Bama in the News

September 1 - 7, 2009

• Baseball Coach Jim Wells Retires; Mitch Gaspard Named Head Coach • RollTide.com
University of Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore announced Tuesday that head baseball coach Jim Wells has retired effective immediately. Mitch Gaspard, who served the last two seasons assista...

• Alabama Football: Tuesday Notebook • RollTide.com
The Alabama offense is featured each Tuesday here the Alabama Football Notebook

• Chase Goodbread: Tuesday practice • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Not much to report from Tuesday’s drills in the indoor facility, but there were a few notables.

• Cecil Hurt Show: Sept 1 • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Cecil and Rachel discuss the upcoming match-up against Virginia Tech, Nick Saban's contract extension, the prospect of Dre Kirkpatrick and more on the latest Cecil Hurt Show.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/1 - Practice

• Gaspard Named Baseball Coach • 'BamaMag
This could be seen coming like a high, hanging curve ball. A few years ago, longtime Alabama Baseball Coach Jim Wells announced his retirement. After a few weeks of searching for a replacement, Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore talked Wells into staying on. Wells agreed, but wanted to bring back one of his former assistants, Mitch Gaspard.

• McClain Says Tide Must Contain • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Virginia Tech has dangerous quarterback in Taylor

• Wells retires again, Gaspard named baseball coach • BamaOnLine
The winningest coach in Alabama baseball history stepped down for a second time, this time for good. Assistant coach Mitch Gaspard signed a three-year deal to take over the program. 

• Deaderick released from hospital • BamaOnLine
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick was released from the DCH Medical Center at approximately 4 p.m. Tuesday, roughly 18 hours after he was shot in the arm during an attempted robbery.

• Practice Report: Tide goes through drills without Deaderick • Crimson Confidential
A few double-takes took place Tuesday. 

• Jess Nicholas: Tennessee Volunteers: Team Overview • TideFans.com
The wraps are about to come off the Lane Kiffin Show in Knoxville, as Tennessee leaves Phil Fulmer behind and embarks on a new adventure with a head coach who is pretty much an unknown quantity. Kiffin flamed out in a brief trial as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, and immediately upon arrival in the SEC set out to enrage as many people as possible through his...

• Jess Nicholas: Vanderbilt Commodores: Team Overview • TideFans.com
The Commodores made a bowl trip in 2008 (even though it was just down the street to where the Tennessee Titans play) for the first time in decades. For 2009, they also find themselves returning 17 starters and a sound defense. So why are the Commodores picked to finish with a losing record? Vanderbilt, all things...

• Jess Nicholas: South Carolina Gamecocks: Team Overview • TideFans.com
This could be a deciding season for South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier, who probably didn’t sign on to take this job with the idea that he’d be fighting for a .500 record every year. But for the second straight season, South Carolina must essentially rebuild its offense from the ground up due to graduation. The Gamecocks made some adjustments to their base...

• Jon Solomon: Q&A: Virginia Tech QB coach Mike O'Cain • The Birmingham News
Virginia Tech quarterbacks coach Mike O'Cain is trying to develop Hokies QB Tyrod Taylor into a complete passer. Taylor rushed for 738 yards last season, second on the team, and threw only two touchdowns and seven interceptions in 173 attempts.

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Brandon Deaderick released from hospital • The Press Register
Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick was discharged from DCH Regional Medical Center a little after 4 p.m. today, according to hospital spokesman Brad Fisher.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Update: Deaderick out of the hospital; shooting suspect still at large • The Birmingham News
Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick, who was shot in the forearm Monday night during an apparent robbery attempt at a local apartment complex, was discharged from the DCH Regional Medical Center this afternoon. 

• Bama in the NFL - Players:
Travis McCall was waived by the Bills

• Smith breaks foot • bengals.com
9-1-09, 5:10 p.m. Less than 48 hours after signing his contract, rookie right tackle Andre Smith suffered a fractured foot late in Tuesday's practice and is going to be out of action for what head coach Marvin Lewis called "a few weeks." In a statement released through the Bengals public relations department, Lewis said, “Andre suffered a small fracture in his left foot during a non-contact drill. Our medical staff tells me the injury will not require surgery, which obviously is good news, but he’s going to miss a few weeks.” 

• Jim Wells retires as UA baseball coach • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama head baseball coach Jim Wells will retire from his position effective today and will be replaced immediately by assistant coach Mitch Gaspard, The Tuscaloosa News has learned.

• Saban releases statement on Brandon Deaderick • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban released a statement this morning about Brandon Deaderick, who was hospitalized for gunshot wounds Monday night.

• Chase Goodbread takes over UA football beat • Tuscaloosa News
Chase Goodbread has been hired as the new University of Alabama football beat writer for The Tuscaloosa News.

• Chris Rattey: Fortunately Deaderick not a grim statistic today • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
As Nick Saban said in his statement Tuesday morning, the entire University of Alabama community is “very fortunate” that the injuries suffered by senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick, a shooting victim in a robbery attempt, do not appear to be serious

• Rachel Baribeau: September 1st mailbag • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Thank you so much for your comments and concerns. I want to also take a moment to thank you for your support and constructive criticism. I truly appreciate both because they help me to become a better journalist and human being

• Gentry Estes: The first game can't get here soon enough for Alabama's football program • The Press Register
OK, it could have been worse.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Saban issues statement about Brandon Deaderick in wake of shooting • The Birmingham News
Alabama coach Nick Saban has issued a statement today in response to the shooting Monday night of defensive end Brandon Deaderick. 

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban: • The Press Register
"We feel very fortunate that Brandon is doing well and that this is not a more serious situation"
Alabama coach Nick Saban has released a statement on last night's shooting of senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick ...

• Alfy Hill ready to announce • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alfy Hill's decision has been made and the announcement of his college choice is set. The 6-4½, 247-pound linebacker/defensive end from West Brunswick HS in Shallotte, NC will make a public commitment at... 

• Saban press conference for August 31 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Colleges Don't Waste Time on Thomas • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Today is the first day the class of 2011 can receive offers and Lawrence Thomas, one of the top juniors in the Midwest, scored a trio so far.

• How Good is Virginia Tech? • Crimson Country Club  (Members Only)
That is a good question if I say so myself. I am not sure. So let’s look at the Primary Statistic in football --- winning and losing. 

• Williams off to strong start • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Like most of the players committed to the University of Alabama for the 2010 signing class, Jay Williams started his season with a bang as the starting punter for Thomasville.

• Will's Recruiting War Room -- Sept. 1 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Senior recruiting analyst Will Matthews catches you up on everything you need to know about Alabama football recruiting and offers his insights as well as what may happen next.

• Eyeing Eleven -- AJ Johnson • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
When talking about 2011 prospects in Georgia, you can’t go very long without talking about Gainesville’s AJ Johnson. 

• Nothing ordinary about Tide’s August ride • Crimson Confidential
Nick Saban has already been filmed for one movie this summer. Another movie could be made for...

• Three Volleyball Matches to Air Live on Regional Networks • RollTide.com
Thanks to the Southeastern Conference's new multi-year television agreement, three of Alabama volleyball's league matches will be broadcast live. In all, a record-setting 16 SEC volleyball matches ... 

• Deaderick expected to be released from hospital today • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick remained hospitalized this morning, but hospital officials expect him to be released sometime today.

• 1992 Champions: University of Alabama • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Welcome to the first exhibit to the TideSportsExtra Museum as we reflect on the last time Alabama won a National Championship. We sat down with quarterback Jay Barker and star defender John Copeland. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Saban talks about Alabama's depth chart • The Birmingham News
Alabama coach Nick Saban released his depth chart Monday. That's old news today. 

• Gentry Estes: Tuesday briefing: Football in perspective at UA • The Press Register
Basically everything I'd been writing about Alabama football didn't seem quite so important late last night, when word got out that senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick (pictured, No. 95) had been shot in a robbery attempt at an apartment complex in Tuscaloosa.

• Fulton talks five, sets three officials • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Johnavon Fulton, Scout.com four-star cornerback from Manning, S.C., saw limited action in his first game of the season due to an injury. He has scheduled three official visits and knows of the other two schools as well. The Gamecocks still lead, but the other four schools remain strongly in the mix. 

• The Final Prediction • Crimson Country Club  (Members Only)
Well it’s about time… 

• Venice's Peacock: Sims' eyes "always looking downfield" (video included) • Crimson Confidential
It's been four days since Phillip Sims, ESPN's top-rated quarterback prospect and an Alabama commit, opened his senior season by leading Oscar Smith (Va.) to a 27-13 win over Venice (Fla.). 

• Bama in the NFL - Preseason Week 3 stats:
See how former players performed.

• UA football player Deaderick shot • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama football player Brandon Deaderick was shot late Monday night in an apparent robbery attempt at Rivermont Apartments on Rice Mine Road.

• Deaderick condition "good" • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama defensive end is listed in good condition at DCH Regional Medical Center, according to hospital spokesperson Brad Fisher.

• Virginia Tech QB presents challenge • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Tyrod Taylor’s rushing skills as a quarterback helped carry Virginia Tech to several crucial victories last season –- wins over Georgia Tech, Virginia, and Boston College were all marked by some of Taylor’s most impressive rushing efforts of the 2008 season -- but in referencing the Hokies’ signal caller in two separate news conferences, University of Alabama coach Nick Saban has been clear that its Taylor’s ability to run behind the line of scrimmage that is more a concern than his ability to run beyond it.

• No surprises in ‘official’ depth chart • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Nick Saban released the University of Alabama’s depth chart officially on Monday, putting to rest all the unofficial ones that have been scratched out everywhere from Web sites to cocktail napkins throughout the preseason

• Cecil Hurt: Virginia Tech is the Crimson Tide’s only worry • Tuscaloosa News
It remains to be seen how much NCAA-eligibility problems will affect the University of Alabama football team on Saturday (if at all), but there is one sort of NCAA problem that Nick Saban won’t have as the Crimson Tide heads into Saturday’s season opener against Virginia Tech.

• Chase Goodbread: Depth chart thoughts, Vol.1 … • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
With the release of UA's depth chart Monday, here is a first installment on some thoughts coming this week on the Crimson Tide's starting lineup.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Alabama's recruiting class of 2008 shows up, grows up fast • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Some recruiting classes shrink in the rearview mirror. Their initial hype turns out to be false hope. 

• Saban releases Tide depth chart; Barron to start • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban released a depth chart Monday. Repeat: Saban released a depth chart. 

• Tommy Hicks: First games can set tone for season • The Press Register
There are going to be some first-game jitters for the football teams at South Alabama, Alabama and Auburn this week, for some moreso than others. 

• Bill Bryant: McElroy knows big openers • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Greg McElroy has been here before, looking questioners in the eye and cameras in the lens as his first start at quarterback approaches and the focus zeros in on his red head. 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
No freshman starters

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide defensive end Brandon Deaderick not injured seriously in shooting • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick was shot in the forearm Monday night during an apparent robbery attempt in the parking lot of a local apartment complex. 

• Crimson Tide's Brandon Deaderick hospitalized in "good" condition after being shot in robbery attempt • The Press Register
Alabama's football team can breathe a sigh of relief this morning with word that senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick is in "good" condition after surviving an armed robbery attempt and shooting.

• Chase Robertson: Alabama football: More important things? • al.com
Football season will arrive in six days. The Alabama fans version of Christmas coming early. Their motorhomes are being tuned up, lucky hounds tooth hats dusted, and tailgaiting supplies replenished all in anticipation for the upcoming months. Recruiting takes a backseat. Preseason bragging and speculation finally come to fruition. A truly special time of year. An important time. The question is: How important?

• Alabama defensive end Deaderick robbed and shot • The Crimson White
Alabama defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick was robbed and shot at Riverside apartments Monday night, according to UA Media Relations.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Tide offense looks to set tone in opener • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The ques­tions are similar when compar­ing Saturday's season opener in the Georgia Dome with Virginia Tech and last year's opener in the same arena against Clemson. 

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Saban: Still no word on status of Julio Jones, Mark Ingram • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban had no update on the status of receiver Julio Jones and tailback Mark Ingram, two starters who have been in limbo since accepting a free Gulf Coast fishing trip from an Athens resident over the summer.

