Bama in the News

October 1 - 7, 2008

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting Chat Transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat Transcript (10-01-08)
walla012: are you surprised there haven't been any committs after a big win like that

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban looks back on "The Bluegrass Miracle" • al.com
The last Kentucky saw of Alabama coach Nick Saban, he was walking off the field in a purple shirt, nearly speechless at what he had just witnessed.

• Preparations for Wildcats going well • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Coming off the big win over Georgia, the Tide has had a pretty good week of practice according to head coach Nick Saban. The second-ranked Tide will host an undefeated Kentucky team this Saturday at 2:30. 

• Wednesday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide continued preparation for its matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday with a full-pad practice at Thomas-Drew Practice Field. Click here to check out some observations from today's ...

• Saban: McCoy still questionable (VIDEO INCLUDED) • Crimson Confidential
Alabama wide receiver Mike McCoy is still listed as questionable for Saturday's game with Kentucky, coach Nick Saban said on Wednesday.

• Wednesday practice notes: Tide wraps up third practice in preparation for Wildcats • Crimson Confidential
Second-ranked Alabama (5-0 overall, 2-0 in SEC) was back on the practice field Wednesday, continuing its preparations for the visiting Kentucky Wildcats (4-0, 0-0) on Saturday. The Crimson Tide worked out in full-pads at the outdoor practice facility under pleasant conditions and temperatures in the low 70s.

• Arkansas State at Alabama kickoff tentatively scheduled • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama announced that the homecoming game against Arkansas State on Nov. 1 has been tentatively scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

• Gentry Estes: Arkansas State game "tentatively" set for 2 p.m. kickoff • al.com
Alabama's Nov. 1 homecoming game against Arkansas State has been tentatively scheduled for a 2 p.m. kickoff, pending television selections of Oct. 20, UA officials announced today.

• Doug Segrest: Forecast bowl destinations • al.com
It's time to get serious. If you had to make travel reservations today based on how the season will end, what would you book? Here's the list of SEC-eligible bowl games. Give me your projections.

• The Huddle: Alabama Edition • Dothan Eagle
Alabama stays at home this week for a game against Kentucky. Game time is 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. It airs on CBS. 

• Bama's McClain has few peers in the middle • ESPN
An NFL general manager was raving recently about the best middle linebacker in college football.

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

• Video: AJ McCarron throws it around  • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
St. Paul's quarterback and 2009 Tide football commit AJ McCarron has continued to develop in his senior year as one of the top signal-callers in the country. In these senior highlights, check out McCarron in action as he shows off his strong arm and quick feet. 

• Wilson Nominated for AT&T All-America Player of the Week Award • RollTide.com
University of Alabama senior quarterback John Parker Wilson has been nominated for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award, following his performance last Saturday against then-No. 3 Georgia ... 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Defensive Notebook • RollTide.com
The Crimson Tide defense has not allowed 100 yards rushing in its first five games this season. In fact, the Tide is 8-2 under Coach Nick Saban when holding an opponent to less than 100 yards on th... 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Cecil Hurt Show: Georgia Recap 9/30/08

• Ian R. Rapoport: Rich Brooks, tell me how you really feel... • al.com
Allow me to channel Alabama coach Nick Saban and say that I'm not disappointed in the performance any opposing coach has given in the media this year. I have faith, trust, and confidence that other coaches will bring their A-game during the week they're playing the Crimson Tide. But thus far, Kentucky coach Rich Brooks is the standout. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: How good is Alabama's offensive line? • al.com
Thus far, the answer to that question in the title has been, "Very." The Crimson Tide has the Southeastern Conference's top rushing attack, and despite how solid Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram have been, credit the offensive line more than anything. 

• Gentry Estes: Artist Daniel Moore to commemorate UGA game • al.com
You know it's a big win when Daniel Moore gets involved.

• 10/01 SEC coaches teleconference • al.com
10/01 SEC coaches teleconference

• Get your questions in for the Nick Saban Show • al.com
Alabama kicked in the door to the BCS party this weekend with its 41-30 blowout of then No. 3 Georgia. Now the Tide returns home to face Kentucky as the nation's No. 2 team. 

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

• SEC Cross Country Notebook - Wednesday, Oct. 1st • SEC Sports
SEC Cross Country Notebook - Wednesday, Oct. 1st

• Tide trying to stay focused (Video Included) • Alabama FB
TUSCALOOSA -- Nick Saban doesn't want to talk about rankings in September. He even insists he doesn't even know where Alabama stands in the polls.

• Saban has UA in the mix for South Florida standout • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"Having Nick Saban there is a big thing for Alabama. He's got their program in the top 10 and he had a great recruiting class at Alabama last year…"

• Video of TI TV for September 30 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Mike Marrow talks about the Tide • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Mike Marrow is a 6-1, 235-pound prospect from Central Catholic High School, in Toledo Ohio, and he is committed to the University of Alabama. He discussed the Crimson Tide, his future plans and his commitment. 

• Jonathan Stewart Talks Visits • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Texas A&M verbal taking unofficial visits.

• Four-Star CB Watching Closely • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Eric Gordon talks watching college games.

• Quinton Dial talks recruiting • 'BamaMag
Tide commitment is a mammoth of a man at 6-5, 310-pounds.

• Elite prospects expected at UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
While only one official visitor is scheduled in Tuscaloosa this weekend for Alabama’s SEC tussle with Kentucky, many unofficial elite prospects – both juniors and seniors – are expected at the Capstone.

• SEC Power Poll • BamaOnLine
Shakeup Saturday. That best sums up what SEC observers witnessed last Saturday. Here's the SEC pecking order following the wildest weekend of the 2008 ... 

• 'Roy the role player' settling in as Alabama's all-purpose back • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Roy Upchurch's college football career hasn't evolved as many envisioned it. But for the first time in a long time, that's not being viewed as a bad thing.

• Coffee proving his worth with all-star start  • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | He isn't flashy like Georgia's Knowshon Moreno, doesn't get the ball near the end zone like LSU's Charles Scott and hasn't been used as a duel threat out of the backfield like Arkansas' Michael Smith.

• Back on the field • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Kareem McNeal's hands remain as powerful as they ever were. Shake hands with him and you suddenly realize why he was such an efficient run blocker during his playing days at the University of Alabama. Once he gets his hands on you, you aren't going anywhere.

• Cecil Hurt: Reality disproves some theories about the Tide • Tuscaloosa News
If you look closely, you can see red flags on the horizon. No, not the ones on Wall Street — we are way past the red-flag stage there. Not the ones on the mighty Alabama armada of vehicles all poised to follow the Crimson Tide on the road to Knoxville, Baton Rouge and beyond, a fleet immune to any fuel crisis because they are powered by confidence.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Will Oakley returns, mean coaches... and other stuff! • al.com
So, Alabama receiver Mike McCoy sat out practice again today, nursing a bad hamstring. It's definitely possible the junior from Rankin, Miss., doesn't play against the Wildcats. Who will emerge to take his place?

• Gentry Estes: Video: A few moments with Will Oakley and Brandon Deaderick • al.com
Video: A few moments with Will Oakley and Brandon Deaderick

• Chris's Blog - Wednesday October 1st • Chris Stewart Sports
6:00 a.m. CDT - Since I last left you in Sanford Stadium...

• Physical Alabama offensive line whipping defenses • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - For a brief moment, there was a collective acknowledgment. A short period of self-congratulation.

