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Associate Press Top 25
September 13, 2015
It seems like only yesterday there were 10 SEC teams in the A.P. Top-25 college football poll. Today there are only six. Alabama heads the SEC coming in at No. 2 nationally, followed by Georgia (7), LSU (13), Ole Miss (15), Texas A&M (17), Auburn (18) and Missouri (22).
Waiting in the wings are Mississippi State, Tennessee and Arkansas. All lost their games yesterday.
Here is a look at the latest Associated Press college football rankings.
1. Ohio State
2. Alabama
3. TCU
4. Michigan State
5. Baylor
6. USC
7. Georgia
8. Notre Dame
9. Florida State
10. UCLA
11. Clemson
12. Oregon
13. LSU
14. Georgia Tech
15. Ole Miss
16. Oklahoma
17. Texas A&M
18. Auburn
19. Brigham Young
20. Arizona
21. Utah
22. Missouri
23. Northwestern
24. Wisconsin
25. Oklahoma State
Other Schools Receiving Votes:
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2nd Ranked Crimson Tide
Handily Defeats MTSU 37-10
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide had won 16 consecutive home games. Now it's 17, the nation's longest winning streak. Bama (2) handily defeated the visiting Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders 37-10 yesterday evening despite a shaky start both offensively and defensively. In all Bama forced four turnovers in Bryant-Denny Stadium in front of a crowd of 98,568.
Alabama won the coin toss and elected to receive. Alabama senior quarterback Jake Coker looked somewhat nervous in the first offensive possession and the Tide was forced to punt after three-and-out.Things settled, somewhat, and on the next offensive possession Coker was able to hit Robert Foster on a 19-yard scoring strike to open the scoring. The 4-play, 32-yard drive was made possible when Marlon Humphrey was able to force a fumble that was recovered by fellow-teammate Geno Smith.
Late in the first quarter MTSU put together a drive with screen passes, runs, inside looks, sideline and more runs. It looked as though the Blue Raiders were firmly pounding their way to pay dirt and the Bama goal line, but a mishandled snap by the quarterback, bouncing it around, brought the Crimson Tide a fumble recovery via Jarran Reed. Two Bama penalties and no running or passing caused a JK Scott 37-yard punt, giving MTSU the ball on the Alabama 48.
The first quarter ended with Alabama leading 7-0 thanks to two MTSU fumbles, a missed MTSU field goal and a 19-yard Jake Coker to Robert Foster touchdown pass.
The second quarter began with MTSU marching. Passing and solid running again got them down the field and inside the Bama 5. Bama's defense stiffened and give up only 3 points on an MTSU 20-yard field goal. The lead shrank but was holding 7-3.
Alabama put together a nice scoring drive, but some of it came with help from MTSU. Coker hit O.J. Howard on a 42-yard strike giving Bama a first down. Derrick Henry got Bama their longest run of the day to that point with a 12-yard run to the MTSU 21 yard line after a Coker incomplete pass. It was then Henry for 6 yards, Henry for 3, and Henry for 1 and another first down bringing the ball to the 11. Coker's throw into coverage was broken up, a screen gained nothing, and then an incomplete pass to Mullaney drew a pass interference call on MTSU giving Bama a first down at the 4-yard line. Then Henry for another 2 yards, followed by still another 2 for pay dirt. It was a 10-play, 75 yard drive that knocked 3:46 off the clock and gave the Tide a 14-3 lead.
On the next MTSU drive, on a 3rd and 6, Bama's Cyrus Jones get his first interception of the year. It was the Crimson Tide's second of the young season. The Tide took over on the Bama 29. Then BOOM...a shovel pass to Drake goes for 68 yards to the Alabama 2-yard line. Then it was another hand-it-to-Henry for a 2-yard score, his second of the game. Score now 21-3 with 5:54 remaining in the first half.
The Blue Raiders are unable to gain any ground and were forced to punt. A penalty call at the end of the return gave Alabama the ball at their own 45-yard line. Immediately Coker threw the long ball and was intercepted, giving MTSU the ball right back on the 1-yard line with 4:40 remaining in the first half.
Cooper Bateman began warming up on the sidelines and the Bama defense shut down the Blue Raiders. Lining up for the punt Bama put their best guys on the rush...and a freshman, Ronnie Harrison, smacked down the punt and Bama scored 2 more on a safety. Bama's lead widened to 23-3 with 2:39 remaining in the half.
MTSU punted, and Bama's Richard Mullaney returned the ball to the Blue Raider 44-yard line. There was no change in quarterback as Jake Coker again trotted onto the field to begin a march toward another Tide score. Penalties plagued both teams on the drive causing the Tide to bring in kicker Adam Griffith, who again missed. This one a 24-yard chip shot.