• Tim Gayle: Another Tide starter sidelined • Montgomery Advertiser
This was supposed to be a great year for Alabama (and it still may be) but it certainly seems to be unraveling before it started. The ongoing investigation of Julio Jones and Mark Ingram over a fishing trip this summer is working hard to overshadow Alabama's No. 5 ranking and a promising season. Now, we've got the ... 

• Tide’s Saban releases a depth chart • Decatur Daily
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama’s Nick Saban was wearing something different when …

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama TUSCALOOSA — Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick was shot Monday night as a victim of a robbery attempt at an apartment complex in Northport, according to a Mobile Press-Register …

• New Tide QB used to winning on all levels • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — If Greg McElroy is as unflappable on the field as he is in the interview room, Alabama may be tough to beat Saturday night against Virginia Tech. 

• Tide depth chart released for opener • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — For most of training camp, Alabama coach Nick Saban said he viewed his defense as having three starting safeties.

• Tony Barnhart: Saban has been a bargain for Alabama • AJC
When Nick Saban signed his unprecedented eight-year, $32 million contract to be the head coach at Alabama, I told some friends that there would come a day when that deal would look like a bargain.

• Expectation high for Chick-fil-A Kickoff game • AJC
Coaching his team to 16 consecutive postseason appearances qualifies Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer as an expert on bowl games. 

• Football notes: Barron coming of age • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
When Mark Barron signed in the Tide's number one ranked recruiting class of 2008, many thought he was the best overall athlete in the class. Some predicted immediate stardom for Barron. But most of his action last season came on special teams. 

• Live Evaluation: C.J. Uzomah • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
How did Uzomah perform against powerful Prattville?

• Shepherd talks big win and Crimson Tide • 'BamaMag
Georgia OL took it to the top Alabama program…

• Alabama DE Deaderick shot in apartment parking lot • BamaOnLine
Brandon Deaderick, the victim of an apparent robbery, was being treated at DCH and authorities were on the scene investigating Monday night. 

• Photo Gallery: Brent Calloway • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's earliest 2011 commits began his junior season Friday night as Russellville's Brent Calloway and his teammates took on Deshler.

• Hicks talks Tide, other schools in the mix • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Lakota West High School (Ohio) hosted a conference call for reporters with Jordan Hicks Monday morning. The Rivals100 prospect addressed questions about his top six choices which includes the Crimson Tide. 

• Tide's top choice at RB is Ingram • BamaOnLine
After a camp of uncertainty at running back, Mark Ingram is still atop the depth chart and poised to be Alabama's primary ball carrier. 

• Notebook: Flu continues to affect Tide • BamaOnLine
TUSCALOOSA | Although all of the University of Alabama players who missed Saturday's practice due to the flu were back on the field inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility on Monday, two others were notably absent.

• Deaderick shot in robbery attempt; injuries not life-threatening • Crimson Confidential
Alabama defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick was taken to a hospital after being shot in the arm during an apparent robbery attempt in Tuscaloosa, the city's police chief said.

• Brandon Deaderick Shot • Bama Sports Report
According to the Tuscaloosa News, Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick has been shot. According to their report, he was shot once in the forearm. Reports from other locations are indicated two wounds.

• Practice Report: Monday, August 31 • Bama Sports Report
It’s Game Week! The Alabama football team practiced inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility on Monday afternoon, with an actual football game looming at the end of the week.

• NCAA releases statement about Jones, Ingram • Tuscaloosa News
The NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff has reinstated the eligibility of University of Alabama football student-athletes Julio Jones and Mark Ingram based on a condition of repayment.

• Gentry Estes: Despite finding of violation,... • The Press Register
... Julio Jones and Mark Ingram have been declared eligible by NCAA
The NCAA confirmed this evening that Alabama receiver Julio Jones and running back Mark Ingram have been "reinstated" after making restitution for "impermissible food, lodging, transportations and entertainment from an individual with whom one of the student-athletes had become acquainted prior to enrolling in college."

• Don Kausler Jr.: NCAA says Julio Jones and Mark Ingram can play as long as they pay • The Birmingham News
The NCAA has ruled that sophomore Alabama football stars Julio Jones and Mark Ingram can play as long as they reimburse a 56-year-old Athens businessman who paid for a spring fishing trip. 

• Practice Report: Wednesday, September 2 • Bama Sports Report
The Alabama football team was inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility for the third consecutive day, in preparation for playing inside the Georgia Dome on Saturday. The team worked in shells today, and looks to be relatively healthy.

• Deaderick, listed as ‘day-to-day,’ still hoping to play Saturday • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
He may be out, but Brandon Deaderick is doing his darndest to get back. 

• Alabama releases 2010 football schedule • BamaOnLine
The Crimson Tide will have a much tougher schedule next season, with home games against Penn State and Florida, and will visit Duke, Arkansas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee and LSU. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/2 - Nick Saban

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/2 - Cory Reamer

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/2 - Mark Barron

• Saban: Deaderick will miss Virginia Tech game • Tuscaloosa News
University of Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick will miss Saturday's game against Virginia Tech, coach Nick Saban said Wednesday, but his status beyond the Crimson Tide's season opener remains unclear.

• Mitch Gaspard Press Conference Transcript • RollTide.com
Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard met with the media on Wednesday and discussed his coaching philosophy and thoughts on the UA program.

• Crimson Tide Working Indoors for Season Opener • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team practiced for two hours in shells Wednesday afternoon at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility, as preparations continue for the 2009 season opener with Virginia Tech. 

• Deaderick in uniform • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick was in uniform at practice on Wednesday, but was wearing a black jersey, which signifies non-contact status.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/2 - Practice

• Goodbread Practice Report: Sept. 2 • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
From outside Alabama's practice facility, Chase Goodbread gives the lowdown on the Tide and talks about this weekend's match-up.

• Gentry Estes: Deaderick, Reamer return to practice with Tide • The Press Register
Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick was back at practice this afternoon.

• Don Kausler Jr.:  Reamer is practicing; Deaderick is at Tide's practice, but ... • The Birmingham News
Cory Reamer is recovering from the flu. (AP photo / Dave Martin)
Inside linebacker Cory Reamer is back working out with the Alabama football team. 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Tide continues preparation for Hokies • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide continued its preparation for their season opener againt the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday. 

• Instant Analysis: Wednesday • BamaOnLine
The Alabama Crimson Tide continued preparations for Virginia Tech Wednesday afternoon.

• VIDEO: Deaderick works in non-contact status • BamaOnLine
Less than 48 hours after sustaining a gun shot wound to his left arm, defensive end Brandon Deaderick was back on the practice field at the University of Alabama.

• Practice Report: Dareus likely to earn starting nod Saturday • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Marcell Dareus has been a role player and a spring standout. It looks like he’s about to become something else this Saturday. 

• SEC Network Studio Show • SEC Sports
ESPN Regional Television Kicks off College Football Season with New SEC Network Studio Show 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Alabama announces 2010 football schedule, will play host to Penn State • The Birmingham News
A marquee home game against Penn State is the highlight of a 2010 football schedule that the University of Alabama announced today. 

• Muscle and Fitness:... • The Press Register
...Strength program gave Florida edge over Alabama in SEC championship
The October issue of Muscle and Fitness magazine praises the intensity of Florida football's strength program, even suggesting it made the difference against Alabama in last season's SEC Championship game.

• Andrew Bone: Several Alabama commitments shine in season openers • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The first week of the high school football season was successful for several players that are committed to the Crimson Tide. Phillip Sims, Scout.com five-star quarterback from Oscar F. Smith High

• Chase Goodbread: Depth chart thoughts, Vol. II • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Saturday could be big chance for Dareus. The sophomore from Birmingham worked with the first group of defensive linemen in the absence of starter Brandon Deaderick.

• UA releases 2010 football schedule • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama released its 2010 footballs schedule Wednesday in what will be the debut season for a newly-expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Defense and Special Teams Notebook • RollTide.com
The Alabama defense and special teams are featured each Wednesday here in the Alabama Football Notebook. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
A look back at Coach Wells
Tuscaloosa News sports writer Andrew Carroll takes a look back at coach Jim Wells career at Alabama.

• Gentry Estes: UA releases 2010 football schedule • The Press Register
Alabama just released its 2010 football schedule.

• 09/02/09 Nick Saban teleconference • al.com
Listen to Alabama football coach Nick Saban answer questions from the media during the weekly SEC teleconference on Wednesday.

• TIDEFANS 2009 PICKEM CONTEST • TideFans.com
It's that time of year again when we roll out our FREE TideFans Pick'em Contest with weekly prizes!

• Lowe's Senior CLASS Awards • SEC Sports
Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Names 30 NCAA® Student-Athletes to the 2009 Football Candidate Class

• Will's Recruiting War Room -- Sept. 2 • Crimson Confidential
You're about to enter the War Room -- Will's Recruiting War room.

• Saban updates Deaderick • Tuscaloosa News
University of Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick will miss Saturday's game against Virginia Tech, coach Nick Saban said Wednesday, but his status beyond the Crimson Tide's season opener remains unclear.

• 5 things to know about Virginia Tech • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Alabama is preparing for its opening battle against the Hokies of Virginia Tech. Here are 5 things you need to know about them.

• Josh Bean: Coming Thursday: Top prospect and Alabama commit Jalson Fowler forced to watch in 2009 • al.com
MOBILE, Ala. -- Vigor running back Jalston Fowler won't play a snap this season. He's not hurt. His grades are fine. And he's not in trouble with the coaching staff.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Saban won't say if he will bench Jones, Ingram... • The Birmingham News
... if Alabama doesn't hear from NCAA before game time
Alabama coach Nick Saban talked this morning about the fuzzy opening-game status of wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Mark Ingram, defensive end and Monday shooting victim Brandon Deaderick and linebacker Cory Reamer, who has been sidelined with the flu.

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban on Julio and Ingram: "That is up to the NCAA" • The Press Register
Alabama coach Nick Saban said this morning that it wouldn't be his decision if receiver Julio Jones and running back Mark Ingram don't play Saturday night against Virginia Tech. 

• Gentry Estes: Alabama's Brandon Deaderick "probably" will not play against Virginia Tech, per Nick Saban • The Press Register
Alabama coach Nick Saban said this morning that defensive end Brandon Deaderick "probably will miss this game," while recovering from Monday night's shooting in Tuscaloosa.

• Gentry Estes: Wednesday briefing: Questions everywhere for Tide • The Press Register
How odd is a day when the winningest coach in Alabama baseball history announces his retirement and the general public barely takes notice?

• Make your Week 1 selections in our College Pigskin Picks game • al.com
Our 2009 College Pigskin Picks game is now live and ready for your selections for the first week of the college football season. Submit your picks now! The deadline for each week is at 11:00 pm CT on Friday.

• Enrolled Team Rankings • 'BamaMag
With kickoff for the 2009 season a matter of hours away, let's take a revised look at the recruiting rankings for the Class of 2009 based on who reported to campus after attrition has taken its toll.

• Tracking The Five-Stars • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Kick-off for the 2009 season has arrived with college teams across the country possibly benefitting from the five-star rated high school players from the class of 2009. How did they show up at their respective college campus? Did they show up at all or taking another route for a year or two? Who came in ready to compete for a starting role? Scout.com has tracked all the information... 

• 2011 LB hearing from UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Norcross High School has produced some of the state of Georgia's top prospects over the last severl years, including Alabama signees Darius Hanks and Devonta Bolton. Now the Crimson Tide appears to be pursuing another Norcross star for the class of 2011... 

• Saban non-committal on decision to play or sit Jones, Ingram • Crimson Confidential
Will they play or will they sit? 

• Saban: Deaderick "will probably miss game" • Crimson Confidential
Looks like No. 5 Alabama will have to try and beat No., 7 Virginia Tech without the services of starting defensive end Brandon Deaderick. 

• Video: Arenas, Vlachos, Hightower talk Virginia Tech • Crimson Confidential
Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas, center William Vlachos and linebacker Dont'a Hightower talk about the fifth-ranked Tide's upcoming game...

• Washington, Davis react to Deaderick shooting • Crimson Confidential
For a few moments Tuesday night, the Alabama-Virginia Tech game was little more than an afterthought. Life...

