Bama Men's Basketball Wins Convincingly; Crimson Tide Football Practices Indoors; Bama Offensive Line Finalist For Joe Moore Award; College Football Playoff Selection Committee Rankings; Notebooking The Alabama Defense; Big Al Kids Day Set For Sunday's Women's Basketball

Crimson Tide Men's Basketball With Convincing Win

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

The Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team have been looking good so far in this young 2016-17 season, with help coming from the bench as well as freshmen providing points and rebounds to show Alabama basketball is headed in the right direction. Alabama convincingly defeated Charleston Southern on Tuesday evening 76-46 in Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama head coach Avery Johnson said, "Tonight was one of our better first halves of the year. A lot of points of emphasis that we came into the game talking about in practice and our shoot around were executed in those areas. Fortunately, [Charleston Southern] missed some shots and they got some decent looks; but, for the most part, we had a lot of closed-window situations where they didn't have great looks at the basket. We did a nice job in transition, we didn't get in a bonus early in the game like we normally do, so we had a lot of good and consistent patterns of execution on both ends of the floor. I'm proud of the way the guys responded after the way we played on this last road trip and the way we practiced two days ago. They definitely turned it around tonight."

Braxton Key scored 14 points and pulled down six rebounds to lead the Tide on the night. The win improves Alabama to 4-2 on the season while the Charleston Southern Buccaneers fall to 3-3. 

"Braxton did a nice job of catching the ball and getting in the right position," Alabama men's basketball head coach Avery Johnson said.

Also finishing the contest in double figures was Avery Johnson, Jr. and Ar'Mond Davis  with 11 and 10 points, respectively. It was another big night for the Alabama bench scoring 46 points to match or nearly match an opponent for the second time this season.

"It's always a team effort," Johnson, Jr. commented. "The second group just tries to come in and give, like, a spark."

Leading the way for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers was Armel Potter with 12 points and three assists.

Alabama redshirt freshman Dazon Ingram was four-of-six from the field for nine points and finished with a game-high four assists while turning the ball over just once in the contest. Sophomore forward Donta Hall finished out the evening with six points and a game-high seven boards.

Immediately following the game, Coach Johnson said, "I'm proud of the way the guys responded after the way we played on this last road trip and the way we practiced two days ago -- they definitely turned it around tonight."

Winning the turnover battle was the Crimson Tide scoring 28 points off 23 Buccaneer turnovers. Charleston Southern scored 13 points off 13 Alabama turnovers.

Next up for Alabama will be the Texas Longhorns this Friday, requiring a trip Austin, Texas. Tipoff time is set for 8:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

Team Statistics

Game Stats	CSU	UA
FG%	.340	.456
3FG%	.278	.360
FT%	.538	.600
RB	32	41
TO	22	13
STL	5	11

UA men's basketball head coach Avery Johnson
Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

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Bama Football Practices Indoors On Tuesday

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

The Tuesday practice session for the No. 1-ranked University of Alabama football team was an indoor affair, working in full pads for approximately two hours at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility in preparation for this weekend's big one - the 2016 Southeastern Conference Championship Game with the Florida Gators.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey was participating in yesterday's drills, but appeared to be somewhat limited by the leg injury he suffered. Though his status for this weekend's championship game is not clear at this time, Alabama football head coach Nick Saban had said on Monday that he is hopeful that Humphrey will be ready to play.

Freshman cornerback Shyheim Carter, who didn't dress out for the Iron Bowl, was practicing yesterday.

The Crimson Tide will make yet another trip to Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday for the program's 11th appearance in the conference title game with Florida, and the league-leading 12th overall championship game. Alabama and Florida are scheduled to kick it off at 3:10 p.m. CT, with the game being broadcast live on CBS from the Georgia Dome. Verne Lundquist will be handling play-by-play duties in his final Southeastern Conference football championship game, with Gary Danielson on color analysis and Allie LaForce again doing her thing on the sidelines.

  

This will be the 40th meeting between the Crimson Tide and Gators, with Alabama leading the series 25-14 (26-14 actual). This will be the ninth meeting between the two teams in the SEC Championship Game, and the fourth time in the past nine years. The last meeting between the two was in Atlanta in the 2015 SEC Championship game which the Tide won 29-15. 

Alabama will practice again today and Thursday in full practice sessions, then head to to Atlanta on Friday. 

