Bama in the News - December 15

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Bama in the News

December 15 - 21, 2008

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|December 1 - 7, 2008|

|December 8 - 14, 2008|

|December 15 - 21, 2008|

|December 22 - 31, 2008|

Monday, December 15, 2008

• Tennessee star gets visit from Saban, Cignetti • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
There's no question the Tide staff wants a speedy slot receiver in this recruiting class. TI reported that Alabama head coach Nick Saban was in Tupelo, MS on Monday afternoon visiting with Chad Bumphis . Before going to Tupelo, Saban was in Paris, Tennessee meeting another top slot receiver on the Tide's list, Marsalis Teague of Henry County HS.

• Bumphis down to two • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
When BOL first broke the news back in February that Alabama had offered Tupelo wide receiver Chad Bumphis, it was pretty obvious to tell that the Tide would factor into his final decision. Today UA head coach ...

• Talent galore at Alabama-Mississippi Classic • Crimson Confidential
MOBILE — In a game that featured many highly-rated prospects, including six in the ESPNU 150, the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic showcased their talents. And while the game was one-sided — Alabama featured five of the six ESPNU 150 players and rolled to a 28-3 win — the talent level was what made this an event worth watching.

• Ian R. Rapoport: You don't know much about Utah, right? Let's ask a Utes guru... • al.com
When I first learned that Alabama would be playing Utah in the Sugar Bowl, I started thinking what I knew about the Utes. And the answer was, not much.

• Saban visits Bumphis; decision expected soon • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
As TI reported earlier today, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was in Tupelo, Mississippi this afternoon visiting with star receiver Chad Bumphis. The 5-10, 190-pound Bumphis has long been one of the Tide's top slot receiver targets.

• What Does Saban Think About Chizik? • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
It is interesting to read how Alabama followers have reacted to the selection of Gene Chizik as Auburn’s new head football coach. It is likely that Alabama’s coaching staff has quite a different reaction than the fans have; and different than the fans think Tide coaches have.

• Tony Barnhart: Timing not good for Chizik at Auburn • AJC
I’m sure Gene Chizik is a fine fellow and there is no question that he did a good job as defensive coordinator at Auburn (2002-04) and at Texas (2005-06). I wish him the best as the new head coach at Auburn.

• Bryant-Denny Stadium Visitors Locker Room Named for James M. Fail • RollTide.com
Despite a lifetime of philanthropic giving to a variety of causes, James M. Fail never felt the desire to have anything actually named in his honor. "After all," he says, "who would want anything ...

• Saban, Jones Honored by The Sporting News • RollTide.com
The honors continued to pour in for the Alabama football team as The Sporting News named its 2008 conference award winners on Monday.

• Ian R. Rapoport: So, I return... what did I miss? • al.com
So that was a fun weekend. A nice celebration for the Banktress and I. While she samples the shopping in New York for an extra day or so with her family, I'm back here trying to figure out what's been going on since I left town.

• Gentry Estes: Donor had idea to rename Bryant-Denny visitors' locker room • al.com
Updating some news that received a good response when we alerted you to it a few days ago, UA today officially renamed the visitors' locker room at Bryant-Denny Stadium as "The Fail Room" in honor of Crimson Tide Foundation contributor James M. Fail.

• This Week In SEC Men's Basketball - 12/15 • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Men's Basketball - 12/15

• This Week In SEC Women's Basketball - 12/15 • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Women's Basketball - 12/15

• Behind The Bowls - Part 1. Swag, $, and More • College Football News
What kinds of gifts, toys and swag do each of the players get from the bowls? Who are the key people behind the scenes? What do the bowls do for the communities? What qualifies as a success for each bowl? Richard Cirminiello dives into the behind the scenes stuff in part one of Behind The Bowls.

• Top pass rusher nearing a decision • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"It's a three-team race. I thought he was pretty solid for Miami, but he really likes Alabama and Florida State."

• Sentimore ends senior season in style • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
While a few Tide commitments were either playing in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic or taking it easy this past weekend, Darrington Sentimore was helping lead Destrehan to a second consecutive Louisiana state championship.

• All-Star Post-Game: AJ McCarron • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
AJ McCarron, Scout.com four-star quarterback from Mobile-St. Paul’s, (Ala.), lead the Saints to the Class 5A state championship in 2007. McCarron didn’t put up the gaudy numbers in 2008, but stole the show in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.

• Midwest Showdown Shootout Recap • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Several players shine in Saturday's event

• Kelly eyes four • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Kendall Kelly has been one of the most highly touted wide receivers in the 2009 class.

• The Chizik Chronicles • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
To fully comprehend the magnitude of what has happened here, we are going to play an Imagination Game. Instead of just humoring me, actually do this: close your eyes and forget the whole Chizik story and plant this false memory in your head: Auburn just hired Rush Probst.

• Wanted: Playmakers • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With only a few wide receiver options on the offensive side of the ball next year, look for the Alabama staff heading down the stretch to make play-makers a top priority. In this premium recruiting feature, check out some of the Tide's priority targets at the position for 2009.

• AMP: (AL) All-Stars highlights • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Watch the game highlights from the Alabama-Mississippi All Star Classic in Mobile, AL. Rivals100 quarterback A.J. McCarron might have benn MVP, but Rivals100 D.J. Fluker dominated the trenches.

• Should I stay or should I go? • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
While most consider it a foregone conclusion that Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith will leave Alabama one year early to be a top-10 NFL Draft pick, the decision isn't quite as clear-cut for UA juniors like Terrence Cody.

• Women's Basketball Slips at MTSU 77-67 • RollTide.com
The women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought game to Middle Tennessee State Sunday 77-67 at the Murphy Center. With the loss, the Crimson Tide drops to 6-3 on the season.

• Stallings to be honored at Sugar Bowl luncheon • Tuscaloosa News
NEW ORLEANS | Seven former University of Alabama football players and former head coach Gene Stallings will be honored at the Legends Luncheon as part of the 75th anniversary festivities at the Sugar Bowl.

• Free throws lead MTSU over Tide women, 77-67 • Tuscaloosa News
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. | The University of Alabama women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought game to Middle Tennessee State Sunday.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama sending four players to Senior Bowl • al.com
Quarterback John Parker Wilson, tight end Travis McCall, center Antoine Caldwell and safety Rashad Johnson have accepted invitations to represent the University of Alabama at the next month's Senior Bowl, event officials in Mobile announced today.

• Four to represent Crimson Tide at Senior Bowl • Press-Register
Wilson, McCall, Caldwell and Johnson coming to Mobile

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, December 15, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published.

• Shooting costly for Alabama • The Huntsville Times
Middle Tenn. sinks Tide women, 77-67

• SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 14th • SEC Sports
SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 14th

• Four Tide players selected to Senior Bowl • Montgomery Advertiser
Four Alabama players, including Montgomery's Antoine Caldwell and Prattville's Travis McCall, have been selected to play in the 2009 Senior Bowl, officials announced on Sunday.

• Alabama, Lady Vols tripped up • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Brittainey Raven scored 21 points and No. 6 Texas continued its best start in 20 years with a 73-59 win over No. 7 Tennessee on Sunday.

• 2008 CFN End Of The Regular Season Rankings • College Football News
Forgetting what we all believe, who really had the best seasons based on what happened on the field? Using the CFN Historical Season Formula, based mostly on strength of schedule, big wins and bad losses, here's how all 119 teams rank before the bowl season.

• How It Went: UGA says Branden Smith can be “another Champ Bailey” • AJC
Branden Smith, who is ranked as the state’s No. 1 prospect by the AJC and was named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year, made his final recruiting trip this past weekend.

• Mississippi WR talks all-star game, recruiting • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Fresh from the Alabama-Mississippi HS All-Star game on Saturday, Patrick Patterson says that one player in the game stood out to him.

