Bama in the News

January 1 - 7, 2010

• SEC Scores:
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Penn State 19, LSU 17 

• Dennis Pillion: VIDEO: Tracking down the Tide in Orange County • al.com
Keeping up with the Crimson Tide football team in California isn't easy, as Alabama likes to play things close to the vest.

• Gentry Estes: Video: Greeting the Crimson Tide in California • The Press Register
Watch the scene as Alabama's team arrives today at the Westin in Costa Mesa, courtesy of a video from AL.com's Dennis Pillion.

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Rolando McClain: 'Everyone on this team is focused on winning a football game' • The Press Register
Said the Butkus Award winner: "Tomorrow we will get back to the practice field and continue to work on what we came out here to do."

• Gentry Estes: Alabama's team arrives in California for the BCS national championship game • The Press Register
Without much fanfare, Alabama's team quietly touches down in California and settles in for Thursday's BCS national championship game.

• UA Questions Answered • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The Scout.com recruiting team in Orlando at the Under Armour event had several questions at the beginning of the week. Time was spent evaluating players at practice, and a lot of discussion with our group and re-evaluating through the week. Scout.com re-visits the questions.

• UA Uncommitted Predictions • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Scout.com writers predict where the uncommitted players in the All-America Game will end up signing.

• Final Fulton Update • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Tomorrow, Under Armour All-American John Fulton is set to make his decision. 

• 16 Georgians dot rosters for Offense-Defense All-America Bowl • AJC
Happy New Year everybody. I’m still down here in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., covering the Under Armour All-America Game practices.

• Under Armour Game - Update Headquarters • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It is Day 3 of practice on the eve of the Under Armour game and the action is heating up. Alabama commits have made quite the impression on scouts and onlookers.

• John Fulton's No.1 fan makes game special • Crimson Confidential
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- An appearance in the Under Armour All-America Game and announcing which SEC school he'll play for on national TV will not highlight this week for John Fulton. 

• Mike Herndon: While we wait for the Outback, a few January bowl game predictions • The Press Register
TAMPA -- Now that 2009 is in the books (the year, not the season), we can look back on the first half of the bowl season and ask ourselves: Did we see an Air Force blowout of Houston coming? Did we really believe Nebraska could score 33 points in four quarters? Did we know that Wyoming and Idaho were bowl...

• Bama in the NBA December 31st Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Alabama commit Sims hails from a quarterback hotbed • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Phillip Sims, people around Southeast Virginia are saying, is the next one.

• Maze small in size, big in talent • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | If two plays can encapsulate a football player, consider two distinctively different plays authored by University of Alabama sophomore wide receiver Marquis Maze.

• Top 50 recruits in Alabama: 1-10 • Tuscaloosa News
Welcome to our Alabama's Most Wanted, our biannual recruiting spectacular highlighting the top 50 prospects in the state of Alabama. Here are Nos. 1-10.

• Top 50 recruits in Alabama: 11-20 • Tuscaloosa News
Welcome to our Alabama's Most Wanted, our biannual recruiting spectacular highlighting the top 50 prospects in the state of Alabama. Here are Nos. 11-20.

• Top 50 recruits in Alabama: 21-30 • Tuscaloosa News
Welcome to our Alabama's Most Wanted, our biannual recruiting spectacular highlighting the top 50 prospects in the state of Alabama. Here are Nos. 21-30.

• Top 50 recruits in Alabama: 31-40 • Tuscaloosa News
Welcome to our Alabama's Most Wanted, our biannual recruiting spectacular highlighting the top 50 prospects in the state of Alabama. Here are Nos. 31-40.

• Top 50 recruits in Alabama: 41-50 • Tuscaloosa News
Welcome to our Alabama's Most Wanted, our biannual recruiting spectacular highlighting the top 50 prospects in the state of Alabama. Here are Nos. 41-50.

• Andrew Bone: Possible commitments on horizon • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama has six commitments participating in the Under Armour All America game in Orlando this week, but by the end of the weekend could have a total of eight. The game is played Saturday live on ESPN at 10:00 a.m. CST.

• Andrew Bone Recruiting Report • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Alabama commitments performing well in Orlando Alabama commitments performing well in Orlando
We knew the top players entering the week of practice, but we wanted to see who brought their 'A' game for the event. 

• Mark McCarter: Listening in when Tide legends chat • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - The gods start to talk in the wee hours of the morning. 

• From MTVto T-Town • The Huntsville Times
Tide senior once won music channel's 'Yo Momma' contest

• QB recruit not coming to Tide to ride bench • The Huntsville Times
ORLANDO, Fla. - Star Jackson and AJ McCarron should take note. Phillip Sims isn't coming to Alabama to sit. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Notes: Tide begins its business trip to Southern California • The Birmingham News
It will visit Disneyland on Saturday, but otherwise the fun and games are limited.

• Tide fans enter contests, offer to swap beach houses, do what it takes to track down BCS tickets • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- With an estimated 3,600 tickets on the market for the sold-out BCS Championship game in Pasadena, Calif., Crimson Tide fans are getting creative trying to track down tickets: offering beach house swaps, entering contests and connecting with Facebook friends.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama tight end Colin Peek making noise in senior season • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA -- If you searched far enough, you could probably find a small number of athletes that share the distinction of having been on the cover of Sports Illustrated and being named an Academic All-American in college. But who among them can also claim to have competed under an alias on the smack-talking MTV television show "Yo Momma"...

• Mike Herndon: Alabama quarterback commitment Phillip Sims hopes to make immediate impact • The Press Register
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Star Jackson and AJ McCarron should take note. Phillip Sims isn't coming to Alabama to sit. Several recruiting experts have pegged Alabama's prized 2010 quarterback recruit as a developing player who would benefit from a redshirt year. If he's asked to wait his turn to become the Crimson Tide's quarterback, Sims says he'll wait. But...

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Crimson Tide's Brandon Deaderick hopes tough season ends well in BCS title game • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Wounded in a shooting just days before the 2009 season opener, Brandon Deaderick counted his blessings. There were two ways he could approach the freak accident of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

• Tide on business trip • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Starting Friday, the final phase of the Alabama football …

• Morris ready to see Tide win another • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
While doing laundry on a Thursday evening in Madison, Wisc., Mario Morris …

• BCS National Championship Game Notebook • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Get your flu shot TUSCALOOSA — The distinctively loud and uniquely passionate voice of Alabama strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran will now be heard by more than just the football … 

• UA Positional Rankings • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Eighty of the nation’s top players are in Orlando this week for the Under Armour All America Game and Scout has been keeping a close eye on every practice so far. The team of recruiting guys covering the practices for Scout this week put their heads together and came up with position rankings based on their performances this week. 

• UA Thursday Top 10 • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Who was the best on the field in Orlando? Find out here...

• Tide or Gamecocks for Fulton? • BamaOnLine  (Subscribers Only)
Saturday is decision day for Rivals100 cornerback John Fulton, and Tide fans are anxiously awaiting to see if Fulton will finally be the South Carolina-defensive back breakthrough in recruiting.

• 12 Days of Champions: 1964 • BamaOnLine
Alabama was No. 1 in the final Associated Press poll at the end of the regular season before losing a controversial Orange Bowl against Texas, 21-17. 

• Bama may return to BCS title game sooner rather than later • Crimson Confidential
In less than a week now Alabama will play for the national championship. 

• SEC Scores:
AT&T Cotton Bowl: Ole Miss 21, Oklahoma State 7

• Divers Start New Year with Georgia Diving Invitational • RollTide.com
The Alabama divers are back in action starting tomorrow, beginning the new year with the three-day Georgia Diving Invitational and Shootout in Athens, Ga.

• Women's Basketball Opens SEC play with No. 8/9 Georgia • RollTide.com
The women's basketball team (8-5) begins the Southeastern Conference portion of its schedule Sunday when it takes on No. 8/9 Georgia (13-0) at Coleman Coliseum. Tipoff is slated for 2:00 p.m. (CST). 

• McKeller, UA grayshirt signee, may miss spring drills • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | University of Alabama football signee Darius McKeller, who signed with the Crimson Tide last February but deferred enrollment, may not be ready to compete when spring drills begin due to wrist surgery.

• Fulton commits to UA, will enroll early • Tuscaloosa News
John Fulton, Scout.com four-star cornerback from Manning High School in S.C, committed to the Crimson Tide on Saturday . Fulton chose the University of Alabama over South Carolina and Florida.

• Dennis Pillion: VIDEO: Alabama football team practice in California • al.com
The Crimson Tide donned pads for the first time since arriving in Southern California yesterday, in advance of the 2010 BCS Championship Game against the Texas Longhorns on Jan. 7.

• Gentry Estes: BCS practice report: Tide gets to work in Costa Mesa • The Press Register
There were few surprises as Alabama heads to Costa Mesa High School to begin on-site practices for the BCS national championship game.

• Gentry Estes: Lush new playing surface being installed at Rose Bowl for BCS title game • The Press Register
Soon after yesterday's Rose Bowl, workers at the stadium began the extensive effort of bringing in entirely new turf for Thursday's BCS title game between Alabama and Texas.

• Gentry Estes: Look out Big Al, here comes Bevo ... • The Press Register
The Austin American-Statesman is following Texas' big mascot Bevo on a 1,400-mile drive to California for the BCS national championship game.

• Gentry Estes: Make that 11 expected early enrollees for Alabama's football program • The Press Register
John Fulton's commitment to Alabama means the Crimson Tide can expect as many as 11 early enrollees to join the team for spring practice.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Blue-chip cornerback John Fulton commits to Alabama • The Birmingham News
He's a five-star prosect from Manning, S.C.

• Norcross’ Hubbard makes a statement for himself, Bama • AJC
St. Petersburg, Fla. – Adrian Hubbard said going in that Saturday’s Under Armour All-America Game was going to be his own personal proving ground. Well the defensive end from Norcross proved himself well.

• McElroy Discusses Teacups To Texas • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama has trip to Disneyland after first practice in California

• Brown: Control explosive plays, turnovers key to Texas win • Crimson Confidential
The No. 2 Texas Longhorns practiced Saturday in Southern California for the first time in preparation for Thursday's BCS national title game against the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl.

• Bama’s All-Decade Team – McElroy beats out Croyle for QB spot • Crimson Confidential
It’s the first weekend of 2010. Perfect time to check out Alabama’s All-Decade Team from 2000-2009, as voted on by Crimson Confidential subscribers. 

• IN FOCUS - Shon Carson • Crimson Confidential
Shon Carson (Lake City/Lake City, South Carolina) will be one of the top players in the region for...

• Longhorns set to switch to more mental prep • Crimson Confidential
LOS ANGELES -- The Texas Longhorns arrived in California Friday evening to begin preparation for Jan. 7th's national...

• Bama arrives in California, readies for more practices • Crimson Confidential   (Subscribers Only)
The Tide rolled into California Friday. Texas found its way to California, too. 

• Tide's confidence has continued to grow • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It was the last day of September when Nick Saban made the remark.

• Chase Goodbread: Good Tidings • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only
On the ground… On the ground…
Dateline... Newport Beach, Calif. The Tuscaloosa News staff (at least the first wave) has arrived in Hollywood. ... Swimmin' pools, movie stars. ... Click here for the first Good Tidings update from the national championship venue.

• Mike Herndon: Fulton commits to Bama • The Press Register
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- John Fulton of Manning, S.C., announced his commitment to Alabama on Saturday, during a break in the Under Armour All-America game. Fulton is competing for Team Nitro, which is leading the game 12-0 in the first quarter. Fulton (6-1, 180), who has been clocked with 4.43 speed, chose the Tide over Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and...

• Bam-Bam to Bama • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Manning, SC blue-chip cornerback John 'Bam-Bam' Fulton announced at the Under Armour All-American Classic this morning that he's headed to Alabama. 

• Johnavon Fulton commits • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Johnavon Fulton, Scout.com four-star cornerback from Manning, S.C., announced his decision Saturday in St. Petersburg at the Under Armour All-America game. Fulton chose to head out-of-state to play for the Crimson Tide. He joins the nation’s No. 1 cornerback, Demarcus Milliner, as future teammates in the Under Armour game who will enroll at Alabama next week. 

• Recruiting 2010:
CB John Fulton commits

• Under Armour All-American John Fulton to roll with the Tide • Crimson Confidential
Four-star cornerback John Fulton (Manning, S.C./Manning) has committed to Alabama over South Carolina.

