Ingram's out vs. SJSU.. Richardson to Start ..

Mark Ingram is Injured in Practice

"Mark Ingram sustained a left knee injury late in Monday's practice. It was a situation where everyone involved thought it would be better to take care of now, so he would not have any issues with it later in the season".  

Alabama head coach Nick Saban

SJSU Preview

The only way Alabama can be threatened in this game is if the defensive backfield is an utter disaster, and there’s nothing in Alabama’s fall camp so far to suggest that’s true. More likely, Alabama will put this one away in the first half, then spend the rest of the game working on situations and resting starters for next week’s game against Penn State. In other words, this game has the feel of a glorified scrimmage. It may not be as exciting as the last two years’ openers were, but it should be more comfortable for the partisan Crimson Tide fans in attendance.

Alabama 52
San Jose State 7

SJSU preview

SEC West: Alabama

Alabama

Strengths: Offense is rarely the focal point of a Nick Saban team, but the 2010 Tide's offense could be one of the nation's best with nearly all the critical skill-position contributors coming back -- quarterback Greg McElroy; Heisman-winning tailback Mark Ingram and understudy Trent Richardson, who many have said might be even better than Ingram; and the top three WRs from last year, Julio Jones, Marquis Maze, and Darius Hanks. And while having to start a freshman (D.J. Fluker) on the O-line would ordinarily be a cause for acid reflux, they did it last year with Barrett Jones (in a year when the line was supposed to be a question mark to begin with) and it worked out just fine.

Weaknesses: It isn't just the number of defensive players Bama has lost, it's the quality -- four went in the first two rounds of the NFL draft alone. The Tide now enter 2010 wielding just two starters from last year's second-in-the-nation defense, none of them from the D-line. Special teams are getting a complete overhaul as well, with 2009's top kicker, punter, PR and KR all having graduated.

Key player: NT Josh Chapman. It's no secret to anyone that Bama's 3-4 defensive alignment relies heavily on a gargantuan nose tackle to plug gaps up front. Chapman -- a bit undersized for the position at 6'1", 310 -- has the formidable task of filling Terrence Cody's shoes.

Best chance to make a statement: Oct. 2 vs. Florida. If the Tide pick up right where they left off after last year's dismembering of the Gators in the Georgia Dome, there'll be no doubt about their chops as a repeat national-title contender.

Best chance to get tripped up: Sept. 25 at Arkansas. In Fayetteville, against the conference's best QB, are not the circumstances where you want to be tinkering with a rebuilt defense.

Goals for 2010: Another national title. Why not? There may be a lot of new faces on D, but with the coaching they've got and the raw talent they've amassed over a series of stellar recruiting seasons, there's no reason to think the Tide is headed for instant collapse.

2010 SEC Football Preview: West Division

Bama's O-Line ...

LT

1- #77 James Carpenter (6-5, 300, SR)

2- #59 Arie Kouandjio (6-5, 335, FR)



LG

1- #65 Chance Warmack (6-3, 310, SO)

2- #67 John Michael Boswell (6-5, 291, JR)



C

1- #73 William Vlachos (6-2, 289, JR)

2- #74 David Ross (6-3, 302, SR)



RG

1- #75 Barrett Jones (6-4, 301, SO)

2- #61 Anthony Steen (6-3, 292, FR)



RT

1- #76 D.J. Fluker (6-6, 330, SO)

2- #52 Alfred McCullough (6-2, 309, JR)

3- #72 Tyler Love (6-6, 304, SO)



TE

1- #89 Michael Williams (6-6, 266, FR)

2- #87 Chris Underwood (6-4, 238, JR)

2010 Starters...

QB - Greg McElroy
LT - James Carpenter
LG - Chance Warmack
C - William Vlachos
RG - Barrett Jones
RT - D.J. Fluker
TE - Michael Williams
H-back - Preston Dial
RB - Mark Ingram
WR - Julio Jones
WR - Marquis Maze or Daruis Hanks
DE - Marcell Dareus
NG - Josh Chapman
DE - Luther Davis
SLB - Chavis Williams
MLB - Dont'a Hightower
WLB - Jerrell Harris
JLB - Courtney Upshaw
CB - DeQuan Menzie
CB - Dre Kirkpatrick
SS - Mark Barron
FS - Robert Lester
K - Cade Foster or Jeremy Shelley
P - Jay Williams or Cody Mandell
PR - Julio Jones
KOR - Trent Richardson, Julio Jones

(Tuscaloosa News)

SEC Fearless Predictions

Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson will both rush for 1,000 yards: That’s never happened at Alabama, and it’s not something that has happened very often, period, in the SEC. The gold standard in this league for teammates rushing for more than 1,000 yards in the same season was established by Arkansas’ Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in 2007. They combined for 2,943 yards. McFadden finished with 1,830 and Jones with 1,113 that season, each averaging at least 5.6 yards per carry.

SEC Fearless Predictions

CBSSports.com Preseason All-America Team

From Alabama (1st Team)

1. Mark Ingram


(2nd Team)

1. Dont'a Hightower


(3rd Team)

1. Julio Jones
2. Marcell Dareus
3. Mark Barron

2010 Preseason College Football All-America Team

Dareus' status ??

Early next week.

That's the feeling among Alabama officials for when the NCAA will announce a ruling on All-American candidate Marcell Dareus.

Bama's O-Line...

