Bama in the News

December 1 - 7, 2008

• Rolando McClain Named Finalist for Butkus Award • RollTide.com
Alabama sophomore linebacker Rolando McClain has been selected as one of the 12 finalists for the 2008 Butkus Award, honoring the nation's top collegiate linebacker. The winner will be announced th... 

• Alabama Holds First Practice for SEC Championship Game • RollTide.com
The number-one ranked Alabama football team returned to the practice field on Monday as preparations begin for the 2008 SEC Championship Game against the Florida Gators this Saturday at the Georgia... 

• Brooks Webster Earns First Team All-SEC Accolades • RollTide.com
Brooks Webster, a junior outside hitter, was selected to the Southeastern Conference's First Team as announced by the league office Monday. She becomes the seventh Crimson Tide player in history to...

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama players loooooooove talking about Florida players... or not. • al.com
It's Monday, and I'm already starting to notice a trend. You know how Florida is awesome? And how its players are really fast? And how quarterback Tim Tebow performed circumcisions and is the man?

• CFN Rankings - No. 1 to 119 - Week 14 • College Football News
The rankings are starting to solidify a bit as the season is in the finishing kick. These rankings are based on how good we think the teams are right now. Coming early next week, the CFN Rankings will be done on our formula and based on deserve over the entire season rather than opinion. 

• In-state junior LB discusses visit • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I enjoyed my visit. I really liked it. I thought it was going to at least be a close game, but it turned out not to be. Auburn just got physically beat by Alabama."

• Standout DB talks Iron Bowl visit • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"The only color I saw was crimson. It's the only color the town knows. You couldn't hear anything at the game. The crowd was hyped up, and I liked their intensity." 

• Smith Not Concerned About Underdog Status • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
About the only time one expects to hear Ole Miss this week in discussing Alabama and Florida in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game is mention in passing that the Rebels defeated the Gators in Gainesville earlier this year. But one Alabama player had another reason to mention Mississippi Monday in discussing the upcoming game. 

• Notebook: UA in good health entering SECCG • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Other than perhaps running back Roy Upchurch, the Alabama football team is about as healthy as it could hope to be entering Saturday's Southeastern Conference Championship Game. BamaOnLine.com's Monday notebook leads with a look at Upchurch's status as the Crimson Tide prepares for Florida. 

• Monday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama hopes to have it's top three running backs available against Florida Saturday, but Roy Upchurch is questionable with a neck injury.

• Monday practice notes: Tide gets to work on Florida • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0) took the practice field for the first time Monday since its 36-0 dismantling of in-state rival Auburn Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide worked out in shorts, shoulder pads and helmets at the indoor facility in preparation for the SEC East champion Florida Gators (11-1, 7-1). A few notes from the media viewing period:

• Notebook: Saban addresses Wilson’s possible Alabama legacy • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The record-setting passer? The quarterback who ended Auburn’s win streak? The guy who led Alabama back to championship glory?

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's Monday press conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses the upcoming SEC championship game against Florida 

• VIDEO — Monday player interviews, Part I • Crimson Confidential
Andre Smith, Bobby Greenwood, Cory Reamer

• VIDEO — Monday player interviews, Part II • Crimson Confidential
Javier Arenas, Glen Coffee, John Parker Wilson

• VIDEO — Monday player interviews, Part III • Crimson Confidential
Kareem Jackson, Rashad Johnson, Rolando McClain 

• Mark Schlabach: On The Mark: Plenty of drama left for championship games • ESPN
The Thanksgiving Day holiday and Rivalry Week are behind us.

• Bowl Projection: • ESPN
It's SEC vs. Big 12 in the BCS Championship Game, but our experts differ on the matchup. Will it be Alabama vs. Texas or Florida vs. Oklahoma? Or maybe none of the above.

• Alabama Player Quotes (SEC Championship Game) • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team held its 2008 SEC Championship Game Media Day on Monday afternoon. Here are some comments from the Tide players as they prepare for the Saturday's game with...

• Tide Coaching Staff Names Players of the Week • RollTide.com
University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban announced Monday that seven players had been recognized by the coaching staff as players of the week for their performance in the Crimson Tide's...

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

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/1 - Nick Saban part 2

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
12/1 - Rolando McClain

• Gentry Estes: Mondays with Saban: Another big game • al.com
Honestly, today's Nick Saban press conference was bit anticlimactic because he spoke with the SEC media for almost a half-hour on Sunday evening.

• Gentry Estes: SEC honors Antoine Caldwell to make Alabama 12-for-12 this year • al.com
Another week ... another Alabama player is honored by the SEC.

• Ben Culpepper: Alabama senior captains talk Florida, SEC Championship • al.com
Alabama senior captains John Parker Wilson, Antoine Caldwell and Rashad Johnson answered questions about their upcoming game against the Florida Gators.

• Ben Culpepper: Nick Saban 12/01/08 Press Conference • al.com
Nick Saban was in a typical business-like mood at his weekly press conference on Monday. He discussed the Iron Bowl victory, the SEC Championship game against Urban Meyer and the challenge of playing such a talented Florida Gator squad.

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's Monday press conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses the upcoming SEC championship game against Florida

• Doug Segrest: Meyer: signs good for Harvin • al.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer said today that star wide receiver/running back Percy Harvin had a good check up with team trainers in the locker room today, raising hopes that the standout will be back for Saturday's SEC Championship Game against Alabama.

• 2008 SEC Championship Players Press Conference • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Championship Players Press Conference

• Saban, Tide turn to Gators • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Despite the significance of and streaks snapped by No. 1 Alabama's 36-0 win over Auburn, the normal Nick Saban "24-hour rule" is in effect and all talk now at the UA football complex is about Florida.

• Jamontay Pilson Talks Iron Bowl • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jamontay Pilson, Scout.com three-star defensive tackle from Greenville, Ala., made a spring time decision and committed to the Auburn Tigers. Pilson plans to take all five official visits, and he attended the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa. 

• C.J. Moseley takes in Iron Bowl • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Elite 2010 linebacker holds two early offers

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's Monday news conference • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban conducted his weekly news conference Monday, taking time to break down the top-ranked Crimson Tide's upcoming meeting with second-ranked Florida in the SEC Championship Game.

• Dre back from Iron Bowl • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The state of Alabama's five-star representative took in yet another game in Tuscaloosa Saturday, but for Gadsden City cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, this was not an ordinary trip to the Capstone as he witnessed UA's 36-0 pummeling of Auburn and a Tide game atmosphere like no ... 

• 2008 SEC Championship Game: Alabama vs. Florida • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team returns to the Southeastern Conference Championship Game for the first time since its last SEC Championship in 1999. The top-ranked Crimson Tide meets No. 2 ... 

• Antoine Caldwell Named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week • RollTide.com
University of Alabama senior center Antoine Caldwell was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week, the league office announced today.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Mark Gottfried on SEC title game: "We're gonna win. I got the Tide all the way." • al.com
Alabama basketball coach Mark Gottfried returned from the Maui Invitational with a 2-1 record in the tournament, a nice tan, and a bold football prediction. Gottried has done a little thinking on the game and he has a strong opinion on the Southeastern Conference football championship game against Florida:

• Ian R. Rapoport: Anyone ready for a monster week? • al.com
We have known for weeks that Alabama and Florida would play in Saturday's SEC championship game. Since Nov. 8, actually, roughly the time quarterback John Parker Wilson crossed the goal line over the pile to beat LSU and clinch the West. That was the time coach Nick Saban began looking at film of the Gators.

• Gentry Estes: Monday reading: Look at where Dabo Swinney is now • al.com
Shelby County native and former Alabama receiver and assistant coach Dabo Swinney has turned his interim coaching gig at Clemson into a full-time job, according to numerous reports this morning from the Palmetto State. 

• SEC Football Players of the Week Announced • SEC Sports
SEC Football Players of the Week Announced

• Mother of state’s No. 1 prospect endorses UGA • AJC
Branden Smith, who is ranked as the state’s No. 1 prospect by the AJC and Rivals, said if was up to his mother, he’d be headed to UGA.

• Talented Louisiana RB visits Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I talked to Coach Saban and to Coach Burns at the game. They both told me that they've watched my tape and that they know I'm a very good running back."

• The Fan Factor • 'BamaMag
William Campbell's next trip is to Michigan on Dec. 6. "They send me the most mail," Campbell said. "It's close to home and I love their tradition. It's only like 35 minutes away which is nice, but it's not a big deal." Then comes Miami on Dec. 12. "I really like how they send a lot of guys into the league. I'm eager to go down there and check them out. I really like being in the south."

• Richardson back for another Capstone visit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Five star running back Trent Richardson committed to Alabama early but news of him taking other visits had Tide fans on the edge of their seats. Saturday Richardson, 5-foot-11, 215-pounds was in Tuscaloosa for another unofficial visit at the Capstone and he returned with great things to say about Alabama’s 36-0 shutout performance. 

