Bama in the News

September 8 - 14, 2009

•  Crimson Tide Preps for FIU • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team practiced for two hours in pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility Tuesday afternoon as preparations continue for Saturday's home opener with the FIU Golden Panthers at ... 

• Notebook: Tide moves up to No. 4 • BamaOnLine
Alabama moves up to No. 3, three players miss practice and the second-unit offensive line had a new look. 

• Virginia Tech Rewind • Walls98 Bama Ball
Well, where do I start? Even though this was an Alabama win, the game was still difficult to watch for a second (and third) time. One of the most frustrating first 3 quarters of football I can remember. We had out-gained Va Tech 3 to 1 and were still losing. This is what they call Beamer Ball – Win by any means necessary. Whereas last year we were the ones letting opponents beat themselves, Va Tech was returning the favor.

• Jacqueline Shealy Retires from Gymnastics • RollTide.com
Alabama senior Jacqueline Shealy announced her retirement from the sport of gymnastics this week.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Offense practice, 9/8
The first team offense line pairs off against the defense at practice Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009.

• Chase Goodbread: Wishes yet to be Granted • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Terry Grant has been working with the wide receivers in practice this week. What does it mean? Maybe nothing. Maybe. Good Tidings takes a quick look at the possibility of Grant at receiver.

• VIDEO: In the Trenches, Georgia Dome style • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Just wanted to make sure our Extra members get a chance to see our Georgia Dome production of "In the Trenches," a TideSports.com presentation centered around the 

• Christopher Walsh: Saban isn't alone in wanting the plus-one • BamaOnLine
Nick Saban's opinion that college football should have a plus-one format to determine the national champion is picking up steam nationally.

• Crimson Tide Finishes Sixth at NGCA Match Play Championships • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama women's golf team dropped its final match of the NGCA Match Play Championships to Georgia, 4-1, Tuesday on the LPGA International Legends Course to finish in sixth place.

• Offensive Coaching Staff Honored • RollTide.com
The Alabama offensive coaching staff was honored as one of the nation's top staff's during the first week of the 2009 college football season, according to the Football Scoop Game Changing Coaches. 

• Tide trio misses practice • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Running back Mark Ingram, defensive end Brandon Deaderick and reserve quarterback Star Jackson did not participate in the University of Alabama's Tuesday practice, though the absences are believed to be excused

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
IN THE TRENCHES: Virginia Tech
The crew starts early and hits all the hot spots around the Georgia Dome prior to the Alabama-Virginia Tech season opener.

• Gentry Estes: Practice report: Three Tide players absent today • The Press Register
Running back Mark Ingram and defensive end Brandon Deaderick joined star quarterback Star Jackson on the absentee list at the start of Alabama's practice this afternoon.

• Terry Pellman: The Associated Press Needs to Hold Voters Accountable • al.com
Last month I posted a short piece over on SEC Chatter about how I felt that the coaches, who have votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll, need to be held accountable for their ballot sheets each week. 

• McClain Must Learn From Mistake • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
It wasn’t like it was a clip or a face-mask or a horse-collar, one of those tactics that can cause injury. It certainly wasn’t a sucker punch, like LeGarrette Blount of Oregon used after the game against Boise State. It wasn’t even the sort of thing that has as its purpose a career-ending cripple, the cowardly, despicable chop block. 

• Practice Report: Deaderick, Jackson absent as new No. 4 Bama returns to practice • Crimson Confidential
Practice Report: Deaderick, Jackson absent as new No. 4 Bama returns to practiceAlabama, which rose to No. 4 in both the AP and USA Today coaches’ poll this week thanks to its win over then No. 7 Virginia Tech and then No. 4 Oklahoma’s loss to BYU, was back on the practice field Tuesday afternoon.

• Alabama Football: Tuesday Offensive Notebook • RollTide.com
The Alabama offensive notebook appears each Tuesday on www.RollTide.com. Here is a look at some Alabama football notes heading into this week's game with FIU. 

• Alabama up to No. 4 in AP Top 25 • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama moved up one spot to No. 4 in the first Associated Press Top 25 poll of the regular season after defeating then-No.7 Virginia Tech last Saturday in Atlanta's Georgia Dome.

• TideSports Video • Tuscaloosa News
TSE Sneak Peek: Lee Corso
Rachel Baribeau interviews ESPN's Lee Corso on his return to Game Day after suffering a stroke earlier this year, as well as topics on the Tide. This is just a sample of content offered at TideSportsExtra.com.

• 2009 Week 1 power rankings By College Football News.com • FOX Sports
How good are the teams right now? The CFN rankings go on how the teams are performing at the moment. And right now Alabama might be playing as well as anyone.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama fourth in both polls, but why did two reporters vote the Tide No. 1? • The Press Register
The media and coaches each boosted Alabama one spot in today's polls as a result of Saturday night's victory over Virginia Tech.

• SEC: Refs handled McClain penalties right • The Birmingham News
The Southeastern Conference could have imposed additional sanctions on Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain - including a suspension -- for his contact with an official during Saturday's Virginia Tech game but has decided against it, according to SEC coordinator of football officials Rogers Redding. 

• Gators Top Coaches' Poll • SEC Sports
The First Regular-Season USA Today Top 25 Coaches' Poll Released. 

• Nick Saban Keeps Alabama Focused on FIU, Press Asking About Letdown in Sights • Bleacher Report
Taking the Florida International Panthers for granted would be a very bad idea if you happen to play for Nick Saban.

• View on the Crimson Tide: What You Will See in Weeks to Come • Bleacher Report
The Alabama Crimson Tide's performance on Saturday was surprising in some ways, and disappointing in others.

• Ingram: ‘This year I’m more comfortable and patient’ • Crimson Confidential
Mark Ingram wasn’t bad at all as Alabama’s No. 2 running back last year.

• Rowing Team to Hold Informational Meeting for Potential Walk-ons Wednesday • RollTide.com
The Alabama rowing program will hold a meeting for current Alabama students interested in joining the 2009-10 team on Wednesday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Bryant Hall, Room 247. 

•  BYU jumps 11 spots in AP poll; Bama at No. 4 • al.com
NEW YORK (AP) -- In the first regular-season Top 25 poll by The Associated Press, No. 9 BYU has jumped 11 spots and No. 4 Alabama has received two first-place votes. 

• Gentry Estes: Tuesday briefing: Trustees to review contracts for Nick Saban, Anthony Grant and Sarah Patterson • The Press Register
The Compensation Committee of the UA System Board of Trustees with consider contract amendments tomorrow morning for football coach Nick Saban and gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson, as well as a new employment contract for men's basketball coach Anthony Grant.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Saban's contract extension to be reviewed Wednesday by board's compensation committee • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The compensation committee of the University of Alabama board of trustees will meet via teleconference at 9 a.m. Wednesday to consider a proposed contract extension for Alabama football coach Nick Saban. 

• Damon Young: BYU Steals Our Thunder, But That's OK With Me • al.com
It was the game of the week. The hype surrounding the Virginia Tech/Alabama game had been building for sometime and finally exploded in the Georgia Dome.

• 2009-2010 Bowl Projections ... Sept. 8 • College Football News
Predicting and projecting the possible 2009-2010 post-season matchups.

• McElroy Settled Down Nicely • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Greg McElroy didn’t look like a quarterback early in the game against Virginia Tech last Saturday night at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. And not just because technically he was not a quarterback. Alabama opened the game without a quarterback, but rather with a wildcat (Mark Ingram), McElroy’s first start for the Crimson Tide was really his first start as a flanker. 

• ScoutTV: Nick Perry SR Video • 'BamaMag
Watch the Alabama commitment in action here...

• Dequan Minzie's short list • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Time-frame for a decision is discussed.

• King Hopes for Reinstatement • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Gabe King says he'll learn if he is to be reinstated over a residency issue on Sept. 9.

• Following the Future: Week Two • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Deion Belue led Deshler to a big win with over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. 

• Bama commit Jones enjoying first few weeks of season • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
What a time to be Harrison Jones (Memphis, Tenn./Evangelical Christian). 

• VIDEO: Saban talks Virginia Tech, FIU • Crimson Confidential
Alabama head coach Nick Saban looks back at Alabama's win over Virginia Tech and looks ahead to Florida International. 

• UA’s new wrinkle is here to stay • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Gimmick was the word that naturally came to fans’ minds when Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy lined up as a wide receiver on the first play from scrimmage of the University of Alabama’s 34-24 win over then-No.7 Virginia Tech on Saturday.

• Special teams players make impact • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Brian Selman’s playing career at the University of Alabama easily could have passed without too much notice.

• Andrew Bone: Marquee games bring big time exposure for Tide • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama may want to schedule a game each year in the Georgia Dome against the preseason pick to win the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Crimson Tide has been successful the first two years playing in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, and head coach Nick Saban likes these marquee games with out-of-conference programs.

• Andrew Bone: Top Offensive Targets • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Who are the remaining targets on the recruiting board for the Crimson Tide... TideSportsExtra takes a look at some of the bigger targets remaining on the offensive side of the ball.

• Alabama players wild about Wildcat formation • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - You can call it the Wild Elephant. You can call it the Wild Pachyderm. You can call it the Wild Tide.

• Paul Finebaum: Bama now expected to dominate • The Press Register
A year ago, the Alabama Nation was in a state of shock following the primetime pummeling of a top-10 opponent. Today, Alabama has done it again, but the feeling is different. Instead of questions like "how did that happen?" some Alabama fans are wondering: "Why did it take so long?" 

• McClain apologizes at half for outburst • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Junior linebacker Rolando McClain apologized to teammates at halftime for an outburst that drew two dead-ball penalties and led to a Virginia Tech touchdown in Saturday's Alabama victory.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Tuesday, September 08, 2009

• Tide vows not to look past FIU • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Really, it wasn't anything he hadn't said before. 

• 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. 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: McElroy overcomes early struggles in Tide victory • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Greg McElroy admits he was rattled, his confidence shaken in a way he had never experienced.

• ALABAMA ADVISORY BOARD: Tide keeps going despite mistakes • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama overcame the hype and put together a valid team ef­fort in game one of the 2010 sea­son. Amidst all of the penalties and mistakes the offense and de­fense consistently balanced the other out. If Alabama can con­tinue at this level of continuity it will be a very interesting year.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Ingram attends Monday practice • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama tailback Mark Ingram limped off the field with a slightly bruised knee on Saturday night, but was back at practice on Mon­day afternoon.

• Tim Gayle: Saban lashes out at attitude toward FIU • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama coach Nick Saban starts off answering the question with, "I don't have confidence in anything, OK?" But he was just warming up. Saban (pictured at right with Crimson Tide linebackers in preseason practice) started elevating the pitch in his voice as he discussed the obvious "letdown" from Virginia Tech's ... 

• Bama’s Wildcat • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Call it the “Wild Tide” or the “Wild Elephant.” Nick Saban doesn’t care what Alabama’s rendition of the Wildcat offense is called. It is clear, however, that …

• Tide, Tigers worth seeing in openers • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Both Alabama and Auburn gave their fans plenty to appreciate this past weekend and a good dose of hope as well. Both …

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Coming off a high-stakes, high-emotion win against Virginia Tech, Alabama coach Nick Saban isn’t interested in the talk about overlooking his next opponent. 

• Tide notes: McClain apologizes for losing temper from penalties • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama middle linebacker Rolando McClain’s meltdown Saturday night — he was flagged for two deadball major penalties after the same play late in the first half — almost single-handedly cost his team a touchdown against Virginia Tech.

• Tide defense works to correct miscues • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama linebacker Cory Reamer glanced at the giant scoreboard in the Georgia Dome ... and did a double-take.

