration for the upper echelon teams in the NCAA.

Just like Ole Miss.

Don’t get me wrong, if we are using BCS games as criteria for a team having respect in this 2009 Sugar Bowl, Alabama doesn’t deserve any more respect than Utah. After all, this also marks the second time Alabama has been on this national stage in the BCS era.

In its first BCS experience, 'Bama lost in overtime to Michigan.

Should this 2008 Alabama team deserve a lot of respect for what they have accomplished this season considering this is virtually the same team personnel-wise that was 7-5 the year before?

There isn’t anything that can be pointed to with a resounding yes that can’t be countered with a point nullifying that notion.

There are some subtle differences that very well could have major impacts on the outcome of this contest.

The Sugar Bowl game and Alabama football have been nearly synonymous for decades. While it’s been more than a 10 years since Alabama has been on this stage, it’s important to remember that while the players may not remember those games clearly, their parents do.

Vividly.

These players don’t need to go further than the football offices to understand what this bowl game and Alabama’s tradition have in common with each other.

Alabama’s own athletics director, coach Mal Moore, has been a part of the Sugar Bowl tradition eight times, coming out on the winning end in seven of those appearances. There’s one man who has been a part of this bowl game as many times as the majority of the SEC teams have in their entire history.

Coach Nick Saban has been there twice in his coaching career and has been on the winning end in both appearances. He understands this stage as well as Coach Moore, even though he lacks the experience in terms of appearances.

Now, it can easily be questioned whether those two examples have any bearing on what happens Jan. 2. If this was just a football game played at any other point in the season, one would have to say, “No. Those men and what they have experienced have no bearing on this game whatsoever.”

But this isn’t just your everyday matchup.

There isn’t a lack of respect from Coach Saban when it comes to this Utah team. When his focus turned from his team that Saturday night and on to the future against Utah he said:

“It’s not easy to win 12 games in a season and go undefeated. Their team has done an outstanding job and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us. It’s going to be a competitive game.”

Now, I’m not going to use the term "lack of respect" with either fan base. But I do see one thing lacking, something that seemingly is present but being ignored.

It’s a lack of understanding.

This Alabama team, we as an Alabama fan base, this Alabama coaching staff, and administration understand what it is like to be on this stage. It’s part of our history, our genetic makeup, if you will.

The question lies in whether the same can be said for the Utah contingent.

2008 SEC Championship Preview: Part 3 of 3

CrimsonTusks.com — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:19:12 -0500

South Eastern Conference

Championship Game

University of Florida vs. University of Alabama

Georgia Dome - Atlanta - Dec. 6

CBS-TV 4:00 EST

Assuming you have read Part 1 and Part 2 of this preview, it makes it easy for me to assume you know what word I'm about to use again.

Physical.

Saturday night, when you are switching over to the ABC Network and preparing to watch what certainly seems to be a lackluster Big 12 Championship game, you'll understand exactly what I mean by physical play. Especially when it comes to defense.

(That said, if you are one of the ones switching to HBO to watch "P.S. I Love You," hit your back button on your browser now. Saturday's SEC Championship isn't made for "date movie" fans.)

I'm a fan, so I can talk to you about how physical this Alabama team is going to be come Saturday.

Understand, I'm not trying to disparage the level of play the Gator football team has played with this year. But, when people talk of the Gators the term they use is flashy; "Saturday Night Fever" style of football.

Alabama, on the other hand, falls in to your "Road House" movie category as so aptly described in a satire just this past week.

Ex-Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said, "Alabama was the most physical team (they) had played in years."

Georgia coach Mark Richt was just as complimentary, in Richt's way of speaking.

But, considering Houston Nutt's Rebels have the distinction of playing both schools this year, and being the team that handed Florida its only loss, he is the best sounding board for this upcoming Championship game.

Alabama's Offense vs. Florida's Defense

If you want an exercise in futility, try to string together a sentence or two about the Alabama offense and make it sound eloquent.

I've never been one to consider Houston Nutt the most eloquent speaker in the SEC coaches line up, far better than Miles or Oregon, but his description of Alabama's offense is succinct, but accurate.

