Saban Is Not Concerned About Possible Coaching Vacancies; Daniell & Savva Collect 3 Wins At Roberta Alison Fall Classic; Kosgei Wins 2015 SEC Men's Cross Country Title; Tide Offers Jayvaughn Myers

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Saban Is Not Concerned About

Possible Coaching Vacancies

Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Rumors are still flying as to who will fill the major college coaching vacancies out there right now. And of course Alabama assistant coaches are in the mix. Reports of interest, as well as those of "not going anywhere" emerge, but truth is, no one knows until...they just do. Of course the three "biggest" coaching availabilities are South Carolina, Miami (Florida) and Southern Cal.

     Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has been linked to the opening at South Carolina. Then there's offensive line coach Mario Cristobal is associated with the Miami opening, considering he had played and previously coached there. Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin was up for a head coaching job last year but, of course, stayed...and is now thought to be sought-after for another head coaching position. 

     The Crimson Tide, and specially head coach Nick Saban, has been through periods of losing assistants to head coaching jobs, or other positions on other teams. Saban isn't worried that the wooing of his assistants will affect prep work for the upcoming LSU contest, or any other game for that matter.

     Saban said, "First of all, I think every guy that works here does a good job because he's motivated to try to get to the next opportunity. I think the quality of the character that we have in the coaches that we have here, they really do put the team first. They care about the players, and I don't think they would sacrifice doing a good job for their players or the program in terms of the pride they have in their performance because they were more focused on something else."

     Coach then spoke of one of his own situations. "I went through this when I went to Michigan State. We had four games left, maybe, with the Cleveland Browns. I took the job, but I totally focused on what we had to do. We had the best defense in the NFL. We won a playoff game, and lost in the second round. Jim McElwain, when he took the job at Colorado State, he came back and coached the national championship game and we won. I never questioned his focus or loyalty in terms of what his job was and what he was doing.

"I'm happy for our coaches to be recognized, and have opportunities. When the time comes, I'll do everything I can to help them and I think they all know that. But at the same time, their job and their responsibility right now is to stay focused on our team and what we're doing. I think they all understand that. How we finish will probably affect their opportunities a little bit."

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Women's Tennis

Daniell & Savva Collect 3 Wins

At Roberta Alison Fall Classic

Daniell & Savva

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     University of Alabama tennis players Andie Daniell and Joanna Nena Savva brought in three wins yesterday for the Crimson Tide at the 28th Roberta Alison Fall Classic. Daniell captured two of the wins, one against UAB and the other over Mississippi State. Savva brought in her win over Troy.

     Th action continues Sunday morning beginning at 8 a.m. CT at the Alabama Tennis Stadium, the Roberta Alison Baumgardner Tennis Facility and the Rec Center Courts.

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Kosgei Wins 2015 SEC 

Men's Cross Country Title

Antibahs Kosgei

Graphics/Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Congratulations of Alabama junior Antibahs Kosgei, the new "King of the Hill", who has taken the 2015 Southeastern Conference Men's Cross Country title. He completed the 8-kilometer race in 23:24.20 at the Dale Watts Cross Country Course in College Station, Texas yesterday morning. Kosegei has also earned the honor of SEC Athlete of the Year.

     Kosgei commented, "I'm so happy because I've been training for this race. I finished second in the Crimson Classic and I told coach I need to train harder to prepare for the SEC. Coach (Dan Waters) told me I have to win. So each week when there was a competition I would check the times of the runners in the conference. I knew I had some of the faster times. Coming into the SEC meet I knew I was faster than the other guys. I knew I was going to win this race."

     The Crimson Tide men finished ninth overall, with 203 points. The Alabama women had 143 points to place fourth in the women's competition.

     The NCAA South Regional Championships are up next. Bama will be the host, with the even taking place at the Harry Pritchett Running Park in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Friday, November 13th.

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Tide Offers Jayvaughn Myers

Jayvaughn Myers

Picture from Myers' Twitter Avi

     Alabama football has shown interest in, and offered, Florida commit Jayvaughn Myers. Myers is a four-star cornerback prospect out of Dade City, Florida and made the announcement on his Twitter account. Myers, 6' 1", 180-pounds, is the No. 23 cornerback and No. 258 overall prospect according to the 247Sports Composite.


-   -   -   -   -   -   -   -  Twitter Account   -   -   -   -   -   -   -

Jayvaughn myers ‏@jayvaughn_myers Oct 28

Blessed to receive a offer from the University of Alabama

Bye Week Football Practice Concludes; Basketball's Vulcan Classic Tickets Now On Sale; Soccer's Abby Lutzenkirchen Honored; 2016 Football Schedule Announced; Cross Country Championship Today; Women's Tennis Hosts Roberta Alison Fall Classic

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Bye Week Football Practice Concludes

Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Bye week football practice concluded yesterday afternoon for the University of Alabama. The team spent two hours working in full pads outdoors on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. Bama held only three practices this week, trying to give the young men a much needed rest from a grueling schedule that gets no easier beginning this next week. The coaches and team concentrated on fundamentals and techniques in all aspects of the game. Bama's first bye week of the season coincides with the University's fall break which will allow the kids a nice long weekend before reporting back to practice on Monday. Next Saturday the Crimson Tide faces the LSU Tigers and will be working all week on game plan preparations.

     Starting linebacker Reuben Foster, who missed Wednesday's practice, was back yesterday afternoon. However, starting right tackle Dominick Jackson and safety Ronnie Harrison were still not at practice yesterday. Both sprained their ankles in the Tennessee game this past Saturday.