• SEC takes the road usually less traveled • The Birmingham News
Maybe Alabama has the right idea: Play your toughest games on the road. 

• Alabama's Upchurch now 'seeing the light' • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Long gone are the dreadlocks that used to wave atop Alabama tailback Roy Upchurch's head. 

• Alabama's Brandon Deaderick is lone Kentucky native on team • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's starting defensive end Brandon Deaderick admits he was "a pretty good" basketball player in his hometown of Elizabethtown, Ky.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Running to the light • The Huntsville Times
Upchurch credits maturity with bigger role

• Alabama notebook: Kentucky ties for Deaderick • The Huntsville Times
Ties to Bluegrass State drive Crimson Tide's Deaderick

• This Week In SEC Volleyball - September 30th • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Volleyball - September 30th

• This Week In SEC Soccer - September 30th • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Soccer - September 30th

• Deaderick excited about playing former teammate • The Crimson White
In Elizabethtown, Ky., sandwiched between The University of Louisville and The University of Kentucky, basketball is king. Junior defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick grew up in the small town where, he says, everyone plays basketball, even him.

• Special teams errors loom large for Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama junior Roy Upchurch had the perfect description for the Crim­son Tide's punt and kickoff cov­erage teams.

• Tide guards against letdown • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban has preached consistency all season and has been worried about a letdown following the Crimson Tide's 41-30 romp at Georgia last week­end.

• Upchurch catching on to Saban’s system • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — From a distance, Shelton Crews observed his former pupil make receptions that he had thought he would never see. 

• John Parker Wilson getting his due • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — What do Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Brodie Croyle, Andrew Zow and Jay Barker have in common?

• SEC Fearless Predictions, Oct. 4 • College Football News
Kentucky? The world is falling all over itself to love Alabama, but the Tide might have a battle on its hands against a Kentucky team that leads the nation in scoring defense and has enough offense, helped by Alfonso Smith, to get by. Check out the Previews and Predictions for the Week 6 SEC Games. 

• Week 5: Offense • Bama Sports Report
What can you say about an offense that has scored 40 points in three consecutive games, with two of those coming on the road in the SEC? What can you say about an offense that scored on its first five possessions? What can you say about an offense that for the first 30 minutes of 

• Practice Report: 9/30/08 • Bama Sports Report
The Tide was in full pads today for their second Kentucky week practice. It’s pretty much business as usual for the Bama players as they have been kept “on task” despite the lofty rankings that have come from beating Georgia.

• 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 . 

• 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 4, our Games of the Week are No. 4 Missouri at Nebraska, No. 23 Oregon at No. 9 USC and No. 14 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin. Post your thoughts on the message board and your pick might be featured along side our experts! 

• Tide a strong leader for Tennessee DB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I talked with Coach [Kevin] Steele last Thursday. He came to watch me when we played Melrose. We talked about me going to Alabama. He said I'm a perfect for what Alabama does…"

• Tide hopes to improve on kick coverage • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
When you're 5-0, ranked No. 2 in America and unbeaten in your league, there is still room for improvement. In the case of the 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide, one area the team is concentrating on is covering kicks. 

• Recruiting Hard Game for Myles • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Checking in With Darren Myles

• Bama On Track To Be Unwelcome • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
One who spends some time watching Alabama’s offensive and defensive lines will get a sense of what Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban is looking for. On both sides of the ball through five games, Alabama has been dominating.

• Random Stuff- October 1, 2008 • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Soak in the randomness 

• Elite in-state WR emerges for 2010 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The state of Alabama has produced a run of talented wide receivers in the prep ranks as of late, and an emerging athlete for the class of 2010 is making his mark early with huge game after huge game.

• Stinson focused on three • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
When Homestead (Fla.) South Dade defensive end Ed Stinson committed to Florida State earlier in the year he said he had chosen his dream school. As time has gone on, however, he's started to once again check out some of his other options - including Alabama. Check inside ... 

• Richardson looking forward to checking out Tide-Wildcats tilt (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Trent Richardson is looking forward to taking in his second Alabama home football game

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, Part I • Crimson Confidential
Marlon Davis and Brandon Deaderick 

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, Part II • Crimson Confidential
Roy Upchurch and Will Oakley 

• Tentative visitors' list stacked with talent • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Gilmore expected in for official visit

• Fluker skyrockets up ESPNU 150 • Crimson Confidential
Now graded as offensive tackle 

• UA Special Teams Shows Improvement this Week • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team held a 90-minute practice in helmets and shorts on Thursday afternoon, putting the finishing touches on its game plan for Saturday's game with Kentucky. 

• Tide has avoided killer errors on way to 5-0 start • Crimson Confidential
Coaches say it so often that no one really pays it much attention — "if we can avoid penalties and turnovers, we'll have a chance to win." Rarely has that been more true than in the case of Alabama's 2008 football team.

• Series Preview: Alabama vs. Kentucky • RollTide.com
Alabama and Kentucky will meet for just the 36th time in history this Saturday in Tuscaloosa, and despite the low number of games played between one another, the series has produced its share of me...

• Soccer to Begin SEC Home Slate • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team (6-3-1, 1-1-0 SEC) will begin its Southeastern Conference home schedule this weekend. The Crimson Tide will return to Tuscaloosa to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-6-...

• Volleyball Welcomes No. 10 Florida for Cram the CAVE • RollTide.com
Coming off its best offensive effort of the season, the volleyball team is set for Friday's matchup with No. 10 Florida to be held at the CAVE at 7:00 p.m. The contest will serve as the Tide's sixt...

• Ian R. Rapoport: Lots of visitors, SportsCenter... and other stuff! • al.com
Before I get to tomorrow's notes, did you guys see SportsCenter? There was Alabama coach Nick Saban, talking to ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi.

• Video: Fearless Forecasters: College Edition • Dothan Eagle
Get picks for the big college games this weekend: Kentucky at Alabama, Auburn at Vanderbilt, Troy at Florida Atlantic, Ohio State at Wisconsin, Florida State at Miami. 

• Week 5: Defense • Bama Sports Report
Sorry this has taken so long this week… it’s just been one of those weeks.
Despite the fact that the final score shows Georgia with 30 points, it would be very easy to say that Alabama’s defense was very, very effective against the Dawgs on Saturday night. There aren’t any huge numbers that jump off the

• Alabama Scoring Vs. UK Scoring Defense • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide leads SEC in scoring and Wildcats lead in scoring defense

• Men's Cross Country to Compete against No. 1 Team • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's cross country team will travel a veteran squad and a younger squad this weekend to different parts of the country. 

• Women's Golf Remains in Top 10 • RollTide.com
For the second straight week, the Alabama women's golf team secured a spot in the Golfweek/Sagarin top 10 rankings. The Crimson Tide checks in at No. 9 this week after a seventh place finish at the... 

• Ian R. Rapoport: What's going on with Alabama special teams? • al.com
You probably know by now that Alabama has allowed two special teams touchdowns this year. You probably also know that Kentucky is one of the best in the country in the kicking game. I explored the topic in today's article, but listen to what special teamer Roy Upchurch has to say:

• Gentry Estes: Prospect watch: Tracking D.J. Fluker • al.com
Long-time Alabama commitment D.J. Fluker of Foley caused a bit of stir earlier this week with comments made in a story produced by LSU's rivals site.

• Dennis Pillion: More photos of the day • al.com
These pictures ended up in my inbox today and they were too funny not to post. Enjoy. 

