Bama in the News

October 15 - 21, 2008

• Tide Continues Work for Saturday's Game • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team worked for two hours in full pads Wednesday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility, as preparations continues for Saturday's Southeastern Conference ...

• Men's Golf Team Moves Up Two Spots To No. 6 • RollTide.com
The Crimson Tide men's golf team has moved from No. 8 to No. 6 in the newest Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches' Poll released today. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/15 - Practice

• Ian R. Rapoport: Gottfried: "I like the energy level." • al.com
Hello... basketball season! Sure, it's October, and Nick Saban's football team is 6-0 and ranked second in the country. But basketball practice starts on Friday, so let's take a look at what's going on...

• Gentry Estes: Both Crimson Tide and Rebels bracing for a physical game • al.com
What's a safe prediction for Saturday's game between Alabama and Ole Miss?

• Expert Picks • CBS Sportsline
Editor's Note: The CBSSports.com Expert Picks will feature a new look this year with extra analysis on two-to-three feature games each week. For Week 6, our Games of the Week are No. 9 BYU at TCU, No. 11 Missouri at No. 1 Texas and No. 12 Ohio State at No. 20 Michigan State. Post your thoughts on the message board and your pick might be featured along side our experts! 

• 2008 CFN Midseason All-America Teams • College Football News
Oh the time does fly by. Welcome to the halfway point of the 2008 college football season. Here are the best and the brightest stars so far as Colt McCoy, Andre Smith and Scott McKillop lead the way for the 2008 CFN Midseason All-America teams. 

• Upcoming Game Times • Bama Sports Report
With the delay of game time announcements for both the Ole Miss and Tennessee games causing a lot of folks to wonder about kick off times for future Bama games, we thought we’d let you know what we know about the Tide’s upcoming schedule.

• Alabama-Mississippi Classic rosters set • AlabamaFB
MONTGOMERY – Two Mobile-area seniors have been selected to quarterback the 2008 Alabama All-Star football team when the 21st annual Alabama-Mississippi Classic prep all-star football game kicks off December 13 at Mobile ’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

• Bama practices going well • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Rumors were flying that Tide practices the past two weeks hadn't gone well. Not so, says Nick Saban.

• Headline Visitors Expected for Ole Miss • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The University of Alabama will host a star-studded group this weekend headlined by a couple of surprise official visitors. 

• Saban Expects Good Game From Rebels • 'BamaMag
What’s the difference between Alabama and Ole Miss? One team, Bama is 6-0 and ranked second in the nation. The other, Mississippi, is 3-3 with home losses to Vanderbilt and South Carolina (homecoming, no less). So the difference is three games. But the real difference is in how Ole Miss lost those games, two of them at least.

• Siddoway Talks About Official Visits • 'BamaMag
Eugene (Ore.) Sheldon offensive lineman Charles Siddoway has visited two Golden State programs officially, including UCLA, and he talks about his trips and the remainder of his recruiting schedule...

• Life without Hendrix • BamaOnLine
The question is this: How can a largely forgettable Alabama basketball season that relied so heavily on Richard Hendrix be followed by a memorable one in Hendrix's absence?

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's Wednesday new conference • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban met with reporters following Wednesday's practice. Check the Ultimate Ticket for video from Saban's news conference!

• Wednesday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Baron Huber and the rest of the Alabama football team continued preparations Wednesday for its game against Ole Miss. 

• Auburn commit to visit Capstone • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
When this Rivals250 defensive end pledged his commitment to Auburn, it marked one of the few head-to-head battles that Alabama has lost to their in-state rival in recruiting. This weekend the rushing terror will visit the Capstone. 

• Three official visitors expected in T-town • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The expected group of visitors arriving this weekend for Alabama's home contest with Ole Miss is small, but the quality packs a punch with seven Rivals250 members and several 2010 prospects expected to attend - including two official visitors. 

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's Wednesday press conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses this week's practices

• Wednesday practice notes: Healthy Tide continues prepping for dangerous Ole Miss • Crimson Confidential
Second-ranked Alabama (6-0 overall, 3-0 in SEC) continued its preparations for Ole Miss (3-3, 1-2) Wednesday afternoon, working out in full pads at the outdoor practice facility. Saturday’s game is set for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff with CBS providing TV coverage. 

• Classic roster includes two Tide commits • Crimson Confidential
Two Alabama verbal commitments were named to the Alabama roster for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, which will be played Dec. 15 at Mobile's Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama hoops gets third commitment • al.com
In honor of Alabama's preseason basketball news conference coming later today, the Crimson Tide added its third commitment. OK, maybe the guy had no idea about coach Mark Gottfried's media schedule.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama basketball practices are closed this year • al.com
Alabama will open preseason men's basketball practice Friday night, and no one (media, fans, girlfriends, etc ...) will be allowed in to see it. 

• Gentry Estes: View from the other side: Ole Miss • al.com
Between Alabama's newest basketball commitment, the weekly SEC football coaches teleconference and finishing stories for tomorrow's SEC Extra section in the Press-Register, I regret that I didn't have time this morning to compile my daily reading segment.

• Two visits down, two to go for Siddoway • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In its quest to add at least one more offensive tackle to the 2009 class, the Alabama coaching staff is keeping in regular contact with standout offensive tackle Charles Siddoway. The 6-5½, 310-pounder from Sheldon HS in Eugene is generally considered to be the best prospect in Oregon. 

• SEC Power Poll • BamaOnLine
With LSU and Vanderbilt going down on the road last Saturday, Alabama stands alone as the SEC's only unbeaten team.

• VIDEO — Mark Gottfried's Wednesday press conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Mark Gottfried discusses the upcoming season

• 2009 Men's Basketball Recruiting:
SF Chris Hines

• UA lands JUCO small forward • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Less than 10 days ago Alabama broke a four-month commitment drought and broke it in a big way when Mark Gottfried landed one of the South’s premier big men Shawn Kemp. Wednesday the good news continued as the Tide landed one of the top small forward prospects in the junior college ranks. 

• Alabama lands third hoops commitment • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama picked up its third basketball commitment for the class of 2009 on Wednesday, with the announcement that junior-college forward Chris Hines is headed to the Crimson Tide.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Defensive Notebook • RollTide.com
The Alabama defense ranks among the national leaders in rushing defense, total defense and fewest rushing touchdowns allowed. Find out more about the Tide defense in this week's defensive notebook...

• Ian R. Rapoport: What are Alabama's chances of finishing atop the BCS rankings? • al.com
The Bowl Championship Series rankings will be officially unveiled for the first time on Sunday. No, not projections done by the Rap Sheet's favorite guru, Jerry Palm. The actual rankings, which are explained here.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama lands third hoops commitment • al.com
Former Hillcrest-Evergreen basketball star Chris Hines has committed to Alabama, according to this story today in the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat.

• 2008 SEC Football Coaches Press Conference • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Football Coaches Press Conference 

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

• Tide offensive line a force • AlabamaFB
TUSCALOOSA -- Before most football practices, team leader and senior offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell spits a rhyme-laced impromptu monologue intended to excite and focus the players that will line up beside him on Saturday. Named a permanent team captain in his junior year, a rarity with the task usually falling to senior, the role of leader is one that comes to him naturally.

• Video of TI TV for October 14 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Brandon Moore Names Officials • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Brandon Moore, Scout.com four-star offensive tackle from Montgomery-Carver, (Ala.), is one of the best two-way lineman in the Southeast. He is dominant on both sides of the ball, but mainly recruited as a defensive tackle. Moore is now thinking official visits as Scout.com has the latest with one of the South’s top uncommitted prospects. 

• Bama Juniors Get Attention From NFL • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Over half of Tide players being watched by pro scouts Saturday are juniors

• LSU Verbal Taking Visits • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Willie Ferrell, Scout.com three-star strongside linebacker from Tallahassee-Florida A&M, (Fla.), made a spring commitment to LSU. The ferocious defender has missed two games as a senior, but has managed close to 70 tackles. He talked about the injury and the commitment to the Tigers. 

• New SEC school in the mix for James Carpenter • 'BamaMag
Two visits set; three more to go

• Relaxed, ready • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOA | Even though the University of Alabama football team has achieved its highest national ranking, No. 2, since 1993, an enormous cause for optimism is that there's still a lot of room for improvement.

• Bama gets positive GSR report • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Seven of the University of Alabama's athletic teams produced 100 percent graduation rates for the latest reporting period, and two other teams graduated at least 90 percent of their student-athletes.

• Rebels want consistency from DE Greg Hardy • Tuscaloosa News
JACKSON, Miss. | What was supposed to be a relaxing weekend off was anything but for Mississippi coach Houston Nutt.

• Alexander signs with Skins • Tuscaloosa News
ASHBURN, Va. | Former NFL MVP and University of Alabama standout Shaun Alexander signed with the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, part of a flurry of roster activity in which the team ditched its punter, shuffled its safeties and displayed coach Jim Zorn's strong ties to his Seattle Seahawks roots.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Antoine Caldwell

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Cory Reamer

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Andre Smith

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Mike Johnson

• Ian R. Rapoport: Scary Greg Hardy, Andre Smith's health... and other stuff! • al.com
In my tenure covering college football, I've seen a good amount of individual performances that really opened my eyes.

• Gentry Estes:  Video: The left side of the offensive line • al.com
Alabama left tackle Andre Smith and left guard Mike Johnson

• Doug Segrest: Weekly SEC page -- and how we ranked the national title contenders • al.com
****Who's got a leg up on the national title race? No prediction, just a projection, based on the BCS formula and combining it with the schedules the remainder of the way. Click to read more for my forumla and the team rankings. 

• Chris's Blog - Wednesday October 15th • Chris Stewart Sports
6:15 a.m. CDT - Good news on the gridiron and the classroom...

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Rebels' Hardy has o-line's attention: 

• Alabama wins Pate title for third straight year • The Birmingham News
Alabama is making a habit of playing well in its own golf tournament.

• UAB football team has 4th lowest Graduation Success Rate score... • The Birmingham News
... among I-A teams; Alabama, Auburn below national average
The latest NCAA Graduation Success Rate report showed the UAB football team had the fourth-lowest score among 120 Division I-A teams. Meanwhile, Alabama continued to improve and Auburn trended down - although both were below the national average.

• Mike Herndon: Easy fix not always best option • Press-Register
We, as a society, have become fixated on easy answers. Your stocks aren't doing so hot? Sell. Your kid's getting bad grades? Get a different teacher. Your son isn't getting enough playing time on the football team? Transfer to another school. 

• Follow the leaders: • Press-Register
Antoine Caldwell, Rashad Johnson have important role for unbeaten Crimson Tide
TUSCALOOSA - Center Antoine Caldwell can't tell you the last time he got the thrill of jogging through the tunnel with the rest of his Alabama teammates before a game.

• SEC foes, including Auburn and Alabama, dot Jaguars' baseball schedule • Press-Register
Staff report Eight games against SEC teams, including home-and-home series with Auburn and Alabama for the first time since 1984, highlight the 2009 University of South Alabama baseball schedule released Tuesday.

• Smith at 'full speed' • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama left tackle Andre Smith is back healthy at practice after sitting out the bye week to recover from a minor elbow sprain and strep throat.

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

• Bama relying on two leaders • The Huntsville Times
Caldwell, Johnson still setting team's tone as seniors

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Andre Smith at full speed after injury, illness

• Cody making difference in first year with Tide • The Crimson White
When watching his junior college highlight tapes, Alabama head coach Nick Saban found just what he was looking for in Terrence Cody.

• Hard-working freshman makes noise on the tennis court • The Crimson White
Alabama tennis coach Billy Pate had only one word to describe John Lewis, his most experienced freshman.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Rebel offense has new look • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It's a different look than any the Alabama secondary has seen this year. The physical style of the Ole Miss offensive front and the added arm of transfer quarterback Jevon Snead give the Rebels their most versatile look since Eli Manning led the Rebels to a 10-3 season. 

