2009 - BigTen On The Brink
The Lions reload for 2009. Hopes are high. Can the re-tooled Spread HD offense get Penn State back to a BCS bowl?
La Tech Preview and Keys to the Game
By Eddie McCoy
Louisiana Tech, or more commonly called La Tech, is coming off a 2008 season which it improved from it's prior year record from 5-7 to 8-5 including an Independence Bowl win over Northern Illinois under then 2nd Year Head Coach Derek Dooley. La Tech started its season off last year at home by upsetting Mississippi State 22-14, so playing and beating an SEC team is something this squad has already attained and looking to repeat as it travels down to Auburn this Weekend for the Sept. 5th season opener. Let's take a closer look at La Tech's Offense, Defense and Special Teams:
OFFENSE
This team returns 9 starters on offense that averaged 187.08 yards per game rushing (27th Nationally), 156.00 yards per game passing (102nd Nationally) and scored 24.62 points per game (72nd Nationally). Of the returning starters, they including its entire offensive line, quarterback (Ross Jenkins), All-WAC Running Back (Daniel Porter) and leading Wide Receiver (Phillip Livas), so this offense looks to be better than it was last year. The strength of their offense will be the running game. RB Daniel Porter was the leader of this offensive last season while he piled up over 1,100 yards while the passing game leaves a lot to be desired for, but quarterback Ross Johnson started the last eight games of the season leading them to a 6-2 record during that stretch while averaging 105 yards per game passing with 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions Johnson appears to be a game manager of the offense and tries to avoid making the big mistake that cost his team the game. I look for this offense to try and run the ball at the heart of our defense and take it shots down the field when there is a need to.
DEFENSE
This team returns 7 starters to a defense that gave up 103.85 yards per game rushing (13th Nationally), 272.69 yards per game passing (113th Nationally) and allowed 23.69 points per game (52nd Nationally) last season. La Tech is returning it's entire front four on the defensive line that figures to be the strength of this unit while the Linebacking corps only returns one starter in Brian White and secondary returns two starting safeties including All-WAC player Antonio Baker. This defense plays to shut down the run but struggles to stop the pass and with all the new faces in the secondary at the corners position and two line backers, it would appear that passing the ball against them will come with a lot more ease than running it. I look for La Teach to come out and try to stuff Auburn's Running game and try and put pressure on Chris Todd and hope that they can either get to him or force him to make bad throws.
SPECIAL TEAMS
La Tech had some major losses on special teams from last season which include losing their starting punter, starting place kicker and their special teams coach. They do have one of the deadliest kick returners in the game in Phillip Livas who ranked 25th in the nation in Kickoff Returns and 7th in the nation in Punt Returns while returning 1 kickoff and 2 punts for touchdowns last season. I look for La Tech to lean on their return game to setup short fields for them while hoping to avoid the meltdown of a blocked kick in punting and placekicking situations.
Keys to the Game for Auburn
Louisiana Tech, or more commonly called La Tech, is coming off a 2008 season which it improved from it's prior year record from 5-7 to 8-5 including an Independence Bowl win over Northern Illinois under then 2nd Year Head Coach Derek Dooley. La Tech started its season off last year at home by upsetting Mississippi State 22-14, so playing and beating an SEC team is something this squad has already attained and looking to repeat as it travels down to Auburn this Weekend for the Sept. 5th season opener. Let's take a closer look at La Tech's Offense, Defense and Special Teams:
OFFENSE
This team returns 9 starters on offense that averaged 187.08 yards per game rushing (27th Nationally), 156.00 yards per game passing (102nd Nationally) and scored 24.62 points per game (72nd Nationally). Of the returning starters, they including its entire offensive line, quarterback (Ross Jenkins), All-WAC Running Back (Daniel Porter) and leading Wide Receiver (Phillip Livas), so this offense looks to be better than it was last year. The strength of their offense will be the running game. RB Daniel Porter was the leader of this offensive last season while he piled up over 1,100 yards while the passing game leaves a lot to be desired for, but quarterback Ross Johnson started the last eight games of the season leading them to a 6-2 record during that stretch while averaging 105 yards per game passing with 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions Johnson appears to be a game manager of the offense and tries to avoid making the big mistake that cost his team the game. I look for this offense to try and run the ball at the heart of our defense and take it shots down the field when there is a need to.
DEFENSE
This team returns 7 starters to a defense that gave up 103.85 yards per game rushing (13th Nationally), 272.69 yards per game passing (113th Nationally) and allowed 23.69 points per game (52nd Nationally) last season. La Tech is returning it's entire front four on the defensive line that figures to be the strength of this unit while the Linebacking corps only returns one starter in Brian White and secondary returns two starting safeties including All-WAC player Antonio Baker. This defense plays to shut down the run but struggles to stop the pass and with all the new faces in the secondary at the corners position and two line backers, it would appear that passing the ball against them will come with a lot more ease than running it. I look for La Teach to come out and try to stuff Auburn's Running game and try and put pressure on Chris Todd and hope that they can either get to him or force him to make bad throws.
SPECIAL TEAMS
La Tech had some major losses on special teams from last season which include losing their starting punter, starting place kicker and their special teams coach. They do have one of the deadliest kick returners in the game in Phillip Livas who ranked 25th in the nation in Kickoff Returns and 7th in the nation in Punt Returns while returning 1 kickoff and 2 punts for touchdowns last season. I look for La Tech to lean on their return game to setup short fields for them while hoping to avoid the meltdown of a blocked kick in punting and placekicking situations.
Keys to the Game for Auburn
- Eliminate Turnovers- Last season Mississippi State lost to La Tech because they turned over the ball 5 times. If Auburn is to not stumble, they will have to keep the turnovers to a minimum.
- Vertical Passing Game- This La Tech defense is very vulnerable against the pass and Auburn needs to show that it has the ability to throw the ball down the field with success.
- Stop the Run- La Tech has an offense that is solely reliant on the run. If Auburn struggles in slowing down Daniel Porter, it will make for a very long night for Auburn defenders.
- Special Teams- Auburn needs to contain Phillip Livas and keep him from flipping the field and scoring.
Notes of Interest
- Former Auburn player and now current La Tech quarterback backup Steven Ensminger could see the field in a position other than quarterback. He is currently listed as the backup punter and was vying for the starting position in spring practice.
- LB Brian White, the lone returning starter at the linebacker position, suffered a concussion during fall camp that will limit the amount of time he plays this weekend, if he plays at all.
Stay tuned for my predictions along with Michael McCoy & Jay Skipworth.
Also, please drop us a line in the comment section and tell us what you think about the upcoming La Tech game.
War Eagle!
MITCH HEDBERG QUOTES
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Ring in the New, Bring Out the Blue
By Jay Skipworth
It’s the dawn of a new era on the Plains, ladies and gents. We are a mere few day away from getting a full view of what new Head Coach Gene Chizik and company have prepared Auburn for since arriving in December 2008.
New coaches – Check.
New offense- Check, sort of.
New quarterback – Sort of, again.
New season – War Eagle! Check! (Finally!)
