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Saban Talks SEC Championship
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
Alabama head coach Nick Saban was in his usual fine form last night on his coach's show. There were some laughs as well as serious talk concerning tomorrow's Southeastern Conference Championship game between the Tide and the Gators of Florida.
Saban said that Alabama football players are a blessed group, that each one are blessed to be here. He said that it was a matter of how the young men "honor that blessing."
Before addressing the SEC Championship Game the talk was geared toward last Saturday's contest with the Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. The coach admitted to being concerned about the team before that game because they appeared to be "flat." He told his audience that this was not the case, however, this week going into the SEC title game with Florida.
Saban gave a little insight into his Sunday work ethic in answer to a question. He said when it comes to the game film he watches the defense first, then the offense during a three-hour period from 7 - 10 a.m. He then breaks for church which he attends from 11 until noon. Following that he heads back to the football complex.
Since Florida head coach Jim McElwain used to work for Saban a question was asked if his play calling had changed or stayed the same. Coach Saban said he still sees familiar things in the play calling from a McElwain offense but that it was more multiple with the Florida Gators. He says that McElwain still tries to throw in a little something different at an opposing defense in the first fifteen plays that they have not seen before.
Concerning Adam Griffith the coach said that the early issues with the Tide kicker on field goals were technical in nature and that those issues had been fixed. He then complimented the young man saying he was one of the best kickers they've had.
Eli Gold then asked about replacements for departing coaches, if Saban had a short list of possible replacements. Coach said that he owes it to his places to have the pulse of the next crop of coaches, and the importance of having a lot of graduate assistants. He said that then allows him to grow a farm system of assistants.
Some questions concerning running back Derrick Henry came up. Saban said he had never heard Henry talk about the Heisman Trophy, and that the young man just goes to work. Saban said that all he, himself, hears Henry talk about is winning.
Concerning Derrick Henry's workload, and whether or not he worries about it, Saban said, "It's a concern to me...because...we've never had a back carry the ball as much as Derrick Henry has in two games." (In fact, Henry set a new Alabama single-game record last week in the Iron Bowl for the number of rushes.) Coach also commented that they hoped to get (Kenyan) Drake back "soon."
Addressing problems facing the Alabama defense versus what the Florida offense would present, Saban said it would be important to force Treon Harris to play from the pocket. He said it was about discipline for the pass rushers.
Saban was asked about consideration of neutral site games in respect to domed venues and whether the possibility of playing inside at the SEC Championship Game each season was the reason it's been a practice to do so. Saban said that it was indeed a consideration so that the championship game wouldn't be the first game played under a dome in any given season.
Coach Saban again compliment his team for their toughness and dedication repeating what he's said several times before how no one thought this team would be in this position after losing to Ole Miss. He said, "They've had their backs against the wall since that game."
Concerning heading into the second season of the College Football Playoff system and Alabama's loss to Ohio State last year, Saban said that they have learned from that playoff experience last year.
Comments turned to the coaching situations and departures, especially the near-departure of LSU's Less Miles and the firing of Georgia's Mark Richt. Said said the situation was concerning.
Addressing losing football games, Saban said, "There is nobody who hates to lose more than me."
The Crimson Tide takes on the Florida Gators tomorrow in Atlanta's Georgia Dome for the SEC Championship. Game time is 3 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on CBS.
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Tide Holds Last Full Practice For Title Game
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Faces The Florida Gators Tomorrow
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team got in their last full practice yesterday in preparation for tomorrow's big Southeastern Conference Championship Game with the Florida Gators. Bama worked approximately 90 minutes in shells inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility. Things were pretty much routine, as the Tide's last full session focused on special teams and the finishing touches on the game plan.
Everyone was able to practice yesterday, and everyone anxiously awaits an announcement concerning whether or not running back Kenyan Drake will start, or at least play. Drake's recovery from surgery following a broken arm in the Mississippi State game has been progressing nicely thus allowing him to practice and a little contact. No word is expected until tomorrow on whether or not he will play.
This championship game will mark the 10th time the Crimson Tide has participated in the game, and the 11th for the Gators. Alabama leads the overall series with Florida 24-14, but the Gators hold a 4-3 advantage over the Tide in the SEC Championship Game.
The Tide is in Atlanta today for the game, and several things are planned for the team. They will also do a walk-through inside the Georgia Dome.
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators square off for the championship of the Southeastern Conference tomorrow at 3 p.m. CT. The broadcast will be carried by CBS with Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson and Allie LaForce handing the announcing duties.
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Bama Basketball Plays Southern Miss Tonight
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
The Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team heads to Hattiesburg, Mississippi tonight with momentum on their side after knocking off two top-25 teams this past week. Alabama faces the Southern Miss Golden Eagles tonight at 7 p.m. CT. This will be the second consecutive game between the pair, with the Tide owning an 81-67 victory last season.
Alabama was quite impressive in their win over then-20th ranked Wichita State 64-60 and then another over 17th-ranked Notre Dame 74-73 in the AdvoCare Invitational last week.
Three of the Tide's six opponents so far this season have been ranked in the top-25, as well as Dayton having received votes themselves making it four of the top teams in the country the boys from Bama have faced in the young season. Alabama still must face five top-25 teams this season, plus four more currently receiving votes.
The tempo of Crimson Tide basketball has picked up in the Avery Johnson era. According to KenPom.com, Alabama has an average of 70.1 possessions a game, which is up from 62.4 percent the year before.
The Tide's current five-game road trip will conclude Sunday, December 13th in Greenville, South Carolina with a game against the Clemson Tigers. That game will be aired live on ESPNU. Broadcast time is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT.
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Beware Counterfeit Tix At SEC Championship
The public is being warned to be careful and closely inspect any ticket purchases for tomorrow's SEC Championship Game when purchasing through the secondary market. The game is sold out and the secondary market is the only way to get tickets for the contest. Should anyone try to use counterfeit or stolen tickets at the venue on Saturday, those tickets will be confiscated and the bearer will be refused admission to the contest.
"We advise fans to be attentive to the appearance of the tickets they are purchasing," Jim Sullivan said, who is the Director of Championship Ticket Operations. "It is important to pay close attention to the details of the holographic foil as well as the texture of the ticket."
According to RollTide.com, the SEC and the Georgia Dome will make available a "Ticket Validation Window" at the main box office of the Georgia Dome beginning at 9 a.m. CT tomorrow. The authenticity of the ticket can be confirmed by a box office representative. The Ticket Validation Window is the only way to completely and accurately ensure the authenticity of a ticket.
