Bama in the News

September 11 - 20,  2007

• 9.11.07 Darren Mustin • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Darren talks about preparing for Arkansas.

• 9.11.07 Wallace Gilberry • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Wallace talks about preparing for Arkansas.

• 9.11.07 Andre Smith • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Andre talks about preparing for Arkansas.

• 9.11.07 Tuesday Practice • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch the running backs work.

• AUDIO: Tide players talk Arkansas • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama-Arkansas is a game with plenty of implications on the SEC West race and the excitement and intensity is clear in the Crimson Tide locker room. Hear what John Parker Wilson, Bobby Greenwood, Jonathan Lowe and Justin Britt have to say this weekend's big game inside the Ultimate Ticket...

• Photo Gallery: Andre Smith • BamaMag (for members only)
Tide offensive lineman against Vanderbilt.

• Tide Ties for Third at Cougar Classic • RollTide.com
Following a difficult second round yesterday, the University of Alabama women's golf team rebounded well, knocking off seven strokes from Monday's score to earn a third-place tie at the Cougar Classic on the Yeamans Hall Golf Course in Charleston, S.C. 

• Andrew Kirwa Named SEC Cross Country Freshman of the Week • RollTide.com
University of Alabama freshman Andrew Kirwa was named the men's cross country freshman of the week for the Southeastern Conference, the league office announced today. 

• UA commit plans to be Jan. enrollee • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama coaching staff made an early statement about how much they value special teams with an offer to West Virginia kicker Corey Smith. Smith talks about his plans to enroll at the Capstone early plus his early season results at his high school in this premium football recruiting update.

• Stop us if you can • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Saturday, the SEC's best running back will test the Crimson Tide when Arkansas' Darren McFadden comes to Tuscaloosa. But his backfield mate, Felix Jones, is plenty dangerous as well. Check the Ultimate Ticket for more on Alabama's upcoming opponent. 

• Bama Men’s Tennis Lands Four Players in the ITA Preseason Rankings • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama men's tennis team, who ended the 2007 season at No. 14 in the national rankings, landed four players in the preseason rankings, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced.

• Bama in the NFL Players:
Anthony Madison was released by the Buccaneers.

• Bayou defender has Bama among favorites • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
"Since Coach Saban has gotten to Alabama, he's turned things around. I went up there last season with my team to play Hoover. We practiced at Alabama's facility. It was very nice, but they seemed like they had a dead program. There just wasn't any life around there. But Coach Saban changed that…"

• Nothing Overwhelming • BamaMag
Keanon Cooper isn't sure a rebuilding effort is his cup of tea. He's got a big trip before long.

• Photo Gallery: Tide's Defense Against Vandy • BamaMag
Alabama defense had a good day in Nashville.

• Picket Fence • The Dunwoody Crier
A swab could save a life 

• Expert Picks • CBSSportsline
Thursday, Sept. 13

• The Harmon Forecast • CBSSportsline
In its 51st year, The Harmon Forecast predicts probable scores of college football games each week. The Harmon Forecast is powered by Accuscore . 

• 2007 SEC Football - Week 3 Game Previews • SECSports.com  
2007 SEC Football - Week 3 Game Previews

• The Zoom Lens: Noseguards • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Each week BamaOnLine.com takes subscribers inside the previous game with a detailed analysis of a position chosen by BOL members. This week, noseguard Lorenzo Washington and his backups take a turn under the microscope.

• Bama in the NFL • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
Week One of the 2007 NFL season is in the books and former Crimson Tide players made an impact in games around the leauge. Check in with the former Tide players currently in the NFL and follow along each week with how UA's best are fairing at the next level... 

• McFadden Returns To Place Where It All Began • BamaMag
FAYETTEVILLE — By now, the play is just another one of Darren McFadden’s many highlights at Arkansas. But this one should have some sentimental value.

• Bama in the NFL:  Week 1 ---> Game Stats:
Michael Myers intercepted a pass with time running out to seal the deal for the Bengals.

• Grant earns SEC honors for second straight week • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Winning the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week award is becoming a habit for Terry Grant.

• CBS will wait to pick Sept. 22 telecast • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | CBS officials announced on Monday they would take a six-day exemption permitted by the network’s contract with the Southeastern Conference before choosing which SEC game to telecast on...

• Tide women’s golf falls to fourth at Classic • Tuscaloosa News
CHARLESTON, S.C. | After a good start Sunday at the Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C., the University of Alabama women’s golf team fell back to fourth in round two at the Yeamans Hall Golf... 

• Andrew Bone: Recruits will be watching Tide this weekend • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama received their first commitment of the football season when Star Jackson, Scout.com four-star from Lake Worth, (Fla.), announced his decision the day after Labor Day.