• Sweeping the Southeast: Tana Patrick • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tana Patrick, the nation's #2 rated Sam Linebacker, is an absolute physical specimen. It hasn't necessarily been an easy trip, as Patrick has had issues with his shoulders, but he is finally healthy and is producing on the field. Scout was able to catch up with the soft-spoken playmaker to get an update on the season and to find out who might be leading for his services. 

• UA-Kentucky: How they match up • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
How does Alabama match up with Kentucky for this Saturday's clash with the Wildcats? Check the Ultimate Ticket for BamaOnLine.com's position-by-position look at the Crimson Tide's Southeastern Conference home opener.

• Bama in the NFL • BamaOnLine
Each week, BamaOnLine.com checks in on the all the action in the NFL and how former Crimson Tide players are doing around the league. This week, we take a look at 18 former Tide players active in the NFL who ... 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Special Teams Notebook • RollTide.com
Catch up on the Alabama special teams every Thursday during the season on RollTide.com

• Ian R. Rapoport: Daniel Moore: Blackout print will show JPW, Julio's catch • al.com
If you were an artist and wanted to capture one signature moment from Alabama's 41-30 victory over Georgia and its blacked out crowd, what would you choose? That's what I wanted to know. I just got off the phone with famed artist Daniel Moore, who plans to commemorate last Saturday's win on canvas. So what did he choose?

• Gentry Estes: Thursday reading: Kool-Aid flowing in 'Happiest Place on Earth' • al.com
There has been much talk this week of avoiding the crimson Kool-Aid, but one wonders if anyone is listening. Alabama had a tendency last year to take its foot off the gas and let teams back into games. That reflex showed itself this year against Tulane and in the second half of Saturday's victory at Georgia. 

• Last week's shockers shake up national championship picture • USA TODAY
So much for the best laid plans.

• Tennessee star: 'Alabama is the rising powerhouse' • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I think Nick Saban is great. Look at what he's already done. The way they play speaks for itself…" 

• Tenn. Safety Names Favorite • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Gene Robinson, Scout.com three-star safety from Memphis-Whitehaven, (Tenn.), is having a spectacular senior season. Robinson talked about the great start and names an overall favorite. 

• Rod Woodson Senior Highlights • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the most impressive prospects on film in the southeast for 2009 is Olive Branch defender Rod Woodson. In these senior highlights, check out the Tide commit in action as he brings the lumber at linebacker and safety.

• Rib meat and greet at Alabama an absolute Dream • USA TODAY
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In 1958, within a week of each other, two larger-than-life-sized men who would become Alabama icons officially opened for business. The Bear and Big Daddy.

• Crimson Tide Duo Drops Final Match at ITA All-Americans • RollTide.com
Women's tennis tandem Paulina Bigos and Tiffany Welcher dropped an 8-3 decision in the doubles consolation draw to Southern California's Alison Ramos and Maria Sanchez at the Riviera/ITA All-Americ...

• Crimson Tide Practices Going Well • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team worked for two hours in full pads Wednesday afternoon as preparations continue for Saturday's game with the Kentucky Wildcats. 

• Bama’s special teams pressed to improve • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The second-ranked University of Alabama football team’s season has been special so far. The Crimson Tide’s kicking game, on the other hand, hasn’t been nearly as special.

• Brooks: Noise is least of Wildcats’ worries • Tuscaloosa News
LEXINGTON, Ky. | Kentucky coach Rich Brooks thinks noise will be the least of his team’s worries Saturday against No. 2 Alabama.

• Kentucky’s Cobb pleads not guilty to charge • Tuscaloosa News
LEXINGTON, Ky. | An attorney for Kentucky football player Ashton Cobb entered a not guilty plea on his behalf Wednesday on charges of stalking and terroristic threatening.

• Wallace shrugs off trade talk • Tuscaloosa News
WILMINGTON, N.C. | A year after signing a lucrative free-agent deal that kept him in Charlotte, Gerald Wallace was suddenly on the trading block.

• Tide's Bigos, Welcher fall in consolation • Tuscaloosa News
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. | University of Alabama women's tennis doubles team of Paulina Bigos and Tiffany Welcher dropped an 8-3 decision to Southern California's Alison Ramos and Maria Sanchez in the consolation draw at the Riviera/ITA All-American Championships.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Mike McCoy (kinda) returns, Saban gets feisty... and other stuff! • al.com
It's been a while since Alabama coach Nick Saban got feisty. No, not angry or ticked off. Just a little, ya know, snappy. Hey, it's been a while. He said receiver Mike McCoy, who has a hamstring injury, "did some stuff" in practice, and I wanted to know what he did. 

• Gentry Estes: 'Everybody that plays football should know how to tackle' • al.com
One more thing too good to not pass along before I shut down for the evening ...

• Dennis Pillion: Alabama photo, quote of the day • al.com
Alabama photo, quote of the day

• Chris's Blog - Thursday October 2nd • Chris Stewart Sports
6:15 a.m. CDT - I still hate moving...
Thankfully, I'm almost done. Enough about my move, and Georgia, and Blackouts, etc.

• Ray Melick: No one makes better use of time than the Tide, Wildcats • The Birmingham News
According to CFBStats.com, the number of plays per game in college football was at a season-low in Week 5, averaging 133.62 total plays per game. That's almost 10 fewer plays per game than last year's average (143.33). 

• Focus on special teams this week before facing nation's most special • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - In a perfect world, Leigh Tiffin would either boom his kickoff into the end zone or watch someone else tackle the ball-carrier for a loss.

• COLLEGE BEATS • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Receiver McCoy practices, still limited: 

• Bama in national spotlight • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Quarterback John Parker Wilson has a way not to get caught up in the mounting hype about Alabama's 2008 season. 

• Alabama football notes for Saturday's game against Kentucky • Press-Register
KENTUCKY (4-0, 0-0) at No. 2 ALABAMA (5-0, 2-0) 2:30 p.m. Saturday (WKRG/CBS) Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa -- LINE: Alabama by 16cm HALF

• Alabama wide receive Mike McCoy could miss ... • Press-Register
...Saturday's game against Kentucky with hamstring injury
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama first-string receiver Mike McCoy returned to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday, but is "very questionable" for Saturday's 2:30 p.m. game against Kentucky, coach Nick Saban said.

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

• SEC football by the numbers • Press-Register
2Straight victories in SEC openers for Kentucky, which will try to equal a school record when it visits Alabama on Saturday by winning its opening conference game for the third straight season. The Wildcats have won three consecutive SEC openers twice, from 1933 through 1935 and 1977 through 1979.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, October 02, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Bill Bryant: Fans fear it's too good to be true • The Huntsville Times
Leave it to a fourth-grader to keep this whole Alabama-is-ranked-No. 2-thing in proper perspective. 

• Alabama notebook: McCoy questionable for Kentucky game • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama first-string receiver Mike McCoy returned to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday, but is "very questionable" for Saturday's 2:30 p.m. game against Kentucky, coach Nick Saban said. 

• Road rules smashed in SEC • The Huntsville Times
Yes, it's already been a crazy college football.
Vanderbilt is ranked for the first time in almost a quarter-century, Alabama is projected to play in the BCS Championship Game and the preseason picks to win the SEC East and West divisions have already lost. 

• 'Sacks will come,' Tide DE says • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The statistics don't bear it out, but Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick is having a good season.