So, I think it’s time for something different for the fans too. Let’s say good-bye to the All Auburn All Orange “tradition” from the previous days and welcome our (sort of) new look team to Jordan Hare with a sea of Blue.
That’s right. I’m talking about apparel. Don’t trash the orange; it’ll have it’s moment later. But for opening night against Louisiana Tech, let’s go all Blue.
If you are a sunshine pumper, call it the Blue Out to Blow Out La. Tech.
If not, think of this as an opportunity to look uber cool in the stands.
I admit – I’m not a fan of the all orange look. Never was. But that fierce looking Blue gets even my cynical bones rattling with excitement.
Also, when’s the last time you saw a “sea of orange” except for Kool-Aid land?
And what lives in the orange sea? Orange seahorses? Not very ferocious.
However, we all know what lives in the Deep Blue Sea (besides Samuel L.
Jackson).
Forget about “The Jungle.” Let’s make Jordan Hare the Deep Blue Sea of the SEC.
So, this is a call to arms, shirts, shorts, pants, and socks. Bring out the Blue on September 5.
Who’s with me?
Please visit the comment section and share your thoughts.
It’s the dawn of a new era on the Plains, ladies and gents. We are a mere few day away from getting a full view of what new Head Coach Gene Chizik and company have prepared Auburn for since arriving in December 2008.
New coaches – Check.
New offense- Check, sort of.
New quarterback – Sort of, again.
New season – War Eagle! Check! (Finally!)
So, I think it’s time for something different for the fans too. Let’s say good-bye to the All Auburn All Orange “tradition” from the previous days and welcome our (sort of) new look team to Jordan Hare with a sea of Blue.
That’s right. I’m talking about apparel. Don’t trash the orange; it’ll have it’s moment later. But for opening night against Louisiana Tech, let’s go all Blue.
If you are a sunshine pumper, call it the Blue Out to Blow Out La. Tech.
If not, think of this as an opportunity to look uber cool in the stands.
I admit – I’m not a fan of the all orange look. Never was. But that fierce looking Blue gets even my cynical bones rattling with excitement.
Also, when’s the last time you saw a “sea of orange” except for Kool-Aid land?
And what lives in the orange sea? Orange seahorses? Not very ferocious.
However, we all know what lives in the Deep Blue Sea (besides Samuel L.
Jackson).
Forget about “The Jungle.” Let’s make Jordan Hare the Deep Blue Sea of the SEC.
So, this is a call to arms, shirts, shorts, pants, and socks. Bring out the Blue on September 5.
Who’s with me?
Please visit the comment section and share your thoughts.
A New Hope
By Michael McCoy
When Red gives Andy Dufresne his treatise on hope in the The Shawshank Redemption, he could just as easily be speaking for SEC fans when he says hope is a dangerous thing, that it can drive a man insane. This is true of sports fans all across the world (a fan of English soccer club Arsenal hung himself a few months ago after his team was knocked out of the European Cup), but in America, nowhere do fans live and die with their teams more than in Southeast come Autumn, and Auburn fans did a lot of dying last season. Yet despite the lingering memories of last season's debacle and the lukewarm reaction to the hiring of Gene Chizik, as happens everywhere across the South come August, hope springs eternal. It's usually not rooted in any sane or rational notion except for the feeling that things can't be as bad as they were the year before. Auburn fans are fully aware of the limited means with which this current Auburn team is operating under (inconsistent QB play and overall depth), but that doesn't matter. Come September 5 and kickoff against Louisiana Tech, fans are going be screaming, "Warrrrrrrrr Eagle! Hey!" as loudly as ever. And that's okay. Like Red, the Greeks also viewed hope as a dangerous thing, but realized without hope there is only despair, and it drove them to great feats (see Marathon and Thermopylae).
So what can Auburn fans do but hope? Despite the Murphy's Law syndrome that seems destined to envelop our depth chart, other signs are more encouraging heading into the season, not least the seeming togetherness of this team. This is a situation that is often hard to get a read on in August, and sometimes it does not really manifest itself until later on in the season (the last half of the 2002 season comes to mind). But early signs are promising. They may prove a false dawn, but let's hope that will not be the case. Going back to Kodi's selfless behavior which I commented on a couple of weeks back and the reaction to it, this team just feels different. After my time working with Auburn from 2000-2004, I've learned not to underestimate the will of a unified team or to doubt the pride of a college football player. Sure, they can come off as (and in fact be) prima donnas a lot of the time, but they do usually take pride in what they do. Case in point, when I was walking around with the football team at Disney World while at the 2001 Citrus Bowl (at the end of the 2000 season), I happened to be wearing my Tiger Rags "Romp in the Swamp" shirt, celebrating Auburn's 36-33 victory over Florida in 1994. Unwittingly, I provoked a response from the players around me as they saw my shirt and thought back to the two times we had played Florida earlier that season, coming up well short both times. Travaris Robinson asked me to stop walking so that he could make out all that my shirt said and afterwards he and the other players looked at it and promised aloud to nobody in particular that they would not come up short against Florida next year. I remember thinking to myself at the time, "Sure fellas, whatever you say."
At that time, I knew Florida would be a prohibitive favorite to win the national championship in 2001 and that we had more than a few question marks heading into the season. Yet by Florida week that October, you could sense the possibility of the seemingly improbable. Our offense still wasn't clicking, but our defense was strong enough that if the offense could just make a few plays, we could be in the game heading into the fourth quarter. Reports of bad weather moving in on Saturday night to possibly slow down Spurrier's Fun 'n' Gun increased the sense of optimism pervading the team. Sure enough, the wind swirled all around the stadium that night, as did our defense, and the rain held off just long enough for Damon Duval to become the first (but not last) Auburn kicker to break Florida hearts this decade. Later on, I thought back to that evening at Disney World and the prophecy of T-Rob. Since then, I've learned not to flippantly dismiss the claims of a college football player when his pride has been wounded and his team is unified. It's why I knew at the end of the 2007 Cocktail Party after Georgia had rushed the field when scoring their first touchdown that they would get their comeuppance at the 2008 Cocktail Party. The same goes for the Iron Bowl in 2002. I'm sure my brother can share similar stories from his time at Auburn, particularly the 1997 Georgia game.
So temper your expectations all you want Auburn fans. Come 6:00 next Saturday evening, all the prognostications of Auburn's season won't mean a damn thing. You'll be thinking about the possibilities the next thirteen Saturdays may bring, not the impossibilities. It's in our nature as college football fans in the Deep South. After all, it's not a huge leap of faith to say that this team can win eight or nine games this season. Some fortunate things need to happen over the course of the year for that to happen, so let's hope that they do. If nothing else, let's hope that our guys show more than they did a year ago. I'd be surprised if they didn't. Just think back to what former Auburn fullback 'Smokin' Joe Frazier said in the locker room immediately after the 1994 Florida game: "Whatever the mind can conceive, and can believe, it can achieve!" Truly.
Please stop by the comment section and share your thoughts.