• Goin' Mobile • 'BamaMag
Alabama linebacker Tana Patrick still denies a leader, but mentioned Alabama, Auburn, Michigan, Miami, Florida State and LSU as his six favorites, among 20 offers. "I haven't narrowed it down yet," Patrick said. "I'm still pretty open and these are the ones that are recruiting me the most. If I have time I'll take as many trips as I can. Hopefully, I'll set up a few trips this week for January."

• Four Tide Players Named To Senior Bowl • 'BamaMag
On the heels of a perfect 12 and 0 regular season and appearance in the SEC Championship, four members of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team have accepted invitations to the Under Armour Senior Bowl. The 60th Senior Bowl game will be played on January 24 in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will kickoff at 6 pm CST and will be televised live by the NFL Network.

• Atchison receives Saban visit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
On Friday, the Crimson Tide's newest commitment Jonathan Atchison received a visit from Alabama Coach Nick Saban, but the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder decided to have some other individuals join in on his big day.

• AMP: Ala. All-Stars react to victory over Miss. • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Rivals.com caught up with several of the Alabama All-Stars after their 28-3 victory over the Mississippi All-Stars. Rivals100 quarterback A.J. McCarron was named game MVP.

• Barnes has Bama in the mix (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The good news for Alabama is that Jordan Barnes is now officially available.

• Notebook: Tide prospects headline Classic • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
MOBILE — The Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic might as well be renamed the “Alabama Crimson Tide Futures Game.”

• Four Tide players picked for Senior Bowl • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Four Alabama players have been named to the South roster for the Senior Bowl, college football's annual all-star showcase in Mobile.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

• Alabama Secures Five Associated Press All-America Honors • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team had five players earn All-America honors from the Associated Press on Tuesday, including three first-team selections. While Julio Jones and Dont'a Hightower were named to ...

• Men's Basketball Continues Homestand with Tennessee State • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's basketball team (5-3) continues its month-long homestand with a Wednesday night contest against the Tennessee State Tigers (3-5). The two teams will meet on Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m. C...

• Andrew Bone: Alabama lands wide receiver • Tuscaloosa News
Coach Nick Saban has been on the recruiting trail with stops all across the country. Mississippi is the latest state he has blanketed visiting several elite playmakers from the Magnolia State.

• A Bay Bay: Norwood to Bama • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Kevin Norwood hoped he would get the chance to play college football. He expected to get an offer or maybe two, but he never thought he would get three SEC offers. Earlier today Norwood accepted one of those offers and elected to commit to Alabama.

• Alabama Basketball Has Doubleheader • 'BamaMag
Both the Alabama men’s basketball team of Coach Mark Gottfried and the Crimson Tide women’s basketball team of Coach Wendell Hudson will be trying to bounce back from losses on Wednesday in Coleman Coliseum games. Both coaches were upbeat following defeats.

• Tide lands No. 20 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
After Alabama's summer camps concluded back in late July, this Rivals250 receiver quickly became a Tide priority at a need position after an impressive showing. On Tuesday, UA Coach Nick Saban visited him at his home and a little later the star athlete became the 20th commitment for the class of 2009.

• 2009 Recruiting:
WR Kevin Norwood commits

• Norwood commits to Saban, Alabama • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
After meeting with Yazoo City defensive end Fletcher Cox on Tuesday morning, Alabama head coach Nick Saban later stopped to see another of Mississippi's finest today. This afternoon, Saban was in D'Iberville visiting with standout wide receiver Kevin Norwood. The meeting resulted in a verbal commitment from Norwood to the Crimson Tide.

• Women's Basketball Hosts Wednesday Matinee Against Florida A&M • RollTide.com
The women's basketball team returns to action in a rare weekday matinee game Wednesday, Dec. 17 when it hosts Florida A&M at 11:30 a.m. (CST).

• December Talk of the Tide • RollTide.com
Check out the fourth issue of Talk of the Tide, an official publication of Alabama Athletics.

• Alabama leads nation with three AP All-Americans • Tuscaloosa News
NEW YORK -- The University of Alabama had more players on the first-team Associated Press All-America team than any school in the nation, adding up to about 1,000 pounds of linemen.

• Steele honors six Tide players • Tuscaloosa News
Junior left tackle Andre Smith and junior nose guard Terrence Cody were both named to Phil Steele’s All-American Team on Tuesday afternoon.

• Ian R. Rapoport: The regular season is long over. The awards season... not so much. • al.com
More awards for Nick Saban's Alabama team, though these are pretty big ones. Three Crimson Tide players were named All-Americans by the Associated Press, after four were honored by the FWAA and also by the AFCA.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Moore: It's my "personal goal" to make sure greats get honored in Alabama's Hall of Fame • al.com
Before I run out to a basketball news conference with coach Mark Gottfried, a few quick things:

• Gentry Estes: Alabama leads nation in first-team AP All-Americans • al.com
Three Alabama players were named to the Associated Press All-American first-team today, the most of any school in the nation.

• Gentry Estes: Tuesday reading: Bowl practice nears as Tide lands more awards • al.com
In glaring contrast to the state's other SEC program, news at Alabama has slowed lately. Coach Nick Saban has been on the recruiting trail while players have received some rare free time before the Sugar Bowl.

• Thirteen SEC Players Make AP All-America Team • SEC Sports
Thirteen SEC Players Make AP All-America Team

• 2008-2009 Staff Bowl Picks with Confidence • College Football News
Who's going to win each bowl game? According to the CFN Confidence Picks (picks with 1 for the least confident selection and 32 for the most confident), B.J. Raji and Boston College should have the easiest time getting past Vanderbilt in the Music City Bowl. Check out all the CFN expert picks for the bowls.

• Saban meets with Fletcher Cox • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban is making the most of the pre-Christmas recruiting period. On Monday, Saban made several visits to top Tide targets. The Alabama head coach is at it again today. This morning, Saban visited with blue-chip linebacker/defensive end Fletcher Cox of Yazoo City, Mississippi.

• First Look - Top 100 - 2010 • 'BamaMag
While the Class of 2009 is still roughly two months from National Signing Day, Scout.com has been busy scouting the next batch of prospects for the Class of 2010. Here is a first look at Scout's initial Top 100.

• Hawaii Prep Classic: Biggest Surprises • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Scout.com breaks down the biggest surprises from the Hawaii Prep Classic.

• UA in control for Fletcher • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's few remaining targets at Jack linebacker is Yazoo City defender Fletcher Cox. On Tuesday, Alabama Coach Nick Saban visited the tiny Mississippi city to pitch UA to the elite pass-rusher.

• UA basketball update • BamaOnLine
Yamene Coleman and the rest of the Alabama basketball team looks to rebound from a tough, overtime loss with a Wednesday home game against Tennessee State.

• A season in review • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama football returned to the nation's elite in 2008 with a 12-1 mark and its first bid to the Sugar Bowl in nearly a decade. BOL takes a look back at UA's second season under coach Nick Saban.

• Tide prospects make major moves in latest ESPNU 150 • Crimson Confidential
ESPN Scouts Inc. released its latest ESPNU 150 list of the top prospects in the country for 2009, and there was some major movement by Alabama commitments and targets.

• Tide has three first-team All-Americans • Crimson Confidential
The Associated Press released its All-America football team on Tuesday, with three Alabama players earning spots on the team.

• Crimson Clubhouse: Just another slow news Tuesday • Crimson Confidential
Tide will begin bowl practice on Thursday

• Bama in the NBA - December 15th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• The game that changed it all • Tuscaloosa News
Two generations ago, University of Alabama freshman Julio Jones would not have been a part of the Crimson Tide’s heralded, No. 1 ranked 2008 recruiting class. In fact, almost all of the players who made up that class wouldn’t have been able to play for Dixie’s football pride.

• Recruits looked impressive at All-Star Classic • Tuscaloosa News
The Alabama All-Stars dismantled the Mississippi All-Stars in Mobile Saturday afternoon by the tune of 28-3.

