Bleacher Report - Alabama Crimson Tide Football

Alabama's Mark Ingram Takes High Road, Laughs Off Jab by Auburn's Ben Tate

Ingram Worley — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:04:43 -0500

Although I wasn't watching the Auburn-Georgia game very closely on Saturday night (there was a slightly more pressing matter going on at the time), I happened to catch a quote from Auburn running back Ben Tate that was featured on the ESPN2 broadcast.

In response to a question about how he felt he compared to Alabama running back and Heisman trophy candidate Mark Ingram, Tate said the following:

"I know I’m the best back in the state. I bet if you went and broke down film and asked teams in the SEC who is the best back in the state, I feel like it’s me."

Ummm...excuse me?

Now, to be fair, I think you have to salute the guy for his confidence. I even can get on board with a little cockiness, when presented correctly (i.e., exactly the opposite way Lane Kiffin does it).

Mark Ingram could have responded in any number of ways. He could have turned this into some sort of media quote-battle, or used his own statistics to refute the claim.

Ingram chose to do none of those.

When asked about Tate's statement, Ingram, in perfectly politically-correct fashion, said the following:

“Somebody told me about it,” Ingram said. “Everybody is entitled to their opinion and I respect him. He’s a great running back. I just let my words speak for me when I play. I won’t get into any tongue-tussling or anything like that.

“He’s a great back. He runs hard and I like his game and I respect him. I’ll let my game talk for me when I’m on the field.”

With that, any thought of Ingram giving Tate and Auburn any sort of "bulletin-board material" was squelched. Ingram said all of the correct things, but the real-life translation of his quote said something else:

"Ben who? Do you think I'm actually going to get into some kind of war of words with that guy? No, I don't think so. Can't you guys get Tim Tebow to say something like that? Than you might have a printable story. This isn't even on my radar."

Not that anyone really needs to defend Ingram in this situation, I think I will anyway. Here's a quick rundown of both backs' numbers.

Rushing Yards: Ingram 1297 (129.7/game), Tate 1142 (114.2/game)

Advantage: Ingram

Yards per rushing attempt: Ingram 6.7/carry, Tate 5.6/carry

Advantage: Ingram

Touchdowns: Ingram 13, Tate 8

Advantage: Ingram

Receptions (yardage): Ingram 25 (225), Tate 16 (88)

Advantage: Ingram

Nonsensical quotes: Ingram 0, Tate 1

Advantage: Tate

Other areas that Ingram holds an advantage? Yards after contact, runs of 10-plus yards, and yards against top-25 defenses.

So, in short, regardless of how much film the teams in the SEC break down, I'm not sure that there is a valid argument to be made in Tate's favor.

Ben Tate is a very good back. He will probably find his way into the NFL someday. However, I don't think attention-grabbing quotes such as these are really in his best interest.

I don't really think Mark Ingram and Alabama need any additional motivation for next week's Iron Bowl, but just in case they did, now they have it. Nice work, Ben.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama's Scout Team From Hell

Walter Kirkwood — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:44:15 -0500

Facing UT Chattanooga this week it should afford the fans a chance to look at some younger players. What you won't be seeing are many members of the number one rated 2009 recruiting class.

Most are on schedule to red shirt. The scout team gets no press but their hard work has been crucial to Alabama's 10-0 start. So lets take a look at the newest members of the Scout Team From Hell.

When they line up there is one guy that “literally” stands out.

OL DJ Fluker 6' 6” 350lbs: According to Internet chatter the mammoth five star prospect from Foley pancaked a few experienced players in practice this fall. The problem with Fluker is technique and footwork. He's massive and he needs that to pass block in the SEC.

Fluker only played offensive line his senior year in high school so he is still learning the position. Recent reports indicate his weight has been dropping and his technique improving. its highly likely he will be in the thick of the battle for the right tackle spot that will be vacated by Drew Davis at the end of this year.

OL Anthony Steen 6' 4” 295

Steen was not the highest rated prospect by recruiting services but once he hit campus he quickly made himself a contender on the offensive line. At times he had climbed as high as 2nd string on the line but eventually fell back to take a red shirt.

OL Brandon Moore 6' 5” 313

Moore was a highly touted recruit out of Montgomery. When he signed nobody really knew if he would be on offense or defense. Its possible that question hasn't been answered yet. Moore is very athletic and could end up almost anywhere.

Wide Receivers:
Kevin Norwood 6' 3” 180
Kendell Kelly 6' 4” 210
Kenny Bell 6' 1” 160
Michael Bowman 6' 4” 206

All four of these guys had their moments in the fall camp. Only one or possibly two were ever going to see the field this year and it was up and down all fall as to who might get the shot. Eventually Michael Bowman won out.

Bowman after playing some early has been hurt several times. If we don't see him on the field Saturday against the Mocs its a good chance that he will apply for and get a medical red shirt for 2009. Bowman is a physical beast of a receiver and looked very good in limited playing time.

RB Eddie Lacy 5' 11” 210

Lacy actually had the best run I saw at the open practice this fall. He arrived late this summer due to qualification issues and it put him behind. He's currently the scout team running back and may take more lumps than any starter in the SEC.

Lacy wasn't as prepared for playing time as Richardson but the talent level between the two may be closer than many realize. His running style is different, more elusive and fluid compared to Richardson raw power.

RB Mike Marrow 6' 2” 240

Marrow is a big bruising fullback/Hback. After a year in the weight room look for him to have a roll going forward.

QB AJ McCarron 6' 4” 189

McCarron had the most live arm I saw this fall. His main weakness was experience and size. He needs to mature physically if he's going to play quarterback in the SEC.

McCarron has the skills and has recently been promoted from the scout team according to published reports. He won't win the starting job in 2010 as long as Greg McElroy is around but he could take the number two job which will put him in front for 2011.

DL Darrington Sentimore 6' 3” 265

Sentimore was probably closer to playing time than the other freshman defensive lineman. At many schools he would have got that time, but Alabama is so deep on the defensive line he had little chance without multiple injuries. Alabama graduates all three starting defensive lineman this year so the opportunities will be there.

DL William Ming 6' 4” 265

After Sentimore Ming probably made the most noise. Ming didn't pass the eye test but he is a high motor guy. Many of the NFL's best pass rushers don't look so freakish in street cloths. Its a gift, Ming may have it.

DL Chris Bonds 6' 4” 262: Another highly rated defensive end prospect from South Carolina.

LB Jonathan Atchinson 6' 3” 215: Atchinson looked a little skinny to me in recruiting photo's but he bulked up nicely by time he showed up for fall practice.

LB Tana Patrick 6' 3” 215

Atchinson and Patricks both pushed hard for playing time this fall and again at mid season when it was clear another linebacker was needed to replace Danta Hightower. Nico Johnson won that battle and is a starter but I don't think Patrick and Atchinson were far behind.

LB Pete Smith 6' 0” 230

Smith is a battering ram. He is not the sexy pick, you won't see him on many magazine covers, but this guy can level you. It was obvious in high school all star games what Saban saw in Smith. For his style of game he needed a year to work out.

LB Ed Stinson 6' 4” 227

Stinson is the prototypical Jack linebacker. He needed to add some muscle to handle that job and I'm sure will be getting it. I've read conflicting reports on Stinsons weight. Some said he reported to campus closer to 250 but so far the rosters don't reflect that.

There are some greyshirts out there. Defensive lineman Anthony Orr and offensive lineman Kellen Williams and Darius McKeller all greyshirted and should be available this spring. By greyshirt they will become part of the 2010 class.

Also this spring Jalston Fowler should arrive. Fowler is a brutish 6' 0” 245 running back from Prichard Al. He was past the age limit to play high school football as a senior so he had to sit the year out. He will graduate and be on campus this spring.

With Fowler offensive lineman Chad Lindsay from woodlands Texas plans to enroll and be availble for spring.

One position you didn't see in my list was defensive back. Alabama only inked two DB's in 2009 and both have been playing in mop up duty and on special teams.

Alabama will graduate six experienced defensive backs this year, another, Kareem Jackson could take a peek at the NFL draft. Saban did not have the luxury of redshirting either Rod Woodson or Dre Kirkpatrick. In fact Look for some of the 2010 signees to get a serious look come fall.

Alabama won't start every year out 10-0 but the raw talent coming down the line is significantly greater than what is leaving. Thats bad news for the rest of the SEC West.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama-UT Chattanooga: Fun Facts before the Mockingbirds Squawk

jonathan fravel — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:27:17 -0500

I've had writers block thinking of what to do for this game so I have searched the webbernet for data on UT Chattanooga, most of it actually comes from one source: their own football site.

It was full of fun facts.

UTC is a small school with a student population of 10,526.

Despite their long history, The Mockingbirds actually do have a little to offer the Tide in the way of competition on the gridiron. Having said this, they are only an average team in the FCS Southern Conference.

The Southern Conference (SoCon) includes Appalachian State, Furman, UT Chattanooga, Citadel, Wofford, Samford, Georgia Southern, Elon, and Western Carolina. In 2009, the Mocs are 6-4, 4-4.

