Bama in the News

August 16 - August 31, 2007

• VIDEO: Saban reviews Thursday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban addressed reporters after putting the Crimson Tide through a two-hour practice Thursday afternoon.

• Saban discusses practice • Tider Insider (for members only)
Tide head coach Nick Saban is pleased with the past two days of practices. But the coach says there are "real issues with mental toughness and maturity." 

• Alabama Completes Second Week of Preseason Practice • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama football completed its second week of preseason practice with a two-hour practice in full gear at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility Thursday afternoon. The Crimson Tide wrapped up its 17th practice of the preseason and head coach Nick Saban said his team continues to work hard and show improvement each day.

• Bama Volleyball to Hold Crimson/White Scrimmage Saturday • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama volleyball team will hold its annual Crimson/White scrimmage Saturday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m. The scrimmage marks the first time the Tide will compete in the Coleman Auxiliary Volleyball Extension (CAVE) this season.

• 8.16.07 Coach Saban • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Saban discusses the upcoming scrimmage and Thursday's practice.

• Andrew Bone: Alabama commitment discusses season • Tuscaloosa News
John Michael Boswell ready for senior year... 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Thursday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide took to the practice field Thursday as they continued their preparation for Saturday's scrimmage. Check the Ultimate Ticket for exclusive photos of Tide stars Bobby Greenwood, Rolando McClain Wallace Gilberry, Greg McElroy and more ... 

• Thursday scenes • Tider Insider (for members only)
Here are photos from Thursday afternoon's practice. 

• 4 More Years For Steele Family • BamaMag (for members only)
It came as no big surprise on Thursday that combo guard Andrew Steele would follow his brother's lead and commit to the Tide. The Steele's are to 'Bama basketball what the Bush Family is to the White House!

• Brian Motley Injures Hand • BamaMag
Defensive tackle not expected to be out long

• Scrimmage More ‘Game-Like’ • BamaMag
Tide will have second and final scrimmage Saturday

• 2008 Men's Basketball Recruiting:
Andrew Steele commits

• 8.16.07 Thursday Practice • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch as the defensive backs and wide receivers work.

• UA lands four-star athlete • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Mark Gottfried and the Alabama’s men’s basketball program got the 2008 recruiting year off to a good start in June when the Tide landed one of the nation’s top small forwards in Tony Mitchell. Today a four-star combo guard joined Mitchell in the Alabama class after considering offers from Tennessee, Kansas and Georgia Tech among others.

• VIDEO: Scenes from Thursday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide returned to the practice field Thursday afternoon, working out in full pads in 100-degree heat.

• Thursday Practice Report • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide hit the practice fields Thursday afternoon working in full pads on one of the most blistering days of fall camp yet in Tuscaloosa. Find out what new skills the quarterbacks worked on Thursday as well as injury news and more inside Thursday's Practice Report... 

• Countdown to SEC Soccer Kickoff 2007 - Alabama • SECSports
The Alabama soccer team will look to rebound off a 2006 season that was not typical of Alabama Soccer. After suffering seven season ending injuries last season and playing with a lack of depth for most of the season Coach Don Staley has brought in the largest freshman class in his 13 years at the Capstone.

• Big lineman talks Tide and Tigers • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I enjoyed every moment of that [Alabama's] camp. I remember Coach Saban getting in there and showing me some things.…"

• Jackson nearing a decision • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Four-star Rivals100 running back Dontavius Jackson has had a slow paced summer. He visited a couple schools and took part in the Crimson Tide's camp, but that pace is about to get a lot faster as he enters one of the biggest times of his life.

• Rivals250 RB set to visit Tuscaloosa • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama sits with two running backs already committed, but it is clear that the Tide coaching staff hasn't stopped recruiting playmakers in the backfield. One Rivals250 member recently named Alabama as one of his six finalist and will visit the Capstone in December. Find out ...

• St. Paul's stars prep for season • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The state of Alabama is loaded with high school football talent headed into the 2007 season and perhaps no school boasts more star power this year than St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile. Check out St. Paul stars Ivan Matchett, Mark Barron and AJ ...

• Countdown to Kickoff: Tennessee • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
BamaOnline's Countdown to Kickoff continues with a look at Alabama's Game Eight opponent, Tennessee. The Volunteers have key personnel to replace with new faces, but returning quarterback Erik Ainge saw his talent and confidence finally come together last season. 

