Tide Football Prepped & Ready; Bama Volleyball Wins In Five Sets; 2017 Gymnastics Home Schedule Announced; Here's What Saban Said; Alabama Crimson Tide vs USC Trojans; 2016 University Of Alabama Crimson Tide Football Roster

Alabama Football Completes Fall Camp & Prep For USC

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

It's that time.

Just as we can feel it, the young men of The University of Alabama football team feel it, too. Well, actually they live it. They breath it. They are it!

Yesterday was a day of crossing the T's, dotting the I's and generally fine-tuning the engine that is Crimson Tide football as the guys put together the final practice in T-town yesterday afternoon for the contest tomorrow night with the USC Trojans. Bama put in a two-hour workout yesterday in shells at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility.

Linebacker Rashaan Evans continued to show improvement. Bama quarterbacks pretty much stayed in the same game-week order previously established.

Run-throughs on the game plan were executed and assignments were checked, corrected and practiced again.

Today Alabama will wing its way to Arlington, Texas where the Crimson Tide will open the 2016 quest for another Southeastern Conference Championship and National Championship. Number one-ranked Alabama faces off against the 17th/20th-ranked Trojans of Southern Cal tomorrow evening at AT&T Stadium in the AdvoCare Classic. The contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, with the game telecast live by ABC. Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Samantha Ponder will be handling all the particulars during the broadcast.

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Crimson Tide Volleyball Pulls Out Five-Set Victory

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide volleyball team had their hands full in their opening contest with the Virginia Tech Hokies last night at the Puerto Rico Clasico. The two teams traded set wins throughout the hard-fought match, leading to a fifth set to determine the winner. Kat Hutson and Krystal Rivers gave Alabama (4-1) back-to-back kills to end the set 15-12, giving the victory to the Crimson Tide over the Hokies of Virginia Tech (3-1).

Of the 56 kills last night, Rivers provided the Tide with 22 of them, hitting .326 with 14 digs. This also gave the young lady her second double-double of the season. She also had one ace and two blocks on the night. Brittany Thomas provided 13 digs herself, hitting .333 with nine kills, two aces and four blocks. Natalie Mursison brought 13 digs.

Action continues for the Crimson Tide at the Puerto Rico Clasico against Florida State later this afternoon. Match time is set for 4:30 p.m. CT.

Team Statistics

Game Stats	VT	UA
Kills	53	56
Errors	22	27
Hitting %	.225	.192
Points	65.0	70.0
Aces	5	5
Blocks	7.0	9.0
TA	138	151
Assists	47	48

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Crimson Tide Gymnastics 2017 Home Schedule Announced

Dana Duckworth
Alabama Gymnastics Head Coach
Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics head coach Dana Duckworth yesterday announced the 2017 home schedule for the nationally-acclaimed University of Alabama gymnastics team. Duckworth said, "This is a great home schedule for our ladies and our fans. We can't wait to be out there on the floor of Coleman Coliseum again in front of the nation's best fans. This schedule is full of established powerhouses and rivals as well as some up-and-coming teams. It's a tough schedule that will challenge us and prepare us for the championship season."

The Crimson Tide has a NCAA-best 23 top-3 national finishes, and looks to continue that in 2017. Alabama will open its five-meet 2017 home schedule on Friday, January 13th  against 2016 NCAA runner-up LSU in Coleman Coliseum. Just three weeks later Bama will host defending Southeastern Conference champion Florida on Friday, February 3rd.

On Friday, February 17th the Tide will host the Auburn Tigers, followed by Boise State on Friday, February 24th. Alabama closes out its home slate on March 10th against Iowa State.

Watch for the remainder of Tide's schedule to be released later in the fall. The times for all meets will be set following the announcement by the Southeastern Conference office of the 2017 broadcast schedule.

Coleman Coliseum
University of Alabama
Photo Credit: RollTide.com

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Here's What Saban Said

Nick Saban
University of Alabama Head Football Coach
Photo Credit: RollTide.com

Here's a little of what Alabama head football coach Nick Saban had to say during his weekly coaches show last night:

Saban said that O.J. Howard did a good job for them last season and expects more of the same this season, but admitted they probably should have gotten him the ball a little more. Saban said he's a good player and a good threat for opponents. He believes Howard has gotten better every year, showing improvement and becoming more complete as a player. He's gotten bigger and stronger to start this season. Having not played the position in high school, it took him a little time to develop, but has really done well.

Concerning the quarterback situation, Saban offered up no starter. He did say, however, that they were going tot play the QB that gives the Tide the best chance to win. He also said that he had never made the comment that any of the guys had eliminated themselves from the starting quarterback battle.  He also said that they have "...a plan for what we're going to do. I would love to share it with you, but I'm not going to." (Right, Nick.)