LT - James Carpenter
LG - Chance Warmack
Center - William Vlachos
RG - Barrett Jones
RT - DJ Fluker

From the SEC - Rotary Lombardi Award Watch!

Rotary Lombardi Award goes to "down linemen, end-to-end, either on offense or defense, who set up no farther than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball, or linebackers who set up no farther than 5 yards deep from the line of scrimmage."

Georgia offensive tackle Clint Boling

Alabama offensive tackle James Carpenter

Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus

Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower

Georgia outside linebacker Justin Houston

Arkansas offensive tackle DeMarcus Love

South Carolina defensive end Cliff Matthews

Mississippi State defensive end Pernell McPhee

Florida center Mike Pouncey

Ole Miss nose tackle Jerrell Powe

Auburn center Ryan Pugh

South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders

LSU linebacker Kelvin Sheppard

Mississippi State offensive tackle Derek Sherrod

Auburn offensive tackle Lee Ziemba


Source - Chris Low ESPN.COM

Game Prep Set to Begin...

GOOD NEWS for the Crimson Tide! All of the team is now healthy, as there are no more black jersey's being worn on the practice field one week prior to the start of the football season.

SEC (1st Round NFL Prospects)

No. 4 -- Georgia receiver A.J. Green

No. 7 -- Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett

No. 8 -- Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus

No. 9 -- LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson

No. 12 -- Alabama running back Mark Ingram


No. 16 -- Alabama receiver Julio Jones

Source Chris Low (ESPN)

Rimington Trophy Watch

Center William Vlachos was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list as one of the nation's top centers.


Source - TideSports

San Jose State News

Senior Jordan La Secla will start at quarterback.

Brandon Rutley is the No. 1 tailback but will share time with Lamon Muldrow, last year's top rusher (592 yards), and David Freeman, a transfer from Washington.

True freshman Vince Buhagiar will start at middle linebacker in place of the injured Pompey Festejo, who could miss the entire season while recovering from a broken foot.

Ailao Eliapo will play both ways against the Crimson Tide, as the starting right guard and the backup defensive lineman.

Sophomore David Quessenberry will start at left tackle in place of Fred Koloto, who is expected to miss at least another week with a knee injury.

San Jose State will start Jordan La Secla at quarterback

Doak Walker List

2010 Doak Walker Award goes annually to the top running back in college football. From the SEC;

- Alabama's Mark Ingram
- Florida's Jeff Demps
- Auburn's Mario Fannin
- Arkansas' Dennis Johnson
- Kentucky's Derrick Locke
- LSU's Richard Murphy

Source - ESPN's Chris Low

Kickers BEWARE!!

Returing kicks this year will be?

Full Speed - Milliner Returns

Freshman cornerback DeMarcus Milliner returned to full-speed work at the University of Alabama's practice Wednesday.

Source - Tuscaloosa News

31 Former Alabama Players Currently On NFL Rosters

AFC

New York Jets – (LB) *Cory Reamer (#47) 6-3, 242…3rd team LILB

New England Patriots – (DE) *Brandon Deaderick (#71) 6-4, 305…3rd team RDE

Baltimore Ravens – (LB) Jarret Johnson (#95) 6-3, 265…1st team LILB

Baltimore Ravens – (FB) Le’Ron McClain (#33) 6-0, 260…1st team FB

Baltimore Ravens – (DT) *Terrence Cody (#63) 6-4, 349…3rd team NT

Cincinnati Bengals – (DE) Antwan Odom (#98) 6-5, 275…1st team RDE

Cincinnati Bengals – (OG) Evan Mathis (#66) 6-5, 302…2nd team LG

Cincinnati Bengals – (OT) Andre Smith (#71) 6-4, 345…2nd team RT

Pittsburgh Steelers – (DB) Anthony Madison (#37) 5-9, 180…3rd team LCB

Houston Texans – (LB) DeMeco Ryans (#59) 6-1, 252…1st team MLB

Houston Texans – (OG) Antoine Caldwell (#62) 6-3, 310…1st team at RG

Houston Texans – (CB) *Kareem Jackson (#25) 5-10, 197…1st team RCB

Indianapolis Colts – (DB) Deshea Townsend (#23) 5-10, 190...2nd team RCB

Jacksonville Jaguars – (OG) Justin Smiley (#66) 6-3, 310…2nd team LG

Kansas City Chiefs – (QB) Brodie Croyle (#12) 6-2, 206…2nd team QB

Kansas City Chiefs – (DB) *Javier Arenas (#30) 5-9, 197…2nd team RCB, 1st team KR & PR

Kansas City Chiefs – (RB) Tim Castille (#46) 5-11, 238…1st team FB

Kansas City Chiefs – (OT) Bobby Greenwood (#74) 6-5, 278…3rd team RT

Kansas City Chiefs – (DE) Wallace Gilberry (#92) 6-2, 268…2nd team RDE

Oakland Raiders – (LB) *Rolando McClain (#55) 6-3, 255…1st team MLB



NFC

Washington Redskins – (CB) Ramzee Robinson (#38) 5-10, 190…3rd team RCB in 3-4 & None in 4-3

Washington Redskins – (DT) Anthony Bryant (#76) 6-3, 376…3rd team NT in 3-4 & 3rd team RDT in 4-3