• CFN Rankings Of Every Team - Week 1 • College Football News
How good are the teams right now? The CFN rankings go on how the teams are performing at the moment, and then, and right now, Alabama might be playing as well as anyone. Check out the first week of the 2009 CFN Rankings. Also, check back this afternoon for the Cavalcade of Whimsy and Tuesday Question. 

• SEC Bachstory - Week One • College Football News
The SEC Bachstory will be THE SEC column to catch up on the big events from the past weekend. Each Monday morning the best and worst of the SEC will be dissected and discussed. 

• Alabama Football: McElroy's Effort In Opener Deja Vu All Over Again • Bleacher Report
The Crimson Tide's quarterback scrambled around looking for a receiver.

• Bama will continue working on Wildcat • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In Nick Saban's first two seasons, it was straight ahead, power football. So when Alabama lined up for its first play against Virginia Tech in the "Wildcat" formation, fans were surprised. 

• Saban Does Not See A Mismatch • 'BamaMag
Florida International playing first game of season in Bryant-Denny

•  Grant talks Tide offense • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama's thrilling win over Virginia Tech in the Georgia Dome made a huge statement to the college football world with millions of viewers watching from around the country. Among those viewers on Saturday was Crimson Tide running back commit Corey Grant... 

• Will's Recruiting War Room -- Sept. 8 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
In today's edition of Will's Recruiting War Room, Will Matthews takes a more in-depth look at 2011 Bama commits Brent Calloway and Marvin Shinn and examines just how huge of a catch they are for the Crimson Tide. 

• Crimson Tide Football Team Having Good Week of Work • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team practiced for two hours in pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility Tuesday afternoon as preparations continue for Saturday's home opener with the FIU Golden Panthers at ... 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Offense Practice, 9/9
Tide football practice Sept. 9th, 2009.

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

• Chase Goodbread: Slow climb • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama football team knocked off the No.7 team in the nation on Saturday and shot up in the polls ... one whole spot. Good Tidings looks at the slow climb that goes along with being ranked as high as Alabama.

• Rachel Baribeau: Sept. 8 Player Bites • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
TideSportsExtra.com Online Anchor Rachel Baribeau speaks with players after practice. Join her each week for interviews with players from the Alabama Crimson Tide.

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Follow the Crimson Tide linebackers through the TideSportsExtra camera during first half action of Alabama's win over Virginia Tech.

• SEC Football - Week 2 Previews • SEC Sports
SEC Football - Week 2 Previews

• Grant, crowded out some at running back, seeing time at receiver • Crimson Confidential
Last week Alabama had a running back at quarterback. This week it may have a running back at receiver.

• Practice Report: Wednesday, September 9 • Bama Sports Report
The Alabama football team was in full pads again today as it continued its preparation for Florida International. The squad was able to wrap up practice just prior to a late afternoon thunderstorm in Tuscaloosa.

• Kyle Bunn Named Assistant Baseball Coach • RollTide.com
Kyle Bunn, regarded as one the top pitching coaches and recruiters in college baseball, has joined the Alabama baseball staff, head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard announced today.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Defense and Special Teams Notebook • RollTide.com
The Alabama defense and special team's notebook appears each Wednesday on www.RollTide.com. Here is a look at some Alabama football notes heading into this week's game with FIU. 

• Saban guaranteed to be among best paid coaches • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama trustees approved contracts for four athletic coaches this morning, including an extension for football coach Nick Saban and the new men's basketball coach, Anthony Grant.

• Former UA player Jimmy Johns sentenced to one year in jail • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Former University of Alabama football player Jimmy Johns will serve one year in Tuscaloosa County Jail after pleading guilty to felony drug charges today.

• Mitch Gaspard hires Clemson pitching coach • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | New University of Alabama baseball coach Mitch Gaspard said Wednesday morning that he had landed his "top priority" with the hiring of pitching coach Kyle Bunn, who had served in the same position for Clemson over the past two seasons.

• Are you ready for a BYU v. Boise title game? • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
excuse me

• Road to T-town a long one for Hill • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
When Alabama landed the commitment of Rivals100 star Alfy Hill on Wednesday morning, it helped ensure that the Crimson Tide's big, fast defense will stay that way in the future. In this premium recruiting feature, Alfy's coaches talk about his road to the Capstone and Rivals experts weigh in on his eventual impact at Alabama.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Tide prepares for Panthers • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide continued its preparation for the Florida International Panthers on Wednesday.

• Notebook: Saban extension approved • BamaOnLine
Coach Nick Saban's three-year extension was approved Wednesday morning, as was basketball coach Anthony Grant's contract. 

• Hill decides to roll with the Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide ventured into foreign territory for their 22nd-commitment of 2010 when they pulled Rivals100 defensive end Alfy Hill out of ACC-country.

• Practice Report: Ingram, Deaderick still out as No. 4 Bama keeps prepping for FIU • Crimson Confidential
For the second-straight day, No. 4 Alabama practiced without its most valuable player and most inspirational player from last Saturday’s season-opener. 

• Saban's new deal approved by Board of Trustees • Crimson Confidential
Nick Saban's new extended contract, which was first announced several days ago, was unanimously approved by the unversity's Board of Trutees compensation committee Wednesday.

• Ingram latest Tide player to come down with the flu • Crimson Confidential
Now Alabama's Saturday night hero has the flu. 

• Study hall provides Julio welcome escape from media questioning • Crimson Confidential
Julio Jones had to go to study hall Tuesday night. He had to talk to the media right...

• Saban tops list of SEC's top recruiting closers • Crimson Confidential
Picking the best recruiting closers in the SEC is like picking the best of Michael Jordan’s highlights. ...

• Who is Saban's ace recruiter on staff? • Crimson Confidential
Nick Saban gets the lion's share of the credit for Alabama's wildly successful recruiting efforts the past few...

• Some QB Things Stayed The Same • 'BamaMag
The Crimson Tide's quarterback scrambled around looking for a receiver. Not just any receiver either. It had to be Alabama first team All-SEC standout Julio Jones. If he was double covered, as he was most of the game, then it was time to tuck the ball and get downfield.

•  11 Georgians are among the 2010 Under Armour All-Stars • AJC
The state of Georgia is well represented on the roster for the 2010 Under Armour/ESPN High School All-American Game, which will be played January 2 in Orlando. 

• Week 2: FIU at Bama • SEC Sports
Florida International Will Take On Alabama this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Ingram has the flu, Saban says • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Sophomore running back Mark Ingram missed practice Tuesday because he has the flu, Alabama coach Nick Saban said this morning. 

• Gentry Estes: Former UA player Jimmy Johns sentenced: • The Press Register
"I want to tell everybody I'm sorry for hurting myself and this community and my family."
Former Alabama running back/linebacker Jimmy Johns will serve one year in jail after pleading guilty in Tuscaloosa circuit court Tuesday to separate counts of delivery and possession of a controlled substance.

• Alabama football report card: Virginia Tech • al.com
The Alabama Crimson Tide pulled out a 34-24 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Georgia Dome Saturday night after grinding out 268 yards on the ground, led by sophomore Mark Ingram's 150-yard performance.

• Aaron's, University of Alabama sign three-year marketing deal • The Press Register
ATLANTA -- Rent-to-own business Aaron's Inc. has signed a three-year marketing agreement with the University of Alabama, according to Furniture Today.

• TideSportsExtra Museum • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
1999 SEC Championship Game 1999 SEC Championship Game
Hear from game MVP Freddie Milons and Cecil Hurt reflecting on Alabama's big victory over the Gators in the 1999 SEC Championship.

• Recruiting Cam: • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Alfy Hill commits to UA
Alfy Hill, a defensive end out of West Brunswick High School in North Carolina, makes his verbal commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

• Greg McElroy Cam: Virginia Tech win • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
All eyes were on Greg McElroy this weekend, as was the TideSportsExtra camera. Watch G-Mac develop and become more comfortable as the game went on. 

• Rachel Baribeau: We are just getting started … here I come T-Town • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
I am happy to report that I found a place to live and very soon will be an official resident of Tuscaloosa. Apparently some people call it God's country, I look forward to finding out why.

• CECIL HURT SHOW PART 1: Breaking down Va. Tech game • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Rachel and Cecil discuss the Tide's big victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies to open the 2009 campaign. Part II on the FIU match-up later this week.

• Mark Ingram out with flu, Star Jackson expected back today • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama running back Mark Ingram is out with the flu, but backup quarterback Star Jackson is expected to return to practice today after missing two days due to his own bout with the flu.

• Recruiting 2010:
DE Alfy Hill commits

• Bama lands a big one; Hill picks Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Jimmy Fletcher never thought he'd see the day that Alfy Hill would choose to play at Alabama. But Fletcher, the head coach at West Brunswick HS in Shallotte, NC, saw it happen today. 

• Alfy Hill commits to Alabama • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alfy Hill, Scout.com four-star defensive end from Shallotte-West Brunswick, N.C., announced his decision Wednesday morning. Hill had trimmed his list of schools to Alabama and North Carolina. The Tar Heels were considered the long-time favorite, but the Crimson Tide pulled away in the end. 

• Bama gains pledge from ESPNU 150 prospect Hill (video included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It’s been a long time coming, but Alfy Hill finally felt comfortable enough to make a decision. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: North Carolina defensive lineman Alfy Hill is Alabama's 20th commitment • The Birmingham News
Defensive lineman Alfy Hill, the No. 4 prospect on the Charlotte Observer's list of the top 25 college football prospects in North Carolina, will announce this morning that he has committed to Alabama, according to his high school coach. 

• Will prized DE Hill pick Crimson Tide today? (video included) • Crimson Confidential
Alfy Hill talk is heating up fast. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/8 - Julio Jones

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/8 - Brian Selman

• Bama's pass rush shows dramatic improvement • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama ranked third in the country last season in total defense, second in rushing defense and seventh in scoring defense.

•  Deaderick: Should be 100 percent 'real soon' • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Brandon Deaderick had a lot more than a football game to reflect on late Saturday night. The University of Alabama defensive end, to be sure, was as thrilled as any of his teammates to be 1-0 after having beaten a top-10 opponent in Virginia Tech.

• Shealy retires from gymnastics • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior Jacqueline Shealy has announced her retirement from gymnastics.

• Video Blog: • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Sept. 8 – Player Bites
TideSportsExtra.com Online Anchor Rachel Baribeau speaks with players after practice.

• Video Blog: • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Sept. 8 – Practice Report

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Don't mistake Bama's Rolando McClain for Oregon's LeGarrette Blount • The Birmingham News
Let's be fair. Rolando McClain did not go LeGarrette Blount on anyone Saturday night. 

• Conference play begins in SEC • The Birmingham News
Who's ready for SEC primetime? 

• Crimson Tide's run and pass helping both • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - It's your classic chicken-or-egg argument. Which came first ...? Did Alabama's running game open up vertical passing opportunities, or did vertical passes open up Alabama's running game.

• Crimson Tide not satisfied with defense despite victory • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Statistically, last weekend marked Alabama's best defensive performance in 43 games and nearly four years. 

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Wednesday, September 09, 2009 

• Tide receiver Jones recovered from ankle injury • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama receiver Julio Jones said he is healthy again after dealing with a sprained left ankle during preseason practice.

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Jones' ankle OK 

• Jess Nicholas: FIU preview: Golden Panthers bring veteran passing attack to Tuscaloosa • TideFans.com
If someone had to name the 2009 Alabama opponent with the most veteran offensive group, it’s a good bet that Florida International wouldn’t be the first name to dribble off the lips.

