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Saban's Comments On "Hey Coach"
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Here's a look at what Alabama head football coach Nick Saban had to say during his radio show last night.
Saban was asked about being a grandfather and how it had changed him. With his schedule the coach let it be known he doesn't get enough time with her, but also said that she has brought the whole family together. One touching comment he made dealt with the little girl having put "...a lot of light" in his life.
Once again the coach warned about the type offense played by Charleston Southern. He said you can't underestimate the importance of scout team preparation for the triple option in this week's game.
Saban spoke of the disappointment of Kenyan Drake in not being able to play in the game Saturday. Drake was looking forward to playing on his Senior Day but will be unable to do so following his broken arm and subsequent surgery. Saban did say that Drake could be cleared in two week.
Concerning the Tide's back up running backs, Saban said they will get more playing time. He said that "We need someone to come through at that position."
The subject turned to dealing with the kids of today. Saban said it was important, the biggest thing, in fact, not to judge. He said you don't have to do it the way it's always been done. Pointing out that people are more self-centered now, Saban said they use that very thing to motivate players now.
There was a bit of a pause when Saban was asked about what made him happy. He said people thought it was winning games, but he said it was seeing his players, his kids, and the like do well.
There were a few fun moments during the show. Saban said that the family would have some of the players over for Thanksgiving this year as they have in the past. He said his favorite side dish is dressing. Oh, when asked about does he cook the turkey for the Saban Thanksgiving his reply was, "Never. Never."
One final thing. Saban talked about the first time actually seeing Bama's record-setting running back Derrick Henry in person. He said he was blown away by his size when he walked by before a spring practice.
Most of college football is blown away by him as well, coach.
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Kelly, Robinson Named Semifinalists For Outland Trophy
Kelly & Robinson With Head Coach Nick Saban
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The awards and nominations for awards continue to pile up for student-athletes of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Senior center Ryan Kelly and junior defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson have been selected as two of six semifinalists for the Outland Trophy, presented annually to the nation's best interior lineman on offense or defense. The announcement came yesterday evening by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee.
Kelly boasts 31 starts over the past three seasons with the Crimson Tide. He was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his play against LSU a few weeks ago. Kelly is the only center selected as a semifinalist for the award.
Robinson is the lone defensive lineman selected as a semifinalist for the award. He has a career-high 34 tackles so far this season, including seven tackles for loss and three sacks. He also leads the team with quarterback hurries, has two pass breakups to his credit, a fumble recovery and one blocked PAT.
The list for the Outland Trophy will be cut to three in only a few days, November 24th, as announced on ESPNU at 4 p.m. CT. Then the winner of the 70th Outland Trophy will be announced on Thursday, December 10th on ESPN.
Three members of Alabama football have been previous recipients of the Outland Trophy. They are Christ Samuls in 1999, Andre Smith in 2008 and Barrett Jones in 2011.
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Swimmer Mia Nonnenberg Shatters 30-Year Record
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
It was a record that had stood for 30 years. And then a new one was established. Alabama swimmer Mia Nonnenberg has shattered the Alabama 500 freestyle record with a time of 4:43.98 at the Georgia Tech Fall Invitational.
While the time wasn't enough for the win in the event, Nonnenberg placed second and shaved more than three seconds off the previous freestyle record set by Laurence Bensimon back in 1985. The 500 was one of only two individual women's records that had stood for more than five years. This is now Nonnenberg's third school record. She holds the record now in not only the 500 freestyle, but also the 200 and 400 individual medley records she broke during her first season with the Tide.
Also picking up wins at the Georgia Tech Fall Invitations were junior Alton McKee and sophomore Christopher Reid. Reed won the 500 freestyle with his season-best time of 4:17.46, and Reid had a career-best showing of 1:46.04 in the 200 individual medley. Both are ranked second all-time in their respective events at UA.
Day two preliminaries begin at 9 a.m. CT this morning.
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Reggie Ragland Finalist For Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Alabama Crimson Tide Linebacker Reggie Ragland
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The Football Writers Association of America and Charlotte Touchdown Club announced this morning that Alabama senior linebacker Reggie Ragland has been named as one of five finalists selected for the 2015 Bronko Nagurski Trophy. This award is presented annually to the National Defensive Player of the Year.
Ragland leads the Crimson Tide in tackles at 82 (as well as leading tackler in 7 of 10 games), including 5.5 for a loss as well as 2.5 sacks. He has also collected five pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
Ragland has also been very active in the community as well. He has served as a volunteer throughout his four years at Alabama. He returned to Bama for his senior year as a promise to his mother to finish his education while at UA. He is on pace to graduate in December.
This year's winner is to be announced on December 7th at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Men's Basketball
Crimson Tide Returns Home Tonight
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The University of Alabama men's basketball team (1-1) takes to the hardwood tonight for their second home game of the season as they host the Ragin' Cajuns of Louisiana tonight at 7 p.m. CT in Coleman Coliseum.
This will mark the fourth meeting between the two teams, with all four contests being played at Coleman Coliseum. Alabama leads the series 3-0.
The Tide will be defending an 11-game non-conference home winning streak tonight. The last home loss to a non-conference opponent came on December 21, 2013 when the Tide fell to Xavier 77-74.
The game will be available online on SEC Network+ on the WatchESPN app, as well as the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
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