• One more step • Tuscaloosa News
Tide’s preparations under way for Gators

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Iron Bowl

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Iron Bowl Fans

• Crimson Tide first and 10 • Tuscaloosa News
It had been 2,569 days since the University of Alabama last enjoyed a victory against rival Auburn, but Tuscaloosa made up for lost time with a celebration that began at Bryant-Denny Stadium and lasted well into the night

• Tide lands 18th verbal commitment • Tuscaloosa News
James Carpenter, Scout.com four-star junior college offensive tackle from Coffeyville, Kan., made a commitment Saturday night to the University of Alabama. Carpenter becomes the 18th commitment for the Tide and the first from the junior college ranks.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Nick Saban running up the score(?), Upchurch's health ... and other stuff! • al.com
I was watching the replay of the Iron Bowl on CBS and (thanks to a tip from The Zone), I heard this tidbit from sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson: "Up 29-0, Nick Saban came over to his offense on the bench and screamed the loudest I've ever heard him scream at his players, 'Don't you know how much I hate these guys?' " 

• Chris's Blog - Sunday November 30th • Chris Stewart Sports
10:30 p.m. CST - Reflecting on the Beatdown at Bryant-Denny...

• UF and UA: Different in styles, similar in principles and results • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- On the surface, it appears Saturday's Southeastern Conference championship game features two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum.

• Status of Florida receiver unsure for SEC title game • The Birmingham News
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The status of Florida's most dangerous big-play threat is in limbo for Saturday's SEC Championship Game.

• Florida's Harvin might not play • The Birmingham News
Percy Harvin will have the most dissected ankle this week since Curt Schilling. Florida's leading receiver is questionable to play against Alabama with a sprained ankle that caused him to leave Saturday's game on crutches and in a walking boot.

• YIN VS. YANG • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- On the surface, it appears Saturday's Southeastern Conference championship game features two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum.

• Two styles, one goal • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - The biggest showdown to date of this college football season is being dubbed as a meeting of lightning and thunder, speed versus power, new-school clashing with old-school. 

• Alabama notebook: • Press-Register
Florida's Percy Harvin's status in question for SEC title game
TUSCALOOSA - Florida's fleet-footed offensive express is now fixing a flat tire.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, December 01, 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. 

• Mark McCarter: Saban unplugged • The Huntsville Times
Iron Bowl victory allows coach to be introspective about his perfect team

• Staying in style will win SEC • The Huntsville Times
Underdog Tide will rely on physical play

• Jess Nicholas: SEC Championship Game preview: Alabama might have surprise in store for Gators • TideFans
For weeks it seems, all Alabama has heard about is Florida. 

• Jess Nicholas: Bowl picture clears up • TideFans
This blog is starting to develop a flavor similar to the "Saw" horror movie series for some, I'm sure. Here's the last -- I promise -- bowl projection post before invitations are actually handed out and I have to actually review the matchups. 

• Tide shuts out Auburn, ends six-year streak • The Crimson White
Alabama dominated a reeling Auburn 36-0, finishing off its perfect 12-0 regular season and a six-game series skid in the process.

• Senior class snaps Iron Bowl streak • The Crimson White
Tommy Tuberville didn’t run off the field holding up seven fingers after the game Saturday.

• Tide ends season with win • The Crimson White
The Alabama volleyball team ended its regular season last Friday with a 3-0 sweep of the Mississippi State Bulldogs by scores of 25-21, 25-21 and 25-15.

• SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Special teams could provide spark for Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It's been a slow and steady process, but Alabama's special teams unit is becoming more of an asset.

• Following Iron Bowl, Tide quickly focuses on Florida • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The fight song was still ringing in their ears, a trip back onto the field for appreciative fans still fresh in their memories as Alabama's players turned their attention to Saturday's game with second-ranked Florida in the Southeast­ern Conference Championship Game. 

• SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Speed matters to Meyer in Gators' kicking game • Montgomery Advertiser
GAINESVILLE, Fla.-- How big of a deal are special teams to Florida coach Urban Meyer?

• FLORIDA SPEEDSTERS • Montgomery Advertiser
In no order, here are the 12 Gator players who run 40 yards in 4.4 seconds or faster. All play a role on special teams, except Dorian Munroe, who is out for the season with a knee injury:

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Saban praises Tide's focus • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban admitted he was concerned with an open date before the annual Iron Bowl, worried that his team might be emotionally drained before the day of the game.

• Tide tries to prove doubters wrong again • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The bat­ tle for the Southeastern Conference football cham­pionship pits two of the nation's top coaches and two of the na­tion's top teams.

• Iron Bowl aftermath • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
For someone who often says he takes it “one game at a time,” Alabama coach Nick Saban sounds like he did some studying on Florida before the Crimson Tide’s Iron Bowl victory.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama-Florida
Florida coach Urban Meyer listed Florida running back/wide receiver Percy Harvin as questionable for Saturday’s SEC Championship Game. 

• Associated Press No. 1 vs. No. 2 • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Meetings between the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in The Associated Press’ college football poll (the No. 1 team is 23-15-2): 

• Alabama, Florida gear up for battleof nation’s best • Dothan Eagle
Like the mythical Corleone family in the Godfather series, Alabama settled all family business in a November to remember.

• OL commitment had successful senior season • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"There were maybe a couple of guys that gave me any problems. Besides that, I dominated everybody."

• 2010 star watches Tide blast Tigers • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"It was awesome, because it hasn't happened in so long. Seeing the fans get into it was amazing. I've never heard Bryant-Denny Stadium get that loud."

• Does Georgia LB have a new leader? • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"All the coaches and fans showed me love, and that was a big plus for me. The coaches were all excited when I got there. Coach Saban was glad I was able to make it to the game. He said he wanted me to be part of the program..."

• Star prospect surprised by Tide's domination • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I was surprised at how Alabama dominated. I watched the first three quarters and that was it. It was already over by then."

• Elite defender had a big day at Alabama • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Dre Kirkpatrick of Gadsden City has been a regular visitor to Tuscaloosa this season. The 6-2, 185-pounder returned to campus again for Saturday's Alabama-Auburn game. According to the prep All-American, his trip couldn't have gone better. 

• Chance Warmack talks official visit • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Chance Warmack, Scout.com three-star offensive guard from Atlanta-Westlake, Ga., will graduate in December and enroll in January at the University of Alabama. Warmack took an official visit to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl. 

• Tide turning Atchison 
In recent weeks, the University of Alabama has made up considerable ground with Auburn commit Jonathan Atchison. After the physical linebacker took in Saturday's 36-0 Tide romp, has the gap narrowed even more? 

• Grading the Tide: UA 36, Auburn 0 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama's Nikita Stover came up with a touchdown catch against rival Auburn. BOL rates the performances by the receivers and every other position with its weekly report card.

• Kirkpatrick surprised by Tide’s 36-point margin of victory (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
When asked what stood out about his Alabama-Auburn game-day experience Saturday, Dre Kirkpatrick gave a quick, two-word reply Sunday night.

• Film study: Alabama-Auburn • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Things are always a little clearer a day later, especially when you've got pause, rewind and fast-forward buttons. I DVR Alabama's games every Saturday and then watch them again on Sunday, inevitably picking up on things I didn't see with the naked eye while at the game. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
The Cecil Hurt Show Dec. 2, 2008

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Gatorsports-Tidesports Breakdown: Offense

• Video: 2008 Alabama football in review • al.com
After a shocking 34-10 romp over the Clemson Tigers in the Georgia Dome to kick off the 2008 season, Alabama opened up at home with the Tulane Green Wave. Even though it wasn't the prettiest of games, the Crimson Tide relied on stout defense and Javier Arenas's 87-yard punt return for a touchdown to lead them to a 20-6 victory.

• Nutt handicaps SEC title game: • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Why does Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt's opinion matter when it comes to the SEC Championship Game? He's one of just six coaches to have faced both Alabama and Florida this year, and the only one who didn't lose to both. BamaOnLine.com checks in with the Rebels' top man for a unique perspective on the SECCG. 

• Tuesday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Roy Upchurch was again cleared for contact Tuesday as Alabama prepares for the SEC title game. Upchurch is questionable with a neck injury.

• Tuesday practice report: Business as usual • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
No. 1 Alabama (12-0, 8-0) continued readying for No. 4 Florida (11-1, 7-1) Tuesday, working in full pads at the indoor practice facility. Here are a few highlights from the media viewing period:

• SEC Alerts Fans Of Counterfeit Tickets • RollTide.com
The Southeastern Conference reminds fans to be precautious when purchasing SEC Football Championship Game tickets on the secondary market. Tickets for the 2008 SEC Championship Game between No. 1 A...

• Women's Basketball Hosts Central Florida on Wednesday • RollTide.com
After a successful trip to Nevada, the women's basketball team returns home to host Central Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Coleman Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (CST). 

