BallHype - Latest Alabama Crimson Tide News Articles

Tide, Gators have work before SEC clash (AP)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 22:28:40 +0000

The much-anticipated rematch is set: Alabama against Florida for the Southeastern Conference championship and possibly a berth in the national title game on the line. The game itself, however, isn't for another month and the Tide and Gators have plenty of important work to do before they meet at the Georgia Dome on Dec.

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Oklahoma out of AP poll, Stanford in

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 21:56:39 +0000

Oklahoma has dropped out of the AP college football poll for the first time since 2005, and No. 25 Stanford has moved into the rankings for the first time since 2001. The first six spots in the rankings are held by major college football's six unbeaten teams, with Florida, Texas and Alabama making up the top three for the second consecutive week. TCU moved up two spots to No. 4, bumping No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 6 Boise State back a spot.

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Larry's Losers in The SEC Week Eleven

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 19:07:32 +0000

No, Tebow didn't lose—the Gators won this week—but this is just a photo I picture in my mind when I'm thinking about the upcoming SEC Championship game. Well back from a week at the beautiful Wyndam Resort and Spa I'm rested and ready to extend by perfect prognostication. Yes, last week without the aid of the Smart Pill Machine, (it don't travel well) and the advice of my trusted companion Baccardi , (sorry no dogs allowed, even smart ones), I posted this season's first perfect total. That brings the record up to 60-13 and a lofty 79 percent success rate. I'm almost up to a solid B and am looking for this week to help me even more. So, while I'm still enthused and hot, let's jump right into this week's predictions. Alabama at Mississippi State Dan Mullen's Pooch Posse has been rebuilding faster than expected and they ha ve given some pretty good teams some pretty good fights. This week the Bulldogs hope to catch Alabama still up on cloud nine from the big LSU win and yank ...

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Florida, Texas, 'Bama hold top 3 spots in AP poll

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 18:27:24 +0000

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Win over LSU not only positive for Alabama

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 16:50:28 +0000

Alabama's win over LSU was big. But Don Borst says Julio Jones' resurgence may be just as important for the Tide's title hopes.

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Saturday's fallout thrusts key figures into spotlight down the stretch

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 05:17:45 +0000

Here are the people most impacted by Saturday's shakedown: 1. Mark Ingram. The Alabama running back rushed for 144 yards in 22 carries, likely earning him a place among the Heisman finalists as Alabama clinched a spot in the SEC championship game. "We can't look to the Florida game," he said. "(If) you don't stay focused every week, you lose." 2. Rich Rodriguez and Charlie Weis. Rodriguez's Michigan Wolverines, which haven't beaten a I-A team since Sept. 26, need to beat Wisconsin or Ohio State to be bowl eligible. Meanwhile, Saturday's loss to Navy means bye-bye BCS for Notre Dame. Could it mean the same for Weis at Notre Dame? 3. Brian Kelly. In a rare Saturday night network TV appearance, Kelly's Cincinnati Bearcats wowed voters with 711 yards total offense versus Connecticut. A shame they cancelled it all out by allowing 45 points in a two-point win. Related Links ...

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Alabama needs diverse offense to stay on track

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 05:03:52 +0000

In rallying to beat LSU, Alabama's offense shows encouraging signs it will need to build on in its pursuit of the BCS title, CFN says.

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Tide moves into title game with 24-15 win over LSU

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 04:44:51 +0000

Julio Jones left defenders grasping at his heels and Alabama's defense was typically immovable. The Crimson Tide is riding that combination to the SEC championship game for the second consecutive season.