Chicago Bears – (DE) Mark Anderson (#97) 6-4, 255…1st team LDE

Green Bay Packers – (S) Charlie Peprah (#46) 5-11, 203…3rd team SS in 3-4 & 2nd team in 4-3

Atlanta Falcons – (OG) *Mike Johnson (#79) 6-5, 312…2nd team RG

Atlanta Falcons – (QB) John Parker Wilson (#4) 6-2, 218…3rd team QB

New Orleans Saints – (DB) Roman Harper (#41) 6-1, 200…1st team SS

Arizona Cardinals – (S) Rashad Johnson (#49) 5-11, 204…2nd team FS in 3-4 & 3rd team FS in 4-3

Arizona Cardinals – (DE) Jeremy Clark (#71) 6-3, 295…3rd team LDE in 3-4 & None in 4-3

St. Louis Rams – (RB) Kenneth Darby (#34) 5-10, 219…2nd team RB

St. Louis Rams – (DB) *Marquis Johnson (#25) 5-10, 192…4th team LCB

Alabama players in the NFL

Coach Cochran Sound Bites (From RollBamaRoll)

SEC - 2 Game Stretches. Who has the Toughest Back-to-Back SEC Games this year?

1. Ole Miss: The Rebels have to go on the road in back-to-back weeks to face Alabama on Oct. 16 and Arkansas on Oct. 23.


2. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs travel to Alabama on Nov. 13 and return home the following week to face Arkansas on Nov. 20.


3. Arkansas: In the first month of the season, the Hogs travel to Georgia on Sept. 18 and come back home to face Alabama the next week on Sept. 25.


4. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have a home game with Arkansas on Nov. 6 and then go on the road the next week to face Florida on Nov. 13.


5. Vanderbilt: The Commodores go from playing Arkansas on the road on Oct. 30 to facing Florida at home a week later on Nov. 6.


6. Alabama: The Crimson Tide travel to Arkansas on Sept. 25 and come back home to face Florida the next week on Oct. 2.


7. Tennessee: The Vols take on Oregon the second week of the season on Sept. 11 and face Florida the next week on Sept. 18, both games at home.


8. Florida: The Gators’ road trip to Alabama on Oct. 2 is followed by a home date with LSU on Oct. 9.


9. Kentucky: The Wildcats in back-to-back weeks face road trips to Florida on Sept. 25 and Ole Miss on Oct. 2.


10. Georgia: The Bulldogs open their SEC schedule with a visit to South Carolina on Sept. 11 and come back home to face Arkansas the next week on Sept. 18.


11. LSU: The Tigers face Ole Miss on Nov. 20 at home and then end the regular season by facing Arkansas in Little Rock on Nov. 27.


12. Auburn: The Tigers face back-to-back home games against Arkansas on Oct. 16 and LSU on Oct. 23.

SEC's toughest two-game stretches

2010 SEC Predictions from WhatIfSports

SEC Predictions
East	W	L	Overall Record
Florida	6	2	10-2
Georgia	5	3	8-4
South Carolina	4	4	7-5
Kentucky	3	5	6-6
Tennessee	2	6	5-7
Vanderbilt	1	7	2-10
West	W	L	Overall Record
Alabama	7	1	10-2
Arkansas	5	3	9-3
Auburn	5	3	8-4
LSU	5	3	8-4
Mississippi	4	4	8-4
Mississippi State	1	7	4-8

2010 College Football Previews and Predictions

2010 Bama Game By Game Predicitions from WhatIfSports

2010 Alabama Crimson Tide
Week	Opponent	Win%	Avg Score
1	San Jose State Spartans	95	56-6
2	Penn State Nittany Lions	93	31-15
3	@Duke Blue Devils	95	40-12
4	@Arkansas Razorbacks	72	34-30
5	Florida Gators	72	32-22
6	@South Carolina Gamecocks	79	30-19
7	Mississippi Rebels	95	38-15
8	@Tennessee Volunteers	95	37-11
10	@LSU Tigers	81	26-16
11	Mississippi State Bulldogs	95	45-9
12	Georgia State Panthers	95	71-2
13	Auburn Tigers	79	35-19

2010 College Football Previews and Predictions

2011 Recruiting Class

Bama's 2011 Recruiting class currently ranked #3 trailing FSU (#2) and Texas (#1)

Center Ryan Kelly and QB Phillip Ely are the new commitments for Alabama since the last update, and they're good ones.

Rivals criminally underrates Kelly at three stars—he was one of the most hotly pursued centers in the country, with Michigan and Florida giving chase prior to his commitment. He's a major boost for the interior offensive line, an area of recruiting Bama had only addressed so well over the past few classes.

Ely's pick of Alabama was a shocker. The 4-star Florida QB was rumored to be down to Clemson, LSU, Wake Forest, and Ole Miss, but announced for Alabama in a ceremony at his high school. He's led Plant HS (the alma mater of current D-I QBs Robert Marve and Aaron Murray) to two straight titles and is eying a third as a senior. The latter title he won while going undefeated—Alabama fans, fire up the comparisons to Greg McElroy.

Those commitments keep Alabama in the top five, but I'm hearing they might have lost their chances with 5-star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. ThaRinger's Charles Drake tweeted that Clowney's ties to staying in state are too strong to overcome—this despite Clowney nearly committing to Bama a few times already.