• Tide set to take on a ‘very good’ Cuban team • Tuscaloosa News
HAVANA | Over the leftfield fence at the Stadium Latin Americano, a classic 1940’s facility in the Cerro neighborhood of Havana, stands a hotel painted with the colors and insignia of one of Cuba’s most popular baseball teams, the Industriales.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Roughly 4,500 tickets remain for the Allstate Sugar Bowl... • al.com
One of the things about Alabama playing a different team in a bowl game is that you are forced to learn new area codes. When 801 popped up on my phone today, I was mildly confused. Until I realized it was the state of Utah calling me. Zack Lassiter, the University of Utah's director of ticket sales, hit me back to deliver some surprising news.

• Thanks to mentors Meyer, Smith and Mullen, Utah quarterback Brian Johnson became a star • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Brian Johnson arrived at the University of Utah as a 17-year-old freshman, a backup quarterback in a newfangled system 1,500 miles from home.

• Bama's unique addition • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Opposing teams at Bryant-Denny Stadium will now be housed in "The Fail Room."

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published.

• LOCAL BRIEFS: Saban, Jones honored by TSN • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama coach Nick Saban was selected as The Sporting News' SEC Coach of the Year, and receiver Julio Jones was chosen as the publication's SEC Freshman of the Year.

• Saban visits Montgomery standout • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's top remaining targets in the state is Montgomery-Carver star lineman Brandon Moore. The two-way talent and his family entertained Alabama head coach Nick Saban this evening. How did the visit go?

• Ohio State commit to visit Alabama • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I'm very open to Alabama. I'm very interested in them. What Coach Saban has done there is unbelievable. I didn't see it coming."

• Saban pays visit to Teague • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama's pursuit of dynamic playmakers continued on Monday when Tide Coach Nick Saban visited Henry County (Tenn.) athlete Marsalis Teague. Did the visit help UA's chances with the UF lean?

• Moore enjoys in-home visit from Saban • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the Crimson Tide's biggest remaining targets is Carver-Montgomery lineman Brandon Moore. On Monday, Tide Coach Nick Saban visited Moore hoping to put distance between the Tide and their competitors. ...

• Kirkpatrick's talent on display at All-Star Classic • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
MOBILE — Dre Kirkpatrick was sick of all the talk.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

• Men's Basketball:
Alabama 75, Tennessee State 66 - box score

• Bama in the NFL - Players:
D.J. Hall signs on Raiders practice squad

• Gentry Estes: Utah's coaching attrition continues ... • al.com
Alabama's opponent in the Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl has now had both coordinators hired away to other jobs before Utah's team even reached New Orleans.

• AU commit to visit Bama on Friday • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The start of bowl practices means that prospects will be making unofficial visits to watch the Tide prepare for the Sugar Bowl. One of the first prospects expected to be in Tuscaloosa is blue-chip...

• Mustafa Greene Picking Up Offers In A Hurry! • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
This young man is en-route to becoming one of the most sought after recruits from out of the 2010 recruiting class, and he already has an impressive list of offers to prove it. Inside, SCPrepNation.com brings you a recruiting update on Irmo High School running back, Mustafa Greene. See who’s extended an invitation to the Midlands Area standout early on.

• Kelly impressed with Saban visit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama has landed two top-tier wide receiver prospects already for the class of 2009, and one of their big-time remaining targets is Gadsden City's Kendall Kelly. In this premium recruiting update, find out ...

• Saban visits Patrick • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of Alabama's last remaining linebacker prospects is a big-timer, and on Wednesday afternoon, North Jackson Rivals100 member Tana Patrick received a visit from Tide Coach Nick Saban.

• Women's Basketball:
Alabama 70, Florida A&M 68 OT

• Saban Sporting News National Coach of the Year • RollTide.com
The Sporting News released its 2008 All-America teams and named its Coach of the Year on Wednesday. Alabama's Nick Saban was selected as the Coach of the Year while four Crimson Tide players garner...

• Women's Basketball Slides past Florida A&M 70-68 in Overtime • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's basketball team knocked off Florida A&M 70-68 in overtime at Coleman Coliseum Wednesday afternoon.

• Burton Burns Named FootballScoop 2008 Running Backs Coach of the Year • RollTide.com
FootballScoop announced Wednesday that Burton Burns (Alabama) has been named college football's 2008 FootballScoop Running Backs Coach of the Year powered by Muscle Milk®.

• Brooks Webster Named AVCA Honorable Mention All-American • RollTide.com
The post-season accolades list just got a little bit longer for junior Brooks Webster as she was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-America Team Wednesday.

• JUCO lineman Carpenter signs with UA, won't practice for Sugar Bowl • Tuscaloosa News
James Carpenter, Scout.com four-star offensive tackle from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide on Wednesday.

• Ian R. Rapoport: George Teague: "Next year is going to be the year..." and more honors! • al.com
In preparation for The Birmingham News' bowl special section, I'm taking a trip back in time, discussing some of the great plays in the Alabama's history. Clearly, a few happened in the Sugar Bowl.

• Gentry Estes: Former UA player Robert Higginbotham retires as Tuscaloosa County coach • al.com
This may not fall under the category of Crimson Tide news, per se, but I wanted to pass along word that Tuscaloosa County football coach Robert Higginbotham announced his retirement today.

• SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 17th • SEC Sports
SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 17th

• Raycom Sports ''2009 SEC Basketball Tip-Off'' • SEC Sports
Raycom Sports ''2009 SEC Basketball Tip-Off''

• Saban visits Gadsden City duo • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban was in Gadsden City this morning meeting with defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick and wide receiver Kendall Kelly, two of the top targets left on the Crimson Tide's recruiting list.

• My Chizk Thoughts • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Thought #1.... Saban is gonna beat yos!

• Five-star receives visit from Saban • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Five-star athlete Branden Smith is a coveted target by a number of top college football programs including the Tide. On Wednesday, Alabama Coach Nick Saban visited his Atlanta school to make a late pitch for his signature.

• Teague drawing attention of Tide, Vols • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Marsalis Teague’s neighbors must have thought there was some type of coaching convention being held at his house.

• Ian R. Rapoport: OL James Carpenter on signing: "I'm ready to get to Alabama and start working." • al.com
Alabama commitment James Carpenter became Carpenter the Alabama signee as early as possible this morning.

• Gentry Estes: Outland winner Andre Smith becomes one of nine unanimous All-Americans • al.com
The Sporting News named Alabama left tackle Andre Smith as a first-team All-American today.

• Gentry Estes: James Carpenter signs on to join Alabama's bowl practices • al.com
Junior college offensive lineman James Carpenter plans to drive from his hometown of Augusta tonight and start practice with Alabama's football team tomorrow. He will practice with the team in the coming week in Tuscaloosa but will not make the trip to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

• Lassiter's Lutzenkirchen hasn't heard from Auburn coach • AJC
New Auburn head coach Gene Chizik isn’t making many fans with his arrival. Lassiter tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen has not heard from the new Tigers head coach, Lutzenkirchen’s father, Mike, told the AJC on Tuesday. That’s never a good sign... |

• Carpenter inks with Tide; spurns Chizik, Auburn • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Give Gene Chizik credit. At least he's trying. Hoping to make a big splash in recruiting, early this morning the new Auburn head coach placed a call to one of his former signees at Iowa State. On the other end was Alabama commitment James Carpenter.

• Saban Road Nuggets • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
While keeping up with Tide Coach Nick Saban during his tear this week of in-home visits can be difficult, BOL is here to bring you up to date on the latest news from the road in this special edition of Recruiting Nuggets. Get the latest on Kerry Murphy, Ed Stinson, Fletcher Cox and much more.

• Carpenter signs with Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
When JUCO offensive lineman James Carpenter committed to Alabama the evening of the Alabama-Auburn game, the news may have been overlooked. Carpenter, however, has the tools to make an impact, and this week the big man signed his paperwork to make it official.