Concerning Jonah Williams, Saban says the youngster can play anywhere on the offensive line. He said that, while he is very talented, he is just a freshman.

When it comes to the offensive line, Saban commented on the Ross Pierschbacher-Bradley Bozeman switch, saying both have a lot of experience. He likes what it gives the line with the change-up. He commented Bozeman is an experienced center. He said that Cam Robinson is the anchor at left tackle, Lester Cotton has a lot of talent though a young player plus that Alphonse Taylor would be back soon.

Saban said that Robert Foster is back healthy and that's a big deal. He commented on his explosiveness, as well as that of Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart. He said all three are very talented.

Saban compared Gehrig Dieter to Richard Mullaney from last season. He said they are a lot alike in that they are both crafty guys. Dieter will compliment all of the guys very well according to the big boss.

The coach said that there is a need for the defensive linemen to step up and develop, being that they are young and because that's where the defensive lacks depth. 

He commented on the fact that Bama has six guys on defense good at stopping the run, three who can rush the passer and also that more depth needed to be developed.

Saban said that young players needed to step up in the secondary. Depth is lacking there also. He mentioned that at some point Tony Brown would be back and a contributor.

Depth was also mentioned at the safety position, though he complimented Ronnie Harrison and Eddie Jackson as both being really good.

Concerning getting the players ready for a game-time experience and the sounds of AT&T Stadium expected Saturday night, Saban said, "My head is still hurting from all of the noise we pumped into the indoor facility."

So, it's here. Saturday night the 2016 football season begins.

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Alabama Crimson Tide vs USC Trojans

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide, ranked No. 1 in the nation in most polls, will face the No. 17/20 Trojans of USC in the AdvoCare Classic on Saturday, September 3rd with a 7:00 p.m. CT game time planned.

This is a neutral-site game, the type of contest Alabama head coach Nick Saban enjoys. He loves showcasing his team in a neutral venue against ranked competition to give his young men and their fans the opportunity to see or participate in as good a game as possible to kick off a new season. Bama has been doing this for awhile now, and it will continue.

Alabama faces USC in Arlington, Texas, a venue the Crimson Tide considers almost a second home, having played numerous contests here. The game will be played inside the luxurious AT&T Stadium, and will be broadcast by the ABC Network with Chris Fowler doing the play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit handling color and Sam Ponder on the sidelines. On the radio side of things the game is broadcast on the Crimson Tide Sports Network with Eli Gold on play-by-play, Phil Savage on color and Chris Stewart handling the sideline duties. ESPN is also carrying the season-opener, with Bill Rosinski, David Norrie and Ian Fitzsimmons handling announcing duties.

USC finished 8-6 overall last season, 6-3 in the Pac-12. Head coach Clay Helton will begin his first full season as the head man. He was the interim head coach last season, finishing 5-2 in the seven games he led the Trojans. As far as this season, Helton will be leading 14 returning starters and 54 lettermen.

The Trojans lost all of their major contributors from the defensive line, so that is an entirely untested group. We already know what past Alabama offensive lines and running backs would do to a new crew such as they will be facing tomorrow night, but the question is, can this offense take advantage of it? New Bama quarterbacks and new running backs will have to prove themselves, just as USC's defensive front will have to be ready against an unknown commodity themselves.

Southern Cal's defense will be hoping to rattle Blake Barnett and/or Cooper Bateman. If, and that's a big if, USC is able to shut down or at least slow down Alabama's running game and force the pair into a passing game mentality, then manage a decent pass rush it could provide a closer game than many are calling for tomorrow. Las Vegas still has Bama in double-digits on the line.

Alabama's offensive line, however, should dominate the USC defensive front. Whether the inevitable happens in the first or fourth quarter, domination on the line of scrimmage will go the Tide's way. That's not to say that the Trojan's defense isn't good. USC has talent there, at every position. To say that Cal won't give Bama a problem or two wouldn't be right either. In fact, expect some problems at least early on. What USC lacks in experience they make up for in size and talent.

And the Alabama defense? There are those that say this group is better than last season. Regardless, everyone is well aware that Alabama will once again field a top 10 defense, making the debut of USC quarterback Max Browne a nightmare.

This Saturday's contest will be the eighth meeting between the Crimson Tide and Trojans. Bama leads the series 5-2, with the most recent meeting in the Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii back in 1985. The Tide won that contest 24-3, capping a 9-2-1 season.