• Tide linemen chase glory • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The Alabama tailbacks make it to the end zone first, but it often becomes a foot race with offensive linemen who blocked downfield and continue to the end zone. 

• Young QB gets his shot at Tide • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — For the last two seasons, Kentucky sophomore quarterback Mike Hartline proved himself almost every day ... as one of the best practice quarterbacks in the country.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — The pain was unlike anything Will Oakley had felt before. After suffering various muscle tears and pulls throughout his Alabama football career, Oakley rolled his ankle this summer in the Crimson Tide weight 

• Alabama’s special teams not playing so special • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — A special start to the season for Alabama could be threatened if lackluster special teams play continues.

• Bama to Visit Wallace Wade Stadium in 2010 • Bama Sports Report
There have been rumors floating around for a couple of years that Alabama would play the return half of its home-and-home series with Duke somewhere other than Durham, NC. It looks like a change in athletic director and head football coach have altered those plans and the Tide will actually play at Duke, in the [...]

• Georgia standout reopens recruitment • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
With Alabama set to host Kentucky on Saturday, there will be no shortage of talented prospects in the stands. One of the many players expected to attend is tight end/defensive end Justin Jones of Heritage HS in Conyers… 

• D.J. Fluker talks Tide, recruiting • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
D.J. Fluker is a 6-6, 327-pound offensive lineman at Foley High School, and he recently talked to ScoutSouth.com about the Crimson Tide’s upcoming game with the Kentucky Wildcats. 

• Alabama Improving In Kick Coverage • 'BamaMag
Alabama has been spotty, at best, on kickoff coverage this year, part of overall special teams breakdowns. This week the Crimson Tide plays a team that is excellent in the kicking game, leading the Southeastern Conference in kickoff returns.

• Jonathan Stewart Talks Visits • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jonathan Stewart, Scout.com three-star strongside linebacker from Shreveport-Byrd, (La.), made a summer commitment to Texas A&M. He is spending time visiting the Aggies, but an SEC school is trying to turn his head as well.  

• Five-star Massie discusses Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Massive Hargrave offensive tackle Bobby Massie is a newly ranked five-star prospect per Rivals, and the giant recruit has done nothing to prove otherwise in his first four games in prep school. In this premium football recruiting update, Massie talks about the Alabama-Georgia game which featured two of the serious contenders for his signature and much more.

• Tide still in plans for Askew • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Fresh off an official visit to West Virginia, Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith four-star linebacker Jerod Askew talks about his group of favorites including the Crimson Tide. While UA is among his group of favorites, has a visit to the Capstone been set up? Check inside for ... 

• Notebook: Tackling for all • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Quarterbacks like John Parker Wilson, kickers and all the other players that don't normally have to tackle anyone should still know how, coach Nick Saban said Wednesday. Check the Ultimate Ticket ...

• Alabama hard after ESPNU 150 RB (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Eddie Lacy can't seem to catch a break.

• October is the true test for Alabama • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Time was, Alabama entered the month of October as a national-championship contender on an annual basis. 

• 1973 Team Celebrates 35th Anniversary • RollTide.com
Long before the no huddle, run-and-shoot and spread offense, the University of Alabama had its own high-power, high-scoring offense. And no Crimson Tide team, before or since, put up numbers like ... 

• 2008 SEC Together We CAN Drive Tops 150,000 • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Together We CAN Drive Tops 150,000

• Calling on the Fans • Bama Sports Report
I was planning to write something about this for the Kentucky game anyway, but several things have transpired that have made it an absolute must. Listen up -
If you have a ticket to Saturday’s game, come prepared to make noise!

• Quitting never an option for oft-injured Oakley • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
A lot of athletes call it quits when they’re severely injured, but receiver Will Oakley had no choice but to keep going.

• FRIDAY FLASHBACK: Alabama 28, Kentucky 14 • RollTide.com
The fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide needed a second-half pick-me up. Freshman speedster Willie Shelby obliged.

• CBS to Webcast Alabama-Kentucky Game Live • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama and Kentucky will meet on CBS Sports this Saturday, Oct. 4, in Bryant-Denny Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 2:35 p.m. (CDT) and you don't have to be in front of your t...

• Andrew Bone: Chat Transcript Part ll • Tuscaloosa News
Chat Transcript Part ll (10-01-08)

• Ian R. Rapoport: Let's meet Alabama DE Brandon Deaderick, the Kentucky native • al.com
Of all the guys you've met this year, Brandon Deaderick has not been one of them. The well-spoken, affable junior has not been allowed to do interviews for whatever reason. The Elizabethtown, Ky., native was unleashed before he played his hometown team, and I wrote about him for today's paper.

• Ian R. Rapoport: John Parker Wilson named AT&T player of the week • al.com
After the way he led Alabama to a stunning rout of then-No. 3 Georgia, Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson received his second honor this week. The senior from Hoover was just named AT&T All-America Player of the Week.

• Gentry Estes: Countdown to Kentucky ... • al.com
KENTUCKY (4-0) at No. 2 ALABAMA (5-0) 

• Scout.com SEC Pubs' Predictions: Week 6 • 'BamaMag
Some undefeated records are on the line this weekend in the SEC. The Tigers on the road to face the Commodores, Wildcats travel to Tuscaloosa. Scout.com publishers predict Week 6 of the SEC teams in action.

• Prospects Visiting No. 2 Tide • 'BamaMag
Alabama is coming off a big win in Athens (41-30), and recruits across the region are eager to see the Tide this weekend at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Kentucky Wildcats arrive undefeated for a classic SEC match-up. We take a look at several of the prospects expected Saturday afternoon. 

• The Weekly Spread ‘Em • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Puttin’ bling in ya pocket for three years now 

• Inside the Tunnel • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
What matchups will define the Alabama-Kentucky game? What are the stories behind the stats? Go Inside the Tunnel with BOL, a Friday primer unlike any game preview you'll find anywhere. 

• Prep preview: Gilmore shines in Thursday tilt • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Tonight's high school slate features a number of Alabama commitments and top prospects in action, but it would be difficult to top what Stephon Gilmore did on Thursday night.

• John Parker Wilson Wins AT&T National Player of the Week Honors • RollTide.com
University of Alabama senior quarterback John Parker Wilson has been named the AT&T All-America Player of the Week, the only major college football award chosen exclusively by fans. Wilson receive... 

• Doug Segrest: Week 6 predictions • al.com
This is a trap week. A trap for prognosticators, a trap for the heavyweights, in between big weekends. Still, we're not going with the major upsets.

• SEC Games and Top Storylines: Week 6 • College Football News
What’s at stake in each Southeastern Conference game this week?

• Alabama Makes Its Own Injury Luck • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Former Alabama Coach Paul Bryant was wont to include a couple of conditions in his analysis of what to expect in a season. Those were schedule luck and injury luck. 

• Kentucky v. Alabama pregame outlook • 'BamaMag
Can the Kentucky Wildcats team go toe to toe with the # 2 Crimson Tide on the road?

• Pete's Pigskin Prognostications • 'BamaMag
ESPN’S College Gameday comes to Nashville. Satan is down in the boiler room, trying figure out why there is a chll in the air, as league-leading Vandy hosts Auburn. I hope two weeks of favorable press coverage and hype don’t prove to be too great a burden for the Commodores.

• Georgia, Kentucky and Recruiting Thoughts • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Did we play last weekend? I missed it. I was watching “Dancing With the Stars” which I TiVo each week and then about nine thirty central time I remembered that we had a game on and I turned and Georgia was just crushing us so I got sick and just turned it off. Can anybody fill me in on what happened? I could have sworn the paper on Sunday morning mentioned something about us winning. 

• Jose not as big, but more dominant • BamaOnLine
The University of Alabama has continued their search for quality offensive linemen into next year's 2010 signing class, and recently the UA coaching staff offered one of the top rising offensive guards in the nation.

• BOL Picks Panel 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. Click here! 

• Hartline calling right shots in ’Cats’ new-look offense • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Mention the University of Kentucky football team and the first response you are likely to get is “great defense.” Press for a second impression and you’ll hear “great special teams.”

• Old-style Bama back in title picture • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | When Steadman Shealy watches Alabama these days, it looks ever so familiar. The powerfully punishing offense, the relentless defense, the unflagging consistency.

• Alabama women’s golf remains in top 10 • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | For the second straight week, the Alabama women’s golf team secured a spot in the Golfweek/Sagarin top 10 rankings.

• Tide soccer to begin SEC home slate • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The Alabama soccer team (6-3-1, 1-1-0 SEC) starts its Southeastern Conference home schedule this weekend.

• Alabama volleyball team welcomes No. 10 Florida to the CAVE • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Coming off its best offensive effort of the season, the Alabama volleyball team is set for today’s matchup with No. 10 Florida at the CAVE at 7 p.m.

• Deaderick looks forward to facing hometown team • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Brandon Deaderick did not completely stray from the norm. Growing up in Elizabethtown, Ky., he played basketball like everyone else.

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Thirty recruits to attend UK game:

• Sound Off • The Birmingham News
Friday, October 03, 2008
Whole AU offense messed up:

• Tommy Hicks: Where the SEC goes from here • Press-Register
The most pressing questions in the SEC aren't how Ole Miss beat Florida, how Vanderbilt reached the top 25, how Alabama improved so much so quickly, how Tennessee fell so hard so often, or how Auburn is still 4-1 with an offense that's AWOL. 

• Crimson Tide's Oakley making strides • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama senior receiver Will Oakley looked down in the weight room to notice a bone popping out of his foot. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, October 03, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Kentucky faces first SEC test in No. 2 Alabama • The Huntsville Times
Anybody seen a lost invitation in the mail? 

• Alabama notebook: Oakley recovered from foot injury • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama senior receiver Will Oakley looked down in the weight room to notice a bone popping out of his foo

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Brooks says UK needs to be tough against rising Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Ken­tucky coach Rich Brooks said his team's game plan Saturday against No. 2 Alabama is simple: be prepared.t. 

• Tide homecoming game likely at 2 p.m. • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The University of Alabama's football game against Arkansas State on Nov. 1 is tentatively scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. The time cannot be finalized until the Southeastern Conference television selections for that week are made on Oct. 20.

• Don’t expect to see upset, happy Saban • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Do you get the impression that Nick Saban wouldn’t think of it as a total loss if Alabama fell at home Saturday to Kentucky? 

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — The offensive line is not like the five amigos walking around campus all together, all at the same time. 

• Deaderick welcomes Kentucky thoroughbreds • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick has seen basketball games at Rupp Arena. 

• Alabama’s Upchurch finally realizes dream • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Everything was so easy for Roy Upchurch in 2005.

• Alabama, Florida try to sway Tennessee LB recruit • AJC
Stephenson linebacker Nigel Mitchell-Thornton says he doesn’t mind inquiries from other schools, even though he has committed to Tennessee and plans to enroll early at Knoxville.

• Confident Tide can't relax against upset-minded Wildcats • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
A battle of undefeated teams is set to take place inside Bryant-Denny Stadium at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, as second-ranked Alabama (5-0, 2-0 SEC) will play host to Kentucky (4-0, 0-0 SEC). The Tide is rolling after taking Georgia out behind the woodshed last weekend in front of a nationwide audience. Not much is known about the Wildcats, whose best win was against a now 2-2 Louisville squad in week one. While Kentucky figures to offer up a nice challenge, the real test for the Tide players this week will be to show up focused and maintain their intensity from start to finish.

• Bayou star puts Tide on top • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I would say Alabama, because of the way they're playing right now," this Louisiana standout says when asked his favorite. "They've really caught my attention with they way they started the season…" 

• More Love at Mt. Brook • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The University of Alabama plucked five-star offensive tackle Tyler Love out of Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham for the class of 2008. Not to be outdone, Tyler's younger brother Wilson Love is already establshing himself as one to watch for 2010. Check inside for the latest.

• After de-committing from Kentucky, Jones now looking hard at Alabama • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
For Justin Jones, Saturday’s Alabama-Kentucky game will be a collision of past and present.

• Five players to watch against Kentucky • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
In a line he co-opted from mentor Don James, Alabama coach Nick Saban is fond of saying that the true measure of a team is how good the last 30 players on its roster are. Alabama hasn't had to use much of its depth in racing out to a 5-0 start this season, largely because the Crimson Tide has avoided serious injuries that have plagued many of its competitors.

• 2009 Men's Baketball Recruiting:
C Shawn Kemp commits

• Kemp Stays In South; Picks SEC Program • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
6-foot-9 big man is off the board

• Kemp will stay close to home • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama picked up a big commitment today from one of the top centers for the Class of 2009. With offers from all over the country, the Rivals150 prospect decided it was better to stay closer to home.

• Coach Nick Saban Press Conference Transcript • RollTide.com
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban met with the media on Monday afternoon as the Tide prepares for its first open date of the 2008 season.

• Paul W. Bryant Museum Celebrates 20th Anniversary • RollTide.com
Join the staff of the Paul W. Bryant Museum on Wednesday, October 8, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Museum. Admission is free all day and several local radio stations will be broadcast... 

• Crimson Tide Players Earn Player of the Week Honors • RollTide.com
University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban recognized seven players on Monday afternoon for their performances during the Crimson Tide's 17-14 win over Kentucky. 

• Hank Williams Jr. the featured act for UA Homecoming • Tuscaloosa News
Hank Williams Jr. will be the featured act for the University of Alabama’s Homecoming, with a concert at 8 p.m. Oct. 31 in Coleman Coliseum, the night before the Crimson Tide’s football game against Arkansas State.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/6 - Nick Saban

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/6 - Nick Saban Part 2

• Ian R. Rapoport: Maintaining the intensity, fumble-itis... and other stuff! • al.com
So much of this season has been emotional. Two wins over Top 10 teams, a ton of intensity from the Alabama players... How do you keep that going during a bye week? 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Saban on bye week: • al.com
"Chill out when you're supposed to chill out, work when you're supposed to work."
You may know that Alabama is off this week, so there wasn't practice today. There will be three practices this week, running Friday, and the weekend off. Coach Nick Saban, however, did not take today off. He spoke to the Birmingham Quarterback Club this morning (which you'll read about tomorrow), and spoke to us a few minutes ago.

• Gentry Estes: Former NBA star Shawn Kemp's son commits to Alabama • al.com
There is a relation. The 6-foot-9 prep center from Cherokee High School in suburban Atlanta is the son of former NBA star Shawn Kemp. 

• Gentry Estes: Mondays with Saban: Looking ahead • al.com
With four coaches on the road recruiting and players given the day off, it was extremely quiet today around Alabama's football complex.

• Doug Segrest: Who will be ranked first in the initial BCS poll? • al.com
The official BCS standings debut Oct. 19, but Brad Edwards of ESPN has already conducted a mock BCS poll.

• Dennis Pillion: Sights and sounds: Alabama vs. Kentucky • al.com
Click below for game highlights of Alabama's win over Kentucky. Sorry this took so long, but I'm still learning about Web video. This week's experiment: slow-motion. Let me know what you think.

• CFN Rankings No. 1 to 119 - Week Six • College Football News
Ranking all the teams from one to 119

• Alabama, Stanford make recruiting pitches to Tech-bound LB Emanuel Dieke • AJC
Auburn and Stanford haven’t given up on luring North Clayton linebacker Emanuel Dieke away from his commitment to Georgia Tech. “Some have got the picture that I’m committed to Tech, but there are one or two that are still [recruiting... 

• Bama Hoops Goes for Bloodlines • Bama Sports Report
Remember this guy? No, not Michael Jordan… the guy that was once asked by NASA if he would consider going into space to test the effects of zero gravity on big guys… Shawn Kemp.

• Grading Predictions: Seniors • Bama Sports Report
With this being an off week, I thought I would take a look at the predictions that were made in the player profiles leading up to the season. I’ll do one post for each class of players, starting with the seniors.

• Saban discusses No. 2 Alabama's midterm progress • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
There's room for improvement, but for the most part, Nick Saban is pleased with his 6-0 team's body of work halfway through the 2008 regular season.

• Bumphis off to a big start • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"He's been tremendous," says Tupelo head coach Eric Collins. "He has scored in just about every way. I've never seen anything like it…" 

• Saban Wants Tide Looking Ahead • 'BamaMag
Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban isn’t so concerned about his team’s intensity this week, although he expects all business on the practice field. He wants his players to remember the things that have led to success and improve in those areas where the Crimson Tide can be better. 

• Coffee, McClain Are Consistent Honorees • 'BamaMag
Alabama football coaching staff names seven players of the week

• Moore narrows list • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's top defensive line targets has narrowed his list of favorites down to seven lucky schools and the University of Alabama has made the cut. Check inside to find out more about Brandon Moore's list of finalist and his decision timetable in this premium ... 

• Notebook: Saban reviews first half • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban met with the media Monday as the Crimson Tide enters an idle week at the halfway point of the season with a 6-0 mark.

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's Monday news conference • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban conducted his weekly news conference Monday, taking time to wrap up the Kentucky win before discussing his plans for the bye week.

• Notebook: Tide focused on looking ahead during bye week (VIDEO INCLUDED) • Crimson Confidential
Alabama began its first bye week of the season on Monday, a player's day off on which coach Nick Saban addressed many of the highlights and lowlights of the Crimson Tide's first six games.

• Chris's Blog - Monday October 6th • Chris Stewart Sports
3:30 p.m. CDT – The honors continue to come in… Bobby Greenwood is the most recent. Here is the press release from the UA Media Relations office: 

• Bobby Greenwood Named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week • RollTide.com
University of Alabama senior defensive end Bobby Greenwood has been named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week, the league office announced Monday morning. 

• Tuscaloosa's Smelley, UA's Greenwood earn SEC honors • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) _ South Carolina quarterback Chris Smelley, Vanderbilt linebacker Patrick Benoist and Commodores punter Brett Upson received Southeastern Conference players of the week honors.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Saban and Fulmer teaming up... for charity. • al.com
On Oct. 25, Alabama coach Nick Saban and Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer will be on the same team. At least for one, important cause. Both will wear arm bands in Knoxville for the American Football Coaches Association's new project: Coach to Cure Muscular Dystrophy

• Ian R. Rapoport: You have questions? Let's get some some answers... • al.com
So, it's a bye week and there isn't much going on. I'll talk to Alabama coach Nick Saban a little later today, so we'll see what comes out of that. 

• Gentry Estes: Monday reading: Bobby Greenwood honored by SEC • al.com
Expect a slower-than-normal week on the blog, Alabama fans, what with the Crimson Tide being off next weekend.

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

• Tide's Greenwood honored by SEC • AlabamaFB
BIRMINGHAM – University of Alabama senior defensive end Bobby Greenwood has been named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week, the league office announced Monday morning.

• Mississippi standout talks about Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"It was my first time to see a game there and I loved it. The environment was great. I've never seen so many fans in my life. The fans were crazy. It was wild…"

• Bama jumps on top for blue-chip junior • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I liked everything about it… everything," says one of the south's top junior receivers who was at the Alabama-Kentucky game on Saturday. "If I had to choose right now, Alabama would be my number one school…" 

• Greenwood Named Top Defensive Lineman • 'BamaMag
Alabama football opponents can’t be too thrilled to be working up weekly offensive game plans to go against the Crimson Tide defense. Although it’s called a 3-4, the Bama defense is about as multiple as it gets.

• Grading the Tide: UA 17, Kentucky 14 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama DE Bobby Greenwood played one of his best games, but the UA team as a whole struggled at times in a 17-14 win over Kentucky. Click here for BOL's weekly report card on the Crimson Tide. 

• Tony Barnhart: Will Tennessee make its last stand at Georgia? • AJC
1. Georgia had better be ready for Tennessee: 

• Doug Segrest: The Legends Poll is out • al.com
Remember, this one is from the retired coaches, including Vince Dooley, Pat Dye and Gene Stallings. In their latest rankings, Oklahoma solidified its grip on the top spot while Missouri jumped Alabama for second. Auburn hung on, at No. 22.

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

• 2009 Recruiting:
DT Darrington Sentimore

• Bama in the NFL - Week 5 Game Stats:
Check to see how former players did this week

• Crimson Tide first and 10 • Tuscaloosa News
Call it sloppy, lack of focus or a void in intensity, Saturday’s 17-14 victory against Kentucky at Bryant-Denny Stadium was above all else just that, a victory.

• Louisiana defensive tackle commits to Crimson Tide • Tuscaloosa News
Darrington Sentimore, a Scout.com four-star defensive tackle from Destrehan High School in Louisiana, made a big decision Sunday by committing to the University of Alabama. 

• BY THE NUMBERS • The Birmingham News
218:
Rushing yards by Glen Coffee, the sixth-highest in Alabama history and the most since Shaun Alexander had 291 against LSU in 1996 

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
Monday, October 06, 2008
1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB:

• Grading The Tide vs. Kentucky • The Birmingham News
The running game came through when it had to, with Glen Coffee gaining 218 yards.

• Alabama keeps No. 2 ranking • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - After grinding out a tense victory to assure a flawless record through the first half of the 2008 season, Alabama coach Nick Saban finally took a brief moment to reflect. 

• Sentimore commits to Tide • Press-Register
Prep defensive lineman Darrington Sentimore of Destrehan, La., held scholarship offers from a host of national powers. But the one closest to him never pulled the trigger.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, October 06, 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. 

• Paul Gattis:  .x.x.x.x. • The Huntsville Times
Gradually, we are learning about 2008. Little by little, the football season is revealing itself. 

• Tide • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - After grinding out a tense victory to assure a flawless record through the first half of the 2008 season, Alabama coach Nick Saban finally took a brief moment to reflect.