• Last year's loss to Arkansas still stings • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The stunned look on the faces of the University of Alabama football players. The coach standing on the sideline with his hands on his hips while the other team celebrated. The quiet... 

• Freshman cornerback playing like a veteran • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Kareem Jackson doesn't consider himself a veteran. He won't go that far. It's just that he doesn't feel like a freshman either.

• Paul Finebaum: Has Tide turned already? • Press-Register
I feel sorry for Auburn fans. I really do. They might consider changing their popular chant to: "It's not so great to be an Auburn Tiger." 

• Ex-Tide LB faces 'uphill battle' • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- About two months ago, former Alabama linebacker Victor Ellis developed a cough that just wouldn't go away. 

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Hogs' Monk, Cleveland likely out • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said Monday he does not expect last year's leading receiver Marcus Monk to play Saturday at Alabama.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Tuesday, September 11, 2007

• Saban eager for challenge of boss Hog • The Huntsville Times
Arkansas has many options for getting ball to star 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Tweaks coming to passing game 

• Tide players prepare for multi-talented McFadden • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Darren McFadden totaled 2,058 all-purpose yards and finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2006.

• College football notebook: Alabama's freshman back honored again... • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama tailback Terry Grant earned Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors for the second consecutive week after rushing for 173 yards against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

• Bama's stiff challenge • The Decatur Daily
Crimson Tide prepares to face McFadden and his signature stiff-arm maneuver

• SEC, STATE SCHEDULES • The Decatur Daily
SEC schedule 

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• Mark Edwards: Tide showing signs of building back into a good team • The Decatur Daily
Watching Alabama whip Western Carolina and Vanderbilt offers little evidence for what kind of record Nick Saban will have in his first season as the Crimson Tide's head coach. 

• Jimmy Smothers: Not too good, too bad for Tide, Tigers • The Gadsden Times
There is a much used adage about things never being as good as you think, or as bad as they seem. It certainly applies when looking at the way Alabama and Auburn played over the weekend.

• Cavalcade of Whimsy - 10 Hidden Storylines • CollegeFootballNews.com
North Texas? Daniel Meager? The Mean Green might not be very good, but the new offense, after what it did to SMU, could quickly become worthy of national attention. This, along with several other hidden storylines, the Michigan meltdown, and more in the latest Cavalcade of Whimsy.

• Jumbo athlete talks Bama, LSU • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I like the academics and the program at Alabama. Nick Saban is an awesome coach. I like the overall atmosphere there…"

• Green talks hot start, UA • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
One of the nation's top cornerback prospects was busy last Friday proving his lofty recruiting ranking as John Curtis athlete Robby Green put on a show in a big win. Green is a top target of the Tide and talks about Alabama's recent recruiting efforts of him in this premium football recruiting update.

• Top Ten Tiders • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Each Monday, BamaOnline's Matt Scalici lists his top 10 Tide performers. In effect, the list serves as a week-to-week ranking of Alabama's most valuable players. 

• 9.12.07 Coach Saban • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach talks about Wednesday's practice, and the upcoming Arkansas game.

• SEC Power Poll • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Week Two has come and gone and already the wheels are in motion for 2007 to become an exciting season in college football. Take a look at where the Crimson Tide stacks up among SEC teams after two weeks of play in our SEC Power Poll... 

• Three-star LB hopes to visit Tide • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
While a lot of pieces are falling in place for the Alabama 2008 signing class with multiple early commitments, there is still work to be done at linebacker. One of the top defenders in the state of North Carolina hopes to set something up with the Tide for an official visit.

• 9.12.07 Wednesday Practice • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch the wide receivers work during Wednesday's practice.

• VIDEO: Scenes from Wednesday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
In advance of Saturday's showdown with No. 16 Arkansas, the Alabama Crimson Tide worked out in full pads Wednesday afternoon at Thomas-Drew Practice Fields.

• Top junior DL lists three early favorites • Tider Insider (for members only)
"My favorites right now are Clemson, Alabama and Auburn…"

• Florida DL keeping options open • Tider Insider (for members only)
"Alabama, of course, is one and Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia…"

• Three-star LB hopes to visit Tide • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
While a lot of pieces are falling in place for the Alabama 2008 signing class with multiple early commitments, there is still work to be done at linebacker. One of the top defenders in the state of North Carolina hopes to set something up with the Tide for an official visit. ... 

• In the money • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama’s Nick Saban, college football’s highest paid coach, also has the Southeastern Conference’s best-paid coaching staff.

• Golf Team Heads to The Farm to Defend its Championship at Carpet Capital • RollTide.com
Week two on the No. 2 ranked University of Alabama men's golf team schedule finds five of its golfers travelling to Dalton, Ga., this weekend to compete at the 19th Annual Carpet Capital Classic.

