Bleacher Report - Articles by Adam Wren

Saban Demonstrates Consistency, Lands Second Straight Top Recruiting Class

Adam Wren — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:39:14 -0500

Just when you begin to ask questions about whether or not Saban can recruit without the assistance of Lance Thompson—he lands the best recruiting class for the second year in a row, according to Rivals.com (2nd: Scout.com, 5th: ESPNU.com).

Before I begin, I'll give credit where credit is due. Thompson did an outstanding job with the '08 class and pointing out the prospects for the '09 class. Every Rivals.com 100 recruit that Alabama was shooting for was recruited by Lance Thompson.

However, Saban's undeniable ability to recruit can not go unnoticed.

Additionally, Alabama was able to lure two recruits away from previously committed schools (4-star DE Ed Stinson from Auburn and three-star LB Jonathan Atchison from Florida State) while only losing one recruit, three-star DB Gerald West to Southern Miss.

Lastly, I believe it's a BEAUTIFUL thing that Saban snatched eight of Alabama's Top 10 recruits while 17 of the total 27 came from OUTSIDE THE STATE!

It's official: Saban is a recruiting GOD!

Personally, I believe this class is better than last year. Not because there is more or better talent, but because Saban recruited where Alabama needed it.

OFFENSE

Alabama lost Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell. And now? Five-star D.J. Fluker and five-star redshirt freshman Tyler Love. Who better to fill in the gaps at OL than two five-star recruits?

Additional OL recruits: Four-star Derrick Moore & James Carpenter and three-star Darius McKeller, Anthony Steen, Chance Warmack, and Kellen Williams.

Alabama unexpectedly loses Glen Coffee. And now? Five-star recruit Trent Richardson. I haven't seen this type of running back since Shaun Alexander. Put Mark Ingram in the backfield with this guy, and you'll have the perfect setup for an extremely dynamic running game. Expect this guy to make an immediate impact as soon as he steps onto the campus.

Additional RB recruits: 4-star Eddie Lacy and 3-star Mike Marrow.

Alabama loses quarterback John Parker Wilson. And now? Four-star redshirt freshman Star Jackson and four-star A.J. McCarron. I don't foresee either player starting next season due to McElroy's experience (not to mention, promising ability), but with Saban's philosophy of playing the best player at the position—I have no doubts what-so-ever at this position.

Alabama lost Nikita Stover at wide receiver. And now? Alabama reels in FOUR four-star wide receiver prospects; two on signing day. Kenny Ball, Michael Bowman, Kendall Kelly, and Kevin Norwood are outstanding additions to the receiving corps, joining Marquis Maze and SEC Freshman of the Year Julio Jones. If McElroy can add to his already proven ability to throw the ball—Alabama's offense will be virtually unstoppable.

DEFENSE

Alabama loses defensive end Bobby Greenwood. And now? Alabama gets four-star Ed Stinson & William Ming, and three-star Anthony Orr.

The defensive line will be nothing different, if not stronger, from last year. Alabama finished the season with the second best rushing defense, T-3rd best total defense, and seventh best scoring defense. The defensive line deserves alot of credit for these stats because they utterly dominated in the trenches.

Alabama didnt lose anyone from their linebacker corps, but ohhhh did they add to it. Five-star Nico Johnson and four-star Tana Patrick will come in with an obvious desire to start. Seeing Alabama has struggled against the pass and lacked pass rushing, these two stars will inevitably give Alabama the ability to do just that.

Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson return at cornerback, and Saban has a replacement already lined up after their departure. Five-star Dre Kirkpatrick is probably the most impressive recruit from Alabama's '09 class. Tapes of him corner blitzing are remarkable! He will definitely assist in giving Alabama a pass rush.

This is it, folks. With Alabama's ridiculously easy schedule (except Ole Miss and LSU) and the ungodly amount of talent that now rides the sidelines at UA, expect Alabama to repeat as SEC West champs and give Florida an even better run for their money at the SEC Championship.

The giant in Tuscaloosa has been awakened. Gone are the days of losing to LA-Monroe and Utah. 2008 was a warmup. 2009 is looking more and more like Alabama's year. The only question that remains—who can stop Nick Saban?