• Jess Nicholas: SEC preview and predictions – Week 2 • TideFans.com
The Prediction Dept. had a nice opening week, marred only by a misfire in the Alabama-Virginia Tech game – giving us a red mark on our record that we’ll always be happy to take. This week, only a complete meltdown would cause us to lose the Alabama game again, given that the Crimson Tide’s opponent is Florida International. Elsewhere around the conference, Georgia tries...

• Houndstooth jerseys rejected by licensing office • The Crimson White
The Alabama Cycling Club made an attempt last school year to incorporate the houndstooth pattern that has become synonymous with the University into its uniforms.

• Alabama fields established club cricket team • The Crimson White
Cricket, invented in England in the 1600s, slowly but surely traveled across the globe to spread its popularity to the rest of Europe, Asia and Australia. The game is played with 11 players on each team and is extremely similar to baseball. There is a “bowler” roughly equivalent to a pitcher and a “batsmen” not unlike a batter. Cricket even has outfielders and umpires as well.

• Alabama defense sees room for improvement • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The Alabama defense played exactly how many predicted it would.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: McElroy piles up impressive stats in first start • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Greg McElroy's 230 passing yards on Saturday night against Virginia Tech was the fourth highest total of any quarterback in their Alabama debut as the starter.

• Tim Gayle: Jacqueline Shealy walks away from gymnastics • Montgomery Advertiser
You could have seen this one coming a mile away. But that doesn't make it any more pleasant. Jacqueline Shealy announced this week she was "retiring" from the Alabama gymnastics team after suffering a season-ending knee injury for the second time in her college career in 2009. It's rare for an individual to tear a ... 

• Tim Gayle: Hokies proud of their game against one of the nation's best • Montgomery Advertiser
Each week after the game, Virginia Tech broadcaster Bill Roth offers some perspective on his Hokies. His message can be found on the team Web site, http://www.hokiesports.com/. Here is Roth's thoughts on the Hokies' season opening loss to Alabama: 

• Ingram with Tide, a win-win situation • Decatur Daily
TUSCALOOSA — Mark Ingram had just finished his senior football season …

• Bama’s Deaderick has new respect for life • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — No one goes through what Brandon Deaderick went through and remains unchanged.

• Bama climbs the polls • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama moved up one spot to No. 4 in two national polls Tuesday.

• Julio Jones, Rolano McClain and Terrence Cody are Alabama's Unsung Heros • Bleacher Report
Where was Julio Jones Saturday night, he only had four catches for 46 yards?

• CBS Expert Picks • CBS Sportsline
CBS Expert Picks

• TI TV for September 8 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Will Alabama land Alfy Hill? • WVUA-TV
Standout linebacker/defensive end Alfy Hill of Shallotte-West Brunswick, NC will announce his commitment at 9 CT on Wednesday morning. Here are highlights of Hill from WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Tuesday practice update • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Statistically, Julio Jones, who had four catches for 46 yards, didn't have his best game against Virginia Tech. But most of that was because Jones was double-teamed throughout the game, which opened things up for fellow receivers Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze. 

• C.J. Mosley talks with Nick Saban • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
C.J. Mosley, Scout.com four-star outside linebacker from Theodore, Ala., had 176 tackles during the 2008 season. He is hoping to improve those numbers in 2009, and he is on track to accomplish that goal. Phone calls from college coaches started last week, but he only spoke with one head coach. 

• Decision day arrives for Hill • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The day of decision is finally here for Rivals100 defensive end Alfy Hill, and at 9 a.m. CST Wednesday, the big 6-foot-4, 225-pounder will make his college decision between Alabama and North Carolina.

• Practice Report: Tuesday, September 8 • Bama Sports Report
The Alabama team was back in full pads for Tuesday’s practice. With Monday having been spent on correcting mistakes made in Saturday’s game, today was full-on preparation for Florida International. After having spent the entire week last week inside the Hank W. Crisp Indoor Practice Facility to prepare for playing in the Georgia Dome, the

• Bryant Museum to Celebrate Coach Bryant's 96th Birthday Friday • RollTide.com
Friday, September 11th commemorates the 96th birthday of legendary coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant. To honor this great coach, the Bryant Museum is hosting a celebration. WTBC Radio will be broadcastin...

• Women's Tennis Opens Season at SEC Coaches Fall Classic • RollTide.com
The women's tennis team kicks off the fall portion of its schedule this weekend heading to Nashville to take part in the SEC Coaches Fall Classic. The three day tournament begins Friday, Sept. 11 a...

• Football Holds Final Practice for FIU Game • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team concluded its on-field preparation for Saturday's home opener with Florida International with a 90-minute practice in shells at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility on Thursd...

• VIDEO: Sept. 10 Recruiting Report • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Andrew and Chris discuss big performances from Bama commits, some key signings, and preview other big names in the recruiting landscape. 

• Gentry Estes: Bryant-Denny Stadium end zones go crimson ... • The Press Register
This is a picture released today from UA's athletics department. It appears the field design from April's A-Day Game will remain through the 2009

• Birmingham News Sports Podcast: Saban's contract, Alabama's opener, Auburn's challenge • The Birmingham News
Our weekly Birmingham News Sports Podcast, Edition 3 is now available to listen and download. This week, Birmingham News sports reporters Ray Melick and Jon Solomon discuss the new Nick Saban and Gene Chizik contracts, what Alabama's win over Virginia Tech means, and whether Auburn's performance on offense is for real.

• ESPNU SEC Weekly • SEC Sports
Week 3 Preview of ESPNU SEC Weekly Show on Thursday at 4:30 pm ET. 

• Cross Country Notebook - Week 1 • SEC Sports
2009 Cross Country Weekly Notebook (week ending 9/6) - Team Notes 

• Fearless Forecasters: College edition • Dothan Eagle
Up this week: Auburn, Alabama, Troy, Ohio State and LSU

• Making Special Teams Special Again • 'BamaMag
After a solid 34-24 victory over No. 7 Virginia Tech on Saturday, Alabama has climbed one spot closer among the ranks of college football's elite. Former Tide kicker, Jamie Christensen, provides analysis. 

• FIU Coach Comments On Alabama Game • 'BamaMag
Mario Cristobal talks about Golden Panthers going to Tuscaloosa

• Matchup: FIU at Alabama • BamaOnLine
Although both Alabama and Florida International have improved sine their last meeting in 2006, the Crimson Tide is still a big favorite to win Saturday.

• Tide continues to go national with recruiting • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
When Alabama landed Rivals100 member Alfy Hill Wednesday, it continued a trend for the Crimson Tide program under Nick Saban in leaving their comfort zone to pluck top talent from various parts of the country. ... 

• BOL Picks: Week 2 • BamaOnLine
In addition to FIU-Alabama, UCLA-Tennessee, South Carolina-Georgia and USC-Ohio State highlight this week's slate of picks

• Alabama Football: Thursday Notebook • RollTide.com
Alabama's weekly football notebook heading into Saturday's home opener with Florida Intermatonal.

• Young Talent Leads No. 4 Men's Golf into New Season • RollTide.com
The preseason No. 4-ranked Crimson Tide opens the fall season at the Carpet Capital Collegiate in Rocky Face, Ga., Sept. 11-13. Unfortunately, the event coincides with the Walker Cup which means UA...

• Crimson Tide Players on NFL Rosters • RollTide.com
The National Football League opens its 2009 season this weekend and the Alabama football program will be represented throughout the league with former players and coaches dotting league rosters.

• Volleyball Heads West for Hornet Invitational • RollTide.com
The volleyball team (2-5) heads to the Golden State today to take part in the Hornet Invitational Sept. 11-12 in Sacramento, Calif., where it will take on Fresno State (5-1), San Francisco (2-5) an... 

• Recruiting Cam on TSE: Alfy Hill • Tuscaloosa News
Alfy Hill commits to the Tide. Listen to Hill and his coach after making his announcement. More in our Recruiting Cam at http://tidesportsextra.com.

• Cecil Hurt: No smack talk from Tide camp • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
If you went to the University of Alabama player interview sessions in search of a single defamatory comment about FIU, you were in the wrong place.

• 5 Things you need to know about FIU • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Need to get up to speed on the upcoming Crimson Tide opponent? Do some homework and study this week's 5 Things.

• Gentry Estes: View from the other side: Florida International • The Press Register
Alabama's next opponent went 5-7 last year, won only one game the year before that and was rated by Athlon this preseason to be the 112nd best team out of 120 this season in Division I-A.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama DL Brandon Deaderick determined to use 'second chance' after shooting • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- At first, Brandon Deaderick thought it was a joke.

• Gentry Estes: Thursday briefing: Nick Saban on his new deal, 'I have to be here to earn it' • The Press Register
About that new contract (and raise), Alabama coach Nick Saban really doesn't want to talk about it. ... He's not fond of everyone knowing his salary. He's really not fond of it being compared it to other coaches.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama freshmen could see time against FIU • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- We're in a new age of college football, where the passion of recruiting sometimes equals that of the actual games and many prospects will never again become as popular as the day they first committed.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Deaderick rebounds from shooting, then faces another ordeal • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Pain. Agony. Disbelief. Determination. Inspiration. Celebration. Agony. Pain. 

• Gentry Estes: Terry Grant a 'coach's dream,' says Nick Saban • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama coach Nick Saban said junior Terry Grant will be an option at tailback and wide receiver, where he moved in practice this week.

• Chris's Blog - Thursday Sept. 10, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
11:30 am CDT - Busy day underway...

• Alfy Hill Looks To Fulfill His Dreams with Alabama Commitment • Bleacher Report
Alfy Hill, a 6'4'' 250-pound defensive end from West Brunswick, NC decided when it came time to pick a school that he would only settle for a place that came closest to filling his dreams.

• The Harmon Forecast • CBS Sportsline
In its 53nd year, The Harmon Forecast predicts probable scores of college football games each week. 

• Hill chooses Tide and Saban's PC for September 9 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Arenas Was Key In First Meeting • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The human brain has the ability to allow bad memories to diminish over time. It also has the ability to call up in great detail those good things to be remembered. 

• McKnight likes four • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
River Ridge (La.) John Curtis athlete Jonathan McKnight currently has four favorites as his senior season gets underway. McKnight, 6-0, 175, 4.5, is the younger brother of USC running back Joseph McKnight. Come inside to find out all the latest news about Jonathan's recruitment. 

• Saturday shaping up as day that Richardson rolls • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Might want to keep an eye on crimson jersey No. 3 Saturday.

• Florida International Preview • Walls98 Bama Ball
OK, week 2. The butterflies are gone, the anticipation has subsided a bit. Thankfully, we can all concentrate on football from here on out as opposed to fishing and laptops. 

• Welcome Alfy! • Walls98 Bama Ball
I had the pleasure of attending the press conference of Alfy Hill yesterday in Shallote, NC. Arguabably, the top player in the state of North Carolina, Hill wasted little time informing the crowd that he would be a member of the 2010 Crimson Tide. With the commitment of the 4-star, Rivals 100 linebacker, the Tide may have finally gotten the Jack Linebacker we have long been searching for.

• With Jones covered, McElroy turns to secondary receivers • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy made the Virginia Tech defense pay a price for its double coverage of Julio Jones last Saturday.

• Bama lands defensive standout • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama landed a big out-of-state commitment Wednesday morning from Alfy Hill, a Scout.com four-star defensive end from West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, N.C.

• Kyle Bunn is Tide’s new pitching coach • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | New University of Alabama baseball coach Mitch Gaspard said Wednesday morning that he had landed his “top priority” with the hiring of pitching coach Kyle Bunn, who had served in the same position for Clemson over the past two seasons.