• Star corner is a "must-get" for Tide staff • Tider Insider (for members only)
"Coach Saban told me I was his guy at cornerback. He said I'm a must-get guy. I know I'm important to the program…"

• Hargrave Starts It Up • BamaMag
CHATHAM, VA – The Hargrave Military Academy Post-Graduate team has kicked off another campaign and Scout.com was on hand to check out the action and get a sneak peak at the 2007 Tigers. Coach Bob Prunty has assembled another very talented team full of D-I prospects.

• Alabama Continues Preseason Practice • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama football team completed its final two-a-day practice of preseason camp with two practice sessions Wednesday at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility.

• Volleyball Season Tickets Going Fast • RollTide.com
With only 16 days left until the season opener, University of Alabama volleyball season tickets are going fast. Since the CAVE holds approximately 1,000 fans, the designated area for season ticket holders is filling up fast. 

• 8.15.07 Wednesday PM Practice • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch as the wide receivers work during the second of two Wednesday practices.

• Summer karate program proves helpful in fall • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Karate aids flexibility for football players

• Alabama safety Rashad Johnson could be crucial to success of defense • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Although a primary facet of the University of Alabama’s defense this season will be deception, disguising coverages and blitzes to keep the opposition guessing and off-balance, junior...

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Watch Player Interviews from Wednesday

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Watch Practice Video From Wednesday

• Mark McCarter: Paul still pulls no punches • The Huntsville Times
Finebaum holds court in annual luncheon visit 

• Ray Melick: Coaches' salaries have always stirred emotions • The Birmingham News
There was outrage over the hiring. All across the country, college presidents and administrators wrung their hands over the financial implications of the contract. Opposing coaches were constantly asked what the hiring meant. 

• Zeke's on the beat • The Huntsville Times
Knight overcomes heart problem to become a first-string linebacker

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Crimson Tide wraps up two-a-day practices

• Offensive line looks to atone for sacks • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Chris Capps has not forgotten that feeling, nor does he want to. 

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA 

• McElroy patiently waits for his turn as Tide QB • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Greg McElroy knows all about patience. 

• Sykora birdie machine at Match Play • Press-Register
University of Alabama golfer Joseph Sykora of Daphne took five weeks off in the summer to go on a missions trip to El Salvador.  

• Saban sees improvement in McClain • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban is looking for solid players to add to the "critical mass" of contributors needed to improve the Crimson Tide's defense this fall.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, August 16, 2007

• Baseball draft takes toll on Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama's baseball program suffered another blow to its rebuilding efforts on Wednesday when Prattville High pitcher Austin Bailey signed a contract to play professional baseball for the Boston Red Sox.

• College Football Notebook • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• Josh Cooper: Let’s make our own depth chart • The Decatur Daily
So just to start out, there is no depth chart for Alabama’s football team at this point in preseason practice. 

• Phil Paramore: The Tide's 'Gold' voice • The Dothan Eagle
To say the least, the exuberance of the Alabama fan base in anticipation of Nick Saban’s first season as the Tide head coach has been over the top. 

• Preview 2007 Cavalcade of Whimsy - Part Two • CollegeFootballNews.com
Looking at the season ahead, highlighted by wacky calls, like a huge start for Ohio State and James Laurinaitis, the Big Ten Network's schedule, ten things that need to change, and much more in Part Two of the Preview 2007 version of Fiu's Cavalcade of Whimsy.

• VIDEO: Crimson Tide players talk fall camp • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide cleared one of the biggest hurdles of the preseason Wednesday, wrapping up two-a-day sessions with a pair of workouts at Thomas-Drew practice fields.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Wednesday night • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Two-a-days have come to an end for the Crimson Tide as the 2007 season quickly approaches. Check the Ultimate Ticket for shots of DJ Hall, Antoine Caldwell and freshmen William Vlachos and Patrick Crump plus more inside our exclusive Wednesday night ...

• Practice Report: Tide caps off two-a-days • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide football team finished their final installment of two-a-days with a humid Wednesday evening practice at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields working in shorts and shoulderpads. Get the latest on which young linemen are impressing coaches as well as other notes inside ...

• PHOTO GALLERY: Wednesday morning • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
The Crimson Tide opened their final day of two-a-days on Wednesday morning with an intense practice session at the Thomas Drew Practice Fields. Check out shots of Wallace Gilberry, Roy Upchurch and John Parker Wilson in action inside our exclusive photo ... 

• Practice notes • Tider Insider (for members only)
Castille takes charge… OL gives Gilberry credit…Tide WRs are good… What about Nikita Stover? ... and more. 

• Woodall Expects Better Tackling • BamaMag (for members only)
There’s a ficticious memorandum, pretty humorous, along the lines of “Beatings will continue until morale improves.” There are no beatings going on at Alabama football practice, but members of the defensive unit got the message that last Saturday’s performance was not acceptable.

• Tide Hoops Will Hit Floor Sunday • RollTide.com
The 2007-08 Alabama Basketball team is headed to Canada Labor Day weekend to play four exhibition games. The team begins preperation for the trip on Sunday night.

• Lance Taylor • RollCrimsonTide.com
Another Piece of the Puzzle

• VIDEO: Scenes from Friday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
On the eve of its second scrimmage of the preseason, the Alabama Crimson Tide worked out in shoulder pads and helmets Friday afternoon at Thomas-Drew practice fields.

• Ivan Maisel: Turning The Tide • ESPN.com
It's easy to paint first-year Alabama football coach Nick Saban in one dimension. On closer inspection, the true picture has a lot more shades of gray than pure crimson and white.

• Tide Volleyball Completes First Full Week of Practice • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama volleyball team completed its first full week of practice yesterday in the friendly confines of the CAVE. The team concluded the week with its 13th practice of the year. 

• Joe Hoffer Named Assistant Athletic Trainer • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama announced today that Joe Hoffer has been hired as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Crimson Tide baseball team.

• 8.17.07 Friday Practice • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Clips of the wide receivers and tight ends working drills.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Friday practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide took to the practice field Friday to wrap up their second week of fall camp and make their final preparations for tomorrow's scrimmage. 

• Hoops Notes: Tide preps for Canada trip • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Mark Gottfried and the Alabama Crimson Tide are getting an early start to the season with a trip to Canada over Labor Day Weekend. PLUS, news on Ronald Steele's injury status and more inside our Hoops Notebook...

• Practice Report: Tide wraps second week • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide football team wrapped their second full week of fall camp with a Friday afternoon practice in shorts and shoulderpads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. Get the latest on position moves, injuries and more inside our full Friday Practice Report... 

• Blue-chip Georgia lineman favors Tide • Tider Insider (for members only)
"He went over there to Alabama's camp and came back raving. He liked everything about Alabama, from the food they served to the facilities to the coaching staff and Coach Saban. He even said the grass is greener is Alabama…"

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 1 of Nick Saban's Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 2 of Nick Saban's Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA 
Part 3 of Nick Saban's Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 4 of Nick Saban's Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 5 of Nick Saban's Press Conference

• 2007 Men's Cross Country Preview • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama men's cross country team returns ten athletes from a 2006 team that was on the brink of cracking the top ten in the national polls throughout most of the year. This season cross country coach Joe Walker wants to not only reach the top ten, but finish there at season's end.

• Video: Nico Johnson looks the part • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
While Nick Saban and his staff are still hard at work on the 2008 class, several top targets for the 2009 class have already been set, including Andalusia linebacker Nico Johnson.

• Tide lands big hoops commitment • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama point guard Ronald Steele has been a big part of the Crimson Tide basketball program for the last three years. Now, the Steele legacy will continue with the commitment of Ron's younger brother Andrew Steele. Could the younger Steele's versatile talent make him ...

• Kerry Murphy Media Gallery • BamaMag (for members only)
CHATHAM, VA -- Scout.com visited Hargrave Military Academy earlier in the week for their first practice of the year. Here is a video interview and photos of Alabama commitment Kerry Murphy from that practice. 

• Bama in the NFL: -->Preseason Week 2 ---> Game Stats
Brodie Croyle threw one touchdown .. and

• Photo Album • RollTide.com
8.16.07 - Football Practice #17

• Darren Mustin may be headed to first start at UA • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Before he arrived on the Capstone, Darren Mustin didn’t know a lot about University of Alabama football, and what it was really all about.

• Cecil Hurt: Discipline can make the difference in a close game or two • Tuscaloosa News
In the past, when the word “discipline” came up at a University of Alabama football press conference, it wasn’t a good thing.On Thursday, that wasn’t the case.

• Motley goes out with hand injury • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Freshman defensive tackle Brian Motley missed practice Thursday because of a hand injury, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. The injury may require surgery, but Saban said Motley should...

• Andrew Steele commits to Crimson Tide • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | In the end, Andrew Steele decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and play basketball at the University of Alabama. 

• Stover tires of waiting game to help Tide offense • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The hype surrounding Nikita Stover preceded him. As a two-way star at Hartselle High, he helped create it.

• ALABAMA • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA 

• Iron Bowl loss helps fuel Capps • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Every Iron Bowl has a theme. 

• Karate helps Tide improve • Press-Registe
TUSCALOOSA -- Bill Belichick summoned Nick Saban to his office in 1991.

• Tide gets kick out of karate • The Huntsville Times
Summer sessions teach discipline and flexibility

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, August 17, 2007

• John Pruett: 'Snake' doesn't hiss about oversight • The Huntsville Times
Former Raiders, Tide QB deserves pro football honor 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
DT Motley may needsurgery on hand

• Heart defect can't sideline Zeke • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Zeke Knight still has trouble describing the events that followed Alabama's 2006 game with Arkansas.

• SPORTS BRIEFS: Steele's brother chooses Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama picked up its second basketball commitment for the 2008 signing class on Thursday when John Carroll High guard Andrew Steele elected to follow in his brother's footsteps and play for the Crimson Tide.

• New-look Gray ready to add to Tide defense • The Decatur Daily
Ex-West Morgan standout heads into senior season healthy, confident

• SEC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• Tide looking to shore up defense • The Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama’s defense has some ground to make up in Saturday’s second scrimmage, but head coach Nick Saban said he’s seen players take steps in that direction this week in practices.

• Offensive line leading the way • The Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — John Parker Wilson is mystified, and not because Alabama’s offensive line is drawing praise lately.

• Fall camp notebook • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama defensive lineman Brian Motley (center) will have to watch from the sidelines for a few days while a hand injury heals. Meanwhile, freshman linebacker Rolando McClain has caught the eye of head coach Nick Saban in practice this week.

• Tide basketball gets another Steele • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I would've picked Alabama anyway," said the 6-3 Birmingham-John Carroll senior combo guard who committed to the Crimson Tide today.

• Preview 2007 - The Top 64 Pro Prospects • CollegeFootballNews.com
So who are the 64 best pro prospects who'll be eligible for the 2008 draft? Who are the ones to keep an eye on all season long as they go under the microscope? Here are the potential next level stars who'll be in the hunt for a draft spot among the top 64, or in the first two rounds. 

• Crimson Tide Hold Second Full Scrimmage • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football held its second and final full scrimmage of preseason practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday afternoon.

• Crimson Tide Hold Second Full Scrimmage • WVUA TV 7
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama football held its second and final full scrimmage of preseason practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday afternoon.

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Scrimmage Stats

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 1 - Saban Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 2 - Saban Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 3 - Saban Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 4 - Saban Press Conference

• Scrimmage shots • Tider Insider (for members only)
Here are some scenes from Saturday's scrimmage.

• Second scrimmage: The defense strikes back • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama's football team completed its second and final scrimmage of Fall camp Saturday, and this time, the defense had something to prove. Mission accomplished.

• Saban sees improvement in second scrimmage • Tider Insider (for members only)
Nick Saban wanted to see improvement. The coach got what he wanted -- especially from the defense -- in today's scrimmage. "A lot of good things happened…" 

• Photo Gallery  • RollTide.com
8.18.2007 - Football Practice #19

• 8.18.07 Coach Saban Press • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Saban reviews the second scrimmage.

• VIDEO: Saban reviews Saturday's scrimmage • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban put his team through its second scrimmage of the preseason Saturday afternoon. When it was over, Saban talked about the improvement made by the Crimson Tide defense since last week's scrimmage.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Saturday's Scrimmage • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
The Crimson Tide held its second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday as it continues to prepare for the start of the 2007 season just two weeks away. Check the Ultimate Ticket for photos of Terry Grant, John Parker Wilson, Andre Smith and more as they ...

• VIDEO: Scenes from Saturday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
It was back to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Alabama football team Saturday afternoon, as the Crimson Tide went through its second full scrimmage of the preseason. Check the Ultimate Ticket for six minutes of video of DJ Hall, Mike McCoy, Lionel Mitchell and several other Tide ...

• Saturday Scrimmage Report • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide took to the field at Bryant Denny Stadium on Saturday for its second full scrimmage of fall camp. Find out the latest news, injury reports and more inside our Saturday Scrimmage Report...

• PHOTO GALLERY: Jermaine Preyear • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Finding offensive playmakers has been a priority for Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban on the recruiting trail and one Tide commitment expected to make plenty of big plays at the college level is Davidson running back Jermaine Preyear.

• Local flavor • SI.com
Saban, Crimson Tide dominating in-state recruiting

• Bama in the NFL: -->Preseason Week 2 ---> Game Stats
Antwan Odom made 2 sacks and....

• Alabama Will Scrimmage Saturday Afternoon in Bryant-Denny Stadium • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team worked out for two hours in shells Friday afternoon at Thomas-Drew Practice Facility. The team will hold a closed scrimmage Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
8.17.07 - Football Practice #18

• Bama Golf Trio Begins Play Monday at U.S. Amateur • RollTide.com
Three Crimson Tide teammates will play for the U.S. Amateur championship in San Francisco beginning on Monday. It's the first time in for junior Matt Hughes and the third time for Michael Thompson and Mark Harrell. Hughes shares his thoughts as a first-time as he prepares for one of the nation's favorite golf events.

• Tide’s scrimmage to be more game-like • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | There’s an old football adage, unproven but often repeated, that a team makes its most improvement between the first game and the second game.

• 8.17.07 Friday Practice Photos • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
08-17-2007: 8.17.07 Friday Practice Photos

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 1 - Gottfried Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 2 - Gottfried Press Conference

•MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 3 - Gottfried Press Conference

• MULTIMEDIA • WVUA TV 7
Part 4 - Gottfried Press Conference

• Defense has a lot to tackle in establishing itself • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban and his defense are hoping to reach the same conclusion. They want the same answers to the same questions.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/content/gulfcoasteast/dea/sports.apx.-content-articles-DEA-2007-08-18-0010.html Defense awaits second chance • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- One week after the offense dominated a 92-play scrimmage inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama's defense will seek some redemption in a second scrimmage today.

• Knight doing fine after heart surgery • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- It wasn't that long ago when Alabama's Ezekial Knight was wondering if his football career was over. The junior defensive end underwent surgery in February to repair a hole in his heart -- a reparable birth defect -- and in two weeks he'll suit up as a starter against Western Carolina.

• Grant showing speed with UA • The Huntsville Times
Freshman brings quick acceleration to football field 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Saban eyes final scrimmage today  

• Tide's Steele still mending • The Huntsville Times
Guard won't play in exhibition games in Canada 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Saturday, August 18, 2007

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Tide defense looks to step up • Montgomery Advertiser
The trademark of any championship college football team is its defense. Coach Nick Saban is still trying to find that identity for Alabama.

• COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Steele won't play on Tide's Canada trip • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama opens basketball practice on Sunday for an exhibition trip to Canada, but point guard Ronald Steele isn't expected to participate in neither the practices nor the games as the senior recovers from offseason knee surgery.

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Hornets, Tide, Eagles, Hawks... • Montgomery Advertiser
At 9 a.m. today, the Alabama State Hornets will be at Cramton Bowl for what could be their final scrimmage of the fall. In the initial plans coach Reggie Barlow had for the fall workouts, there were just three scrimmages scheduled.

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• Phil Paramore: Alabama, Auburn seasons hard to predict • The Dothan Eagle
I was posed a question this week while appearing as a guest on Paul Finebaum’s radio show.

• Fall Camp: Week 2 Recap • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Two-thirds of the Alabama football team's three-week Fall camp is in the books, and BamaOnLine.com has been on top of every practice. If you're not a regular visitor to BOL, there is no telling what you may have missed. Among other notes of interest, quarterback John Parker Wilson has been named to a watch list for a prestigious national award. 

• Friday practice shots • Tider Insider (for members only)
Here are some scenes from Friday's practice.

• Tune In To SEC Football • BamaMag (for members only)
Alabamian Jim Rogers of Wall Street fame and fortune amassed a portion of his wealth by investing in the future commodities market. If he surveyed the financial prospects of college football conferences to purchase a piece of the future, the Southeastern Conference would certainly seize his attention. 

• Croyle Or Bust • BamaMag
Everyone was talking about the quarterback competition in Kansas City Thursday night. Trent Green, ESPN, Carl Peterson, Joe Fan in the stands, Herm Edwards – no one would shut up about it. I’m going to be the first one – as soon as I finish this column (hopefully the last one with the words ‘Croyle’ and ‘Bust’ in the headline).

• 8.19.07 Coach Gottfried Press • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Gottfried talks about preparing for the upcoming season.