• Tide lands Fulton  • BamaOnLine  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama landed their 24th commitment of the class of 2010 in a high profile setting Saturday afternoon when four-star cornerback John Fulton made his decision public on national television. 

• SEC Scores:
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Florida 51, Cincinnati 24

• Tide arrives with toned-down fanfare • The Huntsville Times
Bama fans kept at distance as Saban preaches focus 

• Gentry Estes: Saban at BCS championship arrival: 'It is a bowl trip, but it is a business trip' • The Press Register
Coach Nick Saban, accompanied by his wife, Terry, sat in the front seat of a first bus that read "Tradition" on the side. He quickly exited with players dressed semi-formally and carrying luggage behind him. "It is a bowl trip," Saban said, "but it is a business trip." 

• Alabama's Milliner springs into action • Montgomery Advertiser
It's been a busy week for Alabama freshman Demarcus Milliner. The former Stanhope Elmore standout is in Orlando, Fla., to play this morning in the Under Armour All-American Game.

• Title means more dollars for Tide • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — For weeks, Nick Saban has emphasized that Alabama’s next …

• Bama arrives in California • Dothan Eagle
On the bowl season’s traditionally busiest day, top-ranked Alabama arrived in California on Friday afternoon to kick off game week for the BCS National Championship Game.

• Brian Nelson: Conference Rankings: 2009-10 Bowl Performance To Date • Bleacher Report
Perhaps the most intriguing by-product of the one-of-a-kind BCS system is its over-emphasis on conference strength as a determining factor for valuating individual teams...

• 12 Days of Champions: 1965 • BamaOnLine
Coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant turned down an invitation for the Cotton Bowl to give the Crimson Tide a chance at the national title, which Alabama won.

• James Stone talks top four  • BamaOnLine  (Subscribers Only)
Nashville (Tenn.) Maplewood four-star offensive tackle James Stone has been among the top performers for the Blur team at the Under Armour All-America Game this week. In this premium update, Stone talks about his top four schools which includes Alabama. 

• Christopher Walsh: The focus factor • BamaOnLine
From the NCAA announcing penalties in the textbook scandal through the SEC Championship, Alabama's ability to keep its focus is why the Crimson Tide will play for the national title. 

• Bama Arrives in California • Bama Sports Report
2010 has begun, and the Alabama football team has arrived in southern California. A four hour plane ride from Birmingham to Santa Ana, California, and then a short bus ride to the Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area saw the Tide make its way to the team hotel.

• Bama in the NFL Week 17 Stats:
See how former players performed.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Pasadena Day 2

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The Line: Tony Barnhart The Line: Tony Barnhart
On the latest edition of The Line, Rachel speaks with college football writer, author and media personality Tony Barnhart.

• Saban Shares Credit For Success • 'BamaMag
There’s nothing Mickey Mouse about the BCS National Championship Game, but when in Southern California it’s hard to turn down a trip to Disneyland. ESPN Zone at Anaheim’s Disney park was host to the two head coaches for the game and players from both teams who went through the park before mingling for a teams party Saturday. 

• Carver duo decide on one game • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Both the Army and Under Armour All-American games reported they had these two...

• Women's Basketball:
Georgia 52, Alabama 44

• Three Divers Finish in Top 5 at Georgia Invitational • RollTide.com
Alabama put three divers in the finals on day one of the Georgia Diving Invitational being held in Athens, Ga. this week.

• Women's Basketball Falls to No. 8 Georgia, 52-44 • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's basketball team kept things close against No. 8 Georgia here in Coleman Coliseum Sunday afternoon, leading by as much as 11 points in the first half, but couldn't overcome a str... 

• Web Warehouse • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
1/3: Alabama arrives in California, should relate to 1980 USA hockey team 1/3: Alabama arrives in California, should relate to 1980 USA hockey team
Going to the National Championship is all business. It is an adventure full of focus, determination and Mickey Mouse. Yes, Mickey Mouse, although the Tide can learn a few pointers from not only the magical mouse, but the Miracle on Ice. The Tide have beaten the powerhouse Gators, yet there's still a game for the gold. 

• Jonathan Fravel: Into Thin Air: Alabama and Texas Still Climbing For National Title. • Bleacher Report
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas Longhorns have moved "into thin air." They are well beyond base camp and have bypassed all other climbers...

• UA's Smart bomb • BamaOnLine
The three consistencies of Alabama football the past two seasons are an undefeated regular season, the Tide landing the top recruiting class and Kirby Smart's defense.

• John Kelso: As far as rednecks go, Alabama may have UT beat • Statesman
Texas is playing the Crimson Tide in Pasadena this week for the national championship, and it's going to be a real booger trying to beat these goobers.

• Men's Basketball Travels to Toledo for Final Non-Conference Game • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama men's basketball team leaves friendly Tuscaloosa for its first true road game on the season on Monday evening at Toledo. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST at the Rockets'... 

• Dennis Pillion: VIDEO: Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, Tide defense speak • al.com
Alabama DC Kirby Smart and Tide players in Sunday's press conference

• Gentry Estes: Report: Texas receiver arrested on felony charges (back home, not in California) • The Press Register
Longhorns wide receiver Brandon Collins -- who did not make the BCS trip with the team -- faces felony charges, according to a published report

• Longhorns talk about Tide defense • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the most interesting aspects of Thursday's national championship game will be the clash of the high-scoring Texas offense against the stingy Alabama defense. Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis, quarterback Colt McCoy and center Chris Hall talk about the Tide defense.

• Bama players discuss BCS title game • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
This morning, Alabama defensive stars Rolando McClain, Cory Reamer and Lorenzo Washington met with the media to discuss the upcoming national championship game against Texas. 

• Chris Low: Smart plans to be back at Alabama • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Because Alabama coach Nick Saban doesn’t allow his assistant coaches to talk with the media during the season, we’d yet to hear from defensive coordinator Kirby Smart on whether he might be in play elsewhere next season.

• Crimson Tide not interested in 'Goliath' role • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Alabama coach Nick Saban has had several weeks now to diffuse what he’s termed the “David vs. Goliath” buildup to the Citi BCS National Championship Game. 

• Video: Bama, Texas handle time away • Crimson Confidential
ESPN's SEC blogger Chris Low and Big 12 blogger Tim Griffin talk about how Alabama and Texas have...

• Smart "content" as DC • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | As the Frank Broyles Award winner as the nation's top assistant coach, it is regarded as a foregone conclusion that Kirby Smart's time to be a head coach is drawing nearer. Even University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban has noted his defensive coordinator has more than enough of the ingredients needed for the demands of head coaching at the college level.

• Pasadena Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Pasadena … here we come Pasadena … here we come
So it's time to head west. I pick up video producer Sean Shore at his house in a few, and we'll meet Rachel at the airport to begin the journey. I've only been to LA once in my life. 

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Antonio Langham Part III Antonio Langham Part III
In the final chapter of the Antonio Langham interview, he talks about his up-and-down days in the NFL. 

• TideSportsExtra Features • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
5 Things: Texas offense 5 Things: Texas offense
We will be breaking down our 5 Things feature over the course of the next few weeks even further. Here are 5 Things to watch for in the Longhorn offense. 

• Gentry Estes: Tide could lose two junior defensive starters to the NFL • The Press Register
Linebacker Rolando McClain submitted his name for evaluation by the NFL's draft advisory board, joining cornerback Kareem Jackson as likely departures from Alabama's junior class.

• Gentry Estes: Kirby Smart on his role at UA: 'I'm looking forward to it next year' • The Press Register
Alabama's popular defensive coordinator indicates that he'd like to return to Tuscaloosa for another season on Nick Saban's coaching staff.

• Kent Faulk: Pasadena visitors bureau sets up hotline for Alabama versus Texas championship game • The Birmingham News
Hotline open through Thursday

• Bama in the NBA January 2nd Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Football Holds First Practice in California • RollTide.com
The No. 1 ranked Alabama football team held its first practice in California in full pads Saturday afternoon at the Costa Mesa High School Sports Complex. The team practiced for two hours under the... 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1925: South pulls together

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1926: Unexpected success

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1930: ‘The red elephants'

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1934: Western disrespect

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1941: WWII brought change

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1961: Led by the ‘Bear'

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1964: The year of Namath

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1965: Sloan takes the lead

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1973: Offensive dominance

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1978: No.1 against No.2

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1979: Bryant's final title

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1992: Miami caught off guard

• Tide settles in as it makes California home for a week • Tuscaloosa News
ANAHEIM, Calif. | Signs that the nation's No. 1 college football team was preparing for a national championship game were anything but apparent Saturday as the University of Alabama descended on Costa Mesa High School.

• Brown’s coaching philosophy nearly mirrors Nick Saban’s • Tuscaloosa News
ANAHEIM, Calif. | Imagine if Nick Saban had a folksy alter-ego, born and bred in the hills of rural Tennessee rather than the rugged mountains of West Virginia.

• Bama fans living in the Los Angeles area show their pride • Tuscaloosa News
PASADENA, Calif. | University of Alabama football fans who live in California are savoring the opportunity to watch the Crimson Tide play for the national championship in their own backyard on Thursday.

• Tide football's integration traces back to California • Tuscaloosa News
Paul W. “Bear” Bryant of Alabama and John McKay of Southern California were friends because they could be — two coaches who enjoyed a round of golf, a good joke and didn't have to worry about stepping on each other since they worked on opposite sides of the country.

• Tide begins SEC play against unbeaten 'Dogs • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Wendell Hudson's best holiday present arrived on Dec. 30, when his University of Alabama women's basketball team romped past Southern Mississippi.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama / Texas BCS Day 1

• Cecil Hurt: Alabama football comes full circle • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
It was in Los Angeles that the Crimson Tide, after a summer of secrecy, unveiled the wishbone offense and stunned a mighty Southern California team. It was here that an African-American (John Mitchell) suited up and played in a game for the University of Alabama for the first time. 

• Chase Goodbread: Good Tidings • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Saturday practice update Saturday practice update
NEWPORT BEACH - The latest from Alabama's first workout in California as the team prepares for the BCS title game.

• Mike Herndon: Phillip Sims, an Alabama commitment, leads team to all-star win • The Birmingham News
Their future teams will meet in less than a week to decide the BCS national title, but Phillip Sims and Mike Davis were teammates in Saturday's Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field, where they helped lead Team Nitro to a 32-7 win.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Alabama tries to end upsetting BCS championship trend • The Birmingham News
Why does the No. 1 team keep losing the title game?

• Gentry Estes: Alabama to play Finland for title? Maybe not, but if you follow Nick Saban's analogy, you might get the picture • The Press Register
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- With the coveted crystal football a few feet behind him, Nick Saban sat at Disneyland on Saturday and began speaking about another type of ice. The Alabama coach who loves to offer analogies for his team has settled on a bold one for BCS national title week: The 1980 U.S. hockey team's run to the gold...

• Gentry Estes: Alabama notebook: Alabama Crimson Tide players, coaches, family visit Disneyland • The Press Register
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Alabama held its first practice and then got to play a little Saturday night in Orange County. 

• Mike Herndon: Under Armour Notebook: Tide adds commitment from fourth-rated cornerback • The Birmingham News
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- One of the top cornerback prospects in the country, John Fulton of Manning, S.C., announced his commitment to Alabama on Saturday during a break in the Under Armour All-America game at Tropicana Field.

• Dennis Pillion: VIDEO: Is Nick Saban having fun? See his press conference at Downtown Disney • al.com
Nick Saban tackles questions from reporters in Downtown Disney, including whether he is "having fun" at events like this.

• Gentry Estes: Recapping day two of Alabama's BCS experience (with pictures) • The Press Register
A first practice in southern California and a trip to Disney Land marked an eventful Saturday as the Crimson Tide inches closer to the BCS national championship game.

• Jess Nicholas: BCSCG preview: One last step for Alabama to be back on top • TideFans.com
When the clock wound down on the 2007 Independence Bowl, a game Alabama won to put itself at 7-6 in Nick Saban’s first year at the Capstone, it’s a good bet that if you floated the idea of a national championship run two years later, only the most perennially optimistic fans would have thought it likely.

• BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, (1) ALABAMA VS. (2) TEXAS: Dreams come true for OL Davis • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The BCS national championship game is the biggest football contest these Alabama players have ever been a part of.

