Off day for the Tide ...

Today the 'Bama Nation gets to rest and look forward to the show-down in T-Town next Saturday.


In the meantime, it would be nice to see Ole Miss Thump Auburn (Auburn 10 & Ole Miss 7 at the half). I'd like to see Florida destroy Georgia (I live in Georgia now and Bulldog fans are annoying as all-get-out). A Gator win would shut them up for the rest of this year. Besides, when the Tide plays Florida in the SEC Championship Game, the Gators need to be #1 and undefeated. RTR!!


Hopefully South Carolina will hand Kiffin and his load mouth another SEC Loss.


A good day in college football = an Alabama win and an Auburn loss. RTR

Bi-Week ...

With no game to play Saturday, the No. 2 University of Alabama football team worked in full pads Thursday.

The players are scheduled to take part in a weight-lifting session this morning and will be off on Saturday. Practice will resume Monday.

Tide Football Team Practices in Full Pads

Update on LB Jerrell Harris....

Jerrell Harris was practicing today with the outside linebackers, rather than his usual spot at inside linebacker. Harris played on the outside last season and could potentially be that third-down end rusher in Alabama's defense.


(Source - blog.al.com)

Injury Update on Colin Peek ...

TE Colin Peek was in a black jersey today and was working out on a stationary bicycle while most of his teammates practiced.


(Source - blog.al.com)

Heisman Chatter for Bama's Ingram ...

#1. Mark Ingram, Alabama, RB, Soph.
Last week: 18 rushes, 99 yards in a 12-10 victory against Tennessee

Season: 153 rushes, 1,004 yards, 8 TDs; 19 receptions, 186 yards, 3 TDs

Heisman-o-meter: This is how good those 99 rushing yards were: This season, Tennessee has allowed only one player -- Auburn's Ben Tate -- to rush for more (128 yards), and he got 25 carries to do it. The next highest amount was 80 yards by UCLA's Johnathan Franklin, and someone you may have heard of, Tim Tebow, ran for 76 on 24 carries. So, while Ingram didn't get loose like he usually does, particularly when he was not in the Wildcat, he had a solid effort. And, yes, I realize his fumble set off a chain of events that nearly lost 'Bama the game, but considering it was his first lost fumble in 322 college touches, this is not a chronic problem. He remains No. 1, but just barely.

Up next: Nov. 7 vs. LSU




#2 Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, DT, Sr.
#3 Golden Tate, Notre Dame, WR, Jr.
#4 C.J. Spiller, Clemson, RB, Sr.
#5 Noel Devine, West Virginia, RB, Jr.
#6 Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame, QB, Jr.
#7 Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, RB, Fr.
#8 Case Keenum, Houston, QB, Jr.
#9 Tim Tebow, Florida, QB, Sr.
#10 Ryan Mathews, Fresno State, RB, Jr.


Alabama's star RB leads Heisman race, but Contenders Close In

Polls ...

Oct. 25, 2009
BCS STANDINGS

1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Iowa
5. Southern Cal
6. TCU
7. Boise St.
8. Cincinnati
9. LSU
10. Oregon

The Associated Press College Football Poll

1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Southern Cal
5. Cincinnati
6. Boise St.
7. Iowa
8. TCU
9. LSU
10. Oregon

USA TODAY TOP 25 POLL

1. Florida
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Southern Cal.
5. Boise State
6. TCU
7. Cincinnati
8. Iowa
9. LSU
10. Penn State

Some Rest Time for the Tide this Week ....

Alabama's team is taking a free Monday before returning to practice tomorrow, giving everyone a rare opportunity at some elusive down time during a hectic regular season. The Crimson Tide is scheduled to work out Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before breaking for the bye weekend.


(Source - blog.al.com)

Yes, Cody took his Helment off .. Quit the CRYING ALREADY !!!

SEC spokesman Charles Bloom:


"The foul for taking helmet off is a live ball foul treated as a dead-ball foul," Bloom wrote in an e-mail Saturday night. "That is, if it happens on a play where time does not expire then the penalty is enforced on the following play. However since the clock ran out on that play, then there is no next play, so there is no penalty to mark off."

Blown call doesn't matter as Alabama edges Tennessee

Pressure Mounting for Bama's Offense to Produce ...