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2016 University Of Alabama

Crimson Tide Football Roster

NO	NAME	POS	HT	WT	CLASS	HOMETOWN
1	Ben Davis	LB	6-4	234	FR	Gordo, AL
1	Robert Foster	WR	6-2	191	JR	Monaca, PA
2	Jalen Hurts	QB	6-2	209	FR	Channelview, TX
2	Jared Mayden	DB	6-0	200	FR	Sachse, TX
3	Calvin Ridley	WR	6-1	188	SO	Coconut Creek, FL
3	Mack Wilson	LB	6-2	244	FR	Montgomery, AL
4	Eddie Jackson	DB	6-0	194	SR	Lauderdale Lakes, FL
5	Shyheim Carter	DB	6-0	190	FR	Kentwood, LA
5	Ronnie Clark	RB	6-2	215	SO	Calera, AL
5	Alec Morris	QB	6-3	233	SR	Allen, TX
6	B.J. Emmons	RB	6-0	206	FR	Morganton, NC
6	Hootie Jones	DB	6-2	215	JR	Monroe, LA
7	Tony Brown	DB	6-0	198	JR	Beaumont, TX
7	Trevon Diggs	WR	6-2	195	FR	Gaithersburg, MD
8	Blake Barnett	QB	6-5	211	FR	Corona, CA
9	Da'Shawn Hand	DL	6-4	280	JR	Woodbridge, VA
9	Bo Scarbrough	RB	6-2	228	SO	Northport, AL
10	Reuben Foster	LB	6-1	236	SR	Auburn, AL
12	David Cornwell	QB	6-5	228	SO	Norman, OK
13	Nigel Knott	DB	5-11	175	FR	Madison, MS
13	ArDarius Stewart	WR	6-1	204	JR	Fultondale, AL
14	Gehrig Dieter	WR	6-3	207	SR	South Bend, IN
14	Deionte Thompson	DB	6-2	190	FR	Orange, TX
15	Ronnie Harrison	DB	6-3	216	SO	Tallahassee, FL
15	JK Scott	P	6-6	202	JR	Denver, CO
16	Jamey Mosley	LB	6-5	228	SO	Mobile, AL
16	T.J. Simmons	WR	6-2	201	FR	Pinson, AL
17	Cam Sims	WR	6-5	203	JR	Monroe, LA
18	Cooper Bateman	QB	6-3	220	JR	Murray, UT
19	Shawn Jennings	LB	6-2	200	FR	Dadeville, AL
19	Montana Murphy	QB	6-3	201	FR	Trophy Club, TX
20	Shaun Dion Hamilton	LB	6-0	232	JR	Montgomery, AL
21	Rogria Lewis	DB	5-11	196	JR	Birmingham, AL
22	Ryan Anderson	LB	6-2	253	SR	Daphne, AL
23	Aaron Robinson	DB	6-1	181	FR	Deerfield Beach, FL
24	Terrell Hall	LB	6-5	247	FR	Washington, DC
25	Joshua Jacobs	RB	5-10	204	FR	Tulsa, OK
26	Marlon Humphrey	DB	6-1	196	SO	Hoover, AL
28	Anthony Averett	DB	6-0	183	JR	Woodbury, NJ
29	Minkah Fitzpatrick	DB	6-1	203	SO	Old Bridge, NJ
31	Keaton Anderson	LB	6-1	215	FR	Florence, AL
31	Donnie Lee Jr.	WR	6-0	180	JR	Northport, AL
31	Xavian Marks	RB	5-8	166	SO	Rosenberg, TX
32	Rashaan Evans	LB	6-3	231	JR	Auburn, AL
33	Derrick Gore	RB	5-11	210	JR	Syracuse, NY
33	Anfernee Jennings	LB	6-3	264	FR	Dadeville, AL
34	Damien Harris	RB	5-11	214	SO	Berea, KY
34	Nate Staskelunas	DB	6-3	207	SR	Greenville, NC
35	Torin Marks	DB	5-11	175	FR	Rosenberg, TX
35	Thomas Woods	WR	5-6	165	JR	Birmingham, AL
36	Johnny Dwight	DL	6-3	306	SO	Rochelle, GA
37	Donavan Mosley	DB	5-10	180	SO	SAN ANTONIO, TX
37	Jonathan Rice	WR	6-4	207	SO	Madison, AL
38	Austin Johnson	WR	6-2	200	SO	Elba, AL
40	Joshua McMillon	LB	6-3	237	FR	Memphis, TN
41	Blaine Anderson	DB	5-10	187	SR	Charlotte, NC
41	Parker Bearden	WR	6-1	201	SO	Bessemer, AL
