Tide Tidbits – December 31, 2008
Sugar Bowl features overachieving defensesWith Andersen’s looming departure and Kalani Sitake’s elevation to replace him, the Sugar Bowl will feature three defensive coordinators, a head defensive coach and two defensive-minded head coaches. Not surprisingly, it will also boast two pretty good defenses. The success also means some coaching turnover, possibly for both staffs. Both defenses [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 30, 2008
Even without Smith, Utah not taking Alabama lightlyKyle Whittingham wanted to see the University of Alabama’s Outland Trophy winner, Andre Smith, on the field in Friday night’s Sugar Bowl. Instead, Utah will now be preparing to play an Alabama team without Smith, who will miss the game after being suspended. ‘It was slated to be [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 29, 2008
Utah Utes football: There’s lots of sweet talk from ‘BamaPractically the first thing out of Alabama coach Nick Saban’s mouth Sunday morning — other than a folksy how-ya’ll-doin’? — was exactly how good Utah is. “This is an outstanding team that we are playing in Utah,” said Saban. “This is probably the only undefeated team [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 28, 2008
10 reasons for Tide’s turnaround in 2008Alabama fans are thankful their team emerged from its decade-long dormant stage and captured the attention of the nation with an outstanding season that included five weeks at No. 1 and the Southeastern Conference West Division title. Here, then, are the 10 things that helped the Crimson Tide roll [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 27, 2008
Tide’s maturity faces test this weekAlabama has relied on its experience and maturity throughout the season — on and off the field. That maturity will be tested, displayed and expected in a city almost synonymous with, uh, “distractions” for college football players. Alabama players report for the final week of Sugar Bowl preparations Saturday in [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 26, 2008
Tide taking Sugar Bowl seriouslyBowl games are rewards for great seasons. At least, that’s the common refrain. But a number of Alabama players missed that memo. They look at the Crimson Tide’s Jan. 2 date against Utah in the Allstate Sugar Bowl as a final opportunity to prove — and even vindicate — themselves. There [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 25, 2008
Tide players spend Christmas at homeThe Alabama Crimson Tide gets the best of both worlds: Christmas at home with family and a nice bowl trip. The Tide players got to head home for two or three days before gathering in New Orleans on Dec. 27 to resume practices in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 24, 2008
Under Saban, Tide rides highFour straight losses were bad enough for Alabama, and one humbling defeat to Louisiana-Monroe was even worse. Nick Saban could have lost his team right there. Instead, he might well have claimed it. “Coach came in and talked to us and was like, ‘We’ve got an opportunity to change things with [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 23, 2008
‘Saint Nick’ happy he’s home for the holidays“I don’t even remember the last time,” he said. “This is a great holiday season, certainly a time to be thankful for all of this and all the gifts that we have. That starts with your family, and being thankful that you have great relationships with your children [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 22, 2008
SUGAR BOWL: Alabama’s Greenwood wants to go out strongBobby Greenwood can’t complain. The Alabama senior from Prattville would like more sacks, but what defensive end wouldn’t? He’d like more tackles, but doesn’t every defender? Most of all, he’d like to wipe out the disappointment of Alabama’s last game, a 31-20 loss to Florida in the [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 21, 2008
Senior Crimson Tide tight ends have developed a close bondAt first glance, they’re polar opposites. Nick Walker is the fun-loving guy, the outspoken cut-up who hails from rural Pike County and played every position as an all-state athlete at a small county school. Travis McCall is the quieter type who often wears a serious look [...]
Tide Tidbits – December 20, 2008
SUGAR BOWL: Legacy on the line for TideAlabama coach Nick Saban is all about finishing. And a good finish to a 12-0 regular season does not include a loss to Florida in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game and a loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl. “I really do think the legacy of this team [...]