Answers to Questions About Alabama Football in 2009

Adam Wren — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:05:36 -0500

The 2008 Bowl Season hasn't even commenced and already there are questions about Alabama's ability to maintain consistency relative to overall records in the 2009 season.

If you must ask, you haven't been doing your homework.

A lot of people are worried about the 2009 season. They question the quarterback situation, the offensive line, and the defense. I must ask...why?!

Let's start from the top, shall we?

Quarterback

Bad

John Parker Wilson had a great year in 2008.

He was only sacked 17 times, and he would've been sacked twice that much if not for his ability to make smart decisions. That kind of play can only come from experience, and that will surely be missed.

Not to mention that J.P. has broken every passing record at Alabama, passing the likes of Bart Starr, Kenny Stabler, Brodie Croyle, and the one and only Joe Namath.

Good

Greg McElroy has shown dramatic improvement. The sophomore out of Southlake, Texas had his first touchdown pass during the Auburn game, and it was a beauty.

That one play put a smile on my face and made me much more comfortable knowing he was going to replace J.P.

In addition, don't forget the, now, redshirt freshman Star Jackson and 2009 recruit prospect A.J. McCarron. Both were four-star recruits and have amazing strength and durability.

Dare NOT worry the quarterback situation. It will be just fine, if not better.

Running Backs & Wide Receivers

Bad

Absolutely nothing. No RB or WR losses due to graduation.

Good

Granted, Nikita Stover will be gone for the '09 season, but he only had five receptions with one touchdown in 2008. All other receivers and RB's will be back for the 2009 season. 'Nuff said.

Tight End

Bad

The biggest loss in 2009 with be at tight end. Travis McCall and Nick Walker will be gone.

Coach Nick Saban has shown love for his TE's throughout the 2008 season—mixing up TE and WR passes to throw off the opponent's secondary.

McCall and Walker combined for 36 carries for 351 yards and two touchdowns.

For the 2009 season, Chris Underwood and Preston Dial are the depth men at this position and only Dial has actual game experience. Even worse, Dial has only caught two passes for a combined 29 yards. So, speculation of performance will surely reign at this position.

Good

Speculation reigned over the linebackers at the beginning of the '08 season, and look how well they did. With McElwain as the offensive coordinator, and Nick Saban wearing the pants, we have the cook to add the spices. The only question is, "Where do we find the meat?"

Offensive Line

Bad

Where do I start? The widely considered "Best OL in the Country" will take major hits at the end of the 2008 season, adding to the uncertainty at QB. Antoine Caldwell and Marlon Davis will be gone, and many believe Andre Smith will leave for the NFL at the end of the 2008 season.

For the sake of argument, we are going to consider Smith to be gone, meaning three out of five offensive lineman are out. WOW!

Good

Redshirt freshman five-star recruit Tyler Love, redshirt freshman four-star recruit Barrett Jones and Evan Cardwell are three outstanding lineman to fill a much needed gap at offensive line.

Although Caldwell, Davis, and Smith will sorely be missed, there is enough talent to provide protection for Alabama's next inexperienced QB.

If Andre Smith decides to stay one more year, that does nothing but add comfort to Alabama fans and to Alabama's next QB.

Defensive Line

Bad

Alabama will lose Bobby Greenwood, an outstanding defensive lineman who assisted Alabama get 24 sacks in 2008.

Good

Greenwood's backup is Lorenzo Washington. In 2007, Washington racked up 36 tackles (16 unassisted), four and a half tackles for a loss, and three sacks. Alabama's DL will be just as good as it was this year, if not better with the experience of Terrance "Mount" Cody, Brandon Deaderick, and Cory Reamer.

Linebacker

Bad

Absolutely nothing. No LB losses due to graduation.

Good

All starters return for 2009 at linebacker; a position in question at the beginning of the 2008 season that now leaves no doubt. Alabama's LB squad assisted in having a +9 turnover margin during the regular season(Ranked 22nd nationally).

Cornerback

Bad

Again...absolutely nothing. No CB losses due to graduation.