42	Keith Holcombe	LB	6-4	227	SO	Tuscaloosa, AL
42	Jacob Parker	TE	6-1	222	JR	Meridianville, AL
43	Lawrence Erekosima	RB	5-7	180	JR	Simpsonville, SC
44	Avery Reid	RB	6-0	192	SO	Oneonta, AL
44	Levi Wallace	DB	6-0	170	JR	Tucson, AZ
45	Hunter Bryant	TE	6-5	226	JR	Roswell, GA
46	Derrick Garnett	LB	6-1	240	SR	Tuscaloosa, AL
47	Bo Grant	DB	6-2	195	SR	Valley, AL
47	Christian Miller	LB	6-4	230	SO	Columbia, SC
47	Josh Pugh	WR	6-1	208	SO	Chelsea, AL
48	Mekhi Brown	LB	6-5	246	FR	Columbus, GA
49	Brandon Moore	TE	6-0	248	SR	Cincinnati, OH
50	Alphonse Taylor	OL	6-5	345	SR	Mobile, AL
51	Jake Long	DL	5-9	228	SR	Vestavia Hills, AL
53	Ryan Parris	LS	6-0	209	SO	Madison, AL
54	Dalvin Tomlinson	DL	6-3	305	SR	Mcdonough, GA
55	Cole Mazza	LS	6-2	235	SR	Bakersfield, CA
56	Brandon Kennedy	OL	6-3	301	FR	Wetumpka, AL
56	Tim Williams	LB	6-4	252	SR	Baton Rouge, LA
58	Daniel Powell	DL	5-11	238	FR	Aliceville, AL
59	Dallas Warmack	OL	6-2	299	SO	Atlanta, GA
60	Malik Martin	OL	6-3	370	SO	Tuscaloosa, AL
61	Jacob Probasco	OL	6-3	317	FR	Plainsboro, NJ
62	Will Davis	OL	6-5	315	SR	Letohatchee, AL
63	J.C. Hassenauer	OL	6-2	299	JR	Woodbury, MN
65	Deonte Brown	OL	6-4	350	FR	Decatur, AL
66	Lester Cotton	OL	6-4	319	SO	Tuscaloosa, AL
67	Josh Casher	OL	6-1	287	SO	Mobile, AL
69	Joshua Frazier	DL	6-4	315	JR	Springdale, AR
71	Ross Pierschbacher	OL	6-4	304	SO	Cedar Falls, IA
72	Richie Petitbon	OL	6-4	302	FR	Annapolis, MD
73	Jonah Williams	OL	6-5	296	FR	Folsom, CA
74	Cam Robinson	OL	6-6	310	JR	Monroe, LA
75	Bradley Bozeman	OL	6-5	319	JR	Roanoke, AL
76	Scott Lashley	OL	6-7	313	FR	West Point, MS
77	Matt Womack	OL	6-7	316	FR	Hernando, MS
78	Korren Kirven	OL	6-4	311	SR	Lynchburg, VA
79	Chris Owens	OL	6-3	307	FR	Arlington, TX
80	Raheem Falkins	WR	6-4	200	JR	New Orleans, LA
81	Derek Kief	WR	6-4	200	SO	Cincinnati, OH
82	Irv Smith Jr.	TE	6-4	235	FR	New Orleans, LA
83	Cam Stewart	TE	6-8	254	FR	San Jose, CA
84	Hale Hentges	TE	6-5	256	SO	Jefferson City, MO
86	Truett Harris	TE	6-3	235	SR	Brentwood, TN
87	Parker Barrineau	WR	6-0	184	SR	Northport, AL
87	Miller Forristall	TE	6-5	225	FR	Cartersville, GA
88	O.J. Howard	TE	6-6	251	SR	Prattville, AL
89	Brandon Greene	TE	6-5	295	SR	Ellenwood, GA
89	Armani Purifoye	WR	6-0	193	JR	Kingsland, GA
90	Jamar King	DL	6-4	290	JR	Detroit, MI
91	O.J. Smith	DL	6-2	309	SO	Bossier City, LA
92	Andy Pappanastos	PK	5-11	198	JR	Montgomery, AL
92	Quinnen Williams	DL	6-4	284	FR	Birmingham, AL
93	Jonathan Allen	DL	6-3	291	SR	Leesburg, VA
94	Dakota Ball	TE	6-3	268	SR	Lindale, GA
94	Da'Ron Payne	DL	6-2	319	SO	Birmingham, AL
98	Brannon Satterfield	P	6-2	210	SO	Austin, TX
99	Raekwon Davis	DL	6-7	315	FR	Meridian, MS
99	Adam Griffith	PK	5-10	191	SR	Calhoun, GA