They do however, have an error on the page that I can't resolve. They say that the Mocs are 0-10 against the Tide, but in the next paragraph state that Alabama and UT Chattanooga are meeting for the first time since 1994 and the eighth time in school history. Err, uh, "the math don't add up!"

O.K. point of clarification: 8 games have been played at Bryant-Denny, two games at Legion Field. Now that makes sense, thanks to the comment and update of loyal Mocs fan, Bob Mulkey.

Either way, they have never beaten the Crimson Tide.

From a 1-10 record in 2008 to the 6-4 record in 2009, the Mocs have had the greatest winning turnaround in school history. First year head coach Russ Huesman is a UTC alumnus.

Huesman was recruited by head coach Joe Morrison, played defensive back for the Mocs from '78-'81. He ended his playing career with the UTC under head coach Bill Oliver.

While head coach at William and Mary, Huesman coached Mike Tomlin, the current Pittsburgh Steelers head coach. Tomlin was a three-year starter at wide receiver.

Local boy, sophomore QB B.J. Coleman has thrown for over 2,300 yards this season. Initially a Tennessee signee, Coleman transferred back to his hometown of Chattanooga to play for the Mocs.

The 6'4" 200 lb. offensive leader is third in total offense (223.3 yards/game) and passing (231.2 yards/game) in the southern conference. The UTC offense averages 323.6 yards per game.

Coleman ranks No. 4 on the all-time single season list for the 102-year-old UT Chattanooga football program. The Mocs have allowed only nine sacks this season, ranking second in the SoCon and fourth in the nation. His 17 TD passes ties him for seventh all-time in a single season for the Mocs, three scores from third place.

WR Blue Cooper is the favorite target for Coleman. Cooper has 82 receptions on the year, second in the SoCon and fourth in the nation (8.2/game). He has 150 career receptions, surpassing alumnus Terrell Owens (1992-'95), and is fourth all time for the Mocs.

Chris Pitchford, a 6'0' 180 lb. junior, has 42 catches for 512 yards and senior WR Clint Woods has 29 catches for 250 yards on the year. The Mocs have eight players with catches of 20 yards or more and six players with 15 or more catches.

In the rushing phase of the game, RB Chris Awuah leads the backfield with 147 carries for 454 yards. In four games, senior running back Bryan Fitzgerald has 65 carries for 342 yards.

Fitzgerald suffered a sprained foot in the first quarter of the Samford game (Game Five) and has yet to return to the field. The loss of Fitzgerald has had an negative impact on run production, but the running game is still alive and well.

Freshman RB Bo Dyer, the current back up, has played in all 10 games, and has 32 carries for 92 yards. Awuah and Dyer have been effective as receivers out of the backfield, Awuah with 16 catches for 126 yards (7.8 yd avg) and Dyer has four catches for 27 yards (6.8 yd avg).

On defense, senior Josh Beard and freshman Josh Williams have pressured opposition quarterbacks and together have logged 19 sacks on the year. The Mocs collectively have 28 sacks in the 2009 season.

In the secondary, sophomore Jordan Tippit (Huntsville, Al) leads the Mocs with five interceptions in the 10 games played. Buster Skrine and Joel Bradford are tied with two interceptions; the team has a total of 11 aerial takeaways on the year.

Defensively, LB Joseph Thornton leads the team with 45 solo tackles and 41 assists for a total of 86 tackles on the year. LB Ryan Consiglio has 48 solo tackles and 32 assists for 80 in 2009. Third in line is senior LB Steven Smigelsky with 40 solo and 26 assists.

Defensive backs Tippit and Skrine have made their share of stops on the year. Tippit has 32 solo stops and 19 assists. Skrine has made 28 solo tackles and 15 assists. Skrine is also a kick return specialist, with over 500 yards on the year ( 51 yd/game).

Place kicker Craig Camay is 16-19 Field goals and 22-24 PAT for the year. He leads the Mocs in scoring with 70 points.

For the Southern Conference of the football championship subdivision, the Mocs are a competitive team. Against the elite of the conference, they have folded. Losses to Furman, Elon, Georgia Southern, and Appalachian State have been by 15 points or more. The worst loss suffered on the road at Elon, N.C. by 35 points.

The Alabama Crimson Tide should have no trouble disposing the Mockingbirds. The Alabama senior class has made a commitment to leave Bryant-Denny with a win. The win will be by a convincing margin, as the Men in Crimson have not overlooked the Mocs.

The Game plan is set. The Tide will execute to near perfection.

Expect the Pachyderms to roll up and down the field like the war elephants of old. A score of 45-3 will send a message to the men down on the plains that a Crimson Tsunami is headed their way for which there will be no defense.

The Tide seniors have an appreciation for the fans that goes beyond school pride. This is their final game on the hallowed grounds of the home field. In their final hour, this class wants to show their appreciation for the support they have had during their stay at the Capstone.

It should be a special moment for everyone in the stadium; players, coaches, and fans. If you are in the stands, do your part to show these young men how much their commitment to Alabama football has meant to you.

This class is responsible for the return of glory to the Pride of Alabama. The return of the Alabama football empire to its traditional position in the SEC.

They will finish the task and it's going to be fun to watch. Roll Tide, Roll.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Understanding Saban Speak Tells the Real Meaning of What He's Saying

Larry Burton — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:55:55 -0500

Covering Alabama football regularly and attending other Alabama functions with Nick Saban as the speaker is the only way to learn "Saban Speak." There's a subtle difference between what he says and what he means.

The players know this all too well. So do the assistant coaches. I've even been told by players they can tell by his body language how the talk is going to go.

They say if he grabs the lectern or a table he's mad and trying to stay under control. If he pumps his hands up and down he's frustrated about something and if he tilts his head, he's happy. But when he makes and holds eye contact with you and doesn't take his eyes away, watch out.

After learning all this I went back to watch some of the post game press conferences I'd taped and I have to say they were spot on.

But for the fans at home that don't get to witness the little things, let me help you out with some of the "Saban Speak"; or "Sabanisms", as I like to call them.

AIGHT

Short for "All right," aight has two meanings but the most common one is used like this. "We had four opportunities to make TDs this game and we only made one of them, aight!"

What this means is that yes he knows they sucked in the red zone, everyone in the stands knew they sucked in the red zone and it sure wasn't ALL RIGHT. Most of the time when he says aight, he means it ain't all right.

Another example is in the press room when he says, "Well it's easy to second guess the play calling after the game aight!" This of course means, "You're a jackass for trying to be an armchair coach after the game and that ain't all right."

But if he says aight with a smile on his face, (rare, but it does happen) or a smirk, (which is also rare) then it simply means "Are you following me?" "Do you get what I'm saying?"

An example would be, "So I got Cody trying to be my new best friend and all, aight, because he's wanting more third down opportunities. And he wants to spend a lot more time with me aight..."

OPPORTUNITY

No word is used much more by both Nick and the players he's mentored than opportunity. Opportunity usually means chance, as in Saban saying, "When Javvy couldn't play that just meant somebody else had to take advantage of that opportunity."

But opportunity also means goal, as in "We have the opportunity to beat any team." Yes, you could say that means chance too; but in Saban Speak, when he's talking long term, he means that it's a goal to have happen.

IMPROVE

When you hear Nick say, "Some players may need to work a little harder because the goal of every player is to improve," that means, "This guy is slacking off and he better get his *%*@ together and do what he's been taught to do."

If he's complimenting a player by saying he's improved, he means he's finally got his #%*@ together and it's about time.

The Shoulder Shrug

When Saban talks and shrugs his shoulders in that "I don't know" manner, you can believe he's not saying I don't know. This is his signal for, "Yes I know, but I can't kill them."

As in a reporter asking about kickoff coverage and the answer is, "Well, that's something we certainly need to improve , and it's an opportunity (See above definitions) that we need to capitalize on rather than let it be a problem." (Followed by a shoulder shrug)

The Air Quotation Marks

Is perhaps the funniest side of Nick Saban. I can't see him do it without thinking of Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers movies. To all opposing teams, they see Nick as the "Evil Genius" bent on conquering the world. The college football world anyway.

Once the players made me aware of this, I couldn't believe how many times he does this without my being aware of it. Like his reference Monday to the Mississippi State game and how tough a team they were, and how it could have been like a (insert air quotation marks here) street fight.

He doesn't do this as alliteration like most speakers. He does it to place more emphasis on the words so you'll pay more attention to them. It's almost like a teacher telling you be sure and underline this.

Rocking Side to Side

When Saban's telling a story or recounting a game and he's rocking side to side, he's bored. He's saying something that needs to be said or saying something so it won't be asked later and he's just getting it out of the way until he gets to the good part.