"Alabama is solid. That is the one word to describe them. They can run the ball, because they have an outstanding offensive line," Nutt said. "They have big, strong, fast guys and they are physical. They will run right at you. They have solid backs in Coffee, Upchurch, and Grant, but Coffee is the guy. Wilson doesn't make mistakes. He is going to throw it to his guys and especially to Julio Jones. And Julio is a difference maker."

With such a contrast in styles when comparing the two teams and their offense, it makes it a difficult task. But, you have to wonder what bearing that has on this game? To do so is lacking one fundamental thing.

There aren't two offenses on the field at the same time. Seems a waste of time, to me. So, we'll dispense of that line of reasoning looking at this game.

Let's get to specifics...

Nutt's Ole Miss team is one of the most improved teams in the SEC this season. He's battle-tested in the league, and understands the ins and outs of offenses and defenses.

If he were asked which is the most improved unit in the SEC, he'd likely point to one of the Florida Gators defensive units; their secondary.

The numbers stand alone. 26 interceptions so far this season should make offensive coordinators pause when considering how to attack this Florida defense. It's an imposing statistic to weigh until we remember what team the Gators are facing.

Alabama.

You've heard many analysts talk about where the Alabama passing attack ranks in the NCAA this season. It's near the bottom of the SEC in yards per game, certainly not even in the same universe as Texas Tech.

But, Alabama hasn't had to pass the ball.

It's clearly evident that the Alabama staff has a lot of confidence in John Parker Wilson and his ability to handle the passing game. The best example this year was probably the first play from scrimmage in overtime period vs. LSU.

Instead of relying on the running attack, it was a route called to Julio Jones who was stopped just short of the goal line. In overtime, on the road in Baton Rouge, against LSU (and you all know the story) they put the game in John Parker's hands.

Against Florida, and this is as simply put as I can make the statement...

Alabama won't have to pass the ball.

The one weakness, if there is one that can be pointed to, with Florida's defense it's found on their interior defensive line. For a team that looks loaded with talent from top to bottom, the one area it hasn't been able to stock is the tackle positions.

Then, you add the injuries they have sustained this year to the mix and this weakness becomes glaring.

Alabama's success this Saturday is found there.

Led by All-SEC center Antoine Caldwell and one of the best offensive lines in the nation Alabama is going to run the ball straight at the Florida Gators. You can expect Florida to have some success early on holding back the rushing attack at times. But, as this game goes on, you'll see the advantage lean more and more to Alabama's side.

By the second half, it's going to seem like Alabama can, and they will, run at leisure.

You put a group like Alabama's line on the field, couple it with the depth issues Florida faces, and you are going to see a game end like several others have this season for the Crimson Tide.

What's worked in the past, still works in the present, and will continue to work in the future no matter what "flashy offenses" may entertain fans.

Nick Saban vs. Urban Meyer

When Meyer made his move to the SEC several years ago, there were a handful who said the "spread option" attack wouldn't work because of the speed of the SEC defenses. They followed that with the caveat, "The only way it would work is if he has playmakers at every position."

He does. Meyer has taken perhaps the truest definition of a spread option attack and added some true play makers.

CBS announcer Gary Danielson described the two offenses on these terms.

"That's just because they (Crimson Tide) don't make ESPN highlights as easily. We get fascinated with big plays and football is more than that. I will say this, though: The Alabama sum is better than the parts. There's no doubt about that...They definitely play better as a unit than individually. If you look at Florida, their sum is the spread but that only highlights their parts. The spread gives you the parts that kill you. There's the contrast."

What makes this game so interesting is you have the offensive coach vs. the defensive coach.

If there was any doubt, and I don't suspect there was, that Nick Saban couldn't bring the Alabama team quickly to the top of the rankings in defensive terms those doubts have been pacified.

While Meyer was an unproven commodity, at the SEC level, Saban was a proven. And, as some expected (some feared) he's done that more quickly than expected.

Will Muschamp made the comment this week that seeing the Alabama defense "reminds me of the good old days." Alabama fans feel the same, Coach Muschamp.