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Mark Ingram: 'When I got the ball, I had to capitalize'

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:56:51 +0000

Mark Ingram rushed for 144 yards on 22 carries in Alabama's 24-15 victory over LSU, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the season with his fifth game of at least 140 yards rushing. Sporting News' Matt Hayes and other reporters caught up with Ingram after the Tide's victory. Q: This was the first time since the season opener that you guys were in a tight game in the fourth quarter. What was the mood on the sidelines? A: You're taking it play by play, that's really all you can do. It's definitely a different feeling. The way we look at it, anyone on the team can make a play that makes a difference. Somebody makes a big play, and it gets the whole team ready to go. Q: It's fourth down and a yard to go late in the fourth quarter, and instead of punting you get the first down, kick the field goal and ice the game. Talk about that decision. A: That shows how much faith coach (Nick) Saban has in us. We can't let him down. You've got to push and grind it out, no matter what. Just stick it in ...

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College Football | Alabama takes LSU 24-9

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:49:14 +0000

Julio Jones broke free for a 73-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and No. 3 Alabama locked down No. 9 LSU in a 24-15 victory Saturday.

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Alabama Beats LSU; The Tide Is Over The Hump and Headed To Atlanta

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:42:17 +0000

Alabama beat LSU 24-15 in a game that could only be described as a monumental battle of wills Alabama is the SEC Western Division Champion again and is headed to Atlanta to play the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship game. In a game that seemed more like a war of attrition, Alabama and LSU players were helped off the field on almost every play. That battle was won by Alabama as LSU lost their starting Quarterback, Running Back, two top Linemen, and their best Defensive Back all to injuries Saturday in Bryant-Denny. It seemed as though there was a LSU player laying on the field motionless after almost every big play. The Crimson Tide survived the game with only minor injuries and for the most part seemed to inflict more punishment on the Tigers than they received as the game wore on. The days of teams like LSU overpowering Alabama are over, and tonight showed the nation that Alabama has the talent and depth to play with any team in the country. The win secured Alabama's spot in the ...

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Conspiracy theorists about SEC officiating might be on to something

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:33:40 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, ALA. -- Mike Slive may fine me for this, but here goes. How can it come to this? How can college football's best conference -- the best players, the best coaches, the best of everything -- continue to be subjected to brutally poor officiating? LSU coach Les Miles has to bite his lip about poor SEC officiating. Alabama beat LSU 24-15 in the best game of the season to date, and all we'll remember is a blown call from a replay official late in the fourth quarter that changed everything. Instead of celebrating a big win for No. 3 Alabama and looking forward to the SEC championship game against No.1 Florida next month, we're left with this: "Speculation," said LSU coach Les Miles, "is rampant." That, everyone, was Miles with his Slive muzzle permanently affixed. For the fourth time in a month, the SEC commissioner is dealing with credibility issues for his officials. Last week, Slive said he would fine or suspend any coach who complained about ...

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Alabama defeats LSU to clinch SEC title-game berth

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:29:00 +0000

The No. 3-ranked Crimson Tide take a 24-15 victory over the Tigers to win the West Division. > The No. 3-ranked Crimson Tide take a 24-15 victory over the Tigers to win the West Division.

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No. 3 Alabama 24, No. 9 Louisiana State 15: Alabama Overcomes L.S.U. for Shot at SEC Title

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:16:33 +0000

The third-ranked Crimson Tide rallied from a 15-13 deficit in the fourth quarter to clinch its division and a date with No. 1 Florida.

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Alabma's Greg McElroy Came Through Like a Champion With Win Over LSU

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 01:34:07 +0000

19 completions out of 24 attempts do not sound like the kind of stats a QB dreams of during the off season, but that's what Greg McElroy came up with today in the biggest game of the year so far for the Crimson Tide. 274 yards of passing however sounds a little bit better and two touchdown passes sort of put the icing on the cake. After going so long without a touchdown pas and with underwhelming performances in his last few games; many were beginning to doubt that Greg McElroy could finish the season as the leader he started out being. Today's game should change all that talk. Today Greg McElroy did something other big names at Alabama didn't do. Stage a forth quarter come back and when the chips were down, become the on field leader that this team needs to make a title run. With McElroy starting the first half missing wide open receivers and sure handed team mates dropping the balls he did deliver, it would have been easy for McElroy to simply shrink into self pity. However this is man ...