So now that you know Nick, take the time to watch his post game press conferences. Students have parties and watch them and take a shot each time he says AIGHT; but for the average fan, watching them will take on a whole new meaning now that you've learned Saban Speak.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Nick Saban Has Tough Decisions To Make About Mark Ingram

Walter Kirkwood — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:42:52 -0500

Without a doubt the most disturbing statement I ever heard an Alabama coach make was during the ill fated 2006 season when a certain coach (who shall go nameless) stated to the press “How do you bench a player that close to the record?”

He was referring to Alabama running back Kenneth Darby. It had been a miserable year for Darby, he had lost his father that fall. I don't know if he was also injured, but the Kenneth Darby of 2006 bore little resemblance to the running back we saw earlier.

As the year wore on, it became clear Alabama needed to rest Darby and give some younger players a shot, but apparently him being close to the Alabama single season rushing record warranted him more playing time.

Alabama continued to lose and Darby faded even more as the season imploded. Darby never even got close to the Shaun Alexander career rushing mark that he was chasing. The coach that made the statement got fired along with the rest of the staff.

I was furious when I read that in the press. My answer to him would have been, “Who gives a crap! At Alabama we are SUPPOSED to win football games”.

Personal records are great, but they don't erect statues of coaches because they coached Heisman winners or record breakers.

Alabama's staff may be treading into dangerous territory with Mark Ingram as he approaches Bobby Humphrey's 1986 single season mark of 1471 yards.

This week's opponent, the Chattanooga Mocs, aren't a bad team, but they are not equipped to to take down Alabama. It's a good time to rest someone who is hurt, and see how a back-up performs under fire. Hopefully, a chance to see the back-up quarterback throw some passes as well.

If a player is healthy, I'm not a big proponent of totally sitting him as a player needs to stay sharp. A few series should be enough, especially for a position like running back.

Mark Ingram currently has 1297 yards rushing. That's just 174 yards shy of Bobby Humphrey's record. While it's possible for Ingram to get that against Auburn, it's certainly not a sure thing.

To give Ingram a reasonable shot to break that record against Auburn, one might expect Ingram needing about seventy yards or more against the Mocs. That's all fine and dandy if that someone were me, or a crazed fan, or the guy with all the Bama tattoos, but when that someone is a coach who might decide who carries the ball, that's when the situation gets a little fuzzy.

It's worth noting Alabama won no championship in 1986. It was a good year, but there are many good years at Alabama. Would Bobby Humphrey trade that record for wins against LSU and Auburn that year? I don't know the man personally, but I'm guessing he would.

There are those that would argue that records like this and Heisman trophies won are good recruiting tools. There may be some truth to this. Every player wants to go somewhere to play college football where winning such awards is within the realm of possibility.

The main ingredient to winning big awards is that you have to have exposure. In most cases, it helps greatly to be on a winning team; Alabama fits the bill on this.

Finally you have to be featured by the right system. This final point may have been an issue at one time, but currently Nick Saban has shown he will ride the horse that looks like a winner. To that end I can say check that on the third point as well.

In my opinion, Mark Ingram winning the Heisman will not have any measurable effect on recruiting. It would be a nice thing to talk about, but I'm sure the focus of kids and their parents will be how Alabama can help them reach their goals. Having one Heisman winner doesn't help you get another; opportunity is what they want, Alabama provides that.

The trophy I'd really like to see Mark Ingram holding is that big glassy-looking football shaped like the one given to the BCS National Championship winner. I'd like to see him break that single season rushing record too, but not at the expense of his health.

If in the process of winning the final two games it happens, so much the better. Alabama's coaches shouldn't push playing time just for records. It may just seem like one or two more series would do it, but what if that series is the last for Mark Ingram?

That's the sort question that never goes away.

Iif it turns out badly, former head coach Mike Shula may never escape a similar question about Tyrone Prothro.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama-Chattanooga: Move Along, There Is Nothing Else To See Here

Franklin Crittenden — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:38:15 -0500

Wow. Just try to find information about UT Chattanooga football; it almost doesn't exist.

They must have a football program, because Alabama is scheduled to play them on Nov. 21, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, AL at 11:20AM CST. The SEC Network will televise the game regionally.

I couldn't even find a good picture of the football team to use in my article; I had to settle for this very nice picture of their cheerleaders at one of their basketball games.

When I put "UT Chattanooga Mocs football" in my search engine, the response came back with, "No compendia?"

All joking aside, the Mocs do have a football team that is a member of the Southern Conference, the same league that has Appalachian State. You know, the school that ultimately cost former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr his job by upsetting the Wolverines in 2007.

The conference also has Furman, which lost to Auburn 63-31, and had beaten the Mocs 38-20 earlier in the year.

UT Chattanooga is currently 6-4, with wins over teams like the Citadel and Samford.

That's Samford—not Stanford.

Actually, the Mocs have played Alabama in the past and are 0-10 versus the Tide. The last meeting in 1994 ended with Alabama winning 42-13.

They are improving under first year head coach Russ Huesman. (I hope I spelled his name right.) The Mocs only won one game last year, so Huesman is credited with turning the Mocs' football program around in 2009.

Another interesting fact I uncovered was that Brother Bill Oliver held the record for wins as a first year coach at UTC with eight in 1980. Many Alabama fans remember that name, as "Brother" coached for Gene Stallings 1990-1995.

Brother Oliver went on to coach at Auburn under Terry Bowden and actually was made interim head coach after Bowden was fired in 1998. But I digress.

Back to the Moccasins.

The Mocs are a passing team and their quarterback, B.J. Coleman, has passed for 2,312 yards this season. His favorite receiver is Blue Cooper (what a great name!), who averages 10 yards per catch and has 817 yards and seven touchdowns so far this year.

UTC's best rusher is Chris Awuah, who averages 3.1 yards per carry and has rushed for 454 yards this season.

Let's be honest. The Mocs shouldn't have a real chance here, but they are catching Alabama just six days prior to the Iron Bowl.

I am sure Saban's plan is to get a lead and take as many starters out as possible to avoid injuries.

I do believe this is one of those "by how much" games, and I expect Alabama to win big here.

Other than that, you should probably just move along, because there is nothing else to see here.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Keys To the Kingdom Rest On Alabama QB Greg McElroy's Shoulders

James Williamson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:27:07 -0500

One of the few absolute things I can say that I've learned throughout my time as a writer is that every team needs at least a decent quarterback.

He doesn't have to be elite though. Take the Pittsburgh Steelers for example. The Steeler fans may not agree with this assessment, but Ben Roethlisberger is not a top five quarterback in the NFL.

He's always had a tremendous defense to keep it close and and he is most successful when the running game works. He won the Super Bowl when he had the worst performance by a quarterback ever, except for Tony Eason in Super Bowl XX.

In Greg McElroy's case, he is not an elite quarterback. He is not a guy who you would say is irreplaceable. Ask any honest fan if they would rather Greg McElroy or Colt McCoy under center, they will say McCoy.

However, he can be a "Big Ben" Roethlisberger if he just doesn't screw it up.

The few times where he has to make a play, he will have to make that play or eventually they will lose.

Let's look at some evidence to prove my point.

Take a look at the Tennessee game. The Tide is holding on by a thread with a 12-10 lead and McElroy has not made any plays to help seal the game.

He has completed 18-of-29 for 120 yards, but no touchdowns and thankfully no turnovers. He made a few good plays, but overall he has not executed the way a quarterback for the Crimson Tide needs to.

Defensive tackle Terrence Cody had to block a second field goal in order to keep the Tide from crashing.

Greg McElroy got lucky, but what if he plays that way against Florida?

I've watched the Tide with earnest, and I really like how the team is set up. Strong elite defense with a great young running back and an elite receiver, but I've always made a 'hmmm' sound whenever I evaluate Greg McElroy.

He's a good guy, but he doesn't fit the mold of the past Alabama quarterbacks like Bart Starr and Joe Namath, both of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and won Super Bowls.

The game rests with him though because eventually, when this team plays Florida for the SEC title game, Florida will attack star running back Mark Ingram and force Greg McElroy to step up.

Florida has another one of the elite defenses in college football, and if Greg McElroy cannot handle them then Alabama may have to settle for the Sugar Bowl or another big BCS game.

Why settle though when Alabama could go to the Championship game?

This team could take on Texas. Any team can take on any team on any given day in this world of college football. We just saw USC lose to Stanford, to Stanford!

If USC can be knocked out of a chance to play in the Rose Bowl then Alabama certainly can upset Florida and whoever plays opposite them in the Championship game, most likely Texas.

McElroy is showing improvement now with this last win over Mississippi State. He threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns on 13 completions in a 31-3 blowout.

He certainly has gotten better. You can even forget the numbers and just watch the film and you'll see how he's more of a commander in the pocket now.

Is he as good as Tim Tebow? Absolutely not. Can the Tide beat the Gators with an improved McElroy? Absolutely yes.

No one man makes a team, but he certainly can help a strong team go over the top. This team's inner equation adds up to championship caliber quality, but the test is whether or not McElroy can manage the game against a tough opponent.

Whether or not he is the final puzzle piece is up to him and his performance.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

College Football Week 12: Power Rankings Without The Bias

Sportscaster007 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:27:58 -0500

The BCS had their hands full this week because they insisted on throwing common sense out the window last week.