• With Deaderick Out, Phenom Marcel Dareus Is Ready To Make His Mark • Bleacher Report
Marcel Dareus didn't start out as a household name in recruiting his senior season. Most schools didn't know a lot about him and those that did were afraid he wouldn't make his grades.

• Women's Volleyball:
Tuesday Night: Alabama 3, Alabama A&M 0

• Volleyball Sweeps Alabama A&M 3-0 in Home Opener • RollTide.com
The volleyball team defeated Alabama A&M 3-0 in its home opener Monday night in the CAVE. The win moves the Crimson Tide to 1-3 for the season, while the Bulldogs fall to 0-4 overall. 

• Deaderick visits practice after release from hospital • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama football players rallied in support of teammate Brandon Deaderick on Tuesday after the Crimson Tide's senior defensive end, who was shot Monday night outside an apartment complex off Rice Mine Rd., showed up in time to watch his teammates practice.

• Three Tide volleyball matches to be televised live • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Three University of Alabama volleyball matches will be broadcast live on television this season. In all, a record 16 SEC volleyball matches will be seen live on three different outlets throughout the 2009 season.

• Coffee leading NFL in preseason rushing • Tuscaloosa News
SANTA CLARA, Calif. | With one game remaining in the exhibition season, the San Francisco 49ers have clearly established their identity on offense.

• Bengals' Andre Smith breaks his left foot • Tuscaloosa News
CINCINNATI | Rookie right tackle Andre Smith broke his left foot during practice Tuesday, only two days after he ended his holdout with the Cincinnati Bengals.

• Beamer: "Alabama has not just a good defense....... • Tuscaloosa News
Frank Beamer looks at the numbers and shakes his head, wearing the expression that always suggests Virginia Tech's coach is about to discuss a tide-tipping aspect of a matchup.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/1 - Lorenzo Washington

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/1 - Drew Davis

• Tommy Deas: Saban has a point about BCS system • Tuscaloosa News
Nick Saban isn’t in favor of a college playoff, but he does think the Bowl Championship Series system should be tweaked. 

• Deaderick shooting stirs Tide practice • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Almost directly across the Warrior River from the University of Alabama campus, the Rivermont Apartments complex is large and the setting peaceful.

• Jon Solomon: A No. 1 ranking can get dinged up in an SEC season • The Birmingham News
Florida will win back to back national titles. So say the pundits and fans and human polls, which rank the Gators head and shoulders above everyone else.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Terry Grant gets back in playing picture • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - It's easy to forget what Terry Grant used to mean to Alabama's team. 

• Alabama's Deaderick out of hospital • The Huntsville Times
Senior defensive end suffered 'flesh wound' in Monday robbery attempt

• Wells steps down, Gaspard steps in for Tide • The Huntsville Times
Longtime baseball coach retires after 15 years at helm 

• Mike Herndon: Rodriguez's 2006 decision saves Crimson Tide • The Press Register
In Robert Frost's famous poem "The Road Not Taken," two paths diverging in a wood symbolize the decisions we make in life. Whether you take the poem's conclusion that taking the road less traveled "made all the difference" as literal or ironic, the point is that we live with the consequences of our choices.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Alabama practices indoors again to prep for Georgia Dome • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- For the second consecutive sunny day, Alabama practiced indoors Tuesday, presumably in preparation for playing its season-opener at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Georgia Dome. 

• Gentry Estes: Tide teammates respond to Deaderick shooting: "God blessed him" • The Press Register
Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick left a hospital room around 4 p.m. today and went where he is supposed to be at that time of the day.

• Reaction to Deaderick shooting brings out worst in fans • al.com
Let's face it. A lot of college football fans have come to expect the worst when football players show up in headlines for off the field incidents. If it's your team, you immediately think of sound logic behind the news. All bets are off it you hear something about a team from an opposing rival.

• Chris's Blog - Tuesday September 1, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
10:30 p.m. CDT - Interesting week already...

• Jess Nicholas: Virginia Tech preview: Just like last year, Alabama gets a big early test • TideFans.com
For the second consecutive year, Alabama will open its season in Atlanta, Ga., facing an Atlantic Coast Conference team that has championship aspirations of its own.

• Jess Nicholas: SEC preview and predictions – Week 1 • TideFans.com
The 2009 SEC football season kicks off this week with a mixed slate of games, some very good (Alabama-Virginia Tech, Georgia-Oklahoma State) and some forgettable games meant simply to pad athletic department coffers. Let’s take a look...

• This Week in SEC Football - Alabama vs. Virginia Tech • SEC Sports
This Week in SEC Football - Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

• CBS Expert Picks: • CBS Sports
Expert Picks

• Terry Saban delights QB Club audience • Montgomery Advertiser
Terry Saban said she and her husband were asleep in bed when the phone call all parents dread woke them up late Monday night. 

• Video: Terry Saban: An Alabama coach's wife • Montgomery Advertiser
Video: Terry Saban: An Alabama coach's wife

• Video: Extended cut - Terry Saban speaks to Montgomery Quarterback Club • Montgomery Advertiser
Video: Extended cut - Terry Saban speaks to Montgomery Quarterback Club

• Tide's Deaderick out of hospital • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama senior Brandon Deaderick took in the last half of Tuesday afternoon's football practice, just 17 hours after he was shot in an apparent robbery attempt.

• UA's Wells retires; Gaspard takes over • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama baseball coach Jim Wells retired as the Crimson Tide's baseball coach on Monday and was replaced by Tide assistant Mitch Gaspard. Crimson Tide athletic director Mal Moore met with the players on Tuesday, then made the announcement.

• Tim Gayle: Wells leaves incredibly huge shoes to fill • Montgomery Advertiser
We all knew it was coming. When Jim Wells "retired" as Alabama’s baseball coach on June 21, 2007, then came back on June 27 with the understanding that his former assistant, Mitch Gaspard, would be hired as the Tide’s assistant head ... 

• Shot, Deaderick out of hospital • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Tide defensive end wounded in robbery attempt 

• Tide’s baseball coach retires, again • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — After 15 seasons in charge, Alabama baseball coach Jim Wells retired for the second time. Two years after stepping down only to return weeks later, the coach with more wins than …

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama TUSCALOOSA — All the talk surrounding national title hopes for the loser of Saturday’s Alabama-Virginia Tech game irks Tide coach Nick Saban. He doesn’t think either team …

• Gene Stallings appears in Dothan • Dothan Eagle
In reference to Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick being shot away from campus on Monday night, former Tide football coach Gene Stallings believes the NCAA made a mistake when it mandated schools had to do away with athletic dorms by 1996.

• Alabama baseball coach retires; replacement hired • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — University of Alabama baseball coach Jim Wells, the winningest coach in school history, abruptly retired Tuesday.

• 2009 CFN SEC Expert Picks, Schedules & More • College Football News
The Sept. 5, Week 1 SEC picks from the CFN staff, the schedules (scroll down for the week-by-week slate), standings, and more.

• TI TV for September 1 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Deaderick watches practice; Tide readying for VaTech • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick was back on the practice field this afternoon. Deaderick, who was shot in the forearm by an assailant during an attack at a local apartment complex on Monday night, was released from the hospital today and watched his teammates practice this afternoon. 

• Demarcus Milliner senior game film and photos • 'BamaMag
Demarcus Milliner, Scout.com five-star cornerback from Millbrook-Stanhope Elmore, Ala., had a solid performance in his first game of the season despite a 28-21 loss to Hewitt-Trussville. Scout.com was on hand to capture the nation's No. 1 cornerback in action. 

• Tide Tries To Stay Focused On Game • 'BamaMag
Alabama will have to adjust after Deaderick's injury

• Florence gets it started with a bang • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Top Tide target Erique Florence began his junior season in spectacular fashion last Friday and was well on his way to a career game before cramps got the best of him. In this premium update, find out the latest with Florence's recruitment including new schools of interest and much more.

• Quarterbacks could be the difference between Tide, Tech • BamaOnLine
While junior Greg McElroy is finally making his first start for the Crimson Tide, Virgina Tech's Tyrod Taylor has something to prove too, that he can be a complete quarterback 

• Notebook: Deaderick makes appearance at practice • BamaOnLine
Just after being released from the hospital, and less than 24 hours after being shot, senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick swung by practice Tuesday. 

• Practice Report: Tuesday, September 1 • Bama Sports Report
If the fact that the game is at the end of the week wasn’t enough, typing the word “September” in the date really hammers it home for me… football season is here! The Bama football team practiced inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility this afternoon after an overnight scare involving one of its senior leaders.

• Paul Finebaum: Saban won't leave Tide for NFL • The Press Register
When news broke earlier in the summer that Nick Saban was going to have his original eight-year contract (which was to run through 2014) extended even longer, I thought someone was playing a practical joke. 

• SEC Scores:
South Carolina 7, North Carolina State 3

• Bama in the NFL - Preseason Week 4 stats:
See how former players performed.

• Deaderick cleared • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama coach Nick Saban said defensive end Brandon Deaderick has been cleared to play by the UA medical staff on his weekly radio program Thursday night.

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban: Brandon Deaderick has been cleared by UA's medical staff • The Press Register
Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick was cleared by UA's medical staff to return full speed to practice today, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said moments ago on his weekly radio show.

• Deaderick cleared to play against Virginia Tech • BamaOnLine
Senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick, who was shot Monday night, has been cleared by the Alabama medical staff to play Saturday night against Virginia Tech

• Instant Analysis: Virginia Tech • BamaOnLine
With the Crimson Tide's season opener against Virginia Tech just a few days away, new BOL staff member Christopher Walsh joins Travis Reier to preview the Tide and Hokies... 

• Women's Cross Country Set for Season Opener at Belmont • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's cross country team is set to open their 2009 campaign Friday night at the Belmont Opener in Nashville, Tenn. at Vaughn's Creek Course in Percy Warner Park.

• Volleyball Hosts Bama Bash this Weekend • RollTide.com
The volleyball team (1-3) will look to tack on a few more wins this week when it hosts its sixth-annual Bama Bash beginning Friday, Sept. 4 in the CAVE. Traveling to Tuscaloosa for the six-match to...

• Tide Wraps Up Virginia Tech Week • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team wrapped up its week of preparation with a 90-minute practice in shells inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility on Thursday afternoon.

• Nelson, White Named Top Prospects by Baseball America • RollTide.com
Alabama junior Jimmy Nelson and sophomore Tyler White were named among the Florida Summer Collegiate League's Top 10 prospects in a recent survey compiled by Baseball America. 

• UA awaiting ruling on Jerrell Harris' eligibility • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama officials, who received a favorable ruling on the status of football players Julio Jones and Mark Ingram on Wednesday night, continue to await NCAA ruling on a third player, sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Suspended Virginia Tech starting fullback won't play Saturday against Tide • The Birmingham News
There's news today from Virginia Tech. Redshirt freshman Ryan Williams will start at running back. Kenny Jefferson will not start at fullback.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama now awaits NCAA's answer on case involving Jerrell Harris (Updated) • The Press Register
The eligibility of Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris is in question because of an ongoing investigation by the university's compliance staff, the Press-Register has learned.

• 2009 SEC Fearless Predictions - Week 1 • College Football News
Finally ... FINALLY. Life begins again with the start of the college football season, and Russell Wilson's NC State and Stephen Garcia's South Carolina kick off Thursday night with a good one. Check out all the Previews and Predictions for the Week 1 SEC Games.

• Gary Harris: Can Bama follow up 2008 success? • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
For the Alabama football program, the last decade has been a roller coaster ride. The only consistent aspect of this program over the last ten years has been that every 10-win season has been followed by a losing season. For whatever reasons, Bama has been unable to maintain success. 

• Scout 100 Class of 2011 - 1.0 • 'BamaMag
The contact period began for the Class of 2011 on Tuesday, so what better time to introduce you to the first edition of the Scout 100 for the Class of 2011. 

• Keys To Victory Saturday Night • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama can expect to have its hands full against Virginia Tech

• Alabama waits for NCAA ruling on Harris • BamaOnLine
Alabama is awaiting word from the NCAA about another player, backup linebacker Jerrell Harris, regarding a laptop computer.

