Bama in the News

January 15 - 21, 2010

• Women's Basketball:
Thursday Night: Auburn 74, Alabama 62

• Bama in the NBA January 14th Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Gymnastics Opens Home Schedule Against Defending NCAA Champions Georgia this Friday • RollTide.com
The defending Southeastern Conference Champion Alabama Gymnastics team opens its home schedule against five-time defending NCAA Champion Georgia Bulldogs Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Coleman Coliseum.

• Swimming and Diving Faces Kentucky in First Dual Meet of New Year • RollTide.com
The Alabama Swimming and Diving team revs up for its first dual meet of the New Year Saturday when the Kentucky Wildcats come to town. The two teams will face off starting at noon in the Alabama Aq... 

• Georgia coach not interested in rivalry subplots • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | For 26 years, one of college sports' greatest rivalries was defined by two dominant personalities.

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting chat transcript part ll • Tuscaloosa News
Recruiting chat transcript part ll (1-13-10)

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • Tuscaloosa News
The Line: Lenn Roberts The Line: Lenn Roberts
Rachel connects with NY Post sports writer Lenn Roberts to discuss Alabama's win from a national perspective on the latest edition of The Line. 

• Ray Melick: NCAA hears radical proposal on how to curb athletic spending • The Birmingham News
Restrict coaches' salaries ... reduce football scholarships ... institute a playoff.

• Tigers manhandle Tide • The Huntsville Times
Smalley scores 27 as Auburn beats Alabama for eighth straight time 

• UA's Willis leaves for Texas Tech • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - For the second consecutive year, Alabama's football program must replace its primary recruiter for the Mobile area.

• Renee Busby: Former Alabama great Woodrow Lowe discusses humility in MLK Day speech (with video) • al.com
While he's proud of his accolades and titles, Lowe said Thursday night the lesson he learned from his mother about humility helped him become successful in football and in life.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Inside Alabama: Will Tide benefit in recruiting from Vol fallout? • The Birmingham News
Defensive back from Texas is up for grabs, but Baylor might have the inside track.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Friend happy for Willis, sad to see him leave Alabama • The Birmingham News
Tide inside linebackers coach accepts position as Texas Tech's defensive coordinator.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Lance Thompson took a chance on Lane Kiffin and got taken • The Birmingham News
Tennessee fans weren't the only ones who were hoodwinked.

• Gentry Estes: James Willis leaving Alabama to become defensive coordinator at Texas Tech • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA -- For the second consecutive year, Alabama's football program must replace its primary recruiter for the Mobile area. As had been expected for the past few days, Texas Tech announced James Willis as its new defensive coordinator Thursday, officially leaving Alabama with its first coaching vacancy of 2010. Willis served as the Crimson Tide's inside linebackers...

• Sports Soundoffs from Jan. 15, 2010 • The Press Register
Collection of Sound Off calls from Jan. 15, 2010, with callers weighing in the BCS title game, the BCS trophy's Walmart tour to the fishing report. One caller says the Auburn fans who call in don't represent the entire fan base, which as a whole is classier than Alabama's.

• Bryant Award winner Chris Petersen of unbeaten Boise State calls Alabama the national champion • al.com
Boise State coach Chris Petersen happily concedes that Alabama is college football's national champion.

• SEC Women's Recap - Jan. 14 • SEC Sports
SEC Women's Basketball Results for January 14, 2010 

• Women's hoops: Auburn's Carrier a force Bama can't reckon with • Montgomery Advertiser
AUBURN -- When KeKe Carrier decides to seize command of a game, mortal Southeastern Conference teams have no recourse.

• Gym Dogs, minus Yoculan, visit Tide tonight • Montgomery Advertiser
For the past several years, the annual gymnastics meeting between Georgia and Alabama was as much about the coaches as it was the participants. 

• Alabama’s Willis leaves for Texas Tech • Dothan Eagle
Nick Saban officially has a vacancy on his coaching staff.

• Business of Alabama Football Is Still Live And Well • Bleacher Report
"I was told that Alabama football would be out of business in two years" - 

• Texas 2011 star has interest in Bama • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The state of Texas has numerous big-time running backs prospects for 2011. Herschel Sims of Abilene is one of them. Last season the 5-9½, 187-pounder rushed for 2,346 yards and 35 touchdowns.

• Tide to host several visitors; Ambles, James in limbo • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Just when it seemed like the Crimson Tide would quietly wrap up its recruiting class, a few more names have suddenly been thrown in the mix, making things interesting again. 

• One Week Later, The Party Just Keeps Getting Better (Along with Some Recruiting Tidbits) • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
It was just one week ago that the Bama Nation began celebrating our 13th National Championship and life could not have gotten any better. Flash forward one week later and all the activity in the SEC has made that victory seem like it happened ages ago! Well, not really, but this week’s events have made for one of the most fun offseason weeks I can remember watching in a long time. 

• 2011 hoops star • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The future continues to look bright for Anthony Grant and now he's already hard at work on the 2011 recruiting class. Get the latest on one of Alabama's top in-state targets for 2011 inside... Tide targeting

• Erik Stinnett: Nice to see Bama missing out on the drama • Crimson Confidential
Not one to revel in the misfortune of others. 