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama and Texas Practices

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Saban and team at Disneyland

• BAMA BANDWAGON: California, here we are! • Montgomery Advertiser
IRVINE, Calif. -- Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our final destination.

• Tide's passing game an underrated asset • Montgomery Advertiser
PASADENA, Calif. -- Greg McElroy is quick to point out the gaudy statistics of the Texas defense and praise his BCS national championship game opponent.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Saban keeps Tide motivated • Montgomery Advertiser
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Coaches from the two teams playing in the BCS national championship game traveled Saturday to Disneyland for an appearance at the ESPN Zone, a sports bar and restaurant located at the entrance to the theme park.

• Longhorns draw from 2006 BCS experience • Montgomery Advertiser
The BCS national championship game is not a new experience for the Texas football team.

• PREP FOOTBALL: Cornerback Fulton commits to Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama landed its 24th commitment of the recruiting class Saturday as four-star cornerback John Fulton chose Alabama over South Carolina, Georgia and Florida on national television during the Under Armour All-America game in St. Petersburg, Fla.

• The fun begins • Decatur Daily
ANAHEIM, Calif. — There was a pause, followed by a stare. Nick Saban’s legs came uncrossed … 

• Circus atmosphere arrives with teams • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The scene outside Disneyland’s ESPN Zone was the …

• Saban’s hire paying dividends • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Consider The University of Alabama one up on LSU. The Tigers brought Nick …

• Alabama fans know the stakes • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — After a steady stream of funny-sounding …

• Alabama arrives in California • Dothan Eagle
ANAHEIM, Calif. — After its best performance of the season, Alabama faces the tough task of following up the demolition of the Florida Gators when it plays Texas on Thursday night in the BCS National Championship Game.

• Larry Burton: Alabama Before the Big Game: Pregame Insight to the Tide • Bleacher Report
The mood for the trip to California was set in stone before the plane ever left Alabama. "Guys, this is a business trip," would have been the mantra. From the time the plane touched down, everything was scripted, planed and Sabanesque...

• Saban from California • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama team arrived in California on Friday for its national championship game against Texas. As his team began practices today, Tide head coach Nick Saban met with the media to discuss several topics.

• Mack Brown talks about Tide-Horns • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Texas head coach Mack Brown is certainly no stranger to the Rose Bowl. It was only four years ago that he led his Longhorns to a huge win over USC in the Rose Bowl. They won the National Championship in one of the most memorable games in college football history. The Longhorns have had an outstanding season. They are 13-0 and the Big-12 Champions.

• Alabama is a great fit for Fulton • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Over the past few years, Alabama has come close on several top South Carolina prospects, only to strike out at the end. Two years ago it was Charles Whitlock. Last year it was Stephon Gilmore. Alabama fans were worried that it might happen again. "I loved the thought of playing for my home state and playing close to home," says Manning, SC star cornerback John Fulton, "but I had to do what I had to do." 

• Lone Star matchup • BamaOnLine
After failing to register on the Texas Longhorns' radar, quarterback Greg McElroy landed at Alabama, where has yet to lose a game heading into the the national championship.

• Notebook: Saban pleased how Tide reached title game • BamaOnLine
Coach Nick Saban met with reporters while his players checked out Disneyland on Saturday. The topics ranged from the Miracle on Ice to whether or not he was having fun. 

• 12 Days of Champions: 1973 • BamaOnLine
Alabama finished No. 1 in the final coaches' poll, which after the Crimson Tide lost to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl announced that it would hold its final voting after the bowls. 

• IN FOCUS - Under Armour Game • Crimson Confidential   (Subscribers Only)
To say that Alabama's commitments made an impact in yesterday's Under Armour Game would be an understatement. 

• Tide, Horns enter the BCS fun house • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- On their first full day in Southern California, No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas worked hard early in the day and then broke away to have fun. Each team spent a few hours at Disneyland, enjoying the rides and the game room in the ESPN Zone. 

• Video: Bama in California day one • Crimson Confidential
Check out the video highlights of Alabama's first California practice, its visit to Disneyland, interviews with Alabama coach...

• Practice Report: Intensity high as Tide begins California practices • Crimson Confidential
Alabama’s ‘business trip’ officially got under way Saturday afternoon. 

• Practice Report: National Championship Game Practice Number 11 • Bama Sports Report
The Alabama football team held its first practice in the state of California on Saturday. Don't let the calendar fool you... for the team this was a Monday practice. Though, for the first time all season, Bama practiced in pads during the first practice of the week. The practice held at Costa Mesa High School and Orange County College was the first of five practices that Bama will have leading up to Thursday's BCS Championship Game against Texas.

• Men's Basketball:
Alabama 67, Toledo 50

• Football Practices for Third Time In California • RollTide.com
The No. 1-ranked Alabama football team continued preparations for No. 2 Texas in shells on Monday afternoon at the Costa Mesa High School Sports Complex. The Crimson Tide practiced for two hours in...

• Tahesia Harrigan Named British Virgin Island Female Athlete of the Year • RollTide.com
Tahesia Harrigan, a former track and field student-athlete at the University of Alabama, was named the British Virgin Island Female Athlete of the Year award on Saturday, Jan. 2. 

• Ingram inspires from Flint to Tuscaloosa • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Mark Ingram plays for Alabama — and so much more.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama Practice: Session 1

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama Practice: Session 2

• Cecil Hurt Blog and Columns • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Jan. 4 Cecil Hurt Show from Cali Jan. 4 Cecil Hurt Show from Cali
From the Newport Beach Marriott, Cecil and Rachel discuss the happenings of the final Monday before the National Championship.

• Chase Goodbread: Good Tidings • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Monday practice update Monday practice update
Click here for a roundup of the day's events in Costa Mesa, including highlights of interviews with Jim McElwain and players, as well as video from the practice site.

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Interview with ESPN senior writer Ivan Maisel Interview with ESPN senior writer Ivan Maisel
Rachel catches up with ESPN senior writer Ivan Maisel outside of the media hotel in Newport Beach, California. 

• Pasadena Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The Predator rules The Predator rules
Julio Jones is ... simply put ... the man. It was displayed early on in today's press conference with Julio, quarterback Greg McElroy, and offensive coordinator Jim McElwain.

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
TSE Roundtable: On location TSE Roundtable: On location
Chase Goodbread, Tommy Deas, and Aaron Suttles discuss the futures of McElwain and Smart, among other items, on location from California

• Web Warehouse • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
1/4: 10 reasons Alabama will win 1/4: 10 reasons Alabama will win
How many reasons do people need to believe? Unlimited. There is no way to prove a point before the damage is done, but here are Ten reasons Alabama will beat Texas.. 

• Coming Tuesday: Paul Finebaum on Alabama's return to the top • The Press Register
Alabama and the BCS: A one-time thing, or sign of things to come?

• Dennis Pillion: BCS Championship video: Alabama's Monday practice • al.com
Video from the Crimson Tide's third practice leading up to the BCS National Championship Game.

• Gentry Estes: BCS practice report: Two Tide tailbacks withheld from contact • The Press Register
Roy Upchurch and Terry Grant wore black, no-contact jerseys as Alabama ended practice today in Costa Mesa.

• Dennis Pillion: Videos: Meet Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns • al.com
Video interviews with Longhorn coaches and players, including Mack Brown, Will Muschamp, Colt McCoy and more.

• Jim McElwain on the record • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Given that Nick Saban is the voice of Alabama football, Tide assistants rarely get a chance to speak to the media. Tide offensive coordinator Jim McElwain got his chance today. 

• Almost a family affair • BamaOnLine
When Alabama faces Texas for the national championship two of Nick Saban's coaching prodigies will run the defenses, good friends Kirby Smart and Will Muschamp

• Notebook: Heisman winner Ingram meets the media • BamaOnLine
Mark Ingram talks about how his life has changed since winning the Heisman Trophy, Julio Jones reveals the extent of his knee injury and Jim McElwain comments on his future

• White shines at Army A-A practice • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Day one of the Army All-American Bowl practice is in the books, and several Tide commits and targets shined on Monday - led by five-star athlete Keenan Allen. 

• NOTEBOOK: Decline in yards doesn't worry Jones • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | Julio Jones has known what it feels like to be squarely in the center of some of the University of Alabama's biggest moments of the season.

• McElwain talks job prospects • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | University of Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, who has been the subject of various media reports as a candidate for open head coaching jobs, suggested he has not been contacted.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1/4 Press Conference: Alabama Part I
Offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, quarterback Greg McElroy, and wide receiver Julio Jones speak to the press on Monday, January 4.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1/4 Press Conference: Alabama Part II

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1/4 Press Conference: Alabama Part III 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1/4 Press Conference: Alabama Part I V

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1/4 Press Conference: Alabama Part V

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Pasadena Day 3

• Jon Solomon: Will Texas be committed to the run vs. Tide? • The Birmingham News
Longhorns need more balance

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Paging Will Muschamp: Peek says Tide offense didn't reach its peak against Florida • The Birmingham News
Tight end reminds the world that Alabama does more than play defense.

• Don Kausler, Jr.: Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner nimbly meets the press • The Birmingham News
Tide running back Mark Ingram talks comfortably about how his life has changed since Dec. 12.

• Gentry Estes: Who exactly is Alabama's No. 2 quarterback? • The Press Register
Said UA offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jim McElwain: 'I hope we don't ever have to worry about' choosing between Star Jackson and AJ McCarron.

• Doug Segrest: Computer simulation picks Bama to defeat Texas • The Birmingham News
The computer simulation sees a defensive struggle, with turnovers the key.

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Jim McElwain on job prospects: 'I guess I must have an unlisted number' • The Press Register
Alabama's offensive coordinator is waiting for "the right thing" to come along before leaving the Crimson Tide's staff.

• Dennis Pillion: Video: The Crimson Tide offense meets the media • al.com
Press conference with UA offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, along with Greg McElroy, Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, Mike Johnson, and Colin Peek.

• Mike Kittrell: Photo gallery: Gene Stallings speaks at Christian breakfast in Mobile • The Press Register
MOBILE, Ala. -- Former University of Alabama football coach Gene Stallings was the featured speaker at the Cellular South Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast this morning in Mobile.

• Dr. Crimson: Bama vs. Texas....Prediction Time • al.com
For the better part of the last month, I, like most of you, have thought about what will happen this coming Thursday evening. After the SECC game, it's hard not to be confident that Bama will take this one. Some have even said the win will be an easy one. The biggest fear I have in this game is...

• BCS National Championship: History Heavily Favors Texas over Alabama • Bleacher Report
They say history doesn't wear a helmet. Actually, I've never heard anyone say that. So hopefully, I just coined a phrase. But if history could buckle up a chin strap, it would be an All-American and play for Texas in Thursday's BCS National Championship

• Texas OL not worried about running game • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Since its performance against Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship game, the Texas offensive line has received a lot of criticism. But the Longhorns didn't get the BCS championship game with a weak offensive line. They got there with talented players like left tackle Adam Ulatoski, a 6-6, 310-pound fifth-year senior who has played in 49 games during his Texas career.

• Cody, McClain make each other's job easier • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"When I first saw him, we were at practice," McClain says of Terrence Cody, "I just saw a big guy with a very big jersey on. Coach Smart came up to me and he was like, 'Do you want to be an NFL linebacker? You'd better go talk to that guy.'" 

• Mark Ingram Has Eyes On Texas • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
On Monday, Alabama Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram met with media covering the BCS National Championship Game. He was asked a lot about the Heisman Trophy and some about Bama’s upcoming game. In Part I of his interview, Ingram discusses the upcoming game.

• C.J. Mosley ready to announce • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Four-star linebacker talks about decision.

• USAAAB Game Practice Blog • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Live Updates from U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game Practice

• Hubbard had impressive week • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Former basketball star is putting it all together on the gridiron…

• 12 Days of Champions: 1978 • BamaOnLine
Alabama's victory against Penn State in the Sugar Bowl led to a controversial national championship when the coaches' poll had Southern California at No. 1.

• Video: Bama in Pasadena day two • Crimson Confidential
Alabama had its second California practice Sunday. Check out the video highlights plus interviews with head coach Nick Saban, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, linebacker Rolando McClain and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.

• Chris Low: Comedy Hour in Pasadena with Mount Cody • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Terrence Cody is the biggest guy on Alabama’s team, but he’s also the funniest. 

