Tide Tidbits – March 21, 2009

ESPN: Kicking it with Alabama’s Terrence Cody
One of the most compelling stories of the 2008 SEC football season was Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody. Most people know him now simply as Mount Cody. He’s a mountain of a man, the ultimate run-stuffer and returns as one of the most dominant interior linemen in all of college football. “I like the fans here and the way they’ve treated me. I wasn’t really used to that at junior college. But then I got up here, and it was crazy. Everybody started calling me Mount Cody.”

NCAA looks into non-coaching, staff positions… and other stuff!
The NCAA is a little curious about the trend of hiring veteran coaches as graduate assistants (like this one) and putting similar coaches in off-the-field administrative positions.

Tide defense solid, offense must be rebuilt
Alabama had a season to remember in 2008. It didn’t end the way Tide fans wanted, but a 12-2 record and an SEC West title a season after finishing 7-6 is memorable. Now coach Nick Saban has to focus on rebuilding his offense. He lost two key linemen, a solid quarterback and the team’s leading rusher. There are no worries about the defense, which returns nine starters from one of the best units in the nation. Here’s a look at the Tide as they prepare for spring drills.

SI: Andre Smith Is A Riddle
Alabama’s All-America tackle dominated the college ranks, but his ill-advised combine walkout and an unimpressive pro day workout have NFL scouts puzzling over what it all means. His departure immediately provoked questions about his judgment and maturity, especially in light of his suspension from the 2009 Sugar Bowl, reportedly for issues related to improper contact with an agent, and his decision not to work out in Indy. “My reaction was, ‘Wow,’” Smith says. “Then it was, ‘Hmmm.’ I was a little surprised.” From ESPN: Smith looks to redeem his status

Alabama makes the title game, but …
Let’s imagine, just for a few minutes, the Alabama football team reaching next year’s BCS National Championship Game. The Crimson Tide goes undefeated in the regular season. Along the way it beats down Tennessee and its new loudmouth coach, Lane Kiffin, before smashing Auburn to maintain Iron Bowl bragging rights. In the SEC Championship Game, the Tide embarrasses Florida. But then, just as the hype reaches peak levels, the NCAA decides this is a game you don’t need to see.

Mitchell Blog: Kiffin’s Crazy Like a What?
It’s Spring ball! The time of year tailor made for questions like that, and this: how could QB Jonathan Crompton have been so abysmal last season with all that talent around him? Instead, we’re talking about Kiffin’s antics. Lane Kiffin said what?! Kiffin to the left of me, Kiffin to the right… As a dear friend once told me, great leaders absorb uncertainty. No, I’m not prepared to compare the boy wonder from Knoxvegas to Saban or Miles, let alone a great leader.

Pick a road game for UA (Arkansas)
Arkansas is the Southeastern Conference opener for Alabama, defending champion of the Western Division, and will get the Crimson Tide’s full attention. Alabama will have a new quarterback, but it will be a typical Nick Saban team which means an emphasis on defense and a difficult assignment for the Razorbacks. One plus is that a visitor will see Bryant-Denny Stadium prior to the 10,000-seat expansion that’s will up capacity to 103,000.

Roll Tide!

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