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Tide healthy after open date • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama had no players in black jerseys on Tuesday or Wednesday, signifying a healthy team after an open date.

• Quiet McCall just does his job for Tide at tight end • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — When Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson gets back to the huddle after a missed pass play, he often hears from his receivers. 

• Redskins sign Shaun Alexander • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
ASHBURN, Va. — Former league MVP Shaun Alexander signed with the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, reuniting him with former Alabama teammate Chris Samuels.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA —Alabama left tackle Andre Smith said he is healthy and ready for Saturday’s game against Ole Miss.

• Tide’s Anders finding his role • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Terrence Cody has done his job for two downs and it’s third-and-long.

• SEC Fearless Predictions, Oct. 18 • College Football News
The SEC is flying a bit under the radar this week, at least compared to the showdowns in the Big 12, but there are some terrific matchups. Can Knowshon Moreno leap over Alabama for the win? Check out the Previews and Predictions for the Week 8 SEC Games. 

• Practice Report: 10/14/08 • Bama Sports Report
The Tide was back in full pads today for continued workout for the Ole Miss Rebels. It was unusually warm this afternoon, though the temperature at kickoff on Saturday is expected to be in the high 60s. Also unusually high was the intensity level today. The Tide typically practices at a high level, increasing as

• Top junior OT names five early favorites • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The state of Georgia is usually full of talented offensive line prospects. That will be the case again in the class of 2010. Jawuan James of North Gwinnett HS in Suwanee is one of the top junior tackles in the Peach State.

• Bama offensive line wary of Rebels' Hardy • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Last year Greg Hardy left an impression on Alabama's offensive line. And why not? That October Saturday in Oxford, Hardy, the veteran Ole Miss defensive end, compiled the following stat line: a career-high 13 total tackles, nine solos, five tackles for a loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and two QB hurries. 

• New SEC school in the mix for James Carpenter • 'BamaMag
The 6' 5", 305 pound offensive tackle out of Coffeeville CC had two scouts come by his game and practice this past week.

• Tide Players Cited For First Half Job • 'BamaMag
Midway through the season Alabama football players receive honors

• Tide O-Line Prepares For Big Challenge • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy had big game vs. Tide in 2007

• Johnson, Tide looking for answers against speed-rushing Hardy • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
If last year's game against Alabama made Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy a star, then the Crimson Tide's Mike Johnson was certainly an unwilling accomplice.

• Smith steers clear of naming names in recruiting process (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It’s the presidential election season, but John McCain and Barack Obama aren’t the only ones who sound like politicians. Add Branden Smith to that list. 

• Notebook: Over-ruled catch still gnaws at Rebels' Hodge • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Ole Miss receiver ruled out of bounds on controversial play 

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, Part I • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Mike Johnson and Andre Smith 

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, Part II • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Antoine Caldwell and Cory Reamer 

• Crimson Tide Ready to Face Rebels • RollTide.com
The No. 2 University of Alabama football team put the finishing touches on its game plan for the Mississippi Rebels with a 90-minute practice in helmets and shorts Thursday afternoon in the Hank Cr...

• BE Coleman: SEC has 6 Mid-Season All Americans • College Football News
The Southeastern Conference has placed six football players on the CBS Sports Mid Season All American Team.

• Tide finishes Ole miss preparations • AlabamaFB
Tide plays host to Rebels on Saturday 

• Draft sneak peek: A first look at the Class of 2009 • CBS Sportsline
The college football season is about half over. The NFL season is closing in on the halfway point, too.

• Series Preview: Alabama vs. Mississippi • RollTide.com
Both teams are expecting a physical football game this Saturday when No. 2 Alabama hosts Mississippi in a Southeastern Conference game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. History is on their side. 

• Soccer Returns Home to Face South Carolina • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team (8-5-1, 3-3-0 SEC) will return home to host two Southeastern Conference matches. The Crimson Tide will open the weekend slate against the South Carolina Gamecocks (10-2-3, 4... 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Woodall plays his local team, Smith vs. Oher... and other stuff! • al.com
Before we get to tomorrow's notes -- presented a little early because practice is closed on Thursday -- there were a few interesting links today.

• Gentry Estes: Prospect watch: Old friends await Fluker • al.com
Foley's big offensive/defensive prospect D.J. Fluker was one of two Alabama commitments named to the roster this week for the team representing the state at the Alabama-Mississippi High School All-Star Classic on Dec. 13. (St. Paul's quarterback AJ McCarron was the other).

• Mike Markuson - • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Bama 'D' has no holes

• Another big visit weekend on tap • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Another Alabama home football game, another army of top recruits on campus to check out the Crimson Tide.

• No. 6 Men's Cross CouNo. 6 Men's Cross Country to Compete at Pre-NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
The No. 6 ranked men's cross country team will travel to Terre Haute, Ind. this weekend and compete against some of the nation's best teams on the same course the NCAA Championships will be held on... 

• Women's Cross Country to Compete at Chile Pepper Festival • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's cross country team will travel to Fayetteville, Ark. this weekend and compete against top ranked teams at the 20th Annual Chile Pepper Invitational on the University of Arkansas...

• Volleyball Hosts Showdown with Georgia on Friday • RollTide.com
The volleyball team (10-6, 3-4) will open its four-match home stand Friday night when it hosts Georgia (10-9, 3-5) at the CAVE. Opening serve is slated for 7:00 p.m. (CST). 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Special Teams Notebook • RollTide.com
Alabama ranks second nationally with five non-offensive touchdowns this season, including two by the Tide special teams. Find out more about the Tide special teams in this week's notebook on RollT...

• Jones, Hightower Named to Midseason Freshman All-American Team • RollTide.com
University of Alabama receiver Julio Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower have been named to the 2008 Rivals.com Midseason Freshman All-American team. 

• Gentry Estes: Thursday reading: Andre Smith and the NFL • al.com
The few times Alabama junior left tackle Andre Smith has been asked about the NFL lately, he gets an uncomfortable expression on his face.

• Tight end McCall keeps chains moving • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama fans have come to expect a first down in short-yardage situations. 

• Video: The Huddle: • Dothan Eagle
Alabama Edition

• Louisiana linebacker keeping options open • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"Coach [Bo] Davis from Alabama came by my school a few weeks ago and watched me play…

• Florida defender ready to see Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Jonathan Scott of Seabreeze HS in Daytona Beach is set to take his official visit to Tuscaloosa this weekend for the Ole Miss game. "It's Alabama; it's a big-time program. I can't wait to get up there to see how everything is done," he says…

• Video of Saban's press conference on Wednesday • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Former Tide Stars Like What They See • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Magnolia Grove Golf Course west of Mobile was the venue for the regional qualifying tournament for the second annual Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Championship. Among the celebrity participants for the event sponsored by Plantation Pointe were four former Tide football stars who are enshrined in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. They expressed their views of the current edition of the Crimson Tide. 

• Montez Robinson Talks Visits • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Auburn commitment to visit SEC schools.

• UA-Ole Miss: How they match up • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Ole Miss brings a diverse offense and a stout defensive line to Bryant-Denny Stadium, but a much-maligned secondary, as well. How does Alabama match up with the Rebels?

• With Trojans, Fighting Irish slightly ahead,... • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
... Bonds turns recruiting focus to Crimson Tide (video highlights included)
Alabama’s got a little bit of ground to make up with Chris Bonds. And over the next two weekends the Crimson Tide will have the chance to do just that.

• Grading the winners and losers for the first half of the season • USA TODAY
Seven weeks down. Seven weeks to go until BCS berths go out. A good time to look back and give out grades for the first half of what has already been a wild year on the college gridiron.

• Tony Barnhart: Georgia Tech needs to start fast against wounded Clemson • AJC
Five burning questions as we head into the weekend: 

• Cody making a huge impact at Alabama • Rivals.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – He's literally the biggest surprise of the season.

• Mark Gottfried Holds Preseason Press Conference • RollTide.com
The first official opening day of basketball practice will be Friday for the college teams across the country, including the Crimson Tide. Bama men's coach Mark Gottfried met with the media Wednesd...

• Few points separate Tide, Rebels in recent games • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | No current University of Alabama football player has ever lost to the Ole Miss Rebels, but the Crimson Tide has been pushed to the limit to win the last three meetings. 

• Tide moves up to No. 6 in coaches’ golf poll • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama men’s golf team moved up two spots to No. 6 in the Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches’ Poll released Wednesday.

• Tide’s Steele ‘good to go’ when season begins • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama men’s basketball team will carry a roster of just 11 players into the 2008-2009 season, but Crimson Tide head coach Mark Gottfried said Wednesday that every one of the 11 was “ready to go” — and that includes point guard Ron Steele.

• Swinney confident as he takes over Tigers • Tuscaloosa News
CLEMSON, S.C. | Dabo Swinney had no idea his Monday would begin with planning for Saturday’s game vs. Georgia Tech and end with him as Clemson’s interim head coach.

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting Chat Transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat Transcript (10-15-08)

• Ian R. Rapoport: Want to talk about the WildRebel formation? Nick Saban goes old school... • al.com
I wanted to discuss the WildRebel formation. Ya know, the one with a running back or receiver in shotgun, like coach Houston Nutt used at Arkansas with Darren McFadden and now uses at Ole Miss with Dexter McCluster.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Saban sounds off on BCS, praises graduaton rates... and other stuff! • al.com
First of all, how funny is that cartoon? No idea what the heck that thing is. I think it's called debate-tude. Whatever.

• Tide coach Saban's love for power backs keys Alabama's success • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Often in his career, Nick Saban has been faced with a choice. A shifty, speedy running back who makes defenders miss or a powerful, downhill runner who welcomes contact

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Alabama inks third recruit: 

• Alabama football notes for Saturday's game against Ole Miss • Press-Register
OLE MISS (3-3, 1-2) at No. 2 ALABAMA (6-0, 3-0) 2:30 p.m. Saturday (WKRG/CBS) Bryant-Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa -- LINE: Alabama by 13

• Alabama roster for the Alabama-Mississippi High School All-Star Classic • Press-Register
The Alabama roster for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, scheduled for 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium:

• Economic downturn doesn't keep Bama's stock from soaring with fans • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - With Hurricane Ike swirling, gasoline prices soaring and cars lined up at a dwindling number of pumps in Tuscaloosa still in service, Alabama played a home football game Sept. 13 against lightly regarded Western Kentucky. 

• Mobile Press-Register sports writer Tommy Hicks'... • Press-Register
... Harris Interactive college football poll ballot
Press-Register sports reporter Tommy Hicks is one of 114 voters in the Harris Interactive football poll. Each week, his ballot along with his brief analysis is published in SEC Extra:

• Ole Miss' Michael Oher, Alabama's Andre Smith leading NFL prospects in SEC • Press-Register
Fans love skill players, especially on offense. In the SEC, fans love to see Florida 's Tim Tebow take off running or pass to Percy Harvin. They enjoy watching Georgia's Matthew Stafford pass or hand the ball to running back Knowshon Moreno. At Alabama, Auburn, LSU, South Carolina and every other campus around the league there are talented players making big plays and helping their teams win games.

• Ole Miss plans to challenge Alabama in the trenches on Saturday • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Both Alabama and Ole Miss are in agreement on the physical style of football that will be played at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday.

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

• Is rolling Tide economy-proof? • The Huntsville Times
Tumbling markets no match for zeal of Alabama fans

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Nutt vows Rebels will face Crimson Tide straight-up

• Ex-Evergreen star picks Bama • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Former Hillcrest-Evergreen basketball star Chris Hines intends to continue his college career where he wanted to be all along.

• Matchup of giants: Smith, Oher • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama junior left tackle Andre Smith will never face Ole Miss senior left tackle Michael Oher one-on-one.