     The Alabama-LSU matchup will be the 80th for the two teams, with Alabama leading the all-time series record with a 49-25-5 slate. The Tide is currently riding high on a four-game winning streak. That streak, incidentally, began with Alabama's 21-0 shellacking of the Tigers in the 2012 BCS National Championship.

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Alabama Basketball

Vulcan Classic Tickets Now On Sale

2015 Vulcan Classic

Logo Provided By RollTide.com

     The Alabama basketball team will return to Birmingham for the first time in four years when it hosts the Vulcan Classic, presented by BBVA Compass, on Monday, December 21st between the University of Albama Crimson Tide and the Oregon Ducks men's basketball teams. Tickets are now on sale for the game that will begin at 8 p.m.



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Crimson Tide Soccer

Abby Lutzenkirchen Honored

Abby Lutzenkirchen

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Abby Lutzenkirchen, senior captain of the Alabama soccer team, has been selected to the CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-District 4 First Team. The honor was announced yesterday by the organization.

     It should be noted that this is the first time in Alabama soccer history that a student-athlete has received first team COSIDA/Capital Academic All-District honors in two consecutive seasons. Quite a feat for Ms. Lutzenkirchen.

     Abby has a 3.96 grade point average and is currently a public relations major at UA. She has been named to the SEC's Academic Honor Roll three times, including being named to the 2012 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll as a freshman.

     She has been no slouch in the field either, having been one of the Tide's top contributors during her four-year career. Her time played is the most in program history, 6,623 career minutes thus far, and one game yet remains to be played. Lutzenkirchen has played in and started all 74 games during her four seasons in the soccer program, the ninth most starts in program history.

     Congratulations, Abby! 

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2016 Football Schedule Announced

     The Southeastern Conference released the 2016 football schedules yesterday for all 14 SEC teams.

Kentucky will be the rotating Eastern Division opponent for Alabama next year. Non-league teams on the schedule next season are Western Kentucky, Kent State and Chattanooga.

Here's the full 2016 Alabama football schedule:

~  Sept. 3: vs. USC in Arlington, Texas
~  Sept. 10: vs. Western Kentucky
~  Sept. 17: at Ole Miss
~  Sept. 24: vs. Kent State
~  Oct. 1: vs. Kentucky
~  Oct. 8: at Arkansas
~  Oct. 15: at Tennessee
~  Oct. 22: vs. Texas A&M
~  Oct: 29: open
~  Nov. 5: at LSU
~  Nov. 12: Mississippi State
~  Nov. 19: vs. Chattanooga
~  Nov. 26: vs. Auburn

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Cross Country Championship Today

Women's Cross Country

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The 2015 SEC Championship begins today in College Station, Texas for the men's and women's cross country teams. The University of Alabama teams will, of course, be there. The men will run an 8-kilometer race at 10 a.m. CT this morning, with the women's 6-kilometer race beginning an hour later, 11 a.m. CT. There will be 13 men's and 14 women's teams competing this year. 

 Men's Cross Country

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Women's Tennis

Tide Hosts Roberta Alison Fall Classic

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama women's tennis team welcomes 13 teams from across the country to the Alabama Tennis Stadium this weekend when they host the 28th Roberta Alison Fall Classic. The Crimson Tide hosts Chattanooga, DePaul, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Kansas, Kennesaw State, Mississippi State, Northwestern, Ole Miss, Samford, Troy, Tulane and UAB. All 14 teams will participate in the two-day event beginning this morning at 9 a.m. CT. The event includes two rounds of doubles and the final round of singles. Sunday is available should a rain day be needed.

Bye Week Practices Continue; Bama Soccer Closes Out Regular Season Tonight; Tide Baseball Closes Out Week 5 Practice; Bama Volleyball Falls To Missouri

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Bye Week Practices Continue

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Yesterday was next to last football practice for the Crimson Tide this week. Of course there will be plenty of practices next week to prepare for Bama's next foe, LSU. But head football coach Nick Saban had said during his press conference on Tuesday that it was important for the young men to rest after the grueling schedule they've been through. Saban is giving the team Friday, Saturday and Sunday off to rest and recuperate.

      The two-hour practice session yesterday was in full pads on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. The Tide focused on improving fundamentals, concentration, and overall technique. Practice continues this afternoon before taking a much deserved rest until Monday.

     Several Bama players were not present at practice yesterday, and those being inside linebacker Reuben Foster, Ronnie Harrison and Dominick Jackson. The only thing known at present concerning Foster is simply he wasn't there. Harrison is currently in a walking boot because of a sprained ankle. Saban has already said he should be fine by the end of the week. However, as mentioned before, Jackson's injury is more problematic and concern. Saban had already said he doesn't know whether or not Jackson will be available next week for the game with LSU.

     The good news is that safety Eddie Jackson practiced for the second straight day despite having suffered a sprained knee. He was, however, wearing a brace and sleeve on his right knee.

     The Crimson Tide will face the LSU Tigers on Saturday, November 7th at 7 p.m. CT. The game will be aired live on CBS with Vern Lundquist, Gary Danielson and Allie LaForce handles the broadcasting duties. This will be the fourth time Bama football has been broadcast on CBS, and the third week in a row. The  Tide leads the series 49-25-5. Currently Alabama has a four-tame win streak against LSU.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Bama Soccer Closes Out Regular Season Tonight

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The Alabama soccer team will play its final match of the regular season tonight when they face the Arkansas Razorbacks tonight in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tide owns the series 12-6-3, and holds an impressive 6-1 lead when playing in Fayetteville. This is the largest win margin for Bama against all SEC foes. In fact, the Tide hasn't won a dozen games against any other SEC team.