• Bama in the NFL Week 17 Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Bama in the NBA January 3rd Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Football Continues Preparations for Texas in California • RollTide.com
The No. 1-ranked Alabama football team continued preparations for No. 2 Texas in full pads Sunday afternoon at the Costa Mesa High School Sports Complex. The Crimson Tide practiced for two hours un... 

• Welcome to Camp Saban • Tuscaloosa News
COSTA MESA, Calif. | Practicing under the cloak of secrecy isn't too difficult at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields, where the University of Alabama football team is completely encircled by a covered fence for most of its workouts. That secrecy is even easier to come by in the team's indoor practice facility on the UA campus in Tuscaloosa.

• Texas could limit Cody's impact • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | Among the dozen or so coaches and players from the University of Alabama and Texas made available to media Sunday, there wasn’t a doubter among them about Terrence Cody’s value to the Crimson Tide defense.

• McCoy sees opportunity to make some big plays • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | Colt McCoy plays the percentages, and plays them well. 

• Tide fans make new traditions to keep UA football on a win streak • Tuscaloosa News
While Alabama game days are revered by Alabama fans the world over, the traditions associated with Alabama football aren’t all the same.

• NOTEBOOK: Head coaching bug hasn’t bitten Smart just yet • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | As the Frank Broyles Award winner as the nation’s top assistant coach, it is regarded as a foregone conclusion Kirby Smart’s time to be a head coach is drawing nearer. Even University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban has noted his defensive coordinator has more than enough of the ingredients needed for the demands of head coaching at the college level.

• Tide hits road before SEC action starts • Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa | The University of Alabama men’s basketball team leaves friendly Tuscaloosa for its first true road game on the season this evening at Toledo. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Rockets’ Savage Arena.

• Tide shooting goes cold in second half • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | If the unbeaten Georgia women’s basketball team needed a test, Alabama provided it, at least for a half.

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting chat transcript • Tuscaloosa News
BamaRidah: Is P. Sims still planning on enrolling in Jan? Who else? 

• Cecil Hurt: Texas’ offense hinges on the running game • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Colt McCoy has a three-part formula for success for his University of Texas offense in Thursday night’s BCS Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide — but it really comes down to one thing.

• Chase Goodbread: Good Tidings • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Sunday practice update Sunday practice update
A few things of note from the interviews and practice viewing on Sunday as the Crimson Tide continues to prepare in Costa Mesa for the BCS title game. 

• Pasadena Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
OK … we’re here. Now what? OK … we’re here. Now what?
Boy, that is one long journey from Birmingham to Los Angeles, but picking up the two hours is a welcome additive. Here's a funny tidbit from the plane.

• Andrew Bone Recruiting Report • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Bone’s Recruiting Nuggets: Bone’s Recruiting Nuggets:
The University of Alabama is enjoying the New Year, but it can become a lot sweeter this week. The Tide landed a big commitment during the weekend, a national champiship is within their grasp, and another commitment is possibly on the horizon. 

• Ray Melick: BCS Championship Game: No fun allowed • The Birmingham News
Fun? Where does it say anybody playing in the BCS Championship Game is supposed to have fun?

• Mark McCarter: It's always anamusing ride at 6-5, 354 pounds • The Huntsville Times
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - It's bad enough at the amusement parks. Like Disneyland, where Alabama's football team took a brief visit on Saturday. 

• ONTHERISE • The Huntsville Times
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain remembers the first time he saw Terrence Cody. It was when the big junior-college nose tackle visited practice in Tuscaloosa.

• Washington has seen it all • The Huntsville Times
Defensive end has experienced highs, lows of program 

• Gentry Estes: Alabama Crimson Tide playing Smart defense under enthusiastic coordinator • The Press Register
Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain remembers the first time he saw Terrence Cody. It was when the big junior-college nose tackle visited practice in Tuscaloosa.

• Gentry Estes: Photo gallery: Day 3 at the BCS national championship game • The Press Register
Check out scenes from Alabama's third day in Southern California, which included press conferences, practices and a lot of beef.

• Tommy Hicks: SEC hasn't lost its swagger • The Press Register
The SEC hasn't made the kind of impression it had hoped -- or many expected -- in this year's bowl season. A 5-4 record with one very big game to go is not the glowing, we-are-the-champions signal the league wanted to deliver in the postseason. 

• Gentry Estes: BCS news and notes: 'It's starting to kick in with everybody now. We're getting close' • The Press Register
As Alabama continued preparations for the BCS national title game, assistant coach Kirby Smart revealed that Nick Saban likes to carry a 'hooligan' on the golf course.

• Dennis Pillion:  Video: Nick Saban, players after Alabama football practice • al.com
The Crimson Tide football team worked out for the second time since arriving in California, and Alabama head coach Nick Saban, offensive lineman Barrett Jones, kicker Leigh Tiffin and linebacker Eryk Anders took questions from the media after practice was over. Jones hasn't gotten to speak to the media much this year, being only a redshirt freshman, but is...

• UA players don't dwell on past losses to Texas • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Alabama has never had any luck with Texas.

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama players treated to prime rib dinner

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama and Texas Sunday press conferences

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama and Texas Sunday practices

• Tide legend stops and smells the roses • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Alabama opened this past decade ranked No. 3 in the nation and faced UCLA in the 2000 season opener at Rose Bowl Stadium.

• BAMA BANDWAGON: Tide needs some swagger • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The Bandwagon has run into a small problem, folks.

• Tide's Mount Cody is center of attention • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- It's like one of those late-night movies you used to see on television, Greg Davis is thinking. Maybe like Godzilla vs. Megalon.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart speaks • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, addressing the Alabama media for the first time since the start of the 2009 season, said he expected Texas to attack the top-ranked Alabama defense through the air in Thursday's BCS national championship game.

• McCoy-Shipley connection goes deeper than football • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Through 13 games, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy has thrown 330 completions to at least 11 different receivers.

• TEXAS NOTEBOOK: Longhorns' Hall impressed with TCU • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- One of the friendliest, most talkative players on the Texas roster is center Chris Hall. He spent the better part of an hour Sunday morning meeting with reporters, never allowed his smile to slip off his face and found more than a few things laugh-out-loud funny.

• COLLEGE BASKETBALL: No. 9 Georgia women top Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Georgia needed a strong second half to tie a decade-old school record.

• Blocking Bama • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Rolando McClain’s answer didn’t require hearing the full question. Nope, those nine sacks yielded to Nebraska in the Big 10 Championship Game didn’t influence …

• Shipley comes up roses for Texas • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Pasadena a familiar site for Longhorns WR 

• McClain prefers a good film • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Rolando McClain considers himself a film buff. A nice evening for the Alabama linebacker includes popping in a DVD in his video player, sitting on the couch with his …

• Postcard From California • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Daily sports writer Michael Casagrande is in Newport Beach, Calif., to cover Thursday’s BCS National Championship between Alabama and Texas. And he’s still not sick of the palm trees. For a … more 

• BCS National Championship Game Notebook • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., — A day after coach Nick Saban was hit with the “Are you having fun?” question in his arrival news conference, the topic came up a few times … 

• Alabama players practicing in sunny California • Dothan Eagle
Driving back from Alabama’s football practice Tuesday we were second in line at a five-lane traffic light. From left the right, the cars in front of us were Mercedes, Mercedes, Mercedes, Vibe and Jaguar.

• Tide’s Rolando McClain keeps focus on big prize • Dothan Eagle
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Kirby Smart is personable, outgoing, intelligent, funny and a pretty fine football coach.

• Ken Rogers: Leading Tide defense the ‘Smart’ way • Dothan Eagle
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Kirby Smart is personable, outgoing, intelligent, funny and a pretty fine football coach.

• BCS Notebook: Saban likes intensity at practice • Dothan Eagle
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Game day is getting closer and the players can sense it.

• Tony Barnhart: SEC’s “okay” season could end in another national title • AJC
Hope everybody had a Happy New Year. We’re heading towards the home stretch in the bowl season with the BCS championship game set for Thursday night. So what have we learned?

• Larry Burton: Alabama's a Machine With Interchangable Parts, but What About Next Year? • Bleacher Report
On the eve of this, the biggest game in Alabama's recent history, it's a good time to both look back at the team's hopes and fears coming into this season as well as to look ahead to next year's team...

• Thanks to Nick Saban, Jan. 4 Is a "Bamaholiday" • Bleacher Report
Where were you on Jan. 4, 2007?

• Baby Tate: College Football: The 11 Best Best 11s, January Edition • Bleacher Report
Numerous Alabama and Texas fans have experienced anticipating a big showdown between their titantic programs.

• Virginia junior on UA's radar • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Tide coaches went into the state of Virginia last fall and nabbed the nation's top 2010 quarterback prospect, Phillip Sims of Oscar Smith HS in Chesapeake. They are expected to be back in Virginia this year. One player there they'll keep an eye on is Dominique Terrell, an exciting 5-10, 165-pounder from Osbourn Park HS in Manassas.

• Cody talks about his career • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Two years ago when Terrence Cody signed with Alabama out of Gulf Coast Community College, he weighed almost 400 pounds. Many wondered if he'd ever contribute at Alabama. But he dropped 40 pounds and has had a stellar career. His was twice named All-SEC and twice named first team All-American. This season he helped Alabama win the SEC championship. In his final game on Thursday, Cody hopes to help the Tide claim its first national championship since 1992. 

• C.J. Mosley ready to announce • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
C.J. Mosley, Scout.com four-star outside linebacker from Theodore, Ala., is the highest rated uncommitted player in the state of Alabama. He will participate this week in the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio, Texas and will announce his college destination at the game as well. The list is trimmed to Alabama, Auburn, Stanford and Tennessee. 

• Smart Gets His Due As Tide DC • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Bama’s secondary coach met challenge of new duties this year

• U.S. Army Bowl Story Index • 'BamaMag
Stay tuned to Scout.com for previews and updates from the U.S. Army All-American Bowl...

• Saban Pleased With Practice Work • 'BamaMag
Crimson Tide has second workout in California prior to BCS title game

• A National Championship Random Stuff • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
.....now with a poll! 

• Notebook: Cody living large in L.A. • BamaOnLine
Although playing for Alabama cost Terrence Cody a chance at posting better individual statistics, his disruptive nature in the middle as been a defensive key.

• Hoops Preview: Alabama vs. Toledo  • BamaOnLine  (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide close out their non-conference slate with a road trip to Toledo to face the struggling Rockets. Get our full game preview inside. 

• Adrian Hubbard talks commitment, Under Armour Game • Crimson Confidential   (Subscribers Only)
ESPN 150 member Adrian Hubbard has been one of the more pleasant surprises in Alabama recruiting for the 2010 class. Hubbard, a 6 foot 7, 227 pound defensive end had a tremendous week of practice and an even bigger performance in the Under Armour Game. He capped off the week making the finals of the defensive line skills challenge and earning a starting position for Team Nitro. 

• Practice Report: Tide shows good spirit in second California workout • Crimson Confidential   (Subscribers Only)
Alabama was back on the practice field Sunday, working out for two hours in full pads at the Costa Mesa High School Sports Complex. 

• Practice Report: National Championship Game Practice Number 12 • Bama Sports Report
The Alabama football team practiced on Sunday for the twelfth time in preparation for the Texas Longhorns and the BCS National Championship Game. The full pads practice was once again held at Orange County College and Costa Mesa High School.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Pasadena Day 4

• Jon Solomon: Revisiting Alabama and Texas recruiting rankings • The Birmingham News
Championship game starters once were known mainly by stars

• Josh Bean: Pensacola/Mobile ABC affiliate has no plans to interrupt Alabama game for weather reports • The Press Register
MOBILE, Ala. -- Jittery Alabama fans concerned that officials at the local ABC affiliate might prefer updates about wintery weather instead of Thursday's BCS National Championship Game can rest easy. The game is the programming priority.

• Joel Barker: Alabama, SEC Fans: Enjoy This Championship Like It's Your Last • Bleacher Report
Many SEC diehards have pointed to the conference’s stellar three-straight national titles as proof of dominance. The SEC has also had bowl dominance over weaker conferences, better athletes, and better coaches to brag about for some time now...

• CC Recruiting Roundup - January 5th, 2010 • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
Which Alabama targets picked up new offers yesterday? Could Alabama have a new commitment as early as the weekend? Who has already decided to take a bid to play in the Under Armour Game for 2011?