• 2007 SEC Football Coaches Press Conference • SECSports.com
2007 SEC Football Coaches Press Conference

• UA-Arkansas: 5 on the spot • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama plays its first SEC home game Saturday, and the performances of several Crimson Tide players, including quarterback John Parker Wilson (right), will be especially critical. 

• Rivals250 DB headed to UA for official • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
With his reputation as a defensive-minded coach, it's no surprise that Nick Saban is building a strong defensive class for 2008. Now the Tide head coach has his sights set on one of the top defensive prospects in the nation and the four-star defensive back has announced plans for an official visit to the Capstone... 

• Mobile star discusses favorites • Tider Insider (for members only)
"Coach [Lance] Thompson talked to me earlier this month and he told me to keep playing hard and to keep my intensity up. He told me I still have a spot at Alabama…"

• Which Team has the Most Potent Offense? • BamaMag (for members only)
It’s always a make or break game for the Tide when playing Arkansas. Over the past few years the Crimson Tide has had a hard time against the Razorbacks, most recently last year when the Tide lost 24-23 with a missed kick by Leigh Tiffin in double-overtime. The stakes are different in 2007. We take a look at the Crimson Tide’s offensive weapons versus the offensive weapons for the Razorbacks.

• Preparing For Hogs' Darren McFadden • BamaMag (for members only)
Scout offense has McFadden by Committee

• Barrett Jones Talks Vanderbilt Game • BamaMag (for members only)
Top OL trips to Nashville.

• Washington Works On Assignments • BamaMag (for members only)
Busted play turned out well against Vandy, but not recommended

• Richard Scott: Florida, Bama have a lot in common • BamaMag (for members only)
Florida and Alabama share a lot in common right now.

• UA staff tops SEC payroll • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- The highest-paid coach in college football has the highest-paid staff in the Southeastern Conference working for him.

• Grant, McFadden meet in battle of backs • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- The Southeastern Conference's rushing leader sat down Monday to discuss the importance of Saturday's game between Alabama and Arkansas.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Alabama reports two secondary violations • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama has self-reported two secondary football violations since Nick Saban was hired as head football coach in early January, but none since February, according to an open records request through Sept. 6. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, September 12, 2007

• Three for the See-Saw • BamaMag
Spencer Reeves says that Wisconsin and Alabama have only a small shot at unseating his top three.

• Alabama Prepares for No. 16 Arkansas • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team continued its preparations for No. 16 Arkansas with a two-hour practice in full gear Tuesday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility. After about an hour outside, heavy storms forced the team to the indoor facility to complete the remainder of practice. 

• Wilson still confident in Bama’s offense • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCLOOSA | University of Alabama junior quarterback John Parker Wilson was a little taken aback after Saturday’s game at Vanderbilt by all the questions from reporters about the passing game. Many of the “What went wrong?” inquiries made it almost seem like the Crimson Tide had lost.

• Cecil Hurt:  Hogs not above trickery as a diversion • Tuscaloosa News
There have been great running back tandems in the Southeastern Conference in the past. Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown, for instance. Bobby Humphrey and Gene Jelks, to cite another example. Bo... 

• Freshman cornerback playing like a veteran • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Kareem Jackson doesn't consider himself a veteran. He won't go that far. It's just that he doesn't feel like a freshman either.

• Tide to pay staff $2.7 million • The Huntsville Times
Assistants Steele, Pendry will make $350,000 each 

• Grant's zoom • The Huntsville Times
Fast start by Alabama's 5-foot-10 running back surprising everybody 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Lowe, Pennington simulate McFadden 

• Flag football season nearing kickoff • Crimson White
As the Alabama football season hits full swing, the intramural season is preparing for kickoff. The flag football league will begin Monday. The Student Recreation Center will once again run five separate leagues: pro, semi-pro, greek, women's and co-rec.

• Sykora racking up trophies • Crimson White
Graduate student also earns academic honors

• Crimson Tide passing game subpar so far • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- John Parker Wilson's first pass forced DJ Hall to stop his route and leap for a 30-yard gain when a pass on target would have meant a touchdown.

• College football roundup: Auburn, Alabama, ASU and Troy • Montgomery Advertiser
AUBURN -- Quentin Groves generally loves Auburn fans.

• Arkansas RBs focus of Tide defenders • The Decatur Daily
McFadden, Jones are next challenges

• AUBURN, ALABAMA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• Assistants' pay at Alabama tops in the league • The Decatur Daily
TUSCALOOSA — As with its head football coach, The University of Alabama is paying a high price for its assistant coaches as well. 

• SEC Fearless Predictions, Sept. 15 • CollegeFootballNews.com
Previews and Predictions for the Week 3 SEC Games. 