• Tuesday Tide Trivia  • RollTide.com
Check out Alabama Crimson Tide football trivia every Tuesday on RollTide.com. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Bill Belichick on Alabama: • al.com
"Every time I see them play, it doesn't seem like anybody can move the ball against them..."
The longtime friendship between Alabama coach Nick Saban and Patriots coach Bill Belichick is well-documented. They are buds. So as part of work for a larger story that'll appear in a future Birmingham News, I talked to Belichick this morning about the suddenly rolling Crimson Tide and other relevant topics.

• Ian R. Rapoport: When Florida and Alabama turned internally, Muschamp's brain... and links! • al.com
Especially given the hoopla surrounding one of the most anticipated SEC championship games ever, it's important to take a step back for a second. Yes, Alabama is 12-0. Yes, Florida is 11-1. But how did they get here? 

• Gentry Estes: CBS' Gary Danielson on Percy Harvin: "He'll play" • al.com
CBS color analyst Gary Danielson isn't buying the belief that a sprained ankle with keep Florida playmaker Percy Harvin off the field during Saturday's SEC championship game.

• Gentry Estes: Tuesday reading: How will Alabama try to stop Florida? • al.com
Alabama is looking to do what no one else has -- at least in the past two months: Slow down Florida's offense. The Gators have put up video game-type numbers in rolling to eight consecutive victories by at least 28 points, scoring at least 40 in the past seven.

• Doug Segrest: Live from Gainesville: Tom Luginbill picks ... • al.com
I actually talked to Tom Luginbill for another story I'm doing -- the matchup of Julio Jones and Janoris Jenkins, two high school all-star rivals. But I also asked Luginbill, who knows the talent of both teams as well as anyone thanks to his recruiting analysis, his take on the game. 

• Doug Segrest: SEC Championship Game: Talk it up • al.com
Alabama is ranked No. 1, yet Florida is a 10-point favorite for Saturday's SEC Championship Game.

• Bowl Championship Series Selection Pool Update • SEC Sports
Bowl Championship Series Selection Pool Update

• SEC Cross Country Notebook - Tuesday, Dec. 2nd • SEC Sports
SEC Cross Country Notebook - Tuesday, Dec. 2nd

• Top QB might be a Tide prospect again • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Most likely, AJ McCarron will be the only quarterback Alabama will sign in this year's class. But there's a chance the Tide might get back in the mix for another top quarterback. 

• Eddie Lacy Visits Iron Bowl • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Eddie Lacy, Scout.com four-star running back from Geismar-Dutchtown, La.. was one of several recruits in Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl. Lacy has an offer from the Tide and enjoyed the visit. 

• Mike Marrow visits Tuscaloosa • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide commitment watches first game at Alabama.

• The Zoom Lens: Antoine Caldwell • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
BOL members chose Antoine Caldwell for The Zoom Lens, a weekly interactive feature allowing members to vote on the subject of a game analysis. 

• GA standout enjoyed Saturday in T-Town • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"As a recruit, I think it was one of the best atmospheres to be in. I haven't seen Bryant-Denny that hyped up since the 2005 Florida game. Before the game, I was on the field and it was real cool." 

• Tide Has To Get Back Into Rhythm • 'BamaMag
Several years ago a friend of mine who owned a luxury condo in an exclusive setting on one of the islands of the Bahamas was complaining about a hurricane damaging his roof and how much time he was having to spend down there getting it taken care of. I told him it was hard to work up much sympathy.

• Myles impressed with UA win • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With the Alabama football program still looking for an impact safety to add to the class of 2009, one of the top players at that position visited the Capstone for the Tide's 36-0 win over Auburn. Check inside for the latest from Carver-Atlanta athlete Darren Myles. 

• Kelly inches closer to Bama after Iron Bowl experience (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama’s pounding of Auburn Saturday moved the Tide closer to a national championship and moved Kendall Kelly closer to Alabama.

• Ben Culpepper: Alabama's Iron Bowl Report Card Results • al.com
The Alabama Crimson Tide all but erased the agonizing memories of 6 straight years of defeat to Auburn with a 36-0 drubbing of the Tigers in Bryant-Denny Stadium last Saturday.

• Bama in the NFL - Week 13 Game Stats:
Check to see how former players did this week

• Bama in the NBA - December 1 Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Men's Basketball Opens December Slate Against Alabama A&M • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's basketball team (3-2) returns to the mainland to open its December home slate. The Crimson Tide will host the Alabama A&M Bulldogs (0-2) on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m. Central Ti... 

• Wake of destruction • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | One by one, the University of Alabama football team knocked them down.

• Fast starts key for both Gators and Tide • Tuscaloosa News
GAINESVILLE, Fla. | Here’s some advice for fans going to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta on Saturday: be in your seat and focused before kickoff. Because if you’re a little late for this one, you could miss a whole lot.

• Tide, Gators capitalize on other teams' mistakes • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | While the University of Alabama football team may vary greatly from Saturday's opponent in the SEC Championship Game, Florida, in terms of style, the two are very similar in one key way, turnovers.

• Gottfried unveils new rotation tonight • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama basketball coach Mark Gottfried is back from Maui, sporting a tropical tan — and a new playing rotation for his team.

• Swinney promoted to Clemson head coach • Tuscaloosa News
CLEMSON, S.C. | Never bet against Dabo.

• Andrew Bone: Alabama looks to reap recruiting rewards after Iron Bowl victory • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama head coach Nick Saban wanted Bryant-Denny Stadium packed with recruits for the Iron Bowl, and for good reason.

• Christopher Walsh: An early, unpopular pick • Tuscaloosa News
The game is being hyped as speed vs. brawn, which in some ways doesn't make a lot of sense considering Alabama's defense is as fast as it comes, but still could be the determining factor.

• TideSports VIdeo: • Tuscaloosa News
SECCG Retrospective: 1992

• Ian R. Rapoport: A Rolando McClain cameo, scout team Tebow... and other stuff! • al.com
We at The Rap Sheet care about all things. Even something as random as which Alabama player will mimic 6-foot-3, 240-pound Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow in practice. Well, that answer wasn't clear today during the practice viewing, but some players had some interesting viewpoints.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Will Muschamp: Tide defense can slow down Gators • The Birmingham News
Will Muschamp did something totally out of character Monday morning for a football coach who wears his blood on his sleeve. And his face.

• Alabama believes changes occurred during Independence Bowl practices • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The change began gradually. 

• COLLEGE BEATS • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
McClain up for Butkus Award: 

• If Alabama can continue to grow into the positive changes... • The Birmingham News
... that began during the final two games of its trip to the Maui Invitational. Two things to look for: 1.
Can the Crimson Tide learn when to run? Coach Mark Gottfried was clear that running teams don't just take off sprinting all the time. As UA works toward becoming a faster-paced team, it must follow Ronald Steele's example and pick its spots to push the ball. 

• 'D' is the key: • Press-Register
Alabama's highly ranked defense must find way to slow Florida's offense
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's Javier Arenas thinks it's all a matter of confidence. 

• Alabama coach Nick Saban will headline April fundraiser in Mobile • Press-Register
For many Alabama football fans, all they want for Christmas is an SEC championship and maybe a national title next month. 

• Dislike for Florida instilled early in some Tide players • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - From left tackle Andre Smith to defensive end Bobby Greenwood to cornerback Javier Arenas, Alabama is full of players who say they grew up as fans of Florida State's football pro gram.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Tuesday, December 02, 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 regroups tonight against winless A&M • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - They saw a whale and a turtle. Overall, said Alabama coach Mark Gottfried, "it was a great trip."

• Bill Bryant: Bama's on top, yet underrated • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Bobby Greenwood walked into the room on the second floor of the Mal Moore Athletic Facility on Monday looking like he had taken about five steps since turning off the alarm clock.

• Gators realize hype serves to motivate Crimson Tide • The Huntsville Times
When everyone is on your side, it seems like the whole world is against you. 

• Guarding the Gators • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's Javier Arenas thinks it's all a matter of confidence.

• Tebow keeps tabs on Shula • The Huntsville Times
Tim Tebow still talks to Mike Shula, still talks to the coach fired by Alabama less than a year after Tebow spurned the Crimson Tide and committed to Florida.

• Winless Bulldogs face Tide tonight • The Huntsville Times
A&M begins tough stretch frustrated and short-handed 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Growing up FSU fans made for anti-Gators

• Tide takes travel break • The Huntsville Times
Long homestand starts today with Alabama A&M

• Alabama an undefeated underdog • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama has pushed aside all comers on its way to a perfect regular season, climbed to the top of the rankings and stuck around for quite awhile. 

• Tide 'D' has been dominant • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- With seven first-time starters on defense, there were more questions than answers about Alabama's defense entering the 2008 season.

• Florida's big-play defense shows Strong improvement • Montgomery Advertiser
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Urban Meyer went so far during the offseason to call last year's defense "just plain awful."