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Alabama Offensive Line Finalist For Joe Moore Award

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

Pretty much everyone was at least a little worried after the graduation and NFL-loses to the University of Alabama football offensive line last season. Seems the young men have proven that the worry was for nought.

The Alabama offensive line has been chosen as one of three finalists for the Joe Moore Award, the Foundation for Teamwork announced Tuesday. The Joe Moore Award is presented annually to the nation's top offensive line unit. The Crimson Tide is joined by Iowa and Ohio State as the three finalists for the 2016 season.

The Alabama offensive line has been dominating this season, providing protection for a balanced offensive attack that leads the SEC in scoring (39.4 points per game) and is second in total offense (479.6 yards per game), rushing offense (245.9 yards per game) and yards per rushing attempt (5.7). 

The Joe Moore Award is named after Joe Moore, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, and is the only major college football award to honor a unit. The award annually recognizes the nation's most outstanding offensive line unit that best displays toughness, effort, teamwork, physicality, tone setting and finishing. The Crimson Tide won the award in 2015. This year's winner will be announced on December 9th.

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College Football Playoff 

Selection Committee Rankings

(5th Ranking)

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team is once again the number one team in the nation in the poll that counts, The College Football Playoff poll, as voted by the College Football Selection Committee. As it stands today, Alabama (1) would take on Washington (4) while Ohio State (2) would play Clemson (3) in the the semifinals with the winners then playing for the National Championship.

There are five teams from the Southeastern Conference in this week's poll, consisting of the Alabama Crimson Tide (1), Auburn (14), Florida (15), LSU (21) and Tennessee (22).

Here is a complete look at the College Football Playoff Selection Committee Rankings for the fifth week:

  1  Alabama Crimson Tide

  2  Ohio State

  3  Clemson

  4  Washington

  5  Michigan

  6  Wisconsin

  7  Penn State

  8  Colorado

  9  Oklahoma

10  Oklahoma State

11  USC

12  Florida State

13  Louisville

14  Auburn

15  Florida

16  West Virginia

17  Western Michigan

18  Stanford

19  Navy

20  Utah

21  LSU

22  Tennessee

23  Virginia Tech

24  Houston

25  Pittsburg

This week's key matchups:

Alabama Crimson Tide (1) vs Florida (15)
Clemson (3) vs Virginia Tech (23)
Washington (4) vs Colorado (8)
Wisconsin (6) vs Penn State (7)
Oklahoma (9) vs Oklahoma State (10)
Western Michigan (17) vs Ohio
Navy (19) vs Temple
Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky
San Diego State vs Wyoming

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Notebooking The Alabama Defense

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

Just a few facts concerning the University of Alabama Crimson Tide defense for the 2016 College Football Season thus far:

ALABAMA Defense leads the nation in:

 

Nuff said?

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Big Al Kids Day Set For This Sunday

Alabama Women's Basketball To Host Kansas

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide women's basketball team will host the Kansas Jayhawks this Sunday, December 4th. Members of the Big Al's Kids Club are invited to attend Sunday's game against  for Big Al's Kids Club Day. The doors to Coleman Coliseum will open at 9:30 a.m. CT and admission is free for each kids club member and one parent.

Get this, all Big Al's Kids Club members and parents will be invited to the Crimson Tide Hospitality Suite to enjoy complimentary pizza and cookies, courtesy of McAlister's Deli. In addition, all kids will have the opportunity to be a part of the run out tunnel on court for the women's basketball team and will have a chance to participate in in-game promotions.


If interesting in becoming a member, parents should register their children by going to RollTide.com for kids 12 and under. Membership for the 2016-17 season is only $20 and includes an official Big Al's Kids Club T-shirt or a onesie for fans two years of age and under, a membership credential, birthday card from Big Al, a free cookie coupon from McAlister's Deli, admission to select Alabama athletic events, exclusive access to Big Al's Kids Club events and giveaways, one free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal at McAlister's Deli, and more.