• Tuesday's post-practice notes • Tider Insider (for members only)
No major changes needed in passing game… Good news on Coffee… Tide aiming to take them out early… and more.

• Rivals250 DT down to five • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide are well on their way to locking down the nation's top defensive line class in 2008 and moved one step closer to that goal when a Rivals250 defensive tackle named Alabama among his top five school choices.

• Crimson Tide Holds Final Workout for Arkansas Game • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama football team wrapped up its preparation for Saturday's game with No. 16 Arkansas with a 90-minute workout in shells Thursday afternoon in the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility. 

• Crimson Tide Soccer Team Opens a Seven Game Homestand This Weekend • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama soccer team will host Middle Tennessee Friday evening and Memphis Sunday afternoon at the UA Soccer Complex. The first of seven straight home games for the Tide in the month of September.

• Bama Men’s Tennis Kicks off Fall Campaign with Olympia Fields Invitational • RollTide.com
The No. 14 Alabama men's tennis team heads to Chicago this weekend to participate in the University of Illinois Olympia Fields Invitational round robin tournament. 

• Tide Freshman Haley Moody Hopes to Make Huge Impact • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's cross country team began a new season two weeks ago at the Belmont Opener in Nashville, Tenn. Newcomer Haley Moody had an impressive showing, posting the best time for the Crimson Tide. 

• Is Ray solid? • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
An Alabama commitment living in the heart of Seminole country doesn't always sit well with the Tide faithful - particularly when that prospect decides to check out his hometown team for a game. Rivals250 receiver Melvin Ray talks about his recent and future recruiting trips as well as the start to his season in this premium football recruiting update.

• BOL Notebook: Arenas anxious • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama return specialist Javier Arenas (right) will seek his third big return in as many games Saturday against Arkansas. For more on Arenas, check BOL's Thursday notebook.

• Alabama-Arkansas: How they match up • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
How does Alabama's defense match up with Arkansas star running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones?

• DB set for official visit this weekend • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I think he really likes Alabama's tradition. With Nick Saban there now, he's a defensive backs coach, and that means a lot to have the head coach specializing in your position…"

• Florida junior DL lists Bama among early favorites • Tider Insider (for members only)
This top junior defensive lineman lists Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, FSU and Georgia as his early favorites.

• Top Texas junior QB has Tide offer • Tider Insider (for members only)
"Coach [Nick] Saban and Major Applewhite came here back in the spring and watched him. They've seen him in person and they offered him. Everybody is going to offer." 

• Jerrell Harris Visits Tigers, Tide Up Next • BamaMag (for members only)
Scout.com four-star linebacker talks of college games.

• Antoine McClain's Busy Weekends • BamaMag (for members only)
Scout.com four-star visiting SEC games.

• November Can't Come Soon Enough • BamaMag (for members only)
Great College Games Sandwiched Around Thanksgiving

• Heisman Talk Doesn’t Include Tiders • BamaMag
There has been a lot of talk about the Heisman Trophy this week, but the only connection to the award for the nation’s best college football player and Alabama has been whether the Crimson Tide can figure out a way to stop the leading candidate for the Heisman. And that’s the only way the award is on the mind of Bama’s head football coach.

• A Big Early-Season Game • BamaMag
There is a big football game in Gainesville, Florida, this weekend. Both visiting Tennessee and home-standing Florida think victory is critical to their Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championship hopes. (Steve Spurrier is probably getting a laugh about that.)

• College Pick'em: Expert picks • FOXSports.com
Each FOXSports.com expert will pick his selections for every AP Top 25 game straight-up and against the spread from FOX College Pick'em.

• Freddie Milons  • RollCrimsonTide.com
Last time we saw Freddie he was streaking down the sidelines towards the end zone for another “Touchdown Alabama!” He recently went back to school at the Capstone to get his degree and graduated in May with a major in Human Environmental Studies.

• Bama Men’s Tennis Kicks off Fall Campaign with Olympia Fields Invitational • RollTide.com
The No. 14 Alabama men's tennis team heads to Chicago this weekend to participate in the University of Illinois Olympia Fields Invitational round robin tournament. 

• Bama Volleyball Prepares for First Week of SEC Play • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama volleyball team squares off against Tennessee and Kentucky in the opening weekend of conference action. The Crimson Tide will face off against Tennessee in Knoxville Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m. before traveling to Lexington to face Kentucky Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1:30 p.m.

• Crimson Tide Prepares for No. 16 Razorbacks • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama football team continued its preparations for No. 16 Arkansas with a two-hour practice in full gear Wednesday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility. 

• Golfweek Names Bama's Joseph Sykora Its Collegiate Player of the Week • RollTide.com
Tide senior golfer Joseph Sykora gets the national nod Wednesday night as the college golf's Player of the Week after he won the individual championship in Alabama's season opener, the TOPY Cup. 

