Tide Tidbits – April 12, 2009

UK, Calipari follow in ‘Bama’s footsteps
As much as John Calipari understands the huge expectations that come with being Kentucky’s new basketball coach, it’s probably not possible to completely imagine all that awaits him. If anyone could tell him how to navigate the challenge that’s in store, it would be Alabama football coach Nick Saban. His advice? Keep it simple. Focus on “the process” and leave the national title talk to the fans and the rumors to the Internet and talk radio. Recruit and develop talented players and you have a chance to succeed whether at a powerhouse program or a smaller school. “People that have these kinds of jobs that can do that and not be affected by external factors probably have a better chance to succeed, because it can be very distracting,” said Saban, who frequently refers to the process for building and maintaining a program.

Scarbinsky: Tide, Tigers get gold; high schools lose out
What’s wrong with moving the next two Iron Bowls up one day to the Friday after Thanksgiving? It’s the latest example of the Southeastern Conference selling its soul to CBS. It’s another example that the SEC and its member institutions care more about the people watching in their living rooms than the people watching in their stadiums. But of all the injustice and inconvenience attached to this move, there’s one reason above all why moving the next two Iron Bowls to the Friday after Thanksgiving is just flat wrong. It’s a head-slap to high school football.

McElroy starting to take command at quarterback
Years ago, when he was setting passing records in the National Football League, one of Dan Marino’s most popular ad campaigns was for Isotoner gloves, and how he would always give them to his offensive linemen. Greg McElroy must have been paying attention. “Every quarterback knows their best friend is the offensive line, from left tackle to right tackle, across the board,” said the University of Alabama quarterback, who has already picked up a couple of dinner tabs for his blockers. “Just set the record straight, I’m taking care of them so they better take care of me.”

Tuscaloosa anticipates A-Day crowd
Records tend to perpetuate themselves. With 12 national championships, the Crimson Tide anticipates grabbing the crown more often than less storied teams. After two record-setting A-Day years, and with ESPN broadcasting the scrimmage Saturday, Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama are braced for another huge spring football weekend. “A-Day not only gives the entire country a glimpse of the passion people have for UA football, but a snapshot of all that is good in Tuscaloosa and the campus,” said Don Staley, executive director of the Tuscaloosa Sports Foundation.

Slimmer Terrence Cody of Alabama wants to play on third downs this season
Whenever Alabama coach Nick Saban walks by him on the practice field, Terrence Cody brings up the subject gently. Last season, Cody earned All-American status by working almost exclusively against the run. This year, the senior wants more. He wants to rush the passer on third down. “I tell him about that every day,” said Cody, who made 24 tackles, including 4½ for a loss, in 12 games. “I’m like, ‘Coach Saban, man, y’all got to stop taking me out.’ He just looks at me, smiles and gets back to whatever he’s doing.” See also: Tide’s Cody slims down

Looking back on spring scrimmage No. 2 …
Alabama’s football team broke for Easter weekend and will return Monday for workouts heading into practices Tuesday and Thursday. Tide coach Nick Saban said:

• “Greg McElroy has done a really good job all spring. He’s a good decision maker, he’s smart, he’s got a good understanding of the offense”
• On young players in the secondary … “I think there’s really three guys that we really need to improve and make progress and gain confidence, knowledge and experience and playing fast.”
• On Friday’s offensive line without Mike Johnson (ankle sprain) … “We’ve got to be able to play with confidence and consistency in what we’re doing and I think having a more experienced player besides you probably enhances that.”

Roll Tide!

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