Kiffen Remains Offensive Coordinator At UA
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Unless you live under a rock you've heard the crazy rumors circulating the past couple of days about Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. As as any reputable reporter will tell you, don't believe everything you hear...or read on the Internet. But use common sense.
Of course when an idiot like Colin Cowturd, uh, sorry, Cowherd lends voice to those rumors with the millions he has access to with his ESPN pulpit, it doesn't help things. It fuels things, which is what Colin was after anyway. He has a way of saying very stupid things, whether it's Alabama-related or otherwise.
Now, according to TMZ Sports, they have contacted the University of Alabama, and more specifically Josh Maxson, the director of communications for Alabama football. Reportedly the Maxson, representing the university, has said Lane Kiffin is still the offensive coordinator for the football team. The various, yes various, rumors are unverified and need not be discussed here. Perhaps one can be mentioned, and that one being that head coach Nick Saban has not fired Lane Kiffin.
So, unless anything new arises, that is that.
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Saban Answers On Weekly Coach's Show
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The good new is, all the issues with the Alabama football team are fixable. That's the word from Alabama head football coach Nick Saban last night on his weekly call in show. Of course, there are several issues that need fixing.
Saban said that the team has practiced better this week. There was a definite improvement to this week's practices compared to last week. He went on to say this week is an opportunity to "respond when tested." He said everyone has to answer individually for how and what they're doing to make this team better.
One caller told Saban that Alabama needs to get back to smash-mouth football, more specifically old school, smash-mouth offense. Saban responded that he likes that kind of football, and there was a time that teams knew exactly what they were going to do and just couldn't stop it. He then said that the game has changed, however, and you have to score more points.
When asked about the jet sweep and why it disappeared, Saban said it was because it wasn't working against Ole Miss. He spoke of the quickness of the Rebels, and especially Robert Nkemdiche.
And how would Alabama respond this weekend after last week's loss? Saban said he was challenging his leadership group to set an example after the loss. Players look to the leaders, and all week he's encouraged them to step it up. So Saturday would be important to go out and set an example as they have all week. They can't complain or make excuses.
When asked about interceptions, how many might be the fault of the quarterback versus the receivers, Saban said he didn't deal in percentages. He said that all interceptions aren't the fault of the quarterback though.
When asked about Alabama's offensive line, Saban was adamant that this year's offensive line was more physical that the 2014 line.
So many have complained about the play-calling during a game. Saban says he mostly stays out of the play-calling. except on specific moments. He cited a third-and-one situation, saying that play would be a running play.
Saban addressed the role of the back-up players, and said he didn't believe they were as prepared as they needed to be. He mentioned that they were used to being stars in high school, but were no longer featured in their current situation. He further stated for that reason they weren't always mentally prepared to play when called upon.
Saban was asked about changes to practice in the area of special teams. He said that yes, there have been some changes, some change-ups on drills. He mentioned that while the punt returns haven't been great there haven't been many returnable balls.
The coach addressed the issue of fans leaving early by thanking those who stuck it out and stayed for the full game. The team needs the support of the fans. He said that the families and recruits who visited and were in the recruiting room commented on how the team didn't quit, didn't give up...and the fans stayed the whole time.
So those are the last major comments to come from Saban before Saturday. It's Alabama versus Louisiana-Monroe at Bryant-Denny Stadium for game four of the young season. Bama looks to add another one to the win column and improve on their 2-1 record.
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Bama Kicker Gunnar Raborn Arrested & Suspended
Gunnar Raborn booking
Alabama football's backup place kicker, Gunnar Raborn, was arrested yesterday on a charge of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, according to the Tuscaloosa County Sherriff's Office records. In a statement provided to AL.com, head coach Nick Saban said, "Gunnar Raborn has been suspended indefinitely."
Thus far Raborn has been used very sparingly. In fact, he hasn't made an appearance yet in the three games already played by the Tide. As a freshman he was two out of three on field goals, and 11 out of 13 on extra points.
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Alabama football players have their noses to the grindstone to get ready for Saturday's game with Louisiana-Monroe following last Saturday's loss at Bryant-Denny. Alabama head coach Nick Saban talked with reporters about both games.
Saban was very complimentary of running back Derrick Henry, saying his has been "outstanding" through the three games played thus far. The 6' 3" Henry is the Tide's leading ground-gainer in these first three with 370 yards and seven touchdowns on 54 carries. Those seven touchdowns, incidentally, leads the nation. He added another 51 yards catching seven passes already this young season.
Saban also bragged on Tony Brown and his work on the special teams. Saban said, "I think he's a guy that takes great pride in the way he plays on special teams. It's his role on the team right now, and he has done probably the best job for three games of anybody in terms of his production, his performance. He's been very disruptive."
Turning to Louisiana-Monroe, Saban talked about the fact they had a "really good" offense scheme. He said there were things the team would have to adjust to since they do such a good job in their passing, especially the little flair passes and ability to block on the perimeter to help break the receivers loose.
Saban also said the team's focus has been good since last weekend's loss. He said they have worked hard the past two days getting ready for ULM.
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Tide Wraps Up Practice For ULM
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
University of Alabama football wrapped up a slightly abbreviated practice yesterday in preparation for this Saturday's upcoming contest with Louisiana-Monore. Bama put in just over 90 minutes yesterday afternoon in the team's final full practice inside the Hank Crisp Indoor facility. There will be a walkthrough today.
Bama worked on the game plan to be used in this Saturday's contest. Fundamentals, ball control, better handling of the ball, mental processes, concentration and more have been key elements in practice.
Game time is set for 3:00 pm CT this Saturday inside Bryant-Denny Stadium for this non-conference matchup between the Crimson Tide and Warhawks. ULM took the last victory in the first year that Nick Saban was the head coach, 21-14 back in 2007.
Season Tickets Available For Men's & Women's Basketball
Photo/Graphics Credit: RollTide.com
Tickets are still available for the University of Alabama men's and women's basketball games for the 2015-16 season, according to the UA athetics TIDE PRIDE/Ticket office.
Two prices options are available for fans. See the RollTide.com website for complete details. Just click on the link provided here in the blog. You will find complete pricing details for group as well as individual games.
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Saban Talks Ole Miss & La-Monroe
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Alabama football players have their noses to the grindstone to get ready for Saturday's game with Louisiana-Monroe following last Saturday's loss at Bryant-Denny. Alabama head coach Nick Saban talked with reporters about both games.
Alabama had five turnovers in this past Saturday's contest. Saban said they're worked hard on that, and not just this week. He said they've addressed the issue ever since the end of last season and said, he's emphasized it "more than I ever have in 42 years or however long I've been coaching." One thing for certain, it will be hard to win most of the games on this season's schedule giving up the ball five times.
Saban was very complimentary of running back Derrick Henry, saying his has been "outstanding" through the three games played thus far. The 6' 3" Henry is the Tide's leading ground-gainer in these first three with 370 yards and seven touchdowns on 54 carries. Those seven touchdowns, incidentally, leads the nation. He added another 51 yards catching seven passes already this young season.
Saban also bragged on Tony Brown and his work on the special teams. Saban said, "I think he's a guy that takes great pride in the way he plays on special teams. It's his role on the team right now, and he has done probably the best job for three games of anybody in terms of his production, his performance. He's been very disruptive."
Turning to Louisiana-Monroe, Saban talked about the fact they had a "really good" offense scheme. He said there were things the team would have to adjust to since they do such a good job in their passing, especially the little flair passes and ability to block on the perimeter to help break the receivers loose.
Saban also said the team's focus has been good since last weekend's loss. He said they have worked hard the past two days getting ready for ULM.
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