• Miami commit eying UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With the University of Alabama still looking to add more cornerbacks to their 2009 class, the Tide coaching staff has looked to the city of Miami for a new target who is planning a January visit to the Capstone.

• JuCo tackle Carpenter signs with Crimson Tide • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama added its first official member of the 2009 recruiting class on Wednesday, as junior college offensive lineman James Carpenter signed a national letter of intent to play for the Crimson Tide.

• Basketball preview: Alabama vs. Tennessee State • Crimson Confidential
Tide continues home stand against Tigers

• Bama in the NBA - December 16th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• BASEBALL IN CUBA: Alabama Plays Cuba to a 3-3 Tie in Game 1 • RollTide.com
The Crimson Tide threw out the winning run at the plate in the bottom ninth inning to preserve a 3-3 tie with the Cuban Collegiate All-Stars in game one of this historic "Friendship Tournament" at ...

• Viva la beisbol! • Tuscaloosa News
HAVANA, Cuba | It was the most diplomatic of results in a baseball series that has tried — not always successfully — to remain officially uninvolved with diplomacy.

• Smith believes he can keep up with Tide's Jones • Tuscaloosa News
Who do you get to cover a former big-time recruit who is one of the biggest-impact freshman receivers in the country?

• Bama fans go after extra Utah tickets • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Zack Lassiter wasn't surprised when Utah's ticket office was deluged with orders for Sugar Bowl tickets from Alabama football fans. He is surprised that the deluge didn't last.

• Tide men, women play today • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Coleman Coliseum sees double duty today and as the University of Alabama men's and women's basketball teams hosts rare home games on the same day.

• Ian R. Rapoport: WR Kevin Norwood becomes Crimson Tide commitment No. 20 • al.com
Receiver prospect Kevin Norwood offered Alabama coach Nick Saban a ray of sunshine on a miserable day. Just ask him.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama snags its receiver: Mississippi prospect Kevin Norwood commits • al.com
It was only a matter of time that Alabama's current push for receiving prospects paid off with a valued commitment.

• Alabama football team places three on AP All-America first team, the most of any school • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - An Alabama season that brought fans back to the program's storied tradition continues to reap postseason awards for its players.

• AP ALL-AMERICA'S FIRST TEAM BOASTS TIDE TRIO • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - An Alabama season that brought fans back to the program's storied tradition continues to reap postseason awards for its players.

• American made: Tide places three on AP All-America team • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama landed three players Tuesday on The Associated Press' All-America first team, the most of any school in the nation.

• Norwood becomes Alabama's 20th commitment • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Wide receiver prospect Kevin Norwood said before last week's Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic that he wanted to take all his visits before committing to a school.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published.

• Tide encouraged by loss • The Huntsville Times
Alabama tries to rebound tonight vs. Tennessee State

• Tide leads with three on AP All-Americans • The Huntsville Times
Johnson chosen as second-team selection, McClain on third unit

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Caldwell, Smith, Cody first-teamers on AP All-America team • Montgomery Advertiser
Five Alabama players were selected to the Associated Press All-America team Tuesday, including Montgomery's Antoine Caldwell, who was one of three first-team selections.

• Associated Press All-America Football Team • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
FIRST TEAM

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
There is still hope for members of the public who want to go to the Sugar Bowl.

• Tennessee State (3-5) at Alabama (5-3) • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Tipoff: Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.

• 3 from Alabama make AP first team • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEW YORK (AP) — Alabama made its best showing on the Associated Press All-America football team since 1934 when the squad was released Tuesday.

• 2008/2009 Bowls - The Last Time You'll See... • College Football News
Who are the stars this bowl season that you'll be seeing for the last time? Some are graduating and some, like Georgia's Matthew Stafford, are almost certain be off early to the NFL. Richard Cirminiello spotlights the 64 players who'll try to go out with a bang.

• Bonds enjoys in-home visit with Saban • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Tide coach Nick Saban is a man on the move. After spending the first part of the day in Mississippi, he boarded a plane and headed to Columbia, South Carolina, where he made his in-home visit with UA commitment and Richland Northeast star Chris Bonds.

• Ohio State commit Green still open to Alabama (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Justin Green is committed to Ohio State. He’s also committed to taking the remaining four of his official visits with an open mind.

• Mississippi WR commits to Alabama • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama grabbed its 20th commitment for 2009 on Tuesday night in D'Iberville (Miss.) wide receiver Kevin Norwood, CrimsonConfidential.com has confirmed.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

• Men's Basketball:
Alabama 75, Tennessee State 66

• Bama in the NFL - Players:
D.J. Hall signs on Raiders practice squad

• Women's Basketball:
Alabama 70, Florida A&M 68 OT

• SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 17th • SEC Sports
SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 17th

• Raycom Sports ''2009 SEC Basketball Tip-Off'' • SEC Sports
Raycom Sports ''2009 SEC Basketball Tip-Off''

• My Chizk Thoughts • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Thought #1.... Saban is gonna beat yos!

• Basketball preview: Alabama vs. Tennessee State • Crimson Confidential
Tide continues home stand against Tigers

• Bama in the NBA - December 16th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Smith believes he can keep up with Tide's Jones • Tuscaloosa News
Who do you get to cover a former big-time recruit who is one of the biggest-impact freshman receivers in the country?

• Tide encouraged by loss • The Huntsville Times
Alabama tries to rebound tonight vs. Tennessee State

• Tide leads with three on AP All-Americans • The Huntsville Times
Johnson chosen as second-team selection, McClain on third unit

• Associated Press All-America Football Team • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
FIRST TEAM

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
There is still hope for members of the public who want to go to the Sugar Bowl.

• Tennessee State (3-5) at Alabama (5-3) • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Tipoff: Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

• Bama in the NBA - Players:
Richard Hendrix was released by the Warriors

• BASEBALL IN CUBA: Cuban Collegiate All-Stars Rallies Past Alabama Baseball, 7-5 • RollTide.com
The Alabama baseball team had its most productive offensive performance in the final game against the Cuban Collegiate All-Stars in the Friendship Tournament Thursday afternoon.

• Smith requests NFL Draft projection; Cody staying for senior year • Tuscaloosa News
University of Alabama junior left tackle Andre Smith confirmed to reporters Thursday that he has requested a projection from the NFL advisory committee on where he could expect to be selected in the 2009 Draft.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/18 Practice

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/18 - Nick Saban part 1

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/18 - Nick Saban part 2

• Ian R. Rapoport: Terrence Cody discusses his girlfriend's prank... • al.com
... why he's returning for his senior year at Alabama
Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody is returning to Alabama for his senior season. The All-American nose tackle said he's not submitting his information to the NFL draft advisory board, though he did consider it.

• Ian R. Rapoport: And Alabama's practice begins again, with a few "experiments" • al.com
Just back from Alabama's first practice for the Allstate Sugar Bowl, where coach Nick Saban mentioned there might be a few experiments. This morning, he didn't want to discuss them because he hadn't told the players yet, but apparently he's told them now.

• Gentry Estes: Confirmation reached on Virginia Tech game ... • al.com
Alabama and Virginia Tech have apparently dotted the 'I's and crossed the 'T's on their long-awaited deal to open next season with a Sept. 5 game at the Georgia Dome. It will mark the second consecutive season the Crimson Tide has participated in the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff.

• Gentry Estes: Could Glen Coffee turn pro early? • al.com
Today's big topic as Alabama resumed bowl practice dealt with juniors who could declare early for the NFL Draft. For two of them, things seem pretty cut-and-dry.

• Gentry Estes: Terrence Cody says he's coming back to school • al.com
Alabama's All-American junior nose tackle Terrence Cody confirmed tonight that he is not putting his name up to the NFL Draft advisory board and will return to the Crimson Tide for his senior season.