No. 8 LSU barely survived LA Tech, while No. 9 USC got steamrolled during their homecoming against Stanford. In addition, No. 14 Miami, No. 15 Houston, No. 16 Utah, and No. 17 Arizona all dropped on Saturday.

Unlike the BCS, only one team in my Top 10 fell short in Week 11. My rankings are more consistent; they don't have huge jumps from week to week. More importantly, I have little to no bias.

No. 1 Alabama (Prev. No. 2) was chosen (by a wide majority) to have more trouble on Saturday than Florida. But the Tide put the Bulldogs out to dry, 31-3—team that almost knocked off Georgia Tech, Florida, and Houston, among others.

No. 2 Florida (Prev. No. 1) escaped the Gamecocks on Saturday, 24-14. Florida has a tremendous defense and a potent offense, but they don’t have the big playmakers on the receiving end that they used to have. Florida will have smooth sailing, until December.

No. 3 Texas (Prev. No. 3) is actually tied with the “Lizards” of TCU this week for the third spot. The Longhorns dismantled Baylor, 47-14. It’s too close to call at this point, but most likely one of these Texas teams will play for the title.

No. 3 TCU (Prev. No. 4) decided to mix up their uniforms last week against Utah, having the “Horned Frog” appear to be shooting blood out of its eyes. The “lizards” made a statement, knocking off the Utes in blowout fashion, 55-28.

No. 5 Cincinnati (Prev. No. 5) held onto the fifth spot this week by the skin of their teeth after beating West Virginia in a thriller, 24-20. The Bearcats appear to be out of the title discussion, but with Illinois at home this week and finishing with Pitt on the road, I assure you Cincinnati should definitely be in the title discussion.

No. 6 Boise State (Prev. No. 6) left the Vandals of Idaho dismal on Saturday, in a 63-25 rout. The Smurfs are ranked last among the undefeated teams, but they’ll most likely stay perfect this season.

No. 7 Georgia Tech (Prev. No. 7): It’s official: Georgia Tech is the best one-loss team in college football. They’re a very dynamic team, and they’ll finish the season with Georgia, before playing Clemson in the ACC Championship.

No. 8 Ohio State (Prev. No. 9) is the best two-loss team in college football. The Buckeyes won a buck-game against the Hawkeyes, 27-24 in overtime. That is why it was listed as my Game of the Week, and not Utah at Texas Christian.

No. 9 Pittsburgh (Prev. No. 10) edged out the victory over Notre Dame in a thriller, 27-22. Pittsburgh heads to West Virginia in two weeks and ends the season with their toughest test—the Cincinnati Bearcats.

No. 10 Oregon (Prev. No. 12) is a very dynamic team with lots of potential. The Ducks got back to their old selves last week, ripping apart the Sun Devils, 44-21.

No. 11 Iowa (Prev. No. 9) lost a close game to a very good Ohio State team on the road, in overtime. Iowa will be resilient, hosting a dismal Golden Gopher team that had to rally against the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State.

No. 12 LSU (Prev. No. 11) was rewarded in the BCS last week for losing to Alabama, moving from No. 9 to No. 8. LSU won this week, but it was against a weak Louisiana Tech team, 24-16.

No. 13 Clemson (Prev. No. 14) has been extremely underrated the whole season, much like Wisconsin. They continue to make improvements and climb up the ladder every week. The Tigers will have a second chance at Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship.

No. 14 Oregon State (Prev. No. 20) still has much to prove this season, but they blew out Washington last week 48-21 and already beat Stanford in a shootout.

No. 15 Stanford (Prev. No. 21) climbed six spots this week after crushing USC, 55-21 and ruining their homecoming. Despite having back-to-back losses to Oregon State and Arizona earlier in the season, Stanford is on a three-game winning streak, and could become the PAC-10 Champions of 2009.

No. 16 Wisconsin (Prev. No. 16) handed Michigan their sixth loss of the season. The Badgers haven’t been about "style points" this season, but they’ve won every game that they should have.

No. 17 Oklahoma State (Prev. No. 18) won a close game against Texas Tech, as expected. But it was far from the shootout we're used to seeing. It appears that the Big XII is no longer all about offense. Okey State has impressed me a couple of times this season, but it was against two teams that combine for a 9-11 record (BU and IA State).

No. 18 North Carolina (Prev. N/R) was on the porch last week, trying to get in the Top 25, but they finally earned their way back by bashing Miami of FL, 33-24. UNC started the season 0-3 in conference play, but they’ve won three consecutive conference games against VA Tech, Duke, and now Miami (FL).

No. 19 Penn State (Prev. No. 22) jumped to No. 14 in the BCS. Penn State has dominated in nearly every game this season, but they were all cakewalks (Akron, Temple, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Northwestern, Syracuse, Minnesota, and Eastern Illinois), except for the teams they lost to (Ohio State and Iowa). Penn State is a solid team, but they're not a true contender.

No. 20 Virginia Tech (Prev. No. 25) moved to No. 16 in the AP Poll and No. 15 in the BCS. But the Tar Heels were nowhere to be found in either poll. The Hokies will most likely end the season on a four-game winning streak, but their ACC Title hopes have been shattered.

No. 21 Miami (FL) (Prev. No. 15) - It’s easy to read too much into one team, especially when they look like a true contender. The ‘Canes apparently don’t have as much swagger as we thought. Ultimately, it was the tough schedule that caught up with them.

No. 22 USC (Prev. No. 13) didn’t even show up in Week 11, losing to Stanford, 55-21 (the worst loss in head coach Pete Carroll’s era). Under Carroll, the Trojans have never lost a game in the month of November, until now.

No. 23 Mississippi (Prev. N/R) has been up and down all season, but they’re still 7-3 and a potential contender. The Rebels host No. 12 LSU to be the No. 3 team in the SEC this week.

No. 24 Rutgers (Prev. N/R) makes its first appearance in the Top 25, after shutting down South Florida, 31-0. It was quite a statement. Nearly every “expert” and analyst had S. Florida in their Top 25 last week, but I wasn’t convinced. Rutgers was clearly the better team.

No. 25 Houston (Prev. No. 17) rounds out the Top 25 after losing a heartbreaker to Central Florida, 37-32. Houston was inevitably on their toes for too long, so they had a big fall. Houston will end the season on a high note, winning out from here.

Knocking On the Door

Arizona, BYU, California, Nebraska, Utah

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama's Greg McElroy Is Throwing TDs Again, So Quit Complaining

Larry Burton — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:34:20 -0500

Greg McElroy thought he was prepared for the starting job as quarterback at the University of Alabama. He thought he knew what to expect, but the recent criticism has gotten under his skin.

Though he is a junior, this is his first year at the helm of a program whose quarterback gets thousand times the publicity and scrutiny of the state's Governor. This is the first year he's had to endure being circled by the press in the media room and picked over like road kill by a flock of vultures.

It has become evident in watching him over the season how McElroy's mood in these meetings went from excitement and pride to annoyance. At least in the media room, most are both professional and kind to Greg in the post game interviews. However, the press that comes after has burned him a little.

And so do the blogs and forums that post fans' displeasure with his mid-season slump.

He thought he was prepared for such things. Greg said that he watched how John Parker Wilson handled himself with the criticism that he endured for his last two years, especially during Saban's first year.

But the talk that came from some corners hit nerves he didn't count on.

Greg privately told a few people that yes, some of the talk was bothering him. From the look in his eyes you could tell it bothered him maybe a little more than he wanted you to know.

Then he spilt it all out to ESPN Saturday night.

“So many times, guys do read press clippings, and I think a lot of my teammates might have lost faith in me because of some of the things that were written,” Greg said.

That must have shocked his teammates who said their confidence in him had never wavered. Mark Ingram told me about Greg and his "slump" recently, saying, "As long as we're winning and trying to improve, there is no blame to pass around. We all make mistakes, (he had earlier referenced his fumble in the Tennessee game that almost cost them the game), but we learn from them."

"Greg and I are both in our first full year of starting and we have a lot to learn, but we all have faith in one another," Ingram continued. "No one on this team would rather have another person leading this offense right now. We have faith his ability to do whatever it takes to put a win on the board, no doubts, no question about it."

In fact, Greg worrying about what his teammates think may have been the first crack I've seen in the cohesiveness of this team. His teammates were probably shocked to hear that Greg had doubts about how they felt about him.

But results speak louder than words. Those results not only silenced the press, the blogs, and the fan sites, but also any doubts that Greg may have had about the faith his teammates have in him. A 28 point win over a good opponent will do that.

Going 13 for 18 for 192 yards and a pair of touchdowns that included yet another beautifully thrown bomb to Julio Jones made everyone in the 'Bama nation breath a sigh of relief as McElroy's spot-on passing kept the running game open for Ingram.

Greg has played through several of the toughest defenses in the nation so far this year and has come up a winner each time. Five of Alabama's 11 opponents so far this year have defenses that are in the top 25 in the nation.