But, going back to a coach who has faced both teams, Nutt describes this defense in these terms:

"Defensively is where they are at another level," Nutt said of UA. "Nick Saban is best at zeroing in on what you do offensively first and taking that away. He will make you try to play left-handed by taking away your best plays. He will give you some complicated coverages with Johnson at safety. They are so solid defensively they will make you go the long, hard way."

"He will try to make you play left-handed by taking..."

Ironic. Alabama is going to put this game in Tebow's hand. His left one, to be exact.

Just to put that in terms all fans will understand...

SEC Championship Game Prediction

I've been fortunate to see a lot of good defenses in my relatively short lifespan at Alabama.

As a child, I can recall what I saw in the 1970s, but not as vividly as I can the defense of the 1992 team.

By no means am I making a comparison between these two defenses (2008-1992) in terms of production, although comparisons can be made.

I'm talking about another factor. It's a factor that doesn't have a coach. It doesn't have a captain. It has no game plan, no drills to repeat in practices. It's a factor instilled, developed, and then utilized.

Some call it the "want to" factor. Today, I'm using the "it" factor.

I have never seen, or felt, the kind of mature intensity coming from this Alabama team in 2008 since 1992.

Sure, they hear and realize that the media is all piled on a bandwagon painted orange and blue.

They've taken notice.

But, while it does add that extra spark in preparation for the game, business remains as usual. They understand what needs to be done, what has to be done, and where they want to be.

This is a team that is going to come out Saturday and without spoken word, but proven actions, show Florida what has the Crimson Tide playing for the SEC Championship.

Frankly, Danielson hit on the deciding factor in this game without realizing he had.

The spread emphasizes some outstanding parts.

Alabama's sum, is greater than its parts.

Football is a team game.

Alabama Rolls!

31-24.

2008 SEC Championship Preview: Part 2 of 3

CrimsonTusks.com — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:17:33 -0500

South Eastern Conference

Championship Game

University of Alabama vs University of Florida

Georgia Dome - Atlanta - Dec. 6

CBS-TV 4:00 EST

By Terry Pellman

I’m forced, and not by the lack of attempts to get away from the thought, to come back to something I addressed in Part One of this preview. Much like the Florida Gators faced in 1996, they are going to face a physical team like none they’ve faced this year.

In fact, I think that is starting to sink in with Florida’s head coach, Urban Meyer, when he commented in his press conference, “…we think this is the most physical offensive line we’ve faced in the last few years. It says a lot, because last year’s LSU team was very physical as well.”

Coach Meyer, we’ve heard a coach make the same statement this season. In fact, we’ve heard it more than once. But, after those games were over we also heard “that was the most physical team we’ve faced in years.”

Thinking that is the case is great. However, knowing that was the case hasn’t been so great for each and every team the Tide has faced this year.

As mentioned in Part One, and just as it has already been mentioned in this installment, you can sit back and be rest assured the word “physical play” is going to be the staple of this preview. If that happens to be a mantra that you’ve tired of already, hit the back button on your browser now. There’s nothing for you to see here; move along.

The Keys to Alabama's

22nd SEC Championship

Special Teams

A lot of what is covered in this preview is going to be things you've heard for much of this year. Specifically, in the first breakdown of the Florida team; their Special Teams.

As you may or may not know, when Urban Meyer was in the beginning of his coaching tenure, at Notre Dame, one of his specific responsibilities was the coordinator of their Special Teams. He's credited that tenure as the root of his attention to the Special Teams of the Gators.

The attention to that detail is to be commended and it has been evidenced by the play of their special teams this season.

Most battles on the gridiron need to be won. As example, when you look at the offensive line versus another teams' defensive line, that doesn't need to be a "wash" but a win.

With this Championship game, the battle between the special teams would be nice to chalk up as a win for the Tide, but a "wash" does just as well.

There was a reason that Coach Saban was so upset when Alabama punter, P.J. Fitzgerald, muffed a punt against Auburn this past weekend. That was a mistake we cannot afford to make when we face the Gators.

By using the term "wash," I'm simply stating that Alabama doesn't need to win the game with our special teams play, but we cannot afford to lose the game via special teams play.