      The Crimson Tide has struggled on the road this season having only won a single match. Bama hopes to end the season on a winning note, doubling their win production for away games. The only away game the Tide has won came against the Georgia Bulldogs on October 16th.

       Unfortunately tonight's game is one of pride only. The Tide was knocked out of the SEC Tournament in Orange Beach, Alabama with the 2-1 loss to Mississippi State this past Sunday. 

       Tonight will be the final match for seniors Abby Lutzenkirchen, Emily Rusk and Kaylee Semelsberger.

       Tonight's match is at 7 p.m. CT and will be available on SEC Network+.

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Tide Baseball Closes Out Week 5 Practice

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Week five of practice draws to a close this afternoon for the Crimson Tide baseball team.  Because of the weather the team has had to practice indoors, and is hoping to get outside today. 

     What the team was looking to accomplish this week has been hampered by inclement weather, though practices have been held. The team will take off Thursday through Saturday for the fall break holiday. Bama will then come back for the final two weeks of practice, culminating in the Crimson and Gray World Series.

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Bama Volleyball Falls To Missouri

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama volleyball team had a 2-1 match lead over Missouri last night only to see it slip away in Columbia and fall 3-2. The Tigers battled back in sets four and five to snatch the victory from the Crimson Tide.

      As good as Alabama (10-13, 4-5 SEC) was in the lengthy opening set, scoring 35, they were hamstrung in the second as they fell 25-20. Bama came bounding back in the third to win, 27-26 but that was the end of the wins for the Tide last night. Missouri took set four 25-19 and also set five 15-10 to take the match. This was Bama volleyball's first loss when featured on the SEC Network.

      The Crimson Tide takes to the road again, travelling to Fayetteville, Arkansas to take on the Razorbacks (13-5, 3-3 SEC) this Sunday, November 1st at 2 p.m. CT. This match will also be broadcast over the SEC Network.

Tide Tipoff Was Noisy And Fun; Saban Press Conference; Injury Update; Good Time To Say Bye; Missouri Volleyball Hosts Crimson Tide Tonight

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Men's & Women's Basketball

Tide Tipoff Was Noisy And Fun

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Nearly 7,500 fans packed Coleman Coliseum last night for the Tide Tipoff hosted by the Alabama men's and women's basketball teams.  Men's head basketball coach Avery Johnson and women's basketball coach Kristy Curry spoke to the crowd, welcomed the fans and officially welcomed in the 2015-16 Alabama Basketball season.

     It was a night of fun, games, excitement and a concert. The event featured a three-point contest, a slam dunk competition and a performance by hip hop artist Rae Sremmurd.

     Coach Johnson said, "Tonight was a celebration of our men's and women's basketball teams, our students, administration, season ticket holders and folks who work here in Coleman Coliseum that get the courts ready and chairs down. We had Coach (Nick) Saban coming on the video. You saw all of us pulling in the same direction, as we are all about Roll Tide. We want to see both the men's and women's basketball teams get to the elite level. So, if this is a snapshot of what we are going to see during the season, we are asking all of our fans to show up. Show up for our doubleheader on November 13, where hopefully you will see both of our teams put on a great show. We need the community's help, and we need your support."

     Coach Curry commented, "First of all, just thank you to every person that was in the building tonight and for the incredible amount of support from the staff that played a huge part in making this happen and all their energy and effort; from the event staff, to promotions and marketing, to our staff, our director of operations Colton (Houston) and Grant (Fausset) were phenomenal. Just for Coach Avery and his staff for embracing us and giving us an opportunity to make sure that we can put both of our programs on a platform to be successful. It means so much from the bottom of my heart. I am so fired up, eager and excited about the future of both programs. Thank you to everyone for being here tonight, our team thoroughly enjoyed it, and we are all excited about both seasons ahead."

     The excitement was evident from the very beginning, from the fans to the players and right on up to the coaches. The noise level inside Coleman Coliseum was just what they were hoping for: loud throughout the event. The evening began with introductions, then head football coach Nick Saban had prepared a special video message which was played to the crowd. A light scrimmage by both teams was held following team introductions. After that a three-point competition was held. 

      A dunk competition closed out the evenings on-court activities, which included celebrity judges such as heavyweight boxing champion and Tuscaloosa native Deontay Wilder, weatherman James Spann from ABC 33/40, Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland, NCAA Golf champion Emma Talley, Crimson Chaos President James Brewer and Alabama mascot Big Al.

      Finally the fun-filled night came to a close with a 30-minute performance by hip hop artist Rae Sremmurd.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Saban Press Conference

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Alabama head football coach Nick Saban met with the press on Tuesday rather than his usual Monday due to the Crimson Tide's bye week. He spoke about the Tennessee game, injuries and the upcoming clash with the LSU Tigers a week from this Saturday.

     Saban kicked things off speaking of the Tennessee game from this past Saturday, which the Tide won 19-14. He said the game was "a little bit of a survival game." He had mentioned it after the game on Saturday night, but again mentioned that Bama was mentally and physically tired. 

      The coach pointed out that there were more missed tackles and a few missed turnover opportunities than normal. This would reflect some of that mental and physical tiredness of which he spoke. Saban did say, however, if the team didn't have "the juice" in the game, then it was his fault.