McElroy has seen some best defensive coordinators throw some of the top defensive players at him, and he's still undefeated. To be fair, Greg hasn't played a defense ranked as high as Florida's, but he practices against one almost every day.

And those he practices against have high words of praise for McElroy as well. Marquis Johnson said he's not had to face a quarterback with better long ball ability than McElroy.

"You can blanket your man and cover tight and McElroy can still put it over his shoulder and into his hands". Johnson said. "I wouldn't want to face him as an opponent."

Defensive leader and linebacker Rolando McClain also had praise for McElroy. "He has great vision and instincts back there and he has a talent of finding just what what is there and take what they will give him," McClain said. "[The defense] know that if we do our job, he'll do his and we can win. We have that faith in one another."

McElroy has had some private talks with his head coach about his insecurities, and Saban has helped him work through them. Greg has never heard a public word come from his coach's mouth that could have ever been construed as negative.

About the harshest comments from Saban were, "We had some opportunities we didn't take advantage of and some passes we didn't complete that we could have, but we are confident that we can work those out and come back and take advantage of those opportunities the next time they come up."

Saban was never in doubt of Greg's mechanics, his abilities, or his desire, just in his ability to relax and not force throws.

So with McElroy's teammates so solidly behind him, maybe the press and fans will fall in line too. If not, then maybe McElroy will take his head coach Nick Saban's advice to heart and "believe in yourself and ignore the negative."

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Larry's Losers in the SEC: Week Twelve

Larry Burton — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:32:39 -0500

Dog Gone it! I follow up my first perfect week with two losers in week eleven. Auburn proved you can't keep a good team down and allowed Georgia to prove they may be better than we all thought and I wrote Larry's Losers before the Tennessee Trio auditioned for America's Dumbest Criminals and if it didn't take the team's mind off business, something sure took the wind out of their sails as they were humiliated by Ole Miss.

That brings the record down to 65-15 for the season for just a 77% winning margin. I'm back to a solid C and lookin' to bring up the ratings with my second week of prodigious pickin' this week, so settle in and learn the results of this weeks picks from the little smart pill machine.

U.T. Chattanooga at Alabama

The confused Mocs of Chattanooga come to Tuscaloosa for a down home beating and a big paycheck for being a bye week and sacrificial bird. I say confused because U.T. Chattanooga used to be the Moccasins, as in water moccasins, then became the shoe variety of Moccasin, then the mascot became Chief Macanooga, sort of a Cherokee Indian.

However, political correctness took over and they became the Mocs, short for a railroad engineer mockingbird named Scrappy. That's the forth Moc transformation, but what they'll be known for after this game is a group of confused Tennessee hill people mocking reality and portraying themselves as a football team.

The Mocs will leave with they came for, a big paycheck and and a big butt whuppin'. Larry's Loser—U.T. Chattanooga

Mississippi State at Arkansas

Can the Bulldogs finish lickin' their wounds before a group of troublesome tusked hogs jump on them? That will be the question to be answered this week as Bobby Petrino seeks to improve his bowl situation with a win over the down and out dogs.

Mullen's mutts have had a bite as big as their bark this season, but has always come up a few bites too little until being totally whupped on by the Crimson Tide last week and Dan hopes to regroup the pound puppies and get back a little respect.

However a little respect is all the hogs will show them as they swat them good with rolled up papers and send 'em scurryin' back to Starkville. Larry's Loser—Miss. State

Florida International at Florida

Mario Cristobal brings the Florida football stepchildren to the swamp for the second big paycheck and butt whuppin' of the year. They've already been to Tuscaloosa and should know by now just to duck, cover and protect the face when playing a top flight team.

After several lackluster showings, Urban Meyer wants to make a strong statement that the Gators are for real, so he would hang 60 points on his mamma's knitting group to do it. Unless there's a game warden there to remind Urban that Florida panthers are a protected species, this could be a massacre.

In a game will show their ain't no brotherly love among Florida football programs and Larry's Loser will be Florida International.

Kentucky at Georgia

Rich Brooks became bowl eligible last week and hopes to step up from the visit to Shreveport with yet another win. This is the fourth year in a row that the Kentucky Kitties have been bowl bound, and the first time that's happened to these boys. Rich Brooks has done a heckofa job there and me and Baccardi both tip our hats to Rich for a job well done.

Georgia likewise became bowl eligible last week, and this could be the fight to escape Shreveport as each team has six wins and Georgia don't have much chance beatin' their brothers over at Georgia Tech next weekend.

If I knew which Georgia team would show it up, it would be easier to pick, but despite my little buddy urging me to pick the dogs, the cat's have won the most fights this season, so it looks like Larry's Loser will be Georgia.

LSU at Ole Miss

Les Travel a few miles with his band of Bengals to take on a Rebel that totally kicked his hiney last year. The Tigers have revenge on their minds and really want a little payback for last years humiliation. But after last weeks potential embarrassment at the hands of Louisiana Tech, people are finally seeing that this is a very weak two loss team.

Now that Houston Nutt has fallen completely on his face after such lofty preseason hype, it's time for him to continue to brush off the dust and build the Rebels up for possibly another Cotton Bowl bid.

This is a game of two over-hyped coaches but one that will finally show that sometimes Les is not more after all. Larry's Loser—LSU

Vanderbilt at Tennessee

With only two games left in the season you can officially stick a fork in the poor little Commodores from Vandy, they're done. Bobby Johnson's one good old coach, but he ain't got the talent he had last year and it shows.

Lane Kiffin on the other hand has increased the talent pool in Knoxville. Now if he can just keep them out of jail he might improve his lot in the bowl picture as well. This win will get the Vols bowl eligible and fighting with Kentucky and Georgia for the Shreveport Slot.

Even though Tennessee lost badly last week, this is Vanderbilt in their usual glory. Last week when they played, Dexter McCluster did everything to Tennessee except father a child with Lane Kiffin's wife but Vanderbilt has a way of making those bad memories go away quickly. Larry's Loser—Vanderbilt

OK Baccardi, let's get those steaks on the grill, my stomach's growling like a Georgia Bulldog seeing an Auburn Tiger. Until next week, God bless and may the best team win, all the players be safe and my prognosticatin' skills get better.

Darn dog, where's my slippers? You realize there's a lot of disgruntled bulldogs that would take this job in a heartbeat don't you?

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama Pounds Mississippi State 31-3; One Down and Two to Go

Franklin Crittenden — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:05:56 -0500

One down and two to go, as Alabama played one of its best games in Starkville, Miss., yesterday and the Crimson Tide rolled over the Bulldogs 31-3.

Now there are only two teams between Alabama being undefeated in the regular season for the second year in a row. That hasn't been accomplished by anyone in the SEC since Alabama did it in 1965 and 1966.

Alabama is set to play UT-Chattanooga next Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CST and then play Auburn the following Friday with the time for kickoff set for 1:30 p.m. CST.

Alabama must win those crucial games and the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta in order to play for the BCS Title in January for the BCS National Championship.

It would seem Alabama is reaching its potential at the right time and seemed to be firing on all cylinders in this week's game with the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Watching Alabama play Saturday, it was apparent that this was one of Alabama's most complete games. In fact other than a glitch in kickoff coverage, it was near perfect.

Not only did Alabama outscore the Bulldogs 31-3, they dominated Mississippi State in a way they haven't been dominated all year long.

Alabama more than doubled MSU's prolific offense's output, 444 yards to 213.

Everyone got into the act as McElroy had one of his best games as well. Mark Ingram, Julio Jones, Darius Hanks, and Marquis Maze all made big plays in a game of big plays.

Some in the media were predicting a possible upset due to Alabama's tough game with LSU last week and the Auburn game looming in only 13 days. Not only was that not the case, Mississippi State was never in this game from the kickoff.

So it's one down and two to go in order to arrive at their ultimate destination unbeaten.

Alabama is set to play the Florida Gators on Dec. 5 in Atlanta, and the winner of that important game will be playing for the National Championship in Pasadena on Jan. 7, 2010.

If both Florida and Alabama arrive in Atlanta undefeated, that will be a certainty.

Alabama is playing their best football now and seems to be a team of destiny.

That destiny may include Alabama's 13th National Championship and Nick Saban's second.

If you look at it that way, it actually is one down and four to go.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama Crimson Tide Comes Prepared For the MSU Bulldog Bite

jonathan fravel — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:37:27 -0500

Mississippi State gave signs of preparedness and aggression in pre-game warm-ups that were sensed by Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

In the pre-game talk, the Alabama coach warned his players to be prepared for a street fight.

Saban told his players, "you're going to have to go toe-to-toe, and change the way they think, in terms of the way we play and execute. Do you have enough honor in yourself to be responsible for yourself and what you're supposed to do? Do you have enough courage to do it in any circumstance and have the perseverance to do it all the time?"

Moreover, the MSU head coach Dan Mullen infused a heavy dose of inspiration into his squad during the pre-game coaches talk as well. He then pulled out a new jersey for the team to wear onto the field of play.