• Tommy Deas: Why play big games early? • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama moved up exactly one spot in the AP Top 25 and one spot in the coaches’ poll after one week of play.

• Ray Melick: Nick Saban's new deal won't be his last • The Birmingham News
At some point, the dollar figures become meaningless, little more than numbers on a piece of paper. 

• New contract makes Saban 2nd highest paid • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - It will pay Nick Saban to stay through the life of his extended contract. It will pay him an additional $5 million.

• Pressure on new quarterbacks to produce • The Press Register
SEC teams won 11 of their 12 games last week, which can only mean that most of the conference's bevy of young quarterbacks got off to a good start.

• Trustees OK Saban's $42 million contract • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Nick Saban will make an average of $4.7 million annually should he stay at the University of Alabama through the life of the nine-deal contract approved Wednesday by the UA System Board of Trustees.

• Alabama football notes for Saturday's game against Florida International • The Press Register
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (0-0) at No. 4 ALABAMA (1-0) 6 p.m. Saturday (Pay-per-view) Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa -- LINE: Alabama by 33cm HALF

• Alabama's Terry Grant getting work at wide receiver • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban said junior Terry Grant will be an option at tailback and wide receiver, where he moved in practice this week.

• Brandon Deaderick's comeback from shooting inspires Alabama teammates • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - At first, Brandon Deaderick thought it was a joke.

• Inside the SEC: Flu doing what foes couldn't • The Press Register
Eleven of 12 opponents couldn't whip the SEC last weekend, but some programs in the conference are facing an even tougher foe this week ? the flu. 

• Mike Herndon's AP Ballot • The Press Register
Press-Register sports reporter Mike Herndon is one of 60 voters in The Associated Press college football poll. Each week, his ballot, along with his brief analysis, is published in SEC Extra:

• SEC Football by the Numbers • The Press Register
SEC team that did not force a turnover in the opening weekend of the season ? Georgia, which also was the only conference team to lose its opener.

• SEC Matchup: The league vs. BCS opponents • The Press Register
As part of its glowing 11-1 start to the season last weekend, the SEC went 3-1 in games against teams from other Bowl Championship Series conferences.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Thursday, September 10, 2009 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Dual roles for Grant 

• SEC offenses already have 'Wild' touch • The Huntsville Times
Whether you call it the Wild Rebel at Ole Miss or the Wild Stallion at Vanderbilt or just the more conventional Wildcat at Alabama and Auburn, it's the hip new scheme in college football. 

• Tough enough • The Huntsville Times
Crimson Tide's Deaderick realizes how lucky he is after being shot last week

•  SEC Extra: Matching up Alabama and Florida International • The Press Register
The game within the game: Alabama's defense struggled to defend spread-it-out offenses in the final two games of the 2008 season. The Crimson Tide now gets another crack at a wide-open offense against Florida International, which returns its senior quarterback and features speedy receiver T.Y. Hilton, who Saban said is "as good a player as anybody in the country." 

• Philip Shirley: FROM BEHIND ENEMY LINES: Predicting the Golden Panthers vs. The Tide • al.com
Here's my weekly analysis of how Bama and its opponent stack up on ten key measures. Last week my forecast was close, with a predicted score of 30-16 being in the ballpark.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Wildcat offense gives Tide more options, opponents more work • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It was hard to decide who was caught more off guard by Alabama's un­veiling of the wildcat offense on the first play of the Chick-fil-A Classic, the Virginia Tech de­fense or the Alabama defense that had spent much of August practicing against it.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Saban receives contract extension through 2017 season • Montgomery Advertiser
If Alabama coach Nick Saban sticks around for another nine years, it will be worth $5 million to him and, the Crimson Tide hopes, a few more champion­ships for the program.

• Tim Gayle: New Tide baseball coach hits a home run with hire • Montgomery Advertiser
New Alabama baseball coach Mitch Gaspard knew the first challenge facing him as the man in charge was finding a great assistant to be the Crimson Tide's pitching coach.

• New deal worth $42.35M to Tide’s Saban • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Final approval came Wednesday morning for employment …

• Alabama’s Deaderick says he is ‘blessed’ • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — At first, Brandon Deaderick thought someone was playing a …

• New Tide QB shows composure during opening win • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — He had played this game in his mind for three years, maybe longer. 

• Y'all Play Nice. SEC Week Two • College Football News
Every Thursday, CFN's Brian Harbach and Russ Mitchell break down the SEC games you need to watch, the SEC questions you want answered, and of course, the SEC Power Rankings. All things SEC from two different SEC writers with two different SEC points of view. One of 'em always right. Now y'all play nice.

• 2009 SEC Fearless Predictions - Week 2 • College Football News
Previews and Predictions for the Week 2 SEC Games

• Junior WR talks Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the state's top pass catchers in the 2011 class is Sammie Coates of Leroy. He has a long frame, quality speed and hands. In the past week, the 6-2, 170-pounder has received mail from Alabama, FSU, LSU, Southern Miss and UCLA.

• Visit to Alabama changed everything for Alfy Hill • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alfy Hill was about to commit to North Carolina. Then he took some advice and visited Alabama. The visit changed everything.

• Wednesday practice report • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Coming off the big win over Virginia Tech, there has been no sign of a hangover in this week's practices. In fact, Tide head coach Nick Saban says that the players have worked "really hard" this week. 

• Video: Alfy Hill's announcement • 'BamaMag
Alfy Hill, Scout.com four-star defensive end from West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, N.C., announced his college choice Wednesday morning. Watch as he announces for the Tide along with comments from his head coach. 

• Flu Keeps Tide’s Ingram From Practice • 'BamaMag
Deaderick also out because of death in family

• Photo Gallery: Alfy Hill commits to Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama landed a huge commitment on Wednesday as Rivals100 defensive end Alfy Hill pledged to the Tide over North Carolina.

• SEC Power Poll • BamaOnLine
Southeastern Conference teams posted a strong opening week, going 11-1 in non-conference play. As a result, there was little change to the league's pecking order.

• VIDEO: Saban's Wednesday news conference • BamaOnLine
Alabama head coach Nick Saban met with reporters following Wednesday's practice 

• JUCO All-American Harris talks Tide, favorites • Crimson Confidential
Mike Harris, the JUCO All-American cornerback out of El’ Camino Junior College in Torrance, Calif., has garnered quite a bit of attention from some major college programs as of late. 

• Week One: Defense • Bama Sports Report
If you just saw the final score of the Alabama vs. Virginia Tech game, you might think that the Tide defense struggled. After all, Virginia Tech scored 24 points, a total reached by only three teams in 2008.

• A Tuscaloosa Tribute: Why Alabama Home Games Are Like Nothing Else • Bleacher Report
From an outsider's perspective, Alabama's 2009 home opener against Florida International this Saturday is little more than a tune-up, a breather after a tough first game. 

• Alabama Football Gameday • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team opens the home portion of the 2009 season on Saturday, September 12, when the Crimson Tide welcomes the Florida International Panthers to Bryant-Denny Stadiu...

• 2009 Alabama Home Football Game Information • RollTide.com
Prior to attending a game in Tuscaloosa, make sure to check rolltide.com or uagameday.com for the most recent news on anything from traffic to pre-game activities. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Bama fans don't know Brian Selman's name ... and he likes it that way • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Perhaps lost in the afterglow of Alabama's 34-24 season-opening victory over seventh-ranked Virginia Tech was the performance of Brian Selman. 

• Washington Doesn’t Want Letdown • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Lorenzo Washington has his head on straight as Alabama prepares to play a team that most consider to be a big underdog. The senior defensive end has been a key player for Bama in the past three years and is one of the Crimson Tide leaders.

• For Tide's Arenas, it all began against FIU • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Three years ago, Javier Arenas had his breakout game against FIU. He's now the active NCAA leader in career punt returns (96), punt-return yards (1,274), and punt-return touchdowns (six).

•  FRIDAY FLASHBACK: Arenas Punt Returns Sparks Tide Past FIU • RollTide.com
Javier Arenas remembers his first collegiate touchdown just like it was yesterday.

• Men's Golf Leads Carpet Capital Collegiate after Round One • RollTide.com
The No. 4 University of Alabama men's golf team sits atop the leader board after round one at the Carpet Capital Collegiate, shooting a 289 (+1) on the Farm Golf Course Friday. 

• Traffic, parking rules change for 2009 game days • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Fans attending the University of Alabama football game today can expect a few changes to traffic and parking.

• Gentry Estes: Atlanta-area OT JaWuan James reportedly decommits from Alabama • The Press Register
Here's a little recruiting news on a pregame Friday ...

• James or not, Bama should finish strong at OT • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Back in July, a source in the state of Georgia warned TI that Suwanee-North Gwinnett star offensive tackle JuWuan James (6-6, 305) was strongly considering a switch from Alabama to Tennessee. That talk cooled down for a while. But it heated up again last week. And now it appears that James is opening up his recruitment. 

•  JaWuan James back on the market • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Scout.com has confirmed that JaWuan James, Scout.com four-star offensive tackle from Suwanee-North Gwinnett, Ga., is back on the recruiting market. 

• Sanders impressed with UA win • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The state of Mississippi has produced some of the nation's top wide receiver talent over the last several years and the latest elite playmaker to emerge is Vincent Sanders. Find out what the four-star playmaker thought of the Crimson Tide's win over Virginia Tech...

• Will's Blog -- Florence, Landrum two names to mark down • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
In his blog today, Matthews discusses two special prospects from the 2011 class.

• Tide, Ducks on equal footing in battle for Allen • Crimson Confidential
Crimson Confidential's Justin Hopkins was able to talk with one of the most sought-after prospects remaining on Alabama’s board, Keenan Allen. 

• Bud Cauley to Begin Walker Cup Play Saturday Morning • RollTide.com
University of Alabama sophomore golfer Bud Cauley begins play in the 2009 Walker Cup on Saturday morning in foursomes matches at the Merion Golf Club just outside of Philadelphia, Pa.

• Men's Tennis Opens Fall Season with Alumni Scrimmage • RollTide.com
The men's tennis team welcomes 18 alumni from across the country to Tuscaloosa this weekend for its biennial alumni match Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11:00 a.m. (CST) at the University of Alabama Tennis ... 

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Cody Cam: Virginia Tech Cody Cam: Virginia Tech
The TideSportsExtra camera kept its lens on Terrence Cody throughout the opener against Virginia Tech. Watch what other cameras do not focus on.

• Recruiting Cam • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Hueytown QB Jameis Winston Hueytown QB Jameis Winston
Hueytown sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston is up-and-coming in the ranks. We were able to catch up on some of his action.

• TideSportsExtra Museum • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
January 2007: Nick Saban arrives in Tuscaloosa as UA coach January 2007: Nick Saban arrives in Tuscaloosa as UA coach
It was a time to remember for Alabama Crimson Tide fans. Take a journey back to Nick Saban's arrival in Tuscaloosa as head coach of UA football.

• Jon Solomon: Week 2 college football picks • The Birmingham News
Let's hear your picks, too. (And by picks, I don't mean picking a fight with an Alabama or Auburn fan that adds nothing to the conversation.) Reminder: Join me at Solomon's Wisdom before, during and after Saturday's Auburn-Mississippi State game for live analysis. And chat with me each Wednesday at 2 p.m. about national college football.

• Dennis Pillion: The Nick Saban Show, Sept. 10, 2009 • al.com
Alabama head coach Nick Saban joins host Tom Roberts and special media guest Phil Savage, as they talk about last week's 34-24 win over Virginia Tech and Saturday's matchup against Florida International.