When Red gives Andy Dufresne his treatise on hope in the The Shawshank Redemption, he could just as easily be speaking for SEC fans when he says hope is a dangerous thing, that it can drive a man insane. This is true of sports fans all across the world (a fan of English soccer club Arsenal hung himself a few months ago after his team was knocked out of the European Cup), but in America, nowhere do fans live and die with their teams more than in Southeast come Autumn, and Auburn fans did a lot of dying last season. Yet despite the lingering memories of last season's debacle and the lukewarm reaction to the hiring of Gene Chizik, as happens everywhere across the South come August, hope springs eternal. It's usually not rooted in any sane or rational notion except for the feeling that things can't be as bad as they were the year before. Auburn fans are fully aware of the limited means with which this current Auburn team is operating under (inconsistent QB play and overall depth), but that doesn't matter. Come September 5 and kickoff against Louisiana Tech, fans are going be screaming, "Warrrrrrrrr Eagle! Hey!" as loudly as ever. And that's okay. Like Red, the Greeks also viewed hope as a dangerous thing, but realized without hope there is only despair, and it drove them to great feats (see Marathon and Thermopylae).
So what can Auburn fans do but hope? Despite the Murphy's Law syndrome that seems destined to envelop our depth chart, other signs are more encouraging heading into the season, not least the seeming togetherness of this team. This is a situation that is often hard to get a read on in August, and sometimes it does not really manifest itself until later on in the season (the last half of the 2002 season comes to mind). But early signs are promising. They may prove a false dawn, but let's hope that will not be the case. Going back to Kodi's selfless behavior which I commented on a couple of weeks back and the reaction to it, this team just feels different. After my time working with Auburn from 2000-2004, I've learned not to underestimate the will of a unified team or to doubt the pride of a college football player. Sure, they can come off as (and in fact be) prima donnas a lot of the time, but they do usually take pride in what they do. Case in point, when I was walking around with the football team at Disney World while at the 2001 Citrus Bowl (at the end of the 2000 season), I happened to be wearing my Tiger Rags "Romp in the Swamp" shirt, celebrating Auburn's 36-33 victory over Florida in 1994. Unwittingly, I provoked a response from the players around me as they saw my shirt and thought back to the two times we had played Florida earlier that season, coming up well short both times. Travaris Robinson asked me to stop walking so that he could make out all that my shirt said and afterwards he and the other players looked at it and promised aloud to nobody in particular that they would not come up short against Florida next year. I remember thinking to myself at the time, "Sure fellas, whatever you say."
At that time, I knew Florida would be a prohibitive favorite to win the national championship in 2001 and that we had more than a few question marks heading into the season. Yet by Florida week that October, you could sense the possibility of the seemingly improbable. Our offense still wasn't clicking, but our defense was strong enough that if the offense could just make a few plays, we could be in the game heading into the fourth quarter. Reports of bad weather moving in on Saturday night to possibly slow down Spurrier's Fun 'n' Gun increased the sense of optimism pervading the team. Sure enough, the wind swirled all around the stadium that night, as did our defense, and the rain held off just long enough for Damon Duval to become the first (but not last) Auburn kicker to break Florida hearts this decade. Later on, I thought back to that evening at Disney World and the prophecy of T-Rob. Since then, I've learned not to flippantly dismiss the claims of a college football player when his pride has been wounded and his team is unified. It's why I knew at the end of the 2007 Cocktail Party after Georgia had rushed the field when scoring their first touchdown that they would get their comeuppance at the 2008 Cocktail Party. The same goes for the Iron Bowl in 2002. I'm sure my brother can share similar stories from his time at Auburn, particularly the 1997 Georgia game.
So temper your expectations all you want Auburn fans. Come 6:00 next Saturday evening, all the prognostications of Auburn's season won't mean a damn thing. You'll be thinking about the possibilities the next thirteen Saturdays may bring, not the impossibilities. It's in our nature as college football fans in the Deep South. After all, it's not a huge leap of faith to say that this team can win eight or nine games this season. Some fortunate things need to happen over the course of the year for that to happen, so let's hope that they do. If nothing else, let's hope that our guys show more than they did a year ago. I'd be surprised if they didn't. Just think back to what former Auburn fullback 'Smokin' Joe Frazier said in the locker room immediately after the 1994 Florida game: "Whatever the mind can conceive, and can believe, it can achieve!" Truly.
Please stop by the comment section and share your thoughts.
Auburn Football Insider Podcast Airs Tonight
Please join Jay Skipworth and myself tonight as we talk about the upcomming start of the season from 8pm-9pm CST. Also, feel free to call during the show at 646-649-1890. Thanks for listening to the show! Please follow the link below for the live show link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AFIP/2009/08/27/Auburn-Football-Insider-Podcast
Auburn Football Insiders Pocast Live Tonight, 8/19
Everyone, please join Jay Skipworth and myself as we welcome another special guest to the show, Ronnie Sanders who has worked for Terry Bowden, Tommy Tuberville, Nick Saban, Ron Zook and most recently Jeff Bower. Ronnie will be joining us on the show to talk about this upcomming season, his past experiences and his current projects which are the fan websites that he co-owns: auburnundercover.com (Auburn), crimsonconfidential.com (Alabama), eyeonthetigers.com (LSU), noleinsider.com (FSU), duckterritory.com (Oregon) and footballrumormill.com (Coaching Rumors and General Football). Below is a link to a profile of Ronnie:
http://www.sportscine.net/bios#ronniebio
Also, you can join the show by calling 646-649-1890 and you can listen live at the link below:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AFIP/2009/08/20/Auburn-Football-Insider-Podcast
Thanks for listening and War Eagle!
The Human Touch
By Michael McCoy
In the sixth line of the Auburn Creed, George Petrie states, "I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all." Petrie was speaking for past, present, and future generations of Auburn men and women, and today Kodi Burns helped to show that the kids are alright. By now, Auburn fans both far and wide have learned that Chris Todd has been named Auburn's starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Yet despite the large amount of interest this quarterback competition has generated in recent months, Chris Todd was merely a peripheral figure in tonight's unfolding drama. He'll have his time in the coming weeks and months. Front and center tonight, however, stood Kodi Burns, embodying the spirit of George Petrie's Auburn Creed over sixty-five years later.
The Auburn Creed speaks of things like hard work and honesty and truthfulness, without which one cannot win the respect and confidence of his or her fellow man. Kodi gamely faced the press after tonight's late practice to share his perspective on the events of the day. It was a remarkably articulate and intelligent perspective given that this young man had just seen his dream of playing quarterback for Auburn come to a bitter end. Kodi readily admitted to feeling jaded about last year's quarterback race and how it was handled (though he still handled that with class as well), labeling it 'nonsense', but he stressed that the new coaching staff had given him and everyone else a fair shot. He was thankful for that and, while disappointed, he is ready to do whatever else he can to help the team move on from here.