• Coach not expecting immediate decision from Cox • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I expect him to visit Alabama and Mississipi State before he makes a final decision. He's going to visit Alabama on January 9th and Mississippi State the next weekend…"

• Alabama Goes Back To Football Practice • 'BamaMag
Alabama went back to practice Thursday, and Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban was pleased to be back on the field. But it isn’t because he or his coaches and players have gotten bored. The coaches have been recruiting and the players have been in final examinations. Grades on both to follow.

• Cody: 'I'm coming back' • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama fan favorite Terrence Cody spoke Thursday about his decision to enter the NFL Draft or return to UA for one more season.

• Thursday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Coach Nick Saban and the Alabama football team resumed practice Thursday after nearly two weeks off since the SEC title game, and at least two players worked out at different positions.

• Tide coaches on the road • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With the Christmas holidays approaching as well as Sugar Bowl team practices on the horizon, the Alabama coaching staff has turned up the recruiting heat. In this recruiting recap, check out the latest on several ...

• Tide's Cody says he'll be back in 2009 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody vowed Thursday to return for his senior season in 2009, forgoing potentially millions of dollars in April's NFL draft.

• Thursday practice notes: Back to work • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama was back on the field Thursday afternoon to begin practice for the Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl. Here are a few notes from the media viewing period:

• Saban won't use Sugar Bowl as 2009 prep tool • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Tide meets Utah on Jan. 2

• Tide's Smith files paperwork with draft board • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Junior was first-team All-American this season

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's Thursday press conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses the beginning on bowl practices

• VIDEO — Thursday player interviews • Crimson Confidential
Antoine Caldwell, Andre Smith, Rashad Johnson

• Julio Jones Named Columbus Touchdown Club Freshman of the Year • RollTide.com
Alabama freshman wide receiver Julio Jones was selected as the Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club National Freshman of the Year the organization announced on Thursday.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama PG Ron Steele: "Coach Gottfried and I are on the same page..." • al.com
I wanted to give an update on a situation that came to light at Alabama's 75-66 win over Tennessee State last night. Crimson Tide point guard Ronald Steele did not start for only the second time in his 98-game career.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama junior left tackle Andre Smith files paperwork with NFL advisory committee • al.com
We just talked to Alabama coach Nick Saban and a few players, and there was a bunch of news from there. But here is the most pertinent:

• Gentry Estes: Ronald Steele: "Coach Gottfried and I are on the same page" • al.com
Updating a basketball item from last night, Alabama point guard Ronald Steele didn't want to delve too much into the reasons why he didn't start last night's victory over Tennessee State while addressing the issue this afternoon. ...

• Gentry Estes: Thursday notes: Andre Smith and the NFL; Roy Upchurch out for Sugar Bowl and more • al.com
There were a few news items as Alabama's players filtered back into town today for the start of bowl practice later this afternoon. ...

• Dennis Pillion: Nick Saban's Dec. 18 press conference • al.com
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban addresses the media on the first day of Alabama's bowl practices gearing up for the Sugar Bowl game against Utah. Click below to watch.

• 2008 SEC Football - Bowl Game Previews • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Football - Bowl Game Previews

• Six SEC Players Make Naismith Early Watch List • SEC Sports
Six SEC Players Make Naismith Early Watch List

• Saban updates Tide's bowl preps • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Roy Upchurch is out, Colin Peek is in, and Andre Smith is listening. Those were three of the various tidbits that emerged from Nick Saban's first meeting with the media since the Monday after his Crimson Tide's loss to Florida in the SEC Championship Game.

• Weighty Discussion From Tide's Caldwell • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Tide All-America center Antoine Caldwell wants to go out with win

• Drop 2, Add 1 • 'BamaMag
Pat Patterson is looking to squeeze in four January trips and decide shortly before LOI Day.

• Upchurch out for Sugar Bowl • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Running back Roy Upchurch will not play in the Sugar Bowl after surgery to correct a neck injury. Click here for that and more from Alabama coach Nick Saban's Thursday news conference.

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's Thursday news conference • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Before the Crimson Tide kicked off preparation for a Sugar Bowl date with Utah, Alabama head coach Nick Saban met with reporters at a Thursday news conference.

• Tide's Smith files paperwork with draft board • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith has filed paperwork with the NFL draft advisory board, possibly the first step in forgoing his senior season for pro football.

• Steele mum on temporary benching • Crimson Confidential
Alabama point guard Ronald Steele would not elaborate Thursday on the reason he did not start Wednesday's 75-66 win over Tennessee State, just the second healthy non-start of his 98-game career.

• Tony Barnhart: Let’s take time out for our annual ACC, SEC Awards • AJC
With the hubbub going on with the coaching carousel, we haven’t had a chance to hand out our post-season awards in the SEC and ACC. So let’s take a break and honor the folks who made this a season we will always remember. We’ll finish the week with our Bowl Preview on Friday and then take a break for Christmas.

• Gee scores 24 in Alabama Crimson Tide win over Tennessee State • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - The gray suit matched his mood.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, December 18, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published.

• Utah defensive end Paul Kruger survives knife attack to star for unbeaten Utes • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - His scars have healed. The danger has long passed.

• The Siran Stacy tragedy • Philadelphia Daily News
DOTHAN, Ala. - Siran Stacy looked up at the somber faces that surrounded his hospital bed and asked in a shallow voice, "Where is Ellen?" It was Thanksgiving 2007, and he was in and out of consciousness, his body wrapped in bandages and buried beneath a profusion of tubes. He looked from face to face, but no one answered him. None of them knew what to say. It was the moment they had been dreading. They had hoped to delay it a few days more, if only to give Siran time to regain a degree of strength. But he had become increasingly insistent with the nurses who hovered over him, and the doctors finally agreed that he should be told.

• Bama in the NBA - December 17th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Men's Basketball Defeats Tennessee State 75-66 • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's basketball team defeated Tennessee State 75-66 at Coleman Coliseum Wednesday night.

• BASEBALL IN CUBA: Baseball Falls to Cuban Collegiate All-Stars, 6-2 • RollTide.com
The Cuban Collegiate All-Stars used a three-run third inning to defeat the University of Alabama baseball team, 6-2, in game two of the 2008 Friendship Tournament at Latin American Stadium Wednesda...

• Lights brighter in New Orleans • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | When former University of Alabama defensive back Eric Gray thinks back to last season's Independence Bowl, among the things that pop into his mind are the game itself, celebrating the 30-24 victory against Colorado, and the dancing coach.

• Tide falls to Cubans in Game 2 • Tuscaloosa News
Some things, however, are universal. For instance, you can't give extra outs to a good baseball team, no matter where they come from.

• Andrew Bone: Alabama signs JuCo lineman • Tuscaloosa News
James Carpenter, Scout.com four-star offensive tackle from Coffeyville, Kansas, signed with the Crimson Tide Wednesday.

• Christopher Walsh: A look back at 2008: Play of the game • Tuscaloosa News
So when you think back to the 2008 University of Alabama football season, what's the one play that pops into your head the most?

• Ian R. Rapoport: Make-A-Wish Foundation and Alabama football team up... • al.com
Here's a little something for those who may still be shopping for holiday gifts. A little while ago, I received an email about a joint venture between the University of Alabama and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A pretty nice thing, it seems.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama hoops outlasts Tennessee State • al.com
Alabama beat Tennessee State 75-66 tonight thanks in large part to a game-high 24 points from Alonzo Gee and the first career double-double for Yamene Coleman, who posted 14 points and 14 rebounds.

• BOWLS LOOSEN BELTS TO GOBBLE UP TEAMS • The Birmingham News
It is fitting that the nation's capital will kick off the latest round of bowl expansion in college football.