• Chris Pow: Download the al.com Alabama-Florida International Gameday Fact Sheet • al.com
Download and print out your copy of the al.com Alabama-Florida International Gameday Fact Sheet for rosters, starter grids, stats, injury information and more.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Arenas vs. FIU's Hilton: big matchup in a not-so-big game • The Birmingham News
The key matchup in Saturday's Alabama-Florida International game will be FIU wide receiver T.Y. Hilton vs. Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas. 

• Alabama Fans Should Not Expect A Blowout Against FIU Saturday • Bleacher Report
When college football fans think of Florida International the only thing that usually comes to mind is that ugly incident that took place against the Miami Hurricanes several years ago.

• Alabama junior is living a dream • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU and others have offered this 2011 honor student…

• Scout’s Take: Alfy Hill • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
South Recruiting Analyst Chad Simmons breaks down the new Crimson Tide commit here…

• Weekend Forecast: Two marquee matchups highlight second week • USAToday
Pretty quiet opening weekend. Heisman Trophy winner gets knocked out as No. 3 team in the country loses. Oregon player punches Boise State player after big loss on national television and is suspended for the rest of the season. And Miami and Florida State stage another classic in their rivalry. Those were just three of the notable moments.

• Tide loses commitment • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It hasn't happened much in the career of Tide coach Nick Saban, but late this week, one of Alabama's four-star verbal pledges decommitted from Alabama. 

• BOLevision: September 11 • BamaOnLine
Several news items of interest came to the forefront this week, including Nick Saban's contract extension.

• Niblett: Humphrey "probably best route-runner ever coached" • Crimson Confidential
Son of former Alabama standout Bobby Humphrey, Maudrecus Humphrey has been electrifying football audiences throughout the state recently.

• Tide Commits in Action Tonight - Part Two • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Will Matthews continues to look at the remaining in-state prospects and their season efforts to date. Not only does Will break down their previous game efforts for CC subscribers, but he previews tonight's games as well. 

• Tide Commits in Action Tonight - Part One • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Senior Recruiting Analyst Will Matthews brings to you updates on each Alabama commitment for 2010 that currently plays...

• Video: Stinnett-Hawes Weekly Bama Breakdown • Crimson Confidential
Crimson Confidential's Erik Stinnett and NBC 13's Don Hawes look back at Alabama's 34-24 win over Virginia Tech last...

• Patrick's Platinum Plays • Walls98 Bama Ball
I went 2-1 last weekend, but just started this blog this week so I did not get a chance to post my picks from last week. If you don't believe me, I don't care.

• Bama in the NFL - Week 1 stats:
See how former players performed.

• Hilton brings ‘dynamics’ to Bryant-Denny • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Surely, Mario Cristobal took it as nothing more than youthful bravado.

• With Jones covered, McElroy turns to other targets • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy made the Virginia Tech defense pay a price for its double coverage of Julio Jones last Saturday.

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

• CECIL HURT SHOW PART 2: Sept. 11, FIU match-up • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Cecil and Rachel discuss the Crimson Tide's first home opponent of the 2009 campaign. And nobody is saying the word underdog.

• Chase Goodbread: ChalkTalk: Florida International • 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. 

• Andrew Bone: VIDEO: Sept. 10 Recruiting Report • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Andrew and Chris discuss big performances from Bama commits, some key signings, and preview other big names in the recruiting landscape. 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Nick Saban's job more likely now to become his home • The Birmingham News
Where else would he go?

• Tide's Arenas vs. FIU's Hilton: big matchup in a not-so-big game • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - On signing day in 2008, T.Y. Hilton boldly promised he would score a touchdown the first time he would touch the ball in a college football game. Seven months later, he kept his word.

• Alabama Football Notebook: Mark Ingram returns to practice • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama tailback Mark Ingram returned to practice Thursday after a two-day absence, but backup middle linebacker Chris Jordan was out sick, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said on his weekly radio show.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Friday, September 11, 2009 

• FIU finds progress in 2008's five wins • The Huntsville Times
Just 18 seconds away - that's how close Florida International came to qualifying for a bowl game last year.

• Ingram returns • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama tailback Mark Ingram returned to practice Thursday after a two-day absence, but backup middle linebacker Chris Jordan was out sick, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said on his weekly radio show. 

• Gentry Estes: Flu watch: UA tailback Mark Ingram returns, Chris Jordan out sick • The Press Register
Tailback Mark Ingram returned to practice today after a two-day absence, but backup middle linebacker Chris Jordan was out sick. 

• Dr. Crimson: Some Thoughts Prior to Game 2 • al.com
Like most Bama fans, I viewed the game last Saturday as another step in the right direction. I really enjoy going over to the dome and we had a great time. However, we still have some work to do.......

• Terry Pellman: Florida International: An Ideal Opponent for Week Two • al.com
I'm like you. 

• SEC Football Stats • SEC Sports
SEC Football Stats

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Cristobal makes strides at FIU • Montgomery Advertiser
The mess Mario Cristobal inherited on Dec. 19, 2006 wasn't an inviting opportunity for any young coach. 

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: New Florida International coach has seen Crimson Tide before • Montgomery Advertiser
Saturday's game will be the first as a head coach for FIU's Mario Cristobal against Alabama, but it won't be the first time he has seen the Crimson Tide. 

• Big game for AU; Tide should roll • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Auburn opens Southeastern Conference play Saturday, and it’s a big one for … 

• Bama paying attention to Hilton • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — At 5-foot-9, T.Y. Hilton is quick, compact and …

• Wildcat offense here to stay for Alabama • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Nick Saban let us deep inside the huddle when he revealed his name for Alabama’s Wildcat offensive formation, revealed about 10 times in the season-opening victory over Virginia Tech.

• Tony Barnhart: Bulldogs will win because they HAVE to • AJC
The first week of the season always has a bunch of easy picks and honesty compels your Fearless Friday Forecaster to admit that none of the tough picks went his way:

• Alabama-Virginia Tech Showed Tide Ready to Roll • Bleacher Report
Well, the college football season is finally upon us, and we had an excellent week one. Many surprising games, but the one that had to be considered the biggest surprise was the Alabama-Virginia Tech game, which was held in Atlanta, GA.

• Inside the 5: Alabama vs. Florida International • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
After an impressive season-opening win against Virginia Tech in Atlanta, No. 4 Alabama is set to play under the lights inside Bryant-Denny. This week's matchup against Florida International will get underway at 6 p.m. On paper, the Panthers appear to be outmanned and outmatched, but don't tell that to Tide coach Nick Saban, who loathes any talk of a potential letdown. With kickoff closing in, let's take a look at five storylines that will play a role in the outcome. 

• Scout.com SEC Pubs' Predictions: Week 2 • 'BamaMag
The Scout.com SEC publishers/writers make their picks in the second week of the college football season. Featuring the top SEC performers from Week 1, and see how the publishers fared with their predictions in the first week of action. 

• The Weekly Spread ‘Em • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
These lines are easier than a room full of Mormon swingers 

• 2011 QB hearing from UA • BamaOnLine
Elite 2011 prospects are cropping up across the state and one emerging star is Escambia County quarterback Rico Stallworth, a dual-threat signal caller who is looking to carry over his stunning success as a sophomore into his junior season... 

• Video: Stinnett-Hawes Weekly Bama Breakdown • Crimson Confidential
Crimson Confidential's Erik Stinnett and NBC 13's Don Hawes look back at Alabama's 34-24 win over Virginia Tech last Saturday and look ahead to the Tide's home-opener with Florida International tomorrow.

• Could son of legendary Bama RB jump into Bama recruiting picture tonight? • Crimson Confidential
Maybe instead of a night-before-the-game movie, Alabama coaches will be watching ESPNU tonight. 

• Bama commit Foster off to impressive start (video included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It’s getting tough to tell what’s more imposing - Cade Foster the kicker, or Cade Foster the...

• State of Alabama littered with defenders • Crimson Confidential
While the state of Alabama boasts a few nationally regarded skill players in the Class of 2010, such...

• Areas of Improvement: Week One • Bama Sports Report
After taking a look at the offense and defense for the week, it’s now time to take a look at what Bama needs to improve on the most from week one to week two. You have probably noticed that I didn’t do a special teams breakdown, but I feel pretty certain that will be covered 

• Football:
Alabama 40, Florida International 14

• SEC Scores:
Florida 56, Troy 6

• Women's Volleyball:
San Francisco 3, Alabama 2

• Alabama Football Gameday • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team opens the home portion of the 2009 season on Saturday, September 12, when the Crimson Tide welcomes the Florida International Panthers to Bryant-Denny Stadiu...

• Volleyball Drops Another Five Setter at Hornet Invitational • RollTide.com
The volleyball team lost its second 3-2 decision in as many matches Saturday when it took on San Francisco at the Hornet Invitational. With the loss, the Crimson Tide drops to 2-7 on the season, wh...

• Soccer Set to Host C-USA Power Memphis Sunday • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team (2-2) will conclude its long week of training with one match this weekend. The Crimson Tide will host the Memphis Tigers (3-2) on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Alabama S... 

• Women's Volleyball:
Friday Night: Fresno State 3, Alabama 2

• Volleyball Falls in 3-2 Heartbreaker to Fresno State • RollTide.com
The volleyball team's comeback fell just short as the Crimson Tide suffered a 3-2 loss (25-16, 28-26, 16-25, 20-25, 16-14) to Fresno State Friday in match one of the Hornet Invitational at Colberg ... 

• Women's Tennis Wins Four on Day One of SEC Coaches Classic • RollTide.com
The women's tennis team completed day one of the Fall SEC Coaches Classic picking up four wins along the way. The tournament, which is being held at Vanderbilt University, continues tomorrow and fi... 

• Making an immediate impact • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Wait until they’re gone.

• Staff Picks: Alabama vs. FIU • Tuscaloosa News
Here are the staff picks for today's opening game match-up against FIU 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 Florida International University.

• CHALK TALK: FIU • Tuscaloosa News
Welcome to ChalkTalk, a weekly installment on Good Tidings designed to make sure you know everything to watch for on Alabama football Saturdays. 

• Eighteen alumni to return for biennial event • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama men’s tennis team welcomes 18 alumni from across the country to Tuscaloosa for its biennial alumni match today at 11 a.m. at the University of Alabama Tennis Stadium.

• All Saban's asking for is a little respect for unheralded FIU • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - A no-name team from a no-fame league comes to Bryant-Denny Stadium tonight. Alabama fans might expect their fourth-ranked team to start scoring during the national anthem.

• Sports sound off • The Press Register
Saturday, September 12, 2009 

• Paul Gattis: Auburn should smash MSU - Page 2 • The Huntsville Times
Time and TV: Today at 6 p.m. on PPV 

• Frosh may see field in tune-up • The Huntsville Times
Favored by 33, No. 4 Tide aiming to avoid letdown 

• Don Kausler Jr.: All Saban's asking for is a little respect for FIU • The Birmingham News
All week, Alabama coach Nick Saban has sung the same song -- R-E-S-P-E-C-T -- as he has talked about tonight's opponent. You'd think the Crimson Tide has been getting ready to play Florida instead of Florida State. 

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

• Gentry Estes: Bama focusing on correcting mistakes • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA -- For all the rhetoric about the improved Sun Belt Conference program headed to town, even Alabama coach Nick Saban concedes that tonight's home opener will be more about his team. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Plane problem delays FIU's arrival by five hours • The Birmingham News
The Florida International football team that takes on fourth-ranked Alabama will bring a wide-open aerial attack to Bryant-Stadium on Saturday night. But the Golden Panthers had some aerial problems today. 