• 8.19.07 Scrimmage 2 Highlight • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch all the big plays from the second scrimmage.

• Alabama cornerback Castille arrested for disorderly conduct • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Simeon Castille, a University of Alabama All-SEC cornerback, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct about 2 a.m. Sunday morning, said Tuscaloosa Police Department spokesman Capt. Greg Kosloff. 

• Love a future OL anchor at the Capstone • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
With Alabama left tackle Andre Smith a strong early NFL draft entrant possibility, the Tide was in the market for an heir apparent and grabbed their target with a commitment from five-star Mountain Brook star Tyler Love. 

• Castille arrested • BamaOnLine
Alabama cornerback Simeon Castille, a first-team All-SEC selection in 2006 and a 2007 preseason all-conference pick, was arrested by the Tuscaloosa Police Department early Sunday morning, BOL has learned.

• Bama in the NFL: -->Preseason Week 2 ---> Game Stats
Charlie Peprah made 1 INT and.....

• Crimson Outlasts White in Crimson/White Scrimmage • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama volleyball team held its annual Crimson/White scrimmage today in the CAVE in front of a lively crowd. The Tide competed for over an hour, with the team split into two squads. 

• Defense stands out in second Alabama scrimmage • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban’s message after the first scrimmage was clear: The tackling was poor.

• Three Alabama golfers to play at U.S. Amateur • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Matt Hughes has already lived one dream this summer. He found himself inside the ropes at the United States Open, walking the same course where golf’s contemporary greats, the sport’s...

• Cecil Hurt: Listen carefully to what Saban is saying • Tuscaloosa News
It’s a point that’s been made before, but is worth making again. When Nick Saban holds a press conference, attentive listening is almost always rewarded.

• Gilberry not so 'terrible' after second scrimmage • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | There was no getting around the numbers from the University of Alabama football team’s second scrimmage of the fall Saturday, especially when it came to senior defensive end Wallace... 

• Andrew Bone: Kerry Murphy begins Hargrave • Tuscaloosa News
Scout.com four-star defensive tackle in prep school... 

• Randy Kennedy: Vegas banking on Saban • Press-Register
How many wins is a big-time coach good for in any given season? According to Las Vegas oddsmakers, the answer is "at least two or three." 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: It must have been a good scrimmage • The Birmingham News
Alabama opened the 2006 football season, which seems so much further back in time than one year ago, by beating Hawaii. 

• Saban applauds defensive effort in scrimmage • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - All week, University of Alabama defensive players made no excuses for their performance in last week's scrimmage. Instead, they increased their preparation, worked on fundamentals, and participated in countless drills focusing on tackling.

• Alabama's defense takes step forward • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Football has anointed Nick Saban one of its defensive gurus. This year more than most, he needs to be. 

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
Alabama

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Crimson Tide kicker injured • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama senior place-kicker Jamie Christensen missed Saturday's scrimmage with a strained quadriceps muscle that could limit his availability heading into the regular season.

• Sound Off • The Birmingham News
Sunday, August 19, 2007

• Alabama shows improvement • The Huntsville Times
Saban sees progress during scrimmage 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Sunday, August 19, 2007

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
AP Top 25 poll is of no concern to Saban 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Tide more balanced in scrimmage • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama's defense made strides in Saturday's scrimmage, but head coach Nick Saban stressed the final preseason scrimmage wasn't the final opportunity for players to catch their new coach's attention.

• Mark Edwards: Florida is good but not that good • The Decatur Daily
Just a few thoughts as we get closer to college football season, and all of us who love the sport mostly ignore the rest of our lives for a few months: 

• Saban happier after second scrimmage • The Decatur Daily
‘I think we made some improvement,’ Crimson Tide coach says afterward

• College Football Notebook • The Decatur Daily
Alabama 

• Saturday Report On Scrimmage • BamaMag
The University of Alabama football held its second and final full scrimmage of preseason practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday afternoon. Here are observations from Coach Nick Saban and statistics.

• Father's memories keep Darby rushing ahead • Florida Today
Bucs' backup running back enjoys second-half role

• Andrew Bone: Arizona prospect to visit Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
Scout.com four-star running back has Tide on short list...

• Jeremiah Castille hopes charges against son will be dismissed • The Birmingham News
Simeon Castille's father said that he believes his son's arrest early Sunday morning on the Strip in Tuscaloosa on a charge of disorderly conduct ``wasn't warranted'' and that he hopes the charge will be dismissed as early as today.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Strip may be wrong place for Tide players • The Birmingham News
Myth: Everyone, from SEC coaches to Auburn fans to Alabama players, lives in fear of Nick Saban. 