• BOWL GAMES FROM BEST TO WORST • The Birmingham News
Here are the top five and bottom five games based on the participating teams' combined ranking in the Sagarin ratings. TOP FIVE BOWLS 1. BCS National Championship Game: Florida vs. Oklahoma 2. Rose Bowl: USC vs. Penn State 3. Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Texas 4. Sugar Bowl: Utah vs. Alabama 5. Poinsettia Bowl: TCU vs. Boise State BOTTOM FIVE BOWLS 30. New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss vs. Troy 31. St. Petersburg Bowl: Memphis vs. South Florida 32. New Mexico Bowl: Colorado State vs. Fresno State 33. Independence Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech 34. Motor City Bowl: Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan

• Alabama hangs on to beat Tennessee State, 75-66 • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Even a routine win ended with the Alabama players walking off the floor shaking their heads.

• Alabama notes: O-line help on his way to Tuscaloosa • The Huntsville Times
Smith's possible replacement on O-line heads to Tuscaloosa

• Gottfried not pleased with latest Tide win • The Huntsville Times
Alabama tops Tennessee State 75-66 at home

• Jess Nicholas: Second-half report card: Tide finally puts up strong second half • TideFans
During the off-week at midseason, we took a look at the various position groups of the 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide and came up with some fairly high grades.

• SEC Men's Basketball Roundup - December 17th • SEC Sports
SEC Men's Basketball Roundup - December 17th

• Saban, four Alabama players earn 'Sporting News' honors • Montgomery Advertiser
The Sporting Newsreleased its 2008 All-America teams and named its Coach of the Year on Wednesday. Alabama's Nick Saban was selected as the Coach of the Year while four Crimson Tide players garnered All-America honors, including three on the first team.

• ALABAMA BASKETBALL: Tide uses inside game to subdue Tennessee State 75-66 • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama did most of its damage around the basket Wednesday night in a 75-66 victory over Tennessee State at Coleman Coliseum. The Tide scored 42 points in the paint.

• Gee is a whiz in Alabama’s latest victory • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Following Alabama’s 75-66 victory over Tennessee State, Tide forward Alonzo Gee plopped into a gray cushioned chair in the Coleman Coliseum interview room and let loose a loud sigh.

• 2008/2009 Bowls - The Breakout Players • College Football News
The bowl season is a time for the stars to shine through, and for unsung players who haven't been in the national spotlight to breakout. Who might be the players to come from out of nowhere to be the big-time names going into next year? Richard Cirminiello highlights 64 players you need to pay attention to.

• Elite junior RB on Tide's radar • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I felt welcomed when I visited Alabama this season. I got a good feeling from the coaches. The fans are very intense."

• Gee Leads Tide Past Tennessee State • 'BamaMag
Who would have dreamed that Ronald Steele would be an Alabama basketball substitute? Moreover, who would believe he wouldn’t be the Crimson Tide’s best sub against Tennessee State? That was the case as Bama took a 75-66 win over the Nashville cats in Coleman Coliseum Wednesday night.

• Dre narrows focus • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
On a whirlwind Wednesday for Alabama Coach Nick Saban in which the Tide's head man traveled to Gadsden, North Jackson, Atlanta and back to Gadsden on recruiting visits, one of UA's top priorities, five-star cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, was the final stop of the day.

• Green's biggest foe: the whistle • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
UA's basketball team had an easy time dispatching Tennessee State, 75-66, but JaMychal Green had a tough time staying on the floor and out of foul trouble. Click here for the latest on the five-star freshman.

• Wingo still has Bama among top five (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It may not seem like it this particular week, but Alabama remains in contention for Ronnie Wingo.

• Fluker's got McCarron's back • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It certainly is a unique pairing.

Friday, December 19, 2008

• 2009 Alabama Football Schedule Released • RollTide.com
The Crimson Tide will open the season against Virginia Tech in Atlanta.

• Tide Practices Twice as Bowl Workouts Continue • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team will practice twice on Friday as preparations for the Allstate Sugar Bowl continue. The Tide began their Friday with a full pads practice inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Faci...

• Alabama's 2009 football schedule set • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The official announcement Friday that the University of Alabama will play Virginia Tech in the 2009 Chic-fil-A College Kickoff game on Sept. 5 in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome was the last piece needed to complete the Crimson Tide’s football schedule for next season.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/19 - Kareem Jackson

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/19 - Mike Johnson

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/19/08 Practice

• Ian R. Rapoport: Andre Smith vs. a former prep quarterback... and other stuff! • al.com
So, I was talking to Utah coach Kyle Whittingham today for a story that'll run, well, I have no idea when. At some point, I guess. Anyway, he was running down some player matchups he's looking forward to in the Sugar Bowl when he came to one that surprised me.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Behold, the Alabama football schedule for 2009 • al.com
On the heels of the announcement of the Alabama-Virginia Tech game that'll open the 2009 season, the Alabama athletics department just sent out the entire schedule. It includes SEC home games against Arkansas, South Carolina, Tennessee and LSU. Conference road games are Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Auburn.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Coach Nick Saban:... • al.com
..."Great competition makes you better and Virginia Tech is certainly one of the outstanding programs in the country..."
As if you didn't know by now... The fact that Alabama and Virginia Tech will open the 2009 season with a game in Atlanta on Sept. 5 was made official early today. Duh. Worst. Secret. Ever.

• Gentry Estes: Tide's 2009 schedule finalized and released • al.com
As expected, here is Alabama's 2009 football schedule, as just released by the school ...

• Gentry Estes: Crimson Tide ready for return to "Daytona 500 of college football" • al.com
Organizers in Atlanta made the official announcement today what we've all known for quite a while: Alabama will open the 2009 season Sept. 5 against Virginia Tech in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

• Tide, Hokies in Georgia Dome • 'BamaMag
For the third time in 53 weeks, Nick Saban is taking his Alabama team to Atlanta. Atlanta Sports Council president Gary Stokan told the rest of the media what had already been leaked to ESPN and the AJC, the Crimson Tide will face Virginia Tech in the second annual Chick-fil-A College Kickoff.

• Notebook: VT game set in stone • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With the I's now dotted and T's now crossed on the deal that will bring Alabama and Virginia Tech to the Georgia Dome to open the 2009 season, UA coach Nick Saban spoke about the matchup Friday.

• Tide, Hokies officially on for 2009 opener • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The Georgia Dome is beginning to become a home away from home for the Alabama football team.

• Women's Basketball Hosts Austin Peay on Saturday • RollTide.com
The women's basketball team continues its five-game home stand Saturday when it hosts Austin Peay at 2:00 p.m. (CST) in Coleman Coliseum.

• Christopher Walsh: A look back at the preseason predictions • Tuscaloosa News
One of great things about the information age is that it's easy to keep track of things like statistics, records, and one of my personal favorites, predictions.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Want to see Alabama left tackle Andre Smith discuss his NFL draft prospects? • al.com
By now, you've probably seen my story in today's paper on Alabama left tackle Andre Smith formally requesting an evaluation from the NFL with an eye toward the draft. If you wanted to watch the entire conversation, which includes other topics, you've come to the right place:

• Tide headed back to the A-T-L • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Once again, Alabama is headed to the Georgia Dome. A months-old rumor was confirmed when Atlanta Sports Council president Gary Stokan made official what he'd already leaked to ESPN and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Alabama will face Virginia Tech in the second annual Chick-fil-A College Kickoff.

• UA in good position for 2010 safety • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Safety Jarrick Williams of Blount HS in Prichard is one of the state's top junior prospects. The 6-2, 205-pounder wrapped up a successful 2008 season and continues to see his stock rise among college coaches.

• Tennessee linebacker starts official visits • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Memphis-Melrose linebacker Greg King begins his official visits tomorrow with a trip to Lubbock to see Texas Tech. Heading into the visit, the 6-3, 205-pound King says that Texas Tech and Alabama are still his two favorites.

• A Last Minute Thing • 'BamaMag
"Right now Alabama is the only school that is really talking to me," Eddie Lacy said. "They've talked with me about visiting them and they send mail and call all the time. The only other ones I still somewhat hear from are Southern Miss and Ole Miss, but not as much. "I like Alabama because they run the ball a lot, but the offense isn't one dimensional. They have a good passing game too..."