• Chase Robertson: Recruiting: Alfy Hill potentially best of 2010 class • al.com
2010 will be a banner year for defensive end prospects. Just how good? Here's an idea. Today Alabama landed four star prospect Alfy Hill from Shallote, NC. He's the 10th ranked defensive end by Rivals and 6th on ESPN's 150 list. Recruiting experts would say these rankings would insinuate Hill's a good prospect but possibly not upper tier material. Here's the catch. He's ranked the 77th overall prospect on Rivals and the 51st on ESPN's 150 list. This shows two things. One, Hill's potential is held in high regard and two, how deep this class is at defensive end. 

• Coming off big opening win, Alabama guards against letdown • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama's football players learned a valuable lesson in 2007 when they overlooked a Louisiana-Monroe team, then stumbled around and lost 21-14.

• FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL at ALABAMA • Montgomery Advertiser
When: 6 p.m. today

• The Huddle: Alabama Edition • Dothan Eagle
Alabama writer Ken Rogers and Sports editor Jon Johnson recap last week's game against Virginia Tech and preview the Alabama-Florida International matchup.

• N. Gwinnett’s James backs off Alabama commitment • AJC
I’m here at Dacula’s Barron Stadium watching the Grayson Rams put a bow around their good night’s work. It’s 37-0 Rams late in the fourth quarter and they haven’t had their starters in since midway through the third.

• Where Will Tide Show Improvement? • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
One of the accepted truisms is that a football team makes its greatest progress between the first and second games of the season. Sometimes it isn’t obvious because the second game is played against a much tougher opponent. Sometimes it just doesn’t happen. 

• Dickson receives written offer from Bama; James decommits • Crimson Confidential
Friday brought both good news and not-so-good news to the Alabama front.

• Bama in the NFL - Week 1 stats:
See how former players performed.

• Bud Cauley Helps United States Capture Walker Cup • RollTide.com
University of Alabama golfer Bud Cauley and veteran Walker Cup participant Rickie Fowler combined for their second foursomes win Sunday morning at Merion Golf Club just outside of Philadelphia.

• Sunday Rewind: A look back at Alabama's win over FIU • RollTide.com
Here is a look back at Alabama's win over Florida International last night in Tuscaloosa.

• Alexa Guarachi Wins Singles Draw at SEC Coaches Classic • RollTide.com
On the final day of play at the Fall SEC Coaches Classic, freshman Alexa Guarachi defeated sophomore Jackie Wu of Vanderbilt 6-3, 6-3 to win the No. 2 draw singles finals.

• Men's Golf Sixth at Carpet Capital Collegiate • RollTide.com
The No. 4 University of Alabama men's golf team shot 4-over-par 292 in the final round of the Carpet Capital Collegiate and finished tied for sixth at 875 (+11) on the Farm Golf Course in the Crims... 

• College Football's 11 Best 11s: A House Divided Cannot Stand • Bleacher Report
"A House Divided Cannot Stand," shouted Abraham Lincoln. We know the old saying popularized in the 19th century.

• Tide Defense Has Been Dominating • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
One of the things Nick Saban has said since becoming head coach of Alabama is that he wants the Crimson Tide to be the type of dominating football team that opponents don’t look forward to playing against. Everything about Bama’s first two wins hasn’t been good, but the Tide has been dominating. 

•  McElroy Abandons Quarterback Runs • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Crimson Tide senior well known to next opposing coach

• 2011 Elite RB Names Two Leaders • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
GAVSV.com Talks With Devin Bowman

• Next Up: North Texas suffers double-OT heartbreak • Crimson Confidential
DENTON, Texas -- Theo Scott and Taylor Price hooked up for a 15-yard touchdown and the ensuing 2-point conversion pass as Ohio rallied for a 31-30 double-overtime victory over North Texas on Saturday.

• Will's Blog: Iron Bowl '09 shaping up to include title ramifications • Crimson Confidential
Fast forward 12 hours from the football game between FIU and Alabama, and you have a much more interesting picture open up. 

• Women's Soccer:
Memphis 2, Alabama 1

• Late Goals Lifts Memphis over Alabama 2-1 • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama soccer team played the reigning Conference USA champions tough for 85 minutes but gave up a late goal to fall to Memphis 2-1 Sunday afternoon at the Alabama Soccer Stadium. After the day the Crimson Tide moves to 2-3 on the season while the Tigers improve to 4-2.

• Bud Cauley and Rickie Fowler Continue Winning Ways at Walker Cup • RollTide.com
University of Alabama golfer Bud Cauley and veteran Walker Cup participant Rickie Fowler combined for their second foursomes win Sunday morning at Merion Golf Club just outside of Philadelphia. 

• 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... 

• Jon Solomon: College Football Sunday Rewind • The Birmingham News
Solomon's Wisdom Top 10
This poll is based soley on performance this season and does not reflect the overall quality of a team. My ranking system strongly emphasizes what you do on the field. The better the opponent a team beats, the higher you'll be ranked. Head to head is strongly considered. My poll will look odd for a while. The poll will balance itself out as the year progresses.

• Don Kausler Jr.: No official word yet today on extent of injuries to Tide's Square, others • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Damion Square's first college football game might be the last of his redshirt freshman season. 

• Gentry Estes: Tracking the participation chart: Five more Tide freshmen step onto the field • The Press Register
Saturday night's victory wasn't the type of start-to-finish blowout that would prompt a lot of playing time for the reserves on Alabama's team, but coaches did try to make the most of it by game's end.

• Gentry Estes: Is Alabama still committed to running the 'wildcat'? • The Press Register
Alabama rushed for 275 yards in last night's victory over Florida International.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide remains No. 4 in AP poll; Ole Miss tied for No. 5 • The Birmingham News
Alabama (2-0) remains ranked No. 4 as the top four spots are unchanged in this week's Associated Press college football poll. 

• Gentry Estes: Sunday Morning QB: Alabama 40, Florida International 14 • The Press Register
Game two is in the books, and though it's probably too early to find themes for an entire season, there were remarkable similarities in Alabama's victory over Florida International and its opening win over Virginia Tech.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Postgame videos of Alabama players talking about victory over FIU • The Press Register
Here's junior quarterback Greg McElroy talking about the Tide's slow start and the big game by backup wide receiver Mike McCoy, who had five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half. McElroy completed 18-of-24 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown and at one point set a school record by completing 14 consecutive passes:

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's next foe will be coming off heartbreaking loss, and it lost its QB, too • The Birmingham News
Alabama's next opponent will be trying to shake off a bitter double-overtime loss when it visits Bryant-Denny Stadium for an 11:20 a.m. game Saturday. 

• Damon Young: These Games Are Almost A No Win Situation • al.com
To some it may have been surprising to see Alabama only leading FIU 20-14 at halftime. Not so much to me. I've seen this song and dance before.

• Eric Couch: Reflecting on the FIU win. • al.com
Alabama came from behind in the second straight game to win over Florida International. Four rushing touch downs proved to be the difference; two from true freshman Trent Richardson with his 118 yards on 15 carries. Richardson led all Alabama rushers and Mike McCoy led the receivers with 100 yards on 5 catches a career high also. 

• Alabama Defeats Florida International 40-14: Depth Finally Turns The Tide • Bleacher Report
With a little over three minutes left in the third quarter the Florida International Golden Panthers finally had to accept reality. They had put up one hell of a fight but Alabama was just too much to handle and they were forced to succumb to their fate.

• Instant Analysis: Alabama vs. Florida International • Bleacher Report
The No. 4 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide knocked off the Golden Panthers of FIU at a jam-packed Bryant-Denny Stadium by a score of 40-14. And while FIU held the lead briefly in the first half, the outcome was never really going to be anything other an Alabama victory. Let's take a look inside the numbers.

• More FIU photos • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are more scenes from the Tide's win over Florida International. 

• Video: Saban discusses Bama-FIU • Crimson Confidential
Alabama head coach Nick Saban hits a variety of topics in discussing the Tide's 40-14 win over Florida International Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium. 

• What we learned in the SEC: Week 2  • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Auburn made a little history. Tennessee came crashing back down to reality and Georgia lived to see another day Saturday. 

• Alabama defeats Florida International 40-14 • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA- The No. 4 Alabama football team gained more than 500 yards of total offense on its way to defeating Florida International 40-14 in front of a sellout crowd in the home-opener 

• Others step up to carry load for Tide • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | No Julio Jones after the first series. No Roy Upchurch, either. For one night, at least, it was no problem.

• Kicking game suffers another breakdown • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Whatever emphasis the University of Alabama’s coaching staff placed on kickoff coverage last week, it didn’t appear to be enough on Saturday night.

• Dareus’ sack sparks Tide defense • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Marcell Dareus had seen enough.

• Panthers’ McCall takes a pounding • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Florida International quarterback Paul McCall did everything he could to frustrate the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, but the grass stains on his uniform revealed what kind of punishment the senior endured Saturday night.

• Arenas’ punt return magic lifts Tide • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Highlight, mind-bending punt returns are nothing new for Alabama return specialist Javier Arenas. It’s gotten to the point where if the 5-foot-9, 198-pounder doesn’t threaten to take one back for a touchdown at least once a game, Alabama fans ask, “What’s wrong with Javy?”

• Freshman comes up big with 118-yard effort • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Nick Saban said Thursday night that he wanted to see more of Trent Richardson.

• McElroy stays in control for UA • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | No Julio Jones? 

• TideSports Photos • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama vs. FIU

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Fan Cam: Bama vs. FIU

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/12 - Saban post-game 

• Cecil Hurt: It wasn’t ‘pretty’ • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
There is no pretty way to beat someone up. That’s what the Alabama football team ultimately did to Florida International on Saturday night. Instead, it was all about mashing and mauling.

• Rachel Baribeau: Bama vs. FIU post-game player bites • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Rachel Baribeau speaks with players after their 40-14 victory over Florida International.

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Alabama Breakdown Alabama Breakdown
Former Tide quarterback Steadman Shealy joined us in the studio for our first segment of Alabama breakdown. 

• TideSportsExtra Features • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
TSE QUIZ: Test your Tide quarterback knowledge TSE QUIZ: Test your Tide quarterback knowledge
Think you know your stuff when it comes to Crimson Tide signal callers? Let's see it.

• Ray Melick: For Alabama, no reason to brag, no cause to worry • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- The best news was that there was no news. 

• GRADING THE TIDE • The Birmingham News
Alabama gained 516 yards and was equally effective on the ground (275 yards) and in the air (241), but it took a long time for it to deliver a knockout punch. The Tide held FIU to 1 yard net rushing on 26 attempts but yielded 213 yards passing, including some long gains. It shut FIU out for the final 39 minutes.

• After a 41-minute battle, Tide pulls away • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Don't take FIU lightly. Don't take FIU lightly. Don't take FIU lightly.

• Something old, something new, something good for Crimson Tide • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - With two top offensive weapons down and FIU bidding for an upset, Alabama resorted to an old wives' tale. 

• Sound Off • The Birmingham News
Sunday, September 13, 2009

• Trent Richardson rises for Tide • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - If you're Nick Saban these days, what can you do when one five-star offensive weapon is injured? 

• Crimson Tide's defensive front turning up heat • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Entering the season, one of the most pressing needs for Alabama was to find a consistent pass rusher. Two games into the season, the Crimson Tide has unleashed more than one.

• Gentry Estes' Bama Beat • The Press Register
-- OFFENSE: Alabama got answers when needed, as quarterback Greg McElroy and receiver Mike McCoy became the saving grace early as Alabama was forced to operate without star receiver Julio Jones.