• Men's Basketball:
Arkansas 71, Alabama 59

• Gymnastics:
Friday Night: Alabama 196.275, Georgia 195.500

• Bama in the NBA January 15th Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Women's Basketball:
Kentucky 88, Alabama 63

• Bama in the NFL - Divisional Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Bama in the NBA January 16th Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Men's Basketball to Host No. 8 Tennessee on ESPN • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama men's basketball returns home to host No. 8/8 Tennessee in Coleman Coliseum before a national television audience on ESPN. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. 

• Coming Tuesday: Paul Finebaum on Nick Saban after Alabama's national championship • The Press Register
Paul Finebaum spoke with Alabama head coach Nick Saban at the Bear Bryant Awards about a week after the Crimson Tide's 37-21 victory over Texas in the BCS National Championship. Finebaum says he was surprised by what he heard. Find out what Saban said -- and Finebaum's thoughts about the coming season -- in his column Tuesday in the..

• Franklin Crittenden: Looking Ahead to College Football 2010, The SEC West: Buy, Hold, or Sell • Bleacher Report
What's not to like?

• Anthony Grant previews Tennessee and Mississippi State • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alabama men's basketball coach Anthony Grant previewed the upcoming Tennessee and Mississippi State games during the weekly SEC Teleconference. Alabama and Tennessee will meet Tuesday, January 19 at 6:00 pm. (CT) at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, with the game televised by ESPN. Then the Tide will host the Bulldogs Saturday, January 23, with tipoff at 11:00 am (CT) on CBS. 

• Nightly Recruiting Notes • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
Great news is coming out of Tuscaloosa fresh after the major recruiting weekend.

• Gymnastics Third in Latest Rankings • RollTide.com
The Alabama gymnastics team is ranked third in the nation this week after beating defending NCAA Champion Georgia last Friday night. 

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Arenas on Senior Bowl Arenas on Senior Bowl
Javier Arenas talks with reporters following the celebration at Bryant-Denny, specifically about his plans and playing in next week's Senior Bowl in Mobile. 

• Chris Rattey Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Interview: Barrett Jones Interview: Barrett Jones
TSE caught up with Barrett Jones during Alabama Media Day at the Newport Beach Marriott during BCS Championship festivities.

• Andrew Bone Recruiting Report • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Successful weekend in Tuscaloosa Successful weekend in Tuscaloosa
It has been a good week for the Tide especially with all the visitors in title town.

• TideSportsExtra Museum • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
National Champions: 1941 National Champions: 1941
A look back at Alabama's fifth recognized national championship. Written by Jason Morton and Robert DeWitt. Narrated by Tim Thompson.

• Web Warehouse • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
1/18: An early look at 2010 1/18: An early look at 2010
Sports Illustrated predicts the Top 25 for next season, and despite all the losses on defense, Alabama still remains at the top of the list.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Best Alabama team ever? Auburn certainly hopes so • The Birmingham News
Is there any question that Gene Chizik's best team is yet to come?

• The Monday "Melting Pot" • SEC Sports
Every Monday morning, the "Melting Pot" will take a look at articles from the nation's writers about the happenings from the Southeastern Conference.

• Larry Burton: Wife of Mal Moore, Alabama Coach and A.D., Passes Away, but the Love Continues • Bleacher Report
At the age of 29, Mal Moore took a wife. Her name was Charlotte, and together they had one daughter, Heather, and two grandchildren—a boy named Charles and a girl named Anna.

• Belue talks about his visit to UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"Everything they showed me was pretty nice. One of the best parts was getting to meet some of the other commitments. I hung around with Blake Sims, Keiwone Malone, John Fulton, DeMarcus Milliner..." 

• Tide Basketball Has Tough Assignment • 'BamaMag
The Southeastern Conference basketball season is barely more than a week old, and already Alabama is mired in a slump. Moreover, the Crimson Tide is facing a difficult week, hosting two teams that are playing excellent basketball. 

• Following the Stallings Path: Speed Bump Ahead • 'Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
I was just eleven years old when Coach Bryant passed. I know you will all find this hard to believe but, pre-11, I was not quite as astute as I am today. Sure, I knew 2nd down from 4th down and I suppose I could distinguish a blitz from an onsides kick but I could not do things like recite a list of the top sixteen year old football prospects in Alabama, I could not diagram the toss sweep and I could not, for the life of you, expound upon The Process and sound educated in doing so. Now I could tell you a lot about Adam West’s Batman and Charlie’s Angels (Farrah was my favorite, of course). 

• What will become of Star Jackson? • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
During the week leading up to the BCS title game in Pasadena, Calif., two weeks ago, Nick Saban let it be known that if anything happened to Greg McElroy, true freshman A.J. McCarron would step in.

• Charlotte Moore, wife of Mal Moore, passes away • Tuscaloosa News
Charlotte Moore, the wife of University of Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore, passed away this morning after a long illness.

• Anthony Grant Press Conference Transcript - January 18 • RollTide.com
Head coach Anthony Grant's comments about the Crimson Tide and Tuesday's game against No. 8 Tennessee.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Alabama athletics director Mal Moore's wife passes away • The Birmingham News
Charlotte Moore had been living in a Tuscaloosa nursing home for the past four years.

• 2010 NFL Draft - The Defensive Ends • College Football News
Georgia Tech DE Derrick MorganFrom a college football perspective, here's the CFN ranking of the top defensive end prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft

• 2010 NFL Draft - The Defensive Tackles • College Football News
From a college football perspective, here's the CFN ranking of the top defensive tackle prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft.