That process began earlier in the day before practice with what Coach Chizik termed a "truly, truly, inspirational" speech from Kodi to his teammates at the end of a team meeting. Kodi spoke of the love which he felt for each and every one of his teammates and he looked forward to having this team come together behind Chris Tood as its quarterback. When asked about the possibility of transferring, Kodi shrugged it off by saying, "I've been here two years. It's been a lot of ups and downs here at Auburn, and it's been a tough road. But I'm not the type of person who is going to run from it. I'm here. I love Auburn. I'm an Auburn guy. So even though things don't work out, I've got a lot to offer this team." I think we've seen something of the human touch the Auburn Creed speaks of in Kodi Burns tonight. Kodi continued, "Things happen for a reason...I'm not going to let the circumstances dictate the content of my character." We begin to see why Coach Chizik said earlier tonight that he couldn't be more proud of a player than he was today and how Kodi handled everything.
If Auburn goes on to have any kind of success on the football field this season, I'll look back to the events of tonight as the genesis of any such success. Nothing that happened tonight guarantees success in the coming months, but surely a foundation has been laid down to assure that this season's version of the Auburn Tigers will meet all challenges as a group of young men, Auburn men, working together and fighting for each other. Kodi is an Auburn man regardless of what the future holds for him on a football field, and his words and actions tonight exude the qualities George Petrie spoke of in the Auburn Creed, and because Auburn men like Kodi Burns believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it. War Eagle!
In the sixth line of the Auburn Creed, George Petrie states, "I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all." Petrie was speaking for past, present, and future generations of Auburn men and women, and today Kodi Burns helped to show that the kids are alright. By now, Auburn fans both far and wide have learned that Chris Todd has been named Auburn's starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Yet despite the large amount of interest this quarterback competition has generated in recent months, Chris Todd was merely a peripheral figure in tonight's unfolding drama. He'll have his time in the coming weeks and months. Front and center tonight, however, stood Kodi Burns, embodying the spirit of George Petrie's Auburn Creed over sixty-five years later.
The Auburn Creed speaks of things like hard work and honesty and truthfulness, without which one cannot win the respect and confidence of his or her fellow man. Kodi gamely faced the press after tonight's late practice to share his perspective on the events of the day. It was a remarkably articulate and intelligent perspective given that this young man had just seen his dream of playing quarterback for Auburn come to a bitter end. Kodi readily admitted to feeling jaded about last year's quarterback race and how it was handled (though he still handled that with class as well), labeling it 'nonsense', but he stressed that the new coaching staff had given him and everyone else a fair shot. He was thankful for that and, while disappointed, he is ready to do whatever else he can to help the team move on from here.
That process began earlier in the day before practice with what Coach Chizik termed a "truly, truly, inspirational" speech from Kodi to his teammates at the end of a team meeting. Kodi spoke of the love which he felt for each and every one of his teammates and he looked forward to having this team come together behind Chris Tood as its quarterback. When asked about the possibility of transferring, Kodi shrugged it off by saying, "I've been here two years. It's been a lot of ups and downs here at Auburn, and it's been a tough road. But I'm not the type of person who is going to run from it. I'm here. I love Auburn. I'm an Auburn guy. So even though things don't work out, I've got a lot to offer this team." I think we've seen something of the human touch the Auburn Creed speaks of in Kodi Burns tonight. Kodi continued, "Things happen for a reason...I'm not going to let the circumstances dictate the content of my character." We begin to see why Coach Chizik said earlier tonight that he couldn't be more proud of a player than he was today and how Kodi handled everything.
If Auburn goes on to have any kind of success on the football field this season, I'll look back to the events of tonight as the genesis of any such success. Nothing that happened tonight guarantees success in the coming months, but surely a foundation has been laid down to assure that this season's version of the Auburn Tigers will meet all challenges as a group of young men, Auburn men, working together and fighting for each other. Kodi is an Auburn man regardless of what the future holds for him on a football field, and his words and actions tonight exude the qualities George Petrie spoke of in the Auburn Creed, and because Auburn men like Kodi Burns believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it. War Eagle!
OL is Developing ...
#78 Mike Johnson LG
#77 James Carpenter LT
#73 William Vlachos Center
#79 Drew Davis RT
Many of the articles I have read suggest that if Fluker earns the RT spot, then Davis will move to RG. If Davis stays at RT, RG is open for competition between DJ Fluker, Barrett Jones, Alfred McCullough, Chance Warmack, Anthony Steen, Brian Motley and John Michael Boswell.
WILLIAM VLACHOS on freshman OL D.J. Fluker
"Obviously, his talent is undeniable. He's huge, and all that. But his willingness to learn has really impressed me. He asks tons of questions of the film room. He's always asking me to stay late with him and watch stuff and go over things. A guy with that much hype and expectations, it's surprising to see them work as hard and be as motivated as they are."
Alabama's Practice Hits: 8/12
Alabama's Practice Hits: 8/12
Auburn Insider Football Podcast- Live Tonight, 8/12
Guest Kevin Strickland, Sports Editor Pickens County Hearld joins Eddie McCoy and Jay Skipworth as they talk Auburn football.
Please click the link to listen to us live tonight from 8pm - 9pm CST.
You can join us live in the show by calling (646) 649-1890.
Upset Possibilities in the SEC...
“Trap Games?” Those are games that may not look difficult on the surface, but when combined with travel, the opponent the previous week, or some other factors, it becomes a game where the favored teams could trip up.
#2 Tennessee at Alabama, Oct. 24
Under normal circumstances this would probably be a comfortable win for the Crimson Tide. But Alabama has the big showdown at Ole Miss on Oct. 10. Then the Tide hosts South Carolina on Oct. 17. Alabama will get a week off on Oct. 31 in order to rest up for the big home game with LSU on Nov. 7. But before that week off they host Tennessee. The Alabama players will be looking forward to that week off after playing eight straight Saturdays. Tennessee will be rested after a week off and Lane Kiffin will probably still be looking for his first big win. What better way to get it than to beat one of your oldest rivals?
Under normal circumstances this would probably be a comfortable win for the Crimson Tide. But Alabama has the big showdown at Ole Miss on Oct. 10. Then the Tide hosts South Carolina on Oct. 17. Alabama will get a week off on Oct. 31 in order to rest up for the big home game with LSU on Nov. 7. But before that week off they host Tennessee. The Alabama players will be looking forward to that week off after playing eight straight Saturdays. Tennessee will be rested after a week off and Lane Kiffin will probably still be looking for his first big win. What better way to get it than to beat one of your oldest rivals?
The SEC’s top five “Trap Games”
Dont'a Hightower
- 1st Team Freshman All-American last season.
- A natural to rush the passer, packing 260 pounds with great burst off the edge and the strength to fight off blockers.
- Poised to be one of the best linebackers in the SEC this season.
- He's just a Sophomore!!
Hightower Destined to be Next Great Bama LB
2009 Fred Bilentnikoff Watch List
Alabama Julio Jones
"Jones started all 14 games for the Tide as a true freshman and set every rookie receiving record along the way. He finished the season with 58 receptions for 946 yards and four touchdowns last year as a true freshman. He was a first-team freshman All-American and the Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club National Freshman of the Year in 2008. He was also the 2008 Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year."
Trio of Tide Players Named to National Award Watch Lists
More Predictions...
Don't you just love all of the preseason predictions? Here's another one ..