• Jess Nicholas: First-half report card: • TideFans.com
As Alabama reaches the halfway point in its regular season, it’s time to take a look back at the first half and see where the 2008 Alabama Crimson Tide team in the football “classroom.”
Tide doesn’t get straight A’s, but does make the honor roll

• Jess Nicholas: SEC preview and predictions – Week 7 • TideFans.com
The Predictions Dept. isn’t having good luck with its “upset special” games this year. When the upset specials are picked to win, they lose, and vice versa. Last week, we identified South Carolina-Ole Miss as that game – then failed to pick it. This week, Alabama is...

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Bye week comes at a good time for Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- There were some good things about Alabama's 17-14 win over Kentucky.

• Photos • Montgomery Advertiser
Kentucky plays Alabama at Denny

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Saban concerned with Coffee's fumbles • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban likes to tell the story of the time he was at LSU and tailback Ally Broussard had trouble holding on to the foot­ball. His punishment for frequent fumbling? Carrying the ball ev­erywhere for a week, including to class.

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Tide stays at No. 2; AU falls to 20th • Montgomery Advertiser
NEW YORK -- After a week with few upsets, the top of media poll only underwent slight alterations.

• SEC commissioner is guest speaker at QB Club • Montgomery Advertiser
Southeastern Conference com­missioner Mike Slive is guest speaker tonight at the Montgomery Quarterback Club. 

• Off-week gives No. 2 Tide a rest • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — After six games in six weeks, Alabama is getting a break. 

• Jimmy Smothers: Teams can lose on any given Saturday  • The Gadsden Times
Things like that happen now and then; like on some Saturday during football season for just about every team in the country. Saturday was one of those days for the two major college teams in our state.

• 5 Thoughts - The Big Game You Must See • College Football News
While this week will be all about Oklahoma vs. Texas and LSU vs. Florida, there's a big-time game that you might not know about that could be the best showdown of the weekend. That and the new Penn State star, the shift of power at Tennessee, and more in this week's 5 Thoughts.

• Trent Richardson Back from Tuscaloosa • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Trent Richardson, five-star running back from Pensacola-Escambia, (Fla.), took a second unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa. Escambia had a bye week, and Richardson took advantage to travel to Alabama Friday to spend time with coaches and players. 

• Jonathan Atchison Firm, but Visiting • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Jonathan Atchison, three-star strongside linebacker from Atlanta-Douglass, (Ga.), made a commitment to Auburn before the season. He talked about a trip to the Plains for the LSU game, and a trip to Tuscaloosa forthcoming. 

• Kevin Norwood Closer with Decision • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Kevin Norwood, Scout.com three-star wide receiver from Biloxi-D’Iberville, (Miss.), is having a great senior season and closing in on a commitment. He traveled to Tuscaloosa Saturday for an unofficial visit. 

• Sleeper WR leaning towards Tide after visit • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
D'Iberville (Miss.) High School wide receiver Kevin Norwood made the trip to Tuscaloosa for Alabama's 17-14 win over Kentucky on Saturday, and the 6-foot-3 180-pounder came away impressed.

• Film study: Alabama-Kentucky • 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. 

• Fooball:
Alabama 17, Kentucky 14 - box score

• Crimson Tide Holds First Bye-Week Practice • RollTide.com
After a couple of off days, the No. 2 University of Alabama football team returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon for its first of three bye-week practices. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/7 Practice

• Ian R. Rapoport: Coffee, Cody added to award watch lists... • al.com
Just got back from practice... and it appears I know now what coach Nick Saban meant by asking us not to freak out about what we saw. Left tackle Andre Smith was not on the field. Ack! Sorry, I'm OK now... 

• Gentry Estes: Andre Smith excused from practice with an illness • al.com
Except for one player, all starters were present and active at Alabama's practice today, the first of the bye week.

• October 18 SEC Football Television Update • SEC Sports
October 18 SEC Football Television Update 

• Tide undergoes off-week workout  • AlabamaFB
TUSCALOOSA – After a couple of off days, the No. 2 University of Alabama football team returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon for its first of three bye-week practices.

• What is Alabama getting in Sentimore? • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Given that LSU didn't offer Darrington Sentimore, some Alabama fans are wondering just what the Tide is getting with the commitment of the Destrehan, Louisiana star. According to Destrehan head coach Steve Upshaw, Alabama is getting a beast of a defensive lineman... 

• BOLevision -- Oct. 7 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
On this week's show, BOL staffers Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread hand out mid-season accolades and look ahead to them second half of the 2008 season. 

• Tuesday practice notes: Tide returns to work (UPDATED) • Crimson Confidential
The second-ranked Alabama football team (6-0 overall, 3-0 in SEC) was back on the practice field Tuesday afternoon, trying to stay sharp as it goes through the first of its two bye weeks this season. The Crimson Tide worked out in full-pads at the outdoor practice facility with a tinge of autumn already in the air.

• Crimson Tide Announces 2009 Baseball Schedule • RollTide.com
Alabama will play eight NCAA teams in 2009 that combined to win 63 percent of their games in 2008 

• Thibaudeau Cruises at All-American Championships • RollTide.com
Senior Mathieu Thibaudeau beat Juan Gomez of San Diego State 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 for a trip to the third, and final, round of qualifying action at the D'Novo/ITA Men's All-American Championships at the M... 

• Softball Announces 2009 Schedule • RollTide.com
Alabama head softball coach Patrick Murphy announced his 2009 schedule today. The Crimson Tide will play a total of 56 regular season games, including 26 at the friendly confines of the Alabama Sof...

• Coffee, Cody Named to Maxwell Football Club Awards Watch List • RollTide.com
Alabama junior running back Glen Coffee and junior nose guard Terrence Cody have been added to the 2008 Maxwell Football Club Awards Watch list, the Maxwell Football Club President Ron Jaworski ann...

• Talk of the Tide, Issue 2 • RollTide.com
Check out the second issue of Alabama's exclusive publication, Talk of the Tide. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Tebow on Shula's firing: "Maybe it was a little bit my fault, too." • al.com
It's history day over here at The Birmingham News. First, we read about Jet-Gate because of the looming Arkansas-Auburn game. A few minutes later, I get a press release from The Sporting News Magazine about an interview with Florida quarterback Tim Tebow that will hit newsstands Thursday.

• Gentry Estes: Tuesday reading: Bye-week trends • al.com
Alabama coach Nick Saban said it himself yesterday: "There's a lot of lessons to be learned in what's happened in the first half of this season, the biggest one being intensity fuels our success." 

• Ben Culpepper: Alabama vs Kentucky Report Card Results • al.com
Tide fans showed mercy on their team for narrowly beating the Kentucky Wildcats 17-14 at home. Glenn Coffee's 218 yard effort against the 5th ranked rushing defense earned the running back unit an "A" for the week.

• Will Gilmore announce on Friday? • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Stephon Gilmore's plans to announce his decision this coming Friday appear to be on again -- for now.

• Position switch no problem for junior playmaker • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Fairhope junior Jamal Woodyard has made the switch from receiver to running back and he's going wild on opposing defenses. In his most recent game against Benjamin Russell, Woodyard racked up 363 total yards and scored six times. Woodyard, who visited Alabama last Saturday, is starting to attract attention from several top programs, including… 

• Gilmore to announce decision on Friday • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
South Pointe (Rock Hill, SC) 4-star cornerback Stephon Gilmore is one of the most highly regarded prospects in the Palmetto State this recruiting year, and the dynamic athlete is set to put an end to his recruitment this Friday when he announces his college decision at a news conference at his school. Read inside for all the details. 