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Rally in fourth quarter carries No. 3 Alabama past LSU 24-15

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 01:20:54 +0000

Julio Jones caught a 73-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and Leigh Tiffin booted a 40-yard field goal with 3:04 left ...

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Tide roll into SEC title game, beat LSU (AP)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:48:49 +0000

No. 3 Alabama picked up another dramatic win and a second straight trip to the SEC championship game. Julio Jones caught a 73-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and Leigh Tiffin booted a 40-yard field goal with 3:04 left to seal a 24-15 victory for the Crimson Tide against No. 9 LSU on Saturday.

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"Finish!" Maybe All Nick Saban's Yelling Paid off For Alabama VS LSU

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:11:29 +0000

What started as an ugly beginning for Alabama turned into a game where the team that could finish the strongest would walk off the field as a winner. It became a game of attrition for LSU with players either limping off or being helped off the grass. For Alabama it became a game of overcoming mistakes and applying more late game heroics. Alabama had to overcome mistakes and there were plenty of them. Greg McElroy missed wide open receivers, Julio Jones continued his string of games with a 'right in your hands' drop and defensive backs slipped, fell and blew coverages. Then there were the costly stupid penalties, like breaking the huddle with 12 men on the field. Alabama was winning the war of total offense but losing the battle of points. Since Nick Saban's arrival there has been one word that Nick Saban has been invoking in every team meeting, one word he yells repeatedly at ever practice and one word that he hopes will epitomize his team at the end of the year. That word is finish. ...

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LIVE: No. 3 Alabama hosts ninth-ranked LSU

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 21:24:52 +0000

LSU-Alabama isn't about Les Miles vs. Nick Saban any more. The No. 3 Crimson Tide are trying to lock up the SEC West, while No. 9 LSU is out to keep its division hopes alive. Follow it here.

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Mark Ingram: Heisman Hopeful

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 04:56:10 +0000

Alabama has never had a Heisman winner, ever. This could be changed by a talent at running back who's name is Mark Ingram. His stardom is one of many college football shockers thus far this season. Mark Ingram has had a tremendous year thus far, exceeding all expectations. His status in the Heisman race may be even more than even I expected. Is he the best running back in Alabama history? Maybe. Put him up against Bo Jackson or Adrian Peterson, and does he win? No, but it may just be closer than the experts think. Now, Ingram is not the fastest, nor the best at shaking off defenders, but that doesn't matter to him. He has strength, and the ability to break tackles. He doesn't need to juke somebody; he'll just run right through them. His speed, again, doesn't kill. But if he gets out in the open field, with only one man to beat, he will more than likely beat that one man. His strength is amazing. He can push his way through the line, or just run over you in the open field. Mark Ingram is ...

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Alabama-LSU: Who Wants it More?

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 04:00:24 +0000

Let's start this one off with stating that Alabama has not knocked of the LSU Tigers In Bryant-Denny Stadium since 1999. That stat is huge. Last year in Baton Rouge, Nick Saban was able to make his return to Death Valley a sweet one as the Tide knocked off the Tigers in a close over time win. Both squads played their absolute best, and both squads came out with something to be happy about. LSU was not the favorite then, nor will they be this year. It is simply going to be who wants it more. I think that LSU needs it more. This may be their last shot at the BCS title this year. If they let this one slip, so does the title. On the other side of the ball is a team who maybe wants it a little more. Alabama wants it more simply because of revenge. They know that if this one slips there is a chance that their rematch on December 5 in Atlanta with Florida may be gone. That is not what they want. Last season Florida ended Alabama's title hopes in the SEC Championship game. Alabama went in No. 1 and ...