A glance at Alabama's football team in 2009
"Three All-Americans are gone, but the expectations have only heightened for the Tide. 'Bama got the ball rolling with an eye-catching upset over Clemson last season in Atlanta. This time Saban's team opens against Virginia Tech in the same venue trying to set the tone again. There are some question marks-particularly left tackle-but the problem is experience, not talent after two straight top recruiting classes. Other issues include finding a go-to running back and more playmaking receivers behind Jones. Toughest road test not counting the neutral-site game comes at Mississippi on Oct. 10. Recent 'Bama teams haven't been able to duplicate double-digit wins, going a combined 17-31 in the following season in four tries since 1996."
A glance at Alabama's football team in 2009
Darren Evans (VT RB) Gone for the Year ...
Hokies running back Darren Evans tore his ACL in practice and will be out for the season.
(Source - blog.al.com)
(Source - blog.al.com)
40 Players Named to Outland Trophy Watch List
40 Players were named to the 2009 Outland Trophy Watch List which was released today by the Football Writers Association of America earlier today.
From Alabama:
1. Terrence Cody
2. Mike Johnson
40 Players Named to Outland Trophy Watch List
From Alabama:
1. Terrence Cody
2. Mike Johnson
40 Players Named to Outland Trophy Watch List
Trent Richardson Update ...
Saban was asked about the progress of freshman running back Trent Richardson.
"Trent's getting a lot of work,'' he said. "He's going to develop into an important part of the team. But Roy Upchurch and Mark Ingram and Terry Grant are really doing well, too. I can't tell you what's going to happen in a month. I'll wait and see. If we have four guys that can play winning fotobll at that position, I have no problem with that.''
In pads, going full speed, Crimson Tide goes back to basics
"Trent's getting a lot of work,'' he said. "He's going to develop into an important part of the team. But Roy Upchurch and Mark Ingram and Terry Grant are really doing well, too. I can't tell you what's going to happen in a month. I'll wait and see. If we have four guys that can play winning fotobll at that position, I have no problem with that.''
In pads, going full speed, Crimson Tide goes back to basics
4 of the 5 Offensive Line Starters "APPEAR" to be ...
LT James Carpenter, LG Mike Johnson, C William Vlachos and RT Drew Davis with right guard still a question mark.
(Source - blog.al.com)
(Source - blog.al.com)
Week #1 Predictions ..
Virginia Tech edges Alabama in a close, low-scoring battle. The difference between the two teams ends up being the playmaking ability of Hokies quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
2009 national college football preview- 1st
2009 national college football preview- 1st
The Tide's QB's ...
Star Jackson - The physical tools are there. Jackson has the size, the arm strength, and more speed than any Alabama QB we’ve seen in a while. The problem is mental.
AJ McCarron - A true freshman that has been nothing short of outstanding in summer workouts and the few days of fall camp.
Greg McElroy - The depth chart starts here.
Previewing the Tide — Quarterback
AJ McCarron - A true freshman that has been nothing short of outstanding in summer workouts and the few days of fall camp.
Greg McElroy - The depth chart starts here.
Previewing the Tide — Quarterback
Did you know?????
"Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones played more than half of the 2008 season with a sports hernia that eventually required surgery. On top of that, he injured a wrist and a shoulder (and needed more off-season surgery) against Tennessee. Visualize some of the catches that he made after those injuries, like the decisive overtime catch that set up the winning Alabama touchdown against LSU in Baton Rouge. Now imagine Jones making that play, or others like it, with three serious injuries nagging at him."
CECIL HURT: Two big stories you need to know about
Practice Tid-Bits Day #5
The heat index reached well over 100 degrees as the Crimson Tide worked out for more than two hours Monday afternoon. Today begins the grueling period of two-a-days for the team.
- Freshman tackle D.J. Fluker is big, but he doesn't appear ready to step in at left tackle.
- Davis, who started at right tackle last season, has been receiving repetitions recently at right guard as Alabama continues to try to find the right fit to replace departed right guard Marlon Davis.
- Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick looks like the real deal.
- Offensive lineman Tyler Love has been working with the second group at left tackle behind James Carpenter.
- Greg McElroy looked sharp with almost all of his throws as he looks to secure a starting role for the Crimson Tide.
It's scorching as Tide does first full-gear practice
Alabama's Harris ready to make impact
Monday practice report
- Freshman tackle D.J. Fluker is big, but he doesn't appear ready to step in at left tackle.
- Davis, who started at right tackle last season, has been receiving repetitions recently at right guard as Alabama continues to try to find the right fit to replace departed right guard Marlon Davis.
- Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick looks like the real deal.
- Offensive lineman Tyler Love has been working with the second group at left tackle behind James Carpenter.
- Greg McElroy looked sharp with almost all of his throws as he looks to secure a starting role for the Crimson Tide.
It's scorching as Tide does first full-gear practice
Alabama's Harris ready to make impact
Monday practice report
Alabama #3 - SEC Power Rankings
1. Florida
2. Ole Miss ?????
3. Alabama
4. LSU
5. Georgia
6. Arkansas
7. South Carolina
8. Vanderbilt
9. Tennessee
10. Auburn
11. Kentucky
12. Mississippi State
SEC preseason Power Rankings
2. Ole Miss ?????
3. Alabama
I could easily see the Crimson Tide winning the West this season. Their defense should be one of the best in the country, and you know Saban will have this team ready to play every week. But whereas the Crimson Tide leaned on their offensive line a year ago, I'm not sure they will have that luxury in 2009. Not that they will be bad up front. I just don't see them being dominant. Then again, stud receiver Jones is the great equalizer.
4. LSU
5. Georgia
6. Arkansas
7. South Carolina
8. Vanderbilt
9. Tennessee
10. Auburn
11. Kentucky
12. Mississippi State
SEC preseason Power Rankings
Last Update on Former 'Bama Backer Brandon Fanney
Fanney signed with Alabama in 2004. He redshirted in 2005 and played in just one game in 2006. He played in 10 games and had seven tackles in 2007, but started all 14 games last season. He recorded nine tackles for losses and one sack.
Fanney will play defensive end at UNA, which is very similar to the linebacker position he played at Alabama.
Fanney joins Lions
Fanney will play defensive end at UNA, which is very similar to the linebacker position he played at Alabama.
Fanney joins Lions
Alabama: RB Trent Richardson
"Everyone wants to know about massive freshman offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, but expecting a guy who never played offensive line before 2008 to step into the left tackle job the way Andre Smith did as a true freshman in 2006 is asking a lot. It's more likely Richardson, a 220-pound bruiser from Pensacola, Fla., will earn some carries as the Crimson Tide try to replace Glen Coffee. Richardson will compete with sophomore Mark Ingram and senior Roy Upchurch".
Tid-Bits on Greg McElory
- Business marketing major received his diploma Saturday to finish his undergraduate degree in three years with a 3.85 grade-point average.
- 6'3" at 220LB's
- He blew past his bench-press goal of 350 pounds to max out at 370 pounds. The plan, said McElroy, who also did power-cleans to improve leg strength, was to add bulk to “withstand the drudgery and the impact of the season.”
- Attended the 2009 Manning Passing Academy.