Also, the Tide's rumored tie with Texas for Malcolm Brown looks to have been more conjecture than truth, as the latter verbaled to Texas last week. Their sights now turn to 5-star RB Isaiah Crowell, for whom they will battle Georgia.


Ranking the Top 15 Recruiting Classes of 2011

Auburn is not scared!

"This year, we've got this type swagger about ourselves that we're not scared. We realize we're the underdog, so to speak, and we're not going to back down from anything". - Auburn's Cameron Newton

Bama's 2nd Scrimmage is in the Books ...

After giving up nine touchdown passes in the first major scrimmage of the preseason, Alabama's defense did a better job of answering the challenge in the second scrimmage last Saturday.

"I think the number one thing we wanted to get from scrimmage one to scrimmage two was to improve as a team," Saban said. "I think we made some improvement. I'm certainly not disappointed in the improvement that we made as a team, but at the same time, I think we are not satisfied with where we'd like to be and we need to focus on continued improvement."

Reviewing Alabama's scrimmage

The Quest begins for #2

Top 20 Heisman Hopefuls

2011 NFL Draft Predictions ..

From BAMA:

No. 5 – Marcell Dareus, defensive tackle

No. 19 – Mark Ingram, running back

No. 32 – Julio Jones, receiver

No. 52 – Mark Barron, safety

No. 99 – Dont’a Hightower, inside linebacker

No. 120 – James Carpenter, offensive guard

AP Pre-Season Poll

1 Alabama (0-0) 1469 (55) NR

2 Ohio State (0-0) 1392 (4) NR

3 Florida (0-0) 1245 NR

4 Texas (0-0) 1240 NR

5 Boise State (0-0) 1215 NR

6 Virginia Tech (0-0) 1052 NR

7 TCU (0-0) 1051 NR

8 Oklahoma (0-0) 1035 NR

9 Nebraska (0-0) 1001 NR

10 Iowa (0-0) 952 NR

11 Oregon (0-0) 940 NR

12 Wisconsin (0-0) 778 NR

13 Miami (FL) (0-0) 728 NR

14 Penn State (0-0) 508 NR

15 Pittsburgh (0-0) 492 NR

16 LSU (0-0) 476 NR

17 Georgia Tech (0-0) 455 NR

18 North Carolina (0-0) 445 NR

19 Arkansas (0-0) 438 NR

20 Florida State (0-0) 374 NR

21 Georgia (0-0) 312 NR

22 Oregon State (0-0) 263 NR

23 Auburn (0-0) 260 NR

24 West Virginia (0-0) 169 NR

24 Utah (0-0) 169 NR

Others: Cincinnati (135) , Houston (76) , Brigham Young (66) , Arizona (65) , Mississippi (48) , Clemson (44) , Stanford (41) , Connecticut (40) , South Carolina (38) , Notre Dame (38) , Washington (26) , Missouri (23) , Navy (12) , Oklahoma State (11) , Boston College (10) , Michigan State (10) , Arizona State (6) , California (6) , Texas Tech (5) , South Florida (4) , Texas A&M (3) , Temple (2) , Northwestern (2) , Nevada (1) , Northern Illinois (1) , Central Michigan (1) , Mississippi State (1) , Southern Methodist (1)

Freshman Linebacker Alfy Hill's Eligiblity is on Hold

The issue reportedly has to do with online coursework that is being red-flagged by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register

Champions are built by Talented Depth .. 'Bama poised to claim yet another Top 3 Recruiting Class!!

Alabama Crimson Tide

Top prospect: S Hasean Clinton-Dix (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips)

Alabama looks poised to contend for a fourth straight top-three finish in the recruiting rankings. Currently sitting at No. 2 in the class rankings, the Crimson Tide have a talented and deep class. With only three committed prospects that don't rank among the top 25 players at their position, there is really no drop-off with this class. No. 2-rated safety Clinton-Dix is a big pickup based on ability and need. Alabama's class also boasts two prospects from Ohio ranking among the top five at their positions in No. 2 outside linebacker Trey DePriest (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield) and No. 4 center Ryan Kelly (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota West).

Alabama highlights SEC West Recruiting

Things to Watch (SEC West)

Turning the Tide on defense: It’s difficult to imagine an Alabama defense that struggles with Nick Saban running the show, not to mention knowing how well the Crimson Tide have recruited on that side of the ball. But the first scrimmage of the preseason would seem to suggest that Alabama has a ways to go on defense, part of which was expected when you lose nine starters. The secondary remains the biggest concern, especially with a couple guys back there battling injuries right now. The good thing for Alabama is that it's not a talent issue. The issue is an overall lack of experience. The threesome of defensive end Marcell Dareus, middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Mark Barron is as good as it gets, but guys like cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, cornerback DeMarcus Milliner, safety Robert Lester, nose guard Kerry Murphy and linebacker Chris Jordan will end up determining how good this defense will be in 2010. Obviously, if Dareus is suspended for any length of time because of agent-related issues, that would be a huge blow to the Tide.

What to watch in the SEC West

Practice Update ...

