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Saban's Wednesday Press Conference
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Alabama head coach Nick Saban held his second press conference of the week yesterday, addressing injuries and the upcoming game with the Tennessee Volunteers. He also expressed his condolences to the family of Altee Tenpenny, a former running back at Alabama who passed this week as the result of an automobile accident. He said that he had spoken with his mother yesterday.
Saban spoke of the challenges of the game of football, and that he, his staff and players are never satisfied with where they are. Moving forward and improvement are key.
When talking about this Saturday's game with Tennessee Saban admitted that there is a difference between week-to-week contests and a true rivalry game. He said that rivalry games are always different because of the "extra energy in the air."
Center Ryan Kelly was brought up during the press conference. Saban said that Kelly participated in non-contact drills during practice yesterday, and is "making progress." Kelly had to leave the game with Texas A&M this past Saturday in the second quarter due to a concussion.
Saban didn't say whether or not Kelly would be able to play this Saturday against Tennessee. Saban said, "He was able to move around (yesterday). We'll see how he responds with that (today) and if he'll be able to do a little bit more."
Concerning running back Bo Scarbrough, Saban said the young man's speed is getting better. He also said that he needs to get the number of practice reps that are needed in order to be a factor in games. Saban said they are also working Scarbrough on special teams also.
Saban addressed the subject of Tennessee's bruising running back, Jalen Hurd. He said that Hurd is a hard running back to tackle. He mentioned Hurd's size, that he was a big man, and that he runs hard.
The subject of the number of teams that get a bye week before playing Alabama came up. Saban pretty much put that to rest saying he really isn't questioning the SEC and the way that works. He further stated that he really didn't know just how helpful that bye week is to a team when one considers the way Alabama played a few times coming off byes in the past.
Alabama hosts the Tennessee Volunteers this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be aired live on CBS television.
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Football Practice Continues For Tide-Vols Matchup
It was another two hour practice in full pads yesterday afternoon on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields for the University of Alabama football team.
Bama is preparing for its annual "Third Saturday In October" matchup with the University of Tennessee, though now the games usually falls on the fourth Saturday of the month. The Tide defense is looking to shut down on the SEC's top-ranked offenses and running back Jalen Hurd. Hurd will be a force to contend with, a big and bruising running that won't be easy to corral or bring down.
Center Ryan Kelly is still recovering from a concussion received during the second quarter of last week's contest between Alabama and Texas A&M. Kelly is "making progress according to head coach Nick Saban.
Running back Bo Scarbrough is showing improvement in his running ability, and, according to Saban, just needs some more reps to be able to show what he can do to help the team.
The game is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. CT, and will air on the CBS network. Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson and Allie LaForce will be handing the announcing duties.
Saban is a perfect 8-0 against the Volunteers.
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Women's Cross Country Still Getting Votes
Photo Credit: RollTide
The Alabama women's cross country team is still receiving votes in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Coaches Poll despite having dropped out of the top 30. Bama received nine votes this week after having placed in the top 30 after having been ranked for two weeks.
Five other teams moved up into the top 30 this week. From the SEC, Ole Miss has moved up to 13th while Vandy is at 26th. Arkansas was already in the top 30 but made a jump of 11 places this week to land at fourth.
Alabama will travel to College Station, Texas on October 29th to compete in the 2015 SEC Cross Country Championships. The men's 8k starts at 10 a.m. CT, with the women's 6k starting at 11 a.m.
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SEC Media Day Held Yesterday
SEC Media Day was held yesterday at the SEC Network studios and the Ballantine Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Representing the Crimson Tide was head basketball coach Avery Johnson, along with junior forwards Jimmie Taylor and Shannon Hale.
Johnson commented, "This has been a lot of fun for us. This was like a walk down memory lane for me. I think both Jimmie and Shannon had a good time and really enjoyed themselves. To have the opportunity to go to the headquarters of the SEC Network and see the operation is great for us.
“It’s been a great experience for our players. Both Jimmie and Shannon did a terrific job representing Alabama basketball and talking about the vision we have for our program.”
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Bama Gymnastics Hosts Ghosts And Goblins
The Alabama gymnastics team will host its annual Ghosts and Goblins intrasquad tonight at the Frances Smith Practice Facility located inside Coleman Coliseum. The event is scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes.
Fans will be allowed to enter Coleman Coliseum at the southeast corner (the University of Alabama Law School side of the Coliseum) beginning at 6 p.m. CT. The competition will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT with limited seating.
Head gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth said, "This even gives our amazing fans an opportunity to get a sneak peek at this year's team and it will give our ladies, especially our freshmen, an opportunity to compete under some pressure"
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Unveiling of Champions This Friday
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The University of Alabama Athletics Department invites all Crimson Tide fans to help celebrate its latest championships this Friday, October 23rd at 1:30 p.m. CT with an unveiling at the Sarah Pattersons Champions Plaza. The Plaza is located in front of Coleman Coliseum.
Included in the celebration ceremony will be the student-athletes as well as the coaches from Bama's 2015 Southeastern Conference Gymnastics Championship as well as the Crimson Tide's individual national champions from the previous academic school year.
This ceremony is to allow the 2015 gymnastics team the opportunity to unveil its addition to the plaza honoring all of UA's SEC and national championship teams outside of the football program's national championships. (The football national championships are recognized in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