• College Basketball Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama basketball
Alabama basketball landed its third public commitment of the recruiting season Wednesday. Chris Hines, a 6-foot-8, 225-pound small forward from Southwestern Illinois Community College said he will play for Alabama in 

• Hardy was tough on Tide last year • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Mike Johnson’s nightmare quickly spread across the Alabama offensive line.

• Blue-chip DL is pumped about upcoming visit to UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Blue-chip defensive lineman Chris Bonds of Richland Northeast HS in Columbia, SC is pumped about his official visit to Alabama this weekend. The 6-4, 280-pounder is so pumped that he'll skip most of his game this Friday night to get on the road to Tuscaloosa. 

• Wingo changes visit date • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Rivals100 athlete Ronnie Wingo has five firm favorites for his college choice and two official visits scheduled for December. Recently however, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder made a change to his travel plans to Tuscaloosa.

• Following the Future: Week 8 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With the second half of the high school football season well underway, it was another successful week for Alabama commitments. One of the stars this week was bruising back Mike Marrow who rolled up nearly 200 yards on the ground.

• Last three Ole Miss-Alabama games as tight as they come • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Whether or not either fan base is willing to admit it, there have been no two more evenly matched teams in the Southeastern Conference in recent years than Alabama and Ole Miss. At least, that's been the case on game day. 

• With Trojans, Fighting Irish slightly ahead,... • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
... Bonds turns recruiting focus to Crimson Tide (video highlights included)
Alabama’s got a little bit of ground to make up with Chris Bonds. And over the next two weekends the Crimson Tide will have the chance to do just that. 

• Soccer:
Alabama 1, South Carolina 0

• Volleyball:
Georgia 3, Alabama 0

• Soccer Continues Friday Night Brilliance • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team continues to shine under the lights on Friday nights as the Crimson Tide earned a crucial Southeastern Conference victory over South Carolina by the score of 1-0 at the Alab... 

• Volleyball Slips Against Georgia • RollTide.com
The volleyball team dropped a 3-0 match Friday night at the CAVE to Georgia. With the loss, the Tide dips to 10-7 this season and 3-5 in Southeastern Conference play.

• Countdown to Hoops Season Officially Begins • RollTide.com
Friday night was the first time the NCAA allows teams to officially take to the floor to prepare for the 2008-09 basketball season. Tide Coach Mark Gottfried said he liked his players' energy and e... 

• Men's Tennis Drops Four Matches at ITA Regionals • RollTide.com
The men's tennis team had a tough outing on Friday losing four matches at the 2008 Wilson/ITA Southeast Regional Championship held at the Boone Tennis Center and Lexington Tennis Club. 

• Softball Prepares for First Fall Tourney • RollTide.com
The Alabama softball team will take time away from training and open fall play this weekend against two other squads in Fall Brawl I. Alabama will welcome South Alabama and Shelton State to the Sof...

• FRIDAY FLASHBACK: Top-ranked Tide Runs Past Rebels • RollTide.com
Top-ranked Alabama ran past Mississippi 59-35 in a Sept. 20, 1980 shootout on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon at Mississippi Memorial Stadium in Jackson.

• Scout.com SEC Pubs' Predictions: Week 8 • 'BamaMag
Take a look around the conference at this week's match-ups. The contenders and pretenders step forward in Week 8. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Did you know Javier Arenas' brother plays at Nebraska? • al.com
If you didn't know that Alabama junior Javier Arenas' brother is Armando Murillo, a cornerback at Nebraska, you do after reading my article in this morning's paper. Check out a mildly hilarious interview with Arenas:

• Gentry Estes: How missing academic work could equal a suspension at Alabama ... • al.com
In today's major-college football programs, players sometimes are suspended from competition. Sometimes the public knows the reason, be it a textbook investigation or minor NCAA compliance issue.

• Inside the Tunnel • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
What are the head-to-head matchups that will define the Alabama-Ole Miss game? What are the stories behind the stats? Go Inside the Tunnel with BamaOnLine.com, our new Friday primer unlike any game preview you'll find anywhere. 

• Rich Rodriguez in mess with Michigan Wolverines • NY Daily News
This looks to be another ugly weekend for Michigan football.

• Doug Segrest: Week 8 predictions • al.com
There's not a single game this week that screams ''showdown,'' yet Saturday is crucial for at least three teams. Alabama is on a collision course with the BCS National Championship Game and Georgia and LSU still have the chance to return to the conversation. 

• Dennis Pillion: The Nick Saban radio show, 10-16-08 • al.com
Listen to Nick Saban's weekly call-in show from Buffalo Wild Wings in Tuscaloosa. Saban sits down with Tom Roberts and media guest Melissa Lee. Coach Saban discusses the Crimson Tide's bye week, Alabama's upcoming game against Ole Miss, and odds and ends like his biggest influences, his boat, what he would pick as his theme song and more.

• Fearless Forecasters: College Edition • Dothan Eagle
Get the picks from the Eagle sports staff for this week’s five big college games. 

• Tomorrow We Play for the National Title • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
I am not a playoff proponent, at least not in the large sense. I am not against choosing four teams to play in the two “biggest bowls” (on a rotating basis) and then the winners of the two games playing in a third “big bowl” to determine the national champion (some folks call this a “plus one” format) but I am dead set against the eight team or sixteen team playoff idea. I hate it. Tomorrow’s National Championship Game with Ole Miss is the reason why. 

• Video: Dre Kirkpatrick covers the field • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The top cornerback prospect in the country is Gadsden City's Dre Kirkpatrick and the five star prospect is once again enjoying a big season of big hits and interceptions. In this premium recruiting video feature, check out Kirkpatrick in action through his first six games of his senior season.

• BOL Panel Picks Contest • BamaOnLine
Win a free year of BOL picking college games head-to-head against BOL staff, media, and ex-UA standouts like Roger Schultz (Biggest Loser), and 2004 team captain Todd Bates.

• Prep preview: Fluker takes on old team • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It's rare that a high school athlete gets to face former teammates, but that's the case with Alabama commitment D.J. Fluker tonight.

• Finally healthy, Steele looking to help Tide bounce back • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It's going on three years now that Ronald Steele has been answering questions about his knees.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Gibson situation -- A cautionary tale • al.com
On the surface, it seemed like a simple matter. When he was a recruit, Alabama receiver Brandon Gibson accepted transportation from a booster to a basketball game before the 2007 signing day and was suspended two games.

• The Brandon Good Returns: Arenas Capitalizing on Multiple Sides of the Ball • RollTide.com
Javier Arenas was in the midst of an 87-yard highlight reel of a punt return, spinning and reversing field in multiple directions like he had done many times before, but Alabama coach Nick Saban wa...

• Challenge on the line • Tuscaloosa News
Smith fights through minor injuries; ready for Rebels

• Bama looking for third straight win • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama volleyball team will open its four-match home stand tonight when it hosts Georgia, with the Crimson Tide carrying a two-match winning streak into the contest.

• Tide softball team has full weekend • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball team, coming off its most successful season in school history, will be recognized at halftime of the Ole Miss football game Saturday and will open its fall schedule with two games Sunday.

• Chris's Blog - Thursday October 16th • Chris Stewart Sports
8:30 p.m. CDT - Bama Fever in the news and a visit with an Ole Miss legend...

• Sibling rivalry: Arenas and his brother compete from afar • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Javier Arenas and his brother would race to school. When classes ended, they would race home. 

• Who will fill the shoes of All-SEC forward Richard Hendrix? • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - On June 16, the career of every Alabama post player was altered. All-Southeastern Conference performer Richard Hendrix opted to stay in the NBA Draft, opening up a gaping hole in the Crimson Tide's starting lineup.

• Tommy Hicks: Schedule will pick BCS pair • Press-Register
If the college football season ended today, Texas and Alabama would play in the BCS national championship game. Penn State and its fans would cry foul, saying the Nittany Lions should be in the game. Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and maybe even the folks at Utah would feel slighted, too. 

• Rebels' Hodge gets off to fast start this season • Press-Register
Shay Hodge can still remember the ball in the air. He can remember the feeling, however fleeting, that his Ole Miss Rebels were about to beat Alabama, and he was going to be the one to make it happen.

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

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Two Rebels assistants know about winning in Tuscaloosa 

• Great wall of Bama • The Crimson White
Before most football practices, team leader and senior offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell spits a rhyme-laced impromptu monologue intended to excite and focus the players that will line up beside him on Saturday.

• Tide hosts Fall Brawl • The Crimson White
The Alabama softball team will hold its annual Fall Brawl this Sunday as the Crimson Tide welcomes South Alabama and Shelton State to the Alabama Softball Facility.

• Tide heads back to Terre Haute • The Crimson White
Two weeks ago, the men’s cross country team solidified its place in the national picture, taking third place overall in the Dellinger Invite 2000 miles away in Eugene, Ore.

• Tide to tackle long course in Arkansas • The Crimson White
The women’s cross country team will travel to Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday to compete in the 20th annual Chile Pepper Festival hosted by the University of Arkansas.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: • Montgomery Advertiser
Freshmen Julio Jones, Don't'a Hightower recognized by Rivals.com
University of Alabama receiver Julio Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower have been named to the 2008 Rivals.com Midseason Freshman All-American team.

• Tide is rested and waiting for Rebels • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Since All-America quarterback Eli Manning finished at Ole Miss and headed to the NFL’s New York Giants, Alabama hasn’t lost to Rebels.

• Steele, freshmen appear to be keys to Tide’s success • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama coach Mark Gottfried hears questions about point guard Ronald Steele, as he puts it, “all the time.”

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — With the Bowl Championship Series standings set to be released Sunday, Alabama has a good chance to be ranked in the Top 2 if it beats Ole Miss on Saturday. The Crimson Tide is ranked no lower than second in all 

• Alabama, Ole Miss feature tough left tackles • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama and Mississippi both feature a number of skill players who can affect Saturday’s outcome with one big play.

• Andrew Bone: Coaching changes matter • AlabamaFB
The recruiting season is in full swing with several high school prospects across the country deciding if a team is no longer a favorite or deciding to even de-commit based on the coaching carousel of dismissals in midseason.

• Tide seeking fifth straight win against the Rebels • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In what looks to be one of the more dangerous games of the season, No. 2 Alabama (6-0, 3-0 SEC) is set to host Ole Miss (3-3, 1-2 SEC) at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Could visit sway Robinson to Bama? • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Montez Robinson is one of the outside linebackers that Alabama is interested in. The 6-4, 235-pound Robinson is committed to Auburn, but he'll make an official visit to Tuscaloosa this weekend. 

• Hoover star has familiar name • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Fans of the Crimson Tide have plenty of positive memories of Alabama running back Bobby Humphrey who ran roughshod over SEC opponents in the '80s. Two decades later, another Humphrey is set to emerge as a big-time football player.

• Midway musings • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Halfway through the 2008 season, Alabama is unbeaten at 6-0. With six more games to go, BamaOnLine.com's Chase Goodbread examines questions answered and questions looming with a BOL Opinion. 

• Alabama receiving more competition in quest to land Gordon • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Eric Gordon’s top four has now become a top five.

• Five matchups to watch on Saturday • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
College football rivalries don't get much more evenly matched than Alabama-Ole Miss in the last three seasons. 

• Football:
Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20

• 2008 SEC Scores: 
Georgia 24, Vanderbilt 14

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/18 - Saban post game

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
QuadCam-Ole Miss

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama hangs on again, defeats Ole Miss 24-20 (Updated with Cody news) • al.com
Another big halftime lead, another second half to forget. And again, No. 2 Alabama hung on.

• Gentry Estes: Saban: Cody's injury not that bad • al.com
Some very good news for Alabama from Coach Nick Saban ...

