Crimson Tide In Head-Knocking Mode
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team put in a good ninety-minute workout fine-tuning the defending National Championship team that currently sits at the No. 1 spot in all the major college football polls. Bama practiced in shells yesterday afternoon at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility focusing on fundamentals, special teams and fine-tuning a game plan specifically for the visiting Kentucky Wildcats tomorrow.
Damien Harris continues to show improvement in practice following his injury this past Saturday. Alabama head coach Nick Saban stopped short of saying Harris would be ready for tomorrow's contest with Kentucky, instead saying "they hope" he will be ready.
The others injured last Saturday and in last week's practice also have shown definite improvement and will be ready to go.
Alabama will host Kentucky in its annual homecoming game tomorrow at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Dave Pasch will be handling the play-by-play, former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy will be providing the analysis of the game and Tom Luginbill will be on the sidelines.
This will be the 40th meeting between the two schools, with Alabama holding a 36-2-1 lead in the contest record books. The Crimson Tide is 9-0 in Tuscaloosa against the Wildcats. In their last head-to-head back in 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky, the Tide came away with a decisive 48-7 victory.
UA head coach Nick Saban is 8-1 in Southeastern Conference home openers at the Capstone.
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Crimson Tide Women's Golf No. 1 In The Nation
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team is the No. 1 team...wait. Hold on. Wrong sport.
The University of Alabama Crimson Tide women's golf team is the No. 1 team in the country after finishing first in their first tournament of the season, followed by a second-place finish just a week ago.
The Crimson Tide's top two golfers of the young 2016-17 season are sophomore Cheyenne Knight and freshman Kristen Gillman. Knight currently leads the team with a 68.17 average, with Gillman not far behind at 69.50. Knight finished first at the Mason Rudolph Championship and sixth at the Schooner Fall Classic. Gillman finished second and eighth, respectively.
Next up for Bama is the Ruth's Chris Tar Heel Invitational, hosted by the University of North Carolina, October 14-16 at Finley Golf Club in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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What Saban Said..."Hey Coach"
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What Saban Said..."Hey Coach"
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
Thursday night was interesting on "Hey Coach" with Alabama head football coach Nick Saban. He talked about the upcoming game with the Kentucky Wildcats, alluded to the Blake Barnett transfer and transfers in general in speaking with former Alabama quarterback and ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, injuries and more.
Saban's first comments were directed to media guest, Greg McElroy. Or was it? Saban mentioned how McElroy waited and worked for three years before getting his chance to start at the University of Alabama as quarterback, and then won a national championship to top it all off.
The coach talked about the "external noise" all around, but that everyone inside the program was focused.
Talking about this week's opponent, the Kentucky Wildcats, Saban said that they played a more physical game than the previous three weeks. It paid dividends, too, as Kentucky defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 17-10. He then went on to say how it is harder to run inside against the UK 3-4 defensive scheme.
Concerning the "transfer-culture" that seems prevalent these days among the so-called gifted athletes, Saban spoke of how they look to transferring out of a program when and if things don't work out as quickly as they had hoped. He also mentioned that he would have been kicked out of the house as a kid if he quit the team.
Saban had praise for the latest addition to the Tide football staff, Steve Sarkisian. He talked of Sark's organizational skills and how he has been huge in that regard and in getting meetings set up.
The subject of running back Damien Harris came up. Saban said he hoped that Harris will be able to play on Saturday.
Saban offered a little insight into a talk that Jeremy Pruitt gave to the team prior to the USC game that he believed gave a new perspective. He reminded the young men that there was a state full of people who would struggle sleeping because they were worried about the game. It helped remind them what it means to the state of Alabama.
When asked about what the Tennessee game meant to him, Saban actually replied in a calm manner. Though he did say it was important to the players, he said that he was worried about the Kentucky game this weekend first. He did add that the Alabama-Tennessee matchup was the rivalry the players looked forward to the most every season.
Saban said that this game, and all games for that matter, were about sustaining sixty full minutes of play and concentration. He mentioned how there had already been so many second half comebacks this season.
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Blake Barnett Officially Withdraws From UA
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| Former Alabama Quarterback Blake Barnett Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports |
University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban made it clear this week that he wanted the now-former Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Barnett to remain with the Alabama football family. That was not to be. Despite his encouragement to stay, Barnett has officially withdrawn not only from the team, but also from the University of Alabama. He is no longer a part of the team or the university.
In a statement Saban said, "We received word this afternoon that Blake Barnett has officially withdrawn from school and is no longer with our program. The quarterback position is a very unique position where only one player can play. We are very disappointed any time a player leaves the program who feels he can compete for a starting position elsewhere, rather than here at Alabama. We wish Blake the very best of luck in the future."
Barnett started the season-opening game against the USC Trojans out in Texas back at the first of the month. This season the young man threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns, but lost the starting job to true freshman Jalen Hurts, and has played only sparingly since that time. Saban, however, had not officially named a "starting" quarterback for the team, though Hurts had started the last three games.