      Saban mentioned Eddie Jackson is practicing some though injured in last Saturday's game. Ronnie Harrison would be in a boot for a few days but should be okay. It's not clear whether Dominick Jackson will be able to play in the contest with LSU due to a sprained ankle. (See accompanying story.)

     Third down has been an issue with the football team this year. Numerous times in past games the passes have been too short, or the receivers didn't run routes past the the first down marker meaning that they had to punt the ball away. Saban said that the third down situation was better for them against Tennessee.

      The focus this week is to get more players to play at their best. Inconsistency has sometimes been a problem, and comes when you're not playing at a high level all the time. The effort and level of play can help that problem.

       The coach said that the effort put forth in yesterday's practice was strong. 

   
        Saban said the coaching staff does quality control assessments during the bye week. He said that everything is examined.

         Bye week practices are handled a little differently now than they were in past years. Saban said there used to be more practices in bye weeks, but now they feel that rest is more important. There was no practice on Monday, and the players will get Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off this week.

         Addressing the numerous tackles for loss, especially in last week's contest with Tennessee, Saban said that those tackles for loss are the result of mental errors, communication and missed assignments.

          Some of the Alabama assistant coaches have been mentioned for some of the head coaching vacancies that have come up recently. Saban said there hasn't been any issues with coaches being distracted by other opportunities. 

     Alabama will face LSU a week from this Saturday. The game is a night game, with a scheduled game time of 7 p.m. CT.

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Injury Update

     Alabama football saw three players go down with injuries in the past Saturday's victory over Tennessee. During his press conference, Alabama head coach Nick Saban gave a progress report concerning the health of right tackle Dominick Jackson, safety Eddie Jackson and safety/dime back Ronnie Harrison.

     Harrison is currently in a walking boot, according to Saban, with a sprained ankle. Coach did say, however, that Harrision should be fine and back at it by the end of this week.

     Eddie Jackson suffered a sprained knee during the contest with Tennessee but was later able to return to the game. He was on the practice field yesterday and did practice some. Saban said, "We think he'll get better every day and probably be back in a day or two."

     The situation with Dominick Jackson could be a bit more problematic, according to Saban. At this point he appears to be uncertain as to whether he'll be able to play in next week's contest with LSU.  According to Saban, D Jackson has suffered a high ankle sprain.

     Saban commented, "I don't know if Dominick will be able to play or not. That's going to be day-by-day, probably after about a week's rest, to see how he responds."



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Good Time To Say Bye

     It's a great time for a bye week.

     The University of Alabama football team found a way to Saturday, beating the rival Tennessee Volunteers 19-14 this past Saturday despite their fatigue.  Oh, Tennessee is a better football team than many gave credit. Perhaps there was even a little "playing above their heads" going on, but they have a good team none-the-less, despite their wins and losses. 

      Once again some of the Twitter "experts" were calling plays and/or sending "messages to Kiffin" signed by the Alabama fans, and sometimes Saban. Takes a lot not to respond the way I'd like to when those are tweeted.  A few, in particular, were screaming in the first half for offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to run the ball, quit passing, stop the play-action, etc. They just wanted the ball up the middle since we have two capable backs.

      Of course, many of the same ones tweeting NOT to pass in the first half were then screaming FOR the pass the second half. Ironic that the first half passes were needed to help open some running lanes, as well have the quarterback and receivers loosened up and ready for that very thing in the second half.  Oh well, just glad that we have some that can step in when a new OC is needed when Kiffin moves on.

      The Alabama offense is showing improvement. As I mentioned before, as has Coach Saban, we need a little better pass protection to keep Coker off his butt quite so much. But overall, the young men on offense are taking steps to improvement.

      Of course next week will indeed be a test. The Tide and the Bengal Tigers face off in what is usually a fairly close game. But our offense has had its moments some over the years with LSU.

      One thing I know. Our coaches and players want to win these football games more than the fans want them won. Seriously. We're fans. They are all fans AND participants. No one enjoys walking off that field having lost, and especially, giving away the game. Remember that in all your criticism.

       The game film, practice sessions, injuries, the mood for the week...we aren't privy to all that. Not nearly all of it. So I'm just going to keep counting on and trusting the coaches and players to come up with the best way to defeat that particular week's opponent. And the next one is LSU. I'm sure the coaching staff didn't take much more than last Saturday night off after with win over Tennessee.

       Thanks again, coaches and players. Roll Tide!

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Missouri Volleyball Hosts Crimson Tide Tonight

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The Alabama Crimson Tide volleyball team (10-12; 4-4 SEC) meets the Missouri Tigers (18-3; 6-2) tonight at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, Missouri. 

      The Lady Tide fell in three last weekend to the Kentucky Wildcats, but came back to defeat Georgia on Sunday in a sweep. 

       Tonight's contest will air on the SEC Network beginning at 7 p.m. CT. Tiffany Greene and Maria Taylor will be making the call.

8 Tide Footballers Recognized By Coaches; Alabama-LSU Kickoff Scheduled For 7 P.M. CT; JK Scott SEC Special Teams Player Of The Week; Jackson Named Thorpe Semi-Finalist; Tide Tipoff Tonight; 13th Annual Halloween Extravaganza Big Hit

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8 Tide Footballers Recognized By Coaches

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama football coaching staff has recognized eight players for their performances in Saturday's 19-14 win over Tennessee. For the offense the honorees are Ryan Kelly, Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart. Defensively Ryan Anderson, Reggie Ragland and Jarran Reed were highlighted, and for the special teams it was JK Scott and Adam Griffith being recognized.

