Task Unfinished: Iron Bowl Next For The Alabama Seniors

The Alabama Crimson Tide soundly defeated the UTC Mocs as everyone in the country interested in college football expected. The victory puts the Tide in the position to finish the regular season undefeated for the second straight year.

The only obstacle left for completion of that preseason goal is the in-state rival, Auburn Tigers.

Alabama started the game with a studder, choosing to punt on 4th-and-1 from the Alabama 45 yard line. Fitzgerald punted the ball into the end zone for the touchback.

After a six play possession that included a first down for the Mocs, Alabama took possession and moved the ball 51 yards in 11 plays for a score on a two yard rush by Trent Richardson. At that point and thereafter, the rout was on.

Following the kickoff and a three and out by the UTC offense, Alabama used two big plays to score again. A 44 yard pass to Julio Jones and 25 yard rush by Mark Ingram quickly put the Tide up 14-0.

Senior Corey Reamer intercepted the ball on the first play from scrimmage for the Mocs, giving the Alabama offense possession on the UTC 31 yard line. Four plays later, McElroy connected with Julio Jones in the end zone for a 19 yard completion and score.

One more three play possession by the Mocs and a punt to dangerous return man, senior Javier Arenas. Javvy took the ball on the Alabama 34 yard line and streaked up the sideline for a 66 yard punt return for touchdown.

At 14:42 left in the second quarter, Alabama held a lead of 28-0.

UT Chattanooga quarterback B.J. Coleman played well against the pressure applied by the Alabama defense. The usually sure handed Blue Cooper and Chris Pitchford dropped several passes that could have sustained drives for the Mocs. Drops and misses were in large part due to the tight coverage applied by the Alabama secondary.

In the end, it was not a good day for the Mockingbird offense. In only 48 offensive plays, the Mocs netted 48 yards rushing and 36 yards passing, converting only five first downs and gave up three interceptions on the day.

For Alabama, the offense ran 72 plays, netted 339 yards rushing, 109 yard passing, and made 26 first down in the game. McElroy was efficient in the passing game, finishing 6-11-0 for 80 yards and a single touchdown.

Senior Roy Upchurch rushed for 79 yards on 17 carries and had one score in the 4th quarter. Senior Leigh Tiffin converted on all PAT's and connected on a 41 yard field goal in the third quarter.

The game was played under control by both teams, UTC penalized three times for 30 yards and Alabama penalized five times for 61 yards. The one questionable call was a flag thrown on Marcel Dareus for a blow to the helmet (roughing the passer). 

The Alabama defense ends the season on the home turf with a shut out victory. The first half of play was impressive for the explosive plays by the Alabama offense and the aggressive nature of the senior laden defense.

On to Jordan-Hare next week for the season finale. It will be a short week, interrupted by Thanksgiving dinner and an early Friday afternoon start time on the plains.

The Alabama seniors intend to re-establish in state dominance for the Crimson Tide by convincingly defeating the Tigers on their own home field.

A senior class that signed on to bring the Alabama Football program back to life is just two wins away from a National Championship game.