In his press briefing earlier in the week, Saban had said he hoped that Barnett would choose to remain with Alabama.
No word yet on where Barnett is interested in playing. The former five-star recruit should be receiving plenty of inquiries, however, from interested schools. He certainly had numerous offers as a high school junior and freshman, so no reason for that to change. Barnett is a native of Southern California.
It has been learned that Barnett will be transferring to a junior college, AL.com is reporting. He chose now to leave so that he would be eligible to play following the fourth game of the 2017 season instead of having to wait until the start of the 2018 football season. Of course he must also complete an average of 12 hours of transferrable degree credit per term while earning at least a 2.5 GPA in those in those courses.
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Bama Women's Swimming & Diving In Action Today
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
The University of Alabama
women's swimming and diving team hosts Vanderbilt and West Florida this afternoon at 4 p.m. CT at the Alabama Aquatic Center in a three-team meet.
Crimson Tide swimming and diving coach Dennis Pursley said, "This will be the second meet for our women's team and their first on their own without the men. As a combined program we swim together most meets, but I don't
think it's bad everyone once in a while to have a meet where the women
move to front and center so to speak."
This will be the Alabama ladies first meet of the
season against SEC competition, but the second home meet of the young
season. The Crimson Tide won its home opener against Delta State in early
September.
"As the team grows and becomes more successful,
competition for spots on the travel squad becomes tougher," Pursley commented. "This meet will serve as a final indicator of who will be on that
list as we get ready for road meets at Missouri and Auburn in the coming
weeks. It's also a chance for some to swim events they might not
normally get a chance to during the regular season, but might see action
in once we get to the postseason."
Earlier in the month the Alabama women beat Delta State, 212-82, with
the Tide winning the opening and closing relays. The ladies also were victorious in all 12
individual races and both diving events.
Admission to today's meet is free, and is also
part of Alabama Athletics' Power of Pink slate of events. Alabama Athletics sponsors The Power of
Pink initiative to help raise awareness in the fight against breast
cancer. The Tide will be giving away Power of Pink tee-shirts, pink shakers and pizza to those in attendance at today's event.
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
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Alabama Women's Tennis
Daniell, Routliffe Advance
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
Daniell and Routliffe will be facing the winner of the Patrycia Polanska and Maomi Totka vs. Amy Zhu and Alexa Bortles match.
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LSU Actually Considering Nick Saban
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| UA Head Football Coach Nick Saban Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
After firing head coach Les Miles after the fourth game of the 2016 season, LSU is in scramble-mode to find a new head coach. It appears the brains of the powers-that-be may be a bit scrambled too.
Following the firing of Miles, LSU hired assistant coach Ed Orgeron as interim head coach, a position with which Orgeron has become familiar. Of course there is always the chance that Orgeron could be named the permanent head football coach at Louisiana State University, especially if he manages to coach them to victories in their remaining games. But don't hold your breath.
It appears that the "search committee" at LSU is going after some of the biggest names in college football, but don't hold your breath on that one either. University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban appears to top the list, or to be one of those near the top.
According to FootballScoop.com, LSU is interested in Saban, Ohio State's Urban Meyer, Florida State's Jimbo Fisher and the like. "If Orgeron doesn't earn the job, sources tell FootballScoop that LSU's committe believes they can and should land a home run. 'Their sights are on national championship-caliber, proven head coaches' a source with knowledge told FootballScoop...During the initial, exploratory phase, we are told to expect LSU, through representatives, to gauge the interest of some of the top coaches in college football, including Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops, Jimbo Fisher and Tom Herman. Right or wrong, sources tell FootballScoop that LSU believes they will be able to attract a coach of that caliber."
It is doubtful that Saban would go back to LSU, from which he left to go to the NFL's Miami Dolphins. The fickle fan base that are the Tigers were upset enough at his departure, much less when he left those same dolphins to coach the Crimson Tide, which they took as a colossal slap in the face.
And Urban Meyer? Leave his beloved Ohio State after finally "escaping" the pressures of the Southeastern Conference only to return? No way. He likes his king-of-hill coaching position and dominance over a conference, much like Saban has at Alabama with the SEC.
Unless Jimbo Fisher wants to join the fray and no longer be the "team to beat" in a conference, one would suppose he could leave the ACC for the SEC, but...again...doubtful.
It might be safe to say that LSU will be looking beyond the names supplied to FootballScoop.
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New Information On Tim Williams Arrest
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| Photo Credit: Robert Sutton |
Alabama football had its problems with players getting into trouble with law during the Tide's summer break, but now one of it's star players has been arrested after four games into the 2016 college football season.
Crimson Tide senior outside lineback Tim Williams was arrested early yesterday morning and charged with carrying a pistol without a permit. The charge is classified as a misdemeanor.