• Tide needs late stop to hold off Rebels • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Halloween is still nearly two weeks away, but you'd have never known it Saturday at Bryant-Denny stadium. Alabama and Ole Miss both dipped deep into their respective bags of tricks, but when the clock expired, Alabama had a 24-20 win. 

• Cody injury quells excitement • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama noseguard Terrence Cody was carted off the field with a knee injury Saturday, causing a concerned silence to fall over Bryant-Denny Stadium. What is the prognosis for the Crimson Tide's 365-pound run-stuffer? Click here for the latest on Cody from BamaOnLine.com.

• Instant Analysis: Ole Miss • BamaOnLine
Alabama raced out to a 24-3 lead before hanging on to nip Ole Miss Saturday afternoon. BOL staffers Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread provide insight moments after UA's seventh win of the season. 

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's post-Ole Miss comments • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban addressed the media following his team's 24-20 win over Ole Miss Saturday afternoon. Check inside for video of Saban's post-game news conference! 

• 10 game-shaping plays • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It took some huge plays for Alabama to subdue Ole Miss, 24-20, not the least of which was a fourth-down stop by Donta Hightower (right). Check out 10 plays that shaped Alabama's seventh win from BOL. 

• Tide's Cody expected to miss 'a couple of weeks' • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)• Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Terrence Cody's knee injury is not as serious as initially feared, Alabama coach Nick Saban said after Saturday's 24-20 win over Ole Miss.

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's post-game news conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses the win over Ole Miss

• Post-game notes: Crimson Tide’s second half swooning continues • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)

• Alabama hangs on to remain undefeated • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - John Parker Wilson threw for a season-high 219 yards and a pair of touchdowns and No. 2 Alabama made a late defensive stand to hold off Mississippi for a 24-20 victory Saturday

• Alabama Beats Mississippi, 24-20 • RollTide.com
No. 2 ranked Alabama beat Mississippi by a score of 24-20 in Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday in front of a capacity 92,138 crowd. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama hangs on again, defeats Ole Miss 24-20 • al.com
Another big halftime lead, another second half to forget. And again, No. 2 Alabama hung on.

• SEC Football Roundup - Saturday, October 18th • SEC Sports
SEC Football Roundup - Saturday, October 18th

• Call of the Wild • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Dexter McCluster (22) will challenge Alabama with an option play from Ole Miss' "Wild Rebel" formation in Tuscaloosa Saturday. What will it take for the Crimson Tide to tame this unique and dangerous set? BamaOnLine.com takes a look at the most intriguing offense to visit Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2008.

• Final stats — Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20 • Crimson Confidential
Final stats — Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20

• Ian R. Rapoport: Terrence Cody carted off the field... • al.com
Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody was just carted off the field. The junior, who has been a force on the Crimson Tide defense all year, went down to the turf grabbing his knee 1 minute, 26 seconds into the second half.

• Cody carted off the field with injury • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) _ Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody was injured in the third quarter of Saturday's game against Mississippi.

• Gentry Estes: Terrence Cody carted off with apparent knee injury • al.com
Alabama's injury luck appears to have just run out.

• Women's Cross Country Takes 12th at Chile Pepper • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's cross country team competed at the 20th Annual Chile Pepper Festival today at the University of Arkansas Cross Country Course. The Crimson Tide finished 12th overall and were le...

• Soccer Concludes Weekend with No. 10 Florida • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team (9-5-1, 4-3-0 SEC) will close out its home weekend slate against the No. 10 ranked Florida Gators (12-2-1, 7-0-0 SEC). The two teams will face off on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1:00...

• Men's Cross Country Claims Pre-NCAA Title • RollTide.com
The No. 6 Alabama men's cross country team competed at the Pre-NCAA Championships today. The Tide proved to be one of the nation's elite teams by finishing first in a strong field including 10 top ...

• Volleyball Hosts LSU Sunday • RollTide.com
The volleyball team looks to rebound Sunday when it hosts LSU at 1:30 p.m. (CST) in the CAVE. The Crimson Tide currently stands at 10-7 on the season and 3-5 in Southeastern Conference play, while ...

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting Chat Transcript Part ll • Tuscaloosa News
Chat Transcript Part ll (10-15-08)

• Chris's Blog - GAMEDAY October 18th • Chris Stewart Sports
11:25 a.m. CDT - BLOGGING FROM BAUMHOWER'S

• Chris Fowler:  No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Alabama face dangerous games • ESPN.com
How crazy is the state of college football these days? Plenty.

• Football Gameday Central • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team comes off the bye week with a Southeastern Conference showdown against the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2:30 p.m. CDT.

• Maverick coach renews Ole Miss program's hopes • Tuscaloosa News
When Houston Nutt stepped to the podium at SEC Media Days in July, he described with one word what it was like to see the blue helmet of the University of Mississippi resting beside him: “Privileged.”

• STAFF PICKS: Alabama vs. Ole Miss • Tuscaloosa News
The Tuscaloosa News sports department selections are unanimous across the board for the second game in a row. Here are the staff picks for today's game against Ole Miss as the Tide goes for seven wins in a row to start the season.

• THE CALL by Tommy Deas • Tuscaloosa News
Each week, Executive Sports Editor Tommy Deas breaks down the match-up between Alabama and its opponent. Here's his take on this week's SEC showdown against Ole Miss.

• EA SPORTS PREPLAY: Alabama knocked off • Tuscaloosa News
Each week we let the computer battle itself in EASports NCAA 2009 on Playstation 3. We'll post the results each week on Game Day to see how close the simulated game plays to the real thing.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Predictions, anyone? (Game 7) • al.com
Man, it's been a long layoff. No games for 13 days, ever since Alabama survived against Kentucky on Oct. 4. But how did we survive with nothing to do?

• Crimson Tide focusing on taming Mississippi's Wild Rebel formation • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Call it the Wildcat formation, the Wild Hog or the Wild Rebel. However it's called, opponents have been scrambling for years to try to stop it. 

• 5 THINGS TO WATCH NATIONALLY • The Birmingham News
STAT OF THE WEEK 

• Saban wants Crimson Tide to focus on Rebels, not national rankings • Press-Register
Saban wants Crimson Tide to focus on Rebels, not national rankings 

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

• Mark McCarter: Coaching reaches new heights of fickle • The Huntsville Times
On Monday afternoon, a half-dozen media types were standing on the steps outside the football offices at the University of Alabama, the interview sessions inside having come to an end. 

• Paul Gattis: SEC Preview: Week 8 • The Huntsville Times
Golfers call this grinding.
Just trying to get through the day, trying to make the most of each opportunity, trying to get to the next round (or, in college football, the next game). 

• Tide not satisfied • The Huntsville Times
Alabama knows Ole Miss isn't a team to take for granted 

• SEC Volleyball Roundup - Friday, October 17th • SEC Sports
SEC Volleyball Roundup - Friday, October 17th

• SEC Soccer Roundup - Friday, October 17th • SEC Sports
SEC Soccer Roundup - Friday, October 17th

• SPORTS BRIEFS: Alabama's Smith, Cody, Marks on All-America list • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama left tackle Andre Smith and nose tackle Terrence Cody were among the 27 players named to the All-America first-team unit by college football analyst Phil Steele on Friday. 

• GAME DAY: Tide braces for 'physical' Rebs • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It's the one game that shouldn't require any extra attention from the players. Each of the last three years, the Alabama-Ole Miss game has come down to the final minute.

• GAME DAY: Barnburners the norm for Tide, Rebels • Montgomery Advertiser
For whatever reason that no amount of analyzing can decipher, the Alabama-Ole Miss series remains one of the most competitive in the country.

• GAME DAY: Who's got the edge in Alabama-Ole Miss game? • Montgomery Advertiser
Quarterback:
UM's Jevan Snead has a more experienced group of receivers and likely will be forced into more passing situations so he may finish with more yards than John Parker Wilson (but more turnovers as well).

• Tide expects ‘tough’ game • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — The words “physical,” “tough” and “active” have been thrown around Tuscaloosa all week.

• A Hint About Smith’s Future? • Bama Sports Report
From a Tidesports.com article today about Andre Smith comes this from Nick Saban:
Oher and Smitty are the best two offensive linemen in the draft in this part of the country
It’s possible that Coach is just speculating about Andre’s potential draft status for 2009, but we probably all know better than that. 

• Game Day Preview: Alabama vs. Ole Miss • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Here's a position-by-position breakdown of today's game between the Crimson Tide and Rebels:

• Crimson Clubhouse, Game Day edition: Ole Miss • Crimson Confidential
Trent Richardson is back on top. 

• ‘Tough’ practice signifies start of basketball season • Crimson Confidential
Tide works out for 2 1/2 hours on Friday night 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Brandon Gibson, the real story: People are watching Alabama • The Birmingham News
Alabama football thought it knew what it meant to live in the spotlight. Then it hired Nick Saban. 

• Gentry Estes:  Countdown to Ole Miss ... • al.com
OLE MISS (3-3, 1-2 SEC)
at No. 2 ALABAMA (6-0, 3-0)

• 2009 Men's Basketball Recruiting:
SG  Charvez Davis committed

• UA lands JUCO SG • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Just a few weeks ago the Alabama's men's basketball 2009 class consisted of one commitment but a lot has changed since then. Sunday night, Mark Gottfried landed his third commitment in as many weeks with the Tide ... 

•  Bama in the NFL - Week 7 Game Stats:
Check to see how former players did this week

• SUNDAY REWIND: Alabama 24, Mississippi 20 • RollTide.com
Here is a look back at Alabama's 24-20 win over Mississippi on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. 

• Longhorns hold down top spot in first BCS standings • ESPN
NEW YORK -- Texas held first place in the first BCS Standings Sunday and Alabama was a solid second.

• Gentry Estes: Another JUCO hoops prospect commits to Alabama's fall signing class • al.com
With the November signing date looming, Alabama's basketball team is on the move to fill spots, adding its second junior college prospect this week.

• Chris's Blog - Sunday October 19th • Chris Stewart Sports
4:50 p.m. - Tide still No. 2...

• 2008 SEC Football - Week 9 Sunday Notebook • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Football - Week 9 Sunday Notebook

• SEC Soccer Roundup - Sunday, October 19th • SEC Sports
SEC Soccer Roundup - Sunday, October 19th

• SEC Volleyball Roundup - Sunday, October 19th • SEC Sports
SEC Volleyball Roundup - Sunday, October 19th

• 2008 Bowl Championship Series Standings • SEC Sports
2008 Bowl Championship Series Standings

• BCS Analysis - Week One • College Football News
The initial BCS rankings of 2008 are out, and while there's nothing to get in a twist over early on, and no big shocks, the stage has been set for a wild few weeks ahead. Who's the big winner in the first set of rankings? Mark Sanchez and USC are probably happy. Check out the analysis of the BCS. 

• Jonathan Scott's Official Visit to Alabama • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jonathan Scott, Scout.com three-star safety from Daytona Beach-Seabreeze, (Fla.), is one of the top uncommitted prospects in the Sunshine State. Scott is taking official visits and traveled to Tuscaloosa for the weekend. He talked about the visit to Alabama and a recent visit to West Virginia as well. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Standings released: Alabama is No. 2 • al.com
We've talked a lot about polls this year, and posted a bunch of times on the subject. But perhaps none have been more important than this one.

• Gentry Estes: BCS Tide a solid No. 2 in first BCS standings • al.com
Alabama is No. 2 -- and it really wasn't that close in the season's first Bowl Championship Series standings. ...

• Doug Segrest: Week 8 SEC grades • al.com
These are our weekly grades, based on expectations, performance and the secret formula for Coke. 

• How It Went: Gainesville junior WR Jones visits Alabama • AJC
Three days after receiving his first scholarship offer, Gainesville junior receiver Tailer Jones headed to Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday to watch Alabama host Ole Miss. Jones was hoping the Crimson Tide would follow Arkansas’ lead and aware him his second... 