• 12 Bowls of Christmas • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
My top 12 bowls of the year

• UA Recruiting Notebook • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
All signs point to another stellar recruiting class for the Crimson Tide, and in this premium recruiting notebook, get the latest on the academic and visit status of several Tide commits as well as a high profile visitor expected at practice on Friday.

• Friday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama's second Sugar Bowl practice looked much like the first, as at least two players practicing at new positions continued to do so on Friday.

• Friday practice notes: Still inside • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama hit the practice field for the first of two workouts Friday morning, working at the indoor facility for the second straight day in full pads.

• Testing the waters • Tuscaloosa News
Smith appears to be headed for NFL, big bucks, Cody will be back for senior season

• Tide falls in final game with Cuba • Tuscaloosa News
HAVANA | The University of Alabama baseball team lost the third game of the three-game Friendship Series here on Thursday, falling 7-5 in a game determined largely by the bullpen strength of a team from the Cuban Institute of Sports. But the results of the series were far more than the final score.

• Tide players excited about Senior Bowl • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Although the University of Alabama football team has already brought home a lot of hardware this season, one honor that has four players in particular excited was being invited to the upcoming Senior Bowl.

• Tide, Hokies kick off 2009 in Georgia Dome • Tuscaloosa News
ATLANTA | Atlanta will be awash in maroon and crimson on Sept. 5.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Expect an announcement on Alabama-Virginia Tech for 2009 today... • al.com
It's been a crazy, busy day, with tons of news. That's what happens when you take an 11-day break, I guess... But late Thursday, one bit of information came out that you guys might want to know.

• FIVE THINGS • The Birmingham News
A lighthearted Q&A with Pro Bowl Baltimore Ravens running back and former University of Alabama standout Le'Ron McClain.

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA BASKETBALL
Steele, Gottfried are `on the same page':

• Alabama's Smith, Coffee test NFL waters • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith may have company on his likely early entry into the NFL draft, although it's not the Alabama teammate many would have expected.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, December 19, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published.

• Coffee, not Cody, files NFL advisory • The Huntsville Times
Tide tailback joins Smith in seeking draft projection

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Upchurch will miss bowl game after neck surgery

• Smith checks NFL status; 'Mount' Cody plans to stay • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It's all just a huge mistake, Terrence Cody insists. No matter what you've heard, Alabama's largest starter plans to return in 2009.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Crimson Tide back at work • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- After an 11-day layoff, Alabama returned to the practice field in preparation for its Sugar Bowl game with Utah.

• SPORTS BRIEFS: Alabama WR Jones grabs another award • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama freshman wide receiver Julio Jones was selected as the Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club National Freshman of the Year.

• NFL could beckon Alabama’s Smith • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama left tackle Andre Smith likes college life and all the good things that go with it.

• Warriors cut ex-Athens grad Richard Hendrix • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
In 2005, Athens High graduate Richard Hendrix and Monta Ellis were McDonald’s High School All-Americans.

• College Sports Notebook • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Alabama football
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody said he did not submit papers to the NFL draft advisory board and will return for his senior season.

• Bama’s Andre Smith mulls pro draft • Dothan Eagle
Of course Andre Smith has thought about the NFL Draft. The first team All-America and Outland Trophy winner could be one of the first players chosen in 2009.

• Branden Smith, the "next Champ Bailey," talks to the real Champ Bailey • AJC
Georgia’s recruiting pitch to Branden Smith, the state’s No. 1 college prospect, is that he can be “the next Champ Bailey.” Guess who Smith talked to this week? Yes, Champ Bailey, the former Georgia standout who plays for the NFL’s...

• Top DB staying busy • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The state's top uncommitted prospect -- Gadsden City cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick -- has had a busy week. While in the process of taking final exams, the 6-2, 185-pounder entertained Tide coach Nick Saban during an in-home visit Wednesday night. And on Thursday evening, he attended the ASWA Player of the Year banquet in Birmingham.

• Randle considering visit to UA practice • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The father of Bastrop, LA wide receiver Reuben Randle (6-3, 205, 4.5) says that his son is thinking about taking an unofficial visit to Alabama this weekend to watch a Crimson Tide practice.

• Tide holding strong for Stinson • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With Alabama in good shape to perhaps land the services of Homestead (Fla.) Jack linebacker candidate Ed Stinson, the Tide is seeing the competion head up for the four-star prospect.

• Tide players eyeing futures in pro football • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Perhaps one indication of Alabama's re-emergence as a college football powerhouse this season is that discussing NFL futures for several Crimson Tide players no longer seems far-fetched.

• Smith receives in-home visit from Saban • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
With 17 days left before Branden Smith announces his decision, Alabama is still pursuing him hard. That part is clear.

• Notebook: Virginia Tech set for 2009 opener • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Official announcement expected today

Saturday, December 20, 2008

• Women's Basketball Tops Austin Peay 63-53 • RollTide.com
Freshman Ericka Russell scored a career-high 21 points to lead Alabama past Austin Peay 63-53 Saturday at Coleman Coliseum.

• Former Crimson Tide Captain Steve Allen Passes Away • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football program lost one of its captains Friday when former Crimson Tide lineman Steve Allen, 69, passed away. Allen was a three-year letterman for the Tide (1961-63) and...

• Crimson Tide Football Focuses on Fundamentals During Saturday's Workout • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team worked out for two hours Saturday afternoon in full pads stressing fundamentals at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/20 Practice

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/20 - Nick Saban

• Ian R. Rapoport: The Crimson Tide loses a former captain... and other stuff. • al.com
The Rap Sheet takes a somber tone tonight, as Alabama lost one of its former captains. Guard Steve Allen, who was a captain in 1963, passed away today. He was 69 years old.

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban: Injured receiver Will Oakley won't be back for Sugar Bowl • al.com
One quick practice note before I get out of town ...

• SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 20th • SEC Sports
SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 20th

• Stover: I'll be home for Christmas • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
There are certain advantages to playing in a BCS bowl game. From a player's perspective, the later the bowl game, the better chance you have of being home with your family for Christmas. That's a big deal for Alabama wide receiver Nikita Stover, who after a pair of Christmases in Shreveport will be in Hartselle, Alabama this year with his four-year old son, Trey.

• Notebook: Maze, Stover injuries not serious • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama wide receivers Nikita Stover and Marquis Maze missed Saturday's practice with what coach Nick Saban termed minor muscles injuries.

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's Saturday press conference • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses the week of practice

• Women's Basketball:
Alabama 63, Florida A&M 53

• Ian R. Rapoport: Some familiar faces, Nick Saban's view on neutral site games... and links! • al.com
Just got back from Alabama's practice today, where a ton of familiar faces were hanging around. Plenty of recruits took in the session, though to be honest, I couldn't positively identify all of them. The few familiar faces included: Trent Richardson, Quinton Dial, James Carpenter (a signee), and Jonathan Atchison. There may have been more.

• Gentry Estes: Weekend reading: Utah's bid for respect • al.com
If you think Alabama's football team was overlooked at times this season, try being Utah.

• Saturday practice report • BamaOnLine
The wide receiver ranks were a bit thin for Alabama's Saturday practice as two more at the position were withheld from contact.

• Saturday practice notes: Tide works outdoors • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Fourth-ranked Alabama (12-1) was back on the practice field on a fall-like Saturday afternoon, continuing its focus on fundamentals for the third-straight day. It was the Tide’s first outdoor workout of the week after practicing indoors once on Thursday and twice on Friday.

• Bama in the NBA - December 19th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Coffee has shot at UA rushing record • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Among the perks the University of Alabama football team has from playing in a Bowl Championship Series game this season include being able to spend Christmas Day with nearby family members, and having a little time off after completing finals.