We haven't lost a game this year that falls on our special teams play. We have had breakdowns early on this season with our kick coverage, but that special teams has shown great improvement as the year has progressed (That said, there is still a lot of improvement to be made).

There aren't very many people in the NCAA that come to mind more quickly than Javier Arenas when it comes to outstanding kick returners. However, Florida not only has one, but he's as good, if not better, than Javy has been this year.

All in all, even including their kicking teams, Florida comes in to the SEC Championship Game with what seems to be a clear advantage in this area.

Containment. Playing with the discipline to follow your lanes and assignments. Then that advantage no longer has a bearing on the outcome of this game.

Alabama Defense vs. Florida Offense

You can expect to see the same Alabama defensive alignment as you've seen in several games this year; Clemson and Georgia are probably the best examples.

We'll play from our traditional three-man front, but will use a "nickel package" for our secondary. It is this approach, along with the combinations of a handful of blitz packages (some not seen this year,) which leads me to believe Alabama wins this battle.

You'll also see our JACK linebacker playing on the line of scrimmage quite a bit leaving our two interior linebackers playing most of the game at the linebacker level. (To be honest, it wouldn't shock me if Cory Reamer didn't even get to play in this game.)

Florida has two tackles on the offensive line with a lot of speed and a good amount of experience. However, while the interior of their line has that speed and talent, they don't have that experience.

The Florida interior offensive line, specifically the combinations of their two offensive guards and their center, don't know what to expect from Alabama's Nose Tackle position on defense. When Florida's center, Maurkice Pouncey, was questioned about it in this week's press conference, his answers tell a lot of how this story will end.

Q. Have you played anybody like Cody this year, as wide as he is or as low to the ground as he is?

MAURKICE POUNCEY: Not that I can say, but we play great players every week, though.

Q. On film what do you see? When guys have success against him, what do they do?

MAURKICE POUNCEY: What did you say?

Q. When guys have success against Cody, what do they do?

MAURKICE POUNCEY: I don't know, just go out there and play hard, get physical with him. He's a great player, great athlete, and we've just got to go out there and play physical.

Coach Meyer, here's a prime example of a unit "thinking it is a physical group, but not understanding how much of a physical front they are about to face."

Cody's ability, and by no means forgetting Josh Chapman in his secondary role able to do the same, gives Alabama's interior linebackers the ability to hit the gaps created with little to no opposition. Florida lacked that presence with a running back last year and used Tebow in situations that presented themselves.

Those situations will not exist very often this Saturday.

While they have shown the ability to successfully run the ball inside this year, and while Tebow has shown once again he can do the same on their Quarterback draws, that success is countered by the Alabama defensive approach.

One of the other options Florida uses to attack defenses is their speed on the outside. Alabama will counter that with the speed and looks we'll have with our secondary.

Tebow can watch the game film from each game this year, as I'm sure he's done, and he's still going to have his difficulty reading what the back seven on our defense is going to do.

What seemingly appears as a great call for an offensive play call, the defensive alignment is quickly going to be adjusted to leading to a Florida offense contained.

Teams Alabama has faced this year have been able to get to the edge. They've done so with some success at times, but this team and staff have quickly adjusted to take away that threat. I see no reasons, even while specifically and avidly digging for them, to lead me to believe otherwise.

While Florida "thinks they know about a physical game," Alabama "knows a speed game on the outside." They've faced it before, they had defeated it before.

This game, despite all the accolades showered on Florida's athletes (and they do have some of the best) isn't something that will shock the Bama secondary.

A question mark lies over whether Percy Harvin will play this Saturday. If he does, that question will change to "is he playing at 100%?" He adds another dimension to this Florida team and if he plays it will make the task that much more difficult for Alabama.

But even if he's on the field, you can expect Alabama to stop the run and force the game into Tim Tebow's hands.

Not Tebow's legs. Tebow's hands.

Over the past two years when Tebow has been forced to throw more, Florida loses more. With the exception of his touchdown-to-interception ratio, the numbers Tim Tebow has put up this year aren't spectacular.

However, this isn't a game where we need our defensive backs to record two or three interceptions. It is a game where we need our defensive secondary to limit their big play capability severely.