     Center Ryan Kelly returned to his starting position after missing the second half of last week's contest with Texas A&M due to a concussion. Ridley has continued his improvement over the weeks with six receptions for 62 yards, four of which were for touchdowns against the Vols. During his first eight games with the Tide, Ridley has led in receiving with 44 catches for 499 yards this season. Steward led in receiving yards against Tennessee with six catches good for 111 yards, five of which were good for first downs

     Reed has been honored several times this season, with a great showing with five tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. Reggie Ragland now leads the team in tackles for three consecutive games, tying his season-high with 12. This now makes seven times in eight games he has the the Tide in tackles, and the 10th time overall in his career. He also recorded one tackle for a loss against the Vols.Reed has also been honored numerous times this season, and had five total tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. Anderson was the one who sacked Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs to force the fumble that gave the Tide the ball back at the end of the game to enable them to run out the clock. He had three tackles, one tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry.

     Scott had a great night of punting, with four punts averaging 49.8 yards, including a booming 56-yarder. He put two of the punts inside the 20 yard line. He was also awarded the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week by the SEC office for his game against the Vols. Adam Griffith connected on both of his field goal attempts this past Saturday as well as added an extra point on the afternoon. He averaged 64.6 yards on five kickoffs as well as four touchbacks.  

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Alabama-LSU Kickoff At 7 P.M. CT

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The Alabama-LSU football game has been scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, November 7th. The 7th-ranked Crimson Tide will host the 4th-ranked in a nationally-televised game to be aired by CBS.

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JK Scott SEC Special Teams Player Of The Week

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The Southeastern Conference office yesterday announced Alabama sophomore punter JK Scott as the Southeastern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week following his game against the Tennessee Volunteers.

      Scott kicked four punts this past Saturday for 199 total yards in Bama's win over the Vols. He averaged 49.8 yards per kick. Two of Scott's punts flew for 55 yards, as well as twice pinning Tennessee inside their own 10-yard line.

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Jackson Named Thorpe Semi-Finalist

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     He's been playing "lights-out" for the Crimson Tide, and junior safety Eddie Jackson has been named to the list of 16 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award. The announcement came yesterday by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The award is presented annually to the nation's best defensive back.

      Thus far Jackson has been impressive for Bama, with five interceptions and 230 return yards. That includes two interceptions returned for scores in eight starts. He also has 27 tackles, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery on the season. He already has the single season high for interception yards for both UA, and ranks first nationally. His five interceptions are tied for the third-most in the NCAA. 

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Alabama Basketball

Tide Tipoff Tonight

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

   Tonight is the night that the University of Alabama men's and women's basketball teams both welcome in the 2015-16 season as well as university students/fans of the Crimson Tide, season ticket holders of all sports as well as Alabama faculty and staff. Tonight both teams host the Tide Tipoff at Coleman Coliseum beginning at 6 p.m. CT with a 45-minute autograph session with student-athletes and coaches on the concourse of the coliseum. 

    The teams will then participate in a variety of on-court activities beginning at 7 p.m. CT, according to RollTide.com. These include team introductions for both squads, a skills competition and a three-point shootout. In addition a pair of new contests have been added this year. A dunk contest has been arranged featuring celebrity judges, as well as a half-court shot for some lucky/skilled fan to win a prize.

     There is no charge for the event for university students, as well as season ticket holders for men's and women's basketball, football, volleyball, gymnastics, baseball and softball. Also included in this group is the faculty and staff of the university.

      Seating for tonight's event is on a first come, first serve basis with general admission seating. All university students will have their first opportunity to sit in the newly designated student section, along with special seating on the floor for this event.

       Parking for the event is also on a first come, first serve basis. 

               
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13th Annual Halloween Extravaganza Big Hit

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     It was a great night at the University of Alabama Indoor Football Facility last night. And there was a record crowd present. There was excitement, and fun, and smiling faces. It was the Alabama Athletic Department's 13th annual Halloween Extravaganza.

     Students from all of the Alabama Crimson Tide teams were present for the big event, along with more than 1,000 members of the Tuscaloosa community in a variety of costumes, according to RollTide.com. Each team from the university hosted its own activity and provided fun and excitement for their young fans.

Crimson Tide Football 7th In Amway Coaches Poll; Alabama Ranked 7th In A.P. Poll; Tide Softball Finishes Fall Season 7-1; Bama Volleyball Beats Georgia 3-0

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Amway Coaches Poll

Week 9

     University of Alabama football has moved up to no. 9 in the lastest Amway Coaches Poll.  There are five Southeastern Conference teams in this week's poll.

1. Ohio State (49)
2. Baylor (10)
3. TCU (2)
4. LSU (1)
5. Michigan State
6. Clemson (1)
7. Alabama Crimson Tide
8. Stanford
9. Notre Dame
10. Oklahoma State
11. Iowa
12. Florida
13. Oklahoma
14. Utah
15. Florida State
16. Memphis
17. Michigan
18. Duke
19. Houston
20. Toledo
21. Ole Miss
22. Temple
23. Georgia 9-14
24. Pitt
25. UCLA

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Tide Receives One 1st-Place Vote

Alabama Ranked 7th In A.P. Top-25

     The Alabama Crimson Tide moved up one slot, from 8th to 7th, in this week's Associated Press College Football poll. Alabama aslo recieved its first 1st-place vote since losing to the Ole Miss Rebels a few weeks ago. 