"We’ve had two really good practices last night and today. I think the intensity, the spirit is coming back a little bit with the players. I think that maybe on Monday morning when we practiced, I was a little bit disappointed. I think the heat coming off the scrimmage, coming off the day off probably affected everybody’s focus and ability to sustain what we were trying to do. I was really pleased that the players bounced back and did really well last night as well as today."   Nick Saban 8/17

2010 Butkus Award Watch List

Akeem Ayers, UCLA

Nick Bellore, Central Michigan

Chris Borland, Wisconsin

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Josh Bynes, Auburn

Tank Carder, TCU

Bruce Carter, North Carolina

Jonathan Cornell, Mississippi

Quentin Davie, Northwestern

Brian Duncan, Texas Tech

Mason Foster, Washington

Jerry Franklin, Arkansas

Chris Galippo, USC

Mark Herzlich, Boston College

Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

Doug Hogue, Syracuse

Ross Homan, Ohio State

Justin Houston, Georgia

Nate Irving, North Carolina State

Nico Johnson, Alabama

Greg Jones, Michigan State

Elijah Joseph, Temple

Thomas Keiser, Stanford

Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Travis Lewis, Oklahoma

Greg Lloyd, Connecticut

Scott Lutrus, Connecticut

Chris Marve, Vanderbilt

Casey Matthews, Oregon

Colin McCarthy, Miami (Fla.)

Von Miller, Texas A&M

Mike Mohamed, California

Adrian Moten, Maryland

Jonas Mouton, Michigan

Kevin Reddick, North Carolina

Keenan Robinson, Texas

Brian Rolle, Ohio State

Kelvin Sheppard, LSU

Brian Smith, Notre Dame

Derrell Smith, Syracuse

D.J. Smith, Appalachian State

Sean Spence, Miami (Fla.)

Craig Stevens, Auburn

Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina

Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Chris White, Mississippi State

Korey Williams, Southern Mississippi

Martez Wilson, Illinois

Lawrence Wilson, Connecticut

K.J. Wright, Mississippi State

Alex Wujciak, Maryland

Big DJ back at Practice

After missing last night's practice while ill, big right tackle D.J. Fluker was back today.

Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register

SI.COM - Bama Preseason Preview

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mark Ingram, RB: The Tide's first Heisman winner also returns as the school's all-time single-season rushing leader.

Julio Jones, WR: Battled injuries each of his first two seasons, yet led Alabama in catches and receiving yards each year.

Dont'a Hightower, MLB: Recovered from September's reconstructive knee surgery in time to anchor a rebuilt defense in spring practice.

Mark Barron, SS: Quietly led Tide in interceptions (seven) and finished second in tackles (76) as a sophomore and may be the most athletically gifted member of the team.

Marcell Dareus, DE: Played in every game last season and was named Defensive MVP of the BCS title game.

IMPORTANT LOSSES

Rolando McClain, MLB: The team leader in tackles and the quarterback of the defense turned pro a year early after winning the Butkus Award.

Terrence Cody, NT: Opposing teams had to gameplan around massive Mount Cody, who also made critical appearances on offense and special teams.

Javier Arenas, CB/KR: A capable cornerback and perhaps the most feared return specialist in the country.

Mike Johnson, LG: A four-year starter, All-American and team captain.

Leigh Tiffin, PK: A former walk-on who departed the program as an All-American and finalist for the Lou Groza Award.

NUMBERS GAME

76.1: Alabama has allowed an average of 76.1 rushing yards the past two seasons, putting the Tide second nationally in both 2008 and 2009.

16: Alabama has won 16 consecutive regular-season SEC games. The Tide's last league loss was a 17-10 defeat at Auburn in November 2007.

OFFENSE

Experience and options shouldn't be a problem for offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, as Alabama returns eight offensive starters and every position coach from last year's national championship team. The list includes Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Mark Ingram, top receiver Julio Jones, a very capable backup tailback in Trent Richardson and quarterback Greg McElroy, who still hasn't lost a start since middle school.

"We feel confident out there. We're clicking," Ingram said. "It's not like we have to structure a whole new personality and everything. I think everybody is clicking right now. We're just picking up where we left off."

Alabama could have the nation's top running back tandem. Look for Richardson to get a larger share of the carries this season despite Ingram's overwhelming 2009 success. The Crimson Tide could also air it out a little more behind McElroy and a proven group of returning receivers. The one to watch is Jones, who is finally healthy after injuries limited him during the past offseason and for much of 2009.

The unit's only questions are at tight end and on the offensive line, where Alabama must replace All-America left guard Mike Johnson and two-year starter Drew Davis at right tackle. Touted redshirt freshman D.J. Fluker is expected to step in and make a large impact.

DEFENSE

The bulk of the senior-laden defense that carried Alabama to the title has departed, leaving plenty of holes to fill in 2010. Recruiting rankings suggest the new group of youngsters could actually be better than the previous group, though. The entire starting defensive line is gone, though the three projected replacements have extensive playing time and 97 career tackles among them. In particular, end Marcell Dareus is poised for a breakout season after earning defensive MVP honors in the BCS title game. (It remains to be seen how an ongoing NCAA investigation will impact Dareus' season.) Sophomore Kerry Murphy is one to watch at the nosetackle spot vacated by All-American Terrence Cody.

Inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower recovered nicely from a season-ending knee injury suffered in the fourth game of the 2009 season and will lead this defense. The secondary lost every rotation player except safety Mark Barron, although five-star talents Dre Kirkpatrick and B.J. Scott, among others, are prepared to step in at cornerback.

"We lost a lot of seniors and a lot of veterans," Hightower said, "but I think with the young guys we have in this year, if we can teach them the techniques and the way to do things right, I feel like we have a little bit more talent this year than we did last year."