• Turnovers help turn the Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It's a drill Alabama goes through every day in practice.

• Peter Kerasotis: Tebow more Heisman-worthy than ever • Montgomery Advertiser
He is back in the Heisman Trophy conversation, and that's about it for Tim Tebow. Back in the conversation.

• Alabama notebook • Montgomery Advertiser
Tide center Caldwell earns honor
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama center Antoine Caldwell was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week after Saturday's 36-0 win over Auburn.

• Florida notebook • Montgomery Advertiser
Meyer: Harvin's ankle on mend
GAINESVILLE -- Florida head coach Urban Meyer said Monday that things are looking much better for star receiver Percy Harvin, who suffered an ankle injury in last Saturday's 45-15 win against Florida State.

• Underdog Alabama • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — For Saturday’s SEC Championship Game, Alabama finds itself in unfamiliar territory.

• Colleges need push to hire black coaches • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
It’s fair to guess that Alabama and Auburn will have different football coaches in, say, five years.

• Alabama A&M (0-2) at Alabama (3-2) • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Tipoff: Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama sophomore linebacker Rolando McClain of Decatur has been selected as one of the 12 finalists for the 2008 Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top college linebacker. 

• Tide relishes challenge of being the underdog against Florida • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Top-ranked Alabama remained unbeaten after a 36-point win over Auburn Saturday.

• Alabama football notebook • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — There are certainly contrasting styles between Urban Meyer and Nick Saban, but the two head coaches in the SEC Championship Game share a close friend in their profession.

• Top Texas junior OL has awesome visit to UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"It was the top game I've ever been to. The stadium was awesome. It was a crazy atmosphere. Alabama has the best fans."

• Olivier Vernon amazed by Saban, Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"The game itself was pretty amazing," says star linebacker Olivier Vernon of American HS in Hialeah, FL. "I visited FSU a few weeks ago and the fans there were great. But Alabama fans take it to another level. They are crazy about Alabama football."

• Warmack anxious to get to UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's earliest commitments was offensive guard Chance Warmack of Westlake HS in Atlanta. This past weekend the talented lineman was one of two top recruits taking official visits to the Capstone. 

• Kelly talks Alabama, Dabo Swinney • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Kendall Kelly, Scout.com five-star wide receiver from Gadsden (Ala.) City, was in Tuscaloosa Saturday as an unofficial visitor. Kelly talked about the Iron Bowl as well as Clemson’s hiring of Dabo Swinney as the head coach. 

• "Alabama blew me away." • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Four-star defensive end returns from Tuscaloosa.

• OT Bobby Massie talks recruiting • 'BamaMag
Headed to Miami on December 12th for 1st official visit

• Vernon gives Tide high marks • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The number of committed prospects on the Alabama recruiting wishlist is lengthy, and one such recruit that the Tide hopes to turn is Miami verbal Olivier Vernon.

• Alabama-Florida: A classic matchup • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
In the classic matchup of speed vs. power, the may be no better examples of each than Florida and Alabama.

• Texas A&M commit enjoys Iron Bowl • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Shreveport (La.) C.E. Byrd linebacker Johnathan Stewart committed to Texas A&M over the summer, but that hasn't kept him from looking around. 

• Notebook: Tebow recalls 'tough decision' • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Florida QB considered Alabama during recruiting process

• Christopher Walsh: This week in the SEC (Championship version) • Tuscaloosa News
The end of the regular season means a host of new things in college football, like conference championship and bowl games, awards, and conference calls.

• Ian R. Rapoport: A shaken Nick Saban: "I really question some of the judgment relative to how it is for our game..." • al.com
We just got done talking with Alabama coach Nick Saban, some about the Florida game, but most about the fact that Tommy Tuberville is out at Auburn. And seriously, he was shaken. He was frustrated for his profession and maybe a little angry.

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban on news from Auburn: "I guess we're 5-7 away from the same thing." • al.com
Alabama coach Nick Saban responded angrily to today's news that Tommy Tuberville is out at Auburn after 10 years.

• Dennis Pillion: The Saban effect continues: Tuberville out at Auburn • al.com
Tommy Tuberville, Sylvester Croom, Phillip Fulmer, Tommy Bowden. All four had a head coaching job in August. All four lost that job after being trounced by Alabama. That's exactly one third of the head football coaches who had the misfortune to play Nick Saban's Crimson Tide this year looking for new jobs.

• The Huddle: Alabama Edition • Dothan Eagle
Alabama battes Florida for the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome. The game is 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. It airs on CBS. 

• Theodore star makes first visit to Bama • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"It was exciting for my first Alabama game. The game affected me a lot. I had a lot of fun there." 

• Most underrated No. 1 team • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide, an undefeated unified team, is somehow expected to lose by 10 points to The Gators, a team that lost to Ole Miss—an unranked team—earlier this season. Although this prediction might be an illogical assumption, it's not getting the Alabama players down. 

• Catching up With Tide Commit Darius McKeller • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jonesboro HS (GA) OL talks about senior season, Iron Bowl

• Auburn De-commitment • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Scout.com hit the phones Wednesday afternoon.

• SEC Power Poll • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
SEC Power Poll

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's Wednesday news conference • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban met with reporters following Wednesday's practice.

• Wednesday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Butkus Award finalist Rolando McClain and the rest of the UA football team practiced Wednesday for UA's sixth appearance in the SEC title game.

• Saban on Tuberville: 'I guess we're 5-7 away from the same thing' • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Tommy Tuberville's ouster as Auburn football coach on Wednesday caused shockwaves felt in Tuscaloosa, but Alabama coach Nick Saban wasn't taking any delight in his colleague's demise.

• Wednesday practice notes: Top-ranked Tide continues prepping for No. 2 Gators • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Top-ranked Alabama (12-0 overall, 8-0 SEC) continued its preparations for second-ranked Florida (11-1, 7-1) on a cool Wednesday afternoon, working out in full pads at the outdoor practice facility. The Tide practiced indoors on Monday and Tuesday. 

• Series Preview: Alabama vs. Florida • RollTide.com
Alabama holds a 21-13 series lead over Florida in a series that dates back in the Crimson Tide's record book to the 1904 season. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
SECCG Retrospective: 1993

• Ian R. Rapoport: Winning the turnover battle, matching up with Julio... and links! • al.com
Everyone knows Alabama and Florida are different, right? Even when you look at the fact that some statistics are mildly identical, the way they do it is far different.

• Gentry Estes: View from the other side: Florida • al.com
To help preview a big-time SEC championship game, the Bama Beat blog welcomes Joseph Goodman, University of Florida beat writer for the Miami Herald.

• Gentry Estes: Wednesday reading: The Bill Belichick angle • al.com
You probably know that New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is friends with Alabama coach Nick Saban, his former assistant coach with the Cleveland Browns.

• Doug Segrest: Live from Gainesville: a reunion, of sorts • al.com
Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins has seen Julio Jones up close and personal
Jones, Jenkins were in all-star seniors game 

• CBS To Exclusively Stream SEC Championship Game • SEC Sports
CBS To Exclusively Stream SEC Championship Game

• Expert Picks • CBS Sportsline
Editor's Note: The CBSSports.com Expert Picks will feature a new look this year with extra analysis on two-to-three feature games each week. For the final week of the regular season our Games of the Week are No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Florida and No. 4 Oklahoma vs. Missouri. Post your thoughts on the message board and your pick might be featured along side our experts! 

• AU junior commit talks about Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"My commitment to Auburn is soft, because I want to keep my options open. There's a 50/50 chance that I'll go there."

• Gadsden City junior visits UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The talk this year centers on Gadsden City HS senior stars Dre Kirkpatrick and Kendall Kelly. But there will be another top prospect at Gadsden City next season. Cornerback Dale Trimble (5-10, 170, 4.5) is expected to rank among the state's best for 2010.

• TI TV for December 2 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Tebow Made Impression On Chapman • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama linebacker Cory Reamer was answering questions from sportswriters Monday when Crimson Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson walked by. Reamer seemed to speak to Wilson as much as the reporters in making an observation about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. 

• Most underrated No. 1 team • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Crimson Tide ready to earn nation's respect.

• The Weekly Spread ‘Em • Crimson Country Club  (Members Only)
Last chance to cash in before the bowl games people.... 

• BOL War Room • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
In the aftermath of the Tide's 36-0 win over Auburn Saturday, dozens of Tide targets were impressed by Alabama's dominance. In this edition of BOL Recruiting Nuggets, find out about a new five-star target for the Tide as well as the latest on Bobbie Massie.

• CBS treating SEC title game like BCS semifinal • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The attention in recent days has been laser beamed on the who's in/who's out situation in the Big 12 South, the BCS standings deciding that Oklahoma was more worthy of representing the Big 12 South than Texas or Texas Tech.

• Men's Basketball:
Tuesday Night - Alabama 64, Alabama A&M 56 - box score

• Men's Basketball Defeats Alabama A&M 64-56 • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's basketball team won its third consecutive game Tuesday night, defeating Alabama A&M 64-56 at Coleman Coliseum.