• How It Went: Henry County junior WR Ambles visits UGA • AJC
Henry County junior receiver Markeith Ambles’ was among the recruiting prospects in attendance at Sanford Stadium on Saturday when Georgia defeated SEC foe Vanderbilt.

• Week 8: Offense • Bama Sports Report
Someone finally managed to take a lead on the Tide this year when Ole Miss kicked a FG with 5:25 left in the first quarter to make the score 3-0. It took Alabama all of 1:15 to rectify that with a four play, 73 yard drive that was capped off with Marquis Maze’s first career

• Big lineman makes unofficial visit to UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"Everybody treated me very well. It was great. I had a lot of fun. I talked to Coach Saban some and I talked with Coach [Kirby] Smart briefly, too. Coach Smart talked to me about what position they want me to play…"

• South Carolina star talks about official visit • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"It was a great time. I really enjoyed it. I had been down here for Junior Day back in the spring. But this was what I was looking forward to. I wanted to come here for the whole weekend and get to see everything…" 

• Brandon Moore Back from Tuscaloosa • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Brandon Moore, Scout.com four-star offensive tackle from Montgomery-Carver, (Ala.), secured a big region win Friday night. Moore took an unofficial visit to Alabama for the SEC match-up against Ole Miss. 

• UA takes over lead for Fla. playmaker • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama coaching staff would like to add a big, playmaking safety to its 2009 commitment class, and one of the top players in the southeast that fits this mold just wrapped up his official visit to the Capstone with a new leader.

• Bonds takes in UA official • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of Alabama's top rush-end prospects is Columbus defensive lineman Chris Bonds. The Rivals250 member has visited the Capstone before, but this weekend the 6-foot-4, 267-pounder was taking his official visit to Alabama. 

• Tide No. 2 in first BCS standings • Crimson Confidential
Alabama checked in at No. 2 in the first Bowl Championship Series standings released Sunday, keeping the Crimson Tide on pace to play for the national championship.

• Volleyball:
LSU 3, Alabama 2

• Volleyball Edged by LSU in Five-set Thriller • RollTide.com
The volleyball team dropped a five-set heartbreaker Sunday to LSU at the CAVE by scores of 25-22, 23-25, 25-13, 20-25, 15-13. The loss puts the Crimson Tide at 10-8 on the season and 3-6 in Southea...

• Alabama ranked No. 2 in BCS • Tuscaloosa News
As expected, the University of Alabama football team was ranked second in the first Bowl Championship Series standings of the season, released Sunday.

• Texas, Alabama 1-2 in initial BCS standings • FOX Sports
You can argue which conference is better, the Big 12 or the SEC, but there's no disputing the two are unquestionably the class of college football this season.

• Soccer:
Florida 6, Alabama 1

• Soccer Falls to No. 10 Florida 6-1 • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team suffered a 6-1 loss to the No. 10 ranked Florida Gators Sunday afternoon at the UA Soccer Complex. The Gators used two first half goals and then tacked on four more to earn ...

• Tide Baseball Team Opens Fall Practice Monday • RollTide.com
As the Major League Baseball season wraps up with its annual World Series this week, the University of Alabama baseball teams opens its four-week fall camp on Monday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

• Davis Provides Stability on Right Side of Offensive Line • RollTide.com
Marlon Davis was in enemy territory. A standout offensive guard from Carver High School in Columbus, Ga., Davis was a sought-after recruit his senior season in 2004, garnering offers from SEC prog...

• Poll Watch: Week 8 • Bama Sports Report
As we told you earlier, the Tide is still sitting at #2 in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today polls. It is worth noting that the difference between Bama and the Texas Longhorns is considerably greater than last week, though. 

• Tide remains No. 2 in both polls • AlabamaFB
TUSCALOOSA -- The Alabama Crimson Tide remained No. 2 in both the Associated Press media the USA Today coaches Top 25 polls that was released Sunday afternoon, although its margin back to no. 3 Penn State narrowed.

• Prospects watch Tide victory • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide hosted several prospects on visits to Tuscaloosa for Saturday's win over Ole Miss. Here is a rundown of prospects spotted at the game. 

• Top in-state junior loves T-town trip • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Springville wide receiver Jeremy Richardson has made his mark as one of the early 2010 elite prospects in the state of Alabama. On Saturday, he visited Tuscaloosa for Alabama's 24-20 win over Ole Miss.

• ESPN to Televise Alabama-Tennessee Game • RollTide.com
The Southeastern Conference announced today that ESPN will televise the Alabama-Tennessee football game to a national audience beginning at 6:45 p.m. (CDT) on Saturday, October 25. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama-Ole Miss, the day after... • al.com
So, I've been thinking about this whole first half dominate, second half hang on thing... and it doesn't make any more sense a day later. How can a team so thoroughly thrive in the opening 30 minutes, then look completely different in the next 30 minutes?

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama-Tennessee to be on ESPN... • al.com
A quick announcement before I get back to analyzing yesterday's 24-20 win for No. 2 Alabama over Ole Miss.... This is a release from the Alabama media relations department:

• Gentry Estes: Alabama loses a total of 39 first-place votes but stays No. 2 in both polls • al.com
Another close call for Alabama didn't drop the Crimson Tide in the polls, but it did strengthen Texas' hold on the No. 1 spot. 

• Gentry Estes: Sunday Morning QB: Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20 • al.com
At the end of the day, college football is a result-oriented business. Success is -- and should be -- measured in wins and losses. Gray areas can be discussed and debated, but ultimately, they don't matter. What's on the scoreboard does.

• Dennis Pillion: Alabama vs. Ole Miss, the full recap • al.com
If you left at halftime, you probably thought Alabama looked like a true top-2 team Saturday. If you started watching the game at halftime, you're probably left wondering how in the world this Alabama team could still be undefeated. At any rate, a win is a win, and we've got the most coverage anywhere here at al.com.

• Florida charging hard after Auburn recruit Jonathan Atchinson • AJC
Florida has joined Alabama in trying to lure away Douglass linebacker Jonathan Atchinson, who has committed to Auburn. Atchinson said he got a surprise phone call from Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong. “I wasn’t sure it was Florida at first,”...

• Tide, Rebs Reflect On 24-20 Nail-Biter • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The inability to finish a game, and in some cases a play, nearly cost number two Alabama in its head-scratching--but not back-breaking--win over Ole Miss. Bama took a 24-3 lead to the dressing room at the half, and had to hang on for dear life in a 24-20 victory. 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Tide holds off Rebels • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide held off another fourth quarter charge by a SEC opponent. Click here to check out all the action from the Tide's seventh straight win of the season in BamaOnLine.com's exclusive photo gallery.

• Cecil Hurt: Several anxious moments for Tide on Saturday • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA - Going strictly by the scoreboard, there were only 75 seconds of actual adversity for Alabama in Saturday’s 24-20 win over Ole Miss.

• Tide able to hold off the Rebels, remain undefeated • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | At halftime of Saturday’s Alabama-Ole Miss game, Crimson Tide quarterback John Parker Wilson might have envisioned himself watching the final few minutes from the sidelines — but he hardly suspected that his heart would be racing as he pulled for the UA defense to hang on.

• 'Kitchen' Cody makes offensive debut • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | If William Perry was “The Refrigerator,” then Terrence Cody might be the whole kitchen.

• Video: Tide defense comes up big stopping gimmick offense • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | When it comes to stopping the Wild Rebel formation — having someone other than a quarterback take the shotgun snap — the University of Alabama showed college football a good way to do it Saturday afternoon.

• Video: Tide rides arm of Wilson • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | When University of Alabama senior John Parker Wilson was asked which play of Saturday’s game against Ole Miss he was proudest of, he gave the standard answer for a veteran quarterback.

• NOTEBOOK: Bowl reps turn out • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Alabama’s No. 2 ranking drew several bowl scouts to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the Crimson Tide’s national ascension has made it an attractive choice for many high-profile bowls.

• Tide unravels in the second half • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It took just three plays into the second half for the second-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide to lose all of its momentum and have to hold on for a narrow 24-20 win over the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/18 - Saban post game

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Bama v Ole Miss defense highlights

• Photo Gallery • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama vs. Ole Miss

• Gentry Estes: Two key starters injured during Vols' first SEC victory • al.com
Alabama wasn't the only team dealing with a costly injury Saturday.

• Gentry Estes: "It was a great win for our team" • al.com
You have to figure that eventually the day will come where all these second-half letdowns mean Alabama to have to pay the ultimate price and lose a game.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: With its biggest man down, Alabama has to man up • The Birmingham News
How far has the Alabama football program come since Nick Saban took over for Mike Shula? We're about to find out. 

• Alabama-Ole Miss notebook • The Birmingham News
Alabama-Ole Miss notebook Cody turns blocking back:

• Alabama holds on again, defeats Ole Miss 24-20 • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - No matter how many times it happens, it doesn't get any easier.

• GRADING THE TIDE • The Birmingham News
There were some new looks, like Terrence Cody at fullback and a flea-flicker. But no points in the second half was nearly fatal. 

• Alabama knows it must fix second-half doldrums or it could come back and bite us' • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - One week is an anomaly. Two weeks becomes a sigh of relief. Three weeks signals a trend.

• Tide not likely to drop out of No. 2 position • The Birmingham News
Alabama's close call against Ole Miss Saturday shouldn't cost the Crimson Tide its No.2 ranking when the official BCS rankings are released today.

• Randy Kennedy: Tide shows it can play as the hunted • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA — On Wednesday's SEC teleconference, a reporter asked Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville what he thought about being bypassed by Alabama as the dominant program in the state. The question was highly inappropriate for the setting, but after a seventh straight Crimson Tide win to open the season, it's not out of line to expand the line of questioning. 

• Alabama holds off Ole Miss for 24-20 SEC football victory • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - By now, Alabama coach Nick Saban knows the words to the speech by heart, as do his players.

• Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody optimistic about severity of injury suffered against Ole Miss • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - A relieved Terrence Cody told Alabama teammates after Saturday's 24-20 victory over Ole Miss that his knee injury was not severe enough to keep him out of action for long.

• Another close call goes against Ole Miss with loss to Alabama • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Ole Miss added another rerun to its series with Alabama and another oh-so-close loss to its season Saturday when a 17-point second half still left the Rebels with a 24-20 defeat at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Alabama Beat with Gentry Estes • Press-Register
-- OFFENSE: Lost in the aftermath of another narrow escape is that Alabama's offense is finding another way to attack defenses.

• Recruiting corner: Tide targets top receiver Kevin Norwood • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - The top prospect on the talent-rich Mississippi Gulf Coast is also one of the top wide receiver targets for the Alabama Crimson Tide. D'Iberville High senior Kevin Norwood is considering scholarship offers from Alabama and all three major Mississippi programs.

• 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 comments can be published. 

• Mark McCarter: Forget No. 1 spot for now, Bama simply survives • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Javier Arenas wanted to know where the action was going to be. "Party at your house?" he asked, glancing up from a chair in the interview room at Bryant-Denny Stadium. 

• Cody's diagnosis: Out 2 weeks • The Huntsville Times
Giant relief for Tide as noseguard's knee injury doesn't seem severe

• Tide takes hard road to staying unbeaten • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama seemingly had Ole Miss beaten.

• Turning points: Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20 • The Huntsville Times
Red-zone stop 

• Jess Nicholas: Ole Miss wrap-up: Road to championships finds first pothole • TideFans.com
There were more than 180,000 eyes looking down onto the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday afternoon, and while they were all fixated on a single point, it wasn’t a player they were watching – it was an orthopedist.

• UA 24, OLE MISS 20: Tide holds off Rebels • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama seemed to have all of the Ole Miss gimmicks figured out in the first half.

• Photos • Montgomery Advertiser
Bama defeats Ole Miss

• Tale of two halves: Tide still strives for complete game • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- As impres­sive as Alabama's first-quarter success has been this season, the subsequent second-half col­lapses are becoming a concern.

• Cody may not need surgery • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama survived a couple of scares on Saturday.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Bowl reps check out the Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It's that time of year and a 6-0 start certainly draws the attention of all the postseason bowl representatives.

• For Tide, it’s a ‘W’ • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
After Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead’s final fourth-quarter pass fell incomplete, cornerback Javier Arenas emphatically walked over to the Alabama sideline, stomping his feet while trying to scream over the din of the sell-out Bryant-Denny Stadium crowd.

• Tide lineup doesn’t have much depth • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
It’s no big deal.

• Ken Rogers: Alabama turns back first deficit • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Something crazy happened in Alabama’s 24-20 victory over Mississippi on Saturday. 

• Alabama notes: Tide has fantastic freshmen • Dothan Eagle
Alabama continues to be among the nation’s leaders in playing freshmen. The Tide has played 16 true freshmen. Only Florida State (22) and Miami (21) have played more. Arkansas has also played 16. 

• CFN Rankings - No. 1 to 119 - Week 8 • College Football News
Texas is the obvious No. 1, but where should Sam Bradford and Oklahoma be ranked? Check out the latest CFN ranking of all 119 teams, and check back Sunday afternoon as WE'LL HAVE THE FIRST ANALYSIS OF THE BCS RANKINGS found anywhere.

• 2008 Bowl Projections ... Oct. 19 • College Football News
Predicting and projecting the possible 2008-2009 post-season matchups ... week 8

• Alabama vs. Mississippi • CBS Sportsline
No. 2 Crimson Tide avoid upset, hold on to beat Rebels
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Turns out No. 2 Alabama plays pretty well from behind. It's playing from ahead that gave the Crimson Tide fits Saturday. 

• CBS Bowl Predictions • CBS Sportsline
CBS Bowl Predictions

• Chris Low: Alabama tired of being a first-half team • ESPN
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- At some point, it's going to catch up with Alabama.

• Chris Low: Telling stretch looms for Alabama defense • ESPN
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Mount Cody has cast an ominous shadow all season.

• Injury Update: Terrence Cody • Bama Sports Report
There will be an MRI on Sunday to determine the severity of the injury to Alabama nose guard Terrence Cody. The preliminary indications are that it appears to be a sprained MCL that will not require surgery. The MRI could certainly say otherwise, but right now it looks like it could be a matter of

• Ole Miss photos • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are some scenes from the Tide's 24-20 win over Ole Miss.

• Cody likely out at least two weeks • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alabama junior noseguard Terrence Cody went down with a knee injury in the third quarter of the Tide's 24-20 win over Ole Miss on Saturday. The 6-5, 365-pound Cody was carted to the dressing room and did not return. 

• Saban Discusses Tide Second Half Woes • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama Coach Nick Saban had a one sentence answer to the problem of Alabama not finishing as well as the Crimson Tide should. “We have to quit doing stupid stuff,” he said. Although he said, “We did not exactly get done what we wanted to get done today,” he added, “When you win a game in this league you have to be pleased and happy about it.” 

• MRI To Determine Severity Of Cody Knee • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide star nose tackle has big game, but injured in second half

• Tide Hangs On For Win Over Ole Miss • 'BamaMag
Alabama runs record to 7-0 with 24-20 nail-biter vs. Rebels

• Tide’s 7-0 Start Best Ever For Saban • 'BamaMag
Notes from Alabama’s 24-20 win over Ole Miss

• The Nickel: Ole Miss • BamaOnLine
With a dangerous Ole Miss team up next on Alabama's schedule, I posed five questions for the Rebels and Crimson Tide. Check inside for some answers from Alabama's 24-20 win over Ole Miss. 

• Notebook: Tide defense tames Wild Rebel • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Bobby Greenwood and the Alabama defense handled Ole Miss' 'Wild Rebel' formation Saturday in a 24-20 win.

• Video: Instant Analysis: Ole Miss • BamaOnLine
Alabama raced out to a 24-3 lead before hanging on to nip Ole Miss Saturday afternoon. BOL staffers Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread provide insight moments after UA's seventh win of the season. 

• Five things we know after Alabama-Ole Miss • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
We'll know in a few hours if Alabama truly still controls its own destiny.

• VIDEO — Post-game player interviews, Part I • Crimson Confidential
Quarterback John Parker Wilson and offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell 

• VIDEO — Post-game player interviews, Part II • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Cornerback Javier Arenas and linebacker Cory Reamer

• VIDEO — Post-game player interviews, Part III • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Defensive end Brandon Deaderick and safety Rashad Johnson

• Alabama stays unbeaten with 24-20 win over Ole Miss • Crimson Confidential
Second half woes continue for Crimson Tide 

• Rowing Posts Top-10 Finish at Head of the Charles; Takes Gold and Silver in Huntsville • RollTide.com
The Alabama Rowing team posted a top-10 finish at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta Saturday bettering 35 other boats in the process. 

• Men's Tennis Wraps up at ITA Regionals • RollTide.com
The men's tennis team won a pair of matches before suffering three losses Saturday at the 2008 Wilson/ITA Southeast Regional Championships held at the Boone Tennis Center. 

• Football:
Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20 - box score

• Media Pick Bama Hoops to Win SEC West • RollTide.com
Alabama was voted as the favorite to win the SEC's Western Division this season in the SEC Preseason Media Poll. Tide seniors Ronald Steele and Alonzo Gee were voted Preseason 2nd Team All-SEC

• Fans Can Choose From Variety of Hoops Ticket Packages • RollTide.com
Basketball fans can chose from a variety of ticket packages for University of Alabama home basketball games this season. In addition to the season ticket package, fans that can't make every game ma...

• SEC Announces Nov. 1 Football TV Selections • SEC Sports
SEC Announces Nov. 1 Football TV Selections

• Practice Report: 10/20/08 • Bama Sports Report
It’s Tennessee week! I don’t care if it’s actually being played on the fourth Saturday in October, folks are still going to call it by its rightful name “The Third Saturday in October.” Why exactly, SEC, is the game no longer played on that date? I digress… Bama took to the field today to begin

• Saban, Tide ready for Vols challenge • AlabamaFB
TUSCALOOSA -- The second-ranked University of Alabama football team hit the field Monday afternoon in preparation for the 91st meeting between the Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers, one the south’s oldest football rivalries.

• Crimson Tide Begins Tennessee Week • RollTide.com
The No. 2 University of Alabama football team hit the field Monday afternoon in preparation for the 91st meeting between the Crimson Tide and Tennessee Volunteers, one the south's oldest football r...

• Coach Nick Saban Press Conference Transcript • RollTide.com
Alabama head fooball coach met with the media on Monday to discuss the upcoming game with Tennessee in Knoxville.

• Volleyball Hosts "Dig Pink" Event Sunday • RollTide.com
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the volleyball team is dedicating Sunday's match against Kentucky as its "Dig Pink" event helping to raise breast cancer awareness. The contest i... 

• Tide Players Talk Abut Tennessee Game • RollTide.com
Members of the Crimson Tide football team share their thoughts on the Alabama-Tennessee game this Saturday in Knoxville.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/20/08 Saban Part 1

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/20/08 Saban Part 2

• Ian R. Rapoport: Did somebody mention Terrence Cody's belly flop? • al.com
By now, we know Terrence Cody can jump. Not just for a 365-pound man, but enough to dunk and all that. Though Cody is out for the next two weeks with a knee sprain, he did demonstrate some hops against Ole Miss.

• SEC West Players to Watch • College Football News
Players on the move or with something to prove in week nine in the SEC West

• Tide heads to Rocky Top minus "Mt. Cody" • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
As expected, Alabama coach Nick Saban announced at his weekly press briefing Monday that mammoth nose guard Terrence Cody would miss "at least two weeks" after spraining his MCL in Saturday's 24-20 win over Ole Miss. 

• Terrence Cody Out At Least Two Weeks • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama Coach Nick Saban announced Monday that nose tackle Terrence Cody had suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee and would “be out at least two weeks. Then we’ll evaluate it. It is an injury similar to what Smitty(Tide offensive tackle Andre Smith) had.” 

• Saban Announces Players Of The Week • 'BamaMag
Seven Alabama players earned player of the week honors following the Crimson Tide’s 24-20 victory over Ole Miss last Saturday. Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban announced the honorees Monday after the staff had a chance to grade film from Saturday’s game.

• Cody on crutches • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama NG Terrence Cody's rehabilitation from a knee sprain has begun, and the 365-pounder was on crutches Monday as UA began practice for Tennessee.

• Monday practice report: Two in black • Crimson Confidential
Fresh off its 24-20 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday, No. 2 Alabama (7-0, 4-0) practiced Monday afternoon in shorts and helmets at the outdoor facility. A few notes from the media viewing period:

• Texas ploy may help Tide shake off second half doldrums • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Texas head coach Mack Brown supposedly had his players participate in some type of burying-the-game-ball ceremony last week after Texas’ upset of No. 1 Oklahoma on Oct. 11. The tactic was done to help the team forget past success and re-focus on the next challenge ahead. 

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's Monday press conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses the upcoming game against Tennessee.

• VIDEO — Monday player interviews, Part I • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
John Parker Wilson and Javier Arenas 

• VIDEO — Monday player interviews, Part II • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Andre Smith and Bobby Greenwood 

• VIDEO — Monday player interviews, Part III • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Mike Johnson, Josh Chapman and Rashad Johnson

• Alabama Meets Tennessee for 91st Time • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team ventures into the SEC East for a showdown with Tennessee on Saturday, Oct. 25. The game is slated to kickoff at 6:45 p.m. (CDT) and will be televised nationa...

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting Chat Transcript Part lll • Tuscaloosa News
Chat Transcript Part lll (10-15-08) 

• Nose guard Cody expected to miss two weeks • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | An MRI test confirmed that University of Alabama junior nose guard Terrence Cody only sustained a knee sprain Saturday against Ole Miss.

• Ian R. Rapoport:  Saban on Cody: "We can't replace him, but it's an opportunity..." • al.com
Just got back from talking to Alabama coach Nick Saban and a whole mess of players, where we learned what we already knew: The MRI on nose tackle Terrence Cody's knee confirmed that he will be out "at least two weeks," Saban said.

• Gentry Estes: Media taps Alabama hoops to win the SEC West • al.com
Basketball media from across the nation and each of the 12 SEC schools predicted Alabama to finish first in the Western Division this season. Tennessee was tabbed as the league's overall favorite, with Alabama receiving no votes as the projected overall champion. 

• Gentry Estes: Mondays with Saban: "Phillip Fulmer has been a good coach for a long time" • al.com
An oddly laid-back Alabama coach Nick Saban greeted the media with a smile today, even quipping at first, "Y'all want to lighten up a little bit today."

• Gentry Estes: MRI confirms sprain in Terrence Cody's knee • al.com
Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody suffered a sprained MCL in his right knee Saturday against Ole Miss, an MRI confirmed Sunday. Though the injury will not require surgery, he is certainly out for this week's game at Tennessee.

• Ben Culpepper: Nick Saban 10/20/08 Press Conference • al.com
Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban in his weekly press conference addresses his team's upcoming game against Phillip Fulmer's Tennessee Vols, the severity of Terrence Cody's injury and the possible reasons for the Tide's second half woes. The Crimson Tide's game against the Volunteers is slated for a 6:45 pm(CST) kickoff on ESPN.

• Media Tabs UT as 2009 SEC Men's Basketball Champs • SEC Sports
Media Tabs UT as 2009 SEC Men's Basketball Champs

• Saban: Cody out at least two weeks • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban's original prognosis on Saturday regarding Terrence Cody -- that the Tide's nose tackle would miss the next two weeks -- was correct. Saban confirmed today that an MRI showed that the 6-5, 365-pound Cody suffered a sprained MCL that will not require surgery. 

• Notebook: Smith insured against injury • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama left tackle Andre Smith is among many top NFL Draft hopefuls who have taken out insurance policies against the possibility of a career-ending injury.

• Cody expected to miss at least two weeks • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody will miss at least two weeks, but overall results were positive from an MRI performed on his injured right knee.

• Coaching Staff Names Players of the Week • RollTide.com
Seven Alabama players earned player of the week honors following the Crimson Tide's victory over Ole Miss, head coach Nick Saban announced Monday after the staff had a chance to grade film from Sat...

• Gentry Estes: Monday reading: Who replaces Terrence Cody? • al.com
No matter pending MRI results to show the extent of the knee injury suffered Saturday by Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody (which we'll learn more about today), it's all but certain he won't be available for this weekend's trip to Tennessee.

• Time To Start Thinking About Bowls • 'BamaMag
No team is associated with bowl games – BIG bowl games – like the Alabama Crimson Tide. Bama has been to more bowl games, won more bowl games, and won more major bowl games than any other college team. 

• Hargrave Notebook • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Here are some news and notes from the Hargrave Tigers

• Ben Culpepper: Alabama Defensive Lineman Terrence Cody Injury Update • al.com
According to a source with Bamaonline.com senior writer Chase Goodbread, an MRI of Terrence Cody's right knee revealed a sprained MCL that will not require surgery.

• Ian R. Rapoport: The onus on John Parker Wilson... and other stuff! • al.com
Every Sunday, when I'm considering what to write for Monday's Birmingham News, I try to think of what lasting lesson we learned or what subject merits post-game analysis. And for today's paper, one topic jumped out at me.

• Cody status update • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama football fans have held their collective breath since standout noseguard Terrence Cody was carted off the field Saturday with a right knee injury. BamaOnLine.com has breaking news on the playing status of the 365-pound fan favorite. 

• Doug Segrest: The BCS rankings • al.com
You've had 18 hours or more to digest the rankings. Tell me this:

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

• ‘Bama trying to correct second-half letdowns • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - It’s not the worst problem for a team to have, but No. 2 Alabama is going from world beater to survival mode after halftime. The result is close, nerve-jangling wins like Saturday’s 24-20 victory over Mississippi that was 24-3 by halftime before mistakes started kicking in. 

• Tipoff '09 - SEC Basketball Media Days • SEC Sports
Tipoff '09 - SEC Basketball Media Days

• SEC Roundup - Week 8 Standings & More • College Football News
SEC conference roundup, standings, player and game of the week

• Alabama Commitment Considering Visits • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Gerald West made his decision to attend the University of Alabama over the summer. Since that time college recruiters have picked up the pace in pursuit of signing the talented defensive back. 

• Grading the Tide: UA 24, Ole Miss 20 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Julio Jones and the rest of the Crimson Tide escaped Ole Miss 24-20 Saturday in another rout-turned-thriller. BamaOnLine.com grades Alabama's performance with its weekly report card. 

• Tony Barnhart: It’s put up or shut up time for Georgia • AJC
Five things we learned over the weekend:

• Softball:
Sunday - Game 2: Alabama 3, Shelton State 2

• Softball:
Sunday - Game 1: Alabama 24, Shelton State 1

• Softball Sweeps Its Two Fall Brawl Matchups • RollTide.com
The Alabama softball team opened its fall exhibition slate with a pair of wins. The Crimson Tide started play with a 24-1 victory over Shelton State and then closed out Fall Brawl I with a 3-2 win ...

• Fans say Tide’s BCS ranking well-deserved • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It was no surprise to many Crimson Tide fans that the University of Alabama emerged as the No. 2 team in the first Bowl Championship Series poll of the 2008 college football season

• Tide wouldn’t be Fulmer’s choice for opponent • Tuscaloosa News
Phillip Fulmer likes the fact that his Tennessee Volunteers are coming off a victory going into this Saturday’s game against No. 2 Alabama, but the head coach of the Vols would rather be playing someone else.

• CRIMSON TIDE FIRST AND 10 • Tuscaloosa News
University of Alabama coach Nick Saban warned people all last week that Ole Miss was a good football team, but not even he could have foreseen the affect losing junior defensive tackle Terrence Cody to a knee injury Saturday would have on the No. 2 Crimson Tide (7-0).

• Gentry Estes:  Phillip Fulmer: "We need to play our best to have a chance to win" • al.com
Having beaten Alabama on the field 10 of 15 times as Tennessee's head coach, Phillip Fulmer isn't used to bringing the underdog into this storied series.

• Ray Melick: Nothing regular about regular college football season • The Birmingham News
You want a college football playoff? 

• LONGHORNS, TIDE 1-2 IN FIRST BCS POLL • The Birmingham News
As expected, Alabama was No. 2 in the first Bowl Championship Series standings released Sunday that determine who plays for college football's national championship.

• COLLEGE BEATS • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Washington could move back in at nose: 

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA BASKETBALL
Tide gets fourth 2009 commitment:

• Tide's team personality might hurt in BCS race • The Birmingham News
If BCS No. 2 Alabama were to lose a football game - and I think that's inevitable for it and every team in the Big 12 too - the competition for at least one of the spots in the national title game would again turn into a subjective beauty contest, computers notwithstanding.

• John Parker Wilson, passing game must force defenses to play honest • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Defensive coordinators like it simple. Make a team one-dimensional, and make life easier for your players. 

• Tommy Hicks: Computers, polls at odds yet again • Press-Register
Man versus machine is a continuing confrontation. As much as one helps the other, sometimes there is conflict. 

• Local briefs: • Press-Register
Former Alabama football legend Lee Roy Jordan speaks in town tonight
Lee Roy Jordan, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Dallas Cowboys' Ring of Honor, will be the guest speaker at tonight's Cellular South 1st and 10 Club meeting at Heron Lakes Country Club. The meeting begins with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. 

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

• Tide No. 2 in BCS • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama debuted as a solid No. 2 in the season's first edition of the Bowl Championship Series standings, which were released Sunday.

• Mark McCarter: Hard drives have hard time figuring BCS • The Huntsville Times
Years ago, I dared suggest that computers were atrocious when it came to college football rankings. My own computer got lit up, as the e-mails flew. 

• Paul Gattis: SEC Rewind: • The Huntsville Times
It's Alabama or bust for the SEC. 

• Cody's absence tests nose depth • The Huntsville Times
Lineman expects to miss two weeks, pending MRI

• Tide rates as No. 2 in BCS kickoff • The Huntsville Times
Spot highest since top team rankings began in 1998 

• Alabama survives another scare • The Crimson White
Alabama fell behind for the first time this season when Ole Miss went up 3-0 midway through the first quarter, but it didn’t last long as the Crimson Tide marched down and scored a touchdown on their very next drive. From there, they never lost the lead and hung on for a 24-20 win despite a valiant comeback by Houston Nutt and the Rebels.

• Second-half slump still plaguing Tide • The Crimson White
Alabama was outscored 44-13 in the second half of its previous two games leading up to Saturday’s matchup with Ole Miss. In each of the last three meetings with the Rebels, Alabama has scraped by with three-point victories.

• Tide falls to LSU in five sets • The Crimson White
The Alabama volleyball team fell short against the LSU Tigers Sunday as they lost in their second five-set match of the season.

• Tide splits weekend home games • The Crimson White
The Alabama soccer team, 9-6-1, 4-4, beat South Carolina 1-0 Friday night before losing to No. 10 Florida 6-1 Sunday.

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Tide searches for second-half formula • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama appears to be losing ground in the court of public opinion after edging unheralded Ole Miss 24-20 on Saturday afternoon, but it's a mixed blessing for head coach Nick Saban.

• BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: Texas on top; Tide 2nd in standings • Montgomery Advertiser
NEW YORK -- The grid is set for the race to the BCS national championship game.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Cody's health status unknown • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama had not released on Sunday night the results of nose tackle Terre­nce Cody's trip to the doctor fol­lowing a knee injury suffered on Saturday, but backup Josh Chap­man remains convinced Cody will return to the lineup soon.

• Tide sweats how long Cody will be out • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
In his gut, Alabama nose tackle Josh Chapman knows that Terrence Cody is fine.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — For several weeks, Alabama’s assistant coaches wanted to put true freshman tight end Brad Smelley into a game. 

• Jimmy Smothers: Second half woes could derail Tide • The Gadsden Times
What a difference a half makes. That is a misquote of the famous phrase, “What a difference a day makes,” but it seems to fit when trying to come up with a way to describe Alabama football this fall. 

• Alabama-Tennessee game set for ESPN • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — ESPN will televise second-ranked Alabama’s game at Tennessee next Saturday night.

• 5 Thoughts - Bustin' Up The BCS • College Football News
What should happen if Utah, Tulsa, Boise State and Ball State all go unbeaten? What a main part of the BCS formula should be, in praise of the Texas grunts, the Terps, and more in the latest 5 Thoughts. 

• Standout DB can see himself at UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Safety Jonathan Scott of Seabreeze HS in Daytona Beach is one of Florida's top defensive back prospects. This weekend, the 6-3, 196-pounder was in Tuscaloosa for an official visit. Prior to the visit, his first to UA, Scott maintained that he didn't have a leader. What does he say now? 

• Another positive UA trip for Moore • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Carver-Montgomery defensive lineman Brandon Moore has taken numerous trips to Tuscaloosa to check out the Alabama football program and the Tide has long been considered a favorite for his signature. On Saturday, Moore was once again in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama-Ole Miss game.

• Did Alabama turn Montez? • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama is still in the market for a premium jack linebacker/defensive end candidate that can terrorize quarterbacks. One of their top targets is Avon (Ind.) defender Montez Robinson who was in town this weekend for an official. Did the visit turn Robinson away from his ... 

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

• Robinson enjoys Alabama visit but remains solid to Auburn (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama did just about everything for Montez Robinson over the weekend short of blowing out the Ole Miss Rebels. 

• Davis joins Alabama basketball signing class • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Montgomery native is fourth hoops commit for 2009

• Tide Continues Work for Tennessee Game • RollTide.com
The second-ranked Alabama football team worked for two hours in full pads Tuesday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice facility as preparation continues for Saturday's Southeastern Conference game...

• Two Swimmers Ranked No. 1 in Latest National Listings • RollTide.com
More than a month into the season and the Alabama swimming and diving teams have a number of swimmers ranked among the nation's top-25 in a variety of events, including two who are ranked No. 1 in ...

• Sara Vaughn Named SEC Freshman of the Week • RollTide.com
The Southeastern Conference released its Freshman of the Week honors today for the seventh week of the cross country season. Freshman Sara Vaughn earned her second SEC Freshman of the Week honor.

• Tyson David Named SEC Athlete of the Week • RollTide.com
The Southeastern Conference released its SEC Athlete of the Week honors today for the seventh week of the cross country season. Junior Tyson David earned his second SEC Athlete of the Week honor. 

• Tuesday Tide Trivia • RollTide.com
Test your Alabama football knowledge each Tuesday with "Tide Trivia" on RollTide.com. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: What will Terrence Cody's rehab be like? • al.com
Before the season, running back Terry Grant met with reporters to discuss, among other things, his return from a few injuries (sports hernia, shin splints, etc.) 

• Gentry Estes: Karaoke boy bands in Knoxville? (Alabama may want to watch out for 'Chitlin' Loaf') • al.com
From the team that gave us a tailback that speaks Pterodactyl, here is more from the you-can't-make-this-stuff-up file ...

• Doug Segrest: Recruiting: Up Close and Personal with Tana Patrick • al.com
STEVENSON -- Tana Patrick can do it all. Well, nearly all.

• SEC Cross Country Weekly Honors Announced • SEC Sports
SEC Cross Country Weekly Honors Announced

• 2008 Midseason Report & Picks - SEC • College Football News
Vanderbilt might be the feel-good team of the SEC season so far, but the real story has been John Parker Wilson and Alabama's emergence as a legitimate national title contender. With the finishing kick starting up this week, check out all the BCS league midway reports and the predictions for every remaining game. 

• Practice Report: 10/21/08 • Bama Sports Report
It was back into full pads for day two of preparation for the hated Tennessee Vols. Have I mentioned yet how much I truly hate orange? I might have, but once is just not enough to get across how much I hate that specific “color” that they wear. Really twice isn’t enough, but you’re here 

• West is having a big season • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Since committing to Alabama nearly three months ago, things have been going well for Faith Academy cornerback Gerald West. The Mobile native has adjusted to his new team and he continues to make plays on Friday nights. 

• 4-Star names his top four schools of choice • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tupelo lost a heart breaker against South Panola Friday night. The Goldenwave scored within 2 minutes to go to make it 14-13 and decided to go for two. The two point conversion failed. We were able to video interview Chad Bumphis right after the game. 

• Alabama '10 WR Visits SEC Game • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Two SEC offers and counting for elite prospect.

• Elite '10 Safety Talks Visit • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Three offers and counting for Jarrick Williams.

• CCC’s Super Sixteen for 2010 • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
These early lists often produce more embarrassment than having Cloris Leachman over for your sex toy party but we here at the Crimson Country Club live to entertain, educate and sometimes mock our members. So we are putting out this early, early list but only with the understanding that when subsequent lists are released next Spring with sixteen brand new names and these particular sixteen kids are being recruited by no one other than perhaps Texas Teachers’ College, not a harsh word of criticism shall be spoken. When you write a blog and lay out opinions for the world to see, some criticism should be expected. Just remember when dispensing your vitriol that I am on several anti depressant medications and just one harsh wrong word could send me flying out of my eleventh story window and all of Water Street below will flow with the blood on YOUR hands. Remember that and everything will be fine. On to the list… 

• Tuesday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Running back Glen Coffee pulls in a pass during Tuesday's preparations for a road game at Tennessee. Meanwhile, one of two players who were held out of contact for injury reasons on Monday was back in action Tuesday.

• Nico watches Tide take out OM • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The University of Alabama's first linebacker commit for the class of 2009 was Andalusia Rivals100 linebacker Nico Johnson. On Saturday, Johnson visited Tuscaloosa for the Tide's SEC game with Ole Miss. 

• Gordon talks season • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Being a four-star talent can have its drawbacks at times. Take Tennessee native Eric Gordon for instance- the talented two-way star dazzled everyone who saw him play over the last two years, but opposing coaches have wised up, and are now game-planning for Gordon. 

• BOLevision: Tennessee • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
BOL staffers Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread put a lid on UA's win over Ole Miss and look ahead to Saturday's meeting with rival Tennessee. Check inside to watch this week's show! 

• The Zoom Lens: Justin Woodall • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Each week BamaOnLine.com subscribers choose the focus of The Zoom Lens, a weekly post-game analysis of a specific position. BOL staff reviews a tape of each game with a play-by-play eye on the position chosen by members. This week's poll results after Alabama's 24-20 win over Ole Miss:

• Tuesday practice notes: Vol week continues • Crimson Confidential
No. 2 Alabama (7-0, 4-0) continued preparations for the Tennessee Volunteers (3-4, 1-3) Tuesday, working in full pads at the outdoor facility. A few notes from the media viewing period:

• Moore enjoys Alabama visit (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Things are starting to heat up for Montgomery Carver defensive tackle Brandon Moore.  

• Tide's new man in the middle • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Strongman Chapman filling in for injured Cody

• Alabama Football: Offensive Notebook • RollTide.com
Alabama is averaging 41.33 points per game in its three road games this season against then-No. 9 Clemson, Arkansas and then-No. 3 Georgia. Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson has completed 68 pe...

• Ian R. Rapoport: Why Marquis Maze was penalized... and links! • al.com
While we've moved on to preparation of and coverage for Alabama-Tennessee game, including the relevant angles, let's answer a question still lingering from Saturday's game. 

• Gentry Estes:  Tuesday reading: Meet Josh Chapman ... • al.com
The topic of the day is Alabama nose tackle Josh Chapman, this week's replacement for ailing starter Terrence Cody.

• Doug Segrest:  Around the SEC in three clicks • al.com
****Auburn's Sen'Derrick Marks tells The Sporting News online that the season isn't over. His first-person account can be found on page 19.

• Ben Culpepper: Alabama vs Ole Miss Report Card Results • al.com
John Parker Wilson and the wide receivers were among the top of the class on the Ole Miss report card. Wilson had a stellar performance in the first half of the 24-20 victory over the Rebels that included a 30 yard flea-flicker to Mike McCoy for a touchdown.

• Chris's Blog - Tuesday October 21st • Chris Stewart Sports
9:50 a.m. - Mount Cody and Mounting Expectations...
First off, having seen Terrence Cody as he was rolled up in that pile and injured Saturday, I am extremely thankful (and surprised) that prognosis is as good as it appears to be. I feared the worst as I saw that literal mountain of a man crumble to the ground.

• 2008 SEC Football - Week 9 Game Previews • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Football - Week 9 Game Previews

• This Week In SEC Volleyball - October 21st • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Volleyball - October 21st

• Bama has early lead for 'Broadway Joe' • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"It was big to me to get my first offer from a coach who is one of the best coaches in the nation. Nick Saban is one of the best out there and he thinks I'm good enough to already offer me a scholarship." 

• Replacing a mountain • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | How do you fill in for someone who has mountain for a nickname?

• It's official, Cody out at least two weeks • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed what the University of Alabama football's team medical staff expected, that junior nose guard Terrence Cody sustained a sprained right knee during Saturday's victory against Ole Miss which should not require surgery.

• Andrew Bone: Recruits make appearance for Ole Miss, Alabama game • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama squeaked out a win over Ole Miss at Bryant-Denny Stadium to improve to 7-0, 4-0 and remain as the No. 2 team in the country. The sidelines were packed before the game with prospects from around the country.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama-Tennessee week, a win but no cigars... and other stuff! • al.com
Players learn about the traditions and rivalries at their schools in different ways. Not everyone is from the state of Alabama, and not everyone is well-versed in history. Crimson Tide players all have different stories about how they learned of the significance of Alabama-Tennessee week.

• Gentry Estes:  Could Tennessee unleash the "Wild Berry" on Alabama? • al.com
Star-studded safety Eric Berry was once Tennessee's version of Julio Jones. 

• Incredible Hulk Chapman to fill in for Cody • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Maybe Josh Chapman is wired differently than most. The Alabama nose tackle proclaimed that he simply loves to lift weights. 

• For the past nine seasons, ... • The Birmingham News
...at least one of top two teams in initial BCS standings has played in the national championship game
If history holds, No. 1 Texas or No. 2 Alabama will reach the Bowl Championship Series national championship game. The challenge is determining which one survives to play Jan. 8 in Miami, barring the slight chance both teams get there.

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
UA focusing on rivalry with UT: 

• Texas or Bama likely to play for BCS title • The Birmingham News
If history holds, No. 1 Texas or No. 2 Alabama will reach the Bowl Championship Series national championship game. The challenge is determining which one survives to play Jan. 8 in Miami, barring the slight chance both teams get there.

• Alabama men's basketball team picked to win Southeastern Conference West Division • The Birmingham News
The Alabama men's basketball team has been picked to win the Southeastern Conference West Division by a panel of SEC and national media members, the league office announced Monday.

• Alabama players get behind Chapman in wake of Terrence Cody's injury • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Teammates say Alabama's new version of "Mount Cody" has all the skills and strength to replace his processor at noseguard.

• Jordan: Youthful Tide ahead of schedule • Press-Register
Lee Roy Jordan's football career is closely associated with two teams ? the University of Alabama in the early 1960s and the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

• Local briefs: Crimson Tide picked to top SEC West in men's hoops • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA — The University of Alabama has been picked as the favorite to win the Southeastern Conference's Western Division in the league's preseason media poll. The voting was done by a 30-member panel consisting of both media that cover the SEC and national media members. 

• Saban supports Vols' Fulmer • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer opened for his postgame news conference Saturday night with a quip: "Not dead yet." 

• Cody's sub favors brawn over bulk • The Huntsville Times
Chapman, Tide's strongest player, replaces its largest

• Alabama notebook: • The Huntsville Times
Saban defends Fulmer as "really good coach"

• Jess Nicholas: Tennessee preview: Vols improving, but by enough to beat Bama? • TideFans.com
When Tennessee changed quarterbacks a couple of weeks ago, dumping Jonathan Crompton for Nick Stephens, the difference was noticeable: Tennessee went from being a very bad team to just being a bad one. 

• Jess Nicholas: SEC preview and predictions – Week 9 • TideFans.com
Not only did the Predictions Dept. rebound nicely to record a perfect week, check out the predicted scores in these four ballgames compared to what actually happened: Georgia 24, Vanderbilt 14 (predicted 27-10); Alabama 24, Ole Miss 20 (predicted 25-19); Kentucky 21,...

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Chapman faces tall order • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It isn't easy being the backup to Mount Cody.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Arkansas State game to be pay-per-view • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The Southeastern Conference released its television schedule for Nov. 1 games, confirming an earlier Alabama release that the Crimson Tide's game with Arkansas State would be a pay-per-view event at 2 p.m.

• LOCAL BRIEFS: Alabama lineman among SEC honorees • Montgomery Advertiser
BIRMINGHAM -- Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno, Tennessee safety Eric Berry and Vanderbilt punter Brett Upson won SEC player of the week honors. 

• Tide has strong option to replace Cody • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — When Alabama nose tackle Josh Chapman slides underneath the bench press bar and lifts it off its hinges, the long piece of metal bends ever so slightly.

• Tide’s Cody has sprain • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — He shuffled unsteadily on his crutches, moving slowly across the practice field Monday for a stint on a stationary bicycle.

• Cavalcade of Whimsy - 10 Cool Unknowns • College Football News
What are 10 under-the-radar teams and players you probably haven't noticed? Who'll end up winning each conference title? This and Georgia's schedule, Texas cheerleader outfits, and more in the latest Cavalcade of Whimsy. 

• In-state star playing it close to the vest • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I talk to Alabama about once a week. We talk about how I would fit in and how they would use me..." 

• Alabama '10 Holds Elite Eight • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Craig Sanders, 2010 defensive end from Ariton, (Ala.), is watching his scholarship offers pile up early in the recruiting process. He took an unofficial visit to Alabama Saturday to see the Tide take on the Rebels.

• Alabama '10 WR Visits SEC Game • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Two SEC offers and counting for elite prospect.

• Elite '10 Safety Talks Visit • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Three offers and counting for Jarrick Williams.

• Memphis star has Tide on top • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Perhaps the top prospect in the Memphis area for 2009 is a ferocious linebacker from Melrose High School. This 6-foot-3, 200-pound defender had plans to attend Alabama's win over Ole Miss but cancelled at the last minute. That doesn't mean, however, that the Crimson Tide's status with this top prospect has slipped.

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's Monday news conference • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban conducted his weekly news conference Monday, taking time to break down the second-ranked Crimson Tide's upcoming contest against Tennessee.

• Tide's new man in the middle • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
When Josh Chapman hits the weight room on max-out day, it becomes a team-wide event.

• Moore enjoys Alabama visit (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Things are starting to heat up for Montgomery Carver defensive tackle Brandon Moore.

• Notebook: Smith says worst is over for Cody • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Tide lineman had similar injury against Clemson