"The burden is getting heavier every week for the Alabama defense. And the more Alabama struggles in the passing game, the heavier it’s going to get. If the Crimson Tide are indeed going to win a championship -- an SEC championship or a national championship -- it’s pretty obvious that the defense is going to have to do all the heavy lifting. In a lot of ways, it’s reminiscent of the 1992 season when Alabama went unbeaten and won it all with one of the strongest defenses in school history. Is this defense as good as that one? It looks like we might find out. This much we know: The Crimson Tide managed to win against Tennessee on Saturday despite not scoring a touchdown and did so with noseguard Terrence Cody blocking two field goals in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Greg McElroy was ineffective throwing the ball for the third straight game, finishing with just 120 passing yards, and Alabama doesn’t have a lot of margin for error playing this way. The Crimson Tide are going to have to be special on defense to keep it going. So far, they have been. The bye couldn’t come at a better time with LSU coming to town on Nov. 7."


What we learned in the SEC: Week 8

SEC POWER RANKINGS ...

1. Alabama


Terrence Cody’s two blocked field goals kept the Crimson Tide (8-0, 5-0) atop the power rankings this week … but barely. Alabama’s 12-10 escape against Tennessee raised plenty of concerns in Tide Land. Quarterback Greg McElroy has gone three straight games now without much success throwing the ball, and Alabama looked like a tired football team at times against the Vols. The bye couldn’t have come at a better time.


2. Florida
3. LSU
4. South Carolina
5. Ole Miss
6. Tennessee
7. Georgia
8. Kentucky
9. Arkansas
10. Auburn
11. Mississippi State
12. Vanderbilt


SEC Power Rankings

Arenas Playing through the Pain .. RTR!!

Player of the game: Cody, but honorable mention goes to senior cornerback Javier Arenas, who despite having bruised ribs made 13 tackles including 3.5 for a loss and a sack, and returned two punts for 33 yards.

Upon Further Review: Tennessee at Alabama

Injury Update TE Colin Peek ...

TE Colin Peek sprained a knee during warm-ups for the Tennessee game when DE Lorenzo Washington accidently fell on him. Peek missed the game, but the severity of the injury was not immediately known.


(Source - rivals.yahoo.com)

Mt. Cody .. The Man of the Hour ..

NG Terrance Cody blocked two field goals—including one as time expired—to allow Alabama to hang on for a 12-10 victory over Tennessee.

(Source - yahoo.rivals.com)

Ingram a 1000+ Yards and Counting ... RTR !!

With 99 yards rushing Saturday, sophomore RB Mark Ingram has rushed for 1,004 yards with eight touchdowns this season, a 125.5 yards per-game average.

(Source - rivals.yahoo.com)

Game Time ... RTR

Lets Get Ready to Roll ... RTR!!

Alabama vs Tennessee Predictions ....

Tuscaloosa News ....
Cecil Hurt: Alabama 25 - Tennessee 7
Chase Goodbread: Alabama 24 - Tennessee 10
Andrew Carroll: Alabama 24- Tennessee 20
Michael Southern: Alabama 24 - Tennessee 6
Edwin Stanton: Alabama 21 - Tennessee 3
Harold Stout: Alabama 24 - Tennessee 13
Matt Burrowes: Alabama 34 - Tennessee 17
Aaron Suttles: Alabama 26 - Tennessee 10
Chris Rattey: Alabama 27 - Tennessee 6


Alabama vs. Tennessee


My Pick: Alabama 30 - Tennessee 13 (TD will be scored by the Vols Special Teams or Defense) RTR!!!!

The Beauty of Alabama Football ...

Javier Arenas "GOOD TO GO" against the Vols ...

Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas has practiced all week and should be available Saturday against Tennessee, according to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.


(Source - blog.al.com)

Bama's D-Line vs the Vols O-Line ...

The Crimson Tide’s three defensive linemen weigh a combined 100 pounds more than the Volunteers’ interior offensive linemen. That’s not good for a Tennessee team that often relies on its run game.


The mismatch in Saturday’s game begins at the center, where two Codys will battle for control. The Vols’ 6-foot-1, 260-pound senior center, Cody Sullins, will be tasked with moving 6-foot-5, 350-pound Tide senior noseguard Terrence Cody.


Alabama (7-0, 4-0) has the most stifling defense in the country, limiting opponents to 226.6 yards per game. That’s largely in part to the Crimson Tide’s ability to stop the run. Opposing teams are averaging only 63.3 yards on the ground against Alabama.


Vols must overcome Tide’s Size Advantage at Line

Bama is a 15 Point Favorite against the Vols...

NCAA football odds makers have listed the Alabama Crimson Tide as a 15-point favorite over Tennessee.

Injury Updates ....

- CB Dre Kirkpatrick had back spasms in the game Saturday but is expected to play.


- OL Michael Bowman sprained his patella tendon but is expected to be able to play this weekend.


- NG Josh Chapman has a stomach strain, suffered in pregame warmups. He’s practicing this week and is listed as “probable.”


- DB Rod Woodson is out for at least a week with an injury to his knee (technically, the patellar tendon). The injury does not require surgery “at this point,” according to coach Nick Saban. “Hopefully after a week, we’ll have to plan day-by-day.”


Alabama Team Report

Javier Arenas is Probable for the Tennessee Game ...

CB Javier Arenas had sore ribs and missed the South Carolina game. According to coach Nick Saban, it’s an injury that depends on his ability to manage pain, which means Arenas is possible for Saturday’s game.


(Source - rivals.yahoo.com)

College Football’s Best Tight End? Colin Peek? ...

TE Colin Peek has been added to the watch list for the John Mackey Award, which goes to the player voted college football’s best tight end.

(Source - yahoo.rivals.com)

Ingram Heisman Hype Grows ...

Total Points (first place votes in parantheses)


1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama–48 (4)


2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida–45 (6)


3. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame–19 (1)


4. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska–14


5. Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati–13 (1)


6. Case Keenum, QB, Houston–11


7. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas–10


8. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame–9 (1)


9. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State–7


10. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State–6


Others Receiving Votes: Jacory Harris, QB, Miami–4; Matt Barkley, QB, USC–3; Dion Lewis, RB, Pitt–2; Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU–1; Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan–1; Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama–1; Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee–1


About the Poll


The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for five players each week. Tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, four points for a second-place vote and so on. Last year’s final Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote, including the winner.


HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll, 10/20

SEC Power Rankings

#1 Alabama: The Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0) have gone eight straight quarters without allowing a touchdown and have turned Mark Ingram loose on offense. The sophomore running back rushed for 246 yards in the 20-6 win over South Carolina, the most yards ever in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide haven’t been perfect, but they have been the most complete team in the league.

SEC power rankings

Mark Ingram named SEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK !!!!

Injury Updates ....

- Javier Arenas will try to practice today with a rib injury that kept him out of Saturday's game against South Carolina.


- Josh Chapman has an abdominal strain that kept him out of the USC game.


- Dre Kirkpatrick was limited by a back spasm.


- Mike Bowman missed the USC game with a strained tendon in his knee.


All of the above are considered day-to-day.


Saban: Javier Arenas is day-to-day, will try to Practice Today with Sore Ribs

Let the Heisman Hype begin ... RTR !!!

After rushing for 246 yards, the third-best total in UA history, tailback Mark Ingram got the first taste of the hype headed his direction in the coming weeks. Ingram was asked three times in two minutes about the Heisman Trophy, as the sophomore is now positioning himself as a realistic candidate to become the Crimson Tide's first winner.


QB McElroy shakes off Interceptions

Midseason ... How does the Tide Stack Up?

The best: a star middle linebacker who leads a stout defense; a
stud running back; and a steady place-kicker.


Good but not great: a quarterback whose passing has been as good as the protection he has received behind a developing offensive line.


Not bad: an offense that has moved frequently into the red zone
but has bogged down once there.


Not good: special teams that have drawn too many penalties and
have failed to cover kickoffs well.


Alabama Midseason Analysis

The Man! 246 Yards, In-Your-Face Running! Mr. Mark Ingram

Mark Ingram rushed for 246 yards & a TD. He is the 3rd to do it, eclipsed only by UA greats Shaun Alexander and Bobby Humphrey.


(Source - blog.al.com)

What did it take to Fill Arenas's Slot Agianst South Carolina?

- Cornerback Marquis Johnson started in Arenas' place and finished with a game-high six pass breakups.


- Defensive back Tyrone King was used when Alabama went to nickel and dime packages.


- Julio Jones returned punts.


- Tailbacks Terry Grant and Trent Richardson were used to return kickoffs.


After victory, Saban optimistic about Javier Arenas' Injury

GAME DAY!! Bama vs South Carolina

GAME DAY!

Predictions from TuscaloosaNews.com

-

- Cecil Hurt: Alabama 27 South Carolina 10

- Chase Goodbread: Alabama 27 South Carolina 13

- Andrew Carroll: Alabama 31 South Carolina 21

- Michael Southern: Alabama 27 South Carolina 7

- Edwin Stanton: Alabama 35 South Carolina 10

- Harold Stout: Alabama 20 South Carolina 10

- Matt Burrowes: Alabama 24 South Carolina 9

- Aaron Suttles: Alabama 35 South Carolina 10

- Chris Rattey: Alabama 27 South Carolina 6

STAFF PICKS: Alabama vs. South Carolina


** The Crimson Tide's defense sits currently in the nation's top 10 in total defense (2nd), rushing defense (7th), scoring defense (8th) and pass defense (7th).


** Welcome back Jerrell Harris. Harris adds needed depth at the "Will" position.


** True freshman Nico Johnson started at Will against Ole Miss and is likely to retain the spot tonight.


** South Carolina, meanwhile, will be without two offensive contributors. Starting left guard Heath Batchelor quit the team Thursday & the second-leading rusher Jarvis Giles was suspended and would not make the trip.


(Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register on blog.al.com)


Alabama 26, South Carolina 13

Steve Spurrier comes to Tuscaloosa needing to play ball-control and stingy defense in order to win. My, how times have changed. The Gamecocks have an outstanding pass rusher in Eric Norwood and a solid defense. Greg McElroy will continue to be forced by tough defenses to prove himself as a passer, especially after his difficulties last week against Ole Miss. But unless Spurrier's old Florida offenses make the trip with him, Alabama should be able to tee off on the Gamecocks' 63rd-ranked offense.


Week 7 College Football Picks/Question of the Week

Top SEC Linebacker Nominee's are?

Five LB's from the SEC were named Friday to the list of 16 semifinalists for the 25th annual Butkus Award, which goes to the top linebacker in college football.


- Georgia's Rennie Curran
- Alabama's Rolando McClain
- South Carolina's Eric Norwood
- LSU's Perry Riley
- Florida's Brandon Spikes


Five SEC players make Butkus Cut

Bama vs South Carolina Predictions ....

SOUTH CAROLINA at ALABAMA (6:45 p.m. on ESPN)


Alabama is favored by 17 points.


How do you define a trap game? This could be it for Alabama. After a week of talk about a showdown with Florida in Atlanta, the Crimson Tide has to put aside the accolades from fans and the sweet talk on ESPN and contend with Steve Spurrier, a much improved Stephen Garcia and Ellis Johnson's swarm-to-the-ball defense. Spurrier may have motivation on his side. Has he had a team that's been a homecoming foe since leaving Duke? This one could be dangerous. But I feel Alabama remains the most complete team in the nation.


Alabama 27, South Carolina 13.

SEC Predictions: Week 7

GameCock Update ....

Junior Heath Batchelor, the GameCock starting left guard last weekend, told the Charleston Post and Courier that he has left the team.


(Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register)

GameCock Update ....

South Carolina freshman tailback Jarvis Giles, has been suspended for Saturday's game at Alabama for violating team rules, The State newspaper is reporting this morning.


(Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register)

Linebacker Shuffle ...

Linebacker pipeline:

"When a player the caliber of Dont’a Hightower goes down at most schools, there’s a pretty obvious drop-off. Not at Alabama. The Crimson Tide just keep churning out the talent. Sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris is back this week against South Carolina after serving a six-game suspension. He’s been competing for Hightower’s vacated inside linebacker spot in practice along with true freshman Nico Johnson, who started there last week and played well. Saban has been looking at different combinations the past couple of weeks to make sure he gets his talent onto the field. Both Harris and Johnson would be starting for a lot of teams in this league".

What to watch in the SEC: Week 7

Week 6 SEC Power Poll ...

Florida and Alabama are virtually tied, with all first place votes going to those two programs. Meanwhile, Georgia continues to head in the wrong direction while Vanderbilt sweeps the last place votes.


SEC Power Poll, Week 6

Focus .. RED ZONE! RED ZONE! RED ZONE!

Alabama’s focus this week will be on getting into the end zone from the red zone. The Tide had five trips inside the Ole Miss 20, failing every time to punch it in for a touchdown. Alabama ranks 10th in the SEC in red zone touchdown rankings with a success rate of 45.45 percent (15 of 33). Good news is, 33 trips inside the opponents’ 20-yard line is the most of any team in the conference.


(Source - rivals.yahoo.com)

Bama's Defense Better?

The Tide defense got better with the addition of LB Jerrell Harris, back from suspension. Of course, Harris will have to beat out Nico Johnson, who played well last week in that spot.


(Source - rivals.yahoo.com)

Bama vs South Carolina ... Bama Offense vs Carolina Defense?

South Carolina's defense is allowing only 18.3 points per game and ranks 15th in the nation in total defense. Another danger for the Tide is Gamecocks’ return man Chris Culliver, who is averaging 24.3 yards per return. Kick-off coverage has been suspect for the Tide, which ranks ninth in the SEC in kickoff coverage with a 39.3-yard net average.


(Source - rivals.yahoo.com)

Nico Johnson or Jerrell Harris at Linebacker???? Let the Games Begin ....

Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson earned respect from his teammates and coaches in his first start Saturday against Ole Miss.

This week, the true freshman from Andalusia will compete to keep his job.

Sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris returns to the Crimson Tide after serving a six-game suspension.


Johnson Impresses in 1st Start at Linebacker

Misc Bama Numbers ....

Alabama has more than doubled its opponents in yardage this season (2,668 to 1,308). It is top 12 nationally in eight categories, including total defense (2nd), rushing defense (7th), pass defense (7th), turnover margin (five), rushing offense (11th) and scoring offense (12th).


No. 2 Crimson Tide Focusing on Improvement

Injury Update on Rod Woodson ...

True freshman defensive back Rod Woodson is "out for at least a week," after injuring the patellar tendon in his knee, according to Saban.

        Freshman Defensive Back Rod Woodson is "Out for at Least a Week"

Injury Update on Dont'a Hightower ....

Dont'a Hightower was on a stationary bike at practice today, though he was only using his arms, not his feet.


(Source - Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register)

SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week....

Alabama did produce the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. The league selected Bama sophomore center William Vlachos of Mountain Brook. Vlachos, 6-1, 294, did not allow a sack or get called for any penalties in Alabama's win. As a result he was selected by the Crimson Tide coaching staff as one of the weekly award winners for the second consecutive week.


Alabama's Vlachos SEC Lineman Of Week

Bama vs South Carolina ...

Alabama is a 17 point favorite over South Carolina.

Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick both Played against Ole Miss ...

LBs Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick had a chance to play at inside linebacker against Ole Miss, as Alabama reshuffled its group in its on-going attempt to replace injured LB Dont’a Hightower.


(Source - yahoo.rivals.com)

Update on Jerrell Harris ...

LB Jerrell Harris will be eligible to play this week, having completed his six-game suspension from the NCAA for allegedly receiving a laptop computer from a fan.


(Source - rivals.yahoo.com)

Bama's Defense Shines in Ole Miss Win ...

Jevan Snead completed 11-for-35 passes (31.4%) Saturday, the lowest completion percentage for a quarterback with at least 35 attempts this season. The second-lowest mark of the season also came against Alabama.

Worst Comp Pct This Season Min 35 Attempts.


#1 Jevan Snead, MISS Alabama 31.4%
#2 Ryan Mallett, ARK Alabama 34.3%
#3 Kevin Riley, CAL USC 37.5%
#4 Tyson Lee, MSST LSU 39.5%
#5 Ryan Lindley, SDST UCLA 40.0%

Alabama rolls as Snead's four interceptions doom Mississippi

Domination ! Domination ! Bama vs Ole Miss ....

- Ole Miss crossed midfield only once in the first half.


- In the first half, Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead completed only 2-of-12 passes for 14 yards, and he had 2 passes intercepted.


- The Tide intercepted 4 passes and held the Rebels to 212 yards.


- Ingram finished with 172 rushing yards on 28 carries (6.1 average), and scored the lone touchdown of the game.


- Leigh Tiffin hit field goals of 25, 21, 22, 21 and 31, one short of the single-game school record.



- Snead eventually completed 11 of 34 passes for 140 yards to go with the 4 pickoffs.


- Alabama held the Rebels to 19 yards and one first down in the first half.


- Alabama has now held four of six opponents under 88 yards in the first half.


- The five turnovers against Alabama were more than half Ole Miss’ season total of nine entering the game.


- In the second quarter alone the Rebels had three three-and-outs, with an interception and a blocked punt, to head into halftime with one first down, 19 totals yards on 22 plays, and a time of possession disadvantage of 21:03 to 8:57.


- “This is the fastest defense, if you went from one through 11 (players),” Nutt said. “From corners to safeties to linebackers to defensive linemen, this is the best I’ve seen.”

(Sources - Don Kausler Jr. - The Birmingham News, Chris Talbott - Associated Press Writer, Rivals.yahoo.com, Tommy Deas Executive Sports Editor - Tuscaloosa News)

SEC Football Predictions Week #6 ...

Arkansas over Auburn 37-33
Alabama over Ole Miss 27-21
Vanderbilt over Army 27-13
Tennessee over Georgia 24-20
Mississippi State over Houston 33-30
South Carolina over Kentucky 23-20

And from Death Valley.....
Florida over LSU 27-13 (if Tebow plays)
LSU 17-13 (if Tebow doesn't play)

(From the The Huntsville Times)

Alabama at Ole Miss .. Predictions ...

Chris Walsh, BOL: This one has all the makings of being a tight, grind-it-out game, and it’s at Ole Miss. Like the last four meetings it’ll probably be close and in many ways this is the Rebels’ season.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20


Travis Reier, BOL: In scorching Kentucky with passes to tight end Colin Peek, the Alabama offense gave Ole Miss plenty to cover during the practice week. We’ve heard of an improved Rebels secondary. I’m thinking we’ll find out quickly Saturday just how far those guys have come since last year.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Ole Miss 17


T.G. Paschal, BOL: No doubt, this will be the Tide’s toughest test of the season so far. Winning on the road in the SEC is tough and especially against a talented team like Ole Miss. The last two meetings with the Rebels in Oxford have been close and this one will be no different.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Ole Miss 23


bama20, BOL Round Table Crimson Team: Alabama goes into Oxford and comes away with its sixth victory. The ground game picks up some steam this weekend (200+ yards), and McElroy has another solid game throwing a couple of touchdowns to McCoy and Peek.
Prediction: Alabama 34, Ole Miss 20


Mark Epperson, BOL Round Table White Team: Facing the stingiest defense so far in 2009, Alabama is held to under 30 points for the first time this year. But the Ole Miss offense can only get two field goals (one TD via special teams) against a defense out to prove something after last week.
Prediction: Alabama 27, Ole Miss 13

Alabama at Ole Miss

Bama vs Ole Miss .. Key to the Game ...

The Crimson Tide needs to establish its will early and seize confidence and momentum from the Rebels, who are still recovering from that rough outing at South Carolina. The best way for Alabama to do that is to hold the football effectively and cause trouble with its front seven against Ole Miss' streaky offense. An early lead would take the crowd out of the game and force the Rebels out of their comfort zone.

Countdown to Alabama-Ole Miss

Ingram Among the Best ....

(Picture from last Years Thumping of Clemson.. RTR!!)

Mark Ingram is averaging almost 6 yards a carry and has scored six touchdowns in five games for the nation's No. 3 team.

Ingram rising quickly along with Tide

Predictions .. Bama vs Ole Miss ...

Alabama 24, Ole Miss 17
The Rebels rotate a lot of big bodies on their defensive line that could cause some difficulties for Alabama. Houston Nutt loves being an underdog, and the Rebels have lost the past four games to Alabama by a total of just 13 points. Alabama's key defensively will be neutralizing Dexter McCluster, which I think the Tide will be able to do. If Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead wasn't making such poor decisions, I'd give Ole Miss a better chance.

Week 6 College Football Picks

Bama vs Ole Miss ...

- The balanced Crimson Tide attack ranks top-four in the SEC in total offense, rushing offense and passing offense.

- Alabama tops the conference in rushing defense and is second in total defense.

- Arenas is quickly sneaking up on the all-time great punt returners in college football history. He has already broken all of the Crimson Tide punt return records, and now has his sights set on the SEC and NCAA records as well.

- UA ranks tied for 11th nationally in sacks with 3.00 per game.

- Tide is 19th nationally in tackles for loss, averaging 7.40 per game.

- Alabama is ranked 10th nationally in pass defense.

Alabama at Ole Miss: Preview and Game Notes

Bama vs Ole Miss ... Predictions Begin ...

No. 3 Alabama at No. 20 Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, CBS — Worst-case scenario for Bama visiting Oxford. Ole Miss has already lost a conference game and all the preseason hype. The Rebels must now prove themselves. Bama comes in a highly-ranked and favored team. Houston Nutt may not handle high expectations well, but the Right Reverend can dang sure coach 'em up as the underdog. Pick: Alabama 23, Ole Miss 19.

College Football gets Real Interesting the Next 2 Weeks

SEC's Best Backs ...

#1 in the SEC - Mark Ingram

He’s the most complete back in the league and as tough as they come. The 212-pound sophomore is what you call a football player, because he can run, catch and block. He leads the running backs with 147 receiving yards and leads all players with nine touchdowns, six rushing and three receiving. He’s averaging 5.9 yards per carry and has lost just 8 yards all season in 83 attempts.

The SEC's Best Running Backs

With Hightower gone, How Did Bama Do?

Hightower was replaced by Anders, Upshaw & Reamer against Kentucky. So, how'd they do?

"Anders had an interception and a sack against the Wildcats, Upshaw, making his first start, returned a fumble 45 yards for a decisive touchdown. He also had a sack. Reamer had six tackles (five solo), including one for a loss".

(Stats from The Birmingham News)

Bama is favored by 6 1/2 on the Road vs Ole Miss ...

No. 3 Alabama travels to No. 20 Mississippi. The Tide are 6.5-point favorites on the road. Alabama has looked as impressive as any team in the country, while the Rebels are coming off a loss a week ago against South Carolina. Ole Miss needs a win over Alabama to have a shot to contend for the SEC championship.

(Source - thespread.com)

Alabama #1 in the ESPN SEC Power Rankings ....

1. Alabama

Alabama (5-0, 2-0) just keeps rolling along. The Crimson Tide have scored 30 or more points in their first five games, the first time that’s happened in their rich history. They were a bit sloppy to start last week’s 38-20 win over Kentucky, but unleashed a flurry of points over the span of a few minutes to send the Wildcats packing. The Crimson Tide face their toughest road test so far this season Saturday at Ole Miss.

2. Florida
3. LSU
4. Auburn
5. Georgia
6. South Carolina
7. Ole Miss
8. Arkansas
9. Tennessee
10. Mississippi State
11. Kentucky
12. Vanderbilt

SEC Power Rankings

Bama vs Kentucky!! Rolando McClain.. Player of the Game!! RTR

Rolando McClain led the defense with 12 tackles, but also forced a fumble (which was returned for a touchdown) and intercepted a pass.

How about Mark Ingram?

RB Mark Ingram rushed for 140 yards on 22 carries against Kentucky, his second 100-yard outing of the season (he had 150 against Virginia Tech on Sept. 5). In addition to rushing for 487 yards through five games, Ingram has added 14 receptions for 147 yard and three scores.

(Stats from rivals.yahoo.com)

Grade? Bama vs Kentucky? a "B" ...

1. Offense = 352 Yards
2. Defense = 1st game without Hightower. Allowed 301 total yards.
3. Special Teams = Arenas! Arenas ... Enough said...

Quote of the day: "Sometimes the measure of a good team is the ability to win when it isn't at its best".

Alabama 38, Kentucky 20: Grading the Tide

Tide's "D" Slipped some this week, but still #2 Overall.... Offense Drops to #14 Overall ...

Alabama is still ranked second in the nation in total defense, but it has dropped six spots to No. 14 in total offense in the wake of a 38-20 victory at Kentucky.

(Source - blog.al.com)

Colin Peek has Arrived ...

TE Colin Peek, a senior transfer from Georgia Tech, tripled all teammates with six receptions, totaling 65 yards and a touchdown against Kentucky.

(Source - Mobile Press-Register)

Cody going after Mallet in the Arkansas Game ...

Alabama Football 2009 Galleries: Alabama - Arkansas 2009

Alabama at Kentucky

Chris Walsh, BOL: Even with linebacker Dont’a Hightower out, Kentucky is going to have a very tough time moving the ball against the Crimson Tide. If Alabama can get the running game going, and it should, look for another dominating victory.
Prediction: Alabama 27, Kentucky 13

Travis Reier, BOL: When it comes to the loss of a key defensive player, please excuse UK coach Rich Brooks if he doesn’t shed a tear for this week’s opponent. After losing DL Jeremy Jarmon to a failed drug test in the offseason, the heartbeat of Brooks’ defense is now seeing time for the Washington Redskins. Meanwhile, Alabama has a much better chance of slowing down the ‘Cats’ offense without Hightower than the other way around.
Prediction: Alabama 26, Kentucky 10

T.G. Paschal, BOL: The key to this game is seeing how the defense will react to not having star linebacker Don’t’a Hightower in the lineup. If the defense plays the way it did in the final three quarters against Arkansas, it will earn its second SEC win of the year.
Prediction: Alabama 38, Kentucky 14

joeyb1979, BOL Round Table Crimson Team: Even without Hightower playing next to Rolo the Bama defense will be too much for UK. With the Kentucky “D” on the field all day look for the Crimson Tide rushing attack to tire out a defense with little depth.
Prediction: Alabama 35, Kentucky 7

hip-hopsince1980, BOL Round Table White Team: The Tide was a force on the road last season and I expect more of the same in its first 2009 SEC road game. Alabama’s defense will make it very difficult to score for Kentucky. I also expect more explosive plays on offense. Bama wins big.
Prediction: Alabama 35, Kentucky 7

BOL Picks: Week 5

Bama vs Kentucky ...

KEYS TO VICTORY

ALABAMA
Copy and paste this every week: If it can limit turnovers, special teams mistakes and defensive big plays while doing enough up front offensively to create an effective running game, Alabama will be a very tough challenge for any team remaining on its schedule.

KENTUCKY
Kentucky must be able to keep the score low. It also needs to start fast and hang with Alabama early. A big first quarter deficit like what happened against Florida will send disappointed fans home and pave the way for a rout against the physical Tide. The Wildcats, however, showed a knack for hanging around in last year's game, and could be dangerous if they can do it again tomorrow.

Countdown to Alabama-Kentucky

More Bama vs Kentucky Predictions ....

Alabama 34, Kentucky 10: The Crimson Tide plays its first full game without injured linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who is lost for the season. I do believe Hightower's loss will hurt Alabama at some point this season. Just not this week against Kentucky, which ranks 87th in total offense. Alabama will try to jump start its rushing game, which was sluggish against Arkansas last week, leading Greg McElroy to attack through the air. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson could both rush for 100 yards against the nation's 105th-ranked rush defense. If Alabama can't run the ball effectively this week, that will be a red flag about the offensive line, which for the most part has played better than most people expected.

Week 5 college Football Picks

Bama vs Kentucky Predictions ....

Every college football observer in the country will look at Alabama's score against Kentucky and compare it to the Wildcats' 41-7 loss to Florida. If Kentucky keeps it close, it must mean Alabama isn't as good as Florida. If Alabama blows Kentucky away, well, hmmmm. Alabama 42, Kentucky 7.

Week 5 College Crystal Ball

QB BackUps in the SEC ...

Star Jackson, Alabama: The sophomore from Lake Worth, Fla., came to Alabama with all kinds of credentials. He’s a 6-foot-3, 205-pound pro-style passer that can also run. He just hasn’t played any meaningful snaps yet with the game on the line. Down the road, Jackson may have a hard time holding off true freshman A.J. McCarron, who was also highly touted coming out of high school.

Who's got backup in the SEC?

SEC Power Rankings & Predictions

No. 4 ALABAMA over No. 51 KENTUCKY by 22 points

Alabama is anchored by a stingy No. 2 ranked scoring defense (13.0 pts/gm, 203 yds/gm) which will cause problems for Kentucky's offense ranked 68th (26.7 pts/gm). Kentucky's defense ranks 57th in scoring defense (22.7 pts/gm, 354 yds/gm), and it will need it best effort to stop Alabama's 9th ranked scoring offense (40.5 pts/gm, 491 yds/gm). Home field didn't help when No. 1 Florida came a callin' so I don't figure this game to be any different.

SEC Power Rankings & Predictions

Mt. Cody as a Running Back?

Alabama's running game has a secret weapon. Huh? Everyone knows about Ingram, Grant, Upchurch and Richardson. Everyone knows how they are all amazing running backs. Right? There's one more ....

Nick Saban said on his radio show Thursday night that defensive lineman Terrence Cody may one day get to carry the ball in a goal-line situation.

Yes, Mt. Cody with the ball on the goal line.. RTR!!!

Saban hasn't ruled out using Cody at Running Back

Week 5 SEC Power Poll ...

#1 - Florida
#2 - Alabama

It didn’t get nearly the same attention as Tebow’s concussion, but the loss of linebacker Dont’a Hightower for the remainder of the season is the biggest injury in the SEC to date. With all that Hightower brought to the defense, Nick Saban is looking for replacements at the three spots the sophomore handled in the Crimson Tide’s base, nickel and dime looks.

#3 - LSU
#4 - Georgia
#5 - Auburn

SEC Power Poll

Linebacker Rotation to Continue ?

- Cory Reamer at Hightower's "Will" spot
- Eryk Anders moving to "Sam"
- Courtney Upshaw entering the lineup at "Jack"

** Chris Jordan & Nico Johnson aren't quite ready to take on a leading role.

Saban leaning toward linebacker rotation staying as it was against Hogs

Injury Update on Roy Upchurch ...

Upchurch says he is "about 80 percent" on recovery from a high ankle sprain.

(Source - blog.al.com)

Injury Update on Brandon Deaderick ....

"I'm about 95 percent about right now," Deaderick said. "I'm going to go out there Saturday and turn it loose. I think this is a good game for me to come back and show that I'm close to top form."

(Source - Mobile Press-Register)

Leaving the Light headed to the Dark Side... Craig Sanders' Decommits and Commits to AU

The family of Craig Sanders is getting word out today that the Ariton defensive end has chosen to decommit from Alabama and will instead sign with Auburn.

(Source - Mobile Press-Register)