• Christopher Walsh: Tide ready to tow the line • BamaOnLine
Everything the Crimson Tide has gone through recently has deflected attention from what will determine the team's success this season, the offensive line 

• AMP: Jawuan James solid with Tide • BamaOnLine
Rivals250 offensive tackle prospect Jawuan James committed to Alabama back in May. Rivals.com AMP caught up with the North Gwinnett (GA) star after the Bulldogs big 14-11 upset victory over Prattville (AL) to ...

• Harris’ status uncertain for season-opener as week-long rumor gains steam • Crimson Confidential
During a week filled with distractions for the Alabama football team, one potential distraction rumbled just under the surface in rumor status.

• Commit Q&A/Analysis: Wilson Love • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Pritchard Allen with Will Matthews, Recruiting Analysts
Crimson Confidential was able to catch up with defensive tackle Wilson Love, an Alabama commit, fresh off a victory last Friday over Thompson. Pritchard Allen got the lowdown on Mountain Brook's mountain of a man. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
1992 Championship Trailer

• Cecil Hurt: Perusing communication from the NCAA • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
For most fans, it's enough that Julio Jones and Mark Ingram have been cleared to play against Virginia Tech. But it also important to study all NCAA communications... 

• Andrew Bone: Thursday Night Lights: Russellville at Huntsville-Lee • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
I will have the first opportunity of the season to watch 2011 Alabama commitment Brent Calloway in action. He had a great game last week against Deshler and Alabama commitment

• Birmingham News Sportscast:... • The Birmingham News
...The fishing trip, what will it take for Alabama, Auburn to win, lose?
Our weekly Birmingham News Sports Podcast, Edition 2 is now available to listen and download. This week, Birmingham News sports reporters Kevin Scarbinsky, Ray Melick and Jon Solomon discuss the NCAA ruling on Julio Jones and Mark Ingram, why Alabama-Virginia Tech will be a defensive struggle, and whether Auburn should be worried about Louisiana Tech.

• Gentry Estes: View from the other side: Virginia Tech • The Press Register
After it received a good response in 2008, our weekly, five-questions segment is back for another run on the blog this season.

• Gentry Estes: Thursday briefing: Nick Saban says "focus has been good" despite distractions • The Press Register
It's been a crazy week to cover Alabama.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Alabama announces online audio, video arrangement • The Birmingham News
The Crimson Tide Sports Network is joining CBS Interactive for Internet distribution of its game-day radio broadcasts and other audio programming, as well as Crimson Tide video, according to a news release issued this morning. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Ex-Tide assistant Cottrell files new suit against NCAA • The Birmingham News
Former Alabama football assistant coach Ronnie Cottrell has filed a new suit against the NCAA and others, including recruiting analyst Tom Culpepper, in Jefferson County Court. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Can you picture 'Mount Cody' carrying the ball for Tide? • The Birmingham News
Terrence Cody hopes to spend many minutes Saturday night in Virginia Tech's backfield. 

• Robert Chandler: Alabama vs Virginia Tech Preview • al.com
We've been counting down to Saturday for months now. In two days, the 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide will take the field for the first time and things aren't easy for them out of the gate. Unlike other SEC powers like Florida and LSU, Bama doesn't get a week 1 gimmie. Virginia Tech is a top 10 team, defending ACC champions, and they have one of the top defenses in the nation. So what can we expect to see in this game? Preview after the jump.

• James, Shepherd pave way to big win; both solidly committed to UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Suwanee-North Gwinnett, GA head coach Bob Sphire's gameplan for Prattville last Saturday night was simple -- play stout defense and try to run the ball behind two star offensive tackles, Austin Shepherd and JaWuan James. Sphire's plan worked. North Gwinnett knocked off Prattville 14-11. 

• Fowler keeping busy in '09 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Jalston Fowler finished his high school football career with a bang, leading Vigor to a dominating win in the state championship game. But while Fowler's age leaves him ineligible for another year of football, he still has one year of high school to go before he can graduate and move on to Alabama.

• BOL Picks: Week 1 • BamaOnLine
Our weekly picks contest starts with a bang, as Alabama takes on seventh-ranked Virginia Tech in Atlanta.

• SEC Power Poll • BamaOnLine
Will the SEC season play out like the Florida and the 11 dwarfs storyline so many pundits are counting on? Perhaps, but it wouldn't be wise to count out the big three from the Western Division...

• Will's Recruiting War Room -- Sept. 3 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
You're about to enter the War Room -- Will's Recruiting War room.

• Erik Stinnett: Spare the cakes … and wait • Crimson Confidential
It’s something I’ve learned and have to continue to remind myself in my own personal life.

• Alabama-Virginia Tech Preview: Will the Crimson Tide Roll Over the Hokies? • Bleacher Report
The Atlanta Sports Council has put together another outstanding game to open the college football season, pitting top 10 teams Alabama and Virginia Tech. Last year, Alabama came into this game as the underdog to favored Clemson but blew the doors off the Tigers. This year the Tide is the hunted, coming off a 12-2 season a year ago.

• NCAA Rules in Alabama's Jones/Ingram Case, But Is It Right? • Bleacher Report
The University of Alabama announced the NCAA's ruling on the Julio Jones and Mark Ingram case last night. 

• SEC Sports Report Predicts SEC West • Bleacher Report
ATLANTA, Ga--Hold onto your hat. There’s a fight getting ready to happen. The SEC West is loaded with talent, coaching personalities and high expectations of winning. I’ve been watching these coaches and players since January and everybody has improved since last season.

• Alabama Fans Can Access All Crimson Tide Athletics Audio... • RollTide.com
... Via RollTide.com and CBS Interactive
The Crimson Tide Sports Network is joining CBS Interactive for internet distribution of its game-day radio broadcasts for and other audio programming, as well as Crimson Tide video. Alabama fans wi... 

• Mark Barron has new mission for 2009 season • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Mark Barron had a relatively easy responsibility for the first game of the University of Alabama’s 2008 season: run and hit.

• Gaspard has high expectations • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | New University of Alabama baseball coach Mitch Gaspard was emphatic about two things when he met with the media on Wednesday, a little more than a day since he was handed the reins after Jim Wells’ sudden retirement.

• Brandon Deaderick is back at practice • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Brandon Deaderick won’t play Saturday against No. 7 Virginia Tech, but if Wednesday’s practice was any indication, the University of Alabama defensive end doesn’t want a gunshot wound suffered Monday night to cost him any more of his senior season than necessary.

• Tide’s 2010 schedule includes Penn State at home • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama released its 2010 football schedule Wednesday for what will be the debut season for a newly expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Tide gets first win • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama volleyball team defeated Alabama A&M 3-0 in its home opener Monday night. The win moves the Crimson Tide to 1-3 for the season, while the Bulldogs fall to 0-4 overall. 

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting chat transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (9-02-09)

• Recruiting Report: September 3 • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Chris and Andrew chat with Blount coach Kelvin Sigler about commit Jarrick Williams among other items in this week's Recruiting Report.

• Weekly Quiz: 2008 Crimson Tide • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Were you paying attention last season? Well, prove it. This week's TideSportsExtra.com quiz focuses on the memorable 2008 Tide season.

• Ray Melick: NCAA ruling means it's 'Game on' for Alabama • The Birmingham News
Nice of the NCAA to get this one in under the deadline.

• Former Alabama assistant Ronnie Cottrell files new suit against NCAA • The Birmingham News
Former Alabama football assistant coach Ronnie Cottrell has filed a new suit against the NCAA and others, including recruiting analyst Tom Culpepper, in Jefferson County Court.

• Alabama's mountainous plan includes backfield work by Terrence Cody • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Call the anthropology department. Fullbacks at the University of Alabama aren't extinct, but they seem to be an endangered species.

• NCAA says Julio Jones, Mark Ingram must pay for trip • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - As long as Julio Jones and Mark Ingram pay, they can play. 

• Swine flu prevention runs counter to close seating at football stadiums • The Birmingham News
One of the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, referred to as swine flu, might be a hard sell.

• Alabama notebook: Few theatrics made as Deaderick returns to practice • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Wearing a black, no-contact jersey and a large bandage covering his left arm, Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick was back at practice Wednesday.

• Bill Bryant: Alabama attitude: 'Just go ... and play' • The Huntsville Times
They'll be in the same building, playing on the same turf and at the same point on their schedule. 

• Jones, Ingram cleared to play • The Huntsville Times
But Alabama, NCAA say fishing trip a violation 

• Chris's Blog - Wednesday September 2, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
8:05 p.m. CDT - Good news from the NCAA...

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Jones, Ingram cleared to play in Tide opener • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama starters Julio Jones and Mark Ingram were cleared by the NCAA on Wednesday eve­ning and will play in Saturday's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic against seventh-ranked Virgin­ia Tech in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

• Tide releases schedule for 2010 • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama released its 2010 football schedule Wednesday, which in­cludes home games against Florida, Auburn and Penn State at the newly expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• NCAA clears Tide’s Jones, Ingram • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Just days before kicking off the season in front of a national television audience against another …

• Gaspard said promotion was ‘somewhat of surprise’ • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Mitch Gaspard certainly didn’t see this one coming. The Alabama assistant baseball coach’s …

• Jones, Ingram ruled eligible to play by NCAA • Dothan Eagle
Alabama’s two most productive returning offensive players will play in Saturday night’s season opener against Virginia Tech.

• Three & Out: SEC Thoughts, News & Notes 9/3 • College Football News
CFN SEC Blogger Barrett Sallee shares three thoughts, comments or observations about week one in the SEC. 

• Saban, Bama have benefited from playing in Atlanta game • AJC
Nick Saban won’t say playing in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in the Georgia Dome each of these past two years is the reason Alabama has recruited Atlanta so well. But, in the words of the Mighty, Mighty Bosstones, he admits “It Can’t Hurt.”

• Larry Burton: Larry's Losers in the SEC... • Bleacher Report
In a time honored tradition to pay tribute to the man I listened to when I was young, Leonard Anthony Postero, Sr., affectionately known as Leonard Postosties who until 1999 aired a short radio show each called Leonard's Losers. 

• Jones, Ingram cleared; Tide focused on VT • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Speculation that Julio Jones and Mark Ingram would be suspended for the season opener against Virginia Tech has finally been put to rest. Shortly after this afternoon's practice, it was reported that the two players had been cleared by the NCAA to play. 

• Alabama prepares for Virginia Tech • 'BamaMag
Alabama head coach Nick Saban started out the football press conference Wednesday explaining why the team has been practicing in the indoor facility, despite the pleasant weather outside in Tuscaloosa this week. His theory is that the team would get more acquainted with the environment they will play in this weekend. 

• Julio Jones, Mark Ingram cleared to play • 'BamaMag
Tide starters will begin their season Saturday night.

• Enrique Florence's elite offers • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Hot commodity for class of 2011.

• Marvin Shinn showcases talent • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Looking to take a couple of official visits.

• The Weekly Spread ‘Em • Crimson Country Club  (Members Only)
It’s back!!!!!!!!! 

• Photo Gallery: Deion Belue • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
While 2010 Tide commit Deion Belue saw his Deshler teammates drop a tough 26-21 contest to Russellville on Friday night, the explosive athlete only helped his stock rise with a huge night on offense and defense.

• The Crimson Barron ready for takeoff • BamaOnLine
Hard-hitting Alabama sophomore Mark Barron is getting his chance to start in the secondary, and hopes to fly around just like he has on special teams 

• Noteboook: Jones, Ingram cleared to play • BamaOnLine
Sophomores Julio Jones and Mark Ingram have been cleared by the NCAA to play Saturday, and senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick returned to practice less than two days after being shot. 

• PLAYER INTERVIEWS: Barron and Reamer • BamaOnLine
Safety Mark Barron and linebacker Cory Reamer spoke to reporters following Wednesday's practice.

• Javier Arenas Selected as Finalist for Lowe's Senior CLASS Award • RollTide.com
Alabama defensive back Javier Arenas was selected as one of 30 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, which was announced on Friday by Lowe's.

• Women's Golf Opens Season with High Expectations • RollTide.com
The Crimson Tide begins the 2008-09 season on Sunday, Sept. 6, when they tee off at the NGCA Match Play Championships in Daytona, Fla. It is an event that the Tide took second place in last season.... 

