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Alabama Football
Final Full Practice Is In The Books
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The final full practice for the second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide football team was yesterday at AT&T Stadium in preparation for the 80th Cotton Bowl Classic. Bama put in approximately two hours of work on Tuesday afternoon in shells. This completes 11 total practices Saban and company had planned for the Tide leading up to Thursday's 2015 College Football Playoff Semifinal game.
The winner of this Alabama-Michigan State contest will determine who goes on to play in the National Championship game against the winner of the Clemson-Oklahoma contest. The New Year's eve clash will be broadcast live on ESPN beginning at 7 p.m. CT, with the kickoff scheduled for 7:10. Chris Fowler will be handling the play-by-play duties, along with Kirk Herbstreit on color/analysis and Heather Cox working the sidelines.
Yesterday was also Media Day for the team, with all members of the squad as well as all coaches meeting with the various members of the media for about an hour answering questions, joking around and posing for pictures. The squad was then able to return for the evening for a free evening on their own.
This will be the second meeting between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan State Spartans. Bama took that first matchup with a convincing 49-7 trouncing of the Spartans in the 2011 Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
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Men's Basketball Takes 67-59 Overtime Win
Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Daniel Melograna
It was a hard-fought game, but the University of Alabama men's basketball team was able to take a 67-59 win over Jacksonville State on Tuesday. The Crimson Tide was able to make a 10-0 run in overtime to snatch victory from the Gamecocks.
Head coach AVERY JOHNSON said, "This was a game that I had circled on my calendar that I was really concerned about. Even before the season, when you go and look at all the games coming out of a Christmas break, you know guys go home for a couple of days and especially if your team is in a pretty good rhythm and even though we lost the Oregon game, we were in a pretty good rhythm going into the break. So, to take off those four or five days and come back, reconvene and get ready to play against a dangerous team like Jacksonville State...I was really concerned about this game.
"We had a chance to win it in regulation. We didnt. We struggled in the second half in so many different ways. We struggled in the first half, but this was great practice because I think we are going to have a couple more overtime games probably this year and the way our team responded in overtime...we made our free throws. We did a good job of getting quality shots, so I told the guys I'm awfully proud of them."
The Crimson Tide's ARTHUR EDWARDS had 16 points to lead in scoring, as well as five rebounds and three assists. RILEY NORRIS had 10 points on the night, while pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. JIMMIE TAYLOR had 13 points, six rebounds and a season-high five blocked shots. These were the only three to shoot in double figures on the evening.
Forward Riley Norris commented on his double-double yesterday evening, "It feels good. I thank my teammates and everybody that pitched in because those rebounds in most part were just effort. Guys had their guys boxed out so I just had to go and make the play."
Bama allowed an early basket in overtime, but then went on a 10-point tear and a perfect eight-of-eight from the free throw line. Jax State was unable to score again until the last 29 seconds of the game.
Though forward SHANNON HALE missed his third straight game, he was back at practice on Monday. Coach Johnson said Hale was working back from a "private medical condition."
The Crimson Tide improves to 8-3 on the season while Jacksonville State falls to 4-11.Though forward SHANNON HALE missed his third straight game, he was back at practice on Monday. Coach Johnson said Hale was working back from a "private medical condition."
Alabama wraps up the non-conference portion of their schedule this Saturday, January 2nd against Norfolk State. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network beginning at 1 p.m. CT.
Big AL/Little AL
Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Daniel Melograna
Crimson Tide Head Coach Avery Johnson
Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Daniel Melograna
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Cotton Bowl Media Day Press Conference
Nick Saban
Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Kent Gidley
The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team participated in the Cotton Bowl Media Day yesterday, with all members of the Crimson Tide football team as well as all coaches being available for questions and photographs. Head Coach NICK SABAN was in fine form with a little joking around, as well as getting down to the business of the 80th Cotton Bowl Classic with the matchup between his Alabama Crimson Tide and his former school, Michigan State.
When asked how preparations were going so far, Saban responded,"It's going well. The players have had good focus. We've had good practices with good energy. So I'm pleased with the way our players have approached this game. And we worked well when we were back in Tuscaloosa. And the transition here, you know, seemed to be pretty mindless for them. And I've been pleased with the way they have sort of responded to what they need to do to play to a high standard in this game. Of course, you are always concerned when you haven't played a game for a long time, how are you going to come out and be able to execute. I think that's always true in games like this."
When asked about whether playing his old school, Michigan State, presented a problem for him because of friends and acquaintences and ties to the team, Saban let it be known it was nothing personal and they'd all still remain friends regardless of the outcome.
One reporter asked Saban about media training for the players. The coach responded they do bring in someone to help the players learn how to deal with the media, but he doesn't specifically tell them what to say. He said he trusted his players and "did not have a briefing before we came out here like what you're allowed to say and what you're not allowed to say."
DERRICK HENRY said he was looking forward to the game when fielding questions. He said that Michigan State had a tough defense and was going to be exciting to play them.
When asked if he was ready to play the game, Henry responded, "Yeah, I'm ready to play."
One reporter mentioned this was the first game since Henry won the Heisman Trophy and if this would make the game any different or change it in any way. Henry said,"No it doesn't change at all. Just another game. Exciting game."