• Walter Kirkwood: Final Chapter Begins for Alabama Crimson Tide Seniors • Bleacher Report
2010 will be the last trip around the SEC block for 12 Alabama seniors. Some may not even make it that far. Alabama always begins spring with more players than it can carry in the fall...

• Carswell gets Saban's stamp of approval during visit • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Recruiting services might not give Ronald Carswell five stars, but the 5-11, 176-pound receiver got the stamp of approval from possibly the most reliable talent evaluator in the business this weekend during his official visit to Alabama. 

• Carswell ready to join Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Wide receiver Ronald Carswell may be one of the top sleepers of the Alabama Crimson Tide's stellar 2010 recruiting class and this weekend the Macon, Ga. playmaker was in Tuscaloosa on his official visit...

• Jackson, McCarron not worried about battling for backup QB job • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | A.J. McCarron and Star Jackson want you to know they have a fine relationship. While the two freshman quarterbacks — true freshman McCarron and redshirt freshman Jackson — were locked in a competition for the backup spot behind Greg McElroy for the entire 2009 season, they got along just fine.

• Tide fails to get first SEC win • Tuscaloosa News
LEXINGTON, Ky. | Sophomore Ericka Russell led three players in double figures with 17 points, but the University of Alabama women suffered an 88-63 loss to Kentucky on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Coliseum.

• Sims back on board with Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
Blake Sims, a Scout.com four-star safety from Gainesville High School in Georgia decommitted from Alabama a little over a week ago, but has recommited with the Tide.

• Alabama women’s tennis earns three wins at UCF Quad Tournament • Tuscaloosa News
ORLANDO, Fla. | The Alabama women’s tennis team picked up three wins Saturday at the UCF Quad Tournament. The Crimson Tide took on opponents from Florida State and Illinois on the second day of action.

• UA’s Botha wins final match at SEC Indoors • Tuscaloosa News
ATLANTA | Alabama men’s tennis freshman Jarryd Botha came back from one set down to beat Mississippi State sophomore Daniel Sanchez 3-6, 6-1, 1-0(3) Sunday in the final round of singles consolation at the SEC Indoor Coaches’ Championships.

• Andrew Bone Recruiting Report • Tuscaloosa News
Successful weekend in Tuscaloosa Successful weekend in Tuscaloosa
It has been a good week for the Tide especially with all the visitors in title town.

• Ray Melick: Next hot coach in college football? Pete Carroll • The Birmingham News
Let's see if I've got this straight.

• Mark McCarter: Supersized turnout for Tide's biggest star • The Huntsville Times
A jolly fat man, customarily clad in a red costume, had them lined up for miles in the mall. 

• Mike Herndon: Highly regarded football prospect Blake Sims back on Alabama's Class of 2010 list of commitments • The Press Register
Saying he lost sleep over his recent decision to de-commit from Alabama, Gainesville (Ga.) all-purpose athlete Blake Sims rejoined the Crimson Tide's 2010 recruiting class on Sunday, re-committing to Alabama during an official visit to Tuscaloosa.

• ALABAMA RECRUITING: Blake Sims recommits to Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
After committing to Alabama, backing out to consider Tennessee, then watch ing as Tennes see head coach Lane Kiffin bolted for Southern California, athlete Blake Sims decided Alabama was the place for him after all.

• COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Alabama women fall to 0-5 after loss to Kentucky • Montgomery Advertiser
LEXINGTON, Ky. --- Sophomore Ericka Russell led three Crimson Tide players in double figures with 17 points, but Alabama lost to Kentucky 88-63 Sunday to fall to 0-5 in SEC play.

• 2010 NFL Draft - The Top 100 Prospects • College Football News
Now that the early entry deadline has passed, the NFL Draft process is in full swing. Who are the top players and prospects? From a college football perspective, these are the best and the brightest of this year's crop, led by Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh.

• Gainesville’s Blake Sims re-commits to Alabama (updated) • AJC
The on-again, off-again relationship of Blake Sims and Alabama is on again.

• Tide still has several options on recruiting trail • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Aside from the re-commitment from Gainesville, GA athlete Blake Sims, the Tide didn't secure any public commitments from this weekend's group of visitors. But make no mistake about it, Alabama appears headed for a fast finish -- and that might include more prospects than some expect.

• Tuscaloosa is the place for Perry  • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Prattville safety Nick Perry was one of several commitments on campus this weekend. Prior to his visit, the 6-2, 195-pound All-State performer already knew UA was the place for him, but the trip solidified his decision. 

• C.J. Mosley visits Tuscaloosa • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
C.J. Mosley, Scout.com four-star outside linebacker from Theodore, Ala., announced his intentions to sign with Alabama at the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio. He took his official visit to Tuscaloosa this past weekend. Mosley watched his recruiting coach, James Willis, accept the defensive coordinator job at Texas Tech. 

• Malone solid as ever to UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Memphis wide receiver Keiwone Malone was one of the earliest commitments for Alabama's 2010 class and has turned out to be one of the top prospects of the group. Find out how his official visit went inside...

• Perry talks UA visit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Four-star safety Nick Perry is among the headliners of Alabama's star-studded defensive back class and this weekend the Prattville headhunter took his official visit to Tuscaloosa.

• Men's Basketball:
Tennessee 63, Alabama 56

• Swimming and Diving Trio Earn SEC Accolades • RollTide.com
Three members of the Alabama Swimming and Diving teams earned Southeastern Conference honors this week the league office announced today.