• Crimson Tide Preparing for Potent Florida Rushing Attack • RollTide.com
The top-ranked Alabama football team continued his preparations for the second-ranked Florida Gators on Tuesday afternoon with a two hour practice inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility. 

• This SEC title game will make history • Tuscaloosa News
When the Southeastern Conference championship game was first conceived by SEC Commissioner Harvey Schiller a couple of decades ago — and it was originally Schiller's notion, not Roy Kramer's, although it wasn't implemented until Kramer's regime — its architects had to hope that it would, one day, be a national championship play-in game.

• McClain says Florida is focus, not awards • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It's been an interesting month for University of Alabama sophomore linebacker Rolando McClain. 

• Gator backs have mountain to climb • Tuscaloosa News
GAINESVILLE, Fla. | Alabama's man in the middle is a big, big guy. A mountain.

• Bama holds off Bulldogs • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The Titanic missed the iceberg on Tuesday night — by about six inches, after passing close enough for everyone on board to scrape off a snow cone.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama Men's Basketball - Alabama A&M

• Ian R. Rapoport: Playoff beards, playing Tim Tebow at Nease... and other stuff! • al.com
A few weeks ago, an odd trend began emerging among the offensive linemen: Beards. You've seen it happen in hockey, there have been playoff mohawks in baseball... Apparently, some Crimson Tide players have gone to SEC championship facial hair.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama survives close call against Alabama A&M • al.com
TUSCALOOSA - There was little difference in the final score or the expressions of each team.

• Before living 12-0, Alabama talked 12-0. • The Birmingham News
When Pacific Institute instructors Antowaine Richardson and Nesby Glasgow returned to Tuscaloosa last weekend for the Iron Bowl, they saw a different culture than what they found upon arriving last spring for 12 weeks of classes devoted to mental conditioning and character development. 

• Good thing Tebow didn't sign with UA • The Birmingham News
Before winning the Heisman Trophy, before signing with Florida out of Ponte Vedra Beach-Nease (Fla.) High School three years ago, Tim Tebow was torn between the Gators and Crimson Tide.

• Jemison helps Bama in win • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Demetrius Jemison waited until the most crucial moment to score his only three points against Alabama A&M on Tuesday night. 

• Alabama's work in practice helped create turnovers on game day • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The goal is to simulate a defendertrying to separate the ball from the ball carrier.

• Mike Herndon: Let teams determine champion • Press-Register
Here we are once again, at the end of another great college football season. And here we are once again, arguing about which teams deserve to play for the championship. 

• SEC championship game teams Alabama, Florida have found that fast starts lead to good finishes • Press-Register
It shouldn't take long to get a feel for how the SEC championship game is going to go on Saturday. By the time the first quarter's over, something will have to give.

• CBS broadcasters not surprised to see No. 2 Florida favored over No. 1 Alabama in SEC title game • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - CBS play-by-play announcer Verne Lundquist said he was not surprised to see second-ranked Florida listed as a 10-point favorite for Saturday's SEC championship game against No. 1 Alabama.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, December 03, 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. 

• Alabama notebook: Gators D-line short two players • The Huntsville Times
Florida will be without two defensive linemen against top-ranked Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game. 

• Narrow escape vs. A&M hardly satisfying for Tide • The Huntsville Times
Sluggish, sloppy Alabama survives for 64-56 win 

• SEC Men's Basketball Roundup - December 2 • SEC Sports
SEC Men's Basketball Roundup - December 2

• Florida playmakers to test Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama defenders have heard all about Florida's speed and they know all about the Gators' Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Tim Tebow.

• Gator group hungrily awaits SEC matchup • Montgomery Advertiser
There are Gators lurking in the Montgomery area. "They are everywhere, so watch out," said Susan Cooke, an active member of an informal group of Florida Gator fans in the tri-county area.

• Gators lethal inside red zone • Montgomery Advertiser
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- For op­posing defenses, the red zone is the dead zone when you play the Uni­versity of Florida. The Gators have led the nation much of the year for cashing in when the offense drives the ball inside the 20-yard line.

• Efficient Alabama offense turns doubters into believers • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Even the most optimistic Alabama fan had to express concern at the start of the 2008 season.

• Tide notes • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama practiced indoors for about two hours Tuesday.

• Tide's interchangeable parts add up to 12-0 season • Montgomery Advertiser
What exactly turned Alabama's offense from an underachieving band of lovable losers into the hinge that swung an undefeated season, a No. 1 ranking and a crack at Florida, the SEC championship and all that lies beyond? 

• ALABAMA BASKETBALL: Crimson Tide struggles to beat winless Alabama A&M • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama struggled to find any offensive consistency and never looked like the preseason favorite to win the Southeastern Conference West Division title. 

• Belichick leaves his mark on Saban, Meyer • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — One guy is from Ohio. The other is a proud son of West Virginia. One preaches offense, while the other talks about defense.

• College football notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Before Alabama’s season-opening win over Clemson, Tide nose tackle Terrence Cody felt knots throughout his stomach. It was his first major collegiate game, and his nerves were almost too much to bear. 

• Sluggish Tide slips by A&M • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — A win is a win, and that’s what Alabama cherishes most after a 64-56 decision over winless Alabama A&M at home Tuesday.

• Alabama wins sluggish game over A&M • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama’s basketball team, picked to the win the SEC West, needed a couple defensive stops in the final two minutes to edge stubborn Alabama A&M 64-56 on Tuesday night.

• Possible National Title Matchup Breakdowns • College Football News
The 2008 national champion will either be Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma or, fair or not, Texas. Jumping the gun, since we'll know the actual matchup in a few short days from now, here are the breakdowns of the four possible BCS Championship matchups. 

• CFN Staff Picks, Week 15 • College Football News
Here are the picks from the CFN writers along with Clucko the Chicken. Put down two feed dishes, one representing one team and one representing another and whichever dish the chicken goes to first is the team that's going to win. You'll do just as well. (Really, the pick is a coin flip. Don't laugh; Clucko won the 2000 Bowl Pool among 24 entrants.) You can get to the Expert Picks in the above dropdown under Predictions.

• The Harmon Forecast • CBS Sportsline
In its 52nd year, The Harmon Forecast predicts probable scores of college football games each week. The Harmon Forecast is powered by Accuscore . 

• Alabama, Auburn battle over Worth County DE • AJC
Meshack Williams, the Worth County defensive end who made 23 sacks in 10 games this season, is headed to a junior college, but that doesn’t keep SEC schools from trying to get a commitment from him. That will give them... 

• Tide offensive and defensive lines prepare for Florida • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Even with all the flash and dash seen on many college football fields, games are still won and lost in the trenches. Such will be the case Saturday in Atlanta when the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide tries to earn a BCS title game berth when it faces the Florida Gators. 

• Atchison visits Alabama, greets coaches • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jonathan Atchison, Scout.com three-star strongside linebacker from Atlanta-Douglass, (Ga.), committed to Auburn before the start of the season. Atchison traveled to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl to take a closer look at both teams. 

• Johnson Knows What It’s Like To Be Underdog • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
No. 1 Alabama takes on Florida in SEC Championship Game

• Alabama Sluggish In Win Over Bulldogs • 'BamaMa
Alabama Coach Mark Gottfried could point to the bottom line Tuesday night. He could point to a lot of other things, too, but he went straight to the nitty-gritty. “Anytime you win, it’s good,” he said. “A winning feeling is a whole lot better than the other.”

• Fluker feels at home on Tide visit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Tide's biggest commitment of the class of 2009 is Foley offensive tackle D.J. Fluker. On Saturday night, Fluker watched Alabama's offensive line plow over Auburn en route to a 36-0 win.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Patterson makes plays • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide have made the wide receiver position a must have for the 2009 recruiting class and Patrick Patterson is one of the many receivers on the board. 

• Top Memphis DB visits UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of Memphis' top defensive backs in the class of 2009 is Whitehaven High School's Gene Robinson. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound prospect has started to focus on recruiting and took in the Iron Bowl this weekend.

• BOLevision: SEC Championship Game week • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
On this week's edition of BOLevision, Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread breakdown Alabama's upcoming showdown with Florida in the SEC Championship Game and unveil the winner of the BOL Panel Picks contest! 

• Tide hangs on to take down A&M • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alonzo Gee had 13 points and seven rebounds to lead the Crimson Tide to a sloppy 64-56 win over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Tuesday at Coleman Coliseum.

• Big plays at center of Tide, Gators battle • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Someone looking for the very personification of a big-play offense in college football wouldn't need to look much farther than Florida.

• Vernon pleasantly surprised by Alabama trip • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
You can't blame Miami/American defensive end Olivier Vernon if he wasn't to sure about spending the weekend in Alabama.

• Notebook: Fitzgerald unfazed by Saban's tirade • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Tide punter shanked 18-yarder versus Auburn  

• Hawaiian hangover? Tide sneaks past A&M • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama now 4-2 on season after 62-56 win 

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, Part I • Crimson Confidential
Mike Johnson and P.J. Fitzgerald 

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, part II • Crimson Confidential
Josh Chapman and Drew Davis 

• Ian R. Rapoport: So you're a Crimson Tide fan in Atlanta... what's to do? • al.com
One of the most pertinent questions I've received is, What can Alabama fans do while they're in Atlanta? And clearly, finding tickets to the game has been nearly impossible, unless you are lucky or can pony up a bunch of dough... Either way, you'll be looking for Alabama-related things, right?

• Nine SEC Players Named First-Team AFCA All-America • SEC Sports
Nine SEC Players Named First-Team AFCA All-America 

• Alabama OL recruit breaks down the SEC championship • AJC
Brookwood’s Kellen Williams hoped to be at Saturday’s huge SEC championship game between Alabama and Florida. He and his family scoured the Internet as soon as tickets became available. The 6-4, 300-pound Williams is a top Alabama recruit, but like...

• Westlake's Chance Warmack knows all about Alabama fans • AJC
Although he has been committed to Alabama and Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban for months, don’t think that Westlake offensive lineman Chance Warmack will have a prime seat at Saturday’s SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. NCAA rules... 

• Georgia's Gatorade Player of Year has Florida and Alabama as finalists • AJC
Branden Smith, who has Florida and Alabama among his finalists, was named Gatorade’s Georgia Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 170-pound Smith is also considering Georgia and Florida State, and is scheduled to have an in-home visit with Florida’s coaches...

• It's Bama, LSU for top safety • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"It's down to Alabama and LSU. It'll be one of those two schools."

• Kendall Kelly has three visits planned • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Gadsden City receiver Kendall Kelly still has seven schools on his list, including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, LSU, Oregon and USC. The 6-3, 215-pound Kelly, one of the nation's elite wideouts, plans official visits to … 

• Why I Think Tide Will Defeat Gators • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Not too many football weeks go by that I'm not asked what I think about Alabama's chances in the next big game. The next big game this week is the next game, the Southeastern Conference Championship Game against Florida. My standard answer is "I always think Alabama is going to win and I'm almost always right." Make that 12 of 12 this year. 

• Cousins Looking, Foot Traffic Begins • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Memphis head coach first to stop by school

• The Scout Show of FoxSports.com • 'BamaMag
FoxSports and the Publishers of Scout.com team up to preview the nation's biggest games this weekend

• New Blood in SEC • 'BamaMag
Mark Richt is now the longest-serving coach at the same SEC school.

• AU verbal lands UA offer • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With Alabama looking to seize an opportunity in light of the coaching turnover at rival Auburn, the Crimson Tide extended an offer to one of the Tigers's most high profile recruits Wednesday night - a four-star tight end with national offers.

• Bama in the NFL • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Each week, BamaOnLine.com checks in on the all the action in the NFL and how former Crimson Tide players are doing around the league. This week, we take a look at 19 former Tide players active in the NFL who have made ...

• Meet the Gators • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
There are a few Gators not named Tim Tebow that will play a key role against Alabama Saturday. Get to know UA's next opponent as Gatorbait.net's Mike Hodge provides a look at the SEC East champs. 

• Alabama-Florida: How they match up • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Where are the edges in the SEC title game? Believe it or not, the heavily-favored Gators aren't better at every spot. BOL takes a close look at Saturday's Alabama-Florida matchup.

• Pigskin Picks, Week 14 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Week 15 of the Pigskin Prognosticators of Prodigious Proportions ... A 10-3 record this past week and that takes the overall standings to 93-41 for the season.

• Oklahoma's presence in Big 12 title game fuels Texas rivalry • CBS Sportsline
We already have the game of the year for 2009 and this season isn't over. It should be a fun time at the Cotton Bowl on Oct. 17, when Oklahoma and Texas meet in their annual grudge match. The hard feelings that Longhorns fans have for Oklahoma and vice versa have risen to the new level this year.

• Four Tide players named AFCA All-Americans • Tuscaloosa News
The first All-American team of the 2008 season was announced Thursday morning, with the University of Alabama having four players honored by the American Football Coaches Association.

• Ian R. Rapoport: No. 1 Alabama in "uncharted waters" as a huge underdog... and links! • al.com
When the Southeastern Conference title game was set, plenty of things jumped out about the matchup between No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Florida. And we've covered, oh, about a million of them. But you know what else is fairly interesting?

• Gentry Estes: Off to Atlanta ... • al.com
So now ... I'm headed out for Atlanta, where I'll visit with family tonight, cover press conferences tomorrow and gear up for this weekend's big festivites. 

• Phil's Top 25 Forecast • Phil Steele
Each week I will look at the matchups involving top 25 teams for the upcoming week and give you my forecast on the game. If you read pages 324 and 327 of my National college football preview you will see I have a Power Plays projection for each teams yards for the season.

• Video: SEC Championship Game Preview • Rivals.com
Breaking down the Bama/UF matchup

• Ian R. Rapoport: How does the field for the SEC championship game look? • al.com
You guys'll like this one... A sneak peek at the Georgia Dome. Check out the name in the end zone.

• Ole Miss making in-roads on Alabama lean Norwood • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
For a time a couple of months ago, it appeared Kevin Norwood was not only solidly in Alabama’s recruiting column but a good possibility to be Alabama’s next commitment. Now it looks like neither is the case. 

• Women's Basketball:
Wednesday Night - Alabama 67, Central Florida 53

• Bama in the NBA - December 3rd Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Women's Basketball Beats Central Florida 67-53 • RollTide.com
The women's basketball team defeated Central Florida 67-53 Wednesday night at Coleman Coliseum. With the win, the Crimson Tide moves to 5-2 on the year

• Swimmers Set for USA Short Course National Championships this Weekend • RollTide.com
The Tide's swim team is sending a large contingent to the USA Short Course National Championships this weekend. 

• Tide Has Good Work Leading Up to SEC Championship Game • RollTide.com
The No. 1 ranked Alabama football team worked for two hours in full pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility as preparation for the 2008 SEC Championship Game continues.

• Saban not pleased about Tuberville's departure • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama coach Nick Saban appeared to be unhappy and disappointed, perhaps even borderline angry, about Tommy Tuberville no longer being the head football coach at Auburn.

• Bama’s Wilson a blue-collar worker • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Even though he’s thrown for more than 7,000 yards and broken virtually every season and career passing record at the University of Alabama, senior quarterback John Parker Wilson still doesn’t get the kind of attention you might expect.

• Tide wins despite poor shooting • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Wendell Hudson didn’t make a lot of adjustments when his Alabama women’s basketball team shot only 23.5 percent in the first half Wednesday night.

• Christopher Walsh: Saban reaction to Tuberville's departure • Tuscaloosa News
Being the Alabama football beat writer for the Tuscaloosa News, my job usually requires me to be objective about the Crimson Tide. Part of that means I can't cheer for the team, one way or the other, and my focus is supposed to be on reporting.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Derrick Thomas' son, extra preparation for Florida... and other stuff! • al.com
I was going through my Google Alerts today, and an interesting one came up. Did you know Derrick Thomas' son is a fairly big-time prospect? It's true. There is a story about him today in USA Today.

• Video: Nick Saban 12/03/08 Press Conference • al.com
Nick Saban press conference 12-03-08 

• Chris's Blog - Wednesday December 3rd • Chris Stewart Sports
11:00 p.m. CST - Championship Game thoughts, a rough night in hoops, and Bye Bye Tubs...

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Why couldn't they get along this way before Tuberville walked away? • The Birmingham News
Say this about the ending to the Auburn chapter of Tommy Tuberville's coaching career: The divorce was more amicable than the marriage. 

• Crimson Tide Coach Saban: I guess we're 5-7 away from the same thing.' • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - In the wake of Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville's resignation, a shaken Nick Saban paused for 10 seconds while pondering the reality in the coaching profession.

• Alabama in uncharted waters as top-ranked underdog • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Ken White has been an oddsmaker in Las Vegas for 25 years. He spent his childhood learning the business from his father, working behind the counter taking parlay cards. He now runs his own business.

• Recruits in limbo • The Birmingham News
Tommy Tuberville's resignation means an entirely different thing to the area high school seniors committed to Auburn's 2009 recruiting class. It's far more than a change at the top.

• Saban lashes out about expectations for coaches • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - In the wake of Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville's resignation, a shaken Nick Saban paused for 10 seconds while pondering the reality in the coaching profession.

• Tide's No. 1 but Gators are favored • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Ken White has been an oddsmaker in Las Vegas for 25 years. He spent his childhood learning the business from his father, working behind the counter taking parlay cards. He now runs his own business.

• Florida's Urban Meyer, Alabama's Nick Saban battling on field, in recruiting • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - A decision on where to attend college for years couldn't possibly be affected by just one big game, right?