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Alabama-LSU Preview: Three Keys to a Tiger Victory

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:38:01 +0000

Ok, so unfortunately I can't give you the wordy beefed up tangents that you've come to expect because as I write this, I'm in the airport waiting for my flight back home. It's a shame I've missed most of the lead up to LSU and Bama's battle for the west this week as I'm sure fans of both teams have enjoyed the pre-game jabs, predictions, and good ole' football talk. We all know who coaches each team. We all know the drama of the story behind it. We all know what's riding on this game for both teams and its importance. We all know that Alabama plays this game at home and this year looks to be a better overall team than LSU. But I don't think the Tigers are going to Tuscaloosa to lie down. If LSU wants to leave T-town victorious and in the driver's seat in the SEC West; these three things must happen... Get an early lead Alabama's Nick Saban loves, and I mean loves, to play with a lead and rely on his defense. And with the defense he's put together at Alabama, you can't blame him. On ...

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Top 10 foes Alabama, LSU square off (AP)

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:42:43 +0000

When they last met, Alabama vs. LSU was all about Nick Saban coaching against his former team. This year, there's more pressing business: keeping in the mix to play for the national title. Two Top 10 Southeastern Conference teams meet Saturday, with a pair formidable defenses and one Heisman Trophy candidate in a game that might be low on points if not drama.

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Spotlight Game: No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:25:23 +0000

It doesn't matter that Alabama has received shaky QB play with Mark Ingram running. Place: Tuscaloosa, Ala. Time: 3:30 p.m. ET TV: CBS Line: Alabama by 7 1/2 Three reasons Alabama will win 1. Running early, run often: It's what works, why change now? Even with the recent struggles of first-year starting QB Greg McElroy, the Tide continue to win with what has essentially become a one-dimensional offense. How, you ask? Because they're physical up front at the point of attack, and because TBs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson (a dynamic alternative to Ingram who can't be overlooked) break tackles and make defenders miss. Adding spread option principles has given the running game a nice changeup. 2. Healthy and hungry: Two things happened last week that set up Alabama for a critical stretch run to finish the season: 1.) the bye week allowed the team to get healthy before a physical West Division slobberknocker. And 2.) the bye week allowed Texas to jump past the Tide in the ...

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Day for D: Top games feature nation's best defenses

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:22:29 +0000

Every once in a while, we get a glimpse of old school. Who's tougher? Who wants it more? "We must play," LSU safety Chad Jones said, "very violently." You can smell it and feel it in the air. It's November, the month when championships are won and defense supersedes all. Forget about fancy spread offenses, pretty-boy quarterbacks and Heisman highlights. Saturday is about defensive backbone. Two games -- No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama and No. 15 Ohio State at No. 11 Penn State -- will have a significant impact on national and conference championship races. Both will be all defense, all the time. Check out the NCAA rankings for total defense: Alabama (fourth), Penn State (fifth), Ohio State (sixth) and LSU (15th). And for scoring defense: Penn State (first), Alabama (fifth), Ohio State (sixth) and LSU (seventh). Settle in, folks, and turn up the volume for some teeth-rattling punishment. No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama, 3:30 p.m., CBS Alabama Dominant defender: ...

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Stewart Mandel: College Football Pickoff: Week 10

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:50:27 +0000

The LSU offense has hit its stride, but will the Tigers have enough juice to conquer Alabama's stout defense? SI.com's Stewart Mandel answers that and more in the Week 10 Pickoff.

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What open week means for LSU-Alabama

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 17:37:11 +0000

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- As the rest of the college football world spun Saturday, Alabama coach Nick Saban sat at a lake house in Georgia, flipping channels. Meanwhile, his players scattered about the country. Quarterback Greg McElroy went home to Dallas. Cornerback Javier Arenas went home to Tampa.

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LSU's Hebert faces mountain not mole hill in Alabama's Cody

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 03:19:09 +0000

A college football season is akin to climbing a mountain with the Bowl Championship Series national title game at the peak. No. ...

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Alabama-LSU could be battle of bad quarterbacks

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 03:14:19 +0000

LSU QB Jordan Jefferson and 'Bama's Greg McElroy meet Saturday. Steve Eubanks wonders whether either is up to the task.

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Top 10 Games In The Alabama/LSU Rivalry

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 22:40:02 +0000

Over its 114-year generation, the Alabama Crimson Tide/LSU Tigers rivalry has been lopsided and competitive, thrilling and devastating, foreseeable, unpredictable and back again. LSU didn't sniff a win throughout Alabama's domination of the SEC in the 70's, while the Tide struggled to overcome the Tigers in the middle part of the 2000's. The Tigers couldn't win in Baton Rouge for almost 30 years, but have played spoiler to a lot of Tide seasons in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. There's truly no predicting what team will triumph, and it certainly doesn't follow the wishes of the home crowd or the desires of its immortal coaches. Throughout the lengthy history of these two teams colliding, there have been plenty of memorable moments on and off the field. Here's a look at 10 of the best games (some with video!) and a word on their impact on these top-tier SEC programs. Begin Slideshow

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LSU's Hebert faces mountain not mole hill in Alabama's Cody

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 21:45:30 +0000

A college football season is akin to climbing a mountain with the Bowl Championship Series national title game at the peak. No. ...

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Heisman Banter : Who's The Legit Front-Runner?

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 20:22:41 +0000

The College Football season is drawing to a close, Bowl match-ups are becoming clearer week by week, but what about the Heisman Trophy? There's a handful of names that are vying for College Football's most coveted honor, but who's in the driver's seat with just over a month left? Sam Bradford, the 2008 winner, has endured unfortunate injuries this year that have slighted his career and efforts to repeat at the Heisman Trophy winner. Sam was a preseason favorite, but the shoulder injury withdrew his name from the list of Heisman hopefuls. Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, and Mark Ingram have all had their names thrown into the mix by the college football media in the last three or four weeks. Is it safe to say that one of these big name players from big name schools are a lock to win? Or do guys like Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen have a chance? What about Houston's stud quarterback Casey Keenum? Alabama's Mark Ingram is gaining ground every Saturday, is he even on the radar? Each one of the fore-mentioned ...

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Cory McCartney: Game of the Week: LSU battles Alabama for SEC West supremacy

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 18:14:33 +0000

This Saturday, Alabama hosts LSU in what amounts to a national semifinal. As Cory McCartney explains, the winner will be the team that can solve the other's elite defense.

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Buell's Eye: College Football's Week 10 Predictions

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 23:03:10 +0000

Here we are in Week Ten and seven undefeated programs still remain, although, arguably, the best team in the land at the moment may actually be a one loss team that resides in the state of Oregon. While we all know the undefeated trend is doomed to continue, this weeked is one that the majority of the top teams in the land should walk away pretty easily with a victory. Yet, if history serves me right, these same type of weekends notoriously produce the craziest of upsets. Week Nine proved to be good to me, allowing me to go 19-1 and improve my record on the year to 150-36, overall. However, if history truly is an indicator of habits being created, then those unforeseen match-up outcomes are going to catch up to me this week. No worrying on this end, though, as I am only picking two upsets this Saturday out of 22 total weekend games. Begin Slideshow

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Alabama rides brawn of Ingram, McClain

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:41:31 +0000

RB Mark Ingram and LB Rolando McClain form a punishing pair for No. 3 Alabama. Alabama's Mark Ingram and Rolando McClain struck a deal awhile back. On the rare occasions they collide during workouts, the potential All-Americans go soft. "I won't try to kill him every time I hit him," McClain said on a teleconference this week, "and he won't try to run me over." The rest of college football isn't so fortunate. When teams in different jerseys challenge the Tide, Ingram becomes one of the nation's most powerful tailbacks. McClain morphs into arguably college football's most ferocious linebacker. Together, they anchor the No. 3 Crimson Tide, who host No. 9 LSU in a Saturday showdown that figures to determine the SEC West champion. The mutual admiration between Alabama's two best players stretches beyond a few practices. Ingram said this week that if given a Heisman vote, he'd choose McClain; a few minutes later, McClain put Ingram atop his hypothetical ballot. ...