• All-SEC corner Castille faces disorderly conduct charge • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - University of Alabama cornerback Simeon Castille was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct early Sunday morning, but one of his mentors said Castille told him, "I thought the officer was joking at first."

• COLLEGE BEAT: ALABAMA • The Birmingham News
Another off day scheduled today: 

• Tide begins preparations for Canada trip • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Minus a view of his three newcomers who, per NCAA rules, must wait until classes start Wednesday to practice with the team, head coach Mark Gottfried got his first view of his 2007-08...

• Edwards still has top two • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
One of Louisiana's top playmakers, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound four-star tight end, has received offers from some of the nation's top programs but currently has two schools at the top of list, including Nick Saban's Crimson Tide. 

• Elite RB high on Tide • Tider Insider (for members only)
"Coach Saban likes that I'm a power back. He's told me he can tell that I love to play the game of football…"

• Tide Hoops Team Completes 1st Practice Session Sunday Night • RollTide.com
Alabama is preparing for its upcoimg trip to Canada where it will play exhibition games against Canadian college teams. 

• Ranking the Marching Bands: SEC • College Sports Junkies
SEC fans, How good is your band? Below is the College Sports Junkies ranking of the SEC bands.
The bands were ranked based on the following criteria:Fight

• Bama in the NFL: -->Preseason Week 2 ---> Game Stats
Jarett Johnson made 1 sack and....

• Tommy Hicks: Coaches, media see eye-to-eye • Press-Register
When it comes to selecting the nation's best college football teams, who's right: the coaches or the media?

• Castille arrested • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Neither alcohol nor fighting were behind Sunday's early morning arrest of Alabama senior cornerback Simeon Castille, according to a Tuscaloosa Police Department spokesman.

• Steele slowly making progress • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Point guard Ronald Steele didn't sweat much on Sunday during Alabama's first basketball practice since last season.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, August 20, 2007

• Still a winning Battle • The Huntsville Times
Ex-Tide player, UT coach enjoys business success 

• Alabama's Castille arrested • The Huntsville Times
Senior cornerback charged with disorderly conduct 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Tackling better but not good enough 

• Jess Nicholas: Reading between the lines, final camp week will be critical • TideFans.com
This week, most Alabama fans will probably have the same two questions: Which players are where on the depth chart that supposedly doesn’t exist but probably does, and what’s going to happen to Simeon Castille?

• Alabama Crimson Tide: Team Overview • TideFans.com
Returning Offensive Starters: 9 (RT, RG, C, LG, LT, SE, FL, TE, QB)

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Tide's Castille arrested • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama senior Simeon Castille became the fourth Crimson Tide player to have a run-in with the police on The Strip after he was arrested by Tuscaloosa police early Sunday morning and booked for disorderly conduct.

• Former Tide player Darby has something to prove in NFL • Montgomery Advertiser
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Kenneth Darby struggled through his senior year at the University of Alabama, learning his father had been diagnosed with lung cancer just before the football season began.

• BASKETBALL: Tide gets ready for Canadian tournament • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama opened basketball practice on Sunday night with four of its key ingredients missing and head coach Mark Gottfried saw about what he expected after a two-hour workout at Coleman Coliseum.

• Alabama’s Castille charged with disorderly conduct • The Decatur Daily
Alabama cornerback Simeon Castille was arrested at 2 a.m. Sunday in Tuscaloosa on a charge of disorderly conduct, according to Capt. Greg Kosloff, a spokesman for the Tuscaloosa Police Department. 

• Leaping into the picture • The Decatur Daily
Hartselle’s Stover makes impression for Crimson Tide

• SEC Football Notebook • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• Rivals250 defender to visit Capstone • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
One of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country lists two official visits this fall as certainties, and Alabama fans can be happy with the news as this 6-foot-2, 280-pound athletic terror will be making a trip to Tuscaloosa to take in a Tide game.

• Tide basketball hits the court • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
The Crimson Tide basketball team is getting an early start to the 2007-08 season with 10 practices leading up to a trip to Canada on Labor Day. 

• Hightower soaking in the recruiting process  • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama has loaded up on jumbo defensive athletes thus far in their 2008 recruiting efforts, and another target just north in the state of Tennessee has the Tide high in his list of favorites. Find out more about this versatile defender and his recruiting plans by checking the ... 