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Texas kicker Hunter Lawrence
Aaron Suttles speaks with Texas kicker Hunter Lawrence on his Facebook friends, thoughts on Alabama, and kicking the game-winning field goal against Nebraska in the Big 12 championship.

• Media Day doesn’t disappoint • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Click here for a quick roundup of a few things that came out of BCS Media Day. The TSE staff was out in force to mop up as many interviews as possible. Good Tidings checks in with a few as well. 

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Interview: Dont’a Hightower Interview: Dont’a Hightower
Rachel speaks with the linebacker on his injury status, how he feels about the coaching role, and his thoughts on coming back next season. 

• Mike Herndon: Recruit video: Tide commitment John Fulton loves 'everything about Alabama' • The Press Register
ORLANDO, Fla. -- In this video shot following the Under Armour All-America game last week in St. Petersburg, Fla., cornerback John Fulton of Manning, S.C., talks about his decision to commit to the University of Alabama and about playing in the high school all-star game. "I love Alabama. I love everything about Alabama," Sims said. Sims said South Carolina...

• Don Kausler Jr.: Freshman quarterback McCarron says he's ready if Tide needs him Thursday • The Birmingham News
He's willing to give up a season of eligibility to play part of one game? "Definitely," he says.

• Tiger Histalmos: Alabama vs. Texas: Auburn's James Willis Big Part in National Title Run • Bleacher Report 
I'll admit, part of me wishes nothing but the best for the kids who will play against the Longhorns this Thursday. The fact that it is Auburn's hated arch-rival almost makes me queasy just thinking about it.

• Notebook: Harris staying, Darrah going, Jackson could follow • BamaOnLine
Jerrell Harris isn't going anywhere, Thomas Darrah is off to Jacksonville State and Star Jackson didn't deny transfer rumors as Alabama endured Media Day on Tuesday. 

• Richardson lauds Tide coaches for Pasadena preparation • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Sounds like if Trent Richardson were handing out grades to his coaches for their ability to prepare Alabama for the BCS National Championship Game, running backs coach Burton Burns and head coach Nick Saban would both get A-pluses.

• Confident Johnson eager to match up with Texas offense • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – You don’t have to hang around Marquis Johnson long to know he’s a defensive back.

• Glenn Turner: Texas: Game By Game • Bama Sports Report
How good is Texas? Here’s my $.02: they showed some strong stuff during a five-game mid-season streak, and that team is the one Alabama had better be prepared for. But really: are they that team, or are they the team that didn’t look so great at times early and late in the season?

• Jackson not checking draft status until after game • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | The envelope, please.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
ALABAMA SCRAPBOOK: Julio Jones

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Major Applewhite talks about his appreciation of Alabama football during the Texas Media Day.

• January 5 Cecil Hurt Show January 5 Cecil Hurt Show • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
From the Newport Beach Marriott, we check in with Cecil Hurt on Tuesday following the Alabama-Texas Media Day frenzy.

• TideSportsExtra Features • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Alabama in Pasadena Alabama in Pasadena
Take a look back at how the Crimson Tide has fared in the confines of the Rose Bowl. Thursday will mark the 8th time Alabama has played in the historic stadium.

• Tom Gordon: Alabama Gov. Riley proclaims Wednesday as "Mark Ingram Day" • The Birmingham News
Riley calls Crimson Tide's Heisman-winning running back an "exceptional individual

• Mike Herndon: Recruit video: Tide commitment Phillip Sims loves 'everything about Alabama' • The Press Register
ORLANDO, Fla. -- In this video shot following the Under Armour All-America game last week in St. Petersburg, Fla., quarterback Phillip Sims of Chesapeake, Va., talks about his decision to commit to the University of Alabama and about playing in the high school all-star game. "I love Alabama. I love everything about Alabama," Sims said. Sims said South Carolina..

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Kareem Jackson on NFL: 'Hopefully, I'll make the right decision and won't look back' • The Press Register
Alabama's junior cornerback says he hasn't even looked as his feedback from the NFL's draft advisory committee while preparing for the BCS national title game.

• Chris Pow: Video: Nick Saban at BCS National Championship Media Day • al.com
Alabama head coach takes questions from the press

• Don Kausler Jr.: Sunseri on FSU job: 'I never heard or did anything about it' • The Birmingham News
First-year Alabama outside linebacker coach wants to be a head coach, but not just anywhere.

• Jon Solomon: Texas news on the Web • The Birmingham News
Links to articles about the Longhorns

• Don Kausler Jr.: 'Coach, tell me what I'm supposed to do at the Rose Bowl' • The Birmingham News
Before his first game at the historic Pasadena, Calif., stadium a few years ago, Texas coach reached out to former Southern Cal coach John Robinson for advice.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Because Longhorns, Brown have been there, done that, they badly want to do it again • The Birmingham News
Coach has been told by Bowden, Paterno how winning a second national championship is harder than winning a first.

• Why The BCS Will Never Change To The Much Wanted Playoff Format • Bleacher Report
Wouldn't it be nice to see an 8, 12, or 16 game playoff in college football? Wouldn't it be nice for the bracket to look like this?

• Chris Low: Don't look for Alabama to beat itself • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp says Alabama is probably the most balanced offense the Longhorns have faced this season. 

• Mark Kriegel: Ingram carries load for 'Bama despite dad's problems • FOX Sports
Sometime this week, as he prepares to play in the national championship game, Mark Ingram will receive a call from his father. One imagines the words that pass between them as almost typical. There will be an expression of paternal pride, wishes for good luck and good health.

• Bill Plaschke: Heisman is in good hands with Alabama's Mark Ingram • Los Angeles Times
Even in the eyes of one who thought Stanford's Toby Gerhart should have won the famed trophy, Ingram has shown, with his humility, sincerity and (oh, yes) his talent, that he's deserving.

• Women's Basketball Faces First SEC Road Test at Mississippi • RollTide.com
The women's basketball team (8-6, 0-1 SEC) returns to the hardwood Wednesday when it takes on Mississippi (9-5, 0-1) in Oxford at the Tad Smith Coliseum. The Crimson Tide will be in search of its f... 

• Johnson says cast not a problem • Tuscaloosa News
Cornerback Marquis Johnson thinks he knows what's coming. Even when healthy, he's been targeted before by opposing offenses - at least, in his opinion. But now with a cast on his left hand after breaking his thumb in Alabama's final practice before the Christmas break, the Sarasota, Fla., native expects even more balls from Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy to come his way.

• Upchurch in black jersey, McClain has stomach bug • Tuscaloosa News
PASADENA, Calif. | Alabama running back Roy Upchurch was in a black jersey at the end of Monday's practice, signifying non-contact status, but the senior said he is not injured and will play against Texas in Thursday's BCS title game.

• AJ McCarron Interview • Tuscaloosa News
TideSports speaks with AJ McCarron at Alabama Media Day. For more exclusive interviews, including a one-on-one with Trent Richardson, join TideSportsExtra.com today.

• Cecil Hurt: BCS title game doesn’t need added excitement • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
It fuels Los Angeles, even more than the billions of gallons of gasoline that the traffic must require. It is the lifeblood of the town, and the machine that pumps it into the celluloid blood veins of this town is always pumping.

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Interview: Star Jackson Interview: Star Jackson
Rachel speaks with redshirt freshman Star Jackson during Alabama's Media Day at the Newport Beach Marriott. More interviews to come throughout the week.

• Pasadena Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Trent Richardson = Big Dude Trent Richardson = Big Dude
The cameras and microphones were constantly in the freshman running back's face, so I made a few loops and finally found the time to strike. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Because Longhorns, Brown have been there, done that, they badly want to do it again • The Birmingham News
Coach has been told by Bowden, Paterno how winning a second national championship is harder than winning a first.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Hey, Auburn, don't hate James Willis because he was right • The Birmingham News
Former Auburn player, coach changed where he works, not who he is.

• Gentry Estes: UA's Marquis Johnson and Roy Upchurch say they're good to go for BCS title game • The Press Register
DB Johnson will play with a cast on his left hand to protect a fractured thumb, while RB Upchurch has been limited in practice with headaches.

• Jeff Amy: Frigid temperatures delay Mobile flights today;... • al.com
... chartered flight for Alabama football fans could be delayed Wednesday
MOBILE, Ala. -- De-icing crews at Mobile Regional Airport were caught unprepared this morning by frost and frigid temperatures.

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Rolando McClain misses BCS media day with a stomach bug • The Press Register
Tide's leading tackler was ill this morning with a stomach virus but is expected to be fine for the BCS title game.

• VIDEO: Charles Barkley predicts Texas will beat Alabama 'by a field goal' • The Press Register
MOBILE, Ala. -- Texas will beat Alabama to win the national championship, predicted former Auburn and NBA basketball star Charles Barkley in Mobile this morning. Barkley made the prediction while speaking with reporters at the GMAC Bowl Mayor's Luncheon, where he was the speaker. "I think Texas is going to win the game by a field goal," Barkley said....

• Sens. Richard Shelby, Kay Bailey Hutchison, place wager on Alabama vs. Texas • al.com
Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, wagered a whole smoked turkey from Bates Turkey Farm in Fort Deposit. Hutchison, R-Texas, wagered a whole Greenberg smoked turkey from Tyler, Texas.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Jerrell Harris says he's not leaving Alabama • The Birmingham News
Alabama linebacker tries to put rumors of his impending transfer to rest.

• 1992 Secondary Was Good As It Gets • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The secondary is considered the last line of defense. Alabama’s defensive backs, Chris Donnelly, George Teague, Sam Shade and Antonio Langham were rarely challenged during the 1992 championship season. No opponent topped the 300-yard net passing mark against the stingy quartet of defenders known for their aggressive and smart play. 

• USAAAB Game Practice Blog - Day 2 • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Live Updates from U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game Practice

• LA Ain’t Ready Fer Us • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Y’all feel me?

• VIDEO: BCS Championship Game Media Day • BamaOnLine
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Tuesday was Media Day for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Check inside as BOL visits with Marquis Johnson, Dont'a Hightower and Scott Cochran ... among others!

• Ivan Maisel: Saban, Crimson Tide good for each other • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- No one handed out 3-D glasses. There was no blue skin, no avatar at all. But one look revealed a warrior in an alien world.

• Ivan Maisel: McElroy weathers his perfect storm • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- There are guys who want to win. There are guys who want to win because it hurts too much to lose. And there are guys like Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy. 

• Two Tide players treated for illness • ESPN
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Alabama's All-American linebacker Rolando McClain and backup defensive back Rod Woodson missed media day for the Citi BCS National Championship Game on Tuesday morning because of a stomach virus.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Julio Jones hard to beat with two good knees • The Birmingham News
Sophomore wide receiver says he didn't feel health until the Oct. 17 South Carolina game, and despite being held without a catch in that victory, he has been productive ever since.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Ingram will be a marked man against Longhorns' top-ranked rushing defense • The Birmingham News
Heisman Trophy winner at his best against the best defenses, but is Texas' defense as good as statistics make it appear?

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Saban preaches finish, but too many awards won't wait till the season ends • The Birmingham News
If Alabama wins, he's coach of the year, the decade and the new millennium.

• Monday Recaps • SEC Sports
Four Teams In Action On Monday, With Out Of Conference Games Highlighting The Schedule. 

• Bama, Texas match forks in Beef Bowl • Dothan Eagle
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Top-ranked Alabama and second-ranked Texas will have to settle the battle for who’s No. 1 on the field Thursday night.

• Ken Rogers: McElwain prepares for Texas ‘D’ • Dothan Eagle
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain makes one more press appearance each year than Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog.

• Keenan Allen Senior Highlights • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Tide five-star commit Keenan Allen presents a unique dilemma at the next level - do you utilize his skills on offense at receiver or defense at safety? Decided for yourself after viewing these senior highlights

• 12 Days of Champions: 1979 • BamaOnLine
After feeling it have been slighted in both the 1977 and 1978 final polls, Alabama left no doubt that it was the national champion in 1979 by finishing a perfect 12-0. 

• Diving Trio Finals at Georgia Invitational • RollTide.com
Senior Elizabeth Hughes, sophomore Carrie Dragland and junior Adam Booher finaled at the Georgia Diving Invitational in Athens, Ga.

• Men's Basketball Wins at Toledo, 67-50 • RollTide.com
In its first game on an opponent's home court this season, the Alabama men's basketball team defeated Toledo 67-50 Monday night at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. 