College Football Playoff Selection Committee Rankings Just Released; Four-Star LB Allen Chooses The Tide; Bama Football Has 23 Commitments For 2017; Crimson Tide Preps For SEC Championship; What Saban Said In Monday's Press Briefing; McElwain Complimentary Of Crimson Tide; Tide Defensive Coordinator Jeremy Pruitt Honored

College Football Playoff 

Selection Committee Rankings

(5th Ranking)

  1  Alabama Crimson Tide

  2  Ohio State

  3  Clemson

  4  Washington

  5  Michigan

  6  Wisconsin

  7  Penn State

  8  Colorado

  9  Oklahoma

10  Oklahoma State

11  USC

12  Florida State

13  Louisville

14  Auburn

15  Florida

16  West Virginia

17  Western Michigan

18  Stanford

19  Navy

20  Utah

21  LSU

22  Tennessee

23  Virginia Tech

24  Houston

25  Pittsburg

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4-Star Linebacker Christopher Allen Chooses Bama

Tide Snags Another From LSU's Backyard

Christopher Allen chooses the Crimson Tide

 Photo Credit: 247Sports

They say the rich just keep getting richer. And talent-rich Alabama Crimson Tide football has indeed just gotten even richer with the addition of yet another top linebacker to the 2017 recruiting class.
Four-star Baton Rouge, Louisiana standout Christopher Allen has committed to the Crimson Tide.

The Southern Lab linebacker was originally expected to announce his college commitment during the Under Armour All-American all-star game next month, but shook things up just a bit when he decided to make his announcement for the defending National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide.

Allen spent Saturday watching Alabama defeat in-state rival Auburn 30-12 in the Iron Bowl this past Saturday. He is now preparing to play for the state championship this Friday.

"I was just ready to get the recruiting process over with. And I felt confident that the (Alabama) coaches are going to take me to the next level. I really didn’t have a three. It was just LSU and Alabama.

"I’ll take a couple more visits to Bama after this. But otherwise, my recruiting process is pretty much over. Now I’m focused on this week and the championship game."

Allen is quite the catch, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at  234 pounds. He is an outside linebacker ranked at No. 118 nationally according to the 247Sports composite and is considered the nation's No. 7 outside linebacker as well as the No. 4 prospect out of the state of Louisiana.

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2017 Football Commitments For Alabama Football

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team currently has 23 student-athletes who have committed to furthering their football careers at the Capstone. As new commits are announced the list will be updated and released. 

Here is the complete list of 2017 commitments to UA as of 11/28/16:

• Najee Harris, RB (6-1, 210), Antioch, California 
• Alex Leatherwood, OL (6-4, 300), Pensacola, Florida
• Chadarius Townsend, ATH, (6-0, 180), Tanner, Alabama*
• Brian Robinson, RB (6-2, 210), Tuscaloosa, Alabama*
• VanDarius Cowan, LB (6-4, 217), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
• Tua Tagovailoa, QB (6-1, 210), Honolulu, Hawaii
• Elliot Baker, OL (6-7, 295), City College of San Francisco (California)
• Mac Jones, QB (6-2, 185), Jacksonville, Florida
• Markail Benton, LB (6-2, 245), Phenix City, Alabama*
• Brandon Ruiz, K (5-10, 165), Gilbert, Arizona
• Tyrell Shavers, LB ( 6-6, 202), Lewisville, Texas
• Thomas Fletcher, C (6-2, 220), Bradenton, Florida
• Akial Byers, DL, (6-4,  275), Fayetteville, Arkansas
• Jhavonte Dean, (6-2, 189), Homestead, Florida
• Hunter Brannon, (6-4, 290), Cullman, Alabama*
• Jerry Jeudy, ( 6-1, 177), Deerfield Beach, Florida
• Kyriq McDonald, DB (5-11, 185), Madison, Alabama*
• Kendall Randolph, OL (6-5, 290), Madison, Alabama*
• Kedrick James, TE (6-5, 250), Waco, Texas
• Dylan Moses, LB (6-3, 235), IMG Academy, Bradenton, Florida
• Major Tennison, TE (6-6, 230), Bullard, Texas
• Jedrick Wills, OT, (6-5, 318), Lexington, Kentucky
• Christopher Allen, LB (6-4, 234), Baton Rouge, La.

*State of Alabama Recruits/Commitments

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Crimson Tide Football Preps For SEC Championship

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

Preparation for the 2016 Southeastern Conference Championship Game is in full swing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as the top-ranked Crimson Tide of the University of Alabama once again takes to the practice field.

It's not like the Crimson Tide hasn't been here before. But it's a new year. It's a new Southeastern Conference Championship contest. But it's the same Alabama. The same chew-em-up and spit-em out defense that destroys quarterbacks and running backs and decimates defenses.

Alabama football worked out in shells for roughly 75 minutes on Monday afternoon in the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility getting prepped for the 2016 version of the SEC Championship football game to be held this Saturday. After knocking off in-state rival Auburn this past Saturday with an eventual 30-12 spanking, the Tide turns it's sites to the 15th/16th-ranked Florida Gators. The No. 1 team in the SEC and the nation for that matter is preparing a party for the Gators that they'll wish had never been thrown come the end of Saturday's afternoon's contest.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey had both legs heavily wrapped yesterday. He wasn't participating in drills during the media viewing period. He received a hamstring injury in the Alabama victory over Auburn this past Saturday.

No real change in Reuben Foster's situation either. His hand continues to sport heavy wrapping.

Tony Brown was practicing yesterday and will be ready to go in Saturday's championship matchup. He was ejected in the Iron Bowl for a targeting call.

Alabama is 12-0 on the season, with the Gators coming in waving the banner for the SEC East with an 8-3 record, 6-2 in the SEC. The two will meet Saturday afternoon in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia for a 3:10 p.m. CT kickoff. The game will be broadcast live on CBS, with Verne Lundquist calling play-by-play for the last time in the game, with Gary Danielson handling color commentary and Allie LaForce working the sidelines.

This will be the 40th meeting between the two teams, with Alabama holding the advantage with a 25-14 (26-14 actual) record. The most recent game had the Crimson Tide defeating the Gators 29-15 in the 2015 SEC Championship game. The two schools lead the league in championship game appearances, with the Gators holding a 12 -11 advantage.

Saban & McElwain With SEC Championship Trophy
Photo Credit: Dothan Eagle via Bing

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What Saban Said In Monday's Press Briefing

Alabama head coach Nick Saban
Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

The press once again gather around Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban yesterday afternoon for his usual weekly press briefing. This one dealt with the victory over Auburn, the upcoming Southeastern Conference Championship Game with the Florida Gators and other tidbits thrown in.

In his opening statement, Saban said, "Well not to belabor the point, but I think that as I said yesterday in the conference call, I was really pleased with how our team played in the second half (against Auburn). (There were) a lot of things that we didn't execute really well in the first half, and all of those things were correctable things that we are going to address with the players and try to clean up so that we don't have those issues in the future.

"We are really excited that Cam Robinson was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, and you got our players of the week, but this game is really where our focus is.

"This is the SEC Championship Game, which is one of the most competitive environments that I have had to play in – (especially) against a very good Florida team. There is great tradition and history with both of the teams in this game, which have tradition and history in this game. This is the 25th championship game, and as I said yesterday, to have coach (Steve) Spurrier and coach (Gene) Stallings there, who played in the first championship game, is really sort of something special.

"I think coach Jim McElwain has done a really good job in his time there. They have gotten better and better each year and certainly won games that they had to win to get there and have this opportunity. They have a very good defense, they are one of the best defensive teams in the country; a very good man-to-man team on the back-end, a very dominant front seven in term of their down guys up front; their ability to rush behind the line of scrimmage. Offensively, they try to create great balance with their team this year. Their ability to run the ball – they have had a couple of backs that have helped contribute to that. I think Antonio Callaway and Brandon Powell, the two receivers that they have, are certainly guys that they want to get the ball to that have the ability to make explosive plays. When they have been able to do that, they have done very well of offense. They are very strong on special teams. They have very strong specialists, whether it's returners, punters, or a kicker. They are all very effective and very good, and it's going to be a challenging game for us."

Of course, would it really be a true Nick Saban press conference without one of the patented Nick Saban rants. However, let's face it folks, a lot of these reporters have it coming with some of the comments and questions that couldn't possibly be well thought out. The first question following the opening statement set the Tide head man off.

First question out of the gate was, "Do you expect there to be the competitive fire from players that won't allow them to think that it's OK to lose this game?"

This is where on social media one would insert the LoL or a Hahaha or something of the sort. On Saturday morning cartoons it would be where ol Wile E. Coyote would be seen hanging in mid-air after running off the end of the cliff just before falling.

Oops!

An angry Saban responded, "That's certainly not the mindset that we want. This is a big game for us. It's an opportunity to win the SEC championship, which, to me, is a very significant accomplishment. We hold that in very high esteem, having the ability to do that, having the opportunity to do it, having the ability to play for it."

Thanks, Nick. Huh? There's more?

Of course there's more. You didn't think he'd let the guy off that easily, do you?

Saban, even a little more intense, said, "You all (the press) put everything about the playoffs. That's all you care about. You don't care about any bowl games. You don't care about any teams in the country that aren't in the playoffs. I don't know. If we don't win this game, maybe we throw a stink bomb out there, maybe we don't get the playoffs. I don't know. You guys have got all the answers to all that, but I don't. All I know is that if we play well we control our own destiny in terms of what we do."

Thank you again, Nick. What? More? Yep, another octave in the tone and timbre of Saban's voice was reached.

Saban said, "So. I'd really rather not have any more questions about 'Is it OK to lose this game?' It's never OK to lose a game."

Alabama and Florida square off this Saturday afternoon at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

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McElwain Complimentary Of Crimson Tide

Florida's Jim McElwain
Photo from Bing

University of Florida Gators football head coach Jim McElwain is slinging some of those nice, complimentary words out concerning the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide football team. He says, in fact, that this particular Alabama team is probably the best all-around team that Alabama football head coach Nick Saban has had at the Capstone.

"I think (this is) probably the best team that Coach has put together there from the standpoint of offense, defense and special teams," McElwain commented. 

Coaches always seem to get especially-complimentary of their upcoming opponents the week prior. Of course, McElwain and Saban know each other well, so one would expect the things they have to say about one another and their teams are basically heart-felt. After all, McElwain has served as offensive coordinator at UA under Saban, and the two are considered friends as opposed to just friendly. Oh yeah, and McElwain helped Nick Saban win two of his national championships at the Capstone as well.

Saban says that McElwain has been doing a really good job since taking over as head coach for the Gators, and that the team has been improving with him at the helm. McElwain says that Saban is one of the best college football coaches ever. I'd say we have a regular mutual-admiration thing going on here.

McElwain joked earlier that he had only gotten "violently ill" a couple of times while watching game film of the Crimson Tide defense.

Concerning that dominating Tide defense, McElwain said that there are 86 examples of Alabama opponents facing a third down of seven to 10 yards against the Crimson Tide defense, not even including the times teams have been backed up into a third down of 11 yards or longer. He again joked that you can quickly get through the clips of teams facing third downs of six yards or less.

McElwain said, "What it tells you is the dominance that they're doing on first down and forcing you into those situations and then being able to attack you from there."

The Crimson Tide defeated the Gators in this very game just last season. At the end of the 2015 SEC Championship Game, when the smoke had cleared, Alabama captured the coveted crown 29-15.

"This is another great opportunity," McElwain said. "Not often in life do you get those opportunities, as a competitor, you get the opportunity to go challenge yourself against the best, a team that is unbelievable. They are clicking on all cylinders, got great players, obviously the best coach in college football and a staff that works the way they do. It's an honor to be able to go play them again. The big thing is, you know, it's a chance to go compete on a big stage and see what you're made of. We're excited to be there."

According to Vegas Insider, Alabama is a 24-point favorite to defeat the Florida Gators and win the 2015 SEC Championship.

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Tide Defensive Coordinator Jeremy Pruitt Honored

Jeremy Pruitt
Defensive Coordinator

He's not even completed a full season as the skipper of the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide defense, but Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt has been named one of the five finalists for the Broyles Award, the top award for college football's top assistant.

Pruitt had previously served on Alabama head coach Nick Saban's staff before returning to the fold for the 2016 season. Pruitt held a staff position and then became a defensive backs coach before leaving for Florida State to become the Seminoles defensive coordinator in 2013. From there he headed over to Georgia to serve in the same capacity under then-head coach Mark Richt. And now, after leaving following the hiring of former defensive coordinator Kirby Smart to be the head coach of the Bulldogs, Pruitt has returned to serve once again under Saban.

The Alabama defense is the top-ranked defense in total yardage allowed, rushing yardage and scoring. This great college defensive unit was able to pull off a great feat, going four games in the month of November without allowing a single touchdown. Says a lot about not only the quality and ability of the players, but the man handling the unit as well.

The Broyles Award will be announced on December 6th.

The Broyles Award finalists for 2016 are Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Colorado defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt, Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown and Pittsburg offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

Bama Women's Basketball Wins Big; What Saban Said During The Sunday Conference Call; Crimson Tide Preps For SEC Championship; What Saban Said In Today's Press Briefing; Crimson Tide To Host First "BamaGymnastics Night In"; What Saban Said About Kiffin & LSU Job; Tide Captures All First Place Votes In Amway Coaches Poll; Alabama Again No. 1 In Associated Press College Football Poll

Alabama Women's Basketball Moves To 5-0

Defeats Alabama A&M 97-29

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

It was a huge win for the University of Alabama women's basketball team at Coleman Coliseum on Sunday posting by far its largest margin of victory in the young 2016-17 season. The Crimson Tide has moved to 5-0 with a win yesterday over Alabama A&M 97-29. Bama sophomore Shaquera Wade picked up career highs of 22 points and seven steals, while freshman Ashley Knight recorded her first career double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds to lead the team.

Concerning the win, Crimson Tide women's head basketball coach Kristy Curry  said, "I really liked our energy and our approach to the game. We came out early and established ourselves and kind of never let up there for a little while. I like the approach we had to start the game, and I loved our approach in the third quarter after the half. I thought our bench play was really productive, so a great overall effort and approach to the game. We went about it in a business-like fashion, and that's how we've got to be to be better."

Besides Wade and Knight, junior Quanetria Bolton and Meoshonti Knight also scored in double figures. Bolton picked up 12 points for the Tide and Knight added another 10. Knight also snagged seven rebounds, four steals and three assists to her afternoon's work.

Alabama was able to hit on 40-of-69 (58 percent) of it's attempts, while A&M was only 12-of-49 (24.5 percent) from the floor. Bama lead in rebounds as well, 47-29, while scoring 44 points off 32 Alabama A&M turnovers.

The Crimson Tide bench really stepped it up in yesterday's game, accounting for for nearly half of Bama's point output at 46 while pulling down 23 rebounds to add to the talley.

Alabama will next host Alcorn State on Thursday, December 1st at 7 p.m. CT.

Team Statistics

Game Stats	AAMU	UA
FG%	.245	.580
3FG%	.071	.250
FT%	.444	.520
RB	29	47
TO	32	12
STL	3	20

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

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What Saban Said During The Sunday Conference Call

University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban
Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

Alabama head football coach Nick Saban participated in the weekly conference call on Sunday afternoon. The Crimson Tide faces off with the Florida Gators this coming Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia in the Southeastern Conference Championship game.

Here is what Saban had to say: 

Saban offered up some praise of true freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts saying that the youngster's resiliency has been a key to his success and that he has shown a lot of poise and maturity.

Concerning the situation/rumors involving Lane Kiffin being looked at by LSU or other schools, Saban said he doesn't know anything about it, but that he believes Kiffin would tell him if something was going on. (See related story.)

Saban said that he and the team are hopeful concerning the status of Marlon Humphrey. He said that he didn't believe it was a bad injury.

Turning to the subject of Levi Wallace, Saban said that he did a good job on Saturday having to step into the cornerback slot.

Concerning Jonathan Allen, Saban spoke of what a great player he was, but then went on to say that he was an even better person as well as leader. Saban also said that Allen has not only had a fantastic year, but that he has shown improvement and gotten progressively better every year.

On the subject of Brent Key being added to the staff, Saban said that he was looking to upgrade the development of the offensive lineman and that it was turning out well under Key's guidance.

Then, of course, the subject of "the undefeated season" came up and the challenge it offered. Saban, as Saban does, referred to the old standard, "one day at a time," with the "We just try to take things one game at a time" comment he is so fond of. He said that Alabama can't fall in love with the past, but must instead focus on the upcoming challenge.

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Crimson Tide Football Preps For SEC Championship

Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

One might say that practice this week is a little different...but it isn't.

It's not like the Crimson Tide hasn't been here before. But it's a new year. It's a new Southeastern Conference Championship contest. But it's the same Alabama. The same chew-em-up and spit-em out defense that destroys quarterbacks and running backs and decimates defenses.

Alabama football worked out in shells for roughly 75 minutes this afternoon in the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility getting prepped for the 2016 version of the SEC Championship football game to be held this Saturday. After knocking off in-state rival Auburn this past Saturday with an eventual 30-12 spanking, the Tide turns it's sites to the 15th/16th-ranked Florida Gators. The No. 1 team in the SEC and the nation for that matter is preparing a party for the Gators that they'll wish had never been thrown come the end of Saturday's afternoon's contest.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey had both legs heavily wrapped this afternoon. He wasn't participating in drills during the media viewing period, and watched his teammates during the workouts. Humphrey received a hamstring injury in the Alabama victory over Auburn this past Saturday.

No real change in Reuben Foster's situation either. His hand continues to sport heavy wrapping.

Tony Brown was practicing yesterday and will be ready to go in Saturday's championship matchup. He was ejected in the Iron Bowl for a targeting call.

Alabama is 12-0 on the season, with the Gators coming in waving the banner for the SEC East with an 8-3 record, 6-2 in the SEC. The two will meet Saturday afternoon in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia for a 3:10 p.m. CT kickoff. The game will be broadcast live on CBS, with Verne Lundquist calling play-by-play for the last time in the game, with Gary Danielson handling color commentary and Allie LaForce working the sidelines.

This will be the 40th meeting between the two teams, with Alabama holding the advantage with a 25-14 (26-14 actual) record. The most recent game had the Crimson Tide defeating the Gators 29-15 in the 2015 SEC Championship game. The two schools lead the league in championship game appearances, with the Gators holding a 12 -11 advantage. 

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What Saban Said In Today's Press Briefing

Alabama head coach Nick Saban
Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

The press once again gather around Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban this afternoon for his usually weekly press briefing. This one dealt with the victory over Auburn, the upcoming Southeastern Conference Championship Game with the Florida Gators and other things.

Here is Saban's opening statement:

"Well not to belabor the point, but I think that as I said yesterday in the conference call, I was really pleased with how our team played in the second half (against Auburn). (There were) a lot of things that we didn't execute really well in the first half, and all of those things were correctable things that we are going to address with the players and try to clean up so that we don't have those issues in the future.

"We are really excited that Cam Robinson was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, and you got our players of the week, but this game is really where our focus is.

"This is the SEC Championship Game, which is one of the most competitive environments that I have had to play in – (especially) against a very good Florida team. There is great tradition and history with both of the teams in this game, which have tradition and history in this game. This is the 25th championship game, and as I said yesterday, to have coach (Steve) Spurrier and coach (Gene) Stallings there, who played in the first championship game, is really sort of something special.

"I think coach Jim McElwain has done a really good job in his time there. They have gotten better and better each year and certainly won games that they had to win to get there and have this opportunity. They have a very good defense, they are one of the best defensive teams in the country; a very good man-to-man team on the back-end, a very dominant front seven in term of their down guys up front; their ability to rush behind the line of scrimmage. Offensively, they try to create great balance with their team this year. Their ability to run the ball – they have had a couple of backs that have helped contribute to that. I think Antonio Callaway and Brandon Powell, the two receivers that they have, are certainly guys that they want to get the ball to that have the ability to make explosive plays. When they have been able to do that, they have done very well of offense. They are very strong on special teams. They have very strong specialists, whether it's returners, punters, or a kicker. They are all very effective and very good, and it's going to be a challenging game for us."

Alabama and Florida square off this Saturday afternoon at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

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Crimson Tide To Host First "BamaGymnastics Night In"

  

Alabama Gymnastics Head Coach Dana Duckworth
Also pictured: You know who!
Photo Credit: Alabama Athletics

You have to love the way the University of Alabama supports the community. The community, state, and nation for that matter, supports Crimson Tide sports, and the various sports programs making up the Alabama Athletic Department loves to give back. This one involves giving by Alabama Gymnastics head coach Dana Duckworth, assistants Brian Raschilla and Bill Lorenz as well as the entire Crimson Tide gymnastics team, consisting of Abby Armbrecht, Katie Bailey, Mackenzie Brannan, Jenna Bresette, Wynter Childers, Caitlin Cole, Maddie Desch, Angelina Giancroce, Ari Guerra, Nickie Guerrero, Amanda Jetter, Jennie Loeb, Shea Mahoney, Keely McNeer, Mary Lillian Sanders, Aja Sims, Mackenzie Valentin and Kiana Winston. 

The Crimson Tide is hosting its first ever "BamaGymnastics Night In" on Saturday, December 17th in the Frances Smith Practice Facility inside Coleman Coliseum. The idea behind the Night In is to provide children ages 5-13 years old the chance to hang out with Alabama gymnasts, and provide them with the opportunity to do so in the Frances Smith Practice Facility in Coleman Coliseum while their families are able to enjoy time for holiday errands, shopping or a night on the town. The event will be held from 5-8 p.m. CT.

This fun-filled night will include pizza, supervised time on the equipment, games and other activities with the Alabama gymnasts, coaches and staff.

Parents and families can register their children for the BamaGymnastics Night In at www.GymTide.com. The cost is $40 per child prior to December 10th, and $50 after that date. 

Proceeds from the Night In will support the Medalist Club Postgraduate Scholarship.

Parents are urged to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for their children. Now, the event is limited to the first 75 children registered, so get your registration in as quickly as possible. For additional information you may contact Robin Kelley (rkelley@ia.ua.edu) for additional information.

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What Saban Said About Kiffin & LSU Job

Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin & head coach Nick Saban
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Probably the biggest news, strike that, the biggest gossip concerning the hiring of Ed Orgeron as the permanent head football coach at LSU is the rumor going around concerning University of Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin going to join his old former assistant. Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban, when asked, said he really didn't know anything about it.

Saban said, "I know nothing about it, first of all, so I don't think I should comment. I don't think I should comment on things I don't know anything about. He's never mentioned it to me and I'm sure he would if there was something out there."

Kiffin's current contract, which is due to expire just after the close of this season, is worth $1.4 million dollars this season. The original deal, and the time the contract was signed, was just prior to the 2014 season.

Of course Orgeron was specifically asked about Kiffin joining his staff on Saturday as offensive coordinator at LSU. Orgeron replies, "All I'm going to say is I'm going to go out and get the best coordinator in football.

Kiffin employed Orgeron at Tennessee in 2009 and again at USC from 2010-13. Additionally they served on the same USC staff as assistants from 2001to 2004.

Concerning Kiffin, Saban said, "Lane has done a good job for us. I'm pleased with what he's done. I think our staff does a really good job of making halftime adjustments and I certainly think we've done that this year."

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Alabama Captures All 64 1st-Place Votes In Coaches Poll

  1  Alabama

  2  Ohio State

  3  Clemson

  4  Washington

  5  Wisconsin

  6  Michigan

  7  Oklahoma

  8  Penn State

  9  Colorado

10  Oklahoma State

11  USC

12  Florida State

13  West Virginia

14  Western Michigan

15  Louisville

16  Florida

17  Stanford

18  Virginia Tech

19  Auburn 

20  Navy

21  LSU

22  Nebraska

23  South Florida

24  Utah

25  Iowa

Others Receiving Votes

Boise State 93; Houston 58; Pittsburgh 56; Washington State 44; Texas A&M 34; Miami (Fla.) 34; Temple 26; Tennessee 23; San Diego State 18; Air Force 12; North Carolina 9; Georgia Tech 9; Minnesota 6; Tulsa 5; Appalachian State 3; Western Kentucky 2; Wyoming 1; Middle Tennessee 1; Troy 1.                        

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Alabama Again No. 1 In Associated Press College Football Poll

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team has a firm grip on the No. 1 spot in this week's Associated Press College Football national rankings. Bama picked up all first place votes once again for the top slot, followed by Ohio State, Clemson, Washington and Michigan to round out the top five.

Only four teams from the Southeastern Conference remain in this week's poll, with the Crimson Tide being the only one from the SEC in the top 10. The SEC teams ranked this week are Alabama (1), Florida (15), Auburn (18) and LSU (21).

Here are the top 25 according to the Associated Press for Week 14:

  1  Alabama Crimson Tide

  2  Ohio State

  3  Clemson

  4  Washington

  5  Michigan

  6  Wisconsin

  7  Oklahoma 

  8  Penn State 

  9  Colorado 

10  USC

11  Oklahoma State

12  Florida State

13  Western Michigan

14  West Virginia

15  Florida

16  Louisville

17  Stanford

18  Auburn

19  Virginia Tech

20  Navy

21  LSU

22  Iowa

23  Nebraska

24  (tie) South Florida

24  (tie) Pitt

Others receiving votes:

Houston 98, Boise St. 92, Utah 88, Washington St. 35, Texas A&M 33, Air Force 22, Temple 21, Tennessee 12, Troy 7, Miami 5, Georgia Tech 2, Tulsa 1

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