According to reports, Williams was arrested in the Tuscaloosa Publix parking lot after an officer smelled marijuana coming from Williams' vehicle. At approximately 2:00 a.m. CT, the officer then searched the car after a passenger in the vehicle claimed the marijuana. A pistol was found under the driver's seat of Williams' vehicle and he was arrested. Bond has been set at $300.
Williams apparently told University of Alabama police that the gun had been purchased three weeks ago at a legitimate gun store while he was visiting home in Louisiana. Supposedly he has the temporary permit issued by the gun store, but failed to have it in his possession at the time of the arrest. He said he thought that gave him the right to carry the firearm, but allegedly was told by the police officer he must also possess a conceal carry permit, which Williams didn't have. He was then arrested and transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail.
The Alabama men's and women's cross country teams both posted top 20 finishes today at the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitation at South Bend, Indiana. The men finished 17th this afternoon, while the women brought home a 15th-place finish. This was the third meet of the season for both squads.
Head coach Dan Waters said, "This was good learning experience for us. We did some things we hadn't done on the course before and several of the women posted personal bests so there is a lot we can take away from this meet heading into the Crimson Classic."
Bama senior Antibahs Kosgei was the Crimson Tide's top runner today in the men's five-mile race, finishing sixth in a time of 23:53.4. Kosgei now has three top 10 finishes in three meets already this season. The second and third finishers for the Alabama men were seniors Robbie Farnham-Rose (24:49.00) and Conner Thompson (24:58.4). Also scoring for Alabama were junior Garrett Bull (25:31.7) and senior Evan Prizy (25:32.3).
Other men's finishers for the Alabama men were sophomore Josh Short (25:59.3), freshman James Brinyark (26:06.9) and junior Andrew Bull (26:09.8).
Turning to the Crimson Tide women, it was senior Hannah Waggoner coming in as the top runner for Bama in the 5,000 meter race, finishing 47th in a personal best time of 17:06.7. Waggoner has been the Tide's No. 1 runner in both of her appearances this season. Freshman McKenzie Yanek was Alabama's second finisher, coming in 69th in 17:21.2. Sophomore Rachael Reddy came in 76th at 17:27.3. Freshman Rebecca Buteau (17:50.5) and junior Emily Edwards (17:51.00) completed the scoring for the Tide.
Also finishing for Alabama were junior Caroline Barlow (17:54.00), freshman Elisabeth Danis (18:12.1), sophomore Calli Coggins (18:12.6) and freshman Alexa Cruz (18:27.5).
Nexgt up for the Crimson Tide is the Crimson Classic on October 14th at Harry Pritchett Running Park in Tuscaloosa. The men's 8,000-meter race will take place at 9 a.m. CT, and will be followed by the women's 6,000-meter race scheduled to begin at 9:45 a.m.
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Bama Cross Country Teams Post Top 20 Finishes
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| Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics |
The Alabama men's and women's cross country teams both posted top 20 finishes today at the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitation at South Bend, Indiana. The men finished 17th this afternoon, while the women brought home a 15th-place finish. This was the third meet of the season for both squads.
Head coach Dan Waters said, "This was good learning experience for us. We did some things we hadn't done on the course before and several of the women posted personal bests so there is a lot we can take away from this meet heading into the Crimson Classic."
Bama senior Antibahs Kosgei was the Crimson Tide's top runner today in the men's five-mile race, finishing sixth in a time of 23:53.4. Kosgei now has three top 10 finishes in three meets already this season. The second and third finishers for the Alabama men were seniors Robbie Farnham-Rose (24:49.00) and Conner Thompson (24:58.4). Also scoring for Alabama were junior Garrett Bull (25:31.7) and senior Evan Prizy (25:32.3).
Other men's finishers for the Alabama men were sophomore Josh Short (25:59.3), freshman James Brinyark (26:06.9) and junior Andrew Bull (26:09.8).
Turning to the Crimson Tide women, it was senior Hannah Waggoner coming in as the top runner for Bama in the 5,000 meter race, finishing 47th in a personal best time of 17:06.7. Waggoner has been the Tide's No. 1 runner in both of her appearances this season. Freshman McKenzie Yanek was Alabama's second finisher, coming in 69th in 17:21.2. Sophomore Rachael Reddy came in 76th at 17:27.3. Freshman Rebecca Buteau (17:50.5) and junior Emily Edwards (17:51.00) completed the scoring for the Tide.
Also finishing for Alabama were junior Caroline Barlow (17:54.00), freshman Elisabeth Danis (18:12.1), sophomore Calli Coggins (18:12.6) and freshman Alexa Cruz (18:27.5).
Nexgt up for the Crimson Tide is the Crimson Classic on October 14th at Harry Pritchett Running Park in Tuscaloosa. The men's 8,000-meter race will take place at 9 a.m. CT, and will be followed by the women's 6,000-meter race scheduled to begin at 9:45 a.m.
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