• Cecil Hurt: One difference? Experience • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban has been down this road before. It was this exact road, from Tuscaloosa to Atlanta. (Technically, the team is flying, but bear with me.) He’s taking a team

• Gentry Estes: Countdown to Alabama-Virginia Tech ... • The Press Register
The birth and death of Alabama's surprising 2008 success both occurred in Atlanta's Georgia Dome. The Tide now returns a year later with the same kind of season-changing stakes on the line against a top 10 opponent in a national game of the week.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Man who befriended Tide's Jones, Ingram assailed by 'crazies,' his lawyer says • The Birmingham News
Curtis Anderson's attorney said this morning that the Athens businessman has reluctantly cut off contact with Alabama football players Julio Jones and Mark Ingram, as the school requested, and has received threats because he provided what the NCAA deemed ``impermissible benefits'' to Jones and Ingram. 

• Jon Solomon: The return of college football's top-10 opener • The Birmingham News
Remember when there always seemed to be a great top-10 opener to start each season? There were eight season openers pitting Associated Press top-10 teams in the 1970s, 10 in the '80s and six in the '90s.

• 5 Questions: Alabama linebacker Cory Reamer • The Birmingham News
A lighthearted Q&A with Hoover native and University of Alabama football player Cory Reamer, who's on the small side for a starting linebacker in the SEC.

•  Dr. Crimson: Heading to Atlanta • al.com
The car is ready, the flags are flying, the magnets are all properly positioned, the shakers are ready to shake, everyone has their assigned Bama hat, we have the proper Bama travel attire on, our bags are packed and loaded, the kids have been reminded of the correct way to greet any other SEC fan we encounter (ROLL TIDE!!!) at a gas station or restaurant and most importantly the tickets (the parking pass and the game tickets) are securely in the vehicle. Its time to Roll.......

• Video: The Huddle: Alabama Edition • Dothan Eagle
Alabama kicks off its season at the Georgia Dome against Virginia Tech at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009.

• What Tide Players Might Surprise • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Is speculation about a surprise something like that tree falling in the forest with no one around? If you determine that a player or players might be surprises in a season-opening game do you end the surprise? 

• Williams outworking opponents • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Elite defensive backs are hard to come by but Alabama has been lucky enough to land commitments from several of the nation's top players in the secondary, including Blount safety Jarrick Williams. 

• Tide, Virginia Tech looking for strong start to '09 • Crimson Confidential
ATLANTA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban wasn't sure how his team would react to playing in one of college football's biggest openers last season.

• Erik Stinnett: Can Tide rekindle past magic for Penn State, Virginia Tech? • Crimson Confidential
A bowl of Go Lean vanilla-flavored oatmeal in the morning. Black indoor soccer shoes to work out. And Alabama and Penn State on the gridiron.

• 2011 ESPNU 150 Watch List includes 20 in-state prospects • Crimson Confidential
Much of the drama surrounding Alabama’s 2010 signing class has long since disappeared. With 21 commitments in...

• Bama in the NFL - Preseason Week 4 stats:
See how former players performed.

• Tide’s Carpenter, Hokies’ Worilds in a key matchup • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Jason Worilds has a challenge: Stay healthy.

• Tide awaiting NCAA ruling on 3rd player • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama officials, who received a favorable ruling on the status of football players Julio Jones and Mark Ingram on Wednesday night, continue to await NCAA ruling on a third player, sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris.

• Women’s cross country opens at Belmont • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama women’s cross country team opens the season tonight at the Belmont Opener in Nashville, Tenn.

• Nelson, White among top baseball prospects • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama junior Jimmy Nelson and sophomore Tyler White were named among the Florida Summer Collegiate League’s Top 10 prospects in a recent survey compiled by “Baseball America.”

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting chat transcript part ll • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript part ll (9-2-09)

• Alabama's Nick Saban likes to test his team early • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - In the classroom, quizzes come first. Then tests. Mid-term exams are next. Final exams come last.

• Source says Alabama investigated LB Jerrell Harris over laptop gift from Athens businessman • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The University of Alabama's internal investigation of two sophomore starters on the football team determined the two received more than a spring fishing trip paid for by an Athens businessman, an Alabama source close to the case said. 

• Want to watch more SEC games? Better get ESPNU • The Birmingham News
It's time for ESPN fans to become acquainted with ESPNU, once a quirky, college-oriented channel that now carries a bigger stick. Viewers who want to watch Gene Chizik's debut as Auburn coach must locate ESPNU for the 6 p.m. game Saturday.

• Alabama investigating new eligibility issue involving linebacker Harris • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - The eligibility of Alabama sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris is in question because of an ongoing investigation by the universi ty's compliance staff, the Press-Register has learned.

• Versatile Barron finds home in Crimson Tide's secondary • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Coach Nick Saban owns up to it. He says he made a mistake, and he wants this particular decision back. 

• Alabama's Brandon Deaderick gets medical OK to play again • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama starting defensive end Brandon Deaderick was cleared Thursday by the team's medical staff to practice and potentially play in Saturday night's game against Virginia Tech in Atlanta.

• New Tide coach Gaspard will be more aggressive • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - The record books don't say it, but newly promoted assistant Mitch Gaspard had been Alabama's head baseball coach before this week.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Friday, September 04, 2009 

• Doctors clear Deaderick to play • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama starting defensive end Brandon Deaderick was cleared Thursday by the team's medical staff to practice and potentially play in Saturday night's game against Virginia Tech in Atlanta.

• Harris may face sanctions • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - The eligibility of Alabama sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris is in question because of an ongoing investigation by the university's compliance staff, The Times learned.

• Mitch Gaspard • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - The record books don't say it, but newly promoted assistant Mitch Gaspard had been Alabama's head baseball coach before this week.

• Charles Hollis' picks: Alabama should win; Auburn won't • The Birmingham News
This we know about No. 7 Virginia Tech. 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: If the NCAA's out to get Alabama, why didn't it sideline Jones and Ingram • The Birmingham News
What happened to the National Coalition Against Alabama? 

• Chris's Blog - Thursday Sept. 3 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
11:45 p.m. CDT - Special Night in Lincoln...

• Women's golf team looks to build on last year • Crimson White
The Alabama women’s golf team begins its season this weekend at the National Golf Coaches Association Hooter's Match Play Championship in Daytona Beach, Fla.

• Intramurals a good outlet for student competition • Crimson White
Fall is here, meaning that intramural sports are about to begin at the University. As a student, faculty or staff member, organizers say playing intramural sports can be a great way to engage in serious competition or be an organized way to simply have fun with friends.

• Hokies QB could give Tide headaches • Montgomery Advertiser
With apologies to Tim Tebow and the bruising fullback-style running ability of the Florida quarterback, no one on Alabama's team has faced a quarterback in college like the one they'll see Saturday night in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Deaderick's status remains day-to-day • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban said Brandon Deaderick's status for returning to the field was "day to day," which shed little light on whether the senior defensive end could play in Saturday's game against seventh-ranked Virginia Tech.

• SEC can use sweep in trio of big games • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Even though it’s just opening week, the Southeastern Conference faces several …

• It’s a snap for new Tide starting center • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — They are partners in a dying art. As more and more …

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily
Alabama TUSCALOOSA — Speaking on his weekly radio show Thursday evening, Alabama head coach Saban said the Crimson Tide medical staff cleared Brandon Deaderick to return to practicing at … 

• Alabama’s safeties grow into positions • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama coaches stressed throughout fall camp that the best 11 players will be on the field.

• Tony Barnhart: Dawgs lasso the Cowboys in Stillwater; Tech cruises • AJC
After a long and very hot summer, I can’t tell you how glad I am that the first college football season of the Saturday is finally here. So let’s get on with the first edition of the “Fearless Friday Forecast” for 2009:

• Alabama-Virginia Tech: How They Match Up • Bleacher Report
College football may officially start today, but everyone is looking to the first Saturday of the season to kick it off right.

• Inside the 5: Alabama vs. Virginia Tech • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Rare is it that a pair of Top 10 teams square off during the first week of the college football season. However, that is exactly what will happen inside the Georgia Dome tomorrow night at 7 p.m. when No. 5 Alabama takes on No. 7 Virginia Tech. With kickoff closing in, let's take a look at five storylines that will help shape the outcome. 

• Scout.com SEC Pubs' Predictions & Comments • 'BamaMag
Predictions and Comments from the SEC for the first week of college action. See who they think wins across the conference, and their commentary added a little twist to the predictions. 

• Keys To Victory Saturday Night • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama can expect to have its hands full against Virginia Tech

• Video Spotlight – #32 Jordan Hicks • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
We had the camera rolling and on Jordan Hicks in his first game of the season last Friday.

• National 100 OLB Gallery: Brent Calloway • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide 2011 commitment in action Thursday night.

• Tide or Tar Heels for Hill? • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
In five days, Rivals100 member Alfy Hill plans to make his college decision at a press conference at his school, and Tide fans hope to hear good news that morning.

• Football:
Alabama 34, Virginia Tech 24

• SEC Scores:
Tennessee 63, Western Kentucky 7.. Kentucky 43, Miami (O) 0

• Bama in the NFL - Players:
Tim Castille was waived by the Cardinals.  Jeremy Clark and Anthony waived by the Giants.

• Bama in the NFL - Preseason Week 4 stats:
See how former players performed.

• Bama in the NFL - Players:
Tim Castille was waived by the Cardinals

• Women's Volleyball:
Friday Night: Alabama 3, SMU 0

• Alabama Football Gameday Central • RollTide.com
The No. 5 Alabama Football Team Opens the 2009 Season with No. 7 Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta, Ga.

• Volleyball Beats SMU 3-0 to Open Bama Bash • RollTide.com
The Alabama volleyball team earned a straight-set victory to open the Bama Bash, downing visiting SMU, 3-0.

• Friday Flashback: Alabama 17, Virginia Tech 13 (Sept. 20, 1969) • RollTide.com
In its first and only visit to Lane Stadium, Alabama earned a hard-fought 17-13 win over Virginia Tech in front of 42,000 fans on a cool, damp afternoon on the Virginia Tech campus.

• Glance Returns from Leading Team USA at World Championships • RollTide.com
Twenty-two years after winning a gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay at the 1987 World Championships, Alabama head track and field coach Harvey Glance returned to the event as men's head coach for ... 

• Men's Cross Country to Open Season at Memphis Twilight Invitational • RollTide.com
Walker and Alabama Embark on 2009 Campaign on Saturday

• The wait for McElroy is over • Tuscaloosa News
Greg McElroy was tired of waiting.

• STAFF PICKS: Alabama vs. Va. Tech • Tuscaloosa News
Here are the staff picks for today's opening game match-up against Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

• THE CALL by Tommy Deas • Tuscaloosa News
Each week Executive Sports Editor Tommy Deas breaks down the match-up between Alabama and its opponent. Here is this week's call versus Virginia Tech.

• Chalk Talk: Virginia Tech • Tuscaloosa News
This is a post from Chase Goodbread's blog, "Good Tidings," available on TideSportsExtra. More Cecil Hurt, recruiting tidbits, exclusive video, profiles, and a social network all at TideSportsExtra.com. Chalk Talk will appear each week. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Taking the Reigns: The making of McElroy
Video footage of Anthony Bratina's creation of Greg McElroy's "Taking the Reigns," set to Raw-Tide by Tuscaloosa's own Skullduggery.

• Chase Goodbread: ChalkTalk: Virginia Tech • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Welcome to ChalkTalk, a weekly installment on Good Tidings designed to make sure you know everything to watch for on Alabama football Saturdays. Check out the first edition previewing Va. Tech.

• Rachel Baribeau: It is almost that time…… • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
You see, everyone else's New Year starts January 1st; mine starts the day NCAA football kicks off! I don’t know about you but I have waited for last night for what seems like an eternity!

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Man behind UA flap called victim of fishing expedition • The Birmingham News
Curtis Anderson has reluctantly cut off contact with Alabama football players Julio Jones and Mark Ingram, as the school requested, and has received threats because he provided what the NCAA deemed "impermissible benefits" to Jones and Ingram, Anderson's attorney said Friday. 