     There are five Southeastern Conference schools among this week's elite, with LSU ranked the highest at 4th. They are followed by Alabama (7), Florida (11), Ole Miss (19) and Mississippi State at 25th.

     Here are the current Top-25 college football teams as determined by the Associated Press:

1    Ohio State

2    Baylor    

3    Clemson

4    LSU

5    TCU

6    Michigan State

7    ALABAMA

8    Stanford

9    Notre Dame

10  Iowa

11  Florida

12  Oklahoma State

13  Utah

14  Oklahoma

15  Michigan

16  Memphis

17  Florida State

18  Houston

19  Ole Miss

20  Toledo

21  Temple

22  Duke

23  Pittsburg

24  UCLA

25  Mississippi State

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Tide Softball Finishes Fall Season 7-1

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama softball team ended the fall season with a sweep of Shorter University this weekend. The Crimson Tide took the first game 6-1, then won game two yesterday afternoon 8-6 at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

     Alabama head softball coach Patrick Murphy said, "We had great support from our fans over the past three weekends and today might be one of our biggest crowds ever for fall ball. Sydney Littlejohn did a good job today in both games. She pitched a really good one in the first game and then kept us in the game during the second."

     The Crimson Tide went 7-1 overall during the fall season.

     Murphy commented, "I thought that we grew a lot from the first double header at Middle Tennessee today. We still have a long way to go. I would rather have things to work on than be perfect right now. We are far, far from perfect. So, we have about three weeks left of weights, individuals and some conditioning. I think that they have a lot of potential."

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Bama Volleyball Beats Georgia 3-0

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Sunday afternoon brought a big win at home for the Alabama volleyball team. The Lady Tide beat the Georgia Bulldogs 3-0.

     Bama was pretty much in control of the match throughout. The Tide (10-12, 4-4 SEC) won the first one over Georgia (5-15, 0-8 SEC) by a score of 25-18, with the second match a Bama win at 25-17. Bama also took the third one 25-15.

     Alabama travels to Missouri for a contest this Wednesday at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

Saban: It Wasn't A Pretty Game For Us; Alabama Moves Up To No. 7 In A.P. Poll; 8th-Ranked Tide Defeats Vols 19-14; Members Of Men's Tennis Record 4 Wins; Women's Golf Tied For 3rd; A Win Is A Win Is A Win

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Saban: It Wasn't A Pretty Game For Us

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Alabama head football coach Nick Saban had barely finished the traditional handshake with Vols coach Butch Jones when Allie LaForce of CBS Sports pulled him aside and asked Saban what he was most impressed by in last night's game. Saban wasted no time in replying, "Just the way the guys competed in the game, because it wasn't a pretty game for us. It wasn't one of our best games...but when we needed to make plays, guys made plays. I guess that's what it's all about. It shows a lot of competitive character. This is great for our fans and I'm really happy for our team."

     LaForce then asked Saban about Alabama quarterback Jake Coker, and the coaches thoughts of Coker concerning Bama's final scoring drive. "Hitting those fades, " Saban said. "Man. They were great catches but they were great throws."
    Concerning the play of Tennessee, Saban said, "They were playing us man to man, loading the box, and did a great job."

     Of course once the guys made the locker room, and the coach finished his comments, out came the stogies. The air was thick with the smoke of the "Third Saturday in October" celebratory cigars. And out in the stands, the fans, too, were lighting up. Yes, it's against NCAA rules, but Alabama accepts that violation in order to keep up the long-standing tradition of cigar-smoking following the victory over the Tennessee Volunteers.

     The Crimson Tide defeated the Volunteers for the 9th consecutive year last night. A great run.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Tide Receives One 1st-Place Vote

Alabama Ranked 7th In A.P. Top-25

     The Alabama Crimson Tide moved up one slot, from 8th to 7th, in this week's Associated Press College Football poll. Alabama aslo recieved its first 1st-place vote since losing to the Ole Miss Rebels a few weeks ago. 

     There are five Southeastern Conference schools among this week's elite, with LSU ranked the highest at 4th. They are followed by Alabama (7), Florida (11), Ole Miss (19) and Mississippi State at 25th.

     Here are the current Top-25 college football teams as determined by the Associated Press:

1    Ohio State

2    Baylor    

3    Clemson

4    LSU

5    TCU

6    Michigan State

7    ALABAMA

8    Stanford

9    Notre Dame

10  Iowa

11  Florida

12  Oklahoma State

13  Utah

14  Oklahoma

15  Michigan

16  Memphis

17  Florida State

18  Houston

19  Ole Miss

20  Toledo

21  Temple

22  Duke

23  Pittsburg

24  UCLA

25  Mississippi State

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8th-Ranked Tide Defeats Vols 19-14

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Alabama head football coach Nick Saban said it wasn't a pretty game. And that's true. But when it counted, and with their backs against the wall, the 8th-ranked Crimson Tide came from behind to beat the Tennessee Volunteers 19-14 yesterday afternoon in front of a capacity crowd of 101,821 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The win improved Alabama to 7-1 overall, 4-1 in the SEC, while Tennessee fell to 3-3 overall, 1-2 in the SEC.

     Tide quarterback Jake Coker engineered a brilliant come-from-behind touchdown drive following a Jalen Hurd 12-yard touchdown run to give Tennessee a 14-13 lead with only 5:49 remaining in the game.  Coker completed tosses of 29 yards to wide receiver ArDarius Stewart, and one of 15 yards to wide receiver Calvin Ridley before the running of Derrick Henry produced 35 yards on five carries, including the 14-yard run to score with just 2:24 remaining in the game.