• Senior Ricki Lebegern Named SEC Gymnast of the Week • RollTide.com
After leading the Alabama gymnastics team to a win over defending NCAA Champions Georgia, senior Ricki Lebegern was named Southeastern Conference Gymnast of the Week the league office announced today.

• Judy Green Announces She Will Retire as Head Volleyball Coach After 2010 Season • RollTide.com
Judy Green has announced that she will retire as The University of Alabama head volleyball coach after the 2010 season. Green, the Crimson Tide's longest tenured volleyball coach, is preparing for ... 

• Cecil Hurt Blog and Columns • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
1/19 The Cecil Hurt Show 1/19 The Cecil Hurt Show
Cecil and Rachel discuss the national championship game and the Tide’s upcoming team.

• Chase Goodbread: Good Tidings • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Two who called it… Two who called it…
Two former Alabama players who know a thing or two about football in the South predicted UA's win over Texas weeks in advance. Who were they? 

• SEC Gymnasts Of The Week • SEC Sports
The SEC has chosen its gymnasts of the week, with Alabama's Ricki Lebegern and Florida's Ashanée Dickerson capturing laurels.

• This Week In Men's Hoops • SEC Sports
Alabama Crimson Tide

• Athletes Of The Week • SEC Sports
The SEC has chosen its swimmers and divers of the week, including South Carolina's Michael Flach.

• The Gymnastics Report • SEC Sports
The Gymnastics Report recaps everything from that week that was in the Southeastern Conference. 

• Chase Goodbread: Good Tidings • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Two who called it… Two who called it…
Two former Alabama players who know a thing or two about football in the South predicted UA's win over Texas weeks in advance. Who were they? 

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
1/19 Bama Breakdown with Derrick Oden, Part 2 1/19 Bama Breakdown with Derrick Oden, Part 2
In the second of a two-part interview series, TideSportsExtra sits down with 1992 defensive captain, former Alabama linebacker Derrick Oden.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Reports: Kevin Steele to Tennessee as defensive coordinator • The Birmingham News
Another Nick Saban connection with the Vols?

• Jon Solomon: Reports: Steele hired as Tennessee's defensive coordinator • The Birmingham News
Coached two seasons at Alabama

• Jon Solomon: Q&A with recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill • The Birmingham News
Recruiting ethics; Alabama and Auburn classes; national surprises and disappointments

• Don Kausler Jr.: Service scheduled for Wednesday for Mal Moore's wife • The Birmingham News
Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, with a service to follow.

• Big DL to visit this weekend • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"Coach Cignetti called me last week and said they had just finished watching my highlight tape and they were very, very impressed with what they saw. He said that he and Coach Saban, the defensive line coach and the defensive coordinator all watched it together and they were all impressed." 

• Vogler ready to vie for playing time • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Last summer, Alabama landed a commitment from one of the nation's top tight end prospects in Brian Vogler of the Brookstone School in Columbus, Georgia. Given Vogler's size, athleticism and soft hands, he's viewed as a mismatch waiting to happen. The 6-7, 242-pounder was in Tuscaloosa last weekend for his official visit.

• Mal Moore Has Done Things Right • 'BamaMag
A little more than 10 years ago I was asked by a sportswriter at the Crimson White, the student newspaper at The University of Alabama, to rank the 50 most influential people in Bama athletics. He gave me a list of nominees, but didn’t hold me to it, and I added some who were not on the list. 

• Auburn and Alabama to battle it out • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Offensive lineman eliminates one and is now down to two in the SEC...

• Recruiting Weekend Breakdown • 'Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Now that the season is over, college football fans will now cling to the weekend visitor reports to get their last taste of college football before the accepting the real truth that football season is over. With this being the first of the very important official visit weekends that follow bowl season, SEC teams are beginning to make their final sales pitches to secure their recruiting class.

• Saban's growing coaching tree bodes well for Bama's future • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
Right now, no one wants to even think about what Alabama football will someday be like when Nick Saban is not running the show. 

• Who are the big 2011 names favoring Tide? • Crimson Confidential
Alabama, with 10 ESPNU 150 prospects, is sitting pretty with a class that's currently ranked No. 3 in the country behind Florida and Texas. In other words, as far as this year's recruiting efforts, the hay as they say is pretty much all in the barn.

• The Latest - Markeith Ambles • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
Markeith Ambles of Henry County (McDonough, Ga.), who remains committed to Tennessee's Class of 2010, is considering other...

• Bama in the NBA January 18th Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Eddie Lacy is ready to impress • Tuscaloosa News
Eddie Lacy has been characterized as a combination of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson.

• Tide hosts No. 8 Vols tonight • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Tennessee men's basketball team didn't need to look any stronger than it did in its just-concluded homestand — but the Alabama Crimson Tide will be facing a bolstered version of the Volunteers (14-2, 2-0 SEC) when it hosts No. 8 UT at Coleman Coliseum tonight.

• Tide gymnastics No. 3 in polls • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama gymnastics team moved up a spot to No. 3 in this week's rankings, behind No. 1 UCLA and No. 2 Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide thumped Georgia last Friday night 196.225-195.45 in Coleman Coliseum.

• Andrew Bone: Tide could have an uneventful signing day • Tuscaloosa News
Recruits from across the country will sign their letters of intent Feb. 3, on National Signing Day. The University of Alabama has seen its past recruiting classes come to an end with several decisions on signing day.

• Cecil Hurt: Wife of Mal Moore passes away Monday at 71 • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Charlotte Davis Moore passed away on Monday at age 71 after a lengthy illness.

• TideSportsExtra Features • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The Line: Bill Plaschke The Line: Bill Plaschke
Rachel catches up with LA Times sports writer, and ESPN Around the Horn contributor Bill Plaschke 

• Restocked Vols next for Bama • The Huntsville Times
Suspensions over tonight for pair of Tennessee guards 

• Paul Finebaum: Nick Saban knows it's lonely at the top • The Press Register
He was in town as a finalist for the Bear Bryant Award (national coach of the year) and I expected to find him in a giddy mood. I was wrong.

• Mike Herndon: Alabama commitment Brian Vogler a star on football field and basketball court • al.com
Brian Vogler is well acquainted with the skills of Adrian Hubbard. The two high school seniors, both of whom plan to sign with Nick Saban's national champion football program at Alabama, have gone toe-to-toe against each other since they were in grade school. 

• Sound Off: Tommy Tuberville doesn't need any advice; Anthony Grant no better than Mark Gottfried • The Press Register
A collection of sports-related reader Sound Off calls from Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, with callers expressing opinions on everything from Tommy Tuberville's new coaching gig to whether Anthony Grant is a better coach than Mark Gottfried

• Track and Field Notebook • SEC Sports
This week's notebook gives you team-by-team recaps from the SEC Track and Field ranks. 

• Swimming and Diving: Week 8 • SEC Sports
The notebook breaks down all the results and stories from the previous week's action.

• SEC BASKETBALL: Coach looks for more intensity against Volunteers • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Anthony Grant doesn't have to watch tape of Tennessee to know he has his hands full trying to knock off the eighth-ranked Vol­unteers when they visit Cole­man Coliseum tonight. 

• Tough test for Tide • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Facing one of the biggest weeks of the season, the Alabama basketball team is …

• Cavalcade, Part 2 - The Sucky 2009 Season • College Football News
It was a sucky season with a sucky Heisman race, a sucky national title chase, and sucky moment after sucky moment. Happy 2010, America! Check it all out in Part 2 of the Cavalcade of Whimsy.

• UA visit met Jackson's expectations • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Defensive tackle and Texas A&M commitment Brandon Jackson of Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana had heard a lot about the Tide from UA assistant Bo Davis. What he heard impelled him to take an official visit to Tuscaloosa this past weekend. The big man came away impressed.

• Williams recaps official visit • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One thing that makes the Tide's 2010 class so strong from top to bottom is that it includes two top-notch kicking prospects, one of whom is Thomasville's Jay Williams. The 6-4, 220-pound punter was on campus this past weekend, and he can't wait to get his career started. 

• Deion Belue will chase record • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Deion Belue, Scout.com three-star cornerback from Tuscumbia-Deshler, Ala., barely missed the updated Scout 300. He did move up in his overall position ranking. Belue will likely see the field early for the Tide as simply one of the best playmakers in the class of 2010. He talked about his official visit to Alabama. 

• The Final Scout300 • 'BamaMag
The final Scout300 for the class of 2010 finds a familiar face on top, but there are many changes.

• Brandon Jackson returns from Alabama • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Brandon Jackson, Scout.com three-star defensive tackle from Shreveport-Evangel Christian, La., traveled to Tuscaloosa for the weekend for an official visit. He had an great trip, but an unusual conversation with head coach Nick Saban. 

• Saban visits Ambles • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It was a busy Monday night for newly minted five-star Markeith Ambles on Monday night with two schools coming in for visits including Alabama and Tide coach Nick Saban. 

• New Tide DT target set to visit Tuscaloosa • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama's newest defensive lineman prospect is four-star beast Calvin Smith, and the Tide has the former Tennessee commit coming in for an official visit this weekend.

• Hoops Preview: Alabama vs. Tennessee • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide looks to halt a two-game losing skid in grand fashion when 10th-ranked Tennessee comes to Coleman Coliseum.

• Quest to Repeat: Rutledge likes Tide’s chances because of Saban’s Bear-like traits • Crimson Confidential
This is part one of a weekly series examining Alabama’s chances of repeating as national champion in ’10 by talking to members of the last Bama team to repeat – the 1979 team. 

• Kouandjio loves Tuscaloosa • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
6-foot-6, 320 pound standout lineman Arie Kouandjio (DeMatha) is one of the final targets remaining in the 2010 class. We were able to get the latest from the standout target fresh off of a visit to Tuscaloosa. 

• Sean Reilly: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby wins bet on Alabama Crimson Tide, collects turkey • al.com
Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, collected a smoked turkey today from Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and then donated it to a Washington, D.C. organization that serves the needy, according to a news release from his office.

• Georgia 2011 star names Alabama favorite • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In late October, Alabama became one of the first schools to extend an offer to Damian Swann, one of Georgia's top junior prospects. Since then, the 6-0, 170-pounder from Grady HS in Atlanta has added offers from Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Swann picked up his offer from the Gators earlier today. 

• Defense, Kicking Must Be Rebuilt • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
For many years, people who know a lot about football have told me that the most important player on the field is the quarterback. I smugly reply, “Not when I played.” That’s because my schoolboy football career was all single wing. There wasn’t a quarterback. And maybe that’s why my heart beats a little faster when I see the Wildcat, which is about the closest thing we’ll see to the single wing. 

• Rookie Recap • BamaOnLine
Led by running back Trent Richardson, a talented batch of newcomers played a large role in the Crimson Tide's run to perfection. Come inside for a look back -- and glimpse ahead -- at Alabama's 2009 newcomers!

• Double trouble • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Sophomore Hanner Perea from United Faith Christian Academy in Charlotte is one of the top young big men in the country, and recently the 6-foot-8 star took a visit to Tuscaloosa.

• Newest '10 class rankings has Bama No. 3 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
With National Signing Day now just two weeks away, ESPN has released its latest 2010 class rankings. 

• Will Matthews: Afternoon Notes - Q and A • Crimson Confidential
Looking for the latest news on Kouandjio, Damian Swann, and many more 2011 targets? 

• Women's Basketball Opens Home Stand with Florida • RollTide.com
Following a two-game road swing, the women's basketball team returns to the friendly confines of Coleman Coliseum for a showdown with Florida on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6:00 p.m. (CST).

• Varisia Raffington to Miss Remainder of 2009-10 Basketball Season • RollTide.com
Junior guard Varisia Raffington will miss the duration of the 2009-10 season due to a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) and partially torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), head coach Wendell ... 

• Hopson, Chism give Volunteers winning push • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama played enough defense to upset a Top 10 opponent like Tennessee on Tuesday night.

• Women's basketball leading scorer out for three months • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA – Alabama junior guard Varisia Raffington will miss the rest of the 2009-10 season due to a knee injury suffered Sunday at Kentucky, head coach Wendell Hudson announced on today. Raffington tore her medial collateral ligament, MCL, and partially tore her posterior cruciate ligament, PCL. The injury will not require surgery, but will sideline Raffington for three months.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Tennessee at Alabama, 1/19

• Cecil Hurt: Tide must find answers • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
For the third straight SEC game, the intensity rose in the second half and the University of Alabama basketball team was unable to rise with it.

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Mike Johnson on Senior Bowl Mike Johnson on Senior Bowl
Mike Johnson talks with reporters following the celebration at Bryant-Denny, specifically about his plans and playing in the Senior Bowl in Mobile. 

• Gentry Estes: U.S. House formally congratulates Alabama's football program • The Press Register
The U.S. House of Representatives passes a resolution honoring Alabama's football program for national championship season.

• Florida consensus No. 1, UGA 7, Tech 44.5 in rankings compilation • AJC
Recruiting rankings. Take them for what they’re worth. But the most recognized of the national recruiting services have been updating their team rankings a lot recently as we move into the final two weeks before national signing day (Feb. 3).

• Tide keeping up with junior CB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Tide is on track to sign what might be the nation's best group of defensive backs, but the coaches are still looking ahead to top secondary players for the class of 2011. A defensive back they've been involved with for several months is corner Nick Waisome of South Lake HS in Groveland, FL. 

• SEC teams of the decade: Where does '09 Tide rank? • Crimson Confidential
Here's a question to ponder: What were the top 10 SEC teams of the past decade? 

• IN FOCUS - Antonio Richardson • Crimson Confidential
Antonio Richardson (Nashville TN, Ensworth) is poised to be the best player coming out of Tennessee for the 2011 class. The 6-foot-6, 315 pound lineman has been keeping a close eye on Tuscaloosa for the past season. 

• Bama in the NBA January 19th Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Men's Basketball Falls to Tennessee, 63-56 • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's basketball team dropped its third-straight game in a thriller to No. 8 Tennessee, 63- 56, on Tuesday at Coleman Coliseum. 

• Defense not enough • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama played enough defense to upset a Top 10 opponent like Tennessee on Tuesday night.

• Green to retire after 2010 season • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Judy Green has announced she will retire as University of Alabama head volleyball coach after the 2010 season. Green, the Crimson Tide’s longest tenured volleyball coach, is preparing for her 15th season.

• UA swimmers, divers honored • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | Three members of the University of Alabama swimming and diving teams earned SEC honors this week.

• Lebegern is SEC Gymnast of Week • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior gymnast Ricki Lebegern was named the Southeastern Conference’s Gymnast of the Week on Tuesday for her performance against Georgia last Friday.

• Alabama falls 63-56 to No. 8 Vols • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama played enough defense to upset a Top 10 opponent like Tennessee on Tuesday night.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama vs. Tennessee Press Conference
Alabama loses 63-56 to Tennessee. Head coach Anthony Grant and players Mikhail Torrence and JaMychal Green discuss the game highlights and downsides in the post-game press conference. Video by Ashley Boyd

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama vs. Tennessee Press Conference 2
Alabama loses 63-56 to Tennessee. Head coach Anthony Grant and players Mikhail Torrence and JaMychal Green discuss the game highlights and downsides in the post-game press conference. Video by Ashley Boyd

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Grant's process may take longer than Saban's • The Birmingham News
We interrupt this national championship hangover to bring you the following public service announcement.

• Josh Bean: Wide-open field for Alabama's Mr. Football • The Press Register
Southwest Alabama produced the last two Mr. Football winners -- Leroy quarterback Clint Moseley and Foley receiver Julio Jones -- but will that trend continue? 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Latest report: Kevin Steele to stay at Clemson • The Birmingham News
Looks like Tennessee wanted him but may not get him.

• Mike Herndon: Alabama tries to snare former UT commitment Ambles • The Press Register
One of the top receiver prospects in the Southeast is considering stepping away from a commitment to Tennessee, and Alabama is one of the schools hoping to lure him away from Knoxville. Markeith Ambles (6-2, 182), the seventh-rated receiver prospect in the country according to Rivals.com, visited North Carolina last weekend and met with coaches from two SEC schools...

• Tide Defeated By Tennessee • SEC Sports
The Tennessee Volunteers take down the Alabama Crimson Tide, 63-56. 

• Tide can't solve No. 8 Vols • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- By any college basketball standard, it was brutal.

• Tide can’t overcome slow start vs. No. 8 Tennessee • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA — The two opposing stars had equally unbearable starts, and only one managed a …

• Poor shooting dooms Tide in loss to Vols • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama didn’t do anything drastically wrong against eighth-ranked Tennessee.

• Top OL target has wonderful time in Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Without a doubt one of Alabama's top targets throughout the recruiting process has been Nashville-Maplewood, TN star offensive lineman James Stone. The 6-4½, 300-pound Stone made his official visit to Tuscaloosa last weekend.

• Close, but no cigar for Tide vs. Vols • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
If Anthony Grant's first Alabama basketball team has proven anything this season, it's this: they can play with anybody. Problem? Closing the deal. Or, as another Alabama coach calls it, "finishing." Case in point? Eighth-ranked Tennessee 63, Alabama 56 before a crowd announced at 12,098 at Coleman Coliseum. 

• DeAndrew White talks Alabama • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
DeAndrew White, four-star wide receiver from Galena Park-North Shore, Texas, is a new addition to the final Scout.com National 100. White performed at a high level throughout the week in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American game. The Tide commitment took his official visit to Alabama last weekend.

• Jarrick Williams visits title town • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Tide commitment talks of trip and prep time for college football.

• Allen takes over top spot in South • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
North Carolina athlete ends up number one in his region...

• Foul Shooting Sends Tide To Loss • 'BamaMag
Foul! That has been a problem for Alabama in a three-game Southeastern Conference basketball losing streak. Both Bama and Tennessee were victimized by foul calls in Coleman Coliseum Tuesday night. In the final analysis it was indeed foul shooting that sent the Crimson Tide to defeat. Not free throw shooting. Foul, as in putrid.

• Ivory looking forward to UA official • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Could the replacement for big Terrence Cody be taking his official visit to Alabama? Memphis-East defensive tackle Brandon Ivory is currently a Memphis commit, but could an offer from Alabama shake things up?

• Depleted No. 8 Tennessee still too much for Tide, 63-56 • BamaOnLine
No. 8 Tennessee was able to shut down senior guards Mikhail Torrance (three points) and Antony Brock (zero) en route to a 63-56 victory Tuesday night at Coleman Coliseum. 

• The ’10 commits: Williams hoping to utilize his physicality in T-Town • Crimson Confidential
Jarrick Williams enjoyed his breakfast at the Sabans over the weekend. But food wasn’t all he got.

• Paul Cloos: 4 O'Clock Fodder: A Pasadena proposal as Tide wins title, coed says 'yes' • al.com
His parents had sat in the Superdome stands on Jan. 1, 1993, when Alabama beat the University of Miami to win its last college football national championship. And now, 17 years later, here was 22-year-old Stephen Mitchell, a senior at Alabama, again witnessing triumph and history with his best girl by his side.

• Marcel Dareus: Alabama Won't Take Him For Granted Anymore • Bleacher Report
That Marcel Dareus had such a dominant year in 2009 really didn't come as a surprise to those who knew him. Most outside the program, however, didn't expect that kind of production from the talented young sophomore...

• Smith gets visit from Vols' Dooley before heading for T-Town • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The last-minute tug-of-war for Calvin Smith (Hialeah, Fla./Hialeah) is heating up. 

• Recruiting Interview - WVUA's Student Section • Crimson Confidential
Wednesday night, Will Matthews was on providing his analysis on the future of Alabama's '10 and '11 classes. 

• No. 18 Men's Tennis Kicks off Dual Match Season at Northwestern • RollTide.com
The No. 18 men's tennis team opens up its 2010 dual schedule on Friday, Jan. 22 when it travels to Evanston, Ill. to take on the 47th-ranked Northwestern Wildcats. The match is slated to begin at 6...

• Men's Track Faces Tough Competition at Razorback Invitational • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's track and field team will be traveling to Fayetteville, Ark. this weekend for the Razorback Invitational. The meet, featuring five teams ranked in the top 25 according to USTFCCCA...

• Women's Track Set for 32nd Annual Niswonger Invitational • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's track and field team will be traveling to Johnson City, Tenn. this weekend for the Niswonger Invitational. The meet, hosted by East Tennessee State, will be held at the ETSU/MSH... 

• Top coaches of the decade: Saban earns his spot • Crimson Confidential
Who were the 10 best college football

• Chris Rattey Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Interview: Tyler Love Interview: Tyler Love
TSE caught up with Tyler Lover during Alabama Media Day at the Newport Beach Marriott during BCS Championship festivities.

• Andrew Bone Recruiting Report • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Future Tiders in Scout.com 300 Future Tiders in Scout.com 300
The final Scout.com 300 was released for the class of 2010 with several Tide commitments/prospects on the list, Keenan Allen and Demarcus Milliner to name a couple.

• TideSportsExtra Museum • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
National Champions: 1961 National Champions: 1961
A look back at Alabama’s sixth recognized national championship. Written by Jason Morton and Robert DeWitt. Narrated by Tim Thompson.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Mike Shula to East Carolina? Source says it's not happening • The Birmingham News
Looks like the former Alabama head coach still likes the NFL.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Did Auburn have a better decade than Alabama? Yes • The Birmingham News
ESPN.com gets its latest list right.

