Bama in the News

March 15 - 21, 2009

• Baseball Team Drops Series Finale to No. 1 Georgia • RollTide.com
Alabama overcame a seven-run deficit in the second inning, but could not overcome two runs on wild pitches in a decisive sixth inning as No. 1 Georgia salvaged the final game of the series with a 1... 

• No. 16 Women's Tennis Sweeps No. 46 Mississippi State • RollTide.com
The 16th-ranked women's tennis team (12-1, 3-1 SEC) got back to its winning ways Sunday with a 7-0 victory at No. 46 Mississippi State (8-3, 0-3 SEC). 

• No. 23 Men's Tennis Downs No. 75 Mississippi State 6-1 • RollTide.com
The 23rd-ranked men's tennis team (12-2, 3-1 SEC) got back on track Sunday, picking up a 6-1 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-5, 1-3 SEC). 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama vs. Georgia in Hoover's Regions Park next year? • al.com
Sewell-Thomas Stadium is empty now, and Alabama's series with Georgia is over. The Crimson Tide lost the finale 10-8, as No. 1 Georgia used two wild pitches in the sixth inning to secure the victory. As you know, UA already won the series with its play on Saturday. 

• Bulldogs take final game from UA • BamaOnLine
Alabama pitcher Austin Graham lasted just 1 1/3 innings Sunday against the Georgia Bulldogs in a 10-8 home loss, but the Crimson Tide took two of three games in the series. Click here for more. 

• Baseball:
Georgia 10, Alabama 8

• No. 2 Softball Sweeps Mississippi State with 3-2 Win • RollTide.com
With two outs, two strikes and Alabama trailing by one in the bottom of the sixth inning freshman Amanda Locke stepped to the plate and ripped a double to the right-center wall that scored two and ... 

• SEC Softball Roundup - Sunday, March 15th • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Roundup - Sunday, March 15th

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Sunday, March 15th • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Sunday, March 15th

• Softball:
Alabama 3, Mississippi State 2

• Alabama softball sweeps MSU with 3-2 win • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Amanda Locke doubled in two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to rally the second-ranked Univeristy of Alabama softball team to a 3-2 victory over Mississippi State on Sunday.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama's basketball team awaits its NIT fate... • al.com
At one point this season, mostly in the period following the forced resignation of Mark Gottfried, it seemed like TiVoing the National Invitation Tournament selection show on ESPNU would be ridiculous. OK, it's slightly ridiculous anyway.

• Could Ball be Bama’s next Thomas-like linebacker? • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Whenever the words ‘tall,’ ‘fast,’ and ‘linebacker’ are grouped together and associated with Alabama football, it’s hard not to think of the late Derrick Thomas, the Tide’s quintessential tall, fast linebacker.

• Bama in the NBA - March 14th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Baseball Team Takes Two from No. 1 Georgia • RollTide.com
Alabama swept a double-header from No. 1 ranked Georgia on Saturday afternoon, out-slugging the defending SEC champions, 9-5 and 11-5. The Tide rolled up 20 runs and 25 hits in the double-header t... 

• Players have homework to do over spring break • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama football team has nine days off between its first spring practice — which took place Friday — and the next one.

• No. 2 Tide topples Mississippi State • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The second-ranked University of Alabama softball team wasn’t sure it was going to even get to play on a dreary, rainy, overcast Saturday, but the Crimson Tide’s pitching was bright and sunny in a doubleheader sweep of the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Tide Softball vs. Miss. State 3/14
The Tide softball team played a double-header on a rainy Saturday on the 14th of March, 2009.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama's Brandon May, after doubleheader sweep of No. 1 Georgia: • al.com
"There's nothing like beating the Bulldogs."
Well, Alabama answered that challenge pretty easily. In walked Georgia, the reigning Southeastern Conference champions, a finalist in last year's College World Series, and the nation's top team. The Bulldogs walked out without their undefeated record. 

• Gentry Estes: Now starts the real work for the future of Alabama's basketball program • al.com
TAMPA -- With his freshman season likely ended by Friday night's SEC tournament quarterfinal loss to Tennessee, Alabama guard Andrew Steele and teammates find themselves just like everyone else.

• Gentry Estes: UA baseball, softball sweep through SEC openers • al.com
Alabama followed up its game one victory was hammering top-ranked UGA in game two 11-5 today and clinching the first series of the SEC season.

• Soundoff - Alabama beat reporters didn't do their jobs on NCAA textbook probe • The Birmingham News
Reporters didn't do their jobs: 

• Alabama pounds No. 1 Georgia in doubleheader sweep • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - As the steady rain threatened to become a downpour, Alabama coach Jim Wells had one thought: "Don't call it." 

• Have dinner with Nick Saban • Press-Register
If you've always wondered what it'd be like to have dinner with Alabama coach Nick Saban, now's your chance to find out.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Sunday, March 15, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all comments can be published. 

• Tide players anxiously await hiring of new coach • Press-Register
TAMPA - With his freshman season likely finalized by Friday night's SEC tournament quarterfinal loss to Tennessee, Alabama guard Andrew Steele finds himself just like everyone else on the team.

• Saban sits out pair of seniors • The Huntsville Times
Fanney, Hall suspended for unspecified causes 

• College baseball: UA sweeps Dawgs in doubleheader • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Kent Matthes hit his NCAA-leading 12th home run in the first game and Brandon May slugged a grand slam in the nightcap as Alabama swept a doubleheader from No. 1 ranked Georgia 9-5 and 11-5 on Saturday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Pro Day last chance to impress for 11 former Crimson Tide players • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Some of Alabama 's seniors had already performed at the NFL Combine. Others, like Prattville 's Bobby Greenwood, wanted the opportunity to show the NFL scouts and coaches their ability at Alabama 's Pro Day on Wednesday.

• Tide might let the right man slip away • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama’s Philip Pearson suffers from horrible timing. The boyish-looking 38-year-old has turned himself into a …

• Alabama seeking to replace departed linemen • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama left guard Mike Johnson last season never hesitated to credit his performance to the players flanking him.

• Three & Out - SEC Thoughts, News & Notes 3/15 • College Football News
Barrett Sallee gives three off-season thoughts, comments or observations about anything and everything in the world of the SEC.

• CFN's 2009 Spring Preview • College Football News
It's the time of year when the teams set the tone for the upcoming season. It's when they tune up, figure out what they've got, and try some new things. For some teams, it's the time to get a new coach in place, like Lane Kiffin at Tennessee. Here are the big questions, the conference previews, and the players you should know in the 2009 Spring Preview. 

• North Gwinnett OL JaWuan James counts 26 offers, including Georgia Tech and UGA • AJC
North Gwinnett’s JaWuan James, who is considered the state’s top 2010 prospect at offensive line, has added offers from LSU, Kentucky and Boise State. He now counts 26 early offers, and Louisville could be next.

• Alabama Women Not Intimidated • 'BamaMag
CLEMSON, S.C. – The Alabama Rowing team opened its 2009 spring season with a pair of wins in cold and rainy conditions at the Clemson Regatta and a strong showing across the board against some of the nation’s top teams.

• Dyer Talks Recruiting; Planning Visits • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The top prospect in the Natural State for 2010 is 5 Star running back Michael Dyer. Dyer is preparing for a series of recruiting visits in the near future that includes Alabama.

• Little Rock’s do-it-all Dyer has Bama in top five • Crimson Confidential
Michael Dyer, a 5-foot-9, 200-pound running back
out of Little Rock Christian Academy in Little Rock, Ark., can do a lot of things with the pigskin in his hands. He just can’t do them in the backyard at home.

• Tide’s Johnson ready to get season rolling • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The first spring football practice of 2009 was Friday, almost teasing Alabama offensive lineman Mike Johnson. 

• Baseball Team Hosts Alabama A&M • RollTide.com
The Alabama baseball will spend its spring break playing six games, starting with Tuesday's game against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
2008 Rewind: Win over Tennessee
A game-by-game look at the undefeated Tide regular season.

• Six Keys For Tide In 2009 Season • 'BamaMag
The Tide’s 2008 season could have been 14-0 had two events not taken place. First, the linebacker needed to have been able to make an easier stop with Florida in the fourth quarter. But with the speed often required of a defensive player in doing their best to keep their opponents from adding to their score, it can result in an unintentional facemask holding penalty.

• Matthes Earns National Player of the Week Honor • RollTide.com
For the second time in three weeks, Alabama senior right-fielder Kent Matthes has been named the Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week by the Collegiate Baseball newspaper. 

• Alabama adds Game to 2009 Baseball Schedule • RollTide.com
University of Alabama head coach Jim Wells announced today that the Crimson Tide has added a game to its 2009 baseball schedule and will now play a three-game series with Alabama A&M this week in T... 

• Gymnastics Ranked No. 5 Nationally • RollTide.com
The Alabama Gymnastics team closed out the 2009 regular season as the No. 5 ranked team in the nation and begins the postseason Saturday at the Southeastern Conference Championships where it will f... 

• No. 23 Men's Tennis Downs No. 75 Mississippi State 6-1 • RollTide.com
Crimson Tide Improves to 12-2 Overall and 3-1 in SEC Play

• No. 16 Women's Tennis Sweeps No. 46 Mississippi State • RollTide.com
The 16th-ranked women's tennis team (12-1, 3-1 SEC) got back to its winning ways Sunday with a 7-0 victory at No. 46 Mississippi State (8-3, 0-3 SEC).

• Tide gymnastics enters postseason ranked fifth • Tuscaloosa News
Despite its narrow victory over Oklahoma and North Carolina on Friday, the University of Alabama gymnastics team fell one spot in the national rankings and will enter the postseason at No. 5.

• Christopher Walsh: A football rumor that's actually true • Tuscaloosa News
This time last week, a lot of football fans in this state were paying a lot more attention to Intenet rumors then actually anything that was going on in the real world. 

• Gentry Estes: Tide baseball adds a mid-week game • al.com
Alabama's baseball team is taking advantage of spring break by adding a game Wednesday to make a mid-day doubleheader against visiting Alabama A&M. The teams are set to play two seven-inning games beginning at noon.

• Gentry Estes: UA search chronicles: Monday 3/16 • al.com
A daily dip into news and notes surrounding Alabama's search to hire a new men's basketball coach ...

• Ian R. Rapoport: Kent Matthes named SEC and National Player of the week... again. • al.com
What a monster week for Alabama senior Kent Matthes. The dude just keeps on hitting. Remember two weeks ago when he was named SEC and National player of the week? Well, that happened again today. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama has competiton: Dave Leitao out at Virginia... • al.com
As Alabama gears up for its search to replace Mark Gottfried, it's worth noting that the Crimson Tide may have some competition. When the dominoes fall, they tend to do so quickly. As soon as UA asked for Gottfried's resignation, Georgia fired Dennis Felton. Another one apparently came this morning. 

• SEC Baseball Weekly Award Winners Announced • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Weekly Award Winners Announced

• Austin Shepherd Junior Highlights  • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama's first offensive line commit for the class of 2010 is North Gwinnett's Austin Shepherd, a physical interior presence at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds.

• Towering Georgia lineman has Tide in top five • Crimson Confidential
In the case of JaWuan James, the numbers tell the story. This man-child is 16-years-old. He stands 6-foot-7. He weighs 290 pounds. And he has around 25 scholarship offers.

• Bear's Den Trivia • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Welcome to the first week of Bear’s Den Trivia. It’s easy to play, especially if you enjoy reading about Alabama football here on Crimson Confidential. 

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

• Locke seals Tide win against Bulldogs • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The pressure mounted Sunday as Amanda Locke stood in the batter’s box. 

• Georgia bounces back to beat Tide • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Alabama fought back from a seven-run deficit on Sunday, but Georgia staged a winning rally.

• No. 23 Alabama men’s tennis downs Bulldogs, 6-1 • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The 23rd-ranked University of Alabama men’s tennis team (12-2, 3-1 SEC) got back on track Sunday, picking up a 6-1 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-5, 1-3 SEC).

• No. 16 Tide women’s tennis sweeps MSU • Tuscaloosa News
STARKVILLE, Miss. | The 16th-ranked University of Alabama women’s tennis team (12-1, 3-1 SEC) got back to its winning ways Sunday with a 7-0 victory at Mississippi State (8-3, 0-3 SEC). The Tide grabbed the doubles point with wins at No. 1 and No. 2 and won at all six singles positions.

• Cecil Hurt: Get ready for another kind of March Madness • Tuscaloosa News
Now the field is set for one version of March Madness. The 65 teams that will play for the NCAA Championship have been chosen.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Dave Hart's father passes away... • al.com
Alabama Executive Athletics Director Dave Hart is handling the search to replace former Crimson Tide hoops coach Mark Gottfried. But this week, he took a step away because of some sad news. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama's season ends, as NIT says, "No thanks..." • al.com
It's official: Alabama's basketball season is over.

• Gentry Estes: NIT invitations don't include Alabama • al.com
A clear lack of SEC respect in the NCAA tournament field was not an encouraging sign for Alabama's dim hopes at landing a bid to the NIT tournament. 

• Chris's Blog - Monday March 16, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
1:05 a.m. CDT - End of a long week...

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Selection Sunday is Black Sunday for SEC • The Birmingham News
If the recovery can't start until after the crash, the rebirth of SEC basketball should begin today. 

• Coaching search takes spotlight, as Alabama misses on NIT • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The expected became reality on Sunday night. 

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Alabama sweeps Mississippi State: 

• Two wild pitches lead to Alabama's loss to Georgia • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama and Georgia combined for 48 runs on 67 hits with nine home runs this weekend. Yet on Sunday, the game was decided without the ball being put into play.

• Tommy Hicks: SEC teams lacking in Big Dance field • Press-Register
Crank up the office copier, it's tournament time. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, March 16, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• College softball • The Huntsville Times
Alabama 3, Mississippi State 2 

• Jess Nicholas: Changing quarterbacks may mean changing fortunes (and not for the better) • TideFans
Although football fortunes aren’t always consistent, fans certainly are – for both better and worse.

• COLLEGE BASEBALL: No. 1 Georgia avoids sweep at Alabama • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama overcame a seven-run deficit in the second inning but could not overcome two runs on wild pitches in a decisive sixth inning as top-ranked Georgia salvaged the final game of the series with a 10-8 win over the Crimson Tide at Sewell-Thomas Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

• COLLEGE SOFTBALL: No. 2 Alabama completes sweep of Mississippi St. • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The No. 2-ranked Alabama softball team finished off the sweep over Mississippi State by coming from behind to earn a 3-2 victory Sunday afternoon at the UA Softball Complex. 

• No postseason bid for Alabama • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama has played its last basketball game of the season. For the second …

• What If There Was A College Football Playoff? • College Football News
With all the excitement and fun around March Madness, it seems crazy to not have a college football playoff. What should it be? What might have happened if there was one in place when the BCS started? Check out CFN's December Madness with a playoff format for the last several years ... and even projecting ahead for this season.

• Williams honored to play for Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's earliest commitments in the 2009 class was Kellen Williams of Brookwood HS in Snellville, Georgia. In just a few months, the 6-3, 304-pound offensive lineman will join the Alabama program -- and he couldn't be more excited. 

• Five-star OL a Tide legacy • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The question on the mind of many Alabama fans is whether or not the Tide has an advantage for five-star offensive lineman James Hurst, a Tide legacy whose father played at the Capstone in the 70's. With every major program in the country in pursuit, however, it won't be easy for UA.

• Gentry Estes:  UGA takes series finale as Kent Matthes smacks 13th home run in 16 games • al.com
Top-ranked Georgia blew a seven-run lead but still managed to top Alabama 10-8 today to claim the third and final game of this weekend's series in Tuscaloosa. 

• No. 2 Softball Heads to No. 20 LSU • RollTide.com
The No. 2 ranked Alabama softball team (23-2, 3-0 SEC) will head to Baton Rouge, La. to face No. 20 ranked LSU (15-6, 2-2 SEC) to open its road portion of the Southeastern Conference circuit. The t... 

• Rowing Posts Three Wins over Kansas State on St. Patrick's Day • RollTide.com
With the sun showing itself for the first time in recent memory, the Alabama Rowing team won three of five races against Kansas State on Tuesday, including both Novice races. 

• Ashley Priess Named SEC Freshman Gymnast of the Week for the Fifth Time • RollTide.com
For the fifth time this season and the third week in a row, Alabama's Ashley Priess has been named Southeastern Conference Freshman Gymnast of the Week the league office announced today. 

• Tuesday’s Top Ten: Most Creatively Named Alabama Quarterbacks • Crimson Confidential
Now that Star Jackson’s name is about to become everyday banter among Alabama fans, this might be a good time to reflect on some of the other not so David Smith-like individuals who have gone under center for the Crimson Tide.

• Alabama softball holds fast at No. 2 • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball team is still ranked second in both national polls after the Top 25 in each poll was released Tuesday.

• Report: James Holland candidate at Appalachian State • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | James Holland, assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Alabama from 2006 through the '09 season, is among the candidates to replace Houston Fancher's as head coach at Appalachian State, according to a report on Appalachian State's Rivals.com website.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Mark Gottfried returns... as an ESPN(U) announcer • al.com
When Mark Gottfried resigned under pressure as Alabama's coach on Jan. 26, he mostly went away quietly. He spent one day giving interviews -- like this one -- then kind of disappeared. 

• Gentry Estes: Mark Gottfried to call NIT game on ESPNU • al.com
Recently departed Alabama men's basketball coach Mark Gottfried has found work for the postseason.

• This Week In SEC Baseball - March 17th • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Baseball - March 17th

• This Week In SEC Softball - March 17th 03/17/2009 • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Softball - March 17th 03/17/2009

• Magee, Priess Receive Gymnastics Weekly Honors • SEC Sports
Magee, Priess Receive Gymnastics Weekly Honors

• Lacy not afraid of the competition at Bama • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Late in the recruiting process, Tennessee tried to make a run for Geismar-Dutchtown, LA running back Eddie Lacy. The Vols tried to sell the 5-11, 215-pound Lacy on the lack of depth at running back. But it wasn't enough to sway Lacy away from the Tide. In this interview with TI, Lacy discusses the recruiting process, his feelings on competing with fellow incoming freshman Trent Richardson and more. 

• Baseball Team Hosts Alabama A&M • RollTide.com
The Alabama baseball will spend its spring break playing six games, starting with Tuesday's game against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Daniel Moore's 'The Blowout' is ready to roll... • al.com
Remember the 2008 Iron Bowl, the one that ended with Alabama's 36-0 win over Auburn? Yeah, you do. As he tends to do, Daniel Moore wants you to really remember it. 

• Gentry Estes: UA search chronicles: Tuesday 3/17 • al.com
A daily dip into news and notes surrounding Alabama's search to hire a new men's basketball coach ...

• Marrow to bring size, power to UA offense • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
It's difficult to consistently win the SEC without a physical running game. A 2009 signee who will bring plenty of size and power to the UA backfield in the coming years is Mike Marrow of Central Catholic HS in Toledo, Ohio. The 6-1, 240-pound standout made an early commitment to Alabama. 

• Hailes Has Options • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Pack Pride talks with Chesapeake (VA) Oscar Smith standout defensive tackle Evan Hailes.

• Austin Shepherd: An Indepth Look • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
A common theme/measuring stick in this blog is ‘offers’. I believe if there is one reliable measuring stick in terms of evaluating a kid’s value, its offers. Offers are a consensus of opinion. If Florida, Texas and Ohio State all agree that the kid is worth a scholarship offer, then he is a good bet. We have done studies in this very blog and determined that a blue chip prospect, defined as a kid with a handful of very good offers, is more than THREE TIMES AS LIKELY to develop into a college star than a ‘sleeper’ prospect, defined as a kid with scant offers. 

• Basketball search heating up • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore may have hit a home run with the hiring of football coach Nick Saban in 2007, but a similarly triumphant hire for the Crimson Tide's basketball program will be a tougher sell. BamaOnLine.com has the latest on UA's search for a basketball coach, including news on the dollars that could be involved.

• Three leading the way for four-star DB • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Conyers (GA) Heritage athlete Garry Peters has a new top three. So who now leads for the Rivals250 cornerback? 

• Peach State DT Playing with Heavy Heart • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Jeffrey Whitaker, a hulking 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive tackle prospect from Macon, Ga., has been playing football for close to four years now. 

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

• Rowing Opens Home Schedule Tuesday against Kansas State • RollTide.com
Just a matter of days after opening its spring season at the Clemson Regatta, the Alabama rowing team is back in action Tuesday, with its home opener on the Black Warrior River against Kansas State. 

• Tide hosts Alabama A&M before big series with Ole Miss • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | In one respect, University of Alabama baseball coach Jim Wells knows exactly what he has on his team this season. But in another, he doesn't -- at least not yet.

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

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Longtime backup QB McElroy ready to step up • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Greg McElroy has had to wait three years behind quarterback John Parker Wilson for this opportunity to direct Alabama's offense. He believes it was worth it. 

• Plenty of candidates for Tide job • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Now that Alabama’s basketball season has ended, here is a look at some … 

• Florida DE is long on potential • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Even though David Perry of University HS in Fort Lauderdale has played only one year high school football, several top programs know about the 6-6, 230-pounder. Perry holds early offers from Alabama, FSU, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Oregon, Purdue and Tennessee. He's also receiving interest from Florida and Miami. 

• Owens back to square one • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the hottest prospects in the state of Alabama is Jess Lanier linebacker LaDarius Owens, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound sack artist. After landing offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson among others, the speedy defender is back to square one with his recruitment.

• Another standout DE from South Florida  • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
David Perry is another elite defensive end prospect from South Florida. Perry, 6-6 and 230 pounds, is from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) University School and had 47 tackles and eight sacks as a junior. 

• White to visit UA A-Day  • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The recruiting process has been hectic lately for Galena Park (Tex.) North Shore wide receiver DeAndrew White lately, as offers from elite programs have come pouring in. Check out the latest on White and his travel plans - which includes a visit to Alabama's A-Day, b ...

• Conyers DB starting to see big picture • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
When Garry Peters was nine, maybe 10 years old, he pedaled his bicycle through his Conyers, Ga., neighborhood every day.

• Bama Ball Interview • Bama Ball
Rashad Johnson Interview

• Softball:
Game 1: LSU 3, Alabama 2

• Baseball Team Sweeps Alabama A&M • RollTide.com
The No. 24 ranked Alabama baseball team completed its three-game sweep of Alabama A&M on Wednesday, winning both ends of a double header, 6-1 and 12-0, at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. 

• Christopher Walsh: NFL Draft 101: Why Andre Smith will be a high pick • Tuscaloosa News
The biggest problem with so many people trying to project/guess where former University of Alabama left tackle Andre Smith might end up in the 2009 NFL Draft is that they aren't considering the other side of the equation.

• Gentry Estes: Tubby Smith: "It's good to be wanted. But it's more important to be needed." • al.com
Minnesota's Tubby Smith may be the most in-demand basketball coach in the country right now. He is being mentioned prominently as a possible candidate for vacancies at Alabama, Arizona, Georgia and Virginia. And it's entirely possible -- if not probable -- that all four of those schools at the very least will gauge Smith's interest when the Golden Gophers' season comes to an end.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama finishes lopsided sweep of Alabama A&M • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- The worst part for everyone after Alabama baseball's 24-0 Tuesday night blistering of Alabama A&M? 

• Chris's Blog - Wednesday March 18, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
5:35 p.m. CDT - Rolling over Alabama A&M...

• Prattville star discusses Alabama offer • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
It's been a big day for Prattville safety Nick Perry. The 6-2, 195-pounder picked up his two biggest offers to date when SEC powers Alabama and LSU offered this afternoon. 

• Baseball:
Game 2: Alabama 12, Alabama A&M 0 (7)

• May, DiFazio Help Tide Set Home Run Record • RollTide.com
Alabama extended its home run streak, but could not keep its scoreless innings streak intact with a 6-1 win over Alabama A&M in the first game of a double header Wednesday afternoon at Sewell-Thoma... 

• Prattville safety lands Tide offer • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Although the state of Alabama's football talent for 2010 is considered to be down, prospects are emerging weekly including Prattville safety Nick Perry who just picked up SEC offers number two and three on Wednesday - including a big in-state offer. 

• Recruiting battle broadening for quarterback Sims • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Sims, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound quarterback out of Oscar Frommel Smith High School in Chesapeake, Va., said Tuesday four more schools contacted his high school coach this week about receiving film on him. Those schools include Miami, Ohio State, Oregon and LSU. 

• Gary Lloyd: Rams will select Smith on draft day • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
When the news of Orlando Pace’s release crept along the bottom of my TV screen last week, I knew instantly what the St. Louis Rams’ front office was thinking. 

• Kicking it with Alabama's Terrence Cody • Crimson Confidential
One of the most compelling stories of the 2008 SEC football season was Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody.Most...

• Jung, Rogers Named Alabama McWhorter Nominees • SEC Sports
Jung, Rogers Named Alabama McWhorter Nominees

• Gentry Estes: UA search chronicles: Wednesday 3/18 • al.com
A daily dip into news and notes surrounding Alabama's search to hire a new men's basketball coach ...

• Baseball:
Game 1: Alabama 6, Alabama A&M 1 (7)

• No. 24 Men's Tennis Heads to 60th Annual Blue Gray Classic • RollTide.com
The 24th-ranked men's tennis team (12-2, 3-1 SEC) returns to the court Thursday, March 19 at 1:30 p.m. (CST) when it takes on No. 56 Middle Tennessee State (7-7, 0-0 Sun Belt) in the first round of... 

• Golf prodigy commits to Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
Cory Whitsett knows how to win a national championship. He wants to put that knowledge to use at the University of Alabama.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Tide Baseball vs. Alabama A&M 3/17
The Crimson Tide Baseball Team puts a pounding on Alabama A&M 24-0, and ties it's consecutive game home record in the process. March 17th, 2009.

• Tommy Deas: Senior Bowl leaving Mobile? • Tuscaloosa News
A report in the Tampa Tribune says that the Senior Bowl is leaving Mobile, and that the NFL wants to move it to a city with an NFL franchise.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Tim Floyd as a potential new candidate... and other coaching search stuff! • al.com
Hello on Day 52 of the Alabama basketball coaching search. Well, not really, but that's the time from when Mark Gottfried resigned until now. Been a long time, and it doesn't seem there is a consensus candidate. But that doesn't mean there isn't some news... 

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Tuesday, March 17th • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Tuesday, March 17th

• Da' Rick Rogers, five and counting • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Wide receiver talked summer plans.

• Random Stuff- Wed., March 18, 2009  • Crimson Country Club (Members Only
Stuff

• Recruiting Notebook - March 18 • Crimson Confidential
Editor's Note--This a free view of premium content. Links to in-depth stories may still require premium access. Join CrimsonConfidential today. 

• Baseball:
Tuesday Night: Alabama 24, Alabama A&M 0 (7)

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

• Baseball Team Ties Home Run Record with Lopsided Win • RollTide.com
Alabama enjoyed a record-setting night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium, posting a lopsided 24-0 win in seven innings over Alabama A&M. The Crimson Tide hit six home runs in the game to tie the school rec... 

• Baseball Players Visit Taylorville Primary School • RollTide.com
Kent Matthes spent part of his spring break talking to a group of second graders at Taylorville Primary School. 

• Crimson Tide ties home run record • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It was pretty much just a matter of time. 

• Eubanks making final trip to LSU • Tuscaloosa News
Kellie Eubanks likes going home to play against the LSU Tigers.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama would pay more than $2 million to get the basketball coach it wants... • al.com
For those looking for some more news on the search to replace former Alabama coach Mark Gottfried, here's a little something for you.... It seems UA is willing to make a serious monetary commitment toward having a first-class hoops team. 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Is Alabama smart enough to try to bring Mike Anderson home? • The Birmingham News
If anyone at Alabama has reservations about throwing a full-court press at the perfect candidate for the basketball job there, listen up. 

• Alabama's collegiate basketball teams conspicuous by absence in NCAA Tournament • The Birmingham News
Five years ago this month, Sports Illustrated recognized Alabama and UAB's unlikely Sweet 16 journeys in the NCAA Tournament with a cover photo and declared, "Sweet Alabama."

• Gottfried finds his calling on TV • The Birmingham News
Turn on the television tonight at 7 and you'll see Mark Gottfried in familiar territory: Talking basketball. 

• Alabama will pay more than $2 million if it means getting the basketball coach it wants • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - For the right person, Alabama officials are willing to offer the next Crimson Tide basketball coach a salary eclipsing $2 million.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Alabama smashes Alabama A&M • The Huntsville Times
Crimson Tide beats Bulldogs 24-0 for Wells' 600th win 

• COLLEGE BASEBALL: Tide ties home run record in lopsided win • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama enjoyed a record-setting night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium, post­ing a lopsided 24-0 win in seven innings over Alabama A&M. The Crimson Tide hit six home runs in the game to tie the school record with a home run in 17 straight games and head coach Jim Wells notched his 600th win.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Senior Bowl President Steve Hale says the game has no plans to leave its longtime home in Mobile.

• 2009 Spring Preview - The SEC Hype • College Football News
Ready to get fired up for the 2009 season that's still six months away? As spring ball kicks in, here's the next installment of the 20 big off-season questions. After all the big losses, like Tennessee's gaffe against UCLA, is the SEC really worthy of all the hype? This and more in the pre-spring overview. 

• Mobile WR gaining confidence • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Murphy wide receiver Solomon Patton admits that he was initially a "little intimidated" playing in the Scout.com/Badger 7-on-7 passing tournament held in Tampa, Florida this past weekend. 

• 'Team Alabama': Jarrick Williams • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jarrick Williams, safety from Prichard-Blount, Ala., holds close to two dozen scholarship offers from the nation’s elite programs including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU and Oklahoma. He was physically one of the most impressive looking players in Tampa for the Scout/Badger Sports/New Level Athletics 7-on-7 tournament. 

• DeJoshua Johnson has road trip planned • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
DeJoshua Johnson, wide receiver from Pahokee, Fla., was one of the electrifying playmakers on the field in Tampa for the New Level Athletics 7on7 tournament. Johnson helped guide "Team Palm Beach' to an undefeated record and a championship victory. He talked about the weekend and plans for the spring.

• 'Team Alabama': B.J. Chitty names favorites • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
B.J. Chitty, wide receiver from Dothan-Northview, Ala., helped lead ‘Team Alabama' to the New Level Athletics 7on7 championship game this past weekend in Tampa, Fla. Chitty has received four scholarship offers and names a top three heading into the spring.

• Sims looking forward to UA visit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) quarterback Phillip Sims may very well be the most talented signal-caller on the Tide's board, and in a few short weeks the Rivals100 star will be in Tuscaloosa for the first time. 

• Matthes on torrid HR pace • BamaOnLine
Alabama's Kent Matthes already has launched 13 home runs this season, which leads the entire NCAA. As UA looks to improve on a 2-1 SEC record this weekend, BOL examines Matthes' sizzling start. 

• Finch to visit UA in spring • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Roy Finch is a member of the Rivals250 and one of the top rated running back prospects from the state of Florida. Finch, 5-8 and 172 pounds, is lining up unofficial visits for this spring and the Capstone is on his list of destinations. 

• Bama's Coaching Search -- Bracket Style • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
People around the country – heck, even around the world – are as we speak busily filling out NCAA Tournament brackets in the hopes of getting lucky and winning some serious dough … or at least some serious bragging rights.

• Bama Ball Interview • Bama Ball
Kenny Bell Interview

• No. 24 Men's Tennis Advances Past No. 56 Middle Tennessee 4-0 • RollTide.com
The 24th-ranked men's tennis team (13-2, 3-1 SEC) picked up a 4-0 win Thursday over No. 56 Middle Tennessee State (7-8, 0-0 Sun Belt) to advance to the next round of the Blue Gray National Collegia... 

• Gene Stallings to be honored by Ronald McDonald House Charities • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama will honor former University of Alabama head football coach Gene Stallings at its seventh Founders Award Dinner on Aug. 20 at Cahaba Grand Conference Center.

• Stock Rising for Seth Betancourt • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Seth Betancourt picked up five new offers and is hearing from ND, FSU, Florida, UGA and Bama.

• 'Bama on Watkins List (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Cape Coral, Fla., star Jaylen Watkins is one of the top prospects in the Sunshine State. Watkins has 18 scholarship offers including one from the Crimson Tide.

• Top three for Georgia LB (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Linebacker Tyrone Cornelius has offers from several Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference programs. The 6-foot-2, 189-pounder spoke recently discussed the current state of his recruitment, naming a top three. Is the Crimson Tide part of his lead group at this time? Find out. 

• Baseball Team Hits The Road; Takes On No. 12 Mississippi • RollTide.com
Alabama hits the road for the first time in Southeastern Conference play when the Crimson Tide travels to Oxford, Miss., to take on the Mississippi Rebels in a three-game SEC series at Oxford-Unive...

• Jung, Rogers Named Alabama McWhorter Nominees • RollTide.com
Tennis player Michael Jung and softball player Brittany Rogers have been nominated by the University of Alabama for the H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarship. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: March Madness ensues and possible Alabama targets respond to job speculation... • al.com
While we're knee-deep in March Madness games (yes, that's former Alabama player Avery Jukes on Butler, and yes, LSU should be up by 20 now), a quick note... 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Daniel Moore speaks out on his lawsuit: 'We want to get to trial, UA doesn't.' • al.com
Before we settle into watching March Madness, and before the contest begins, let's revisit a familiar topic. We looked at artist Daniel Moore's newest work, The Blackout, and talked with his lawyer about his lawsuit.

• Gentry Estes: UA search chronicles: Thursday 3/19 • al.com
A daily dip into news and notes surrounding Alabama's search to hire a new men's basketball coach ... 

• Smith's heart said Alabama • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Some fans were surprised when Alabama landed linebacker Petey Smith of Seffner-Armwood, FL. That's because the 6-0, 260-pound Smith is the younger brother of Auburn running back Eric Smith, and most believed that Petey would follow his brother to Auburn. In this interview with TI, Petey talks about why he chose Alabama, his feelings on playing against his brother and more. 

• CCC Super Sixteen for 2010 • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
We have been talking about for some time that next year’s instate crop was fairly weak. That is still the case compared to previous years. However, it looks a little better all the time. Even at this early juncture, eight kids have both Auburn and Alabama’s stamps of approval and that number is sure to grow. Still, no doubt, if Alabama or Auburn wants to sign a class next February ranked in the national top ten, they will have to venture beyond the borders to secure the bulk of the blue chippers. And Nick Saban has conclusively proven that’s a do-able task. Here is where the Super Sixteen stands as of today: 

• Tide OL begins rebuilding • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama is revamping its offensive line this spring after losing three starters. Mike Johnson, one of the two returning starters, offered his thoughts on who may join him. 

• De'Joshua Johnson High on Tide? • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One of this year’s muck superstars, De’Joshua Johnson (Pahokee, Fla./Pahokee High School), has become a familiar name to those who follow recruiting. The ESPNU 150 watch list member has quickly become one of the most talked-about wide receiver prospects in the Southeast.

• Alabama Making the Cut for Gholston • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One of the top prospects in the Midwest, defensive end William Gholston from Detroit (Mich.) Southeastern, has 14 scholarship offers on the table. 

• Ted Meline Recruiting Update • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver Ted Meline is one of the better players in the Class of...

• Bama in the NBA - March 18th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Softball:
Wednesday Night: Game 1: LSU 6, Alabama 5

• No. 2 Softball Suffers Two Losses at No. 20 LSU • RollTide.com
The No. 2 ranked Alabama softball team dropped two Southeastern Conference Western Division contests to LSU to open its road portion of the conference schedule. The Crimson Tide dropped the opener ... 

• Women's Swimming and Diving Team Starts NCAA Championships Thursday • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's swimming and diving team starts competition at the NCAA Championships Thursday in College Station, Texas at the Student Rec Center Natatorium on the Texas A&M campus. The Crimso... 

• Gymnast Ricki Lebegern Named to the SEC Community Service Team • RollTide.com
Alabama junior Ricki Lebegern has been named to the sixth-annual Southeastern Conference Gymnastics Community Service Team, marking the second year in a row that the Annandale, Va. native has earne... 

• Alabama’s Mt. Cody embraces popularity • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama nose guard Terrence Cody isn’t just a football player for the Crimson Tide. He has become a local celebrity.

• Tide gets school record, sweeps A&M • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The strange thing about streaks is that frequently the only thing more surprising than being on one is when it suddenly ends.

• LSU gets the sweep over No. 2 Alabama softball team • Tuscaloosa News
BATON ROUGE, La. | The No. 2 University of Alabama softball team lost two to the No. 20 LSU Tigers on Wednesday. The losses drop the Crimson Tide to 23-4 overall and 3-2 in SEC play.

• Steelers sign Bryant to one-year deal • Tuscaloosa News
PITTSBURGH | The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed cornerback Fernando Bryant to a one-year contract Wednesday to retain some secondary depth after losing free agent cornerback Bryant McFadden to the Arizona Cardinals.

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting chat transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (3-18-09)

• Ian R. Rapoport: What's the latest on the Daniel Moore lawsuit? • al.com
When the newest print by Daniel Moore first came to my attention yesterday, I posted a little blog on it. But then I started wondering about other issues relating to Moore, the artist. 

• Crimson Tide polishes off lopsided sweep of Alabama A&M • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - The worst part for everyone after Alabama baseball's 24-0 Tuesday night blistering of Alabama A&M? 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, March 19, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Tubby Smith flattered by Tide's interest, but still no leader in coaching search • Press-Register
Sought-after Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith wanted to speak Wednesday about the Gophers, though he was asked about a list of openings that included Alabama.

• College baseball • The Huntsville Times
No. 24 Alabama 6-12, Alabama A&M 1-0 

• SEC Softball Roundup - Wednesday, March 18th • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Roundup - Wednesday, March 18th

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Wednesday, March 18th • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Wednesday, March 18th

• Despite celebrity status, Cody not satisfied • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Terrence Cody made an instant impact at Alabama last year, earning All-American recognition as a junior college transfer who earned stardom as the team's starting nose tackle.

• TI TV for March 10 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Louisiana WR has UA's attention • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Slowly but surely word is getting out about junior receiver James Wright of Belle Chasse. The 6-2, 195-pound playmaker has already picked up offers from several schools and has caught the attention of several others, including Alabama. 

• Rogers is overwhelmed • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Da’ Rick Rogers was sitting on five offers for a few weeks, but his sixth, seventh, and eighth have come in this week. Two offers are form powers in the SEC and another is from a program in the Big Ten. Get the latest on this big-time receiver here. 

• Tide in top five for James • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Jawaun James is a mammoth offensive line prospect from Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett High School at 6-7 and 290 pounds, and after recently naming a top five, the news is good for Tide fans.

• Nashville lineman weighs in on recent Bama, Tennessee visits • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Round one between Alabama

• Rammer Jammer Guest of the Week: Homer Smith • Crimson Confidential
A brilliant strategist. A master motivator. A tireless competitor.

• Moody Has Tide in Top Two • Crimson Confidential
In an exclusive interview, ESPNU 150 linebacker Dexter Moody tells why his scholarship offer got pulled by Georgia...

• Ted Meline Recruiting Update • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
ESPNU 150 Watch List wide receiver
Ted Meline is one of the better players in the Class of...

• Tebow-Like QB Brause Likes Tide • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The interest in Bucyrus (Ohio) Wynford quarterback Tyler Brause is picking up. Brause, who is out of the Tim...

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

• Gymnastics:
SEC Championship: Alabama 197.300, Georgia 196.925, Florida 196.750, LSU 196.550...

• Baseball:
Ole Miss 5, Alabama 2

• Softball:
Game 2: Alabama 15, Ole Miss 0 (5)

• Softball:
Game 1: Alabama 13, Ole Miss 4 (5)

• Baseball:
Friday Night - Ole Miss 8, Alabama 7

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