• 5 things to watch in football nationally • The Birmingham News
1. ABC. The bigger winner this weekend will be ABC, which should have huge ratings today. First, there's No.13 Georgia at No.9 Oklahoma State. Then for the nightcap, it's No.5 Alabama at No.7 Virginia Tech. Fans migrate in droves to games that include rankings. Getting two of the three ranked games in Week 1 back-to-back will be a ratings winner for ABC.

• Nick Saban eager to see his Crimson Tide play a game • The Birmingham News
ATLANTA - The 2008 Alabama football team wasn't always pretty, but it had a great personality. 

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Saturday, September 05, 2009 

• Tide set for season opener with Virginia Tech • The Press Register
For Alabama junior quarterback Greg McElroy, the most nerve-wracking part of his first collegiate start is already over. 

• Underused as freshman, Barron finds spot at safety • The Huntsville Times
Saban admits he should have played recruit more 

• Will touchdowns follow touch down? • The Huntsville Times
For Alabama junior quarterback Greg McElroy, the most nerve-wracking part of his first collegiate start is already over. 

• Don Kausler Jr.:  Tide Buzz: Alabama vs. Virginia Tech • The Birmingham News
This game will determine ...

• Doug Segrest: SEC predictions: Week 1 • The Birmingham News
It's here. Finally.

• ALABAMA vs. VIRGINIA TECH PREVIEW • Montgomery Advertiser
When: 7:12 p.m. today

• Wilson still has chance to make NFL’s Falcons • AP
The Atlanta Falcons took care of the easier decisions Friday, releasing seven players less than 24 hours after their final preseason game. Now, the tougher calls. D.J. Shockley or John Parker …

• Alabama, Va. Tech set to square off • Dothan Eagle
Dont’a Hightower remembers being confused. Marcell Dareus recalls the thrill. Drew Davis didn’t know what to expect.

• Look For Dareus To Have Big Game • 'BamaMag
Marcell Dareus didn't start out as a household name in recruiting his senior season. Most schools didn't know a lot about him and those who did were afraid he wouldn't make his grades. 

• Defensive Stops Key Victory • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Friday Night Lights checks out the action at Briarwood Christian

• Saturday Spotlight: Week 1 • 'BamaMag
Lots of great matchup with talented players to focus on as the college football season kicks off

• Halftime Leader Will Win Game • 'BamaMag
Here's the reason the leader at intermission wins Tide vs. Hokies

• More than Tide, Hokies, ACC needs a win • BamaOnLine
The Atlantic Coast Conference needs a win in Atlanta to help stem the perception that it's down overall and can't keep up with the SEC in football.

• Tide vs. Hokies ... on the recruiting trail • Crimson Confidential
So today's the big day. Alabama gets its 2009 season under way against Virginia Tech in Atlanta.

• Tide commit Calloway comes up big again • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Russellville's Brent Calloway, a junior running back who has already committed to Alabama, scored three touchdowns to lead the Golden Tigers to a 42-6 victory Thursday night. 

• Where Are They Now: Major Ogilvie • Crimson Confidential
I’m always asking somebody or they’re asking me, “Whatever happened to this player or that player?” Well, we’re... 

• What Lies Ahead for Alabama? Looking Beyond the Tide's Opener • Bleacher Report
A wise man once said you should never look past your next opponent. It's a saying all college football teams kicking their season off this weekend would be wise to heed.

• Alabama-Virginia Tech: No. 5 Crimson Tide Hope to Ride Defense Over No. 7 Hokies • Bleacher Report
BangTheBook.com your source for free football picks and online sports betting information.

• Soccer:
Alabama 5, South Alabama 0

• SEC Scores:
Ole Miss 45, Memphis 14

• Alabama Football: Sunday Rewind • RollTide.com
No. 5 Alabama opened the 2009 season with an impressive 34-24 win over No. 7 Virginia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game held in the Georgia Dome Saturday night.

• Women's Golf Sixth after 36 Holes at NGCA Match Play • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama women's golf team finished sixth in the 36-hole NGCA Match Play Qualifier and will face 10th-seed Duke in the first round of the match play portion of the event on Monday.

• Soccer Explodes for Five Goals in Rout of South Alabama • RollTide.com
After the goal had eluded the Crimson Tide for the first two games of the season the Alabama soccer team broke through in a big way. The Crimson Tide erupted for five goals to down South Alabama 5-...

• Men's Cross Country Finishes Fourth at Memphis Twilight • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's cross country team concluded their first meet of the 2009 season late Saturday night at the Memphis Twilight Invitational in Memphis, Tenn. with one athlete placing in the top five. 

• John Parker Wilson makes final cut with Falcons • Tuscaloosa News
ATLANTA, Ga. | Former University of Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson made the final roster cut and has landed a job with as the third-team quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League.

• Chase Goodbread: Sunday report card • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Each Sunday this football season we'll take a look back and hand out a grade for the Crimson Tide's offense, defense and special teams. Think the grades are too harsh? Not harsh enough? Give us your thoughts...

• Don Kausler Jr.: Alabama road trip misadventure: Fans (and blogger) involved in serious accident on I-20 • The Birmingham News
A few Alabama football fans who were returning early this morning from Saturday night's 34-24 victory over Virginia in Atlanta are lucky to be alive. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Alabama 34, Virginia Tech 24: Grading the Tide • The Birmingham News
After a tentative start Saturday night, Alabama finished strong and opened its season with a 34-24 come-from-behind victory over Virginia Tech. 

• Gentry Estes: Sunday Morning QB: Alabama 34, Virginia Tech 24 • The Press Register
Bright city lights keep going all night in Atlanta, and once again this year, Alabama fans celebrated as they burned and Saturday turned to Sunday.

• Terry Pellham: "I don't like the Wild Cat formation." • al.com
I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've heard that phrase in conversations with other Alabama fans, on a sports radio show, or read it on a message forum. 

• Who's Hot & Not - The ACC's Woes • College Football News
From the ACC, the Big Ten, and NFL prospects, to the Big 12, Bama, and BYU, Richard Cirminello highlights Who's Hot and Who's Not after the opening weekend.

• Dennis Dodd: Fifth-ranked 'Bama bounces No. 7 Virginia Tech in opener • CBS Sportsline
ATLANTA -- Sweet Home Alabama blared from the speakers at the Georgia Dome. 

• Six Seconds Of Hell Leads Alabama To Victory Over Virginia Tech • Bleacher Report
For the first three quarters of the Chick-Fil-A Kick Off Classic in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, the Crimson Tide dominated every stat imaginable except the one that mattered.

• Alabama Beats the Hokies and Somewhere Up There the "Bear" Was Smiling • Bleacher Report
With Alabama winning their top 10 showdown with Virginia Tech 34-24, I could not help but think back on Alabama's glory days.

• Alabama Shatters Stereotypes and Gets Offensive in Season Opener • Bleacher Report
Saturday night, the 2009 edition of the Alabama Crimson Tide kicked off the season with a win in the Georgia Dome over seventh-ranked Virginia Tech, 34-24.

• Grading The Crimson Tide: Virginia Tech • Bleacher Report
Miscues were early in the game. William Vlachos had difficulty keeping his snap off the ground, the line also had false start penalties, as well as holding penalties, but all that aside, the offensive line played fairily decent overall.

• Saban's post VT game press conference • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• More Virginia Tech photos • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are more scenes from the Virginia Tech game. 

• First Of All, It’s Good To Win • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Prior to the first football game of 2009, Alabama Coach Nick Saban pointed out that the team is judged by whether it wins. Former Kentucky Basketball Coach Adolph Rupp said, “If the score doesn’t matter, why do we spend all that money on scoreboards?” Former Tide Coach Gene Stallings said “The fun is in the winning.” 

• Fulton weighs in on Tide win • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Manning Rivals100 cornerback John Fulton took in a long weekend of watching some of his top college choices in action including the Crimson Tide's 34-24 win over Virginia Tech. In this premium recruiting update, Fulton weighs in on Alabama huge opening victory.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Tide takes down the Hokies • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide overcome just about everything Saturday night to start off their season with a 34-24 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies.

• Alabama finishes strong in week one (video included) • Crimson Confidential
ATLANTA -- During the first two quarters of Saturday night's opener against No. 7 Virginia Tech, No. 5 Alabama still looked like the team that seemingly slept through its last game, a 31-17 loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl.

• 1-0 Feels Pretty Good • Bama Sports Report
We’ll have more coverage of Bama’s 34-24 win over Virginia Tech in the coming days. I’m still in Atlanta through tomorrow, and Ell and Crump are on their way home today. Needless to say, we’re all a little tired.

• No. 5 Alabama Beats No. 7 Virginia Tech 34-24 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game • RollTide.com
What started as a defensive struggle opened up late in the game with No. 5 Alabama beating No. 7 Virginia Tech 34-24 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game held in the Georgia Dome Saturday night.

• Tide tops Hokies 34-24 in season opener • Tuscaloosa News
ATLANTA | It was the same Georgia Dome setting. It was virtually the same situation as it had been nine months earlier, with a game in the balance as the fourth quarter began.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama vs Va. Tech

• Deaderick plays less than a week after being shot in the arm • Tuscaloosa News
ATLANTA | A week Brandon Deaderick will never forget may have begun in frightening fashion, but it couldn’t have ended much more triumphantly.

• Bus carrying University of Albama band members hits car in Atlanta • Tuscaloosa News
ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia State Patrol says a man was injured when his car was hit by a bus carrying University of Alabama band members to a game at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Nick Saban: Va. Tech postgame
Alabama head coach Nick Saban addresses the media following Alabama's victory over Virginia Tech.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Now playing on TSE
Exclusive interviews from the Georgia Dome and ESPN GameDay on TideSportsExtra.com.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
FanCam: Faces of the 4th
Emotions ran high in the final quarter of the Tide's opening game against Virginia Tech in the Dome. Ride the roller coaster with our FanCam.

• Cecil Hurt: Ingram, not Jones made all the difference for Crimson Tide • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
As it turns out, the game might have been won on Wednesday night at 7:01 p.m. after all. That’s the precise moment when the ruling came down from the NCAA’s eligibility czars, clearing the University of Alabama’s two best offensive players for the opening game. 

• Cecil Hurt Show: Va. Tech Wrap-up • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Rachel and Cecil wrap-up the Tide’s performance against Virginia Tech with a special postgame segment from the Georgia Dome.

• VIDEO INTERVIEW: A chat with Lee Corso after GameDay • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Rachel catches up with Lee Corso, who discusses his recovery from a stroke he suffered earlier this year and the return to ESPN's staple college football show.

• Shaun Alexander video in the Georgia Dome • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
TideSportsExtra.com Online Anchor Rachel Baribeau has a chat with former Alabama running back and NFL MVP Shaun Alexander.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: It's a different Tide, but it still has fight • The Birmingham News
ATLANTA -- The Alabama football team, as usual, watched a movie the night before stepping into the ring for the first time this season. 

• A PEACH OF A COMEBACK • The Birmingham News
ATLANTA - A year ago, a top-10 Atlantic Coast Conference opponent was a pushover for the Alabama football team.

• GRADING THE TIDE • The Birmingham News
Hard to criticize an offense that scored 34 points and compiled 498 yards, but the Tide started slowly. When it needed a tough yard, it couldn't get it. Alabama held Virginia Tech to 155 (64 passing). 

• Ingram shakes off early frustrations, runs for 150 • The Birmingham News
ATLANTA - Mark Ingram was looking frustrated, so a former Alabama great running back stepped in to help.

• No bull: Chick-fil-A Bowl seeks higher pick of SEC • The Birmingham News
As discussions over future SEC bowl tie-ins intensify, the Chick-fil-A Bowl wants a higher pick of SEC teams and has proposed rotating selections with other bowl games beginning in 2010. 

• Sound Off • The Birmingham News
Sunday, September 06, 2009 

• ALABAMA BEAT REPORT: Good start for Tide in Atlanta • The Press Register
-- OFFENSE: With a rebuilt offensive line, the Crimson Tide is no longer able to line up and run between the tackles, and it seemed to know it ahead of time. Alabama opened with a gimmick play (very much a rarity under Nick Saban), lining up Mark Ingram at quarterback for a direct run that didn't produce much.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Harris ineligible for Tide opener • The Press Register
ATLANTA - The University of Alabama declared sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris ineligible prior to Saturday night's game "pending a reinstatement decision by the NCAA regarding a violation of team and NCAA rules."