The Bulldogs hit the field in Black jerseys with purple numbering, well prepared and full of energy to take on the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide. This was the first time the MSU team had ever worn a non-traditional jersey for a football game.

The inspirational messages worked for both sides.

The first play from scrimmage was a Tyson Lee pass down field that caught Alabama cornerback Marquis Johnson off his guard. Johnson was flagged for pass interference on a play that would have resulted in a touchdown if the pass had not been under thrown.

On the second play from scrimmage, Anthony Dixon took the hand-off from QB Tyson Lee and sprinted straight ahead for an 18-yard gain to the Alabama 42-yard line. The first two plays reminded some Alabama fans of the start of the Utah game less than one year ago.

What a difference a season makes. This team knows how to pull back and reassess. This team has players that want to be champions by exhibiting poise, control, perseverance and integrity. An adjustment was in order and the end result was a balanced, dominating win by the Crimson Tide.

This win was not without its share of mistakes on the part of Alabama and grit displayed by the opposition. At times, the MSU Bulldogs would show extra effort and they pulled off unexpected, explosive plays against the vaunted Alabama defense.

On the first three Alabama drives, the Tide got no closer to the goal than the MSU 38-yard line. That drive ended late in the first quarter with the Tide attempting to assert themselves as more powerful than the opposition on 4th-and-four.

In addition to the MSU opening pass and the 18-yard rush by Dixon, Tyson Lee completed an 11-yard pass to Dixon for a first down, a 24-yard pass to Chad Bumphis, and 2-yard rush by Chris Relf on 3rd-and-2 for another MSU first down.

The Tide looked evenly matched through the first quarter of play. But with 00:52 remaining in the first quarter, with the Tide starting from their own 20-yard line, McElroy drove the Men in Crimson 80 yards in six plays for the first of four touchdowns.

The score came on a strike thrown by the Alabama quarterback to a streaking WR Darius Hanks. Hanks, coming across the middle from right to left, caught the ball, turned upfield shaking one tackler, to hit the open field for a sideline scamper that went for 45 yards.

The second Tide score came on the ensuing Alabama possession after a quick three-and-out by the Bulldogs. The drive chewed up 06:14 of clock, with McElroy taking the Tide 77 yards in 11 plays. Ingram rushed over left tackle for the score.

For the evening, Ingram carried the ball 19 times for a net 149 yards rushing. Ingram advanced the ball 151 yards and lost only two yards on one carry. Incredible, to say the least. He was constantly moving forward when the ball was in his hands.

As a team, Alabama rushed for 252 yards and passed for 192. The Tide compiled a total of 444 yards total offense. At game end, Alabama led in every offensive category and dominated the opposition defensively.

Saban said he wanted his team to show that they could strike quickly. Hanks, Jones and Ingram filled the order. Hanks and Jones scored on explosive plays in the passing game, Ingram blew through a gaping hole and galloped 70 yards for a quick score.

Mark Barron intercepted two Tyson Lee passes, Marquis Johnson grabed another. Johnson probably could have batted the ball down and the Tide would have ended up with better field position but he needed the interception for his confidence.

In addition to the interception, Johnson made two sensational pass blocks that would have gone for scores if not for excellent timing and incredible athleticism knocking the ball away from the intended MSU reciever.

The one glaring flaw in the Alabama game was on special teams. Javier Arenas did not have the opportunity to return a punt (two punt returns for zero yards) and the kickoff coverage gave up 212 return yards by MSU return men.

Nevertheless, Alabama marched on to win convincingly, 31-3. Next week, the Tide returns to Bryant-Denny for the final home game of the season against the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Moccasins.

The final game of the regular season will be played on the road at Jordan-Hare.

For the 2009 Alabama Football senior class, "college days are swiftly fleeting, soon we'll leave their halls, Ne're to join another meeting 'neath their hallowed walls. Faithful, loyal, firm and true. Heart bound to heart will beat. Year by year the ages through until Heaven we'll meet."

In this case, the wall and confines of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Take the lead seniors, guide this team through the season undefeated, wire the mouth of the mighty Gators and capture the crystal coaches trophy in the Rose Bowl.

This is the best Alabama team effort that I have witnessed since the late '70's.

Alabama is 22-2 in the last two seasons. Saban's first team ever to go back to back seasons with a 10-0 start.

The Alabama fans should send a message to the team upon return to Bryant-Denny. Fan support in the game should be memorable for these players, particularly the seniors, even if the game is against the lowly Mocs.

That message should ring loud and clear, "Every Bama man's behind you, hit your stride. You're Bama's Football pride, Roll Tide, Roll Tide, Roll Tide."

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Are All the Stars Aligning for Alabama As a Team of Destiny in 2009?

Larry Burton — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:48:00 -0500

In what is unveiling to be a season of firsts and lasts, this Tide team appears to be peaking at the right time to finish the season. Yesterday marked the first time in Nick Saban's career that he has posted back to back 10-0 starts, and the first time Alabama has done it since 1973 and 1974.

It also marks the 29th game in a row that the Tide has not allowed a rusher a 100 yard game, and last night Alabama held Miss. State to about half it's season average in rushing.

This is the year Alabama will have to win the SEC Championship to preserve it's record of winning at least one in every decade since a champion has been named. This is certainly proving to be an important year for the history books.

Saturday night brought out yet another team "Blackout" against Alabama, and another Alabama blowout result. Gimmicks haven't worked against Alabama since the arrival of Nick Saban, just hard work and except for the kickoff return team, Mississippi State had little of that to show.

"We had several goals coming into this game", said Nick Saban, "We wanted to dominate from beginning to end, we wanted some explosive offensive plays and we wanted to contain number 24 (Miss. State sensational running back Anthony Dixon) and overall I thought we did a pretty good job against a very good team."

Mississippi State a very good team? For those of you who forgot, LSU had to stop them on the goal line to preserve a win, and they played Florida right to the end. This is the worst loss they've had this season, and the first time they've been held without a touchdown.

This was a team not willing to overlook a dangerous, yet unranked, opponent that no other team was able to dominate in such smothering fashion. To a man, every Alabama player says, "It's one game at a time." But they do have long range goals in mind.

This was a game that many felt was a trap game for the Tide. They had already secured an SEC Championship game slot, a major BCS Bowl at the least, and they were playing a team after an exciting and emotional win over LSU.

However, that trap failed to spring. This was one of the more determined, nose to the grindstone wins that Alabama has had all year, but it would be foolish to say they're not looking ahead just a little.

Coming off the field someone shouted to Alabama's imposing nose guard, affectionately known as Mt. Cody, "How does it feel to be 10-0 again?", and his reply was short, sweet, and simple, "Not as good as 14-0 will feel!"

And with all the stars and stats aligning for them, that may be a possibility. As was predicted in the article http://bleacherreport.com/articles/288611-alabama-and-florida-shocking-statistics-and-how-they-will-change, Alabama did beat Mississippi State worse than Florida did, much worse in fact, and Florida defeated South Carolina by less points than Alabama did.

Alabama started last week with Alabama and Florida both beating common opponents by exactly 57 points. That has now swung to Alabama's favor by 22 points. Alabama appears to be peaking while Florida appears to be stagnating.

Overall, most all of Florida's offensive statistics are down from last year, while Alabama's offensive statistics are much higher. The same can said for the defensive statistics as well.

So with everything aligning for a monumental clash in the SEC Championship that could favor Alabama, Tide fans must first wait through two more games, and continue to hope.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

College Football's 11 Best 11s: TCU Makes Its Move

BabyTate — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:47:20 -0500

The Horned Frogs of Texas Christian have not spent a great amount of time this season croaking up the wrong tree.

They have gone out and put away the opposition, usually leaving no doubt who is the best team on the field that day. Case in point would be the 55-28 destruction of defending Mountain West and Sugar Bowl Champion Utah on Saturday evening.

Going into the encounter with TCU, the Utes had only lost once in the past two seasons, earlier this year at powerful Oregon by a score of 31-24.

It was about that close against TCU, for about 10 minutes.

The road is clearing for the Horned frogs to make the BCS Title game, all they need is a little luck in the next few weeks. And if the Purple People Eaters get there, the rest of the nation had better look out, these men do not come to lose.

The 11 Best 11s:

Ranking This Week Ranking Last Week

1. Texas 1.

2. Alabama 2.

3. Texas Christian 5.

4. Florida 3.

5. Boise State 4.

6. Cincinnati 7.

7. Georgia Tech 6.

8. Pittsburgh 8.

9. Oregon 9.

10. Ohio State N/R (No.2 On The Porch)

11. Louisiana State 10.

On The Porch: Iowa, Mississippi, Stanford, Penn State, Oklahoma State

The second week of November produced several close games but few surprises. Most astonishing was Stanford's 55-21 annihilation of the fast-fading Southern California Trojans.

It was the most points ever given up by the Men of Troy at home. That is a shocking indictment of what was to be a dominant defense at the beginning of the season.