The first half came to an end with Bama leading 23-3. It wouldn't be pleasant in the locker room, despite a 20-point lead.
Alabama led MTSU in the first half 253 total yards to 181. Passing stats went Bama's way, 214 to 129, but MTSU led the rushing yards over Bama 52 to 39. Total first downs were extremely close, with 12 for the Tide and 11 for the Blue Raiders. Bama's play-calling leaned heavily in favor of the pass. 26 were pass plays while only 13 were rushing plays, which tends to explain some of the reason Bama was lagging behind MTSU in rushing yardage. MTSU was 5 of 12 on third downs with Alabama 2 of 6. There were 3 MTSU turnovers in the first half and Alabama had the 1 interception.
"I don't think we're playing very well as an offense team, " Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in a short halftime interview. "We're not executing very well...we're not reading things and hitting people when they're open. We're not pass protecting very well. So, we're just not playing very well. I don't think that's all the quarterback's fault, but I think he (Coker) has got to do things better as well."
When asked if we'd see Cooper Bateman in the second half, Saban firmly nodded and said, Yes we will."
The second half opened with MTSU getting the ball, then immediately giving it up. Foster was injured on the play but was able to walk off the field on his own. He would return a short time later after having his shoulder iced down. Cooper Bateman then trotted onto the field for QB for the Tide, but was unable to move the ball from the MTSU 29-yard line. A few plays later Griffith once again missed a field goal.
Bama's defense again held, getting the ball back for the Tide's offense. Bateman collected his first career touchdown pass on a little shovel job to Kenyan Drake that went for a 14-yard touchdown. It was a four-play, 55-yard scoring drive that took only 1:26. Bama widened the lead to 30-3.
The Tide's next score came on an 11-play, 97-yard drive that ended when Derrick Henry ripped another big run through would-be tacklers, headed to the outside and bounded 28-yards for the score. Bama went up 37-3 where it remained through the end of three.
Both sides continued to stall over the next couple of possessions each. Alabama had many of the second-team in the game by this time, however. Then lightning struck...unfortunately. A Cooper Bateman pass was intercepted at the MTSU 2 and returned 80 yards, setting up another "gimme" score. The Tide secondary was caught out of position and a lone receiver in the endzone caught the pass with no one within 15 yards. MTSU closes it to 37-10. Saban shook his head. Expect more than that in the locker room, then again when going over film.
The game came to a close shortly after, with the final score Alabama 37, MTSU 10. That is now 17 consecutive home wins for the Crimson Tide, the longest streak in the country.
The second and third team showed some flashes for Bama before the game came to an end. Bama got the three quarterbacks into the game as they wanted, with the majority of work going to the first two as was the plan for the game. Comparisons were inevitable for Coker and Bateman so here are the numbers:
Coker was 15 of 26 passing for 214 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Bateman was 11 of 17 for 98 yards also with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. There were both positives and negatives concerning the two Bama QBs.
When asked about the second half immediately following the contest, Saban said, "Well you know, we did some things better but we didn't finish drives. So, disappointing really that this game was all about improving and playing better...and I'm not sure we improved in a lot of areas, but we'll go fix it and do what we have to do. It's good to win. We got to play a lot of players. Those are always good things."
Concerning the two quarterbacks, Saban said they "played okay." He then said they'd evaluate the film and do what was best for the team.
He did say at least the MTSU game would help concerning the upcoming contest with Ole Miss and being better prepared for the hurry-up and spread attack. He also let us know that today's performance wouldn't be good enough for Ole Miss.
Late in the first quarter MTSU put together a drive with screen passes, runs, inside looks, sideline and more runs. It looked as though the Blue Raiders were firmly pounding their way to pay dirt and the Bama goal line, but a mishandled snap by the quarterback, bouncing it around, brought the Crimson Tide a fumble recovery via Jarran Reed. Two Bama penalties and no running or passing caused a JK Scott 37-yard punt, giving MTSU the ball on the Alabama 48.
The first quarter ended with Alabama leading 7-0 thanks to two MTSU fumbles, a missed MTSU field goal and a 19-yard Jake Coker to Robert Foster touchdown pass.
The second quarter began with MTSU marching. Passing and solid running again got them down the field and inside the Bama 5. Bama's defense stiffened and give up only 3 points on an MTSU 20-yard field goal. The lead shrank but was holding 7-3.