- Tight end Colin Peek said there is a considerable difference between the McElroy who won the starting job in spring practice to the McElroy who is leading the way this August.
McElroy leading team after three years as backup
Practice Tid-Bits Day #4
- DL Kerry Murphy, who returned to the team on Sunday, from hiatus because of the death of his brother.
- Interesting OL shifts continue. Yesterday RT Drew Davis practiced at right guard and freshman D.J. Fluker at right tackle.
- Crimson Tide gets serious tomorrow, straping on full pads for a 2:30 p.m. practice.
Alabama's Practice Hits: Fan Day edition
- Players practicing catching punts during Sunday’s open practice included cornerbacks Javier Arenas, Kareem Jackson and Dre Kirkpatrick, and wide receivers Julio Jones, Marquis Maze and Rob Ezell.
- During kickoff return drills, a group of about 12 players took reps, including Arenas, Mike McCoy, Jones, Mark Ingram, Terry Grant and Trent Richardson.
- Sophomore wide receiver Maze took snaps opposite Julio Jones.
Johnson’s experience provides leadership
- Interesting OL shifts continue. Yesterday RT Drew Davis practiced at right guard and freshman D.J. Fluker at right tackle.
- Crimson Tide gets serious tomorrow, straping on full pads for a 2:30 p.m. practice.
Alabama's Practice Hits: Fan Day edition
- Players practicing catching punts during Sunday’s open practice included cornerbacks Javier Arenas, Kareem Jackson and Dre Kirkpatrick, and wide receivers Julio Jones, Marquis Maze and Rob Ezell.
- During kickoff return drills, a group of about 12 players took reps, including Arenas, Mike McCoy, Jones, Mark Ingram, Terry Grant and Trent Richardson.
- Sophomore wide receiver Maze took snaps opposite Julio Jones.
Johnson’s experience provides leadership
Tid-Bits from the USA Today Coaches Poll ...
Alabama getting the nod over Ohio State isn't bad, and considering the Tide's relatively easy schedule, for the SEC, Nick Saban's club should be in a great spot to hover around the national title debate all season long. Of course, getting by No. 7 ranked Virginia Tech to start the season will be Job One, and with the high preseason ranking, the Hokies can rocket into BCS Championship discussion with a win in the season opener. Frank Beamer's club is in position to do big things.
Breaking Down the First Coaches' poll
Alabama has a Massive Defensive Line
Terrence Cody AKA "Mount Cody” - 6'5", 354LB
Brandon Deaderick - 6'4", 306LB
Lorenzo Washington - 6'5", 290LB
Josh Chapman - 6'1", 313LB (Weight-Room Master)
At 6-foot-5, 354 pounds, Cody not hard to Spot
Brandon Deaderick - 6'4", 306LB
Lorenzo Washington - 6'5", 290LB
Josh Chapman - 6'1", 313LB (Weight-Room Master)
At 6-foot-5, 354 pounds, Cody not hard to Spot
CB Alonzo Lawrence Gone...
Cornerback Alonzo Lawrence is transferring to Southern Miss.
Why? He was one of four players named Wednesday by Saban as having "violated some type of team rule or policy and were not invited back on our team."
Why? He was one of four players named Wednesday by Saban as having "violated some type of team rule or policy and were not invited back on our team."
OL "Tweaking" Practice Day #3
Sophomore Alfred McCullough continued to work as the right guard with the first offensive line group.
Alabama's Practice 8/8
More OL Practice News...
Junior college transfer James Carpenter and William Vlachos ran drills at left tackle and center, respectively, also alongside Johnson and Davis.
Freshman D.J. Fluker ran drills at both tackle positions for the second consecutive day — participating with the likes of redshirt freshman Tyler Love, junior Brian Motley and freshman David Williams.
Offensive Line Drills
Alabama's Practice 8/8
More OL Practice News...
Junior college transfer James Carpenter and William Vlachos ran drills at left tackle and center, respectively, also alongside Johnson and Davis.
Freshman D.J. Fluker ran drills at both tackle positions for the second consecutive day — participating with the likes of redshirt freshman Tyler Love, junior Brian Motley and freshman David Williams.
Offensive Line Drills
Graduation Day!!!
Greg McElroy, Lorenzo Washington and Travis Sikes are set to graduate today during UA's summer commencement ceremonies.
(Source - blog.al.com)
OL "Tweaking" Continues - Practice Day #2
Offensive line coach Joe Pendry appears to have carried the spring philosophy of trying multiple players at multiple spots into the fall.
Brian Motley, a right guard this spring, took snaps at center Friday. Meanwhile, Alfred McCullough stepped in with the first group at right guard. Former Foley star D.J. Fluker appears to have worked at left and right tackle to this point, while fellow freshman Anthony Steen has started out at left guard.
Alabama Notebook
Brian Motley, a right guard this spring, took snaps at center Friday. Meanwhile, Alfred McCullough stepped in with the first group at right guard. Former Foley star D.J. Fluker appears to have worked at left and right tackle to this point, while fellow freshman Anthony Steen has started out at left guard.
Alabama Notebook
Injury Update: TE Colin Peek
Alabama tight end Colin Peek plans to play his senior season with a fracture in his left foot that stubbornly refuses to heal.
A 6-foot-6 transfer from Georgia Tech, Peek is expected to be one of the top pass-catching targets in the Crimson Tide's offense this season. After sitting out the 2008 regular season because of NCAA transfer guidelines, Peek was cleared to play in the Sugar Bowl but ultimately did not because of the foot injury.
Peek wore a protective boot on his left foot after practice Friday.
Peek to play through Pain
A 6-foot-6 transfer from Georgia Tech, Peek is expected to be one of the top pass-catching targets in the Crimson Tide's offense this season. After sitting out the 2008 regular season because of NCAA transfer guidelines, Peek was cleared to play in the Sugar Bowl but ultimately did not because of the foot injury.
Peek wore a protective boot on his left foot after practice Friday.
Peek to play through Pain
"Tweaking" of the OL has Begun
The offensive line seems to be the biggest concern. Bama is in Day #2 of fall practice and the "tweaking" of the OL has begun;
William Vlachos and Brian Motley, practiced at center and right guard, respectively, were running drills in returning starter Mike Johnson’s group Thursday, sophomore Alfred McCullough was running at right guard with Vlachos and Drew Davis on Friday.Tide shows new looks at linebacker positions
Highly-touted freshman D.J. Fluker was running at both tackle spots, with Motley at center and freshman David Williams at right guard.
USA TODAY Preseason Poll ...
1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Oklahoma
4. USC
5. Alabama
6. Ohio State
7. VT
8. Penn State
9. LSU
10. Ole Miss
2009 Preseason Poll
2. Texas
3. Oklahoma
4. USC
5. Alabama
6. Ohio State
7. VT
8. Penn State
9. LSU
10. Ole Miss
2009 Preseason Poll
Practice Day 1 is History .. A Few Tid-Bits ..
- D.J. Fluker showed some impressive footwork despite being a bit tentative to begin his first practice at UA.
- Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick practiced tonight with the inside linebackers.