• ALABAMA RECRUITING CORNER: Bama hopes to make waves in Atlanta area • The Press Register
ATLANTA - It's not a home game, but Saturday's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game could still be a recruiting tool for Alabama in the talent-rich Atlanta area. The only problem is that most of the area's best prospects are already committed.

• Home in the Dome: Ingram, Alabama wear down Virginia Tech • The Press Register
ATLANTA - In methods and makeup, this appears to be a much different Alabama football team from the one that visited the Georgia Dome to open last season.

• O-line just fine for Tide • The Press Register
ATLANTA - A year ago, Alabama came to Atlanta looking to answer questions about its defensive front seven. Led by Terrence Cody and Rolando McClain, the Crimson Tide answered those questions by stuffing Clemson's much-heralded running game in a 34-10 beatdown.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Sunday, September 06, 2009 

• Bill Bryant: Distractions did not hurt Bama • The Huntsville Times
ATLANTA - It had more distractions than a town hall meeting on health care and had more concerns than the parents of a 16-year-old girl on her first date with that new boyfriend with the tattoo and the earring. 

• STATISTICS BELY TOUGH GAME • The Huntsville Times
ATLANTA - In methods and makeup, this appears to be a much different Alabama football team from the one that visited the Georgia Dome to open last season.

• Chris's Blog - Sept. 5, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
11:50 pm EDT - TIDE ROLLS IN 4th Quarter...

• ALABAMA 34, VIRGINIA TECH 24: Tide withstands early test • Montgomery Advertiser
ATLANTA -- This Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic had suspense.

• Montgomery Advertiser Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama plays Virginia Tech

• Josh Moon: Crimson Tide making strides • Montgomery Advertiser
ATLANTA -- For the last several weeks, pundits, experts and a variety of media-types, like myself, have pointed out time and again all of Alabama's flaws.

• CRIMSON TIDE TIDBITS: UA punter holds his own against Hokies • Montgomery Advertiser
Here is a snapshot look at Saturday night's Alabama-Virginia Tech game.

• ALABAMA REPORT CARD: How the Tide looked against Virginia Tech • Montgomery Advertiser
Here's how the Tide graded out Saturday night.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Alabama declares LB Jerrell Harris ineligible 2 hours before kickoff • Montgomery Advertiser
ATLANTA -- Two hours before the kickoff of the Chick-fil-A Classic, Alabama athletic department officials declared sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris ineligible pending a reinstatement decision by the NCAA regarding a violation of team and NCAA rules.

• LOCAL SPORTS BRIEFS: John Parker Wilson makes Falcons roster • Montgomery Advertiser
Veteran receiver Robert Ferguson and quarterback D.J. Shockley, a local favorite, were among 13 players cut by the Atlanta Falcons. The cuts leave rookie John Parker Wilson of Alabama as the No. 3 quarterback behind Matt Ryan and Chris Redman.

• Craig S. Howard: Random Questions after Season Opener • al.com
The 2nd Chick Fil A Classic has come and gone and several questions came to mind as the night wore on. Here are 10 random questions after Alabama's 34-24 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies.

• Eric Couch: Good Signs • al.com
The 2009 Chick-fil-A Kickoff game is in the books with the Alabama Crimson Tide coming out on top 34-24. This game was a great game for defensive fans but a nightmare on special teams. 

• 4th-quarter spark • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
ATLANTA — Defensive struggle? Not hardly. At least not for both teams in the Georgia Dome … 

• Auburn, Alabama: Opening night, opening right • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Auburn, Alabama: Opening night, opening right 

• The Crimson Tide rolls over Virginia Tech • Dothan Eagle
Alabama’s Crimson Tide defeats Virginia Tech 34-24 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. 

• Bama notes: Tide’s Harris ineligible • Dothan Eagle
A little more than an hour before kickoff, Alabama declared sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris ineligible, pending a reinstatement decision from the NCAA.

• Instant Analysis - Bama 34 ... Va Tech 24 • College Football News
The CFN writers give their thoughts on the big Bama win

• Alabama's Secret Came Out Tonight, Maze & McElroy Deep Pass Connection • Bleacher Report
For weeks there has been a secret that Nick Saban wanted kept. Practices were closed when they worked on it and statistics were not always reported 'accurately'.

• Instant Analysis: Alabama vs. Virginia Tech • Bleacher Report
In a match-up between two Top 10 opponents, Beamer Ball was once again a difference maker—but not necessarily just for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Both teams managed some big plays on special teams and defense which made this game closer than the stats would seem to indicate. 

• Virginia Tech photos • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are scenes from the Tide's 34-24 win over Virginia Tech.

• Tide rolls over Va Tech in opener • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alabama shook off a lot of mistakes and came through when it had to in posting a 34-24 season-opening win over Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Offensive MVP Mark Ingram led all rushers with 150 yards on 26 carries. 

• Ingram Leads Tide Over Hokies • 'BamaMag
It’s a good thing Alabama straightened out that little fishing trip problem. Mark Ingram, who had been ineligible at some point during fall camp, was reinstated Wednesday. On Saturday night in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, he got fifth-ranked Alabama off to an impressive start to the 2009 season. Bama won the fourth quarter and defeated Virginia Tech, 34-24. 

• Saban's Biggest Concern Avoided • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban was pleased at his team's response to adversity.

• Bama Has Good Sack Attack • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide defense, special teams finish strong

• Alabama Still Running Strong • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide offense came through when it had to against Virginia Tech

• Notes From Alabama's Opener • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama got its 2009 season off to a great start because of a great finish. The Tide outscored Virginia Tech by 18-7 in the fourth quarter to come-from-behind and take the 34-24 season-opening victory at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Here are notes from the Crimson Tide's win.

• Tide dominates late to beat Virginia Tech 34-24 • BamaOnLine
Despite numerous miscues, the Crimson Tide finally started to click in the fourth quarter to pull out a 34-24 victory against Virginia Tech.

• Christopher Walsh: Deaderick's presence nothing short of amazing • BamaOnLine
Five days after being shot in a failed carjacking, senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick played for Alabama against Virginia Tech 

• Notebook: Wild Tide not-so wild • BamaOnLine
Alabama's non-traditional running of the "Wild" formation, with a running back taking a snap in shotgun formation wasn't very successful Saturday night. 

• VIDEO: Saban reviews season-opening win • BamaOnLine
Don't let the picture fool you. Nick Saban loves the ATL. He said as much in his postgame news conference Saturday night. Check inside for video coverage of Saban's comments... . 

• POSTGAME: Hanks, Peek, Hightower and McElroy • BamaOnLine
POSTGAME: Hanks, Peek, Hightower and McElroy

• Instant Analysis: Virginia Tech • BamaOnLine
Instant Analysis: Virginia Tech

• Afterthoughts: Virginia Tech • BamaOnLine
Afterthoughts: Virginia Tech

• KNOCKOUT: Tide subdues Hokies with fourth-quarter flurry • Crimson Confidential
ATLANTA – It’s always a little scary when you eschew the obligatory lightweight to take on a fellow heavyweight right off the bat.

• Alabama Volleyball Falls on Final Day of Bama Bash • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama volleyball squad dropped both matches in the second day of action at the Bama Bash falling 3-1 to both Jacksonville State and McNeese State. The Crimson Tide wrapped up th...

• Women's Cross Country Finishes Second at Belmont Opener • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's cross country team concluded their first meet of the season Friday night at the Belmont Opener at Vaughn's Creek Course in Percy Warner Park with three ladies placing in the top...

• Alabama and ESPN Gameday • RollTide.com
ESPN Gameday was on hand for the Crimson Tide's opener against Virginia Tech with ESPN analyst Lee Corso picking No. 5 Alabama to come away with the win. 

• Bama in the NFL - Players:
Ramzee Robinson was waived by the Lions. Simeon Castille waived by the Chargers. Anthony Madison waived by the Steelers. Wesley Britt waived by the Patriots.  Bobby Greenwood waived by the Chiefs.

• Women's Volleyball:
Saturday: Jacksonville State 3, Alabama 1

• Women's Volleyball:
Saturday: McNeese State 3, Alabama 1

• Football:
Alabama 34, Virginia Tech 24 - box score

• Chase Goodbread: Monday odds and ends… • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Two final thoughts and one strong link from Alabama's 34-24 win over Virginia Tech Saturday...

• Joel Snead: And so it begins... • al.com
The anticipation of the start of football season is a slow burn. You know how the team has been practicing but you have no idea what the result will be on the field. 

• The Reverend: Calling Things Not As Though They Were • al.com
It is written that God "calls things that are not as though they were" (Romans 4:17). After watching Bama's win over the Hoakies I could not help but to consider a few aspects of the game that almost were. Now, obviously I am not God. I will not be bringing any dead plays back to life. Furthermore, playing the what if game is often a pointless endeavor. Unless, that is, you are attempting to evaluate your team. And in this case, being the first game of the year, one has to try to ascertain which things were areas of weakness and which things were merely a lack of execution that can be attributed to early season rust and first game jitters. Along those lines, I believe there were three aspects of the game that appeared to be weak or ineffective, but were in fact showed more promise than many have yet to express. Here they are:

• Play-calling takes Tide into new territory • BamaOnLine
Both junior quarterback Greg McElroy and the Alabama defense put up better numbers against Virginia Tech than the 2008 team in any single game.

• Week One: The Offense • Bama Sports Report
Everything looked to be setting up for an abysmal week one. Bama was looking to start a new quarterback, behind an offensive line with three new starters, with a new running back… and facing a perennially great defensive team in Virginia Tech.

• Women's Golf Splits Two Matches at NGCA Match Play Championships • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama women's golf team split its two matches Monday at the NGCA Match Play Championships, defeating South Carolina 3-1-1 after falling to Auburn 3-1-1 in the opening round on t... 

• Chris Low: Alabama hot, Sturdivant's luck not • ESPN.com
It’s that time of year again, time to dissect what we saw this past weekend on the SEC gridiron. There were a couple of really good games, one that nearly put us all to sleep and a half dozen or more that had all the drama of watching a seal take on a great white shark out in the open water. Anyway (as the Head Ball Coach is fond of saying), let’s jump right into the first installment of Hot and Not for the 2009 season: 

• Football Team Begins Work for FIU Game • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team returned to the practice field Monday afternoon setting its sights on the 2009 home opener against FIU this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide practiced f... 

• Grant with receivers • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama running back Terry Grant worked with the wide receivers Monday at practice, an indicator that a position change could be afoot for the redshirt junior.

• TideSports Video:  • Tuscaloosa News
9/7 - Cory Reamer

• Gentry Estes: Video: UA players from Monday's media day • The Press Register
Greg McElroy, tailback Mark Ingram and linebacker Cory Reamer.

• Give us your questions for this week's "Hey, Coach!" show • al.com
The Alabama Crimson Tide is coming off a huge 34-24 win over Virginia Tech this past weekend in Atlanta and we're sure you've got a ton of questions for Coach Saban as he prepares his team for its home opener against Florida International. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Video: Saban respects FIU. Got it? Loud and clear • The Birmingham News
Alabama coach rants at reporters about underestimating Saturday's opponent

• Don Kausler Jr.: Who is that injured Alabama wide receiver? • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- When access to Alabama football practices is limited to 10 minutes near the start of the workout, dilemmas for reporters are inevitable. 

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Terry Grant practicing at wide receiver • The Press Register
Alabama junior tailback Terry Grant was catching passes with Tide wide receivers this afternoon, rather than performing drills with the running backs. 

• Okie Dokey BAMA Does The Hokie Pokey: What's It All About? • Bleacher Report
With 6:35 left in the fourth quarter, Mark Ingram put his left foot into the right corner of the end zone, putting a stamp on the beginning of the 2009 Crimson Tide Football Campaign.

• Saban's press conference for September 7 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Wildcat Fad Comes To Alabama • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Football historians refer to Alabama’s use of “the varsity two-step” to confound opponents around the turn of the century. Not this last turn, but the one that came in 1900. In the 1970s, the Crimson Tide joined the likes of Texas and Oklahoma in the offensive craze, the wishbone. 

• Practice Report: Tide begins quest to remain sharp vs. FIU • Crimson Confidential
Alabama’s been here before. Last year, in fact. And it knows the dangers.