SPECIALISTS

The biggest weakness on Alabama's team may be the kicking game, since the Tide must replace their kicker, punter and record-breaking return specialist Javier Arenas. No matter the selections, untested newcomers will be at kicker and punter. True freshmen Cade Foster (kicker) and Jay Williams (punter) lead the pack in each competition.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Despite significant losses on defense and special teams, there are few reasons to believe Alabama won't be just as good in 2010. Three consecutive lights-out recruiting classes by Nick Saban and company have stocked the cupboards with the kind of depth and talent unseen in Tuscaloosa since the Bear Bryant days. The schedule, however, looms tougher in 2010. A repeat run toward SEC and BCS titles is certainly possible, though not a given.

Top 25 Team Previews

Are you Ready for some Football?

Player Repositioning

Freshman Corey Grant moved from practicing with running backs to defensive backs Monday.

Wide receiver Michael Bowman practiced Monday with tight ends.

Grant, Bowman work at new spots

Scrimmage #1

Scrimmage #1 summed up by Coach Saban:

"The offense is way ahead of the defense," coach Nick Saban said. "Both AJ and Greg are playing very well at quarterback."

The defense is on the other end of the spectrum.

"I don't think defensively as a whole we played very well at all," Saban said. "We didn't tackle. We didn't finish. We didn't clean up tackles and knock runners back. We didn't have the eye of the tiger we need to be a good defensive team, and that's all 11 of them."

Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register

SEC Injuries ..

Alabama: Safety Kendall Kelly (dizziness/heat).


Auburn: Linebacker Eltoro Freeman (foot), receiver Trovon Reed (undisclosed).

Florida: Offensive tackle Matt Patchan (wrist), receiver Chris Dunkley (hamstring), receiver Chris Rainey (racing heartbeat).


Georgia: Linebacker Akeem Dent (toe), Linebacker Richard Samuel (leg), receiver Kris Durham (undisclosed).


LSU: Offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk (illness).

Ole Miss: Linebacker Mike Marry (hamstring).

South Carolina: Running back Kenny Miles (hamstring), receiver Dion LeCorn (shoulder), Shaq Wilson (hamstring), fullback/tight end Patrick DiMarco (cracked forearm).


Tennessee: Defensive end Ben Martin (Achilles), defensive tackle Marlon Walls (Achilles), linebacker Greg King (knee), safety Janzen Jackson (hamstring).


Vanderbilt: Running back Wesley Tate (foot), defensive back Javon Marshall (undisclosed), offensive tackle Justin Cabbagestalk (knee).

Source - Chris Low, ESPN.COM

You've Got to LOVE Saban's Intensity...

Nick Saban grumbled about maturity and urgency in younger players after yesterday's workout was moved indoors.


"It helped yesterday," Saban said, "but then everybody got the 'Poor-me's' today when they go outside, because it's hot again.

Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register

More PreSeason Rankings

For what it is worth, here are some more PreSeason Rankings;

- Offensive Player of the Year: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.
- Defensive Player of the Year: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama.

SEC East:

#1 Florida
#2 Georgia
#3 South Carolina
#4 Kentucky
#5 Tennessee
#6 Vanderbilt

SEC West:

#1 Alabama

Let's say the defense gives up 15 points per game, instead of 11.7 as it did last season. That means it is a top 10 defense, instead of the No. 2 unit in the country. Now let's say McElroy makes the logical progression from learning the position in his first year as a starter to dominating the SEC. Also assume that receiver Jones, who played while injured much of 2009, becomes half of the most lethal QB-WR combo in the country. Another good sign: 'Bama is a combined 72-8-3 in years after finishing No. 1 in the wire service era (since 1936). That includes repeats in '64-'65 and '78-'79. Must-see game: Oct. 2 vs. Florida.

#2 Auburn
#3 Arkansas
#4 LSU
#5 Mississippi
#6 Mississippi State

McElroy watches Rhodes while 'Bama fights to stay on top

RB Jeramie Griffin is OUT

RB Jeramie Griffin's football career at Alabama is over.

"The junior running back, who missed the 2009 season because of a knee injury he suffered almost exactly a year ago during preseason workouts, is getting a medical scholarship, Alabama coach Nick Saban said today."

Source - Don Kausler Jr., Birmingham News

Ingram, Richardson, BUT don't forget about Eddie Lacy..

Alabama head coach Saban said Eddie Lacy, a redshirt freshman, has taken a lot of reps in camp since Ingram missed some time attending his grandfather’s funeral.

“He’s a guy who certainly has the ability to do it, but he has to continue to make progress in terms of knowing what to do, doing it on a consistent basis, and playing with the toughness you need,” Saban said of Lacy, a 6-foot, 212-pound runner from Geismar, La.

Eddie Lacy appears to have inside track as No. 3

The One Question for Bama is not if the young Defense will GEL but how long will it take to gel?

"Alabama's reloaded defense is probably about as fast, talented, skilled, and all the rest as the defense that dominated in the SEC the last two years. That departed defense was special, but just because similar numbers are being plugged into the same formula, it doesn't mean the end result will be the same. It will take some time for everyone to get used to one another and play as one to the same degree as the old defense did". (Source teamspeedkills.com)

The question is how long will it take? Everyone seems to think that the Arkansas game is the key game in late September. Barring injury, Bama's Defense should be ready to rock & roll by the Razorback Showdown.