- Dre Kirkpatrick has the size, speed and looked awfully capable in one-on-one drills at his first collegiate practice.
- Defensive lineman Darrington Sentimore was practicing with the team, which is allowable even though the Louisiana native has yet to receive approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse.
- Quarterback A.J. McCarron looked sharp in drill work as one of only two passers at the practice.
- Noseguard Kerry Murphy was not present at practice for the most tragic of reasons, the death of his older brother in Bessemer in what police are treating as a homocide.
Tide freshmen take the field for the second practice on opening day of camp
Freshmen take the field
- Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick practiced tonight with the inside linebackers.
- Dre Kirkpatrick has the size, speed and looked awfully capable in one-on-one drills at his first collegiate practice.
- Defensive lineman Darrington Sentimore was practicing with the team, which is allowable even though the Louisiana native has yet to receive approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse.
- Quarterback A.J. McCarron looked sharp in drill work as one of only two passers at the practice.
- Noseguard Kerry Murphy was not present at practice for the most tragic of reasons, the death of his older brother in Bessemer in what police are treating as a homocide.
Tide freshmen take the field for the second practice on opening day of camp
Freshmen take the field
McElory from Day 1 Steps Up!
McElroy was optimistic about the way fall practice started.“We feel good about the way things went this morning,” he said. “Guys were bouncing around and making plays. We were able to get in and out of the huddle pretty well for the first day.”
McElroy shows early leadership
Goal 345 = Currently 354. Cody is on Track!!
“(He’s) a different Cody, a better Cody I believe,” cornerback Javier Arenas said. “He’s a little slimmer and moving better. It will make teams approach a whole different scheme.”
Slimmer Cody may be big help for Tide
'09 Playboy Preseasom All American Team
The University of Alabama football team had three players named to the 2009 Playboy Magazine annual preseason College Football All-American Team.Senior Javier Arenas was named as a return specialist, joining junior linebacker Rolando McClain and sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones. The team will be profiled in the September issue, due out next week.
Three Alabama players named Playboy preseason All-Americans
3 Grayshirts willl be ...
Saban added that "three potential guys" out of the 2009 signing class are set to grayshirt, a move that would delay their enrollment to January without them counting toward the 85-man limit this season. Expected grayshirts are offensive lineman Darius McKeller, defensive end Anthony Orr and linebacker Petey Smith.
Offensive lineman Kellen Williams was also not listed on the 105-man roster because of a knee injury suffered after signing day, but he is expected on the team this fall.
Saban's camp objective for Tide: 'Get the intangibles in place'
TE Colin Peek
I've said it before, Colin Peek is going to be a huge asset to this years team. Vince Ferrara from the Examiner.com agrees and I quote " TE Colin Peek (6’6) lined up next to RT Drew Davis (6’7) is a unique and daunting combo. I love Colin Peek. I think he’s going to be the go-to target in the passing game after Julio Jones."
Alabama Football Practice Begins
Alabama Football Practice Begins
Nation's Top Running Back Nominations....
(Doak Walker Award is presented annually to the nation's top running back)
Other nominations from the SEC are Florida's Jeffery Demps, LSU's Charles Scott and Arkansas' Michael Smith.
Cody's Weight?
With noseguard Terrence Cody trying to lose weight in the offseason to be a third-down player, Saban said the 354-pounder has "come close" to meeting some offseason goals set by the UA staff.
"If we were playing a game today he wouldn't play on third down," Saban said. "... He's come close [to goals]. We're going to continue to help him through camp so that he has an opportunity to achieve those goals."
Saban Opens Fall Camp
Gone from the TIDE!!
Prince Hall, Brandon Fanney, Jermaine Preyear and Alonzo Lawrence are officially on their way somewhere else.
Nick Saban confirms 4 Alabama players 'not invited back'
Nick Saban confirms 4 Alabama players 'not invited back'
What to Expect the First Two Weeks of Practice
Finally, practice has arrived. It feels like it has been forever since we have had an “in season” practice. Let’s hope that we don’t have to go from November till August again without meaningful practices. I know we have Spring Practice, but it’s not the same. So now that practice is here, what should we expect in the first two weeks of practice?
Definitely don’t expect much the first week of practice, at least not until they put the pads on. The first week is more about making sure everyone is on the same page in knowing assignments and working hard on fundamentals and techniques since the NCAA mandates that the first four practices be with helmets only for player safety. When they don pads, they will have three practices in two days to get acclimated and then they will probably have the biggest practice of the fall on August 11th when they hold the First Scrimmage of the fall. That scrimmage will probably wind up being the biggest single practice of the fall because it will be the starting point to finalizing the depth chart and shaking out the contenders from the pretenders in the position battles, especially the starting quarterback race. I would imagine that after the scrimmage, they will release the first depth chart of the fall and that depth chart could contain some answers that we have had going into the fall, such as what position will Mario Fannin be listed at, which true freshman are battling for playing time and which ones are guaranteeing themselves redshirt seasons, but most importantly, which QB is already out of the race.
The second week features two “Two-A-Day” practices and two regular practices highlighted with Fan Day at the end of the week and a day off for the first day of class. The best thing we can hope to hear from that week is that we make it thru the week without sustaining any significant injuries. I would imagine that by fan day they will have a good idea who the starter at QB for the first game will be and most of the other position battles will be situated.
Personally I am looking forward to the quarterback race and how it shakes out. I have believed for quite some time that this staff has left the door wide open for Tyrik Rollison to come in and gain significant playing time as a true freshman. I am fully onboard the Rollison Express and I believe that he is good enough to come in and at least be equal to the talent we have right now at that position. I’m also crossing my fingers that we do not sustain injuries. We have no depth and cannot afford to be looking for stop gap solutions throughout the year. I’m also looking forward to hearing how the players are responding and enjoying practice. The more they are excited about it the better chances of this team coming together and playing some good football. I just want to get thru these first two weeks without any real surprises and get our depth chart more finalized.
I would like to think Jay G Tate and his HABOTN Blog for posting the practice schedule which I referenced. If you like Auburn Football, please check out his blog at the below link, you will not be disappointed:
www.habotn.com
What are you looking forward to seeing during the next two weeks? Please visit the comment section and share your thoughts.
War Eagle!
Definitely don’t expect much the first week of practice, at least not until they put the pads on. The first week is more about making sure everyone is on the same page in knowing assignments and working hard on fundamentals and techniques since the NCAA mandates that the first four practices be with helmets only for player safety. When they don pads, they will have three practices in two days to get acclimated and then they will probably have the biggest practice of the fall on August 11th when they hold the First Scrimmage of the fall. That scrimmage will probably wind up being the biggest single practice of the fall because it will be the starting point to finalizing the depth chart and shaking out the contenders from the pretenders in the position battles, especially the starting quarterback race. I would imagine that after the scrimmage, they will release the first depth chart of the fall and that depth chart could contain some answers that we have had going into the fall, such as what position will Mario Fannin be listed at, which true freshman are battling for playing time and which ones are guaranteeing themselves redshirt seasons, but most importantly, which QB is already out of the race.