• 9.12.07 DJ Hall • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
DJ talks about preparing for Arkansas, and breaking an long standing record.

• UA tackles job of stopping McFadden • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

• Andrew Bone: Alabama commitment making a move • Tuscaloosa News
Burton Scott, Scout.com four-star and Alabama commitment, has been playing his future college position, but this week will move back to his former role.

• No Heisman pose as Lowe mimicks `5' • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- 

• Bama's Hannah ranks as SEC's top blocker • Press-Register
To mark the 75th season of SEC football, the Press-Register is recognizing the best players, coaches and moments in the league's history each week in SEC Extra. 

• Alabama notes • Press-Register
No. 16 ARKANSAS (1-0, 0-0) at ALABAMA (2-0, 1-0) 5:45 p.m. Saturday (ESPN) Bryant-Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa -- LINE: Alabama by 3

• Coaches expecting big things from Washington • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- The first thing people usually notice about Lorenzo Washington is his body size. 

• Diabetic condition sidelines Lett • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama team doctors will not allow true freshman Chris Lett back at practice "unless there is some significant improvement in the future," according to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. 

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA 

• McCready's AP Ballot • Press-Register
Press-Register sports reporter Neal McCready is one of 65 voters in The Associated Press college football poll. Each week, his ballot along with his brief analysis will be published in SEC Extra: By the end of the season, Southern Cal may indeed by the nation's best team.

• Tide case open on open dates • The Huntsville Times
It's not clear if Arkansas' week off gives it a clear advantage

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Receiver Hall expectsbig game from Wilson

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, September 13, 2007

• Lett not likely to practice, play this year • Crimson White
Freshman defensive back Chris Lett has been a member of the Alabama football team for only a few months now, but the Pensacola, Fla., native hasn't seen much of the practice field. A pre-existing medical condition kept him out of the majority of fall camp, and head coach Nick Saban said Lett will likely not be a part of Crimson Tide practices this season unless his condition improves dramatically.

• Freshman faces high expectations • Crimson White
The Alabama women's cross country team began a new season two weeks ago at the Belmont Opener in Nashville, Tenn. Newcomer Haley Moody had an impressive showing, posting the best time for the Crimson Tide. The freshman from Morristown, Tenn., is the cause for optimism for the Tide's season.

• Tide WR may catch record Saturday • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- His name dots the record books in most of the receiving categories, but DJ Hall tries not to think about the numbers.

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• Arkansas' other tailback • The Decatur Daily
Jones' numbers, skills complement McFadden

• College football notebook • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban has stressed the need for more big plays from his offense the last two weeks.

• Nation's top WR off to hot start • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
As the nation's top wide receiver prospect, Julio Jones has attracted the attention of colleges around the country. Now with his senior season underway, Jones is attracting plenty of attention from opposing defenses as well. Find out how Jones has faired so far in his senior season as well as what lies next in the recruiting race for Jones inside the Ultimate Ticket...

• AUDIO: Saban reviews Wednesday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban faces his toughest challenge yet at Alabama this weekend when he takes on Darren McFadden and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Hear what Saban had to say about Wednesday's practice as the Tide continues to prepare for Arkansas... 

• Wednesday's post-practice notes • Tider Insider (for members only)
Tide's passing progressing in practices… Coffee and Johns practice… Lett still sidelined… Punting goals… and more.

• Heisman Talk Doesn’t Include Tiders • BamaMag
There has been a lot of talk about the Heisman Trophy this week, but the only connection to the award for the nation’s best college football player and Alabama has been whether the Crimson Tide can figure out a way to stop the leading candidate for the Heisman. And that’s the only way the award is on the mind of Bama’s head football coach.

• Volleyball:
Alabama 3, Tennessee 0

• Men’s Cross Country Team Wins Crimson Classic • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama men's cross country team cruised to an easy victory on their home course in the Crimson Classic led by sophomore Emmanuel Bor and junior Augustus Maiyo who finished first and second respectively.

• Women’s Cross Country Takes Second at Crimson Classic • RollTide.com
Cross country freshman Haley Moody led Alabama to a second place team finish at the 2007 Crimson Classic, pushing the Tide ahead of conference foes LSU and Mississippi State. 

• Tide Golfers Rained Out Friday • RollTide.com
Rain and plenty of it has delayed the start of the Carpet Capital Collegiate where the University of Alabama men's golf team hopes to successfully defend its Fall 2006 title. 

• 9.14.07 Crimson Tide This Week • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Catch up on all the action in Alabama athletics.

• BOL Panel Predictions  • BamaOnLine
BamaOnLine.com puts its own staff as well as other state media representatives to the test with BOL Panel Predictions. Each week this football season, media members will pick their winners for key games both around the SEC and the nation. This is a free BOL feature. 