• Texas and Alabama have similar defensive roots • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | What does Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator of the Texas Longhorns, have cooked up for the University of Alabama for Thursday’s BCS National Championship Game?

• Tide needs to break trend of not scoring on opening drives against Longhorns • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | With the University of Alabama established as a four-point favorite to beat Texas in the BCS National Championship Game, it may not surprise many if the Crimson Tide takes its opening drive for a score against the Longhorns in Pasadena on Thursday.

• With stats down, Jones stills does his part • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | Julio Jones has known what it feels like to be squarely in the center of some of the University of Alabama’s biggest moments of the season.

• Tide uses second half to pull away from Toledo • Tuscaloosa News
TOLEDO, Ohio | Justin Knox had never been to Ohio before Monday night’s 67-50 win over Toledo, and even after matching his career high with 14 points he was still in a hurry to head back to Alabama.

• Bar set high for an experienced Crimson Tide gymnastics team • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | As the University of Alabama gymnastics team was struggling through the middle of the 2009 season, two things became clear.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: McElwain's a head coach in waiting, but where? • The Birmingham News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.

• Gentry Estes: McElwain, Applewhite both shaped Tide's offense • The Press Register
If Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has his way, he'll be in one of his grooves Thursday night. You've seen it before. He'll be dinking and dunking to running backs and tight ends, completing strings of short passes at a time, all in the hopes of eventually lulling a defense to sleep before hitting the big one to a...

• Paul Finebaum: Alabama is back on top -- and actually seems to belong there • The Press Register
Unlike the other high moments in recent years, this championship has a different feel. This time, Alabama seems to really belong here.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama notebook: Julio Jones played with injury • The Press Register
Alabama receiver Julio Jones, a former Foley High standout, revealed Monday that a right knee injury sustained in the season's second game hampered him for the first half of the season. "It limited me a lot," Jones said. "Some routes I couldn't run. It limited me to one side of the field, too. I couldn't run...

• Cassandra McAboy: Stallings pulling for the Tide • The Press Register
Former University of Alabama football coach Gene Stallings may be a Texas native, but on Thursday night his heart will be with the Crimson Tide. Stallings, who led Alabama to its last national championship in 1992, addressed a crowd of about 1,000 during Monday morning's GMAC Bowl Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast. A native of...

• Gentry Estes: Julio Jones' sophomore slump was tied to lingering knee injury • The Press Register
Alabama's star receiver says the knee injury sustained in the season's second game lingered through the entire first half of the regular season,

• 2009 Crimson Tide, 2003 champion LSU team have similarities • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The strengths of the 2009 Alabama football team aren't a secret.

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama's Monday Practice

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama and Texas Monday press conferences

• Coaches: Rumors about Saban not true • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Maybe Nick Saban is just a misunderstood guy.

• Jones gives Tide late-season jolt • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Julio Jones never complained, even when fans criticized the Alabama receiver for falling down on his routes.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: McElwain says limiting turnovers is key to success • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Monday's news conferences at the Marriott gave Alabama writers an opportunity to chat with Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Jim McElwain.

• Longhorns' O-line looks to step up • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- When Chris Hall went to bed after the Big 12 Championship Game, the Texas center couldn't sleep. He couldn't get the nightmare to stop playing over and over in his head.

• McElwain enjoying time as Tide's offensive coordinator • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- It didn't take Jim McElwain long to buy into Nick Saban's philosophy.

• TEXAS NOTEBOOK: Muschamp happy in 'coach in waiting' role • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The idea of designating an assistant coach to take over when a longtime head coach decides to wrap up his career has come under fire of late, thanks to the Bobby Bowden-Jimbo Fisher fiasco at Florida State.

• ALABAMA BASKETBALL: Tide tops Toledo 67-50 • Montgomery Advertiser
TOLEDO, Ohio -- Mikhail Torrance scored 19 points to lead Alabama over Toledo 67-50 on Monday night for the Crim­son Tide's third straight win.

• Ride to California • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Playing on the blue turf of the Humanitarian Bowl two seasons ago, Colin Peek found the coordinator of his dreams. Only he was playing for Georgia Tech and Jim …

• The Heisman award draws hardy crowds • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Most everybody has it wrong. Alabama football star Mark Ingram Jr. has seen more folks show off their Heisman Trophy poses than he can count, and he says that almost …

• Announcers walk tight rope • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWSPORT BEACH, Calif. — Avid college football fans get up early Saturday mornings to watch Kirk Herbstreit and crew with ESPN’s “College GameDay,” craving all the extra information, as … 

• Muschamp hasn’t forgotten beginnings • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has the fancy “coach-in-waiting” title and a spiffy job with one of the top Division I programs in the country. He can …

• Postcard From California • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
DailySports Writer Michael Casagrande is in Newport Beach, Calif., to cover Thursday’s BCS National Championship between Alabama and Texas. And he’s still hoping to get a tan. Four days in, …

• Who was greatest player to wear No. 22 at Alabama? • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
This is an excerpt from the blog Daily staff writer Deangelo McDaniel is writing about the national championship game. Read more of his “Rollin’ with the Tide” blog at www.tnvalleygameday.com … 

• Alabama Notebook • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Spotting a future Heisman Trophy winner as a high school freshman can be a tricky business. It’s a skill Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain …

• McElroy is the ‘other’ QB again this week • Dothan Eagle
Greg McElroy is the “other” quarterback again this week. 

• BCS Notebook: Speedy Texas defense impresses Tide • Dothan Eagle
Alabama offensive lineman and captain Mike Johnson didn’t know how right he was when talking about the speedy Texas defense.

• Tuesday Question - Call it ... Texas or Bama? • College Football News
And the BCS Championship Game winner will be … ?

• Walter Kirkwood: Alabama Is Recruiting for Future Championships • Bleacher Report
With all the hoopla surrounding the national championship game, its easy to forget that recruiting is hot and heavy all over the nation...

• Tim Bielik: Why Greg McElroy Will Negate the Heisman Jinx for the Crimson Tide • Bleacher Report
Before the season, Alabama FC Larry Burton told us all about the next potential breakout star in QB Greg McElroy.

• Alabama Voodoo: Commander's Call: Alabama Will Beat Down Texas in the BCS Title Game • Bleacher Report
As the middle sibling between two living triple A’s (Arrogant Alabama Alumni), who now resides in the fine state of Texas, I thought, who better than Alabama Voodoo to write and publish a preview and prediction for the BCS Championship game to be played in Pasadena, CA on Jan. 7, 2010.

• Julio hasn't had his best game yet • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The season hasn't gone quite as expected for Julio Jones. The sophomore receiver has battled through injuries and is just now starting to feel good again. With the national championship game looming on Thursday, Jones says that he hasn't had his best performance yet. 

• Alabama OL has multiple personalities • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Without a doubt the leader of Alabama's offensive line is first-team All-American left guard Mike Johnson. The 6-5, 305-pound Johnson, a senior from Pensacola, FL, talks about the Tide's offensive line, Texas' number one rated run defense, whether the underdog role gives the Longhorns any advantage, Alabama's incredible young talent, and more. 

• Tide Linebackers Then And Now • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
A coaching staff opting for a 3-4 defensive alignment must believe the roster possesses an abundance of talent at the linebacker position to employ the versatile scheme. The 1992 Alabama foursome of Antonio London, Derrick Oden, Michael Rogers and Lemanski Hall proved worthy as they tormented runners, receivers and quarterbacks to rank as four of the top five leading tacklers on the team. 

• Mosley excited about Army Bowl, decision • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
C.J. Mosley couldn't hold in his excitement on Sunday when he arrived in San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The four-star linebacker will be playing against some of the nation's best on one of the ... 

• Is there room for Ahmad Dixon? • Crimson Confidential
Ahmad Dixon (Midway/Waco, Texas) is one of the top safety prospects in the country.

• Men's Tennis Enters 2010 Ranked No. 18 in ITA Preseason Poll • RollTide.com
The men's tennis team enters the 2010 season ranked 18th in the nation, which was announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) this week. In addition, two singles and a pair of doubles... 

• State, national media give their BCS title picks • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | In a land where streets are lined with palm trees and the weather is always a perfect, sunny 70 degrees, media from across the country have assembled to blanket the BCS Championship Game with wall-to-wall coverage.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Pasadena Day 5

• Do 2010 SEC Football Schedules Show Improvement? • Bleacher Report
After grading the Pac-10, it's time to sneak a peek at the SEC's 2010 non-conference football schedules. No bias here. Purely objective analysis with a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek sarcasm.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Offensive line coach Joe Pendry

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
ESPN Press Conference

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
RB coach Burton Burns 

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Interview: Brent Musburger Interview: Brent Musburger
Rachel speaks at length with broadcasting legend Brent Musburger on the big game and the college football landscape.

• Pasadena Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The Jon Gruden look The Jon Gruden look
You know that one eyebrow-raised look of fiery intensity that former NFL coach and current Monday Night Football commentator Jon Gruden projects seemingly all the time?

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Wednesday TSE Roundtable Wednesday TSE Roundtable
Chase Goodbread, Aaron Suttles, and Chris Rattey wrap up the Roundtable series from Newport Beach before the title game.

• Web Warehouse • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
1/6: Bowden likes Bama 1/6: Bowden likes Bama
Former FSU coach and legend, Bobby Bowden likes Alabama in the national title, reports the Press-Register staff and the Los Angeles Times. It's always good to have a coaching legend that resembled the great late Paul "Bear" Bryant on your side.

• Gentry Estes: Bo Davis and Alabama's defensive line: 'We're family. That's what we are.' • The Press Register
A close bond -- prompted by position coach Bo Davis -- has helped make Alabama's defensive line one of the nation's best.

• Bama OL coach works magic • Dothan Eagle
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Joe Pendry was looking at a bigger rebuilding job than Bob Vila.

• Memo to Texas Longhorn Football Fans: This Is Not 2005 • Bleacher Report
For the past month, Texas head coach Mack Brown has used the "us against the world" approach to Thursday's national championship game...

• D. Walker: Why We Love To Hate Alabama and Texas • Bleacher Report
The NCAA national championship in football will be staged at the Rose Bowl Thursday night, featuring Arkansas and Texas.

• Nick Saban's pre-game press conference • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The head coaches of both teams met with the media today for the final time before tomorrow's BCS Championship game. Here's a transcript of Alabama head coach Nick Saban's comments. 

• Notebook: McClain better, expected to play • BamaOnLine
Alabama junior linebacker Rolando McClain has been slowed by a stomach bug, but is expected to be ready for Thursday's national championship game against Texas.

• Chris Low: Saban says McCarron would be Tide's backup • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Alabama coach Nick Saban confirmed Wednesday what many had thought for several weeks now. 

• Chris Low: McClain improving, expected to play • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Alabama coach Nick Saban said Wednesday he expects junior linebacker Rolando McClain to be able to play Thursday night against Texas in the Citi BCS National Championship Game. 

• Namath Has His Own Memories of ’65, but He Knows the Score • The New York Times
No doubt about it, Joe Namath said Wednesday, he crossed the goal line with the football on that fateful New Year’s Day of 1965.

• Yo Peek: Alabama tight end says the jokes are on his alias • USATODAY
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — To most, Alabama senior tight end Colin Peek is known as the clutch player who had two of the most critical touchdown catches of the season, against Auburn and Florida. To an underground network of fans, he's Holla McGhee.

• Men's Tennis Enters 2010 Ranked No. 18 in ITA Preseason Poll • RollTide.com
The men's tennis team enters the 2010 season ranked 18th in the nation, which was announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) this week. In addition, two singles and a pair of doubles... 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Jan 6: Nick Saban Part I
Alabama head coach Nick Saban addresses the media on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. The first of two parts.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Jan. 6: Nick Saban Part II
The second of two parts as Alabama head coach Nick Saban addresses the media on January 6, 2010.

• Report: Former FSU coach Bobby Bowden going with Alabama in BCS title game • The Press Register
Birmingham native remembers Alabama's 1945 squad.

• Gentry Estes: Ten questions with Major Applewhite ... • The Press Register
Alabama's former offensive coordinator is now on the staff at Texas. In a thought interview, Applewhite explains his decision to leave the Crimson Tide after one year, his ties to Greg McElroy and how it all will impact tomorrow night.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Pendry quick to praise Tide's quick offensive line, saying 'quick decisions' are the key • The Birmingham News
"They know what they're doing most of the time," offensive line coach says. "If they know that, they have a chance to be successful." 