• Injury sends Alabama receiving star Julio Jones to sidelines • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Like everyone else, Alabama tailback Mark Ingram isn't accustomed to seeing his friend Julio Jones on the sideline hurt.

• Specialists come up big • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Apparently, only physically impressive-looking athletes earn scholarship offers from Alabama these days. That even holds true for kickers.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Sunday, September 13, 2009

• FRESHMAN HELPS TIDE RUNAWAY FROM FIU • The Huntsville Times
Richardson's 2 TDs and 118 yards gives Bama room to coast 

•  Don Kausler Jr.: FIU coach, players say Tide's depth made the difference • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - A tight deadline kept us from giving the FIU Golden Panthers their due following Alabama's 40-14 victory Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Alabama 40, FIU 14: Grading the Tide • The Birmingham News
Readers of The Birmingham News might be scratching their heads this morning, trying to figure out how I gave Alabama an overall grade of D after giving the Crimson Tide three B's and a C. 

• Randy Kennedy: Alabama Recruiting Corner: Specialists come up big • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- Apparently, only physically impressive-looking athletes earn scholarship offers from Alabama these days. That even holds true for kickers.

• Dr. Crimson: Game 2 - My Version of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly • al.com
Let's start w/ the positives.........

• Jess Nicholas: FIU wrap-up: Alabama doesn’t seem to like small-school ball • TideFans.com
The argument for scheduling cupcakes like Florida International is that it gives teams like Alabama a break from the typically rigorous regular-season schedules such as the ones cooked up by the SEC.

• Bama Takes Down FIU • SEC Sports
McElroy, Richardson Combine to Carry Bama by Florida International.

• Brad Zimanek: McElroy opens eyes as Tide's QB • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Heading into the season, the South eastern Conference was awash in quarterback question marks.

• Photos: • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama plays Florida International

• Crimson Tide able to wear down Florida International • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- What a letdown.

• ALABAMA REPORT CARD • Montgomery Advertiser
RUSHING OFFENSE A-

• INSIDE LOOK AT THE CRIMSON TIDE • Montgomery Advertiser
THUMBS UP

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Receiver Jones' injury possibly not serious • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- One knee may be OK, while the other might require surgery.

• Richardson, Tide roll past tired FIU • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Backslaps and helmet pats filled the final few minutes of …

• Alabama gets rolling in blowout over FIU • College Football News
2009 Alabama Crimson Tide ... Head Coach: Nick Saban

• Post-game video interviews • WVUA-TV
Nick Saban
Watch post-game interviews with Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Terrence Cody, Lorenzo Washington, Mike Johnson and Colin Peek at WVUA.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Post-game video interviews • WVUA-TV
Greg McElroy
Watch post-game interviews with Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Terrence Cody, Lorenzo Washington, Mike Johnson and Colin Peek at WVUA.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Post-game video interviews • WVUA-TV
Mark Ingram
Watch post-game interviews with Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Terrence Cody, Lorenzo Washington, Mike Johnson and Colin Peek at WVUA.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Post-game video interviews • WVUA-TV
Terrence Cody
Watch post-game interviews with Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Terrence Cody, Lorenzo Washington, Mike Johnson and Colin Peek at WVUA.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Post-game video interviews • WVUA-TV
Lorenzo Washington
Watch post-game interviews with Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Terrence Cody, Lorenzo Washington, Mike Johnson and Colin Peek at WVUA.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Post-game video interviews • WVUA-TV
Mike Johnson
Watch post-game interviews with Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Terrence Cody, Lorenzo Washington, Mike Johnson and Colin Peek at WVUA.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Post-game video interviews • WVUA-TV
Colin Peek
Watch post-game interviews with Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Terrence Cody, Lorenzo Washington, Mike Johnson and Colin Peek at WVUA.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• FIU photos • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are scenes from the Tide's win over Florida International.

• McCoy was ready when called on • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
There were several themes in the post-game interviews with Alabama players after Saturday's 40-14 win over Florida International, but everyone seemed to be happy for senior wide receiver Mike McCoy.

• Tide beats FIU 40-14 with big second half • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alabama came out strong offensively, scoring on its first four possessions of the game. Unfortunately, the Tide did everything it could to keep Florida International in the game in the first half. 

• Florida Gators And the Seven Dwarfs: Who's Capable Of Beating the Gators • Bleacher Report
That the Southeastern Conference ranks ahead of other conferences around the country in football isn't in question. From top to bottom no other conference can compare with the overall talent and coaching.

• Notes From Tide Win Over FIU • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Junior quarterback Greg McElroy set a new Alabama school record for consecutive completions against FIU by completing 14 straight passes. That bettrered the old mark of 12 held by John Parker Wilson, who completed 12 consecutive passes over a two-game span in 2008 (at Tennessee and vs. Arkansas State), and Andrew Zow, who completed 12 straight vs. Mississippi on Oct. 14, 2000. 

• SABAN: Jones Has Bruised Knee • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban discusses injuries, FIU game.

• Seniors Step Up For 2-0 Alabama • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Mike McCoy is big surprise as Tide receiving star

• Bama Survives Second Game Blahs • 'BamaMag
Richardson scores two touchdowns in Tide victory

• PHOTO GALLERY: Tide rolls over the Panthers • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide used a strong second half performance to pull away from the FIU Panthers Saturday in route to a 40-14 win.

• Afterthoughts: FIU • BamaOnLine
In some ways, Alabama's performance against FIU closely resembled the one it put forth a week ago.

• Tide steps up to down FIU, 40-14 • BamaOnLine
Mike McCoy and Trent Richardson both stepped up when their numbers were called, and Greg McElroy had a record performance to help lead the Crimson Tide 

• Instant Analysis: FIU • BamaOnLine
Thanks to a 20-0 run in the second half, UA pulled away from FIU Saturday night for a 40-14 win.

• VIDEO: McElroy talks following Tide win • BamaOnLine
VIDEO: McElroy talks following Tide win

• VIDEO: Saban's post-game news conference • BamaOnLine
VIDEO: Saban's post-game news conference

• Notebook: Jones, Upchurch, Square sustain injuries • BamaOnLine
TUSCALOOSA _ After playing through numerous injuries last year, University of Alabama sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones sustained a bruised knee early on during the 40-14 victory over Florida International on Saturday night and did not return.

• Bama-FIU Quotebag: Johnson talks about offense without regular stars • Crimson Confidential
Roy Upchurch went down early with a sprained ankle. Mark Ingram was coming back from a bout with the flu. Julio Jones

• Bama-FIU Chalk Talk: Breaking down Tide's kick coverage woes • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One definitive problem that's reared its ugly head in Alabama's first two games that must be addressed is the kick coverage. 

• Bama-FIU by the Numbers: Jones not accustomed to 9-yard outings • Crimson Confidential
Nine. Not a big number. Especially when you find out that's how many receiving yards...

• Freshman Richardson impresses in home debut • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Everyone knew freshman running back Trent Richardson was going to be the real deal. Everyone also knew...

• Bama-FIU Notebook: McCoy shows out in Julio's absence • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Well, No. 4 Alabama probably didn’t expect to surrender 14 points to Florida International in the first half....

• Erik Stinnett: FAST FINISHERS: Bama continues to forge ‘finisher’ identity with 40-14 rout of FIU • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Maybe this is finally the team. Nick Saban’s always wanted a strong finisher. His first two teams...

• Areas of Improvement: Grading Week One • Bama Sports Report
On Friday I posted a list of five things that Bama needed to improve on from week one. Now that game two is in the books, I’ll take a look at how Bama did at improving those things.

• Recruiting Notes • Walls98 Bama Ball
- We are looking much, much better for Keenan Allen. No set timeline for a commitment from the 5-star athlete, but would be surprised if he is not in Crimson when all is said and done

• Football:
Alabama 40, Florida International 14 - box score

• Men's Cross Country Leads Preseason NCAA South Region Rankings • RollTide.com
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its 2009 Preseason Division 1 Regional Rankings on Monday and the University of Alabama men landed in the No. 1 position in the...

• Women's Cross Country Nabs No. 7 Spot in Preseason NCAA South Region Rankings • RollTide.com
The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its 2009 Preseason Division 1 Regional Rankings on Monday and the University of Alabama women are predicted for a seventh place...

• Coach Nick Saban Press Conference Transcript • RollTide.com
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban and several players met with the media on Monday to discuss the Tide's upcoming game with North Texas.

• Alabama Hosts North Texas • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team welcomes North Texas to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the second game of a three-game homestand. Kickoff with the Mean Green is slated for 11:21 a.m. on Saturday,... 

• Cecil Hurt: SEC Power Poll – Week 2 • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Not much has changed in the top of this week's SEC Power Rankings, with Florida yet to show any weaknesses to relinquish the top spot. 

• Gentry Estes: Practice report: • The Press Register
UA's Terry Grant back to tailback; More bad news for North Texas
Alabama junior Terry Grant returned to the running backs for today's practice as the Crimson Tide continues to try to find him a role on its offense

• Eric Couch: Mean Green isn't just a Cleaner... • al.com
With the win against FIU hopefully behind the Tide, as the 24 hour reflection on the last game is over, Bama starts preparing for the match up against another Sun Belt team. This week's opponent is North Texas. The Mean Green comes in with a 1 and 1 record thanks to a double overtime loss to Miami (OH). However that is not the only thing that the Mean Green lost. 

• Saban's press conference • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Looking back at last Saturday night's 40-14 win over Florida International, Nick Saban seemed to be pleased with most areas of his team. 

• Carpenter Fills Massive Gap • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Greg McElroy has a new best friend. Any quarterback can tell you that his best friend is the offensive left tackle. McElroy is Alabama’s quarterback this year, and James Carpenter has joined the team as the starting left tackle.

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

• Tide to face North Texas’ back-up quarterback Saturday • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Looks like pumping up North Texas has gotten a tad more difficult for Nick Saban. 

• Practice Report: Jones, Upchurch pedal away during indoor workout • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
As expected, the stationary bike was Julio Jones and Roy Upchurch’s friend Monday afternoon. 

• Saban updates injuries, Harris • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Among three injuries suffered in Alabama's 40-14 win over Florida International on Saturday, the news is worst for Damion Square, best for Julio Jones, and uncertain for Roy Upchurch.

• UA-Arkansas game to be on CNS • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama's home football game with Arkansas on Sept.26 will be televised by CBS beginning at 2:30 p.m., the Southeastern Conference announced Monday.

• 9/14 – Player Bites • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Rachel Baribeau speaks with players before practice, Monday, Sept. 14. 

• Recruiting cam: Wilson Love Recruiting cam: Wilson Love • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
We went to Mountain Brook over the weekend to catch up with Alabama commit Wilson Love, brother of UA's Tyler Love.

• Submit your questions for The Nick Saban Show • al.com
The Alabama Crimson Tide is smack in the middle of a Sun Belt sandwich, having topped Florida International last week and preparing to play North Texas on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and head coach Nick Saban will answer questions from al.com users on his Thursday night radio show from Buffalo Wild Wings in Tuscaloosa.

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban: Damion Square out for the season; Julio Jones could be back soon • The Press Register
Alabama coach Nick Saban said today that defensive end Damion Square tore his ACL during the fourth quarter of Saturday's victory over Florida International and will be out for the season. Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide DE Square out for season following Tuesday knee surgery • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Reserve defensive end Damion Square will miss the rest of the 2009 season with a knee injury he sustained Saturday, Alabama coach Nick Saban said today.

• Don Kausler Jr.: How's Julio? Saban says he's OK • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Julio Jones, Alabama's standout sophomore wide receiver, shouldn't miss more than a few practices this week with a bruised knee, Alabama coach Nick Saban said today at his new conference.