• The Bulletin Board • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Need a little extra motivation for this weekend's big SEC West showdown with Arkansas? For that we bring you the BamaOnline.com Bulletin Board, an exclusive feature compiling all the quotes, notes and facts you need to know for the Crimson Tide's upcoming game. 

• Who has the Better Defense? • BamaMag (for members only)
Ever since Leigh Tiffin missed that crucial kick in overtime last year, Razorback fans have been rather cocky. It was a hard fought battle between two staunch defenses, but ultimately the latter won with a missed field goal on the Tide's account.

• Women's hoops announces schedule • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama women’s basketball team hasn’t padded its schedule in any way going into the 2007-08 season.

• Alabama Softball Releases Fall Schedule • RollTide.com
The Crimson Tide softball team has released its fall schedule that includes two home events in late October, head coach Patrick Murphy announced today. 

• CRIMSON TIDE NOTEBOOK: Alabama volleyball kicks off SEC play • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama volleyball team squares off against Tennessee and Kentucky in the opening weekend of conference action.

• Andrew Bone: Catch Tide commitments in action • Tuscaloosa News
Third week of the season for future Alabama players... 

• Tennessee star names a favorite • Tider Insider (for members only)
A couple of weeks ago, this Tennessee blue-chipper denied having a favorite. But late Thursday night, he named one school above the rest.

• Bayou state safety still hearing from UA • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
At one point, this Louisiana safety was the subject of much discussion with the 2008 Alabama recruiting efforts. Now that this four-star safety's stock has exploded, is the Tide still on the mind of this top athlete who holds multiple offers? 

• Crimson Classic Weather Update • RollTide.com
The 19th Annual Crimson Classic Cross Country Invitational will still be held today at the Harry Prichett Cross Country Course despite the rainy conditions in the Tuscaloosa area. 

• Photo Gallery: Gadsden City vs. Huffman • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Last weekend, two of Birmingham's top high school teams squared off in a clash between some of the top talent in the state of Alabama. BamaOnline was on hand to capture all the action in our exclusive photo gallery.

• Tiffin hoping for second shot against Arkansas  • ESPN.com
If the football gods have any sense of decency and payback, Alabama sophomore placekicker Leigh Tiffin won't miss a field goal on Saturday against Arkansas (6:45 p.m. ET, ESPN). 

• UA receiver Mike McCoy is a patient man • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | So far in his University of Alabama football career, wide receiver Mike McCoy has barely started to step out of the shadows.

• Alabama volleyball kicks off SEC play • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama volleyball team squares off against Tennessee and Kentucky in the opening weekend of conference action.

• With Andre Smith leading the way, Tide lets offensive line take over • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Andre Smith considers himself accommodating. In fact, the University of Alabama left tackle is more than pleased to offer his services.

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA 

• `Sabanation' includes ex-player Newsome • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Ozzie Newsome is a member of the "Sabanation," and he's got the T-shirt to prove it. 

• Tommy Hicks: Football serves in Iraq, too • Press-Register
Keeping up with his beloved Auburn Tigers isn't as simple for Mickey D. Jett as it may be for others of the orange-and-blue persuasion. Then again, very little is simple for those in the armed forces serving our country in Iraq. 

• Arkansas' Jones much more than McFadden's sub • Press-Register
Ask Felix Jones to compare his running style to that of teammate Darren McFadden, and it's difficult to decipher who he's talking about when.

• Football salaries take 10 percent of Tide sports budget • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Football salaries will account for more than 10 percent of the Alabama athletics department's operating budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year.

• John Pruett: Andre makes a giant play in Tide's win over Vandy • The Huntsville Times
Friday potpourri: It went largely underreported at the time, but Dick Holmes of Huntsville spotted a key moment by a key player in Alabama's 24-10 victory over Vanderbilt last weekend in Nashville. His observations are worth repeating. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, September 14, 2007

• Tide golfers to defend title at The Farm • Crimson White
The No. 2 ranked Alabama men's golf team travels to Dalton, Ga., this weekend to defend its title at the 19th Annual Carpet Capital Collegiate Classic. Last year the Tide shredded the 18- and 54-hole course records at The Farm en route to its first victory of the 2006 season.

• Tide to host Crimson Classic • Crimson White
The Alabama men's cross country team hosts the annual Crimson Classic today with hopes of winning the event for third straight year. The Crimson Tide placed third at the UTC invitational last Friday, but they were without their top two runners, Emmanuel Bor and Augustus Maiyo.