The Cardinal eclipsed Southern California in coaching, preparation, and execution. Now the Trojans can await the call from the Sun Bowl Committee, perhaps to face Rutgers.

Alabama was its normally routine self in disposing of out-classed Mississippi State. Boise State, Cincinnati, and Georgia Tech continued to demonstrate their superiority over conference rivals.

Pittsburgh's great defensive front wall was impressive in striking another blow to the career of Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis. Oregon bounced back from its licking in Palo Alto at the hands of Stanford and overwhelmed the injury-riddled Sun Devils of Dennis Erickson.

Ohio State lumbered into the 11 best 11s this week by winning over short-handed Iowa in overtime. This sets up the Buckeyes for another trip to Pasadena.

And what of Florida and LSU, perhaps the two most talented teams in the country and winners of the past two BCS Title games?

LSU after losing a brutal and controversial clash at Alabama last week, suffered the apparent "next week letdown" and barely escaped WAC-entry Louisiana Tech. But, let's give credit to Coach Dooley's Bulldogs.

Last week, La Tech fought mighty Boise State to the end in a 45-35 loss. With the "moral victory" 24-16 loss to LSU in Baton Rouge there should be no bowed heads in Ruston. Merely the hint of better times ahead.

Florida simply plays as hard as they need to play for a win. The defending BCS Champions' uninspired performance against a South Carolina team coached by former Gator Steve Spurrier causes them to drop below the far more explosive TCU in this week's ranking.

With several rivalry games to be played during the next week, there is ample opportunity for even more change to come in the weekly 11 best 11s.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Mississippi State Bulldogs Scheming To Upset No. 2 Alabama

jonathan fravel — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:40:57 -0500

A lot has been written over the past week about the impending matchup between the two SEC divisional champions; Alabama in the west and Florida in the east. But there is still yet much more football to be played and scores to settle.

While the SEC championship game is set in stone, records are on the line and a slip up by either team will significantly alter National Championship aspiration. The remaining games have even more significance because of the national rankings and undefeated regular seasons for both SEC schools.

Don't get caught looking ahead

The Mississippi State head coach would like nothing better than for the Alabama team to waltz into Starkville pumped with pride, looking ahead three games down the line. Regardless of the state of mind for the Alabama team, Dan Mullen will be ready with his Bulldogs; ready to bite.

Heaven forbid a comparison between Michael Vick and Dan Mullen but both have experience training dogs to fight. For Mullen, his Bulldogs are legal and they are getting meaner as the season progresses.

The Mississippi State offense has shown substantial improvement since last year. Yet their record sits at 4-5. Mullen, in his first year, will certainly not lead his team into the postseason with a bowl bid unless the team finishes with two out of three monstrous wins against Alabama, Arkansas or Ole Miss.

A betting man would say that a strong finish is very unlikely, but the head coach and his feisty Bulldogs expect nothing short of a two win finish against the remaining three west division teams. A win against the MSU Bulldogs in the next three weeks will be earned, not conceded.

MSU Offensive Productivity

Passing

Quarterback Tyson Lee boasts a 60 percent pass completion(112 of 189), but a quarterback rating of only 111.89 on the year. This is primarily because he has thrown only four touchdown passes against eleven interceptions.

Despite his rating, Lee is a legitimate pass threat and would love nothing more than to have a breakout game against the Tide.

In his two best games of the year, regarding pass efficiency, he threw very few passes but was extremely accurate. Against Auburn, Lee connected on 6 of 10 passes for 53 yards and one touchdown (139 rating). At Georgia Tech, he hit on 20 of 30 attempts for 278 yards (148 rating).

The Auburn game was early in the season, in fact Lee did not start the game as QB for the Bulldogs. He entered in relief of Chris Relf after the starter threw two costly interceptions. Midseason, against Georgia Tech, Lee had his best quarterback rating of the year, despite having one interception in the game.

Higher ranked defenses have stymied the veteran quarterback. Against LSU, Lee completed only 39 percent of his passes (15 of 38). The stingy Bengal Tigers defense picked off three of his passes in a hard fought, closely contested game.

Against Florida, Lee completed 15 of 23 passes (65 percent) but once again threw three interceptions, lowering what would have been an excellent rating against one of the toughest defenses in the nation ( finished with a 90.09 rating).

He followed up with a very good outing against Kentucky, completing 10 of 17 passes for 153 yards. But once again, the defense snatched two interceptions off the paw of the Bulldog quarterback. Despite the two errant throws, he finished with rating of 126.35 at game end.

Lee's favorite targets are RB Chad Bumphis (26 receptions) and WR Marcus Green (22 receptions). Bumphis and Green have combined for 554 yards and five touchdowns. O'Neal Wilder, Leon Berry and Christian Ducre each have more than ten receptions, and play significant roles in the Bulldog passing attack.

Rushing

The Bulldog rushing game is led by veteran Anthony Dixon. He surpassed the 1000 yard mark in the last outing against the Kentucky Wildcats, averages 5.5 yards per carry and has scored nine touchdowns.

Dixon has the Lion's share of carries for the MSU backfield, and is clearly the most productive scorer. Chris Relf is a dual threat and enters the game intermittently to relieve Tyson Lee. On the year, Relf has 43 carries for 292 yards and one TD, he averages 6.8 yards per carry.

Christian Ducre has 45 carries for 263 yards and one TD, averaging 5.8 yards per carry on the season. His best performance came against Houston, carrying the ball nine times for 87 yards (9.7 YPC). His lone touchdown came against Georgia Tech.

The Bulldog offense is averaging 26.8 point per game. With the exception of the Auburn game, each loss has been closely contested with the Bulldogs having a shot at the win in the fourth quarter of play. Four of the five losses have been by 11 points or less.

The win against Kentucky was the most complete game by the MSU offense. They totaled 493 yards, heavily weighted toward the rushing game. The backfield combined for a whopping 343 yards on the ground. Dixon managed 252 yards on 33 carries and scored two touchdowns.

On the season, Tyson Lee and Chris Relf have combined for 100 carries, 401 yards and three touchdowns. Relf is the greater run threat, chalking up 292 rushing yards. Together, they present a formidable challenge for the opposition defense, the first true dual threat challenge for the Crimson Tide in 2009.

MSU Defensive Statistics

The Bulldog defense has allowed only 24.6 points per game while the offense averages better than 26 points per game yet they more often are on the losing end by the time the game clock expires.

While the defense gives up better than 200 yards passing per game, they account for a total of 12 interceptions on the year. Moreover, those interceptions have been returned for 310 yards for an average of 25.8 yards per turnover. It can't be said that the defense has not given the offense opportunities.

In addition, the MSU defense has seven starters with more that 20 solo tackles, junior LB Chris White leads the team with 35 solo tackles and 21 assists. Senior LB Jamar Chaney is the overall leader with 29 solo tackles and 44 assists for a monster effort of 73 tackles on the year. He ranks 5th in the league in this category.

To put that into perspective, Rolando McClain has 34 solo tackles and 32 assists for a total of 66 tackles on the year. Chaney and White are gamers, with a nose for the ball and the courage to take the ball carrier to the ground on any given play.

Junior LB K.J. Wright is another defensive warrior, notching up 33 solo tackles and 32 assists for a total of 65 tackles on the year. The Bulldogs have nine other players on defense with eight or more solo tackles and greater than 20 assists.

True freshman Johnthan (not a misprint) Banks leads the secondary with four interceptions. Four other Bulldogs are credited with one or more interception, Broomfield (three), Mitchell (two), Chaney (two) and Anderson (one) pose a threat for the opposition.

Late in the second quarter, Johnthan Banks took a Tebow pass 100 yards for a score against the Gators and put the Bulldogs in position to compete against the No. 1 team in the nation.

Interestingly, the defense has forced 21 fumbles by the opposition yet have only recovered seven loose balls. They are giving themselves opportunities for sure, but the ball has not bounce their way enough times to make a big difference.

On the other hand, this statistic does indicate that the Bulldog defenders are hitting hard a jarring the ball loose, it is just a matter of time, statistically speaking, before the ball starts bouncing their way.

MSU Special Teams

The third phase of the game has neither helped nor hurt the Bulldogs in 2009, although they do have one touchdown on kickoff and on punt return for the year.

MSU punting ranks last in the league, only netting 32 yards per punt. They rank 9th (tied with UGA) in punt return yards allowed, opening the door for the Alabama return man, Javier Arenas.

The Bulldogs rank 8th in kickoff coverage, allowing the opponents offense to start, on average, near the 30 yard line. Placekicking duty is shared by Derek DePasquale (15-15 PAT) and Sean Breauchle (12-12 PAT). They have combined for 13 of 17 field goals made and are perfect on the year on point after touchdown.

The Task for the Crimson Tusk

In order to walk away with a win, the easiest path for the Tide would be to take advantage of the MSU weaknesses in the kickoff and punt coverage phase of the game and to capitalize on turnovers.

If Tyson Lee remains true to form, when the defense is tough, interceptions will be available for the Alabama secondary. Ideally, the Tide will return one if not two interceptions for touchdowns, much like the Arkansas game from one year ago.