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The Best of The SEC West Meet in Tuscaloosa

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:48:37 +0000

For the second year in a row, Alabama and LSU tangle with a trip to Atlanta on the line. This used to be Auburn's gig with the annual cat fight to determine the West. While LSU remains a top team, Alabama has replaced Auburn as the dance partner. It's hard to call this game a rivalry in Alabama because the game is rarely talked about until game week arrives. That's not a knock on LSU's ability, its just that Alabama fans expend so much time and energy hating Tennessee and Auburn that there just isn't a lot left to throw their way. Plus LSU folks look so charming in their weird purple suits and stuff, its just hard to hate them,that and they usually have good food. I don't recall that much bad blood in Louisiana until Alabama hired their former coach, Nick Saban. Its understandable, but it may be time for them to let it go. Its not like things have been terrible since Saban left for Miami. As for the players, None of them were involved so this is just about winning ...

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Alabama vs. LSU; Nick Saban vs. Les Miles; Polished Team vs. Raw Talent

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:44:33 +0000

On Nov. 7, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. EST at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the showdown between the two top football programs in the SEC West will finally take place. It will be Alabama vs. LSU, Nick Saban vs. Les Miles and one of the nation's most polished teams vs. a team that is raw talent. When these two teams meet this Saturday, it will be reminiscent of when the Romans were attacked by the Barbarians almost 2,000 years ago on the northern borders of the Roman Empire. The Roman Legions were the most well-trained and powerful army in the world and the Barbarians were considered the most fierce and savage warriors in the world. Even though the Barbarians were by far more talented fighters as individuals, they were unorganized as a group and made many strategic mistakes in their battles with the Romans. The Romans were well-trained and well-organized and fought as a unit making them a formidable opponent and the most feared army in the world. Looking at the matchup between Alabama ...

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Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Rolando McClain is the total package

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:02:02 +0000

For all his physical gifts, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain is just as impressive with his intellectual game.

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LSU-Alabama: Why This Game Will Be QB Greg McElroy's Big Breakout

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 04:04:36 +0000

Who's afraid of the big bad bad wolf, uh, I mean Tiger? Certainly not Greg McElroy. And why should he be? Are you familiar with LSU's pass rush? Guess what team rates near the bottom of the SEC in sacks this season? You guessed it. Tied for last is LSU with only 11 sacks in eight games. And guess which team rates as one of the best in the SEC in allowing the fewest sacks? There you go, you guessed it, Alabama. Will Greg McElroy have the time to look over the field to find his second and third options? You bet. And with that time, will the defensive backs be too covered to get the completions? Not with history on the side of Alabama. LSU was supposed to fix its defensive problems with the hiring of Ed Chavis, but Alabama has feasted on Chavis secondaries in the past and that was with an Eric Berry in the secondary. In fact, Alabama has a four-year record of having a receiver log a 100-yard-plus game against that feared Chavis defense. But isn't this secondary supposed to be full of ...

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What We Learned: Big Ten coaches give Iowa its due

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 03:29:26 +0000

Sporting News' Dave Curtis analyzes what Tuesday's buzz means to college football. Hawkeye magic So what if Iowa's 9-0 run hasn't won over the authors of the Harris Poll? The Hawkeyes seem to do well among hard drives across America. And they've certainly captivated the Big Ten coaches who must deal with them. Last week, Bill Lynch and Indiana fell victim to the latest minor miracle, highlighted by Tyler Sash's quadruple-doink pick six (and some, um, shaky work from the replay booth). "Iowa has something special going right now," Lynch said on a teleconference. "It's hard to put your finger on it." This week, Northwestern gets a chance at stopping Iowa's express ride to the Rose Bowl. Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald knows all about amazing seasons and "Team of Destiny" labels. Although he didn't directly link the '09 Hawks to the '95 Big Ten champ Cats he played for, he can relate to the feeling of positive momentum and unexpected national attention. ...