Alabama put together a nice scoring drive, but some of it came with help from MTSU. Coker hit O.J. Howard on a 42-yard strike giving Bama a first down. Derrick Henry got Bama their longest run of the day to that point with a 12-yard run to the MTSU 21 yard line after a Coker incomplete pass. It was then Henry for 6 yards, Henry for 3, and Henry for 1 and another first down bringing the ball to the 11. Coker's throw into coverage was broken up, a screen gained nothing, and then an incomplete pass to Mullaney drew a pass interference call on MTSU giving Bama a first down at the 4-yard line. Then Henry for another 2 yards, followed by still another 2 for pay dirt. It was a 10-play, 75 yard drive that knocked 3:46 off the clock and gave the Tide a 14-3 lead.
On the next MTSU drive, on a 3rd and 6, Bama's Cyrus Jones get his first interception of the year. It was the Crimson Tide's second of the young season. The Tide took over on the Bama 29. Then BOOM...a shovel pass to Drake goes for 68 yards to the Alabama 2-yard line. Then it was another hand-it-to-Henry for a 2-yard score, his second of the game. Score now 21-3 with 5:54 remaining in the first half.
The Blue Raiders are unable to gain any ground and were forced to punt. A penalty call at the end of the return gave Alabama the ball at their own 45-yard line. Immediately Coker threw the long ball and was intercepted, giving MTSU the ball right back on the 1-yard line with 4:40 remaining in the first half.
Cooper Bateman began warming up on the sidelines and the Bama defense shut down the Blue Raiders. Lining up for the punt Bama put their best guys on the rush...and a freshman, Ronnie Harrison, smacked down the punt and Bama scored 2 more on a safety. Bama's lead widened to 23-3 with 2:39 remaining in the half.
MTSU punted, and Bama's Richard Mullaney returned the ball to the Blue Raider 44-yard line. There was no change in quarterback as Jake Coker again trotted onto the field to begin a march toward another Tide score. Penalties plagued both teams on the drive causing the Tide to bring in kicker Adam Griffith, who again missed. This one a 24-yard chip shot.
The first half came to an end with Bama leading 23-3. It wouldn't be pleasant in the locker room, despite a 20-point lead.
Alabama led MTSU in the first half 253 total yards to 181. Passing stats went Bama's way, 214 to 129, but MTSU led the rushing yards over Bama 52 to 39. Total first downs were extremely close, with 12 for the Tide and 11 for the Blue Raiders. Bama's play-calling leaned heavily in favor of the pass. 26 were pass plays while only 13 were rushing plays, which tends to explain some of the reason Bama was lagging behind MTSU in rushing yardage. MTSU was 5 of 12 on third downs with Alabama 2 of 6. There were 3 MTSU turnovers in the first half and Alabama had the 1 interception.
"I don't think we're playing very well as an offense team, " Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in a short halftime interview. "We're not executing very well...we're not reading things and hitting people when they're open. We're not pass protecting very well. So, we're just not playing very well. I don't think that's all the quarterback's fault, but I think he (Coker) has got to do things better as well."
When asked if we'd see Cooper Bateman in the second half, Saban firmly nodded and said, Yes we will."
The second half opened with MTSU getting the ball, then immediately giving it up. Foster was injured on the play but was able to walk off the field on his own. He would return a short time later after having his shoulder iced down. Cooper Bateman then trotted onto the field for QB for the Tide, but was unable to move the ball from the MTSU 29-yard line. A few plays later Griffith once again missed a field goal.
Bama's defense again held, getting the ball back for the Tide's offense. Bateman collected his first career touchdown pass on a little shovel job to Kenyan Drake that went for a 14-yard touchdown. It was a four-play, 55-yard scoring drive that took only 1:26. Bama widened the lead to 30-3.
The Tide's next score came on an 11-play, 97-yard drive that ended when Derrick Henry ripped another big run through would-be tacklers, headed to the outside and bounded 28-yards for the score. Bama went up 37-3 where it remained through the end of three.
Both sides continued to stall over the next couple of possessions each. Alabama had many of the second-team in the game by this time, however. Then lightning struck...unfortunately. A Cooper Bateman pass was intercepted at the MTSU 2 and returned 80 yards, setting up another "gimme" score. The Tide secondary was caught out of position and a lone receiver in the endzone caught the pass with no one within 15 yards. MTSU closes it to 37-10. Saban shook his head. Expect more than that in the locker room, then again when going over film.
The game came to a close shortly after, with the final score Alabama 37, MTSU 10. That is now 17 consecutive home wins for the Crimson Tide, the longest streak in the country.