• Dennis Pillion: Video: Alabama football coach Nick Saban, the day before the BCS title game • al.com
The Crimson Tide head coach's final press conference before the 2010 BCS National Championship Game.

• Dennis Pillion: Sports writers speak: Alabama, Saban meet huge expectations • al.com
Writers from The Birmingham News, Press-Register and The Huntsville Times discuss Alabama's season and the BCS championship game

• Aaron Torres: Answering All The Questions To The BCS National Championship Game • Bleacher Report
Alright folks, I’ve got to come clean.

• Mack Brown's pre-game press conference • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are comments by Texas head coach Mack Brown from this morning's press conference.

• VIDEO: Saban's Pre-emptive Strike • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Saban heads off questions about what he'll do differently

• McCoy: Hard work, Saban reasons Tide playing in Pasadena • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – It’s not like every college football team doesn’t make it its goal every August to win a national championship.

• Barron: Tide focused on finishing season right way • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – The big day is almost here.

• Tom Gordon: Montgomery couple gets an idea, and Alabama Guard soldiers now have Bama T-shirts to wear for Thursday's BCS game • The Birmingham News
Alabama National Guard members now in and around Iraq and Afghanistan are hoping to watch Thursday's BCS championship game. Thanks to a Montgomery couple, Charlie and Bette Sue Strasburger, they will be able to do so in Crimson Tide T-shirts.

• Bobby Bowden recalls the Tide's inexorable pull • Los Angeles Times
Alabama's last January Rose Bowl appearance was in 1946. Bowden, a Crimson Tide fan at the time who went on to become college football's...

• Alabama's Leigh Tiffin prefers to keep things steady • Los Angeles Times
The Crimson Tide kicker made 29 of 33 field-goal attempts this season while becoming a finalist for the Lou Groza Award and is within two field goals of tying the NCAA's single-season mark.

• McCarron to play if McElroy injured • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | University of Alabama coach Nick Saban said freshman quarterback A.J. McCarron has overtaken Star Jackson as the Crimson Tide's No.2 quarterback, and would play the Mobile native if starter Greg McElroy were to be injured in the BCS title game against Texas. 

• McClain stomach illness improved • Tuscaloosa News
McClain stomach illness improved

• University of Alabama seniors have seen it all • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | Mark Barron wasn't there, but Javier Arenas was. 

• Cecil Hurt: The real fun is in the winning • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The last major media event leading up to Thursday's BCS Championship Game is over. There is a head coaches' press conference scheduled for today, but the players will now be sequestered until it is time to take the field. And in one competition, we can declare a winner. 

• Pasadena Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
A lot of big names today (Weds.) A lot of big names today (Weds.)
Just a quick note since I'm up in the hotel room producing Coach Saban's press conference before heading back down to the main media room.

• Nick Saban Press Conferences • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Jan. 6 Press Conference Jan. 6 Press Conference
Coach Saban addresses the media the final day before the BCS National Championship.

• Matt Cuthbert: Can facial hair help lead Alabama to victory? • al.com
al.com's own Phillip Sanford has been doing his part (in his mind, at least) to help out the Crimson Tide by abstaining from shaving or cutting his hair this season.

• Texas newspaper columnist: 'As far as rednecks go, Alabama may have UT beat' • The Huntsville Times
A humor columnist for the Austin American-Statesman has thrown down the gauntlet, claiming that Alabama's football team will likely "out-redneck" Texas and worrying that Bama fans might try to barbecue Bevo, the steer mascot.

• Gentry Estes: AJ McCarron is indeed Alabama's backup quarterback • The Press Register
Nick Saban finally confirmed this morning what has been discussed for quite a while: Former St. Paul's quarterback AJ McCarron -- a true freshman -- is the No. 2 quarterback for the Crimson Tide and has been for a while. What does that mean for Star Jackson and the BCS title game?

• Mike Herndon: Recruit video: Alabama commitment Phillip Sims believes Tide will win BCS title • The Press Register
ORLANDO, Fla. -- In this video shot just after the Under Armour All-America game last week, quarterback Phillips Sims of Chesapeake, Va., talks about his decision to commit to the University of Alabama and about playing in the high school all-star game. He also made his prediction for Thursday's BCS National Championship game: Alabama will beat Texas, he said....

• Gentry Estes: Saban: Rolando McClain "should be able to participate" in BCS title game • The Press Register
Alabama coach Nick Saban said this morning that linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive back Rod Woodson have improved health-wise and are on path to play in Thursday's BCS title game.

• Patricia C. McCarter: Longtime Bama fan is grateful he's well enough to attend Bama game • al.com
As a diehard Bama fan, Dr. Pat Burleson is naturally glad his team is playing in the national football championship and that he'll be in Pasadena to watch it. But the real coup for him is just being alive.

• 2010 BCS Championship: The Press-Register's complete preview • The Press Register
The Press-Register's coverage of the BCS Championship Game between Alabama and Texas.

• Don Kausler Jr.: The Process: Saban's blueprint has a name, but what exactly is it? • The Birmingham News
What's it like to play or work for Alabama's coach? His system is many things to many people.

• 'Roll Tide Roll' song released by Alabama musician to fire up Tide fans (with audio link) • The Press Register
COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. -- Mike Curtis, primarily a writer/producer of rhythm and blues, country and gospel, has written a rock anthem called "Roll Tide Roll" that he hopes will fire up University of Alabama Crimson Tide fans as they prepare for their team to play in the national championship game 

• Victoria Cumbow: Today is Mark Ingram Day in Alabama • al.com
Alabama fans are celebrating today as Mark Ingram Day thanks to a proclamation from Gov. Bob Riley.

• Shalonda Rodgers: The fans behind the Crimson Tide • al.com
Whether it requires delaying a trial, paying an ample amount for tickets, putting the miles on your motorhome or wearing special under garments, Crimson Tide fans show support for their team no matter what.

• James Walker: Alabama-Texas: Roll Tide or Hook 'Em Horns in 2010? • Bleacher Report
The moment is almost here: does Alabama keep the National Championship in the SEC, or does Texas win their second title in four years? On January 7, 2010, two storied programs will face each other in what should be an intriguing match up...

• BCS Championship: Strategies for Texas and Alabama • Bleacher Report
It is the biggest game of the year in college football...alright, that is an understatement. The two most deserving teams are playing each other. Boise State just does not play at this level, so no apologies are needed. 

• VIDEO: National Championship Press Conference • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban faced the media again Wednesday morning in Newport Beach on the eve of the biggest game since 1992 for the Alabama football program. 

• VIDEO: Saban not sure if McClain will play • 'BamaMag
Saban discusses Rolando McClain's status

• Bama and SEC Recruiting Notes • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
It’s Championship Week!!!! Not much more can be said about that. The excitement is contagious, especially with recruits. When you look at the past National Champions of the decade, you will notice that their recruiting classes have consistently been Top 5 classes in the signing period following the Championship. While Alabama probably will not have a three-peat of its Rivals Recruiting National Championship, they should expect to close in the Top 5. That will mean that Nick Saban will have signed a Top 5 class three straight years and have the foundation in place to begin a possible dynasty for the next decade. 

• Christopher Walsh: Why Alabama must be favored • BamaOnLine
Whichever offense is better able to dictate the tempo will go a long way in determining whether Alabama or Texas wins the national championship at the Rose Bowl.

• Video: Brian Vogler Senior Highlights • BamaOnLine   (Subscribers Only)
In this premium video feature, see Tide Rivals250 commit Brian Vogler show off the skills that makes him one of the most complete tight end prospects in the country, both blocking and catching. 

• 12 Days of Champions: 1992  • BamaOnLine
Alabama wasn't expected to challenge for the national championship, but ran the table and crushed Miami in the Sugar Bowl to win the Crimson Tide's 12 title. 

• Additional Tuesday recruiting notes • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
More news is coming in regarding Alabama's 2011 class.

• Bama in the NBA January 5th Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Football Wraps Up Practice for Texas • RollTide.com
The No. 1-ranked Alabama football team wrapped up preparations for No. 2 Texas with its last full practice on Tuesday at the Costa Mesa High School Sports Complex. The Crimson Tide practiced for tw... 

• McElroy shines on highest stage • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | Greg McElroy doesn't need to hear anything but the score — 34-20 — to crack a smile. Frames of reference like the 2005 Texas Class 5A state title game, or Southlake Carroll's clash with powerhouse Katy High, aren't even necessary to jog the University of Alabama quarterback's memory back to the last time he played with a crowning achievement at stake.

• Longhorns share the scoring • Tuscaloosa News
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. | No offense to the Texas offense, but Colt McCoy and Co. aren’t the only ones who score points for the Longhorns.

• Willis says he left for Alabama, not against Auburn • The Birmingham News
James Willis can smile now, sitting here before the BCS Championship Game, discussing for the first time in public all the hate that hit him when he crossed a line some people think should never be crossed.

• Newton makes his own name • The Huntsville Times
Son of NFL legend emerges as Texas' top running back 

• ONGUARD FOR TIDE • The Huntsville Times
Johnson takes charge to become team captain, much-honored lineman 

• On quick road to recovery • The Huntsville Times
Injured defenders Hightower, Square back at practice

• Lee Roop: What's a national championship worth? Not as much as you might think • al.com
For all the millions flying around this week, it turns out relatively little sticks to the university's fingers. 

• Tommy Hicks: THE ANNOUNCERS: Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit gearing up for BCS title game • The Press Register
As the play-by-play announcer, Brent Musburger has often stated that he'll have the best seat in the house for the national title matchup. Seated in the Rose Bowl press box and with a number of TV monitors to show him every angle of every play as often as needed, he's probably right. 

• Press-Register Sound Off: Saban will be in NFL, Tebow is headed to Detroit? • The Press Register
A collection of sports-related reader Sound Off calls from Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2010, with callers expressing opinions on everything from Paul Finebaum's latest column to Nick Saban's and Tim Tebow's future plans.

• Jon Solomon: Got 12? Here's how Alabama bumped up its claim to a dozen national titles • The Birmingham News
Before Wayne Atcheson's research in the 1980s, the Tide had 6 national championships. Take an interactive look at each title claim.

• BSC special: Everything you need to know about the national championship • The Birmingham News
Follow the links to complete Alabama-Texas coverage. 

• Gentry Estes: Hightower ahead of schedule • The Press Register
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- As Alabama began its first on-site practice this week, inside linebackers coach James Willis immediately noticed an extra player in his unit. 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Media day helps provide some late-season answers • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- For most of the year, a few members of the Ala­bama football team have been shrouded in mystery.

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama Media Day at BCS Championship

• BCS TITLE GAME: Tide win would let SEC streak continue • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- It prides itself on being the best football conference in America.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Peek wants to make most of chance at title • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Colin Peek couldn't have planned it any better.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Defensive star on sideline • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Dont'a Hightower was one of Alabama's brightest defensive stars through the first

•  ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Tight end gets attention as 'Holla McGhee' • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- To most, Alaba­ma senior tight end Colin Peek is known as the clutch player who had two of the most critical touchdown catches of the season, against Auburn and Florida. To an underground network of fans, he's Holla McGhee.

• BCS TITLE GAME:: Texas safety Earl Thomas isn't ordinary on or off the playing field • Montgomery Advertiser
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Earl Thomas makes one point crystal clear: At no point did he wear a marching band uniform while in high school.

• It’s do or die • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Leigh Tiffin embraces his role as Alabama’s assassin. That’s the analogy Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban applies to kickers, whom he says have that one … 

• ‘Just Tolly’ commands deep loyalty • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Just Tolly: A “humble defensive line coach.” That’s how Texas coach Mike Tolleson describes himself. Talk to his players, and they know what “Just Tolly” …

• Tide rock song now available • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Mike Curtis is primarily a writer/producer of rhythm and blues, country and gospel, but his latest song is straight rock and sure to be a hit with fans of the Crimson Tide football team. “Roll …

• Preps or college, friends are friends • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — A trio of Alabama reserves know all about winning big championships and passionate fan bases, and it doesn’t come solely from their time with the Crimson …

• Postcard From California • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
Daily Sports Writer Michael Casagrande is in Newport Beach, Calif., to cover Thursday’s BCS National Championship between Alabama and Texas. And he’s about to be a jerk. So, I caught the … 

• In ’71, Texas granted Tide a wishbone • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
This is an excerpt from the blog Daily staff writer Deangelo McDaniel is writing about the BCS National Championship Game. Read more of his “Rollin’ with the Tide” blog at … 

• BCS National Championship Game Notebook • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Consider Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy as one of the players who were extremely happy when Mark Ingram collected the Tide’s first Heisman Trophy … 

• Is it Ezell or Saban? • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Rob Ezell’s talent is both a blessing and a curse. Most players who can do a spot on impersonation of Alabama coach Nick Saban would keep that hidden, but this … 

• Pokémon, Flash and Hulk • Decatur Daily (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — All football and no play would make the Crimson Tide a rather dull group. So, when practice is over and the film room goes dark, the gladiator mentality fades and the … 

• 2010 BCS Championship - Texas vs. Alabama • College Football News
Texas vs. Alabama ... it just FEELS like a really big game, and it's the biggest battle of the 2009 season as the two megapowers square off for the national title. Can Colt McCoy be enough to bring Mack Brown his second title, or can Mark Ingram break the Heisman jinx? Check out the preview and prediction for the 2010 BCS Championship 

• Tony Barnhart: It was a very good year at Georgia Tech • AJC
Some random thoughts before I get on the plane to West Coast, where it is warm and sunny:

• So Who's Going To Win the National Championship Game? • Bleacher Report
While the rest of the country is freezing their collective butts off, the weather in California is 70s and sunny. We wish we were there, because the football is going to be downright steamy on Thursday night.

• Larry Burton: The Bama Haul, Bowl Gift Rules, and What's Allowed By Bowls and Schools • Bleacher Report
In the past, players went to a bowl to earn a trophy for the team and they got a ring, baseball cap, jersey t-shirt and duffle bag for themselves.

• Alabama vs. Texas: Why History Is Not a Factor • Bleacher Report
Most people feel comfortable believing in some way that history tends to play a role in the outcomes of certain situations.

• Inside the 5: Alabama vs. Texas • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Much has changed in the 17 years since the Crimson Tide was last on top of the college football world. During that time, there's been some good, some bad, and a lot of mediocrity around the program. All of that is in the rearview mirror now, as undefeated and top-ranked Alabama (13-0, 8-0 SEC) is in position to win its 13th national title when it takes on No. 2 Texas (13-0, 8-0 Big 12) tomorrow night in the BCS Championship Game. The two powerhouse schools will settle the score at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Kickoff is set for shortly after 7 p.m., so let's look at five storylines to keep an eye on. 

• Tide looking to bring title back to Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Roy Upchurch, who has had an assortment of injuries throughout his Alabama career, has learned to take everything in stride. The fifth-year senior from Tallahassee, FL will be playing in his final game at Alabama. It's for the national championship, but it hasn't hit Upchurch -- yet. 

• Fitzgerald Still Learning To Punt • 'BamaMag
P.J. Fitzgerald and Leigh Tiffin spend a lot of time together. When Alabama’s football team went to Disneyland earlier this week, Fitzgerald and Tiffin were using the exit gate before many of their Crimson Tide teammates had entered. 

• Coach Spotlight: Jay Williams • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Coach Jack Hankins talked of Tide commitment.

• Day Two Army A-A Practice Recap • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
On day two of the Army A-A All-Star practices, Tide commits and targets continued to stand out, led on Tuesday by Theodore linebacker C.J. Mosley and once again, four-star receiver DeAndrew White. 

• Can you say Vlachos? • Crimson Confidential  (Subscribers Only)
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – William Vlachos. 

• Gymnastics Opens 2010 Season Friday at Auburn • RollTide.com
The Alabama Gymnastics team, the defending Southeastern Conference Champions, opens its 2010 season Friday at Auburn starting at 7 p.m. in Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum.

• Women's Tennis No. 25 in Preseason ITA Rankings • RollTide.com
Following one of its best seasons in program history, the women's tennis team enters 2010 at No. 25 on the Campbell/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Preseason Rankings which was announced by the ... 

• Rachel Baribeau Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
On the way to the Rose Bowl On the way to the Rose Bowl

• Pasadena Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
It’s officially Go Time It’s officially Go Time
I love go time. It's not a term I use often in my life, but during important moments. Well ... I guess this would be one of them

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Interview: Demetrius Goode Interview: Demetrius Goode
Rachel talks with Alabama running back Demetrius Goode.

• Gentry Estes: Report: Texas Tech to meet with Tide assistant Kirby Smart • The Press Register
Alabama's defensive coordinator is expected to interview for the head coaching position at Texas Tech after tonight's game, ESPN Dallas is reporting. 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Even this week, Saban made time for old friends • The Birmingham News
His closest LSU friend visits and sees the Alabama coach ``same as normal.''

• Don Kausler Jr.: You are looking live at football's paradise • The Birmingham News
Would you mind if I stop for a minute and smell the roses?

• Gentry Estes: Welcome to the Rose Bowl ... • The Press Register
The Bama Beat is officially at the Rose Bowl with four short hours to go until Alabama and Texas decide who will take home the crystal football.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Welcome to the Rose Bowl; wish you were here • The Birmingham News
Bright sun, warm breeze, big game. Hey, it doesn't get any better than this.

• Ray Melick: Ultimate in braggin' rights decided tonight • The Birmingham News
The whole college football world will be watching.

• George Talbot: Airplane ad at BCS game: Dump Bob Riley • al.com
A banner-towing company has been hired to give Alabama fans attending the BCS national championship game in Pasadena tonight some political advice: Dump their governor.

• Lawerence F. Specker: Mediacom, Sinclair announce 1-year deal in broadcast dispute • al.com
MOBILE, Ala. -- The squabble that at one time had threatened to keep tonight's BCS championship game off some south Alabama televisions has been resolved -- though there's no guarantee it won't flare up again next winter.

• SEC Goes For 4th Straight • SEC Sports
Tonight The SEC Will Go For A Fourth Straight Championship, As Ralph Russo Of The Associated Press Explains The SEC's Dominance.

• BCS Title Game Preview • SEC Sports
Preview Tonight's BCS Title Game, Where Alabama Squares Off With Texas From Pasadena, California. 

• Podcast with BCS Game Talk With Former Texas and Bama Players • Bleacher Report
A podcast with show host Robert Rees and former Crimson Tide player Will Hold talking smack against show host Stephen Foster and former Longhorn player Norman Watkins.

• Herbstreit, Blackledge breakdown Alabama-Texas • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
After Wednesday's final press conference with Nick Saban of Alabama and Mack Brown of Texas, ESPN college football analysts Kirk Herbstreit and Todd Blackledge were available for media interviews. 

• Travis Reier: The Pick: BCS Championship Game • BamaOnLine
GLENDALE, Calif. -- In an era when the spread offense is as popular as a five dollar cup of coffee, Alabama's no sugar-no cream approach has become a tough preparation for opposing defenses....

• Erik Stinnett: Top Ten reasons why Bama prevails in Pasadena • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Alabama wins tonight.

• Cecil Hurt: It’s not time to study history, it’s time to make it • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Now is not the time for the University of Alabama football team to study history.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Watson Brown will be here with brother Mack in spirit • The Birmingham News
Coaching brothers are working in very different places today, as usual. 

• Tuscaloosa police adding officers for BCS game • al.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama football fans who couldn't make it to the BCS Championship game are gearing up back home for what they hope will be a victory celebration.

• Mark Inabinett: SEC Football by the Numbers: BCS National Championship Game -- Alabama seeks to add another title • The Press Register
When Alabama takes on Texas in the BCS national championship game on Thursday night, the Crimson Tide will be playing for the SEC's 19th national title. Or 36th. Or 53rd. Or fill in your own number.

• Mark McCarter: Tide fan's rhinestone Bear Bryant jacket has blank sleeve reserved for another title • al.com
There is a large picture of Paul "Bear" Bryant on the back. There are pictures of Alabama football players on the back. There is an autograph ex-coach Mike Shula once scribbled on the right sleeve, a souvenir Missy Boyd now regards like the buyer's remorse of a 3 a.m. tattoo. 

• For Mark Ingram's mom in Michigan, life has been a whirlwind since Heisman • The Press Register
Tonight, Shonda Ingram will be in the Rose Bowl to watch her son and Alabama play Texas for the national title. Joining her in Pasadena, Calif., will be her parents, Art and Barbara Johnson of Flint, as well as two relatives who live in southern California.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Crimson encore? Can No. 1 Tide rise one more time? • The Birmingham News
Victory over Florida will be a tough act for Alabama to follow tonight when it meets second-ranked Texas in the national championship game.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide buzz: Alabama vs. Texas • The Birmingham News
No. 1 Crimson Tide (13-0) meets No. 2 Texas (13-0) at 7:38 p.m. CST today in the national championship game at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, Calif.

• Steve Doyle: Tide's championship quest postpones government meetings • al.com
Huntsville City Council President Mark Russell called off tonight's work session after realizing most everyone will be camped in front of their TV watching the BCS National Championship.

• Click through Alabama's championship season • The Birmingham News
An interactive guide to the Tide's path to Pasadena

• Alabama, Texas two of college football’s top programs • Dothan Eagle
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Texas vs. Alabama. It’s one of the dream matchups featuring two of college football’s most tradition-laden programs.

• Just Saying, Is All... | The Ugly Truth About the BCS • Bleacher Report
Chutzpah makes the world go ‘round.

• Timmy Edwards-Ferrel: Five Reasons Why the BCS National Championship Game Will Not be a Repeat of SoCal vs. Texas • Bleacher Report
With the BCS National Championship game looming tonight (FOX, 8:30 ET), many comparisons are being made between this year's matchup of No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Texas and the 2006 matchup of SoCal vs. Texas.

• TCU Almost Rolls the Tide, Lose in Fantasy Playoff Semifinal, 31-28 • Bleacher Report
Clarification: There have been many energetic Alabama fans on these blogs wondering just how these "lesser" conference team can compete with the "Big Boys!"

• Kirk McNair: Why I Think Tide Wins Against Texas • 'BamaMag
Tonight’s national championship game shapes up as one of the best games in college football history. It has two historically outstanding college football teams, both undefeated and ranked first and second, and playing in the Rose Bowl. The game has the Heisman Trophy winner, two great coaching staffs, and everything on the line. 

• Oliver Discusses Alabama Defense • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Part IV of series comparing 1992 and 2009 Tide defensive teams

• Video: Keys to title game for Bama, Texas • Crimson Confidential
After more than a month of analyzing Alabama-Texas, everyone probably knows everything there is to know about tonight's BCS title game in Pasadena, Calif.

• Chris Low and Tim Griffin: Blogger debate: Alabama vs. Texas • Crimson Confidential
Alabama is coming off its best victory of the season. Texas is coming off its worst. 

• Citi BCS National Championship Game preview • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Breaking down the Citi BCS National Championship Game on Thursday (ABC, 8 p.m. ET)...

• SEC on verge of total domination tonight • Crimson Confidential
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- America has a long history of resisting tyranny, which is why the republic should...

• Women's Basketball:
Wednesday Night Ole Miss 70, Alabama 56

• Bama in the NBA January 6th Stats:
See how former players performed.

• Comeback Falls Short as Women's Basketball Loses 70-56 at Mississippi • RollTide.com
The women's basketball team cut a 21-point Mississippi lead in the second half to 10 but couldn't get any closer as the Crimson Tide fell 70-56 Wednesday at Tad Smith Coliseum. With the loss, Alaba... 

• Rose Bowl, Alabama have a unique, storied history • Tuscaloosa News
There was a time, long ago, when University of Alabama football had no championship tradition, no case full of trophies, nothing to distinguish itself from any other program in the country. That all changed on Jan. 1, 1926, in Pasadena, Calif., at the Rose Bowl.

• STAFF PICKS: BCS National Championship • Tuscaloosa News
Here are the staff picks for today's Alabama game against Texas for the 2009 BCS Championship from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

• THE CALL: BCS National Championship Game • Tuscaloosa News
Offense

• PLAYERS TO WATCH • Tuscaloosa News
ALABAMA

• ALABAMA: Season in Review • Tuscaloosa News
No. 7 Virginia Tech vs. No. 5 Alabama (Atlanta) 

• TEXAS: Season in Review • Tuscaloosa News
Louisiana Monroe at No. 2 Texas