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FSU def. coordinator Andrews to retire (AP)

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 21:31:49 +0000

Longtime Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews is retiring after four decades of coaching and 26 years as one of Bobby Bowden's assistants. The architect of defenses that helped the Seminoles win two national titles in the 1990s, Andrews announced his plans to retire Tuesday. A football star at Alabama under the coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Andrews developed 18 first round...

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College Football | No. 3 Alabama to host No. 9 LSU in SEC showdown Saturday

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 04:31:21 +0000

Even some participants don't seem quite sure how to treat Saturday's game between the No. 3 Crimson Tide (8-0 overall, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) and No. 9 Louisiana State that might be the next-best thing to an Alabama-Florida championship game.

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Alabama, LSU prep for top-10 showdown (AP)

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 22:30:59 +0000

Just another game. Or a top-10 showdown that could help set up a one-game playoff with Florida for a shot at the BCS national championship. The next one. Or an our-coach-is-better-than-yours statement game. Take your pick, even the Alabama players don't seem quite sure how to treat Saturday's game between the No.

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Gene Menez: Despite idle week, Alabama's star RB still leads Heisman pack

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:13:55 +0000

Does Oregon's thrashing of USC thrust Ducks stars LaMichael James and Jeremiah Masoli into the Heisman Trophy picture? Gene Menez answers that question and reveals his favorites.

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Conference call: Watch out for Vols, SEC

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:24:44 +0000

Each week, Sporting News' Matt Hayes ranks the Division I-A conferences and the teams within each league. 1. SEC 1. Florida 2. Alabama 3. LSU 4. Auburn 5. Tennessee 6. Mississippi 7. South Carolina 8. Georgia 9. Arkansas 10. Mississippi State 11. Kentucky 12. Vanderbilt Rising Tennessee: Lane Kiffin's whining and those putrid black/orange unis overshadow a team beginning to find itself—and heading into a winnable month of November. Falling South Carolina: Arkansas, Florida and Clemson remain. Who else sees another November swoon for the Gamecocks? Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com .

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Baby's Losers: Will the Witch of November Raise Her Broom?

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:03:05 +0000

She lays in wait on Lake Superior on the way to Whitefish Bay. Every year, from around October 12 to December 20, The Witch of November will lay waste to shipping and transportation in the Great Lakes area. The November Witch is cold air from Canada, prevented from meeting with the warm air up from the Gulf of Mexico, The result is terrifying weather that can affect not only the inland seas but, conditions ashore. College football teams in the Great Lakes region know when the calendar turns and the days get shorter, they must prepare for a weather experience that can change the course of a game, and eventually, a season. They must prepare themselves for The Witch Of November.. Begin Slideshow

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UF, Texas 1-2 in BCS

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:25:28 +0000

Texas took a small step forward in the BCS standings -- from third to second place, ahead of Alabama and behind Florida -- as the remaining unbeaten teams held down the first seven spots. Behind the top three were Iowa, Cincinnati, TCU and Boise St...

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Florida remains No. 1, Texas moves to No. 2 in AP poll

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Alabama drops to No. 3; USC falls to No. 12 in the latest rankings. >

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Texas edges Alabama in BCS standings

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 05:48:41 +0000

Texas took a small step forward in the Bowl Championship Series standings Sunday, and the remaining unbeaten teams held down the first seven spots.

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College Football | Texas jumps past Alabama to second in BCS standings

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 04:43:05 +0000

Texas took a small step forward in the Bowl Championship Series standings Sunday, and the remaining unbeaten teams held down the first seven spots.

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