Dear Larry: Your Alabama and SEC Questions Answered Here: Feb. Edition

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) This is the first of a what may be an ongoing series to answer your questions about Alabama and SEC football. The questions come from real people and the answers are free, so you're getting what you pay for.

Dear Larry: I understand the nickel package, it has five defensive backs. So what's a dime and quarter package and why do they call it that?

Signed, Confused in Coffee County

Dear Confused: You have the nickel package down. The dime package is when they take out the weak side linebacker and put in another cornerback to match against another receiver. That means six defensive backs, two linemen, (the ends) and three linebackers.

As for the name, you got me there, maybe because teams that force a defense into that formation do so because they don't have a running game worth one thin dime. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The quarter package is a third down and REALLY long defense where you don't figure they'll try and run for it and they have the field loaded with every speedy guy who can catch the ball. This takes out yet another linebacker and puts five corner backs, two safeties, three linemen and one middle linebacker on the field.

Maybe because it's the next coin up from a dime I guess is the only logical answer as to why they call it that. I hope this helps you. If you ever hear of the Fifty Cent defense, look for them to start blaring loud rap music at the offense.

Dear Larry: So many players sign and don't earn significant playing time in their careers. Some transfer, some accept medicals, some give up football, some stick it out and complete their careers.

Of the latter group, how do they stay motivated to contribute in other ways? How much and what kind of support do they receive from the staff and university? What makes them different from those that do leave the program?

Signed G.A.

Dear G: Those are special people. Most may have been starters somewhere else, but they choose to stay and help where they can. Some really help on the scout team for a year and that keeps them involved. After that, Saban tries to use them on special teams when he can and substitute them into games.

Many develop deep ties to the university and to their team mates, others simply don't want to risk sitting out a year to transfer and others believe they'll get their shot in time.

Saban points out the story of Cory Reamer, who never figured to be a starter until an injury forced him into the spotlight and he had a great senior year. That gives the bench riders hope that one day, they too will have an opportunity to step up and into the harsh glare or stardom themselves.

And who knows maybe some just have a hot girl friend here and don't want to leave them "unattended". Hope this helps.

Dear Larry: What is Nick Saban's middle name and why doesn't he smile more?

Signed, Bamagirl

Dear Bamagirl: Maybe you need his first name too, it's not Nick, it's Nicholas and his middle name is Lou.

As for smiling more, actually he does, but it's like good news, it just doesn't get camera time. He actually has a very good sense of humor and likes to pick at and tease people. He actually plays up the "Big Bad Nick" routine to the press almost as a joke.

Now, he is very intense and can be "Big Bad Nick" as I found out my first year in the press box when I asked a post game question he deemed as not too intelligent. I can never wear those pants in public again.