The second week features two “Two-A-Day” practices and two regular practices highlighted with Fan Day at the end of the week and a day off for the first day of class. The best thing we can hope to hear from that week is that we make it thru the week without sustaining any significant injuries. I would imagine that by fan day they will have a good idea who the starter at QB for the first game will be and most of the other position battles will be situated.
Personally I am looking forward to the quarterback race and how it shakes out. I have believed for quite some time that this staff has left the door wide open for Tyrik Rollison to come in and gain significant playing time as a true freshman. I am fully onboard the Rollison Express and I believe that he is good enough to come in and at least be equal to the talent we have right now at that position. I’m also crossing my fingers that we do not sustain injuries. We have no depth and cannot afford to be looking for stop gap solutions throughout the year. I’m also looking forward to hearing how the players are responding and enjoying practice. The more they are excited about it the better chances of this team coming together and playing some good football. I just want to get thru these first two weeks without any real surprises and get our depth chart more finalized.
I would like to think Jay G Tate and his HABOTN Blog for posting the practice schedule which I referenced. If you like Auburn Football, please check out his blog at the below link, you will not be disappointed:
www.habotn.com
What are you looking forward to seeing during the next two weeks? Please visit the comment section and share your thoughts.
War Eagle!
Auburn Football Insider Podcast airs Live Tonight
Please join me tonight with my special guest host Michael McCoy (my brother who was also a football manager from 2000-2003) tonight as we discuss Auburn Football and what to expect these first two weeks of practice and what it was like for both of us to go thru two-a-day's under two different coaches.
The show airs live tonight from 8pm - 9pm CST at the above link. Also, please call-in and join the discussion at (347) 826-9452.
Eddie Lacy has been Cleared ....
Lacy said he received a green-light this morning from the NCAA clearinghouse after waiting last week on summer classes and other academic paperwork to be approved. He can now join the Crimson Tide for all of its preseason practice.
Not a day too soon, UA signee Eddie Lacy gets word from the NCAA clearinghouse
Not a day too soon, UA signee Eddie Lacy gets word from the NCAA clearinghouse
AGM 2009 Preseason Top 25 Poll
Here's another preseason poll... According to this poll, Bama's #12 in the Nation.
AGM Linebackers 2009 Preseason Top 25 Poll
The Tide almost put together a hell of a season last year when they jumped out to a 12-0 start. However, a 0-2 finish on the biggest stages brought Bama fans crashing back to reality. This year, Nick Saban and company will look to finish what they started. The key will be getting their offensive line to become the road graters they were at the beginning of the 2008 season. If the offensive line can open a few holes the Crimson Tide have the backs and the power running game that will chew up clock and dominate opponents, couple that with an always talented Saban defense and Alabama could be dangerous in 2009. To start the season the goal will be win the SEC and let the chips fall where they may.
AGM Linebackers 2009 Preseason Top 25 Poll
As Practice Begins, so do the Battles for positions...
Here they are:
1. Left Tackle: Up for Grabs between James Carpenter & D.J. Fluker.
2. Tailback: #1 should be Mark Ingram. How far can Trent Richardson move up the depth charts? Eddie Lacy??? Don't forget about Roy Upchurch.
3. Linebacker: Who's going to move to the "Jack" position?
4. Safety: Robby Green? Safety is wide open!
5. QB: McElroy is the starter. Back-up is????
5 battles to watch as the Crimson Tide Starts Summer Football Practice
1. Left Tackle: Up for Grabs between James Carpenter & D.J. Fluker.
2. Tailback: #1 should be Mark Ingram. How far can Trent Richardson move up the depth charts? Eddie Lacy??? Don't forget about Roy Upchurch.
3. Linebacker: Who's going to move to the "Jack" position?
4. Safety: Robby Green? Safety is wide open!
5. QB: McElroy is the starter. Back-up is????
5 battles to watch as the Crimson Tide Starts Summer Football Practice
The Off-Season is OVER! Practice begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday
Practice begins at 9:30 a.m. Thursday with a workout designed for veterans. Per Saban's preference, Alabama's freshmen and selected other players will hit the field at 7:30 p.m. for a separate practice.
Crimson Tide set to report tomorrow; Practice starts Thursday morning
Crimson Tide set to report tomorrow; Practice starts Thursday morning
Alabama Ticket Waiting List Surpasses 10,000 ...
Alabama which does not use public money to subsidize athletics, isn't spending foolishly. According to figures filed with the U.S. Department of Education, Alabama has a football season-ticket waiting list of more than 10,000, and football-only revenue topped $57 million for the 2007-08 school year.
Earlier this year, the Alabama state university system's trustees approved earlier a $80.6 million project that will expand Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium to accommodate more than 101,000 fans. Alabama's stadium expansion should more than pay for itself.
Gap growing ever wider between college sports' haves, have-nots
Earlier this year, the Alabama state university system's trustees approved earlier a $80.6 million project that will expand Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium to accommodate more than 101,000 fans. Alabama's stadium expansion should more than pay for itself.
Gap growing ever wider between college sports' haves, have-nots
Brandon Fanney ????
Fanney was suspended for spring practice and rumored to be transforming, the linebacker’s name has not landed on a roster of any college program.
Lions coach Terry Bowden dismissed the notion of Fanney heading to UNA when asked at the Division II school’s media day Monday.
Fanney started all 14 games last year and ranked third on the team with 66 tackles.
Pay - Saban $3.9 Million & Meyer $4 Million
A new six-year, $24 million contract for Meyer was finalized Monday, taking his total financial package to $4 million per year and making him the SEC's highest-paid coach in 2009.
Alabama's Nick Saban is set to earn $3.9 million this season, while LSU's Les Miles jumped to $3.75 million after winning the 2007 national championship.
Gators give Meyer 6-year, $24M contract
More Pre-Season Rankings ...
The Congrove Computer Rankings (CCR)
PROJECTED TEAM RANKINGS (End of Regular Season)
Rank School W-L
1. Florida 12-0
2. Oklahoma 12-0
3. Southern California 12-0
4. Texas 11-1
5. Utah 12-0
6. Alabama 12-0
7. Michigan State 12-0
8. Virginia Tech 11-1
9. Ohio State 11-1
10. Tulsa 11-1
Computer likes Alabama, five others, to Run The Table
PROJECTED TEAM RANKINGS (End of Regular Season)
Rank School W-L
1. Florida 12-0
2. Oklahoma 12-0
3. Southern California 12-0
4. Texas 11-1
5. Utah 12-0
6. Alabama 12-0
7. Michigan State 12-0
8. Virginia Tech 11-1
9. Ohio State 11-1
10. Tulsa 11-1
Computer likes Alabama, five others, to Run The Table
James Carpenter
I did a post last week on James Carpenter and how valuable he will be on the OL this year. Here is some more on James....
10 Impact Signees: James Carpenter
"Carpenter isn’t the pure brute at left tackle that Andre Smith brought to the table for three seasons, but he is a smart, instinctive lineman that could easily move down to guard or over to right tackle if Fluker, a more prototype athlete for the left side, is ready to play immediately. Another JUCO gem for Saban and his staff.”
10 Impact Signees: James Carpenter
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