• Don Kausler Jr.: North Texas will face Alabama without its starting quarterback • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- As if the odds it will face Saturday when it plays the nation's fourth-ranked team already weren't great, North Texas has seen its odds get even greater. 

• SEC Week 2 Notes • SEC Sports
SEC Football Sunday Notes Package For Week 2. 

• SEC TV Selections • SEC Sports
SEC Football Television Selections for Saturday, September26, 2009: 

• SEC Football Players of the Week • SEC Sports
OFFENSIVE PLAYER 

• Bama has many options in Super 11 commitment Blake Sims • AJC
Alabama commitment Blake Sims plays quarterback for Gainesville but is listed as the proverbial “athlete” by most of the recruiting services.

• Greg McElroy's Quarterback Play Adds Versatility to Alabama's Offense • Bleacher Report
Alabama fans shuddered at the thought of coming into the season without starters Julio Jones and Mark Ingram. The threat of losing them was due to a eligibility issue that as it turned out, was much ado about nothing.

• Tide injury update • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
In his press conference today, Nick Saban addressed the injury situation heading into this week's practices for Saturday's game against North Texas. 

• Following the Future: Week Three • BamaOnLine
Alabama's newest commitment Alfy Hill had a huge game last week forcing two turnovers and blocking a field goal.

• Notebook: Square out for the season • BamaOnLine
Test confirmed that defensive end Damion Square sustained a torn ACL Saturday night against FIU, but Julio Jones and Roy Upchurch many not be out long. 

• 2011 LB talks Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Despite a rough start for Mendenhall (MS) High School, inside linebacker Brandon Johnson has been a bright spot for the Tigers. The 2011 star has college coaches from around the country watching Mendenhall after an impressive summer camp season.

• SEC Power Rankings: Bama remains No. 2 • Crimson Confidential
Now we’re getting into some conference games we can really sink our teeth into.

• Saban: Jones day-to-day; Square done for year with torn ACL • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Two bad knees. One far worse than the other. 

• Richardson Named SEC Freshman of the Week • RollTide.com
Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, following his impressive performance against Florida International last Saturday night in Tusc...

• UA Baseball Offers Two Camps • RollTide.com
The Mitch Gaspard Bama Baseball Camp is offering two great off-season leagues that will assist players in the overall fundamentals and development with of hitting and pitching. 

• North Texas QB out with shoulder injury • Tuscaloosa News
Riley Dodge, starting quarterback for the North Texas Mean Green in its first two games of the season, is out for Saturday's game against Alabama with a shoulder injury.

• Richardson named SEC Freshman of the Week • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama running back Trent Richardson was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance in a 40-14 win over Florida International Saturday.

• Cecil Hurt: Some interesting weapons of attack • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
It’s natural, in the wake of a game like Alabama’s 40-14 win over FIU, to look back at the emergence of new offensive stars or the re-emergence of some who had been missing in action for some time.

• Gentry Estes: North Texas QB Riley Dodge is out for Saturday's game at Alabama • The Press Register
North Texas starting quarterback Riley Dodge has a second-degree separated shoulder and will not play Saturday morning at Alabama, his father and Mean Green head coach Todd Dodge said this morning.

• Gentry Estes: Monday briefing: "He was just hurdling people, pounding people" • The Press Register
The love continued this morning for Alabama running back Trent Richardson, who was named Freshman of the Week by the Southeastern Conference.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Richardson named SEC freshman of the week • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been named the Southeastern Conference's freshman of the week. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: With score too close for too long, ... • The Birmingham News
...Tide lost chance to give more players more quality time
TUSCALOOSA - A total of 61 members of the Alabama football team made it onto the field Saturday night in a 40-14 victory over Florida International. 

• Answering the Summer Questions • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Professionally, the public pays me a whole lot of money to answer questions ($18.31 per question) so let’s answer a few lingering over from the summer. While I know you are all dying to hear my opinion about the Kanye West/Taylor Swift incident, let’s discuss football first. That said, I will digress to share my opinion about the national healthcare discussion—healthcare is good. I am for it. Back to football ...

• Will Matthews: For Bama, it's left side, strong side ... again • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The left side of Alabama's offensive line was one of those question marks going into this season. Many were wondering if Alabama could fill the loss of All-American offensive tackle Andre Smith. The loss of Antoine Caldwell, as well, was another concern for Nick Saban and his staff.

• Richardson Earns SEC Frosh Honor • 'BamaMag
Everyone says the performance of tailback Trent Richardson is not a surprise, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t impressive. Richardson gave a little hint of his potential in mop-up work against Virginia Tech, but it was still a bit of a surprise that he was the running star of Bama’s win over Florida International. 

• Bama in the NFL - Week 1 stats:
See how former players performed.

• Bama’s McElory faces off against former high school coach • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Southlake Carroll High School will hold a reunion more than 600 miles from home this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Tide’s Guarachi wins at SEC Coaches Classic • Tuscaloosa News
NASHVILLE, Tenn. | On the final day of play at the Fall SEC Coaches Classic, University of Alabama freshman Alexa Guarachi defeated sophomore Jackie Wu of Vanderbilt 6-3, 6-3 to win the No. 2 draw singles finals. The Destin, Fla., native went 3-0 on the weekend with wins against LSU sophomore Whitney Wolf, Florida sophomore Jo Mather and Wu.

• Late goals lift Memphis over Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama soccer team played the reigning Conference USA champions tough for 85 minutes but gave up a late goal to fall to Memphis, 2-1, Sunday afternoon at the Alabama Soccer Stadium. After the day the Crimson Tide moves to 2-3 on the season while the Tigers improve to 4-2.

• Tide sixth at Carpet Capital Collegiate • Tuscaloosa News
ROCKY FACE, Ga. | The No. 4 University of Alabama men’s golf team shot 4-over-par 292 in the final round of the Carpet Capital Collegiate and finished tied for sixth at 875 (11-over) on the Farm Golf Course in the Crimson Tide’s first tournament of the year.

• Andrew Bone: Keiwone Malone off to a great start • Tuscaloosa News
Keiwone Malone, wide receiver and Tide commitment from Mitchell Road High School in Memphis, Tenn., is part of a solid team with a 4-0 record. His performance Friday night included four receptions for 101 yards and three touchdowns.

• TideSportsExtra Features • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
TSE QUIZ: Test your Tide quarterback knowledge TSE QUIZ: Test your Tide quarterback knowledge
Think you know your stuff when it comes to Crimson Tide signal callers? Let's see it.

• Tide lost opportunity to develop even more depth • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Here's the final score you might not have heard from Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium: 

• QB faces familiarity this week • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy and Todd Dodge lost one game together in four years of football. 

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Bama's Square could miss time with knee injury • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's 2008 injury luck is not carrying over into 2009. 

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Monday, September 14, 2009

• HOMETOWN REUNION • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy and Todd Dodge lost one game together in four years of football. 

• Jess Nicholas: North Texas preview: Mean Green trying to ‘Dodge’ head coach’s firing • TideFans.com
There’s probably more at stake for North Texas this year than just bowl games, conference wins and the general rise of the school’s program: Head coach Todd Dodge’s job is probably in jeopardy.

• Jess Nicholas: SEC preview and predictions – Week 3 • TideFans.com
Prior to the season, the Predictions Dept. correctly called the UCLA-Tennessee game, then regrettably changed its outlook after getting fooled by Tennessee’s offensive explosion in Week 1 against a woeful Western Kentucky team. Always go with your first reaction, right? This week, the first reaction says Tennessee gets slaughtered by Florida down in Gainesville.

• Tide pulls away in second half • The Crimson White
After heading into the locker room at halftime with a slim lead, the Crimson Tide took over in the second half and pulled away for a convincing 40-14 victory.

• Offense soars again • The Crimson White
A Tide offense that began 2009 with a laundry list of question marks has looked like a juggernaut through the first two games.

• MEDIA WATCH: SEC Network games have been real stinkers so far • Montgomery Advertiser
Boy, was I wrong. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote that the SEC Network is carrying essentially what we used to call the Jefferson-Pilot or Lincoln-Financial Saturday morning SEC football game.

• SPORTS BRIEFS: Senior Bowl may leave Mobile • Montgomery Advertiser
The Senior Bowl lost more than $150,000 putting on this year's game in January, according to organizers who are looking at other possible host cities, in part because of uncertainty about the long-term financial viability in Mobile. 

• Bama golfer helps US win Walker Cup • Montgomery Advertiser
ARDMORE, Pa. -- University of Alabama golfer Bud Cauley halved his Sunday afternoon singles match with Chris Paisley as the United States team earned its third straight Walker Cup with a 161/2-91/2 victory over Great Britain and Ireland at the Merion Golf Club.

• For at least a day, Tide running game doesn’t need Wildcat • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — For seven days, the talk of Alabama’s newfound acceptance of something new dominated the news cycle. Nearly every newspaper covering the Crimson Tide, including this one, …

• Ken Rogers: Tide defense makes adjustments • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Florida International stayed in Saturday’s showdown with Alabama for a half, hurting the Crimson Tide’s defense with a long pass early and several key third-down conversions.

• SEC Players to Watch in Week 3 • College Football News
Players on the move or with something to prove in week 3 in the SEC 

• CFN Ranking Of Every Team - Week 2 • College Football News
How good are the teams right now? The CFN rankings go on how the teams are performing at the moment. Right now, Ben Tate and the unstoppable Auburn running game have earned their way up the charts. Check out the second week of the 2009 CFN Rankings.

• Bama’s NCAA troubles a concern for North Gwinnett’s James • AJC
JaWuan James’ phone has been ringing off the hook lately. But for now at least, he’s not answering.

• Nick Saban Unhappy with Win Over FIU but Happy with New "Best Friend" • Bleacher Report
For two years now Nick Saban has preached to his team to finish. What he meant was finish the play, finish the game, finish the season.

• Alternative Battle Plan: Alabama Crimson Tide Offense Reloaded • Bleacher Report
As the game got started against Florida International University on Saturday night, Alabama Football faced a diversity of adversity.

• Greg McElroy's Quarterback Play Adds Versatility to Alabama's Offense • Bleacher Report
Alabama fans shuddered at the thought of coming into the season without starters Julio Jones and Mark Ingram. The threat of losing them was due to a eligibility issue that as it turned out, was much ado about nothing.

• Living the Dream in the Alabama Press Box, I Urge Bleacher Creatures to Write • Bleacher Report
Last night was a realization of a dream. I was sitting being pampered, fed, and waited on while watching my beloved Alabama team from a seat at midfield in the press box.

• Bama among favorites for junior DT • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the state's top juniors is Satsuma defensive tackle Antwan Brunner. For now, the 6-1, 280-pounder is receiving early interest from Alabama and Florida State. 

• Photo Gallery: Alabama commitment Wilson Love • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Game images against Pelham.

• Blake Sims talks his commitment to UA • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Other schools and more trying to turn his head.

• Mosley eyeing Tide visit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Rivals250 linebacker C.J. Mosley has been focusing exclusively on his 3-0 Theodore squad in recent weeks while recruiting has taken a backseat, but the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder is looking to heat things back up with several visits - including one in a few weeks to Tuscaloosa.

• Upon Further Review: FIU at Alabama • BamaOnLine
Christopher Walsh has his weekly look-back at how the Crimson Tide played, and found some interesting numbers both offensively and with the hard-hitting defense

• Bama pledge Foster keeps on rolling • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Kicker Cade Foster (Southlake, Texas/Carroll) just isn’t letting opponents have a chance at solid field position. 

• Positive signs emerging for Bama after two games • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama has made a living on three things during the first two football games.