• SEC slate begins with Tennessee • Crimson White
Alabama volleyball begins SEC play this weekend as the team travels to Knoxville, Tenn., to take on the Tennessee Lady Volunteers Friday at 7 p.m. The Crimson Tide comes off of a disappointing weekend in South Bend, Ind. Alabama beat No. 13 Ohio but lost to Notre Dame and the College of Charleston in the Shamrock Invitational.

• Rackets rely on seniors • Crimson White
Head coach Billy Pate leads the Alabama men's tennis team into 2007 with plenty of veteran players and high expectations. "Coach Pate has done a phenomenal job with this program," said Andrew Felsenthal, a junior from Memphis, Tenn. "The amount of improvement and success over the last few years is something that doesn't come easy.

• Shining in the shadow • The Huntsville Times
Arkansas' Jones thrives playing behind McFadden 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Arkansas RB runs hog wild against defenses • Montgomery Advertiser
Darren McFadden was a highly touted freshman, a former high school Parade All-American, when he came to Tuscaloosa two years ago.

• Mark Edwards: Pick Tigers, Tide to win home games • The Decatur Daily
Alabama's Nick Saban faces Arkansas' Houston Nutt on Saturday for the first time since 2004. 

• Josh Cooper: Tide-Arkansas about more than McFadden • The Decatur Daily
So Arkansas has Darren McFadden at running back, and he has been a focus during the week leading up to Alabama’s home game against Arkansas on Saturday. 

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• Jimmy Smothers: Not following column advice leads to column • The Gadsden Times
Notes and quotes picked up here and there and strung out on the computer screen:

• Tide to host Elite prospects • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
A sellout crowd is expected this Saturday when the Crimson Tide takes on the 16th ranked Arkansas Razorbacks and among the 92,000 fans in attendance at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be several of the nation's top high school recruits. Find out which top prospects will be in attendance this weekend and the Tide's chances of landing a big-time commitment inside the Ultimate Ticket...

• Pivotal game in Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (for members only)
Since the SEC split into two divisions in 1992, Alabama has won eight of fifteen games against Arkansas. In the eight seasons in which Alabama won, it won 81 games. In the other seven seasons, it won only 38. Will tomorrow's game be an omen for the rest of the season?

• Five Match-Ups to Watch Saturday • BamaMag (for members only)
Alabama and Arkansas have been about as evenly matched in the last decade as any two teams in the Southeastern Conference. How certain key individual match-ups go on Saturday are likely to go a long way toward deciding who wins on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Pete’s Pigskin Prognostications • BamaMag
First App State, then compass point South Florida. What’s the football world coming to? Next thing you know, football players will be actually required to do their own classwork.......nah, the world is not totally upside down. 

• Weekend Forecast: No end in sight for those upsets • USA TODAY
Maybe we should just be numb to all these upsets. They happen every weekend.

• Football:
Alabama 41, Arkansas 38 - box score

• 2007 SEC Scores:
Mississippi State 19, Auburn 14

• Comeback kids: Wilson drives Tide to win • Tuscaloosa News
In an emotional see-saw battle, the Alabama Crimson Tide put together an amazing drive in the final two minutes of the game to earn the greatest victory of the Nick Saban era.

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
9.14.2007 - Crimson Classic

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
9.14.2007 - Soccer v Middle Tenn.

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
9.14.2007 - Volleyball vs. Tennessee

• Seeing the season: Alabama-Arkansas • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
In recent years, Alabama's series with Arkansas has been a relatively reliable indicator for how the season of each team will go.

• Mammoth junior lineman says Bama's his favorite • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I'd say that Alabama is my favorite. I like the coaches and the academics at Alabama. I like Coach Saban. He's a great guy and he's a great coach…"

• Recruits Arrive in Tuscaloosa • BamaMag
The University of Alabama will host their first SEC home game Saturday against Arkansas, the 16th ranked team in the country, and several prospects are expected in Tuscaloosa. Many of the state’s top prospects including all in-state commitments will arrive later today for the national ESPN televised broadcast.

• Soccer:
Friday Night: Alabama 2, Middle Tennessee 1

• GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Alabama vs. Arkansas • RollTide.com
Following consecutive wins over Western Carolina and Vanderbilt, the University of Alabama football team returns home to face No. 16 Arkansas tonight.The game will be televised nationally by ESPN and kickoff is scheduled for 5:52 p.m. (CDT). You can find parking information, a stadium seating diagram, information about activities on the quad and more all right here on Gameday Central. 

• Six Bama Tennis Players Earn Wins on Day One of Olympia Fields Invitational • RollTide.com
CHICAGO - Members of the University of Alabama men’s tennis team had a successful first day at the Olympia Fields Invitational with four players picking up singles victories and four doubles pairs posting wins.