• Nick Saban defends SEC colleagues: • Press-Register
Alabama coach angered by departures of Tuberville, Croom, Fulmer
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban responded angrily and defended his fallen peer Wednesday after learning that Tommy Tuberville had been forced out as the head coach at Auburn. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, December 04, 2008
This is a special Sports Sound Off about the firing of Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville on Wednesday.

• Mark McCarter: It may be hard to find a coach willing to compete in ultra-tough SEC • The Huntsville Times
Back in October, Tommy Tuberville sat in his office in the Auburn football complex, at a round table near his desk. It was not long after offensive coordinator Tony Franklin was fired. 

• Bill Bryant: Florida's strikes come fast, furious • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - By the time you've finished reading this sentence, Florida will have scored a touchdown.

• Add recruits to title stakes • The Huntsville Times
Saban and Meyer battle for 2009's top prospects

• Jess Nicholas: Recruiting: More to come, but what's already in the bag is astounding • TideFans
It might be a bad time to talk about recruiting, with the season not over and so many other teams in a state of coaching flux (and, by definition, recruiting flux as well) -- but in Alabama, there's never really a "bad" time to talk recruiting.

• SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 3rd • SEC Sports
SEC Women's Basketball Roundup - December 3rd

• Tide's plan: 'Run straight at them' • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The best way to erase a speed disadvantage is to run right at it.

• UA's Saban earns respect • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- No one in the media seems to like Nick Saban. But none dispute his coaching ability.

• Tide notes • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- After practicing indoors on Tuesday, Alabama went back outdoors on Wednesday.

• Florida notes • Montgomery Advertiser
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- There is still no clear answer whether Florida playmaker Percy Harvin will play Saturday against No. 1 Alabama, but coach Urban Meyer said he is spending an average of 10 hours a day in the training room. 

• Alabama nearly landed Tebow as prize recruit • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Urban Meyer was sure the quarterback for Nease High in Florida would go to Alabama. The Florida coach knew the 6-foot-3, 225-pound stud recruit with the rocket left arm and powerful legs would torment his Gators and other SEC teams in

• Saban offers his support of Tuberville • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
On the day Tommy Tuberville was forced out as Auburn’s head football coach, Alabama’s Nick Saban struck a different tone than the day the Crimson Tide hired him. 

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Nose tackle Josh Chapman and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow go way back — to Aug. 27, 2005, precisely. That day, Tebow’s Nease High squad traveled to Hoover to play Hoover High in a nationally televised season 

• Tide, Gators start fast • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Get out front. Stay out front.

• BE Coleman: Blog...SEC Championship Game Implications • College Football News
The first time in a decade that the Southeastern Conference has had a team ranked number one vying for a national title berth.

• 2008 SEC Championship Fearless Prediction • College Football News
It's a Final Four game as Jermaine Cunningham and Florida try to hand Glen Coffee and Alabama their first defeat of the season. The winner is off to the national championship in what should be one of the most intriguing games of the season. Check out the Preview and Prediction for the 2008 SEC Championship. 

• Auburn: Douglass LB committed early because of Tuberville • AJC
Despite 20 phone calls from friends and family Wednesday night saying Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville had resigned, Douglass linebacker Jonathan Atchison, an Auburn commit, had to see for himself. “I didn’t believe it until I went online,” he said. “Tuberville...

• AU commits pursuing Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In the wake of Tommy Tuberville's departure from Auburn on Wednesday, word is that several prospects committed to Auburn have already contacted Alabama expressing strong interest in the Crimson Tide.

• Tide focusing on task at hand • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"The big thing we've tried to emphasize to our players is to focus on the task," Nick Saban said following Wednesday's practice. "It's just like trying to make a putt in golf. It's a lot easier if you focus on what you have to do to make the putt, rather than focusing on the results of the putt." 

• Montez Robinson talks coaching change • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Montez Robinson, Scout.com four-star defensive end from Avon, (Ind.), committed to Auburn with other visits to Alabama, Georgia and Purdue. Now all but one of those schools remain as a possible destination. 

• AU: Terrence Coleman reacts • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Scout.com learns the latest from four-star prospect.

• What Effect Does AU Action Have At UA? • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
And what effect did Saban have on firings at Auburn and Tennessee?

• "Coach Tub was the main reason I committed" • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Douglass HS (GA) LB is experiencing The Iron Bowl--Recruiting Style

• Tide Preparing For Florida’s Plays • 'BamaMag
The two most intriguing players in Saturday’s Southeastern Conference Championship Game are likely to collide. Florida has a unique quarterback in Tim Tebow. Much of Bama’s success this year is because of nose tackle Terrence Cody.

• Saban Anguished Over Auburn Action • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
“I guess we’re 5-7 away from the same thing,” Nick Saban said Wednesday in response to Auburn’s firing of its head football coach, Tommy Tuberville. Saban exhibited a range of emotions—disgust, anger, disbelief–in discussing the situation of fired college football coaches.

• Who’s next?  • Crimson Country Club  (Members Only)
Checking out AU’s coaching candidates 

• AU coaching change impacts UA recruiting • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
When Auburn University parted ways with long-time head coach Tommy Tuberville on Wednesday, the recruiting impact was almost immediate as UA targets such as Jonathan Atchison and Montez Robinson reacted strongly to the news.

• Notebook: Coaching turnover bugs Saban • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban spoke Wednesday about the reported ouster of Auburn's Tommy Tuberville. And though he is himself the coach of Auburn's archrival, he was clearly disappointed for his in-state colleague.

• Overwhelming underdog? Alabama has been here before • Crimson Confidential
It's not that nearly every national college football pundit is picking against Alabama in Saturday's Southeastern Conference championship game that is so irksome. It's the arrogance with which they are doing so.

• Ole Miss making in-roads on Alabama lean Norwood • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
For a time a couple of months ago, it appeared Kevin Norwood was not only solidly in Alabama’s recruiting column but a good possibility to be Alabama’s next commitment. Now it looks like neither is the case.

• Mark Randall Earns Bronze at USA Short Course National Swimming Championships • RollTide.com
Alabama junior swimmer Mark Randall finished third in the 500 freestyle on day one of the USA Short Course National Championships.

• Antoine Caldwell Named Finalist for Rimington Trophy • RollTide.com
Alabama center Antoine Caldwell was selected as one of six finalists for the 2008 Rimington Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's top center, Thursday by the Boomer Esiason Foundation. 

• Can Tide carry success into 2009 season? • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Although it wasn’t the first time University of Alabama coach Nick Saban used the term during the 2008 season, repeating the words in front of the national media gathered for his postgame press conference at No. 3 Georgia gave them a lot more weight

• A simple approach • Tuscaloosa News
Tide defense wants to force Tebow’s hand

• Freshmen make the difference for Tide in 2008 • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | When he thinks about the future of the University of Alabama football program, senior tight end Nick Walker shakes his head a lot.

• Alabama top 10 SEC plays of the year • Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News Executive Sports Editor Tommy Deas breaks down the Top 10 plays in the SEC this season for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

• 5 Tide Players to watch • Tuscaloosa News
As the Florida Gators and the University of Alabama battle it out for supremacy in the Southeastern Conference, here are five members of the Crimson Tide to keep an eye on during the SEC Championship Game. This will be the sixth time the two teams have met in the conference title game.

• 5 Gator Players To Watch • Tuscaloosa News
As the Florida and the University of Alabama battle it out for supremacy in the Southeastern Conference, here are five members of the Gators to keep an eye on during the SEC Championship Game. This will be the sixth time the two teams have met in the conference title game.

• A look back at the Tide's season • Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa News writer Tommy Deas has compiled a game-by-game summary - with the key plays and key players - from the University of Alabama's 12-0 season.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
SEC Retrospective: 1996

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
SECCG Retrospective: 1994

• Cecil Hurt: Tide must prove itself once again • Tuscaloosa News
As far as the University of Alabama football team has come this season, it finds itself right back in the place that it started in 2008.

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting chat transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (12-03-08)

• Ian R. Rapoport: Off to Atlanta... and check out our SEC championship game special section! • al.com
Well, it's been a busy week, and it's only getting busier. Thank goodness. I'm on my way to Atlanta, where Alabama coach Nick Saban awaits.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama's All-Americans... and other stuff • al.com
Finally, this week is drawing to a close... 'Bout freaking time. Alabama coach Nick Saban is talking on his weekly radio show, which is always the first sign that a game is about to take place soon.

• Gentry Estes: Thursday night notes: Another injury for Florida? • al.com
Hello from Atlanta, where on this rainy, foggy night I still made sure to hunker down and listen to Nick Saban's weekly radio show in Tuscaloosa.

• 2008 SEC Championship Special • al.com
When Alabama and Florida get together Saturday in Atlanta to determine the SEC champion, they will bring two distinctly different offenses to the field. 