• Gentry Estes: Who's got next?: Projecting the two-deep for Alabama in 2010 ... • The Press Register
The secondary and kicking game will be among the biggest questions for Alabama's 2010 football team, projects Crimson Tide beat writer Gentry Estes.

• Jonathan Fravel: Down the Stretch: Dash to the Finish Line for 2010 Recruiting • Bleacher Report
Since the finish of each respective bowl game, head coaches and assistants have been scouring the nation for the chance to detach a four- or five-star football athlete from their earlier commitment and woo them to another dream.

• Junior LB keeping the door open • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
As usual, the state of Mississippi will feature some talented prospects in the 2011 class. One of the best of the bunch is linebacker C.J. Johnson of Philadelphia. Johnson has offers from LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Southern Miss and Tennessee. Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Stanford have expressed interest in the 6-2, 225-pound defender.

• The bullseye gets bigger  • BamaOnLine
After winning the national championship, Alabama is already being touted as the team to beat in 2010 despite having to replace eight defensive starters and a brutal schedule. 

• Bama sure to add more '11 in-state commits from ESPNU 150 Watch List • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
With Alabama having basically wrapped up its 2010 signing class, much attention has already shifted to its 2011 class, and there are plenty of in-state guys out there who are potential targets for the Tide. 

• Ray Melick: One ring meant the most to Mal Moore • The Birmingham News
Mal Moore once told me I had no idea. He wasn't talking about my lack of under­standing of his job as ath­letics director at the Uni­versity of Alabama. And he wasn't talking about his role as offensive coordina­tor of the Crimson Tide under Gene Stallings in the early 1990s. But at the end of the 1993 season, standing in...

• Marian H. Accardi: Parkway Place mall hosts McClain, Upchurch for autograph sessions • al.com
Parkway Place mall will host members of Alabama's National Champion football team, Rolando McClain and Roy Upchurch, for autograph sessions this weekend.

• Report: Alabama student leaders broke rules spending $4,700 on BCS trip to Pasadena • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Student Government Association at the University of Alabama broke SGA spending rules by paying more than $4,700 to send 5 students to Pasadena, Calif., for a community service event related to the BCS National Championship, the UA student newspaper reports.

• Gentry Estes: Is Mike Shula headed back to college? • The Press Register
The former Alabama head coach is reported to be a lead candidate for the vacancy at East Carolina.

• SOUND OFF: Is Auburn a waste of time or are Bama fans full of hate? • The Press Register
A collection of sports-related reader Sound Off calls from Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, with callers expressing opinions on everything from Paul Finebaum and Nick Saban to Alabama and Auburn football.

• Bama in the NBA January 20th Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Lebegern the smallest Tide gymnast, but her competitiveness has proven to be a huge asset • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | During the course of the past four years the heaviest load shouldered by the University of Alabama gymnastics team has come via its smallest member.

• More weight could mean more playing time for Smelley • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Halfway through Brad Smelley’s freshman season, University of Alabama coaches approached the tight end and told him they wanted to play him.

• Tide has several holes to fill for 2010 • Tuscaloosa News
When the University of Alabama football players jogged off the field at Rose Bowl Stadium on Jan. 7, confetti in their hair and elation in their hearts, several Tide athletes had played their final collegiate game.

• Farmer adjusts to Southern lifestyle • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It’s a long road from Wisconsin to Alabama. Just ask Tide freshman guard Celiscia Farmer.

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting chat transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (1-20-10)

• Thomas B. Harrison: 'Iron Bowl' sculpture by Fairhope artist to be unveiled Jan. 22 at U.S. Sports Academy • al.com
The sculptor has spent the past few labor-intensive weeks immersed in a commissioned work inspired by an event of paramount interest to residents of Alabama: the Iron Bowl, the state's annual crucible of college football. Alabama's Crimson Tide vs. the Auburn Tigers.

• Replacements For The 2010 Early Entries • College Football News
Who'll replace the players who ducked out early for the NFL? If a player is good enough to bolt, he was likely a big-time talent who'll be missed, but Richard Cirminiello shows how each team will be able to fill the holes with players like Oklahoma State's Hubert Anyiam.

• 2010 NFL Draft - The Top 100 Prospects • College Football News
Now that the early entry deadline has passed, the NFL Draft process is in full swing. Who are the top players and prospects? From a college football perspective, these are the best and the brightest of this year's crop, led by Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh.

• Saban's visit makes Gabe Wright's day • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Today was a big day in the life of Columbus-Carver, GA junior defensive lineman Gabe Wright. Alabama head coach Nick Saban came to town and one of his stops was to check in on the 6-4, 272-pound Wright, who will be one of Georgia's elite prospects for the class of 2011. 

• Change of plans for OL • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
Read on for the latest on Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha Catholic standout OL Arie Kouandijo. 

• Dogs Downplay Polls, Focus On Tide Trip • 'BamaMag (Subscribers Only)
#23 State Visits Alabama For Saturday CBS Shootout

• South Region commitments • 'BamaMag
January has been a busy month all across the region.

• BOL Recruiting Notebook • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Maplewood offensive lineman James Stone is down to schools for his college decision, and has a special way in mind to announce the lucky school on Signing Day. Get the latest on Stone, DT target Brandon Ivory and a Tide target who has eliminated the Tide from contention in this UA Recruiting Notebook.