College Football Power Rankings - Preseason

#1 Alabama

The defending champs return eight starters on offense, including Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. They lost much defensive leadership, but while there may be a dearth of experience, there is plenty of talent.

#2 Ohio State
#3 Boise State
#4 Texas
# 5 Florida

ESPN's Preseason Power Rankings Released

Alabama All-Access

ESPNU and ESPN have also announced the schedule for its College Football Special: Alabama All-Access. Excerpts from the special will be featured on nightly half-hour prime-time shows on Monday, August 9 – Friday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. on ESPNU with a re-air each night at 11 p.m. on ESPNU. The hour-long special will then debut on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. on ESPNU (with a re-air at 11 p.m.) and be followed on Thursday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

2010 Biletnikoff Award Watch

2010 Biletnikoff Award -- Presented Annually to the Nation's Top College Receiver

From the SEC:

- Auburn's Darvin Adams
- Arkansas' Greg Childs
- Kentucky's Randall Cobb
- Georgia's A.J. Green
- South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery
- Alabama's Julio Jones

CFN's Preseason Rankings: 'Bama's #1

Predicted Record: 10-2

Why Alabama Is No. 1: The offense will be unstoppable. Whether it’s Heisman-winner Mark Ingram carrying the attack, or super-sub Trent Richardson, the running game will be dominant with NFL backs working behind a strong offensive line that should be every bit as good as it was last year. QB Greg McElroy has a year of starting experience under his belt, and more importantly he has Julio Jones and an explosive receiving corps to throw to. The defense might lose everyone of note, but there’s a ton of talent waiting to shine.

Why Alabama Shouldn’t Be No. 1: Alabama is No. 1 almost by default. No one else appears worth of the preseason honor, and while the Tide offense is national title-good, the defense has a ton of work to do. Alabama can replace the star talent with several future pros, but to have everything come together right away and to get the same production out of such an inexperienced group is a stretch. With a few green kickers about to feel the squeeze of the expectations of another national title, there are just enough concerns to argue that Bama should be in the 3-to-5 range in the preseason rankings.

Key to the Season: Tight special teams. It’s not like Bama played a ton of close games last year, but it needed four Leigh Tiffin field goals and a huge blocked kick from Terrence Cody to beat Tennessee. This year, there should be a few more tight ones and the kicking game needs to be solid. That could be a problem with true freshmen Cade Foster handling the placekicking and Jay Williams taking over the punting duties. Throw in that teams were 3-for-3 on converting onside attempts, averaged 25.1 yards per kickoff return, and 9.2 yards per punt return, and there’s work to be done.

Relative Strength: Running Back, Offensive Line

Relative Weakness: Defensive Line

What to watch for on offense: A bit more from the passing game. While it’s not like Alabama will be turning into Hawaii, there will be more balance thanks to a loaded receiving corps and the experience of QB Greg McElroy. The bread will still be buttered with Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, and a punishing and explosive ground game, but the passing attack should average more than 200 yards per game mainly because the veteran targets, as well as the backs, should do even more cranking out yards after the catch. The veteran receivers are all great downfield blockers, while McElroy should do a better job of taking advantage of the mismatches.

What to watch for on defense: Not that much of a drop-off. This isn’t going to be the nation’s second-best defense again, but it’s not going to be all that far off. Rolando McClain came up with a huge year at middle linebacker, the secondary was drum-tight, and Terrence Cody was the definition of an anchor in the middle, but it’s a group effort for the Alabama defense. It seemed like someone different was making a big play at a key moment, and it should be more of the same this year with more speed, athleticism, and upside than anyone in America. There might not be that much experience returning, but the D is littered with four and five-star talents with prototype skills and NFL money waiting, almost literally, on the other side of the fence.

Fun Stat: Fourth Quarter Scoring: Alabama 121 – Opponents 32
 

Preview 2010 CFN's Top 5

'Bama gets another Sports Illustrated cover as SI's Preseason #1

Ten Best Alabama Players

1. RB Mark Ingram, Jr.

2. WR Julio Jones, Jr.

3. S Mark Barron, Jr.

4. OT James Carpenter, Sr.

5. RB Trent Richardon, Soph.

6. LB Dont’a Hightower, Jr.

7. DE/DT Marcell Dareus, Jr.*

8. QB Greg McElroy, Sr.

9. WR Marquis Maze, Jr.

10. OG Barrett Jones, Soph.

*if eligible

Mt. Cody is now Playing on Sunday's. Bama's new "MOUNT" is DJ Fluker (RT)

How do you awaken a sleeping giant? Yeap, knock him on his butt in front of the entire 'Bama Nation.

In the spring A-Day game, in one sweeping motion by third year linebacker Dont'a Hightower, Fluker was thrown backward five yards and knocked flat on his backside, leaving his quarterback A.J. McCarron exposed to the rush.

In the A-Day game DJ weighed 375lbs.. Since then?

- DJ has been a constant figure in the weight room
- DJ has Continued to improve his agility and athleticism
- DJ now weighs in at 325 pounds
- DJ wears a size 22 shoe
- DJ is at 23% body fat and 200 pounds of lean muscle
- DJ is becoming a leader in the locker room, which will translate to leadership on the field.

Thank you Dont'a Hightower for awaking a sleeping giant.