Special Teams and Defense should feast on the Bulldogs and score points. The Alabama offense should be the beneficiary of good field position all day long.

McElroy must remain efficient in the passing game and diminish mistakes. The MSU secondary has 11 picks of their own, one returned for TD against Florida, as stated earlier.

Run, Run, Run the ball, and run some more. Empty the backfield in this game. Eat the clock and rack up yards with Ingram, Richardson, Upchurch and Grant. While MSU has yields on average less than 170 rushing yards per game, it is the strength of the Alabama offense and should wear down the Bulldog defense, if they run with authority.

Establish the run and take what the defense will give in the passing game. It is time for Julio to have a two or three touchdown game but that won't happen unless the running game opens things up.

Once again, the expectation is for the game to remain close in the first half. If the Tide takes an early 20 point lead, the Bulldogs are finished. If that happens, the final score could be as bad as 45-10 in favor of the Tide. More likely, the score will be 31-6 with the Tide pulling away early in the second half.

For the Bulldogs to win, the Tide would have to come out flat and remain flat on offense for the entire first half. The capable Bulldog defense would need to pressure McElroy in a way they have not been able to pressure opposition quarterbacks up to this point in the season. It is possible, but not probable.

That scenario, combined with turnovers favoring the Bulldogs and points resulting from turnovers could kill Bama hopes of an undefeated season.

A score of 17-13 in favor of the Bulldogs would drop Alabama out of contention for a National title no matter what happens in Atlanta. Alabama must win this game at all costs. For their own confidence and for the confidence of the BCS voters.

Yea, Alabama, Go teach the Bulldogs to behave. RTR

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Top Things Rival SEC Coaches Should Say About Tennessee Arrests

Jonathan Kelley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:01:31 -0500

How can anyone outside of Knoxville not be relishing in the debacle going on in Kiffinville. It is too sweet an opportunity not to shove in the face of the boys in Orange and Black. I mean if you talk smack it will eventually come back to bite you, but this is just too funny. Not only are these players coached by Kiffin and his staff, but they are from his first recruiting class. Two of whom are his prized recruits, of which he boasted so often about. We all know about the trash talk and everything like that so no sense in recapping it. Instead of prolonging this any further let's just jump right into the trash talk the top SEC rival coaches should be laying on Lane. Oh, just one question, Is there any truth to the rumor the jail is allowing them to where their orange jerseys instead of jumpsuits?

Begin Slideshow

Will Alabama and Florida Be The Clash Of Titans

Walter Kirkwood — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:29:27 -0500

The date is set, the location known, Alabama and Florida will once again tangle for the SEC championship.

It will be a titanic battle between two great teams, but what TV executives and SEC brass are hoping for is a dream match. Two undefeated SEC teams meeting to decide not only who wins the league title, but which team plays for a national title.

Last year the situation was similar—Florida with a single loss arrived to face an undefeated Alabama squad. Florida's loss came early, so the winner was definitely going to the national title game. This year it may not be the case.

If either team slips up in the next three weeks, they won't play for the title even with a win in Atlanta. Several undefeated teams remain still, and they could easily stake a claim for the crown.

Losing late is normally a deal breaker. LSU lost late two years ago, but weaker teams atop the BCS allowed them to slip into the title game.

LSU won the game, of course, but half the SEC could have beaten Ohio State that year. The BCS system has been far from perfect in picking the best.

What does each team need to do to make this dream match happen?

It's worth noting that, neither Alabama nor Florida are unbeatable. Both teams have come within a field goal of losing this year and neither team is blowing the opposition out of the water.

Florida's road to Atlanta includes a road Trip to South Carolina. On the surface this shouldn't be a problem as Spurrier's boys have taken it on the chin the last two weeks.

Steve Spurrier does have a history with Florida and has taken the Gators to the edge more than once. For the first time in his South Carolina tenure Spurrier has a quarterback playing well. Florida should not take them lightly.

Meanwhile over in Mississippi, Alabama will be road tripping as well. The Mississippi State Bulldogs have to be the surprise team of the SEC this year. Everyone expected a train wreck in Starkville but first year head coach Dan Mullins has done a remarkable job making this team competitive.

In most years this would be called a trap game, since Alabama just defeated LSU to win the SEC west and now heads to Mississippi State, but its hard to consider this as a trap. The fact is, Mississippi State is simply too good.

Unless the film equipment is broken in Tuscaloosa the players should see that the Bulldogs have been in every game since a blowout loss to Auburn. They even had a lead on Florida in the third quarter and took LSU to the final buzzer.

If this game were at Tuscaloosa I doubt many would worry but being in Starkville Alabama cannot afford to take state lightly. Alabama needs to put the clamps on their running game early and avoid the turnovers state will need to pull the upset.

If both teams make it through this weekend the only real question the following week is whether Alabama and Florida come out of the game healthy.

Florida faces a two win Florida International while Alabama faces a fairly good but completely out manned Tennessee Chattanooga squad. Both teams will win handily.

Finally, both Alabama and Florida play rivalry games.

For Florida that rival is Florida State. This was once a prime time premier game of the week sort of thing but this is not the Florida State of old.

When Urban Mayer arrived at Florida his youth and fresh spread offense energized recruiting for the Gators. In comparison to the legendary, but aging, Bobby Bowden Florida State seems to be running in mud. Mayer began vacuuming up the best talent in Florida leaving only scraps for the rest.

It didn't end there, Alabama hired Nick Saban and with Georgia's Mark Richt Florida State was getting squeezed for talent. Adding NCAA troubles recently has not helped the situation. At present the The program appears to be completely adrift after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Clemson. Many are calling for Bowden to step down.

Rivalry games should never be taken lightly, but on their best day Florida State just does not look capable of taking down a Florida team with its sights set on the big trophy. Only a letdown by Florida could even put them in this game.

Alabama's situation is similar, but Auburn is not in disarray. Auburn coach Gene Chizik wasn't given much chance when he arrived at Auburn but guiding them to a 5-0 start and upsetting Mississippi a few weeks back most will say he has done better than expected.

The Tigers are streaky, If they get their pass rush going and protect quarterback Chris Todd they can be a very dangerous team. Todd throws a nice deep ball and his receivers will go after the ball aggressively. Runningback Ben Tate is as good as any rusher you'll see.

The Tigers ability to tangle with the tide depends heavily on health. The Tigers are dangerously thin on defense. Questionable recruiting and a number of injuries on defense could prove fatal.

Auburn can be explosive offensively but they lack the talent to overcome mistakes and turnovers. Alabama's veteran heavy defense has a habit of forcing mistakes, even from normally mistake free offenses.

Alabama and Florida both have their work cut out. It won't be easy to keep the unblemished record but if they do, They will get to be part of a game that could be remembered for a generation. That after all is what every kid wants to be a part of when they sign that letter of intent.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com

Alabama's Streak of Being an SEC Champion in Every Decade is No Big Deal

Larry Burton — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:23:23 -0500

The first SEC Championship Game was in 1933 and the winner was Alabama. Since then the Crimson Tide have won an unprecedented 21 titles. That's eight more than second place Tennessee and over twice the number of fifth place Florida.

Sheer numbers are not the only thing that makes Alabama the all time king of the SEC; you would also have to factor in consistency. Alabama has won at least one SEC Championship for every decade since the first one.

However, Alabama's last SEC Championship was in 1999. Since that date Alabama went through the Dubose fizzle, the Franchione fiasco, girls gone wild with Mike Price, and the Mike Shula experiment.

Those were some of the craziest, probation filled, dark days that Alabama has ever had to endure. An SEC Championship, not to mention a shot at a National Championship would finally once and for all put a period on this dark decade.

That means to keep that streak in place, this is the year that Alabama must win the SEC.

This is certainly a good year for that to happen. Currently Alabama is locked into a meeting with Florida for a chance to win it all, but will this streak put extra pressure on the players?

Not according to the players.

As Mark Ingram told me, "We are all about winning every game. Whether it has more implications than just the win, it doesn't matter, no one win is more important than another. We play to win them all, so this streak will put no more pressure on us than any other game. The most important game is the next one."

"We just worry about getting better every week, doing our job, and taking advantage of the opportunities we have" he concluded.

And one of those opportunities is to keep that streak in effect.

Mike Johnson told me he wasn't even aware of that streak being on the line, but his comments echoed that of his team mate. That is not unusual. In interviewing players all season it has amazed me how this truly is one team, with one heartbeat as Coach Bryant used to strive for, but one mindset as well.

"We signed on at Alabama believing in this school and that we could bring this program back to the top" Johnson told me. "We believe we can win every game, and we know that to attain the goals we set for ourselves, every game is equally important. We'll worry about Florida when it Florida week and focus on next week's opponent this week. The most important game is always the next one."

So while the streak in important to the fans, it's just another game to the players. Sure it means something special, but to the players, it's just another game to get to winning them all.

Read more Alabama Crimson Tide Football news on BleacherReport.com