• Addition of Hokies completes Tide’s ’09 schedule • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The official announcement Friday that the University of Alabama will play Virginia Tech in the 2009 Chic-fil-A College Kickoff game on Sept. 5 in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome was the last piece needed to complete the Crimson Tide’s football schedule for next season.

• Tide has busy holiday schedule • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Members of the University of Alabama women’s basketball team will have to wait a bit before taking their Christmas break.

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting Chat Transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (12-17-08)

• Ravens running back Le'Ron McClain is a dual-purpose player • The Birmingham News
Before the question was halfway out of the reporter's mouth, Le'Ron McClain chuckled and provided the answer.

• Alabama's 2009 football schedule begins with high-powered game against Virginia Tech • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama enjoyed its season-opening trip to Atlanta in 2008 so much so that it decided to schedule another one in 2009.

• Crimson Tide to open 2009 season against Virginia Tech • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's football program liked opening a season in the Georgia Dome so much that it has agreed to do it again.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Saturday, December 20, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published.

• Unbeaten Utah looking for national recognition against University of Alabama in Sugar Bowl • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - They had shown Alabama's highlights and interviewed national coach the year Nick Saban.

• Alabama notebook: • The Huntsville Times
The Crimson Tide will be a return visitor for second annual Chick-fil-A College Kickoff
Alabama-Va. Tech game officially set for 2009

• Jess Nicholas: Recruiting: Tight ends, offensive linemen make the difference in Tide offense • TideFans
Last week, we profiled some of the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers that Alabama is targeting in recruiting in 2008-2009. But what really makes Alabama’s clock tick are the offensive linemen and tight ends, around which Alabama’s power offense of 2008 was designed.

• SUGAR BOWL: Legacy on the line for Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban is all about finishing.

• Alabama to open 2009 season with Va. Tech • Montgomery Advertiser
Nick Saban traces a lot of his team's success in 2008 to a decision made the previous January to participate in the inaugural Chick-fil-A College Kickoff against nationally ranked Clemson.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Tailgate party at the Big Easy on Jan. 1 • Montgomery Advertiser
The University of Alabama National Alumni Association will hold a "Riverboat Tailgate Party and Pep Rally" on the Creole Queen with Big Al and the Alabama cheerleaders on Jan. 1 in New Orleans.

• Utah QB will test Tide • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
After Utah quarterback Brian Johnson takes the snap from center, it’s decision time.

• Now a free agent, Hendrix weighs options • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Richard Hendrix is the eternal optimist.

• Tide works twice as bowl preps continue • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama football team practiced once inside and once outside Friday as preparations for the January 2 Allstate Sugar Bowl continued.

• Alabama continues bowl preps • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team practiced twice on Friday as preparations for the Allstate Sugar Bowl continued. The Tide began their Friday with a full pads practice inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility in the morning, and the second practice moved outside in shells for the evening workout.

• Rivals250 TE visits UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide would love to replace the loss of two senior tight ends with a top prep star at that postion, and on Friday Rivals250 prospect Philip Lutzenkirchen stopped by the Tide's bowl practices.

• They really get no respect • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama was able to get a lot of mileage out of the "no respect" card this season, but it's the Crimson Tide's Sugar Bowl opponent that might be college football's true Rodney Dangerfield.

• Notebook: Tide's young players get to show their stuff • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama will begin full installation of its game plan for the Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl against Utah some time next week. For now, it's all about fundamentals.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

• Bama in the NFL - Week 16 Game Stats:
Check to see how former players did this week

• Men's Basketball Plays Chattanooga Before Holiday Break • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's basketball team (6-3) continues its month-long homestand with a Monday night contest against the Chattanooga Mocs (2-7). The two teams will meet on Dec. 22 at 6:00 p.m. Central Ti...

• Alabama Begins Utah Preparations • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team spent their first full practice preparing for No. 6 Utah on Sunday as the Crimson Tide worked for two hours in shells inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility.

• Women's Basketball Faces off with Alabama A&M Monday • RollTide.com
The women's basketball team hosts Alabama A&M Monday at 1:00 p.m. (CST) in Coleman Coliseum.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Coffee and Cody return as heroes... and links! • al.com
It's a relatively quiet day over here in Tuscaloosa... Alabama has its first practice focused solely on Utah, though it's closed to the media. But you know what wasn't quiet?

• In-state SEC schools visit Kirkpatrick • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Dre Kirkpatrick, Scout.com five-star cornerback from Gadsden (Ala.) City, was a finalist for Alabama's Mr. Football, and Kirkpatrick has high hopes of winning the U.S. Army National Player of the Year in San Antonio. Coach Nick Saban is the first head coach to visit, and Kirkpatrick has scheduled three official visits.

• Atchison visits Saturday practice • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Alabama commitment sees several in Tuscaloosa.

• Ohio State verbal to visit Capstone • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Louisville prep star Justin Green has been a long-time Ohio State commitment, but the nation's 82nd-best overall recruit hasn't stopped shopping around. Next month, the Crimson Tide gets a chance to turn him.

• Recruiting notebook: The final targets • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
An NCAA-mandated recruiting dead period begins Monday and runs through Jan. 1, so now seems like a good time to examine where Alabama stands in terms of its 2009 signing class.

• Sugar Bowl flashback: 1945 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Editor's note: For the next 12 days, CrimsonConfidential.com will be taking a look back at each of the 12 Sugar Bowls in which Alabama has participated. The series kicks off today with the 1945 game.

• Bama in the NBA - December 20th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Tide wins behind late 14-0 run • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Struggling with its shooting and rebounding, the University of Alabama women’s basketball team found a way to win on Saturday.

• Alabama 1963 team captain Steve Allen dies • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama football program lost one of its captains Friday when former lineman Steve Allen passed away. Allen was a three-year letterman for the Tide (1961-63) and was a team captain in 1963.

• Cecil Hurt: Utah not an extension of the Gators • Tuscaloosa News
It’s rare for any college program to remain frozen in place after a head coaching change, even if there is a smooth transition from that coach to an assistant coach.

• Up front it will be size vs. speed • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Does size really matter?

• Tide players Cody, Coffee return to their high schools as stars • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - When Glen Coffee left his home in Florida to begin summer conditioning at the University of Alabama, he was better known for having the same name as a popular morning drink than he was as a running back.

• Caldwell family adds to tradition as Alabama center accepts invitation to Senior Bowl • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - For Alabama center Antoine Caldwell's family, it's a January tradition, dating back to his high school days in Montgomery.

• Alabama Notebook: Nick Saban dismisses similarities between Utah and Florida offenses • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - The similarity between offenses at Utah and Florida has been overblown, according to Alabama coach Nick Saban.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Sunday, December 21, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published.

• NFL eyes are upon Alabama seniors • The Huntsville Times
Four Tide veterans will enjoy college finale in Senior Bowl

• Alabama notebook: Saban believes offenses different • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - The similarity between offenses at Utah and Florida has been overblown, according to Alabama coach Nick Saban.

• Senior Crimson Tide tight ends have developed a close bond • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- At first glance, they're polar opposites.

• Seeking redemption • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
It still hurts for Alabama. The uncharacteristic mistakes, the miscommunications, the three quarters of a strong defensive performance that unraveled after a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback found his rhythm.

• Things Are Tough In Bama Football • 'BamaMag
It could be said that phase two of Alabama’s one-game season begins Sunday. Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban has called a bowl game “a one-game season,” a compressed preparation period similar to an opening game following fall camp.

• Stover Positive About Last Game • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Tide senior wide receiver Nikita Stover plays last game in Sugar Bowl

• Cox mulling decision • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It may be close to decision time for Yazoo City defensive end/linebacker Fletcher Cox who is considering Alabama and Mississippi State for his signature. After an in-home visit by Tide Coach Nick Saban, could UA be on the verge of landing the big pass-rusher?

• A lasting legacy? Tide hoping to end season with win • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
There's no national championship on the line, but Alabama is playing for a lot more than pride in the Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl against Utah.