The second and third team showed some flashes for Bama before the game came to an end. Bama got the three quarterbacks into the game as they wanted, with the majority of work going to the first two as was the plan for the game. Comparisons were inevitable for Coker and Bateman so here are the numbers:
Coker was 15 of 26 passing for 214 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Bateman was 11 of 17 for 98 yards also with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. There were both positives and negatives concerning the two Bama QBs.
When asked about the second half immediately following the contest, Saban said, "Well you know, we did some things better but we didn't finish drives. So, disappointing really that this game was all about improving and playing better...and I'm not sure we improved in a lot of areas, but we'll go fix it and do what we have to do. It's good to win. We got to play a lot of players. Those are always good things."
Concerning the two quarterbacks, Saban said they "played okay." He then said they'd evaluate the film and do what was best for the team.
He did say at least the MTSU game would help concerning the upcoming contest with Ole Miss and being better prepared for the hurry-up and spread attack. He also let us know that today's performance wouldn't be good enough for Ole Miss.
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
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Faith & Leadership
One Woman's Perspective
By Melissa Epling
Again, it was another day where I wasn't able to watch my beloved Crimson Tide. Only this time I missed the entire game. Terrible, I know. Unfortunately this is what happens living in ACC country & the game being on the SEC Network. Anyways...
What I'm hearing is a bit of a concern. Our QB situation is not good so far. I'm not saying none of them have talent or potential. I'm sure they do. Coach Saban wouldn't have them on the field if he didn't think so. I think what's lacking is faith & leadership. Faith from us fans that they can do it (we doubted Blake this time last year too & look how that turned out) as well as faith in themselves. Being the starting QB for a program like Alabama is huge! Anyone would be scared. That's a lot of pressure! Those are some big shoes to fill. But...eventually someone needs to step up & say "Hey. This is my team & I'm going to do everything I can to get us as far as possible this season." So far, it doesn't seem like anyone has stepped into that role & it feels like that may be part of what's missing.
Like I said, I only saw part of last weeks game & none of this one, but from what I read, it feels like no one has developed a real connection or rhythm with the team. I my humble opinion, I think that could be our downfall this year if it doesn't change soon.
Just my thoughts. I'm trying my best to give my opinion on what's going on but it's much harder now working most every Saturday. Til next time Bama Nation...
Roll Tide!!
What I'm hearing is a bit of a concern. Our QB situation is not good so far. I'm not saying none of them have talent or potential. I'm sure they do. Coach Saban wouldn't have them on the field if he didn't think so. I think what's lacking is faith & leadership. Faith from us fans that they can do it (we doubted Blake this time last year too & look how that turned out) as well as faith in themselves. Being the starting QB for a program like Alabama is huge! Anyone would be scared. That's a lot of pressure! Those are some big shoes to fill. But...eventually someone needs to step up & say "Hey. This is my team & I'm going to do everything I can to get us as far as possible this season." So far, it doesn't seem like anyone has stepped into that role & it feels like that may be part of what's missing.
Like I said, I only saw part of last weeks game & none of this one, but from what I read, it feels like no one has developed a real connection or rhythm with the team. I my humble opinion, I think that could be our downfall this year if it doesn't change soon.
Just my thoughts. I'm trying my best to give my opinion on what's going on but it's much harder now working most every Saturday. Til next time Bama Nation...
Roll Tide!!
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College GameDay Coming To Tuscaloosa
ESPN's College GameDay will feature University of Alabama football for the second time in only three weeks this coming Saturday in Tuscaloosa. The gang will be on hand for the Alabama-Ole Miss Game, with an air time of 8:00 a.m. CT.
ESPN was in Oxford last year when the Tide fell to the Rebels in the 23-17 upset.
The Crimson Tide is 21-12 when GameDay visits.
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Bama Volleyball Action
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The University of Alabama volleyball team (4-6) ended its weekend on a winning note when they downed the Virginia Cavaliers (5-2) this weekend at the Crimson White Tournament. The win involved two hard fought sets, falling in one, and picking up another to win 3-1.
The Crimson Tide was led into battle by Laura Steiner and Krystal Rivers. Steiner finished the night with .524 while Rivers came through at .500. The pair combined for 25 of the squad's 59 total kills. Virginia did, however, have the slight edge overall in hitting, .291 to .243.
Steiner and Natalie Murison were both named to the Crimson White All-Tournament Team for their excellent play this weekend.
Alabama concludes their preseason schedule next weekend in DeKalb, Illinois at the Huskie Invitational, which is hosted by Northern Illinois. Bama will play three matches. The first will be Friday, September 18th against Western Kentucky at 11:00 a.m. CT, followed by another match at scheduled for the same day at 7 p.m. against NIU. Then the Tide will play again on Saturday, September 19th against Northern Iowa at 1:30 p.m.