• WR adds another offer • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Ted Meline has another.

• Elite junior back visits Capstone • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The number of elite backs produced by the state of Alabama have been few and far between in recent years, but Lincoln junior D.J. Howard could be the prospect to change that for 2010. Howard spent last Saturday in Tuscaloosa and had positive things to say about the trip.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Tana Patrick Senior Photos • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Tana Patrick is one of the top linebacker prospects in the southeast and nation. Click here to check out all the action from Patrick's game against Fort Payne in BamaOnLine.com's exclusive photo gallery. 

• The Zoom Lens: Bobby Greenwood • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Each week BOL takes subscribers inside the previous game with a detailed analysis of a player chosen by BOL members. Click here for The Zoom Lens on Bobby Greenwood. 

• Kirkpatrick sees another commitment forthcoming for Tide (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Dre Kirkpatrick isn’t saying if he’s coming to Alabama. But he thinks he knows someone who is.

• Alabama hoops team lands center Kemp • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
All it took was a visit to Tuscaloosa, and Canton (Ga.) Cherokee High center Shawn Kemp Jr. decided Alabama was the place for him. 

• Crimson Clubhouse: Gilmore recruitment heats up • Crimson Confidential 
Could announce as soon as Friday 

• Bama in the NFL - Week 5 Game Stats:
Check to see how former players did this week

• Thibaudeau Advances in Singles at All-American Championship • RollTide.com
No. 57 Mathieu Thibaudeau cruised past Nevada's Laurent Garcin 6-3, 6-4 Monday to advance to the second round of the qualifying draw at the D'Novo/ITA Men's All-American Championships held at the M... 

• Bama eats to win • Tuscaloosa News
Despite appearances, college football players eat more than steak and potatoes. In fact, their athletic performance demands it.

• No rest for the Tide weary • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | On the seventh week of the 2008 season, the University of Alabama football team rested, but only for a bit. That's because in the college football world, their work was only half done.

• Murphy to test Alabama softball • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Patrick Murphy believes the 2009 University of Alabama softball team may be the best in the history of the program, so he's compiled the toughest schedule ever to test that team.

• Andrew Bone: No. 2 ranking a big draw for visiting recruits • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama is undefeated with a perfect 6-0 record, and approximately 135 prospects visited Tuscaloosa for the game against Kentucky including one official visitor. Alabama received a commitment Sunday from a player who did not make the weekend trip to the Capstone. Recruits are seeing the results on the field and interest is rising among the elite.

• Ray Melick: Will Coach Saban ever smile? • The Birmingham News
There is legitimate talk of playing for a championship. 

• Coach Saban using bye week to focus • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Tide using bye week to try to chill out: 

• Saban wants second-ranked Alabama to maintain intensity during bye-week • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA - As with most things, Alabama coach Nick Saban looks at the 6-0 start to this season as a teaching tool. 

• Former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian's must-see list includes Tide-Tigers' rivalry • Montgomery Advertiser
Retirement suits former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian just fine. These days, instead of practicing his teams, he can go to lunch and "stay as long as I like." He also has weekends free to go to college football games, which he said he enjoys. All in all, life is good for the man who was known during his coaching days as Tark the Shark. 

• Sports Soundoff • Montgomery Advertiser
Tuesday, October 07, 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. 

• Bill Bryant: ??????????? • The Huntsville Times
Two fourth-quarter fumbles, 250 miles away from each other. 

• ????? • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - As with most things, Alabama coach Nick Saban looks at the 6-0 start to this season as a teaching tool. 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Coach Nick Saban was pleased with the result of changes in Alabama's coverage units for Saturday's victory over Kentucky. 

• Jess Nicholas: SEC midseason report: Vols, others would like a do-over • TideFans.com
Alabama isn’t the only team getting report cards as Week 7 approaches; the rest of the SEC gets to go under the microscope as well.

• Injured Tide wide receiver plays catch-up • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It probably didn't shock anyone when Will Oakley suffered a broken foot in July weight room workouts. 

• College Football Notebook • Montgomery Advertiser
Saban stresses intensity
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama head coach Nick Saban gave the players a day off on Monday but spent a few minutes with the media, describing the team's focus this week as one which ignores the 6-0 start and concentrates on the remaining six games of the regular season.

• Sports briefs • Montgomery Advertiser
Tide's Greenwood earns SEC honor
BIRMINGHAM -- University of Alabama senior defensive end Bobby Greenwood has been named the Southeastern Conference defensive lineman of the week, the league office announced Monday.

• Tide stays busy during its off-week • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Chirping birds replaced the sounds of whistles and players hitting tackling dummies Monday at the Alabama football practice field. 

• Upstart Kentucky gives Crimson Tide plenty to work on • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — The answer came swiftly and easily from Alabama center Antoine Caldwell.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — When he’s on the field at practice, Alabama running back Glen Coffee must now hold onto a football at all times. 

• Dothan’s Shealy staying busy with family, work • Dothan Eagle
For most, it would be chaotic. For Steadman Shealy, it’s normal.

• Cavalcade of Whimsy - The Rest Of Your Life • College Football News
What teams will win the next 30 national titles? John Parker Wilson's Alabama should be among the few. The Wisconsin band, Tony Mandarich, the possible BCS blitzkrieg and more in the latest Cavalcade of Whimsy.

• Marrow having a big year on defense • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Maybe it's because he's from far away Toledo, Ohio, but since his commitment to Alabama back in June, not much has been said about Mike Marrow. While Marrow might not be getting much mention among Tide fans recently, he's gotten a lot of attention this season helping Central Catholic get off to a 7-0 start. 

• Markeith Ambles Collecting Offers • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Markeith Ambles, wide receiver from McDonough-Henry County, (Ga.), projects as one of the top receivers in the Southeast for the class of 2010. He has already collected several scholarship offers and taken several unofficial visits. He talked about the offers, and schools emerging as high interest. 

• Photo Gallery: Alabama-Kentucky • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Images from Saturday

• Saban Wants Tide Looking Ahead • 'BamaMag
Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban isn’t so concerned about his team’s intensity this week, although he expects all business on the practice field. He wants his players to remember the things that have led to success and improve in those areas where the Crimson Tide can be better.

• Which Bama Coach Fared Best thru 19 Games? • 'BamaMag
Alabama Head Coaches' records thru their first 19 games

• Following the Future: Week 7 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It was a banner night for Tide commit Rod Woodson as they took on nationally ranked South Panola. Find out more about Woodson's big game as well as other Tide commits in action in this week's edition of Following the Future. 

• Broadway back home with leader • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Baton Rouge 2010 signal-caller Terrance Broadway is already one of the top quarterback prospects for the Crimson Tide among junior recruits, and this weekend the 6-foot-1, 197-pounder was in town taking in Alabama's 17-14 win over Kentucky.

• Alabama football midseason report card • Crimson Confidential
Alabama football is at the mid-way point of its season, both literally and figuratively. With a bye this week, it's time to take a position-by-position look at what this year's Crimson Tide has achieved and what is still left to improve upon:

• Richardson enjoys visit to Tuscaloosa (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Pensacola, Fla./Escambia running back Trent Richardson, who many consider the best running back in the country, spent this past weekend in Tuscaloosa watching No. 2 Alabama's 17-14 win over Kentucky.

• Notebook: Tide focused on looking ahead during bye week (VIDEO INCLUDED) • Crimson Confidential
Includes video of Nick Saban's Monday press conference