• Practice Report: Monday, September 7 • Bama Sports Report
Alabama hit the practice field on Monday, and for the first time, had actual game mistakes to fix. While Nick Saban has made it adament that he takes Florida International as a threat, fixing the mistakes made in the Virginia Tech game will be paramount for the Tide at practice this week. As is usually

• Coach Nick Saban Press Conference Transcript • RollTide.com
Alabama held its weekly media day today in Tuscaloosa. Head football coach Nick Saban and selected Tide players preview the FIU game this Saturday. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/7 - Nick Saban

• TideSports VIdeo: • Tuscaloosa News
9/7 - Kareem Jackson

• TideSports VIdeo: • Tuscaloosa News
9/7 - Mark Ingram

• TideSports VIdeo: • Tuscaloosa News
9/7 - Greg McElroy

• John Bishop: After a Day to Reflect.. • al.com
After a day to reflect and recover from Alabama's hard-earned victory over Virgina Tech in the Georgia Dome, there are some answers to preseason questions and, of course, more questions the Tide will try to answer before SEC play begins in just under two weeks against the newly high octane, pass happy Arkansas Razorbacks. There were obvious high points (Ingram's performance, the defense as a whole, and other receivers making important contributions) and puzzling decisions / mistakes ( 7 or 8 plays from the Wildcat formation, Rolo's temporary loss of self-control, a critical defensive breakdown, and a barrage of first half penalties). In this blog, I would like to explore a few other things that I noticed Saturday night.

• SEC Bloggers Week One Review • College Football News
Each Monday, CFN’s SEC Bloggers put the previous weekend under the microscope, looking for the Lucky 7.

• Saban's VT review • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban opened today's press conference talking about the good and the bad in Saturday night's season opening win over Virginia Tech. He also talked about the ugly.

• VIDEO: Ingram, McElroy and Jackson • BamaOnLine
Mark Ingram, Greg McElroy and Kareem Jackson were among the players who met with reporters Monday. Check inside for video coverage of their comments! 

• Instant Analysis: Monday • BamaOnLine
With Virginia Tech out of the way, UA jumps into Sun Belt Conference play the next two weeks. Check inside as BOL senior analyst Travis Reier provides an update from Tuscaloosa... 

• VIDEO: Saban's Monday news conference • BamaOnLine
With FIU up next for his team, Alabama head coach Nick Saban conducted his weekly press luncheon Monday.

• UA's Ingram unhurt • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Alabama coach Nick Saban said that Mark Ingram, who hobbled off the field near the end of Saturday's 34-24 win over Virginia Tech, is not injured and will not miss practice. The running back rushed for a career-high 150 yards against the Hokies.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/7 - Cory Reamer

• Tommy Deas: Welcome to the NFL, John Parker Wilson • Tuscaloosa News
John Parker Wilson is officially a National Football League quarterback.
The three-year starter for the University of Alabama won the No. 3 quarterback position with the Atlanta Falcons and made the final cut over the weekend, assuring himself of a roster spot this season.

• Gentry Estes: News and notes from UA media day: • The Press Register
McClain apologizes, Ingram won't miss time with bruised knee
Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain apologized to teammates at halftime and again after the game for post-play activity that drew two penalties and led to a Virginia Tech touchdown Saturday night, said Nick Saban this afternoon.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Bruised knee won't keep Ingram out of practice • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- After his 26th and final carry Saturday night in Alabama's 34-24 victory over Virginia Tech, sophomore running back Mark Ingram limped off the field. 

• Notebook: Ingram named SEC offensive player of the week • BamaOnLine
Sophomore running back Mark Ingram, who scored two touchdowns against Virginia Tech, was named the SEC offensive player of the week

• Alabama Hosts FIU • RollTide.com
Alabama hosts FIU in the 2009 home opener this Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. (CST). The game will be televsied on a pay-per-view basis.

• Mark Ingram Named SEC Offensive Player of the Week • RollTide.com
Alabama sophomore running back Mark Ingram was named to the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced this morning.

• Cecil Hurt: SEC Power Poll — Week 1 • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
I’ll try to do this weekly and rank where SEC members stack up…. 1. Florida — For the most part, the Power Poll is based on teams having

• Don Kausler Jr.: Saban news conference: McClain's 'self-indulgent behavior' costly • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban talked today about junior linebacker Rolando McClain's loss of his composure in Saturday night's season-opening victory over seventh-ranked Virginia Tech. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: FIU coach wants to forget '93 Sugar Bowl vs. Tide • The Birmingham News
Mario Cristobal will have his second experience facing the Alabama football team when his Florida International team visits Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. 

• Gentry Estes: Former Miami OL Mario Cristobal gets another crack at Alabama as coach of FIU • The Press Register
Most Alabama fans haven't forgotten the 1993 Sugar Bowl. Neither has Mario Cristobal, the coach of the Tide's next opponent, Florida International.

• Gentry Estes:  Tide's Ingram named SEC offensive player of the week • The Press Register
Sophomore running back Mark Ingram, whose two fourth-quarter touchdowns led Alabama to a 34-24 come-from-behind victory over Virginia Tech, was named to the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced this morning. 

• Gentry Estes: Monday briefing: Reviewing Alabama's new "Wildcat" formation • The Press Register
After an entertaining weekend in Atlanta, it's time to begin another game week, with Florida International due in town at 6 p.m. Saturday.

• Three & Out: SEC Thoughts, News & Notes 9/7 • College Football News
CFN SEC Blogger Barrett Sallee shares three thoughts, comments or observations about week one in the SEC. 

• Ingram Named SEC Offensive Star • 'BamaMag
The Southeastern Conference honors players in a number of categories each week. Last year Crimson Tide tailback Mark Ingram was selected as SEC Freshman of the Week. In the opening weekend of 2009, Ingram was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

• PLAYERS OF THE WEEK • 'SEC Sports
SEC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Games of Sept. 3-6)

• SEC Football • 'SEC Sports
SEC Football Week 2 - Stats and Schedules

• SEC Volleyball • 'SEC Sports
SEC Volleyball Week 1 - Through Sept. 5. 

• Weekly SEC Soccer • 'SEC Sports
SEC Soccer Stats/Schedules - Through Sept 6. 

• 2009 SEC Football Stats • 'SEC Sports
2009 SEC Football Stats 

• PODCAST: Inside Recruiting -- Sept. 7 • Crimson Confidential
Host Matt Prehm and Senior Recruiting Analyst Will Matthews bring you all of the latest news, notes, analysis, rumors, and all things regarding Alabama recruiting. Matthews tackles the hard questions asked by subscribers and brings you the hottest stories of the day. This weekly podcast will be a special feature for all Crimson Confidential subscribers. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

• Another Faceoff • Tuscaloosa News
Former Miami lineman takes on Alabama, this time as a coach

• Alabama Roundup • Tuscaloosa News
Tide routs South Alabama
TUSCALOOSA | After the goal had eluded the Crimson Tide for the first two games of the season the University of Alabama soccer team broke through in a big way. The Crimson Tide erupted for five goals to down South Alabama 5-1 Sunday afternoon at the Alabama Soccer Stadium and improved to 2-2 on the season.

• Cecil Hurt: Physical is there, mental needs work • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
I wonder if there was a point during the fourth quarter of Alabama’s 34-24 win against Virginia Tech in Atlanta where Frank Beamer saw himself at the wheel of the bulldozer that was driving past.

• Ray Melick: Tide can take time to search for identity • The Birmingham News
A year ago, Alabama fans didn't know what to expect. So the unexpected drubbing of Clemson in the Georgia Dome set off wild expectations, expectations that Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban continually tried to bring under control. 

• Ingram carries load early, often • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - It was out of Mark Ingram's control, so he said he tried not to think about it. 

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Saban loves playing in Dome • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - After season-opening victories in two consecutive years over top-10 opponents, Alabama coach Nick Saban has every reason to love the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

• Ingram runs his way out of worrisome week • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - The situation was out of Mark Ingram's control, so he resisted thinking about it. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Analysis: Looks as if Tide's offense may be less predictable in 2009 • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- There wasn't much mystery to the 2008 Alabama offense. On third-and-1, the Crimson Tide almost always pounded the ball. With Andre Smith at left tackle, the Tide practically could tell a defense what was coming and dare it to make a stop.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Notes: Tiffin ties career high with four field goals • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- With four field goals in five attempts, senior Leigh Tiffin tied his career high. He now has kicked four field goals in four games. 

• Chris's Blog - Sunday Sept. 6, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
9:30 p.m. CDT - Back home from a big weekend in Atlanta...

• Jess Nicholas: VT wrapup: Alabama’s opener surprisingly good • TideFans.com
That Alabama beat Virginia Tech in its opening game wasn’t a surprise –- at worst, Alabama was expected to match up equally with the Hokies. But the way in which Alabama beat Virginia Tech?

• The Wild Tide: Great Idea, Needs Practice • The Crimson White
Alabama pulled out a new trick on its first offensive play against Virginia Tech Saturday, but its effectiveness was limited. The Crimson Tide will continue to improve its Wild Tide formation as the season progresses, but the second half of the opening game proved Alabama won't need to rely on it.

• Crimson White Photo Gallery: • The Crimson White
Alabama v. VA Tech

• Fourth-quarter comeback seals Tide victory • The Crimson White
ATLANTA—After a first half fueled by costly miscues and wasted opportunities, the No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide transformed before the eyes of the 74,954 fans at the Georgia Dome Saturday night, as an anemic Tide offense exploded to life in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 points in a furious late rally to earn a convincing 34-24 victory over the No. 7 Virginia Tech Hokies.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Offensive linemen still lean on the captain, Antoine Caldwell • Montgomery Advertiser
Antoine Caldwell may have completed his senior season in 2008, but there are plenty of times the Alabama offensive linemen feel the support of their former teammate.

• UA’s top performers included more than just offensive stars • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
The hallway outside Alabama’s locker room was buzzing late Saturday night. It was just minutes after the fifth-ranked Crimson Tide ran past No. 7 Virginia Tech 34-24 to affirm its spot among the …

• Ingram, Wildcat formation bring life to Bama offense • Dothan Eagle
ATLANTA — From the season’s first snap, Mark Ingram went from being in the supporting cast to a leading man.

• Russ Mitchell: Bama v. Tech “Disgrace” • College Football News
After reading one too many college football writer extol the virtues of Alabama, and the “epic” nature of Saturday’s contest with Virginia Tech, CFN’s Russ Mitchell has had enough

• SEC Players to Watch in Week 2 • College Football News
Players on the move or with something to prove in week 2 in the SEC

• Tony Barnhart: Georgia must get better play at quarterback • AJC.com
Happy Labor Day to everybody! A lot happened on this first weekend of college football. So what did we learn?

• Ten Questions Alabama Answered in The First Game • Bleacher Report
Alabama answered a lot of questions last night in the, what was in effect, the first Bowl Game of the season as they beat No.7 Virgina Tech 34-24.

• Tide in front for junior CB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Junior cornerback Tim Burton of Cardinal Gibbons HS in Ft. Lauderdale is already on the radar of several top schools. The 5-9½, 165-pounder is receiving interest from Alabama, Florida, FSU, Georgia Tech, LSU, Miami, Nebraska and UCLA.

• Tide WR commit making most of his chances • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In two games this season, Tide wide receiver commit Ronald Carswell hasn't gotten much action. But he's made the most of his chances. 

• Future Tide stars like what they see in Atlanta • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama commitments of the class of 2010 have another year to wait until they enroll at the Capstone, but on Saturday they got a long look at their future teammates in action as the Tide rolled to a 34-24 win over seventh-ranked Virginia Tech. Check inside for reaction from Tide QB commit Phillip Sims and much more. 

• Upon Further Review: Alabama vs. Virginia Tech • BamaOnLine
Christopher Walsh looks back at how well the Crimson Tide played against Virgina Tech and hands out his game awards, including player, play and hit of the game 

• UA All-America CB Fulton still ailing • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Three days before John Fulton’s (Manning, S.C./Manning) senior season started, he came down early on his right leg while working at receiver during practice, resulting in a high ankle sprain. 

• Will's Recruiting War Room - Sept. 7 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
You're about to enter the War Room -- Will's Recruiting War room.