     Henry had 143 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns. Steward caught six passes for 114 yards, while Coker racked up 247 yards completing 21 of 27 passes. Leading the defense was linebacker Reggie Ragland with a game-high 12 tackles, eight of which were solo.

     Saban said that not only were there great catches, especially on that last scoring drive, but "(there) were great throws." He was complementary of Coker, say, "He did a great job today."  Concerning the play of Tennessee, the Bama big man said, "They were playing us man-to-man...loading the box...and did a great job."

      Coach Saban was disappointed in the energy level coming from the Tide on the field yesterday afternooon, saying there wasn't a lot of it.

       It may not, indeed, have been pretty, but Saban said concerning the the win, " I don't like to lose so I like to win however we win."

      Alabama gets a bye-week to try to heal up and rest a big from a grueling schedule, one most pundits say is the toughest in the country.  Saban said this bye week "will be very welcomed for us." He they needed to get some people healed up after a bruising afternoon yesterday.

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Members Of Men's Tennis Record 4 Wins

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

    Yesterday was a day of wins for members of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's tennis team. Members of the team brought home four more wins yesterday at the SEC Fall Tournament at the Yarbrough Tennis Center in Auburn, Alabama.

     Junior Hayes Brewer and redshirt freshman Langford Hills advanced to the finals yesterday of the consolation draw by defeating Tennessee in a doubles match. Brewer and Hills will face off today against Tennessee freshmen Jack Heslin and Marshall Sullivan in the finals.

     Sophomore Sam Edwards and freshman Spencer Richey won their first match but later fell in the second. 

     Match play resumes this morning at 9 a.m. CT with the doubles matches. Singles matches will begin following completion of the doubles. 

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Women's Golf Tied For 3rd

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama women's golf team is currently tied with Notre Dame for third place in the second round of The Landfall Tradition being held on the Pete Dye Course at the Country Club of Landfall in Wilmington, North Carolina. Bama sports a 9-over (585) heading into the final round of play. Bama has 15 birdies thus far in the tournament.

     Duke currently leads the tourney, after carding a 4-under 284 in the second round. The Blue Devils have a 10-stroke lead (-5, 571) over Oklahoma State in the number two slot with a +5, 581. Four shots back are Alabama and Notre Dame.

     Today's final round tees off at 7:45 a.m. CT. The Crimson Tide is paired with the Duke Blue Devils and the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

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Alabama 19   Tennessee 14

A Win Is A Win Is A Win

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     At halftime during the contest between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers yesterday, Alabama head football coach Nick Saban said, "We're not playing very well. We got a couple of stops, but we've got to play better. We're just not playing very well. We don't have the kind of intensity and energy we need, and we're losing our poise on things, getting penalties, giving up field position. It's not really playing to our kind of character."

     Things actually got a little worse before they got better.

      The Alabama Crimson Tide football team came through when they had too, though. With only 5:39 remaining in the contest, lightning struck as Tennessee put together a four-play, 75 yard scoring drive in only 79 seconds to snatch the lead 14-13. Bama had allowed the Volunteers to hang with them all night, and now it was do or die. The season was hanging on a much-needed scoring drive if only the offensive line could keep the rush off  Tide quarterback Jake Coker.

     The Tennessee football team was now enjoying the first lead on the Tide since 2006, which was also the last time the Volunteers beat Alabama. The clock was ticking as Bama began their march to victory.

     This would be a 71-yard scoring drive. Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker hit a 29-yard pass to wide receiver ArDarius Stewart, then a 15-yarder to Calvin Ridley, before allowing the man who has scored touchdowns in 13 consecutive games carry the pigskin home. Running back Derrick Henry carried the ball for 35 yards on five carries on that final scoring drive to put it all on his big shoulders, including the 14-yard run to the end zone with 2:24 remaining in the game. The two point conversion was no good, but Bama now had the lead 19-14.

     Henry rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns Saturday. Steward had six receptions for 114 yards, and Jacob Coker passed for 247 yards on 21 of 27 attempts with one interception.

     On the defensive side of the ball linebacker Reggie Ragland had a game-high 12 tackles, eight of which were solo, to lead the Tide in that category. Punter J.K. Scott had an average of 49.8 yards in punts, including his longest of 56 yards for the afternoon.

     The Alabama defense rose to the occasion to secure the victory yesterday afternoon. Junior linebacker Ryan Anderson was able to get to Vol quarterback Josh Dobbs to cause a fumble, which was promptly scooped up by defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson. He was able to return the ball to the Tennessee four-yard line before several Vol players were able to take him down.

     Jake Coker then took a knee on three consecutive plays to run out the clock and secure the 19-14 victory. Alabama moves to 7-1 overall, 4-1 in the Southeastern Conference while Tennessee falls to 3-3, 1-2. 

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Crimson Tide Comes Back In The 4th To Defeat Tennessee 19-14

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Alabama 19   Tennessee 14

A Win Is A Win Is A Win

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     At halftime during the contest between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers today, Alabama head football coach Nick Saban said, "We're not playing very well. We got a couple of stops, but we've got to play better. We're just not playing very well. We don't have the kind of intensity and energy we need, and we're losing our poise on things, getting penalties, giving up field position. It's not really playing to our kind of character."