• Bama Volleyball Sweeps Tennessee in Conference Opener • RollTide.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- The University of Alabama volleyball team dominated Tennessee tonight at the Stokely Athletic Center in Knoxville, Tenn. The Crimson Tide swept the Lady Vols, 3-0, improving to 4-6 and 1-0 in the conference. Alabama is the first team to beat Tennessee at home this season.

• Soccer Improves to 4-1 With a Win Over Middle Tennessee • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama Soccer team improved to 4-1 on the season with a 2-1 win against visiting Middle Tennessee Friday night at the UA Soccer Complex.

• Does the Heisman still matter? • Tuscaloosa News
The Heisman Trophy, what organizers tout as the most “prestigious and significant award in the whole spectrum of amateur sports," is the only one that doesn’t have any set voting criteria. So, is the Heisman Trophy still relevant?

• T-News Staff Picks • Tuscaloosa News
For the first time this season, the staff is divided. Check out the Tuscaloosa News staff picks. 

• Controversial Heisman winners • Tuscaloosa News
Due to the frequent lack of a consensus among 870 media voters and former Heisman winners over who should win, there have been scores of controversies over the years, including the following...

• Another tough schedule for Tide women • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama women’s basketball team hasn’t padded its schedule in any way going into the 2007-08 season.

• Alabama men win Crimson Classic • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama men’s cross country team cruised to an easy victory Friday on its home course in the Crimson Classic, led by sophomore Emmanuel Bor and junior Augustus Maiyo...

• Recent Alabama-Arkansas games have set tone for rest of teams' season • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The players didn't need a history lesson. No one had to tell them how a season is affected by the result of the annual Alabama-Arkansas game.

• Tide faces `make or break' game • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The players didn't need a history lesson. No one had to tell them how a season is affected by the result of the annual Alabama-Arkansas game.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Saturday, September 15, 2007

• With bitter memories from last year, Tide hosts Hogs ... • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- It's easy for Alabama coach Nick Saban to point out the irrelevance of last year's overtime defeat at Arkansas, to tell his team it shouldn't have any bearing on tonight's rematch.

• UA's fate may rest on Hogs • The Huntsville Times
Recent results of game have charted Tide's course 

• SEC previews • The Huntsville Times
Arkansas (1-0, 0-0) at Alabama (2-0, 1-0);

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Newsome's record on verge of being broken • Montgomery Advertiser
Ozzie Newsome's record for career receiving yardage is on the verge of falling to Alabama senior DJ Hall, but "The Wizard of Oz" said he had no idea until two weeks ago he still held the school record.

• SEC Volleyball Roundup - Friday, September 14th • SEC Sports
Bama Volleyball Sweeps Tennessee in Conference Opener 

• SEC Soccer Roundup - Friday, September 14th • SEC Sports
TUSCALOOSA – The University of Alabama Soccer team improved to 4-1 on the season with a 2-1 win against visiting Middle Tennessee Friday night at the UA Soccer Complex.

• Tide-Arkansas outcome shapes teams' seasons • The Decatur Daily
TUSCALOOSA — It has remained in the back of Antoine Caldwell's mind since Sept. 23 last season. 

• AUBURN, ALABAMA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama

• VIDEO: BOL Staff breaks down Tide-Hogs • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
It will be the college football equivalent of an early-round playoff game when Alabama and Arkansas get together Saturday evening at Bryant-Denny Stadium. 

• Bama in the NFL:  Week 2 ---> Game Stats:
Fernando Bryant made 8 solo tackles and assisted in another.... and...

• Soccer:
Memphis 2, Alabama 0

• Volleyball:
Alabama 3, Kentucky 2

• Football:
Alabama 41, Arkansas 38 - box score

• ESPN To Televise Alabama-Georgia Game • RollTide.com
The Southeastern Conference announced Sunday the Alabama-Georgia game will kick off at 6:45 p.m. (CDT) and will be aired by ESPN, with Mike Patrick (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) calling the action from Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Georgia game marks Alabama's third televised game of the 2007 season and second straight ESPN telecast. The Crimson Tide's 41-38 win over then No. 16

• Vote for Alabama’s “Pontiac Game Changing Performance” ...• RollTide.com
In a match up that saw a combined 900 yards of offense, seven touchdown passes and six turnovers, it was only fitting for the game to be decided in the final moments. With only eight seconds remaining, Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson hit wide receiver Matt Caddell with a 4-yard touchdown pass to put the Tide up 41-38 over 16th-ranked Arkansas. 

• 9.16.07 Coach Saban Show • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Saban talks about the win over Arkansas.

• 9.16.07 UA vs. Arkansas Q1 • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch the Alabama victory over Arkansas in Tuscaloosa.

• 9.16.07 UA vs. Arkansas Q2 • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch the Alabama victory over Arkansas in Tuscaloosa.

• 9.16.07 UA vs. Arkansas Q3 • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch the