Tide Remains Favorite For Season-Opener; Bama In Cross Country Dual Meet Tomorrow In Hoover; Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Jeremy Shelley; Crimson Tide Soccer Falls 2-1 Last Night

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Tide Remains Favorite For Season-Opener

     University of Alabama Crimson Tide football remains the odds-on favorite to win their season opener this Saturday against the Wisconsin Badgers. Though the spread has slipped a little since the first odds-makers put the Tide at 12-point favorites last spring, the odds still remain in double-digits. The current odds hover at the 10-point to 10.5 mark according to the Vegas service being used.

     Bama is set to square off against Wisconsin this Saturday in Arlington, Texas. Game time is 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on the ABC network.

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Bama In Cross Country Dual Meet Tomorrow In Hoover

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     A short trip to Hoover, Alabama is in store tomorrow for the University of Alabama men's and women's cross country teams. Both squads will participate in a dual meet against Samford University at Veterans Park. Up first are the men scheduled to begin their 5-kilometer race at 6:30 p.m. CT. Start for the women's 3-kilometer race follows right after. 

     Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The Bama ladies completed last season in third place at the SEC Championships, as well as a second-consecutive third-place finish at the NCAA South Regional.

     The men finished last season 6th in the SEC Championships and 15th at the NCAA South Regional. Most expect the squad to be improved from last season.

    

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History

Jeremy Shelley

     He is perhaps best-known for his five field goals against LSU in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game. He is Jeremy Shelley, born October 25, 1990...and is one of the greatest names in Bama football history.

     Shelley attended Needham B Broughton High School in Raleigh, North Carolina where he played both football and soccer all four years. As a senior he made 10 of 13 field goals, including his longest at 48 yards.

     His "claim to fame" came on January 9, 2012 as he set a BCS National Championship Game record and a career high for field goals against the LSU Tigers making five on seven attempts. Shelley connected on kicks of 23, 34, 41, and 44 yards which helped the team to the National Championship.  He completed his college career with a 44 of 55 field goal record, and an Alabama-record 172 PATs, which ranks him the 5th all-time leading scorer in Bama history. 

     Shelley was undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, but was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent. He was, however later waived. In March of this year he went to the Arizona Rattlers of the the Arena Football League.

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Crimson Tide Soccer Falls 2-1 Last Night

Photo Credit: Roll Tide.com

     The University of Alabama soccer team fell to 1-2-1 after suffering a defeat last night night in Cookeville, Tennessee. The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles downed the Alabama Crimson Tide 2-1 in a Sunday night contest. Alabama junior Celia Jimenez scored her first career goal for Bama for a 1-1 tie during the first hour of play, but the Golden Eagles came right back with only 27 minutes remaining in the game to take the lead and the eventual win.

     Soccer head coach Wes Hart said, "We got off to a slow start, but we played ourselves right back into the game. I love the mentality of this team. We did some good things in the second half. We created enough to win the game, but we made some mistakes and were unable to capitalize at crucial points. Credit to Tennessee Tech."

     It took Tech just over 16 minutes to take the lead in the contest. Bama goal keeper Kat Stratton was defending a through-ball on a one-to-one with the attacker when the ball just did manage to get into the corner of the net. This was Stratton's first start for the Tide.

     "I made a lot of changes to the starting lineup so perhaps that disrupted things a bit, but I think I would do it again," said Hart. "It's a long season and we can't ride the same 11 for the entire year. I'm confident in the lineup that I put out there and I know they are more than capable of getting the job done."

      The Golden Eagles kept the 1-0 lead going into the break, but Bama was able to knot the score at 1-1 just eight minutes into the second half. It was junior transfer Jimenez scoring the goal to tie it, getting off a corner kick from freshman Emma Welch.

     The winning score for the Golden Eagles came at just under 63 minutes into the contest.

     The Crimson Tide out shot Tech in the contest 18-6, but was unable to crack the Golden Eagle defense to score enough points. 

     Hart said,"Tennessee Tech came out with a lot of energy and spirit and did enough to win the game. We will let this one sting for a day and then we'll move on. We are looking forward to getting back to work on Tuesday and preparing for Harvard."

     Next the Tide head heads to the Northeast to play both Harvard and Rhode Island. The Bama-Harvard contest is this Friday, September 4th in Cambridge, Mass. at 6 p.m. CT. Then it's Bama-Rhode Island on Sunday at 6 p.m. CT. 

Tide Saturday Football Practice; Bama Volleyball Falls To Pepperdine; Bear Bryant Quotes; 2016 University Of Alabama Football Commitments

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Tide Saturday Football Practice

Photo Credit: RollTide.Com

     The Alabama Crimson Tide football team practiced inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility for two hours yesterday afternoon in full pads. Storms rolling through the Tuscaloosa area made the move necessary. This was the 24th practice of 28 scheduled prior to the kickoff of the first game of the season, now less than one week away. After having today off, the team will return to practice tomorrow afternoon officially beginning game-week practices.

     There were no noticeable changes in the quarterback rotation yesterday. Senior quarterback Jake Coker was still receiving the majority of the reps. It appeared that later in practice Blake Barnett assumed the role of scout-team quarterback.

     Strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran was actively involved in the practice yesterday afternoon. He was punching and grabbing balls from running backs to cause fumbles. Some weren't paying attention as they should, losing the ball.

     The number three Crimson Tide will face the the 20th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers in the season-opener on September 5th in the AdvoCare Classic. The game is being held inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Game time is set at 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ABC. Chris Folwer and Kirk Herbstreit will be in the booth, and will be joined by Heather Cox on the sidelines.

     Today is an off day for Bama, but the Tide returns to work tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 p.m. CT. The regular-season routine will be in effect beginning tomorrow. Head football coach Nick Saban will hold his noon press conference, then interviews with the players will be held prior to the day's workouts.


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Bama Volleyball Falls To Pepperdine

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama Crimson Tide volleyball team fell in four sets to Pepperdine on Saturday. Bama was able to avoid a sweep with a victory in set three but was unable to sustain the momentum.

     Three Bama players finished in double-digit kills. They were Krystal Rivers with 15, Brittany Thomas with 11 kills  with 16 digs for her second double-double of the day.

     Earlier in the day the Crimson Tide defeated Cal State Fullerton in five sets.

     Alabama returns to Tuscaloosa next weekend to host the Hampton Inn Bama Bash September 4 - 5. The Tide will face Northwester State (12 p.m. CT) and Tulsa (7 p.m.) on Friday. Then on Saturday it's Southern Miss (9 a.m.) and College of Charleston (5 p.m.)

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Bear Bryant Quotes

     “We can’t have two standards, one set for the dedicated young men who want to do something ambitious and one set for those who don’t.”

     “When you make a mistake, there are only three things you should ever do about it: 1. Admit it. 2. Learn from it, and 3. Don’t repeat it.”

     “I honestly believe that if you are willing to out-condition the opponent, have confidence in your ability, be more aggressive than your opponent and have a genuine desire for team victory, you will become the national champions. If you have all the above, you will acquire confidence and poise, and you will have those intangibles that win the close ones.”

     “Don’t ever give up on ability. Don’t give up on a player who has it.”

     “A good, quick, small team can beat a big, slow team any time.”

     “I have always tried to teach my players to be fighters. When I say that, I don’t mean put up your dukes and get in a fistfight over something. I’m talking about facing adversity in your life. There is not a person alive who isn’t going to have some awfully bad days in their lives. I tell my players that what I mean by fighting is when your house burns down, and your wife runs off with the drummer, and you’ve lost your job and all the odds are against you. What are you going to do? Most people just lay down and quit. Well, I want my people to fight back.”

     “I always want my players to show class, knock’em down, pat on the back, and run back to the huddle.”

     “I tell young players who want to be coaches, who think they can put up with all the headaches and heartaches, can you live without it? If you can live without it, don’t get in it.”

     “If they don’t have a winning attitude, I don’t want them.”

     “I have tried to teach them to show class, to have pride, and to display character. I think football, winning games, takes care of itself if you do that.”

     “What are you doing here? Tell me why you are here. If you are not here to win a national championship, you’re in the wrong place. You boys are special. I don’t want my players to be like other students. I want special people. You can learn a lot on the football field that isn’t taught in the home, the church, or the classroom. There are going to be days when you think you’ve got no more to give and then you’re going to give plenty more. You are going to have pride and class. You are going  to be very special. You are going to win the national championship for Alabama.”

     “If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you gotta know the password, “Roll, Tide, Roll!”

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2016 University Of Alabama Football Commitments

     This is the complete list of the 18 University of Alabama football commitments for 2016 class as of August 30, 2015.

• T.J. Simmons, WR (6' 2", 185 lbs), Clay-Chalkville High School, Pinson, Ala.*
• Deonte Brown, OL (6' 3", 330 lbs), Austin High, Decatur, Ala.*
• Riley Cole, LB (6' 3", 210lbs), Oneonta High Schol, Oneonta, Ala.*
• Quinnen Williams, DL (6' 4", 265 lbs), Wenonah High School, Birmingham, Ala.*
• Shawn Jennings S (6'2", 218 lbs.), Dadeville High School, Dadeville, Ala.*
• Chris Owens, OL (6' 3", 312 lbs), Lamar High, Arlington, Texas
• Raekwon Davis, DT (6' 7", 315 lbs), Meridian High, Meridian, Miss.
• Jonah Williams, OL (6' 5", 283 lbs), Folsom High, Folsom, Calif.
• Brendan Scales, TE (6' 4", 230 lbs), Lafayette, Ballwin, Mo.
• Joshua Perry, DB (6' 3", 190 lbs), Amite High, Amite, La.
• Kendell Jones, DT (6' 4", 360 lbs), Shoemaker High, Killeen, Texas
• Charles Baldwin, OL (6' 5", 305 lbs), ASA College, Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Jalen Hurts, QB (6' 2", 208lbs), Channelview High, Channelview, Texas
• Jaquan Yulee, LB (6' 0", 252 lbs), Indian River High, Chesapeake, Va.
• Eddy Pineiro, K (6' 1", 180 lbs), ASA College, Miami, Fla.
• Miller Forristall, TE (6' 5", 220lbs), Cartersville High School, Cartersville, Ga.
• Khalid Kareem, DE (6' 4", 260 lbs), Harrison High School, Farmington, Mich.
• B.J. Emmons, RB (5' 10", 232 lbs), Freedom High School, Morganton, N.C.

*In-state commitments
 

Tide Football Practice: It's Game-Week Prep Time!; Jansen & Routliffe Victorious! Headed To U.S. Open; Bama Basketball Gets 5-Star Visit Today; Tide Volleyball Drops Opener; Bama Soccer Plays To Scoreless Tie; Men's Track & Field Adds 16; Bear Bryant Quotes

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Crimson Tide Is Back At Work

It's Game-Week Prep Time!

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team was back on the practice field yesterday afternoon. It was a two-hour workout in hot and humid conditions as the Tide prepared for battle with the Wisconsin Badgers one week from today. Bama worked out in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields.

     This was the 23rd practice session of the 28 scheduled prior to kickoff in the Tide's season-opener with the Wisconsin Badgers on September 5th, just one week from today. Yesterday's practice was the first, however, with the workout aimed primarily at the opening opponent, complete with scout team jerseys.

     The Tide's quarterback rotation appeared to be pretty much the same as in earlier practices in the week. Senior Jake Coker headed one workout line followed by Alec Morris,  while the other was led by Cooper Bateman and David Cornwell. During the shortened, eight-minute media viewing window none of the quarterbacks wore a scout team jersey.

     Alabama's season begins with Wisconsin in the AdvoCare Classic in Arlington, Texas one week from today. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CT and can be viewed on ABC television. Handling announcing duties will be Chris, Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Heather Cox.

     Practice today will be at 3:30 p.m. CT followed by Sunday off. Then it's back to game-week practices before the Tide departs for Arlington on Friday afternoon.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Jansen & Routliffe Victorious Yesterday!

Headed To U.S. Open

     The two-time defending National Champions, Maya Jansen and Erin Routliffe, defeated Yasmin Schnack and Katsiaryna Zheltova 6-4, 6-5 yesterday to earn a wild card entry into the 2015 U.S. Open.  The contest will be August 31st through September 13th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.

     "What an incredible feeling of joy," Routliffe commented. "I look back at my experiences over the last couple of years, and I’m just so extremely thankful to be where I am today. Maya and I have built such amazing chemistry on the court and we’re really confident that if we stick to what we do best, we’ll continue to see positive results."

     The duo got off to another fast start in yesterday's championship match with a 6-4 score in the opening set. Jansen and Routliffe fell behind 3-1 in the second but came roaring back with an eventual 6-5 victory.

     "The second set was a battle," Jansen said. "The competition throughout this tournament has been elite, but today we were really challenged. They (Schnack/Zheltova) had answers for a lot of things we were trying to do, but we knew if we continued to push our style of tennis we’d be okay. This entire experience has been amazing and the fact that we are leaving tomorrow for the US Open is remarkable. We could not be more honored to represent Alabama at this level."

     Jansen and Routliffe will travel straight to Flushing Meadows, New York for the tournament. The U.S. Open is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 31.



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Bama Basketball Gets 5-Star Visit Today

     Alabama basketball is getting a five-star visit today. Five-star center Marques Bolden from DeSoto (Texas) High School is on campus for an unofficial visit to the Capstone, according to Hoop DFW. He was offered just last month by head basketball coach Avery Johnson.

     It has been reported that Bolden is a close friend of Alabama commit Terrance Ferguson. Ferguson has set his sites on getting Bolden to join him at UA.

     Bolden stands 6' 10" and weighs in at 235 pounds. He is rated as the number two center, and number 21 player overal in the United States according to 247Sports Composite. And of course a commitment from this young man would be huge for coach Johnson and Bama.


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Tide Volleyball Drops Opener

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Alabama volleyball lost it's first season-opener yesterday 3-1 to Long Beach State. Though opening 1-0, the Tide dropped the next three sets to lose the match.

     Errors hampered Bama's efforts throughout the contest. The Tide committed 29 attack errors and 20 service errors.

     The Tide plays two today. The first is at 1 p.m. CT against Cal State Fullerton. Afterward, Bama heads to Malibu to take on Pepperdine at 8 p.m. CT.


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Bama Soccer Plays To Scoreless Tie

     Alabama senior goalkeeper Emily Rusk produced seven saves last night in her second shutout performance as the Alabama soccer team battled to a scoreless tie with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. This was the Tide's first overtime game of the young season.

     There were 22 shots for both teams in regulation without a score, forcing the game into overtime. But finally the game ended 0-0.

     Bama travels to Cookeville, Tennessee for a match against Tennessee Tech tomorrow at 7 p.m. CT.

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Men's Track & Field Adds 16

     Sixteen new names appear on the roster of the University of Alabama men's track and field team. These newbies combined for 24 individual high school state championships.

     Alabama head coach Dan Walters says Bama picks up seven sprinters, four distance runners, three throwers and two jumpers. The Tide welcomes student-athletes from nine states, which are Alabama (3), Texas (3), Arizona (2), Kansas (2), California (1), Florida (1), Illinois (1), Michigan (1) and Tennessee (1). One foreign country is represented, Kenya, with 1 athlete.

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Bear Bryant Quotes

     “My approach to the game has been the same at all the places I’ve been. Vanilla. The sure way. That means, first of all, to win physically. If you got eleven on a field, and they beat the other eleven physically, they’ll win. They will start forcing mistakes. They’ll win in the fourth quarter.”

     “Little things make the difference. Everyone is well prepared in the big things, but only the winners perfect the little things.”

     “The first time you quit, it’s hard. The second time, it gets easier. The third time, you don’t even have to think about it.”

     “But there’s one thing about quitters you have to guard against – they are contagious. If one boy goes, the chances are he’ll take somebody with him, and you don’t want that. So when they would start acting that way, I used to pack them up and get them out, or embarrass them, or do something to turn them around.”

     “Scout yourself. Have a buddy who coaches scout you.”

     “People who are in it for their own good are individualists. They don’t share the same heartbeat that makes a team so great. A great unit, whether it be football or any organization, shares the same heartbeat.”

     “I told them my system was based on the “ant plan,” that I’d gotten the idea watching a colony of ants in Africa during the war. A whole bunch of ants working toward a common goal.”

Nick Saban Press Conference; Bama Football Practice; Jansen & Routliffe In Final Round Of Playoffs; Saban Says Mullaney Can Help The Tide

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Nick Saban Press Conference

     Alabama head football coach Nick Saban addressed the press following yesterday afternoon's practice session. Overall he said they had a good practice, and that it "was spirited."

     "One of the goals for practice this week was take three early opponents and take about half the practice to work on them each day, " Saban said. "Then the rest of the practice to work on fundamental improvements."

     Saban then spoke of today's practice, what it was to be like and said beginning today they have to determine "who we're going to coach, who we're going to invest our time in, whether it be special teams. or figure out if a guy can make a big enough contribution and develop enough to be able to contribute to the team. The guys worked hard today. I was really pleased with that."

     Concerning what they need to do, he said, "The big focus was on finishing plays. You know, I think players get tired of practicing against each other for, I don't know, I think this was the twenty-something practice today...so, you know, they get a little bored. You know, the whole key to the drill is, once they think they know how to do it right, they think they can get casual and not pay attention to detail in practice and not practice things the way they need to. But the whole idea is, I want to practice it until you cant do it wrong. There's a big difference in that. So that means you're going to go out there every day and focus on doing it over and over and over and over so that it will be a part of who you are and what you do, and those habits will carry over into the game."

     Saban said they officially will begin today working on Wisconsin. He wants the players to understand that showing up for a one hour meeting and a two hour practice may not be enough. They may need to put in some time themselves.

     Concerning the starting quarterbacking job, Ssaban says it still not been decided. He said they're going to work two of the guys the most, and get a third ready on a limited basis just as other teams do it. He's still not sure yet, but has been pleased with all three of the potential starters. He said that all three have done a good job

     "I've seen a lot of progress offensively this week," Saban said. "I think that's been one of the most encouraging things things this week...continuity, togetherness...the offensive line is more physical, playing with more toughness ."

     Turning to the receivers Saban commented, "The receivers definitely made a big step this week in improving. and I think because of that the quarterbacks trusted them a little more and they gained a little more confidence in what they were supposed to do...and they could count on delivering the ball where it should be delivered."

     So, there you have it...praise, criticism, adjustments...all part of coaching. Seems that things are looking pretty good though, Bama fans.

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Bama Football Practice

     It was a day of clear skies and decent temperatures yesterday afternoon as the University of Alabama got in another practice in preparation for the opening of the 2015 season in only a week. The practice lasted two hours, and was the team's 22nd of the scheduled 28 practices.

     All five quarterbacks got in some work, with three getting the majority of the reps. Head coach Nick Saban said that's the way most all teams do it and that's the way Bama does it. No decision on the starter so the main three got the majority of the reps. Those three, according to Saban, are senior Jake Coker, redshirt sophomore Cooper Bateman and redshirt junior Alec Morris.

     "I have been really pleased with the way all three of the guys played this week," Saban said. "They've all done a really, really good job." He made a point to say that all five, however, work.
When asked about when a decision might be forthcoming about a starting quarterback, Saban said,
"You have to have some clear-cut evidence that a guy really has won the job and he has won the team."

     Receiver Parker Barrineau was in pretty good shape despite his toe injury, though he was still in a non-contact black jersey. He suffered a toe injury that required surgery and is still in the process of getting back to fully practicing.

     Speaking of receivers, Kenyan Drake was back working with the receiving corp during Thursday's practice. Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffen have let it be knowDrake would be utilized all over the field this year.

     Conditioning continued, running routes, blocking...everything was on the table as Bama gets ready for their season-opener with Wisconsin on September 5th. Coach Saban says that the Friday practice officially begins with the main focus on Wisconsin and getting ready for that game.

     Alabama will face Wisconsin in the AdvoCare Classic in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CT and will be aired on ABC.


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Jansen & Routliffe In Final Round Of Playoffs

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     They've done it again. The pairing of the two-time NCAA Doubles National Champions, Maya Jansen and Erin Routliffe, have again produced victories. This duo has won three straight matches at the 2015 U.S. Open National Playoffs to give themselves a chance to play for the wild card berth in the 2015 U.S. Open.

     The two have reached the final round after defeating Yale's Carol Finke/ReeRee Li (6-0, 7-5), Liga Dekmeijere/Karina Traxler (7-5, 6-2) and Alexandra Anghelescu/Caroline Price (6-2, 6-2).

     Routliffe said, "This has been an incredible experience. We've seen some elite competition through the first couple rounds, but fortunately we've been doing enough to keep winning. We've just been taking it one match at a time and can't wait to get back out there tomorrow."

     The winner of the Women's Doubles Championships will advance to the main draw of the U.S. Open Women's Doubles Championship, held August 31-September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

     "This journey has been one of the most memorable experiences of my career," commented Jansen. "Erin and I are extremely fortunate to be representing Alabama on this stage, and we're just hoping that we can continue to play to the best of our abilities. We can't wait to get out there and see what tomorrow brings."

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Saban Says Mullaney Can Help The Tide

     It's so hard to say who the starting quarterback is going to be at the University of Alabama this coming season, which is only barely over a week away by the way. But as I said quite a few weeks ago, I'm not really concerned about the quarterback situation. Between head coach Nick Saban and the quarterback whisperer and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffen, I'm sure we'll have at least one all tuned up and ready to go

     Speaking of quarterbacks, word out there now is we have a three-way race for the starting position now. That and the fact that a few of the reporters are saying that senior Jake Coker has appeared to be getting a few more reps than the others, or at least during the time the press is allowed to look on.

     So, with that said, others are talking about the graduate transfer out of Oregon State. It appears that Richard Mullaney has been learning the playbook quite well and has been effectively executing said playbook. Of course as a graduate senior, he has quite a bit of experience under his belt, and at 6' 3" , 209 pounds he makes a nice target. And according to Nick Saban he has the skills to help the Crimson Tide this season, and should be a help on special teams.

     "He's been doing a really good job," Saban said. "He's got great hands, very smart player, very instinctive, knows how to get open and is especially effective in the slot. He's definitely going to help us this year, and his maturity and experience is something that to a very young, inexperienced group has been very welcomed by us, and, I think, our other players."

     During his three seasons at Oregon State, Mullaney had 83 catches for 1,160 yards and five touchdowns. His biggest season came in 2013 with 52 catches, 3 touchdowns and 788 total yards. Incidentally, he missed the majority of last season at OSU with an elbow injury.

     Of course he won't be doing it alone. Bama has several that all hope are going to step up and play this season. Former five-star recruits Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster saw most of the action in the spring and will be used during the season heavily. Get Chris Black and Parker Barrineau back up to speed from injuries and we've got a good crew. It's just nice to know the new addition to the team has some skills.

Saban Says Mullaney Can Help The Tide; Tide Women Golfers Compete In LPGA Classic; Coach Johnson Completes Tide Basketball Staff; Crimson Tide Wednesday Practice; Could This Be The Year of Alec Morris?; Bear Bryant Quotes

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Saban Says Mullaney Can Help The Tide

     It's so hard to say who the starting quarterback is going to be at the University of Alabama this coming season, which is only barely over a week away by the way. But as I said quite a few weeks ago, I'm not really concerned about the quarterback situation. Between head coach Nick Saban and the quarterback whisperer and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffen, I'm sure we'll have at least one all tuned up and ready to go

     Speaking of quarterbacks, word out there now is we have a three-way race for the starting position now. That and the fact that a few of the reporters are saying that senior Jake Coker has appeared to be getting a few more reps than the others, or at least during the time the press is allowed to look on.

     So, with that said, others are talking about the graduate transfer out of Oregon State. It appears that Richard Mullaney has been learning the playbook quite well and has been effectively executing said playbook. Of course as a graduate senior, he has quite a bit of experience under his belt, and at 6' 3" , 209 pounds he makes a nice target. And according to Nick Saban he has the skills to help the Crimson Tide this season, and should be a help on special teams.

     "He's been doing a really good job," Saban said. "He's got great hands, very smart player, very instinctive, knows how to get open and is especially effective in the slot. He's definitely going to help us this year, and his maturity and experience is something that to a very young, inexperienced group has been very welcomed by us, and, I think, our other players."

     During his three seasons at Oregon State, Mullaney had 83 catches for 1,160 yards and five touchdowns. His biggest season came in 2013 with 52 catches, 3 touchdowns and 788 total yards. Incidentally, he missed the majority of last season at OSU with an elbow injury.

     Of course he won't be doing it alone. Bama has several that all hope are going to step up and play this season. Former five-star recruits Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster saw most of the action in the spring and will be used during the season heavily. Get Chris Black and Parker Barrineau back up to speed from injuries and we've got a good crew. It's just nice to know the new addition to the team has some skills.

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Tide Women Golfers Compete In LPGA Classic

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The Crimson Tide is well-represented today as seven current and former UA women's golfers participate in the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic in Prattville, Alabama. The tournament is a four-day event teeing off today and lasting through Sunday. Those wishing to enjoy some good golf competition can head over to the Senator Course at the Capitol Hill Golf Club just 95 miles southeast of Tuscaloosa.

     Alabama senior players Emma Talley and Janie Jackson, both competing as amateurs, will be participating in the tourney. Talley is the first Alabama golfer to capture medalist honors at the NCAA Championships with a win at The Concession Club this past May.

     The five former Bama players participating are Brooke Pancake, Jennifer Kirby, Stephanie Meadow, Jenny Suh and Kathleen Ekey. All are competing as professionals. Pancake, Kirby and Meadow were all members of the NCAA Championship team in 2012.

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Coach Johnson Completes Tide Basketball Staff

Coach Avery Johnson (Photo Credit: RollTide.com)

Special Assistant Kobie Baker

     University of Alabama head basketball coach Avery Johnson has now completed his coaching staff with yesterday's hiring of Kobie Baker as special assistant to the head coach and senior director of basketball operations.

     Baker graduated from Central High School in Tuscaloosa, and from Talladega College. He served as a graduate assistant for Bama from 1999-2001, director of basketball operations for UA in 2006-07, an assistant coach in 2007-08 and an atheletics development office from 2008-09.

     Coach Johnson said, "We are very excited to welcome Kobie Baker back to the Crimson Tide men's basketball program. Kobie has certain areas of expertise that will only strengthen our coaches, players and staff. He will be a great addition for us, and we look forward to him helping us move forward and reach new heights."

     Baker has been at the NCAA headquarters since 2012 as an associate director of amateur certification and assistant director of enforcement basketball development.

     In his statement Baker said, "I am extremely excited about the opportunity to return to the University of Alabama and work for coach Avery Johnson. I have been impressed with his leadership and commitment to a championship program. My time at the NCAA has provided me the opportunity to grow and learn under exceptional regulatory leadership, and my time spent as an assistant basketball coach has given me the necessary campus experience. There is nothing greater than serving the student-athlete and I am looking forward to being a positive contributor to coach Johnson's program and University of Alabama family."

     The remainder of the basketball support staff was also announced. Colton Houston was named director of basketball operations, Clarke Holter is athletic trainer, Alex Fain as video coordinator, Blake Gray named graduate manager and finally David Miller as assistant video coordinator.


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Crimson Tide Wednesday Practice

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Wednesday afternoon found the University of Alabama football team in full pads for a two-hour practice session yesterday afternoon on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. This was Bama's twenty-first session of the twenty-eight scheduled before season 2015 kicks off on September 5th.

     The weather cooperated for yesterday's practice with great temperatures and mostly sunny skies.

     With the quarterbacks being in the news so much and a tight race we'll start there. Nothing new really to report with all making good throws. However it does appear that Jake Coker might be receiving the majority of the reps. Receivers were working on both sides of the field, a little different from previous practices. A shoulder injury has hampered right tackle Dominick Jackson, but he looked good out there yesterday in that right tackle spot. Cornerback Bradley Sylve is getting in reps despite coming off surgery for a broken hand.

     Preparation will continue today and tomorrow with two-hour practice sessions scheduled for both days at 3:30 p.m. CT. The team will practice at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday then have Sunday off.



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Could This Be The Year Of Alec Morris?

     He was the University of Alabama's third string quarterback last year. This year he could be the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback when Bama kicks off the season on September 5th. He's Alec Morris, the red shirt junior out of Allen, Texas.

     While it's not a foregone conclusion Morris is the man, he's made great strides to move from an after-thought to the forefront of Alabama's five-man quarterback race. Most still agree the race is still underway between him and senior Jake Coker, but he has stepped up and seems to have at least a slight edge.

     Alabama head coach Nick Saban said little following the second scrimmage recently, other than Morris did a "nice job." But more recently Saban said, "I think he does a really good job of understanding the offense. He helps the other players play better. And I think that he has probably shown command at the position, which I think is important. We've just got to continue to work on touch, accuracy, efficiency. But I've been really pleased with what Alec has done in this camp."

     During his 2011 senior season at Allen High School,  the 6' 3", 235-pound Morris threw 35 touchdown passes with only 6 interceptions for 3,242 yards. In addition he rushed for 329 yards and nine touchdowns.

     During this year's spring game Morris completed seven of eleven passes for sixty yards.

     There is a chance it's Morris. But the race is far from over right now.

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Bear Bryant Quotes

     More famous quotes from legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.

     “There is no sin in not liking to play; it’s a mistake for a boy to be there if he doesn’t want to.”

     “In a crisis, don’t hide behind anything or anybody. They’re going to find you anyway.”

     “Be aware of “yes” men. Generally, they are losers. Surround yourself with winners. Never forget – people win.”

     “If there is one thing that has helped me as a coach, it’s my ability to recognize winners, or good people who can become winners by paying the price.”

     “You take those little rascals, talk to them good, pat them on the back, let them think they are good, and they will go out and beat the biguns.”

     “If you whoop and holler all the time, the players just get used to it.”

     “If you want to coach you have three rules to follow to win. One, surround yourself with people who can’t live without football. I’ve had a lot of them. Two, be able to recognize winners. They come in all forms. And, three, have a plan for everything. A plan for practice, a plan for the game. A plan for being ahead, and a plan for being behind 20-0 at half, with your quarterback hurt and the phones dead, with it raining cats and dogs and no rain gear because the equipment man left it at home.”

Crimson Tide Places 10 On All-SEC Preseason Team; Bama Back At Practice; Jansen & Routliffe Victorious; Bear Bryant Said...

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Crimson Tide Places 10 On All-SEC Preseason Team

     The University of Alabama Crimson Tide has placed 10 players on the preseason All-SEC teams. The selections are broken down into First Team, Second Team and Third Team. Bama was tied with LSU for the most players in the 2015 selection.

     Five Bama players were named to the first team. They are offensive tackle Cameron Robinson, defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, cornerback Cyrus Jones, linebacker Reggie Ragland and punter JK Scott.

     Making the second team for the Tide are running back Derrick Henry defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and center Ryan Kelly. Named to the third team are tight end O.J. Howard as well as defensive back Eddie Jackson.

     This is the second time being named to the preseason All-SEC team for Kelly, Howard, and A'Shawn Robinson.

     Seven of the 14 SEC schools were represented with six or more selections to the teams. The other seven has at least two. Ten of the fourteen schools had at least one member making the first team.

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Bama Back At Practice

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     After a two-day break from practice, the University of Alabama football team was back hard at it yesterday. The Tide was able to work outdoors yesterday afternoon on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields for two hours in helmet, shoulder pads and shorts.

     Bama's 20th session of camp saw the team continuing to work on their fundamentals and routes in preparation for the season-opener in only a week and a half. Bama will have five practices this week before their off day on Sunday.

     There was no change in the way the quarterbacks were working, despite reports that Alec Morris was now enjoying a slight advantage over Jake Coker. The two were part of one of the groups, as usual, with Coker going first. Again, As usual. The other group again consisted of Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett and David Cornwell.

     As far as the injury situation, right tackle Dominick Jackson was back practicing after a strained shoulder injury that occurred in Bama's scrimmage on Saturday, according to AL.com. Cornerback Bradley Sylve was also going through practice after having broken his hand and having surgery. Sylve sported a cast covering his right hand and wrist area. Running back Bo Scarbrough showed promise as his torn ACL continues to mend.

     The Crimson Tide will face the Wisconsin Badgers on September 5th in the AdvoCare Classic in Arlington, Texas inside AT&T Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. CT and broadcast on ABC.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Jansen & Routliffe Victorious

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The dynamic duo wins again!

     No, not Batman and Robin. The Dynamic Duo of Alabama Crimson Tide tennis, Maya Jansen and Erin Routliffe captured a win in their first match at the U.S. Open National Playoffs yesterday by defeating Yale's Carol Finke and ReeRee Li 6-0, 7-5. The pair are now just three victories away from earning a wild card spot in the 2015 U.S. Open.

     Routliffe said, "The key for us was staying aggressive. We dictated the outcome in the first set but played a little passive in the early stages of the second. Once we settled in and played our style of tennis we able to get the outcome we wanted."

     Jansen commented, "We are just taking it one match at a time. That's our motto no matter what's on the line. We did that throughout the regular season and during the NCAA doubles tournament. This is no different. The amount of support we have received from our fans back in Tuscaloosa has been amazing. We are honored to represent them and Alabama tennis on this stage."

     32 singles players and 16 men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles teams are vying for that coveted slot in the U.S. Open. All participants face an equal opportunity at a place in the U.S. Open, though at different stages of their playing careers.

     The winner of the Women's Doubles Championships at the U.S. Open National Playoffs will go on to the main draw of the U.S. Open Women's Doubles Championship which is being held August 31st through September 13th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.



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Bear Bryant Said...

     “The old lessons (work, self-discipline, sacrifice, teamwork, fighting to achieve) aren’t being taught by many people other than football coaches these days. The football coach has a captive audience and can teach these lessons because the communication lines between himself and his players are more wide open than between kids and parents. We better teach these lessons or else the country’s future population will be made up of a majority of crooks, drug addicts, or people on relief.”

     “Sacrifice. Work. Self-discipline. I teach these things, and my boys don’t forget them when they leave.”

     “I’ll never give up on a player regardless of his ability as long as he never gives up on himself. In time he will develop.”

     “Don’t give up at halftime. Concentrate on winning the second half.”

     “Don’t talk too much. Don’t pop off. Don’t talk after the game until you cool off.”

     “Mama wanted me to be a preacher. I told her coachin’ and preachin’ were a lot alike.”

     “It’s awfully important to win with humility. It’s also important to lose. I hate to lose worse than anyone, but if you never lose you won’t know how to act. If you lose with humility, then you can come back.”

     “In life, you’ll have your back up against the wall many times. You might as well get used to it.”

     “The biggest mistake coaches make is taking borderline cases and trying to save them. I’m not talking about grades now, I’m talking about character. I want to know before a boy enrolls about his home life, and what his parents want him to be.”

Morris & Coker Two To Beat For Starting QB?; 4-Star Linebacker & 5-Star Safety Looking At Tide; Bama Soccer Defeats Troy In Home Opener 1-0; Jenson & Routliffe In U.S. Open National Playoffs Beginning Today; O'Shaghnessey & Brewer Claim Doubles Title

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Morris And Coker Two To Beat For Starting QB?

     Alabama head football coach Nick Saban won't be meeting with the press again until Thursday, but one can reflect on what he's already said when it comes to what's happening with the team. And the starting quarterback job.

     Saban has already told us that..."the quarterback decision is going to get made by what the players do on the field, who performs the best, who does the best job of leading the team, making good choices and decisions, taking care of the ball. "That's how it's going to get decided. We're sort of monitoring that every day."

     Out of the five quarterbacks, it appears the starting position comes down to senior Jake Coker and junior Alec Morris. That's to take nothing away from sophomore Cooper Bateman, redshirt freshman David Cornwell or true freshman Blake Barnett. All are good quarterbacks and have shown some good skills during practices. But it is what it is.

     Several reporters believe that Morris might even have taken a slight lead in the quarterback race. Reports from AL.com says so anyway. Regardless, the season opens in less than two weeks and no great separation has taken place between Morris and Coker...or the other three for that matter. Don't be surprised if no decision has been made by the time the initial depth chart is scheduled to be released, which is this Monday incidentally.

     The Crimson Tide opens its season Saturday, September 5th in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. CT and will be aired by ABC.


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4-Star Linebacker & 5-Star Safety Looking At Tide

   

Tyree Horton -Photo Credit: 247Sports

     A pair of highly sought-after recruits have placed Alabama on their "lists."

     The number one JuCo outside linebacker in the country according to 247Sports may be commited to FSU, but he plans official visits to several big-name schools. Four-star recruit Tyree Horton will be taking visits this fall to Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and Auburn according to a recent tweet. Since recruits are allowed five official visits during their final year it is pretty much a given that the fifth visit will be to Florida State, although he didn't tweet a fifth.

     Horton is a Florida native but is currently at Highland Community College in Kansas.

     Also considering the Crimson Tide is Nacogdoches, Texas five-star safety Brandon Jones. He has tweeted out his top six list of schools, which of course includes the University of Alabama. The others tweeted out by the number one safety in the 2016 recruiting class are LSU, Texas A&M, Texas, Baylor and Oregon. These are in no particular order, and it's believed that he is leaning toward the Aggies.

Brandon Jones

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Bama Soccer Defeats Troy In Home Opener 1-0

      The University of Alabama bounced back from their season-opening loss to defeat the Troy Trojans 1-0 in the Tide's home opener at the Alabama Soccer Complex. The only goal of the game was scored by Bama sophomore Alexis Mouton. Senior goalkeeper Emily Rusk did her job keeping two of Troy's eight shots from scoring to record the shutout.

     Alabama head coach Wes Hart said, "I'm very proud of our team tonight (Sunday). I was pleased with the way we played. In the first half we kept possession well, but unfortunately we were not able to score. After halftime, we attacked with purpose and were eventually rewarded for it."

     This was Hart's first win as the new head man at UA. He is Bama's fourth soccer coach since the inception of the program and joined the Tide on April 9th.

     "The crowd tonight (Sunday) was absolutely incredible," Hart said. "They definitely played a role in the win. We fed off of their energy and I am so grateful for their support. I hope we entertained them enough to get them back out on Friday for our game vs. Wake Forest."

      Alabama will host Wake Forest this Friday, August 28th at 7 p.m. CT. Then it's on to Cookeville, Tennessee for a match with Tennessee Tech on Sunday, August 30th. That game, too, is slated to begin at 7 p.m. CT.


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Maya Jensen & Erin Routliffe In U.S. Open National Playoffs

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     University of Alabama will be well represented in the 2015 U.S. Open National Playoffs today through the 28th. Two-time NCAA Doubles National Champions Maya Jensen and Erin Routliffe are in New Haven, Connecticut looking to win a spot in the U.S. Open. The playoffs feature 16 winners and/or top available finishers from all 14 U.S. Open National Playoffs Sectional Qualifying Tournaments held throughout the United States. This afternoon Jansen and Routliffe will open with Carol Finke and ReeRee Lee in the tournament's opening round.

     This is the sixth annual U.S. Open National Playoffs. The process began with thousands of competitors and narrowed them to 32 singles players and 16 men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles teams. While all are at different stages of their careers, all have an equal shot to make the U.S. Open.

     Jansen commented, "What an unbelievable experience. Erin and I are itching to get out there and get this thing going. We understand how fortunate we are to be here and that's largely due to the resources we've had to prepare us at UA. We're excited to represent the Crimson Tide on this stage."

     Routliffe added, "This entire experience is very humbling. Maya and I have had so many incredible experiences over the last two years, and this is just another unforgettable moment that we'll share together. We are both hungry to compete and are looking forward to playing against some elite competition."

     The winner of the Women's Doubles Championships advances to the main draw of the U.S. Open Women's Doubles Championship held August 31 through September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

     Jansen and Routliffe are just the third doubles team in NCAA women's tennis to win back-to-back national titles, with those coming in 2014 and 2015 for the duo. Their record for the 2014-15 season was 32-4, the most wins by a doubles pairing in the history of Alabama women's tennis. They have a two-year record of 57-8, the third-best slate in Alabama women's tennis history.

     Congratulations,  Maya and Erin! Roll Tide!


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O'Shaghnessey & Brewer Claim Doubles Title

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Two University of Alabama paired up this weekend to win the doubles title this weekend at the Game, Set, Be The Match Mens' Open In Birmingham, Alabama. Senior Becker O'Shaughnessey and junior Hayes Brewer defeated the top-seeded pairing of Ryler DeHeart and Rahim Esmail to claim the title. The victory came with a final score of 6-3, 6-2.

     This is the second doubles title for O'Shaughnessey this summer. He also was victorious in the singles and doubles matches and took the titles at the Georgia State Men's Open. He also was able to reach the singles semifinals at the Lifetime Athletics Men's Open as well as the ITA/USTA National Summer Championships.

     Brewer captured a pair of doubles titles at ITA Summer events during the offseason, including the Tuscaloosa event with teammate Langford Hills.

Bama Ranks In AP Top 3 For 6th Consecutive Year; Golf Junior Robby Shelton Named To 2015 U.S. Walker Cup Team; More Bear Bryant Quotes

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Bama Ranks In AP Top 3 For 6th Consecutive Year

     For the sixth consecutive year the Associated Press has placed Alabama in the top three in its annual preseason poll for college football. AP released its first poll yesterday, with the Alabama Crimson Tide debuting at No. 3. The defending champs, Ohio State, will be at the No. 1 spot, followed by TCU at No. 2.

     The Tide returns 12 starters from last season's 12-2 team. Bama appeared in the first-ever college football playoff, falling in the Allstate Sugar Bowl to eventual national champion Ohio State. Alabama will have to navigate its way through the most difficult schedule in college football in order to make those playoffs this season. The Crimson Tide has won the national championship in three of the past six seasons,  and holds an 84-11 record during  the tenure of Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

     OSU was the unanimous No.1, taking all the first place votes. Then, as previously mentioned, the Horned Frogs of TCU are No. 2, followed by the Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 3. The Southeastern Conference has eight teams debuting in the Top 25, with four of those making the Top 15. UA is, of course, the highest ranked SEC team.

     Alabama will face seven teams ranked in the Top 25 this season. They are Auburn (6), Georgia (9), LSU (14), Ole Miss (17), Arkansas (18), Wisconsin (20) and Tennessee (25).  The only nationally-ranked SEC team Bama doesn't face this season is the 24-ranked Missouri Tigers. Bama could, however, face them in the SEC Championship game at the end of the season.

     The Crimson Tide will open its 2015 campaign and its quest for an unprecedented 16th national championship on September 5th. Bama will travel to Arlington, Texas to meet the 20th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers in the annual AdvoCare Classic to be played inside AT&T Stadium. The nationally televised matchup will kick off at 7 p.m. CT and will air on the ABC network. Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Heather Cox will be calling the game. Incidentally, Vegas has Alabama as a 10.5 point favorite.

     This is the Tide's 24th season starting the college football season ranked in the top five.

     To see the complete Associated Press Top 25 rankings go to AP.org/poll .

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Golf Junior Robby Shelton Named To 2015 U.S. Walker Cup Team

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     University of Alabama junior men's golf team member Robby Shelton has been named to the 2015 United States Walker Cup team. The announcement came yesterday from the United States Golf Association (USGA). Shelton is the sixth golf team member since 2009, and the seventh overall, to be selected.

     Alabama head coach Jay Seawell said, "I am so happy for Robby that he gets to represent USA in this prestigious event. I believe the Walker Cup selection is the highest honor in amateur golf. He has worked extremely hard and is very deserving of this honor. I am also proud of our program. To have six selections to the Walker Cup since 2009 is a great accomplishment.”

     Shelton is a two-time PING First Team All-American as well as a first team All-SEC member. He was also a semifinalist for the 2015 Ben Hogan Award, as well as receiving the 2014 Phil Mickelson National Freshman of the Year Award. He finished the 2014-15 season ranked seventh nationally by the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index.

     This year’s tournament will be held at the Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s Golf Club in Lancashire, England on September 12-13.

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More Bear Bryant Quotes

     Here are more quotes made famous by the late great Paul "Bear" Bryant:

     “I think the most important thing of all for any team is a winning attitude. The coaches must have it. The players must have it. The student body must have it. If you have dedicated players who believe in themselves, you don’t need a lot of talent.”

     “If a man is a quitter, I’d rather find out in practice than in a game. I ask for all a player has so I’ll know later what I can expect.”

     “The idea of molding men means a lot to me.”

     “You must learn how to hold a team together. You must lift some men up, calm others down, until finally they’ve got one heartbeat. Then you’ve got yourself a team.”

     “If wanting to win is a fault, as some of my critics seem to insist, then I plead guilty. I like to win. I know no other way. It’s in my blood.”

     “If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride – and never quit – you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.”

     “Get the winners into the game.”

     “Set goals – high goals for you and your organization. When your organization has a goal to shoot for, you create teamwork, people working for a common good.”

Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Cornelius Bennett; Could The Starting Quarterback Job Be Down To Coker & Morris?; Saturday Scrimmage Scribblings; Bear Bryant Quotes

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Cornelius Bennett

     One of the truly great names in Alabama football history is Cornelius O'Landa Bennett, born August 25, 1965 in Birmingham, Alabama.

     Bennett's football career began at Ensley High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He played numerous positions, including halfback on offense and several defensive positions. Not only a great football player, he was an excellent basketball player as well. In football he gained over 1,000 yards carrying the ball 101 times. He was given the nickname "Biscuit" because of his tan complexion.

     Bennett played for the Crimson Tide from 1983 to 1986 under head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. He was a first team selection three times on the College Football All-America Team (1984-1986). He was one of only two Bama players ever to be named to three All-America teams, the other being Woodrow Lowe.

     As a senior, Bennett won the Lombari Award, SEC Player of the Year and finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy balloting.  During his four seasons at with the Tide, he recorded 287 tackles, 21 1/2 sacks and three fumble recoveries. Bennett was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

     Bennett was the second pick in the 1987 NFL Draft going to the Baltimore Colts. He was Alabama's highest draft selection ever since Joe Namath in 1965.

     When Bennett and the Colts were unable to reach a contract agreement, Bennett was included in a three-way trade that sent him to the Buffalo Bills. The trade just did make it under the trade deadline for the year.

     Bennett played in five Super Bowl games during his NFL career, four with Buffalo and one with the Atlanta Falcons. In his 14 NFL seasons Bennett recorded 71 1/2 sacks, 7 interceptions, 112 return yards, 31 forced fumbles, 27 fumble recoveries, 78 fumble return yards and 3 touchdowns (1 interception, 1 blocked field goal return, and 1 fumble return).

     Bennett was a five time Pro Bowler (1988, 1990-1993) and was the AFC Defensive Player of the Year twice (1988 and 1991).

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Could Starting QB Job Be Down To Coker & Morris?

     If the rumors turn out to be true the starting quarterback job at the University of Alabama will be filled by either Jacob Coker or Alec Morris. Word has been getting out that the two appeared to distance themselves, somewhat, from the pack in Saturday's scrimmage.

     Take this one to the bank? I wouldn't. Though reporters at the scrimmage tend to lean toward Coker and Morris, and the majority seem to, you must take into account that there are still 13 days until the beginning of the 2015 season. Numerous practices are still to be run, and these men could get the "kinks" out before then and another start to shine.

     Head coach Nick Saban has not, of course, made any such announcement. The competition prior to the start of the season can still push Coker and Morris, or any other of the quarterbacks, on to better performances.

     So many have looked at the quarterback situation at the University of Alabama as a detriment. Perhaps the quarterbacks are better than the "average Joe" believes them to be and thus is making it more difficult for any one quarterback to distance himself. Let's realize that this time last year things appeared "bleak" in the quarterbacking position.

     I have confidence that the one selected will be just fine with me. Lane Kiffin has proven himself to be a "quarterback whisperer" of sorts. Let the man work his magic. Besides, I trust Saban.

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Saturday Scrimmage Scribblings

All Photos Courtesy Of RollTide.com

     Alabama football's defense once again took center stage during the Crimson Tide's final scrimmage yesterday afternoon before the opening of the 2015 football season. The scrimmage lasted just over two hours on this hot and humid afternoon. With temperature about 94 degrees the Tide ran about 125 plays.

     Head football coach Nick Saban said, "I thought there was a lot of improvement out there today (yesterday). It took a lot of mental toughness to grind through the conditions we were in. I thought at the beginning of the scrimmage, the two first-teams didn't seem to dominate like they wanted to, but as the day moved on both first-teams played a little better."

     Both sides of the ball showed improvement, but didn't keep Saban from stopping practice to have a "discussion" with certain members of the team when he got a little unhappy.  The chat mainly dealt with the quarterbacks, and things settled down once he was finished. The quarterbacks saw a pretty equal rotation during the scrimmage, giving them all an opportunity to impress the coaches.

      Saban provided the numbers on the passes for each of the QBs. "Bateman led with 27 throws, Coker was only one behind with 26, Morris only a little further back with 21, and then Barnett had the least with 11 tosses.

     The running backs went through their rotation as well. Coaches had a "targeted" number of carries for the backs, with each one pretty much hitting that mark.

     Receivers did a good job. However ArDarius Steward seemed to stand out, leading the way with eight total receptions on the afternoon. Saban commented, "I thought ArDarius Stewart had a really good day today (Saturday). He had eight catches and made some really good grabs while also adjusting to the ball well. He made some contested plays, too, which was great to see."

     And the defense. Indeed, the defense once again stepped up and did their job. They've been ahead of the offense throughout the spring and fall, but that was to be expected. The defense forced some turnovers yesterday, two of which went for scores.

    Reggie Ragland looked good, was consistent, which pleased the coaches. J.K. Scott did a better job today, but always provides what is needed from the punter. Cyrus Jones handled the majority of the punt returns for the scrimmage yesterday and did well.

     There was an injury yesterday during the scrimmage to report. Ofensive lineman Dominick Jackson strained his shoulder and could be out few days.

     Alabama opens the season on September 5th in the AdvoCare Classic when they take on the Wisconsin Badgers. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT. The game will be played inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and will be broadcast on ABC.

All Photos Courtesy of RollTide.com

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Bear Bryant Quotes

     Here are just a few of the many quotes made popular by the late Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.

“I’m no miracle man. I guarantee nothing but hard work.”

“I know what it takes to win. If I can sell them on what it takes to win, then we are not going to lose too many football games.”

“Losing doesn’t make me want to quit. It makes me want to fight that much harder.”

“It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.”

“Never quit. It is the easiest cop-out in the world. Set a goal and don’t quit until you attain it. When you do attain it, set another goal, and don’t quit until you reach it. Never quit.”

“There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and guts between dreams and success.”

“If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good, then you did it. That’s all it takes to get people to win football games for you.”

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