• BCS gets its own version of Final Four • The Birmingham News
For one Saturday, college football will experience its version of a quasi-Final Four.

• Big game makes for tough ticket • The Birmingham News
Saturday's SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Florida is a ticket seller's dream. And a fan's nightmare.

• Choosing between Gators and Tide wasn't so easy for Tebow • The Birmingham News
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The temperature in Pennsylvania was dropping dangerously close to zero, leaving Urban Meyer cold and frustrated. The frigid weather wasn't even the culprit. No, Tim Tebow was.

• Coaches, scout weigh in on `clash of styles' • The Birmingham News
Don't fall behind by a lot early, control the line of scrimmage and make it a four-quarter game. That's the recipe Alabama needs to defeat Florida at the SEC Championship Game, according to The Birmingham News' scouting report from a panel of two SEC head coaches and one NFL scout.

• Five questions with Tim Tebow • The Birmingham News
A light-hearted Q&A with Florida quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. We figure you'll be in the NFL 10 years from now. But 20 years from now, what will it be: 

• Flash'N'Dash: Florida offense built on speed • The Birmingham News
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The ritual occurs a couple of times week at a Florida practice.

• Sound Off • The Birmingham News
YOUR PREDICTIONS
Bama has to play perfect: 

• TERMINATORS, 2 • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- When Nick Saban and Urban Meyer shake hands Saturday before the SEC Championship Game, it'll be like staring into a mirror for both men. 

• `This game's got it all' • The Birmingham News
After a dull SEC regular season, CBS Sports may hit the jackpot with the SEC Championship Game. 

• Alabama players have heard enough about Tim Tebow • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - In two interview sessions this week, Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson was asked nine questions about a player with whom he will never come face-to-face with on the field.

• Physical offensive line revels in being blue collar • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- When Nick Saban made the statement, there was a tinge of regret. The Alabama coach called his team "blue collar," praising his offense's grit but also longing for the electric skill players that dotted his roster at LSU

• Auburn recruiting takes a hit after Tuberville exit • The Birmingham News
Raymond Cotton, Auburn's lone commitment at quarterback, plans on playing in the SEC next year. . 

• Alabama, Florida meet for sixth time in SEC football championship game • Press-Register
From Legion Field to the Georgia Dome, from Steve Spurrier vs. Gene Stallings to Urban Meyer vs. Nick Saban, from Antonio Langham's interception return to Danny Wuerffel's touchdown passes, the SEC championship game has, more than any other matchup, been an Alabama vs. Florida format.

• Alabama underdog against Florida in SEC title gamedespite No. 1 ranking • Press-Register
There's a reason No. 2 Florida is a 10-point favorite over top-ranked Alabama for Saturday's SEC championship game.

• Coach Nick Saban sticks to his guns to get Crimson Tide rolling again • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - A newspaper reporter from Knoxville asked Alabama's Nick Saban this week if he had advice for a newly hired coach like Tennessee's Lane Kiffin. 

• Dome again for Tide as Alabama returns to Georgia Dome for SEC championship game • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Noseguard Terrence Cody has carried the memory of his first Alabama game with him this entire season. 

• Press-Register sports writer Tommy Hicks' Harris Interactive college football poll ballot • Press-Register
Press-Register sports reporter Tommy Hicks is one of 114 voters in the Harris Interactive football poll. Here's his brief analysis of this week's vote:

• Quarterback Tim Tebow turns it on for Florida • Press-Register
He is known to some as Superman, faster than a speeding linebacker, more powerful than the runaway expectations of a rabid fan base, able to leap three mission trips in a single bound.

• Roy Upchurch injury opens opportunities for Terry Grant in Alabama's backfield • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - With Roy Upchurch still being bothered by neck spasms, Alabama tailback Terry Grant figures to see a larger role in Saturday's SEC champion ship game against Florida.

• SEC Championship Game: By The Numbers • Press-Register
1 Quarterback in the nation with a better touchdown-to-interception ratio than Florida's Tim Tebow, who has thrown 25 TD passes and two interceptions this season. North Carolina State's Russell Wilson has 16 TD passes and one interception.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, December 05, 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 comments can be published. 

• Mark McCarter: Same story, new year; new ending? • The Huntsville Times
Alabama is a decided underdog, even though it's undefeated. It's coming off a shutout of its archrival Auburn. It's an old-school team, relying heavily on a bulldozer running game and solid defense. It's a win away from an opportunity to play for the national title. 

• Saban's process revived Bama from 2007 skid • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - A newspaper reporter from Knoxville asked Alabama's Nick Saban this week if he had advice for a newly hired coach like Tennessee's Lane Kiffin.

• Tide returns to dome that started it all • The Huntsville Times
Opening romp over Clemson fueled Bama's unbeaten season 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Grant expects larger workload with Upchurch's neck ailing

• An SEC assistant sizes up the championship battle • The Huntsville Times
ATLANTA - To contrast Alabama and Florida, "you're talking about two different philosophies. You're also looking at two teams that are both very, very talented and strong teams." 

• Langham's runback endures in Tide lore • The Huntsville Times
"It's a cracking good one ... as Matthews goes back and throws -- interception by Langham! He's on his way. Touchdown-n-n-n Alabama."

• Past Alabama-Florida SEC Championship Games • The Huntsville Times
This is Alabama's sixth trip to the SEC Championship Game -- and the sixth time it has played Florida. Here's a look at the past meetings: 

• Gators' Speed vs. 'Bama's Power in SEC Title Game • SEC Sports
Gators' Speed vs. 'Bama's Power in SEC Title Game

• Tide wins ugly over UCF • The Crimson White
Alabama women's basketball team defeated Central Florida 67-53 at Coleman Coliseum Wednesday night. 

• Saban talks Tebow, Tubberville • The Crimson White
In his last press conference head coach Nick Saban spoke about the quarterback of the team he hopes to beat and the (ex) coach of the team Alabama most recently knocked off.

• ESPN ‘Road Trips’ to Atlanta • The Crimson White
Jonathan Drubner and Kristen Aldridge are the hosts of ESPN’s Road Trip, which travels to the top game each week.

• Tide's Fla. natives always rooted against Gators • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA - It's not like Alabama needs any extra motivation to play in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.

• Title would ensure legacy for all-time passing leader • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- When they mention the great University of Alabama quarterbacks, there's one name fans likely will never mention. 

• Alabama notes • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Andre Smith grew up in Birmingham and was the nation's top offensive lineman as a senior at Huffman High in 2006.

• Florida is not as good as it’s advertised • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
It seems it’s common these days to compare this year’s Alabama team with the Crimson Tide squad of 1992, which won the school’s last football national championship.

• Alexander knows the formula • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
When Shaun Alexander watches this incarnation of Alabama football, he can’t help but think back to his days as the Tide’s running back and wonder if anything has changed.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama left tackle Andre Smith has a friend on Florida, in quarterback Tim Tebow. 

• Alabama ahead of schedule • Dothan Eagle
Top-ranked Alabama’s transition from a 13-13 also-ran the past two seasons to this year’s 12-0 run has been a change that arrived faster than nearly everyone anticipated. 

• Brian Harbach & Russ Mutchell: Blog...Y'all Play Nice. SEC Championship Game • College Football News
Every Thursday Brian Harbach and Russ Mitchell break down the SEC games you need to watch, the SEC questions you want answered, and of course, the SEC Power Rankings. All things SEC from two different SEC writers with two different SEC points of view. One of 'em always right. Now y'all play nice.

• Lee Richards: BCS title game hopes on the line in Atlanta • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Never before have both division winners in the SEC played for the right to move on to the national championship game. But that's what will happen when top-ranked Alabama (12-0, 8-0 SEC) takes on No. 2 Florida (11-1, 7-1 SEC) tomorrow at 3 p.m. inside the Georgia Dome. Even though the Tide is the last unbeaten BCS team, several talking heads and prognosticators have already crowned the Gators conference champions. Will their prediction come to fruition or will UA take down its 13th victim of the season? 

• UA Recruiting Notebook • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama welcomed in several hundred visitors to last weekend's Iron Bowl win over Auburn. In this recruiting notebook, get the latest on Louisiana star Jonathan Stewart who drove into town with his father as well as thoughts from several Tide commits and junior prospects.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Kevin Norwood • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Kevin Norwood is one of many Magnolia wide receivers the Tide is after for the 2009 class. Click here to check out action from Norwood's playoff victory over Northeast Jones in BOL's exclusive photo gallery. 

• Five matchups to watch on Saturday • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
As we enter the final 24 hours before Saturday's Southeastern Conference championship game, Florida's stable of play-makers looks more and more like it will be at less than full-strength for the showdown with top-ranked Alabama.

• Bama offers Auburn de-commit chance for switch • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Montez Robinson became a recruit without a school Wednesday night. Alabama gave him a chance to not stay that way for long. 

No updated until Monday, December 8...  Sorry for the inconvience.