Enter Rashad Johnson.

No team Florida has faced this year has the "on-the-field coaching ability and play calling" that Rashad brings to the Georgia Dome. By no means is that meant to discount the leadership and ability Tebow brings to this game as well.

What this does mean is the offenses' quarterback versus the defenses' quarterback leads to at worst for Bama, a "wash."

I expect Alabama to give up a big play, maybe as many as two or three. I also expect Alabama to give up yardage to the Florida offense. But, when push comes to shove, I don't expect Alabama to give up the touchdowns that teams have allowed Florida to score this year.

Many point to the number of touchdowns Florida has scored this year. IF we look at a few of those games...say against common opponents like Georgia and Kentucky (their last two SEC teams we've both played,) we see Florida has scored 16 touchdowns, combined, against those two teams.

16 touchdowns!

But then again, you know what they say about defense and championships, right?

Through 12 games this season, the entire season to just repeat myself, Alabama's defense hasn't allowed that many to be scored. I could combine special teams just for effect...yes, the number is still smaller for Alabama.

Where do you think, I think, the advantages so for lead?

Coming Thursday:

Alabama's offense vs Florida's Defense
Nick Saban vs Urban Meyer
Predicted 2008 SEC Champion

2008 SEC Championship Preview: Part 1 of 3

CrimsonTusks.com — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:12:58 -0500

South Eastern Conference

Championship Game

University of Alabama vs University of Florida

Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA -DEC 06

CBS TV 4:00 EST

By Terry Pellman

Alabama fans find themselves in a familiar place, but in an unexpected setting this Saturday when the Tide face off against the Gators for the 2008 SEC Championship title. It's something fan base hasn't enjoyed recently but have special memories from being in this position many times in the past and enjoying winning 21 SEC Titles since the birth of the South Eastern Conference.

Depending on who you speak with, the outcome of this game from one fan to the other can easily be polar opposites. That disparity is even found in the national media, even found within the same studio. While Kirk Herbstreit of ESPN's Gameday has had Florida as one of the teams he's expected all year long to compete for the BCS National Championship, ESPN's Mark Schlabach says, "The Gators won't beat the Tide."

The term "classic match-up" seems to be a misnomer. But, if you look back you have had a chance to witness a game that featured an offense that loved to spread the ball around in a quick scoring fashion versus a team that ran the ball predominantly and relied on strong defensive and offensive lines. No, I'm not referring to past SEC Championships games between Florida and Alabama, although I could, but I'm thinking more along the lines of No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams facing each other.

Ironically, that year did feature Florida and Alabama in the top of the national rankings. That year also had these two teams facing each other in Atlanta for the SEC title. But that year, and specifically the game I'm referring to, had a No. 2 ranked Florida team facing a fundamental Nebraska team in the Fiesta Bowl: 1996 the year.

I'm sure, to a person within the Florida fan base (and a certain coach now in Columbia, South Carolina,) they would rather forget that game.

Forget that game? A feeling shared with another SEC teams' fan base this week as the Tiger faithful would rather forget running into, and then being run over, by the Crimson Tide this past weekend.

Are the Florida Gators in 2008 the college football version of the "Greatest Show on Turf" the NFL witnessed starting in the 1999 football season? Gator fans probably like the description, but don't want a thing to do with the Gator team that played in the Georgia Dome in 1999.

Is this Alabama team in 2008 fundamentally like that 1996 Nebraska team as a unit that will win the battle in the trenches, run the ball successfully while playing very disciplined football? Alabama fans probably like the description and wouldn't mind being a team like that when facing Florida this weekend.

Here on the Bleacher Report, we'll break this game down bit by bit over the next two days looking at different aspects of this match up.

Could it be done all at once? Sure. But, do you want to read a book today, or just a few chapters spread out of the next few days.

Coming tomorrow:

* UA's and UF's Special Team Preview and Breakdown.

* UA's Defense vs UF's Offense.

Coming Thursday:

* UA's Offense vs UF's Defense.

* Nick Saban vs Urban Meyer.

* Projected 2008 SEC Champion.