     Things actually got a little worse before they got better.

      The Alabama Crimson Tide football team came through when they had too, though. With only 5:39 remaining in the contest, lightning struck as Tennessee put together a four-play, 75 yard scoring drive in only 79 seconds to snatch the lead 14-13. Bama had let the Volunteers stay with them all night, and now it was do or die, the season hung on a scoring drive if only the offensive line could keep the rush off Jake Coker.

     Tennessee now had the first lead on the Tide since 2006, which was also the last time the Volunteers beat Alabama. The clock was ticking as Bama began their march to victory.

     This would be a 71-yard scoring drive. Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker hit a 29-yard pass to wide receiver ArDarius Stewart, then a 15-yarder to Calvin Ridley, before allowing the man who has scored touchdowns in 13 consecutive games carry the pigskin home. Running back Derrick Henry carried the ball for 35 yards on five carries on that final scoring drive to put it all on his big shoulders, including the 14-yard run to the end zone with 2:24 remaining in the game. The two point conversion was no good, but Bama now had the lead 19-14.

     Henry rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns tonight. Steward had six receptions for 114 yards, and Jacob Coker passed for 247 yards on 21 of 27 attempts with one interception.

     On the defensive side of the ball linebacker Reggie Ragland had a game-high 12 tackles, eight of which were solo, to lead the Tide in that category. Punter J.K. Scott had an average of 49.8 yards in punts, including his longest of 56 yards for the afternoon.

     The Alabama defense rose to the occasion to secure the victory this afternoon. Junior linebacker Ryan Anderson was able to get to Vol quarterback Josh Dobbs and cause a fumble, which was promptly scooped up by defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson who returned the ball to the Tennessee four-yard line. 

     Jake Coker then took a knee on three consecutive plays to run out the clock and secure the 19-14 victory. Alabama moves to 7-1 overall, 4-1 in the Southeastern Conference while Tennessee falls to 3-3, 1-2. 

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

~More To Come~

History Of Tide & Vols; Gymnastics Team Added To Champions Plaza; Softball Concludes Fall Schedule Sunday; Alabama Soccer Falls To Missouri

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History Of Tide & Vols

    It had been traditionally known as "The Third Saturday in October." Today the game between Alabama and Tennessee is still known as a rivalry game, although one that has seemingly lost some of its significance since the Southeastern Conference was split into Eastern and Western divisions back in 1992. Between 1995 and 2014, the game has only been scheduled on the third Saturday in October six times. The Crimson Tide leads the storied series 52-37-8 on the field, but officially 51-38-7.

    The first game was played in Birmingham, Alabama back in 1901 and ended in a 6-6 tie. Alabama dominated the series between 1902-1913 only losing to Tennessee once, and never allowed a Vol touchdown. It was 1928 that the game was first played on the "traditional 3rd Saturday" date.

     Alabama held an 11-game winning streak between 1971-1981, and a 9-game streak between 1986-1994. Tennessee then responded with a seven-game streak of its own from 1995-2001. The Crimson Tide is currently riding an eight-game win streak, with six of the last eight being blowouts.

     Alabama hosts Tennessee in Bryant-Denny Stadium today at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast live by CBS.


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Gymnastics Team Added To Champions Plaza

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

    Yesterday marked the Alabama Crimson Tide's second Celebration of Champions as the 2015 Southeastern Conference Champion Alabama gymnastics team was officially added to the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza yesterday afternoon on the UA Campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

     The ceremony featured Eli Gold as master of ceremonies. Also present were UA President Stuart Bell, Director of Athletics Bill Battle, former Alabama gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson, as well as the current head gymnastics coach  Dana Duckworth. And of course the 2015 Alabama gymnastics team was present.

      Also honored during the ceremony were six individual NCAA champions from last year, which included women's track and field athletes Remona Burchell and Quanesha Burks, swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, women's tennis duo Maya Jansen and Erin Routliffe, and women's golfer Emma Talley.

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Softball Concludes Fall Schedule Sunday

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

    The University of Alabama softball team rounds out its fall schedule tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. CT at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa hosting Shorter College in a doubleheader.

     Admission for the two games is only $5 and cash only. All proceeds will benefit the Bama Walk-Off Club. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the club at the stadium on Sunday.

     The Crimson Tide will also be collecting canned goods for the Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger campaign. These canned goods will be donated to the West Alabama Food Bank.

      There will be a large contingent of former Alabama softball players at the game to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of Crimson Tide softball. The visiting former team members will be recognized during the starting lineup introductions.

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Alabama Soccer Falls To Missouri

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     It was another heart-breaking overtime loss for the Alabama soccer team last night as the Bama ladies fell 2-1 in overtime to the Missouri Tigers at the Alabama Soccer Complex. The winning goal came at 21 seconds into the overtime period. The loss puts the Tide at 5-10-2 overall, and 2-7 in SEC play on the year.

     Alabama head soccer coach Wes Hart said, "I told the girls I was disappointed for them and not in them. I thought we did a great job fighting our way back in the game. Missouri is a good team who is sitting right at or near the top of the league, so for us to be able to battle and compete with them shows we are close. It wasn't the prettiest of soccer, but we found a way to make the game competitive and I was proud of the effort."

      Missouri (8-4, 6-2-1) had a 21-11 shot advantage for the match. That included an 8-3 lead in shots on goal.

      Alabama hosts Mississippi State at 2 p.m. CT Sunday afternoon in the final regular season home game. The match will be aired live by the SEC Network.