D.J. Fluker of Alabama is Ready For Prime Time

'Bama's Tight Ends

Colin Peek (TE) has moved on to the NFL.. Bama's 2010 Tight Ends are?

- Preston Dial
- Travis McCall
- Brad Smelley
- Michael Williams (Blocking Tight End)
- Chris Underwood (Blocking Tight End)

Source - Don Kausler Jr., Birmingham News

The Best RB Line-Up Ever? Anywhere?

- Mark Ingram: Heisman Trophy Winner

- Trent Richardson: Better than Ingram if he's given the snaps?

- Eddie Lacy: Redshirt Freshman, he'd start anywhere else in the country.

- Demetrius Goode: Speedy, excellent blocker and receiver.

Entering Fall Camp - 'Bama's O-Line is?

Left Tackle: #1 James Carpenter, #2 Alfred McCullough

Left Guard: #1 Chance Warmack, #2 Brian Motley

Center: #1 William Vlachos, #2 David Ross

Right Guard: #1 Barrett Jones, #2 Anthony Steen

Right Tackle: #1 D.J. Fluker, #2 John Michael Boswell

Practice Nuggets from Around the Web

- Kendall Kelly has been knocked out so far by heat-related issues, missing drills Friday and Saturday.

- Mark Ingram was also out today (and Sunday) while attending his grandfather's funeral in Michigan.

- RB Jeramie Griffin (knee) was not included on the 105 man roster.

- Freshman LB Jalston Fowler could be used when Alabama goes to nickel defenses this season.

- DB DeQuan Menzie (recovery from Achilles tear) needed a few extra minutes of stretching today early in practice. Menzie, however, popped back up and was going through drills full speed a few moments later.

(Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register)


- QB McElroy went to the Manning Passing Academy for a second straight year.

- QB depth #1 Greg McElroy, #2 A.J. McCarron is a redshirt freshman, and #3 Phillip Sims is a true freshman.

(A. Stacy Long, montgomeryadvertiser.com)

The Tide is Back at Work!

Practice Updates Nuggets:

- Blake Sims was at practice tonight.
- Alfy Hill practiced at Jack linebacker.
- Arie Kouandjio, did not look like a freshman at right tackle.

Alabama will practice as a full team for the remainder of the preseason. The next workout will be at roughly 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Practice Report

Bama is Preseason #1

Defending national champion Alabama is No. 1 atop the USA Today preseason coaches' poll.

USA Today Coaches Poll

Blake Sims has Qualified

Alabama signee Blake Sims has been cleared academically by the NCAA and will practice tonight with other Crimson Tide newcomers, according to his father.

Bryant-Denny = 101,821 Capacity

The 10 largest college football stadiums:

1. Michigan Stadium (Michigan): 109,901
2. Beaver Stadium (Penn State): 107,282
3. Neyland Stadium (Tennessee): 102,455
4. Ohio Stadium (Ohio State): 102,329
5. Bryant-Denny Stadium (Alabama): 101,821
6. Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium (Texas): 101,119
7. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Southern Cal): 93,607
8. Sanford Stadium (Georgia): 92,746
9. Tiger Stadium (LSU): 92,400
10. Rose Bowl (UCLA): 92,340

Source - Don Kausler Jr., Birmingham News

Players Report Today! A 2011 Recruiting update as the 2010 Season Starts

MaxPreps Top 100 - Class of 2011

'Bama has commitments from;

#38 - Daryl Collins(5-11,204) WR
#61 - Shannon Brown(6-1,230) LB
#81 - Brent Calloway(6-2,201) LB
#99 - Danny Woodson(6-2,200) WR

Class of 2011 Top 100 Football Players

JR (CB) DeQuan Menzie, Possibly back by Sept 4?

Junior college cornerback signee DeQuan Menzie could play for Alabama against San Jose State despite tearing his Achilles tendon in early April and initially planning to redshirt during the 2010 season, per Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.

Noting that Menzie is "ahead of schedule in terms of his rehab," Saban said today that the Crimson Tide's hopes are Menzie will be nearing 100 percent by the Sept. 4 season opener.

"We're hopeful that he'll be able to participate in practice and hopefully will be full-speed by the first game," Saban said.

Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register

We've Got a Very Immature Team

Quote from Coach Saban..

"We've got a very immature team in a lot of ways," Saban told them, "in terms of how much playing time they have, how much experience they've been able to gain. ... The one thing we all have to be careful of is having unrealistic expectations of what the accomplishments will be and then becoming very negative in our attitude to what's happened."


I think that he nailed it! RTR

Tide News and Notes

The Jim Thorpe Award is Presented Annually to the Nation's Best Defensive Back

The SEC, Big 12 and ACC all placed six players on the list, which included 35 players.

Here's the entire list:

Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

Kendric Burney, CB, North Carolina

Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech

Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma

Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State

Don Decicco, S, Pittsburgh

Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Will Hill, S, Florida

Jermale Hines, S, Ohio State

Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia

Davon House, CB, New Mexico State

Duke Ihenacho, S, San Jose State

Jaiquwn Jarrett, S, Temple

Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida

Jeron Johnson, S, Boise State

Tejay Johnson, S, TCU

Shiloh Keo, S, Idaho

Brian Lainhart, S, Kent State

DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson

Rahim Moore, S, UCLA

Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Tyler Sash, S, Iowa

Robert Sands, S, West Virginia

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona

Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina

Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
 

Six SEC players on Thorpe list