• What Has Happened To Andre Smith? • BamaMag (for members only)
If it wasn’t for occasional comments from defensive players, one would hardly know that Andre Smith is still on the Alabama football team. Alabama Coach Nick Saban is like a lot of coaches, particularly in the Southeastern Conference, in not allowing reporters at practice.

• Blue-chipper's decision could come any day • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I'm pretty close to a decision. It could come one day this week…"

• 8.21.07 Coach Saban • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Saban talks after Tuesday's practice.

• Saban: 'It will not be a public deal' • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban said he has looked into the arrest of senior cornerback Simeon Castille over the weekend, but otherwise re-iterated his policy of handling team-related discipline issues internally during a press conference Tuesday.

• BOL Audio: Saban press conference • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban met with members of the media Tuesday to discuss, among other things, the weekend arrest of Simeon Castille. Hear his remarks in their entirety on BOL Audio. 

• Saban addresses arrest • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Two days after senior corner Simeon Castille was arrested, Alabama head coach Nick Saban addressed the situation at his Tuesday post-practice press session. 

• 8.21.07 Tuesday Practice • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch as the tight ends and wide outs work during practice.

• Tuesday Practice Report • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
After a two day break following Saturday's scrimmage, the Crimson Tide football team resumed practice on Tuesday afternoon for its final official fall camp session before classes begin on Wednesday. Get the latest on the Tide's injury list plus news and notes from the Tide's Tuesday practice inside our Fall Camp Report... 

• Camp Questions Revisited • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
With fall camp coming to a close, BOL staff writers Chase Goodbread, Travis Reier and Matt Scalici take another look at the big questions of fall camp 2007...  

• 100 to Watch for 2009 • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
While much of the recruiting world focuses on the class of 2008, there has been an early emphasis from college coaches on the class of 2009. With that in mind, Rivals.com has come up with a list of 100 players to watch for 2009. The group is led by another top California ...

• Local star excited about Tide's class • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
"I'm real excited about our class, because I think it's shaping up to be a good one. There have really been some good guys come aboard in the last several weeks. I think it could wind up being the top class in the country..."

• Tide Golf Trio Completes 1st Round of Stroke Play at U.S. Amateur • RollTide.com
Mark Harrell, Michael Thompson and Matt Hughes are all in San Francisco competing at the international event. Monday's first round spilled into Tuesday after a long fog delay. Harrrell's round included two birdies, 10 pars and six bogeys. Thompson had two birdies, nine pars and seven bogeys, and Hughes had four bridies, six pars and four bogeys.

• Top CB visiting Tuscaloosa • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
While the University of Alabama has taken care of a number of defensive needs with early commitments for 2008, one area that hasn't been addressed as heavily is defensive back. One top Peach state cornerback is scheduled to visit the Capstone this fall and has the Tide high in his list of favorites.

• Questions after football player’s arrest • Sand Mountain Reporter
After hearing of University of Alabama cornerback Simeon Castille’s arrest early Sunday morning on a disorderly conduct charge, I have a few questions.

• Bama in the NFL: -->Preseason Week 2 ---> Game Stats
Mark Anderson made 1 tackle .....

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
8.20.2007 - Volleyball Celebrity Bagging

• Fog Delays Tide Golfers' 1st Round Finish at U.S. Amateur • RollTide.com
Fog along the Olympic Golf Club's course in San Francisco delayed first round stroke play for four hours Monday at the U.S. Amateur. Only one of Bama's golfers, Mark Harrell, finished his round, shooting 74. Matt Hughes and Michael Thompson will have to finish round one Tuesday morning then play the second round Tuesday as well. 

• 8.20.07 Scrimmage 2 Photos • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
8.20.07 Scrimmage 2 Photos

• Early playing time a big recruiting tool • Tuscaloosa News
A lot of high school prospects look for early playing time as a main criteria for choosing their college destination. Coach Nick Saban will play the best player regardless of experience. An official depth chart for the football team does not exist, but it is fairly obvious who are some of the front-runners for starting positions. Several freshmen are making a lot of noise and will see the field 

• Cops, Castilles at odds • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Simeon Castille's family fired back against the Tuscaloosa Police Department on Monday, saying the Alabama cornerback's early Sunday morning arrest on disorderly conduct charges was undeserved.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Saban's routine could be behind tackling woes • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- There is an explanation behind recent tackling woes among Alabama's