Henry was asked what it would feel like to cap off his career with a national championship. He said, "Everything. You know, I just...my teammates and we worked so hard this whole year and just competing against everybody better. It just means everything to us having a national championship."
Quarterback JAKE COKER admitted to being angry when he didn't get to start the Ole Miss game early in the season. When asked if anyone knew he was angry he said, "Coach Saban, coach Kiffin knew. It is what it is. I think everybody knew. Went from starting the first few games to not starting. When you are a competitor and you are not angry, then there's something wrong with you."
Coker was asked what if State could shut down the running game, and it came down to his passing to win the game. He said, "We played games like that before, and I think our...when I say 'our'...everybody, wide receivers, they made plays. We need them. And it's just something that when the plays are called, we got to come through."
Alabama and Michigan State square off Thursday night at AT&T Stadium. Broadcast time on ESPN is 7 p.m. CT with a scheduled 7:10 p.m. kickoff.
Chris Fowler (left) & Derrick Henry
Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Kent Gidley
Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Kent Gidley
Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Kent Gidley
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Saban's Weekly Radio Show
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Live! From Dallas! It's NICK SABAN!
Alabama's head football coach took to the airwaves again last night in his coach's radio show, discussing the upcoming game with Michigan State. Saban was greeted with loud cheers and applause as he made his way to his seat for the start of the program.
Saban mentioned that he was impressed with the leadership council. He said they had set the team's curfew for midnight on one night and 11 p.m. the other nights. He mentioned that last year the curfews were set an hour later each night. He said these earlier curfews were "an indication of how serious they are about this game."
He complimented the leadership of the football team. He said they have always helped the team in the right way, and if there had been any issues they were properly addressed and taken care of.
The coach said he's been impressed with the toughness of Michigan State, as well as their determination and ability to win games in the fourth quarter.
Saban referenced more recruits coming into the SEC from the state of Texas since Texas A&M joined the conference. Having the SEC Network was also a big plus allowing potential recruits the opportunity to see what the Southeastern Conference was all about.
The coach was very complimentary concerning the type of people that MINKAH FITZPATRICK and DERRICK HENRY are. He referenced the number of emails he's received complimenting Henry on his acceptance of the Heisman Trophy and called Fitzpatrick a "special guy."
Saban commented that Michigan's State's defensive line is big and athletic yet it has small, fast linebackers. He said, "This is a matchup that we're going to have to grind out for 60 minutes."
Alabama does battle with Michigan State tomorrow night in the 80th Cotton Bowl Classic. Kickoff is 7:10 p.m. CT.
Alabama Football
National-Record 29 Graduates Playing For The Tide
Nick Saban with Alabama football graduates
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The University of Alabama has a great football team, year-in and year-out, as everyone knows. This year they also show the greatness in the classroom as well. When the Crimson Tide takes the first for the 80th Cotton Bowl Classic on Thursday, a program and nation-record 29 Alabama football players who have already earned their degree will be taking the field. Of those 29, three have earned their master's degree.
Oh, and the previous record? 28, also held by the Crimson Tide when they played Oklahoma in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. Temple is second with Kansas State coming in third for the number of graduates playing in a bowl this season. And when compared to the other three in the College Football Playoff, Clemson is second of the four with 15.
Speaking of the four-team playoff, not only does Alabama have the most players as graduates on their roster, but the Crimson Tide also has the highest Graduation Successs Rate among the four. Alabama had a score of 86, with Clemson second at 84, followed by Michigan State with 66 and Oklahoma with 65.
Here is a list of the proud graduates from the University of Alabama:
KENYAN DRAKE, REGGIE RAGLAND, CYRUS JONES, JARRAN REED, ALPHONSE TAYLOR, DOMINICK JACKSON, JAKE COKER, RYAN KELLY, ISAAC LUATUA, RYAN ANDERSON, DAKOTA BALL, PARKER BARRINEAU, DENZEL DEVALL, TY FLOURNOY-SMITH, BRANDON GREENE, BERNEL JONES, KORREN KIRVEN, DARREN LAKE, DILLON LEE, ALEC MORRIS, MICHAEL NYSEWANDER, GENO MATIAS-SMITH, DALVIN TOMLINSON, D.J. PETTWAY, CHRIS BLACK, BRADLEY SYLVE, JABRIEL WASHINGTON, RICHARD MULLANEY and ADAM GRIFFITH.
Congratulations, gentlemen, and Roll Tide!
Here is a list of the proud graduates from the University of Alabama:
KENYAN DRAKE, REGGIE RAGLAND, CYRUS JONES, JARRAN REED, ALPHONSE TAYLOR, DOMINICK JACKSON, JAKE COKER, RYAN KELLY, ISAAC LUATUA, RYAN ANDERSON, DAKOTA BALL, PARKER BARRINEAU, DENZEL DEVALL, TY FLOURNOY-SMITH, BRANDON GREENE, BERNEL JONES, KORREN KIRVEN, DARREN LAKE, DILLON LEE, ALEC MORRIS, MICHAEL NYSEWANDER, GENO MATIAS-SMITH, DALVIN TOMLINSON, D.J. PETTWAY, CHRIS BLACK, BRADLEY SYLVE, JABRIEL WASHINGTON, RICHARD MULLANEY and ADAM GRIFFITH.
Congratulations, gentlemen, and Roll Tide!