Good

Good ol' Javier Arenas, Kareem Jackson, and Marquis Johnson will be back in 2009. All three combined for four interceptions, 75 yards in returns, and one pick six.

Not to mention Javier Arenas and his ability on special teams. Averaging 14 yards per punt return and three TDs. Not much more can be said about this guy.

Secondary

Bad

Losing Rashad Johnson. The All-SEC safety led the team with five interceptions, 125 return yards, and two touchdowns.

Good

Justin Woodall will return, and to fill the shoes of Rashad Johnson is a man by the name of Ali Sharrief. He played as a running back in the 2006 season, but Saban thought that his skill would best be put in the secondary.

Special Teams

Bad

Absolutely nothing.

Good

Both the punter, P.J. Fitzgerald, and kicker, Leigh Tiffin, will return for the 2009 season.

So there you have it. Despite a lot of criticism coming from the press, Alabama's 2009 roster is shaping up to be a great one. Not to mention their 2009 schedule—having Virginia Tech lined up to be the season opener.

Alabama-LSU: Strong Tide Warning for Baton Rouge

Adam Wren — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:45:48 -0400

Alert the masses!

Stock up on water, bread, batteries, and flashlights!

Nail those windows shut with plywood and send the loved ones inland.

Death Valley is preparing for the storm of the century! Forecasters predict a storm tide of 85 strong, and it doesn't look as if it's going to let up anytime soon.

Alabama. LSU. Two years of waiting for what will soon become a reality in little over a week.

Nick Saban returns to Tiger Stadium for the first time since 2004, and LSU fans have been foaming at the mouth, waiting impatiently and rabidly for his bittersweet return.

Saban might be right about the fact that Alabama and the fans need to concentrate on playing one game at a time, but does anyone else see Arkansas State as being nothing more than a pawn, caught in the path of the largest storm of the year that's destined for Baton Rouge?

My sympathies to the Red Wolves. I, seriously, fear the outcome of that game.

Alabama players and coaches alike can say whatever they want in front of the camera. We all know you have your sights dialed in on the wounded Tigers of LSU, beaten and bloodied twice already. Alabama looks to go into "BR" and finish off the overrated Tigers.

However, despite falling to Florida and Georgia, LSU still has life in the SEC West. With a victory over Alabama, all LSU has to do is win the season out and send steroids to Mississippi State and Auburn, hoping one of the two will upset the ever-so-strong Crimson Tide of Alabama.

I hate to be the news breaker here, but I just do not foresee any of that in the forecast.

LSU will give it their all at their home stadium, but Alabama is just too strong on the road. The louder, the better!

Alabama goes to Atlanta and defeats preseason ranked No. 9 Clemson in the Georgia Dome, 34-10.

Alabama goes to Fayetteville and makes a barbecue out of Arkansas, 49-14.

Alabama goes between the hedges and upsets Georgia, 41-30.

Alabama goes to Knoxville and leaves Phil Fulmer touching up his résumé, 29-9.

Is there any sign of this storm weakening?

Forecast models show no signs of weakness. To the contrary, it actually shows signs of strengthening.

The LSU faithful can make any argument they want. They can sit there and dwell on the fact that Saban is coming back to Death Valley, and because of that LSU will be more ready than ever.

Maybe so, but don't think you're going to catch Nick Saban and Alabama with their guard down.

If you bought tickets to see Miles embarrass Saban, you wasted your money.

If you're hoping to tune in to see Alabama's BCS chances go down the drain, you're hoping on a penny in a well.

This game will be a good one, but expect nothing less than the Crimson Tide of old, looking to show Les Miles who really wears the pants in this relationship.

Brace yourself. This is going to be one hell of a storm.

Alabama Football: The Hare That Beats the Tortoise

Adam Wren — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:49:21 -0400

Yet again, the complacent hare beats the patient and smart tortoise.

Wait a minute...last time I checked, that's not how the story is supposed to end.

For the third straight game, Alabama had a commanding lead going into the locker room at halftime. Unfortunately, for the third straight game, Alabama has been outscored and overpowered in the second half.

The mindset of the Alabama program has replicated the childhood story about a complacent rabbit that gets beaten by the slower, yet smarter, turtle.

The only difference between the two is that Alabama crosses the finish line right when the opposing team is nipping at its heels.

Alabama survived their third straight close game and remained undefeated by knocking off the Ole Miss Rebels 24-20.

Alabama's first two possessions ended with punts, and then the Tide allowed Ole Miss to kick a 25-yard field goal with 5:25 remaining in the first quarter.

This was the first time this season Alabama has trailed, and the first time an Alabama opponent has scored in the first quarter.

Thankfully, the hare woke up and realized the race had started.

Alabama put up 24 unanswered points to close the first half 24-3.

Obviously, Houston "The Motivator" Nutt lit a fire in the belly of the Rebels during halftime. Mixing up fake field goals and "Wild Rebel" formations, the Rebels put up 17 unanswered points of their own.

Alabama's offense didn't perform at all in the second half.

Alabama had the ball six times after halftime. End result was four punts, one interception, and one fumble.

However, after a fourth quarter comeback, it came down to one play for the Rebels: 4th-and-5 at the Alabama 43-yard-line with 1:05 remaining.

Jevan Snead puts up a floater to Dexter McCluster that was deflected by Alabama's Javier Arenas; provoking Alabama's victory formation that ended the game.

If there is one good thing that came out of this game, besides the win, it's that we now know that the depth at nose tackle is dependable.

Terrence "Mount" Cody, Alabama's 365-pound nose tackle, left the game on a stretcher in the third quarter with trainers giving signs of bad news.

All 92,000 at Bryant-Denny Stadium had the wind knocked out of them seeing No. 62 lying on the field. Alabama doesn't release injury information, so the news of his injury is still unknown.

One thing is for sure. With the health of Alabama's best defensive lineman in jeopardy, and with, yet, another poor second-half performance, the Tennessee game becomes a little scarier.

Don't let Tennessee's 3-4 record fool you. If there is a team that the Volunteers will give their all against, it's the Alabama Crimson Tide.

One thing is not for sure. For Alabama, the light at the end of the tunnel could be redemption...or it could be a delusion.

If Alabama continues to play only first half football...

If Alabama continues to allow their opponents to make a game out of a massacre...

If Alabama continues to be the overbearing and complacent hare...

Then the remainder of Alabama's 2008 football season will be one worth forgetting.

Nick Saban, Alabama Hope to Keep BCS Title Hopes Alive

Adam Wren — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:26:20 -0400

Thank God last weekend is over.

Alabama didn't play, and the Top Five was put on the cutting block for the second time this year.

Is anyone getting the feeling of déjà vu? Were we not seeing bizarre and drastic changes in the polls last year, after every team (except Hawaii) lost at least two games?

After two long weeks of what one could only hope was Saban preaching consistency and intensity, Alabama will meet up with the Rebels of Mississippi, who have already contributed to the perpetually spinning kaleidoscope we call the Top 25.

Despite heartbreakers against Vanderbilt and South Carolina, Houston Nutt has already made a statement in his first year tenure at Ole Miss by beating the Florida Gators in "The Swamp" 31-30. At 3-3, and under the cap of a new coach, the Rebels have reason to be proud.

Then again, who better to be proud of their accomplishments this season than the astonishing Alabama Crimson Tide?

Alabama is undefeated. 6-0. Six games into the season, and Alabama is still the only team, in 2008, to knock off two top 10 teams...BY A MARGIN OF 75-40. They have not trailed at all thus far, and have spent 21-and-a-half minutes leading by 10 points or more in the first quarter. They have outscored their opponents 88-0 in the first quarter; 147-20 in the first half.

They have the second best rushing defense in the nation, the 10th best total defense in the nation, the 12th best scoring defense in the nation, and the 14th best rushing offense in the nation, captained by the SEC's most experienced and most improved three-year starting quarterback John Parker Wilson.

Now, if this isn't a recipe for a BCS Burger, then I don't know what is.

John Parker Wilson, who is 42-of-68 for 471 yards with two touchdowns and a passer rating of 126.7 against the Rebels in his career, looks to forget about his 7-of-17 for 106 yards performance against Kentucky.

"What they are doing from last year is like night and day," Wilson said in an interview with rolltide.com. "So, everything that we had going last year, we have to throw out the window and start new. They have new guys who are going to do new stuff. We have to prepare and get ready for them this week."

Glen Coffee, one of many weapons in the backfield, had a field day against Kentucky; running for 218 yards on just 25 carries and one touchdown.

Other marvels in Alabama's backfield consist of the likes of Mark Ingram, Roy Upchurch, and Terry Grant. Ingram is averaging 5.7 yards per carry with five touchdowns. Against an Ole Miss defense that has held opponents to an average of 112.6 yards on the ground, look for Ingram to rely on the offensive line in order to rack up big numbers.

Let us not forget about the wideouts. Marquis Maze, Julio Jones, Nick Walker, and Mike McCoy have all contributed an individual average of 10 yards or more per catch. With Ole Miss allowing over 228 passing yards (88th nationally), expect Wilson to send plenty of pigskin through the air.

The defensive line of Terrence Cody, Bobby Greenwood, and Lorenzo Washington has held opponents to only 50 yards per game on the ground. With Ole Miss relying heavily on Brandon Bolden and Cordera Eason in the backfield, don't expect a high number of rushing yards for the Rebels.

Boy, do the Mississippi Rebels have their hands full this weekend.

Nutt and the Rebels got lucky two weeks ago. The Florida Gator team that embarrassed LSU 51-21 wasn't the same team that fell to Ole Miss.

Don't expect the same Alabama squad that barely squeezed by Tulane and Kentucky, either. They realize the threat that Ole Miss can be and will approach it like a game that needs to be won.

Must more be said about that? Every game that needed to be won this year has been won by a large margin.

Alabama dominates the overall record against the Rebels 44-9-2. The last time Ole Miss defeated Alabama was in 2003 (43-28). The only time Ole Miss was victorious in Tuscaloosa was in 1988 (22-12).

The Crimson Tide enjoyed a week off, and now it's back to business. Alabama dominates this one on the ground and with defense, and sets their sights on Knoxville; the "Third Weekend in October" to face the hated Volunteers of Tennessee.

Alabama 38
Ole Miss 14

Alabama Football: My Oasis in a Panic Filled World

Adam Wren — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:50:59 -0400

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

If only FDR's words could still reign true today.

In today's society, we are surrounded by constant reminders of the crazy and selfish world we live in. Problems arise irregardless of the day, time, occasion or holiday. Whether it be the stack of bills sitting on the table that stare at you everyday when you walk in the door, or the 6 o'clock news talking about how your retirement fund is drained—nothing seems to bring relief to the doorstep of the American worker.

Meanwhile, overtime and working hours are going down, but the price of food and gas are going up. Everyday we are battered with news of fear, recession, and war. We're stuck helpless; glued to the television eagerly and anxiously hoping that good news will embrace our ears before the end of the broadcast.

"A soldier was killed in Iraq yesterday." "The nation is in a recession." "Investment banks that control 401k's are bankrupt." "Foreclosures are at an all time high." "Poverty levels are at an all time high."

With so many displays of uncontrollable fear in today's society, in our world, it almost seems impossible how Americans can make it through each day with even the smallest amount of sanity to hold themselves together.

Then, when all hope of maintaining lucidity seems lost, the hot summer sun starts setting earlier and temperatures start dropping; signifying the birth of two things.

Winter, and college football.

Even the tiniest inkling of a thought about bone crushing tackles, unbelievable catches, and fourth quarter comebacks instantly blinds my sight of an uncontrollable and problematic world and brings a smile to my face.

And why not? College football signifies more than just slobber knocker weekends.

The gathering of friends and family around a grill that has littered the air with mouth watering aromas.

The gathering of 92,000+ fans, all whom cheer for the same team as you, are instantly brothers of the same cause. High fives after touchdowns, in sync chants, the wave circling the stadium, and the loud obnoxious singing of "Rammer Jammer."

The drive to the stadium; packed with you and 5 of your buddies, blaring "Sweet Home Alabama" on the stereo.

Hell, even the smell of the air around the stadium; making you reminisce of all the good times you've had there and all the victories you've witnessed.

There is no word that can describe the atmosphere at an Alabama football game.

Hell, there's no word to describe a get together at home watching an Alabama football game. It's the next best thing when you can't afford the gas to drive out there or the hot dogs to eat when you arrive.

Nevertheless, college football brings out the best in its fans. All differences are pushed aside, politics are banned from chatter, and beer & BBQ are free for the taking (so long as you bring your own beer).

On Saturday, in the Fall, I have no worries. All my problems are swept under the rug, temporarily, for the one thing that makes me feel as if my life is debt free, care free, and worry free.

Thank God for Alabama football.

Alabama Faithful Should Remain Cautious, Despite Impressive Start

Adam Wren — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:27:22 -0400

0:00

That is how much time Alabama has spent trailing an opponent this year.

If that isn't prestigious then I don't know what is, especially considering two of Alabama's previous games was against top ten teams and away from Tuscaloosa.

The No. 2 team in the country has passed two ESPN "tests." Now, the road has been paved by ESPN predictors and analysts for Bama to cruise into Miami for a shot at the National Title.

Did Alabama's win blind everyone that seven Top 25 teams fell, five against unranked teams, in one day?

Just when you think a team will walk on in and take control of the game from the coin toss to the last minute, they collapse like a supernova.

Although Alabama hasn't trailed at all thus far this season, all it takes is one second to get beat.

Alabama, fresh off their 41-30 victory in Athens, head back home to prepare for another unbeaten team from the SEC East.

The Kentucky Wildcats (4-0, 0-0) have shown impressive numbers so far this season; then again, that could only be expected against such teams as Nicholls State, Middle Tennessee State, and Western Kentucky.

Kentucky has outscored their opponents 126-22, including a 27-2 stomping at Louisville to start the season.

Other than that, not much can be said.

When the Wildcats and Crimson Tide square off, Kentucky doesn't stand a chance at beating Alabama—that can go ahead and be said.

If anyone beats Alabama this weekend, it will be Alabama.

They've already demonstrated complacency and lack of intensity, after beating Clemson, when they struggled against Tulane. If it wasn't for Javier Arenas on special teams, it would've been a lot closer than the 20-6 final score.

Southern Cal is another example.

The Trojans were being pasted on every Sportscenter episode as being "unstoppable." Week Five of the college football season rolls around, and USC has only played two games. They had two weeks off in the first four weeks, and the Beavers took 'em out back behind the woodshed.

They believed their own hype, and took a bite out of the "humble pie", as G.G. likes to refer it as.

As a veteran of the armed forces, I can tell you a quote that saved lives in the Middle East, and it can save national title dreams in NCAA football.

"Complacency Kills."

In the locker room, shortly after the game, players were quoted saying that Nick Saban chewed them a “new one” after a poor second-half.

The crimson nation can only hope the players will listen.

The support and hype is there. Expectations haven't been this high in years, and rightfully so.

Just remember that this is college football where anything can happen. Support your team, and pray that the players don't eat a slice of the “humble pie.”

Their national title dreams depend on their appetite.

Nick Saban, Alabama Teach Bulldogs to Play Dead

Adam Wren — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:38:18 -0400

Scott Cochran, Alabama's strength and conditioning coach, couldn't have been further from the truth. Georgia prepared and witnessed the death of national title hopes in Athens and, more than likely, the desire to wear black for a long time.

Sportswriters nationwide are beside themselves. Georgia fans are in disbelief, and "'Bamers" are hysterical.

The formerly third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are left with nothing but remnants of high expectations. The Dawgs' manhood, spirit, and plane tickets to Miami were reportedly stolen out of Athens late Saturday night. Possible suspects were reported leaving the scene of the crime wearing crimson helmets and white jerseys.

The first half of the so-called "black out" was dominated, through and through, by the boys from the West. The SEC's best rushing defense struggled to penetrate Alabama's offensive line, led by All-American left tackle Andre Smith, giving up three out of the four first-half touchdowns on the ground.

John Parker Wilson added the icing to the cake by connecting with true freshman Julio Jones for a 22-yard touchdown pass to close the first half at 31-0. The defensive line, led by 365-pound nose tackle Terrence "Mount" Cody, held heisman candidate, Knowshon Moreno, to just 22 rushing yards on five attempts.

The second half wasn't as one-sided. Georgia opened the first half with a field goal and held Alabama's first two possessions to three-and-out. Moreno then added the first rushing touchdown against Alabama's defense with 1:16 remaining in the third quarter to make the score 31-10.

The fourth quarter started off with a bang and gave the Georgia fans one last breath of hope. Prince Miller returned a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown, narrowing the point margin to 14. However, that breath couldn't be held for very long, and the Tide's current was just too strong.

Leigh Tiffin added a 32-yard field goal to make it 34-17, and five short minutes later the final nail in the coffin was hammered in when Glen Coffee ran for a 12-yard touchdown with 4:13 remaining.

The sea of black was departing en masse. Despite a 24-yard touchdown pass by Matthew Stafford to Michael Moore, a successful onside kick, and a 21-yard pass to AJ Green, Alabama had done too much and the game ended with an already empty stadium.

Final score: Alabama 41, Georgia 30.

The Crimson Tide's 41 points was the most Alabama has scored in the 65-game history of the series that dates back to 1895.

Nick Saban visited the ESPN College Gameday crew after the game, expressing his concern about the second-half performance.

"This was the best win for me, because we won the game but we played so poorly in the second half," he said. "I can go get on them now so that we can keep our intensity and not fall in love with the score."

With the mindset of Nick Saban and the talent on both sides of the ball, the question must now be asked: Is Alabama a legitimate BCS contender?

Without a doubt. Despite a second-half disappointment, the first-half dominance brought back memories of the greatest coach of all time.

"Don't celebrate when you get to the end zone. Act like you've been there before."—Paul "Bear" Bryant.

The expectations in Alabama are always high, but now they have a reason to believe that this year is, indeed, the year.

Alabama's next (not first) big test will come when the Tide visits Baton Rouge, where Nick Saban will visit Tiger Stadium for the first time since he left for the NFL back in 2004.

Alabama-Georgia Football: One Word Describes It All

Adam Wren — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:08:39 -0400

hype vb: 1. to stimulate, excite, or agitate (usually fol. by up) 2. to create interest in by flamboyant or dramatic methods; promote or publicize showily 3. to intensify (advertising, promotion, or publicity) by ingenious or questionable claims, methods, etc. 4. to trick; gull.

"Hype" is the only word needed to define what this game is boiling up to. Here we are, still four days away from kickoff, and both fan bases and coaching staffs have already donned their battle gear.

On the flight back to Athens Sunday night, the senior players from Georgia asked their coach, Mark Richt, if they could wear black jerseys for their game against Alabama this Saturday. He simply replied with a thumbs up. News of the confirmed "blackout" spread like wildfire in Athens, with the Georgia fan base already being told to wear black to the game.

The day after, Alabama coach Nick Saban attended his daily press conference wearing a black Alabama polo. When asked about the shirt, Saban replied with a grin, "This was the only shirt I could find when I woke up this morning."

Later that day, while Richt was at his press conference, wearing a red Georgia t-shirt, he made an obvious rebuttal by stating, "I've always been kinda big on black, ya know? It's usually my color of choice. But, uh...this was the only shirt I had in the closet today when I got up."

And the hype has done nothing but increase.

Video of Alabama strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran was caught on video, giving his own opinion of the "blackout" by stating, "They're wearing black because they're going to their [insert expletive] funeral." Rumor has it that this video feed has made it to the Georgia locker room, further adding fuel to the fire.

Why? Why all the hype? Georgia started the intensification (yes, that is a word) with wanting to don the black jerseys. What doesn't make sense is that the Bulldogs have a bigger rival, Florida, still ahead on their schedule. What is it about Alabama that makes Georgia want to inject a "blackout" vaccine into Sanford Stadium on Sept. 27?

And then it made sense.

Reasons as to why Georgia decided to "black out" Alabama instead of Florida, LSU, or Auburn started falling from the heavens in the form of rain—and every single drop was one in the same.

Fear.

This may sound childish, but Bulldogs fans have no retaliatory grounds in this argument. After all...you started it.