Ex-Brookhaven football star hit with drug charges
June 30, 2008
Former Brookhaven High School football star and current University of Alabama linebacker Jimmy Johns has been charged with selling cocaine, the Tuscaloosa News reported on its Web site Tuesday.
How The SEC Western Division May Be Won In 2008
June 30, 2008
Last year was probably the strangest college football season ever; though this could be the most exciting, especially if you are an SEC fan. As many as five teams could have a legitimate shot at the National Championship. Florida, Georgia, Auburn or Tennessee, possibly LSU as a dark horse, could be crowned National champion.
Let’s take a look at how the SEC western division may end up in 2008.
We begin with sixth place working our way down to number one and the divisional champion with the right to challenge for the SEC title against the Eastern division champion.
- *Surprising loss that possibly could happen, but may not.
- Each team’s record represents an overall season of wins and loses that do not include bowl game or the SEC title game.
- Next week I will predict the Eastern Division ranking and Champion, as well as the conclusion of the SEC title game.
________________________________________________________________________
6th Ole Miss: Even though Houston Nutt takes over the head coaching duties for the Rebels he’s not going to be a difference maker this year. A decent recruiting class and some play makers here and there won’t be enough. However; Houston has proven to be quite capable of coaching up less talent and he’ll win some games the Johnny Rebs shouldn’t. “ARE – YOU - READY?”
Projected Record: 5-7
Bowl: None
Biggest Conference Win: South Carolina
Surprising Loss: Vanderbilt
5th Arkansas: Not even new head coach of the Razor Backs Bobby Petrino can turn the ship around this quickly. With the loss of Heisman runner-up Darren McFannin among other notables to the NFL or graduation, the pantry of talent is seemingly bare for now. That won’t stop the Hogs from rutting up its opponents to some degree. This coming season with road games against Auburn, Kentucky, Miss. State, and home games against Alabama, Florida and LSU (Little Rock), it’s a tall task to ask for an SEC crown much less a divisional championship. Better hope for a .500 season.
Projected Record: 6-6
Bowl: Independence
Biggest Conference Win: Miss. State
*Surprising Loss:
4th Mississippi State: Sylvester Croome and the Dawgs of the Magnolia State produced a surprising season in 2007. Expectations are high with wins over Alabama and Auburn and a Liberty Bowl victory over Central Florida which culminated into a solid year for State in 2007. The 2008 season will prove to be tougher for the Dawgs as they have Auburn and Arkansas at home and must travel to LSU, Tennessee, Alabama and Ole Miss for the annual Egg Bowl. That won’t add up to a trip to Hot-lanta this year, just way too tough and not enough talent to compete each week with the top teams. The Sly Dawgs will steal some wins here and there to keep it interesting.
Projected Record: 8 - 4
Bowl: Music City
Biggest Conference Win: Auburn
*Surprising Loss: La Tech
3rd LSU: The defending National Champions have too many losses in personnel to write about. However, the biggest loss is that of projected starting QB Ryan Perrilloux, who was dismissed from the team earlier this year. That leaves a huge hole at the starting the QB position. Not a good way to begin the defense of your National Title. The Bayou Bangles open the season with three straight cupcakes before traveling to Auburn for the usual “anything can happen” showdown. Other away games include Florida, South Carolina, and Arkansas. With home games involving Miss. State, Georgia, Alabama, and then concluding the home stretch with Ole Miss. After this season LSU head coach Les Miles will wish he had taken the job at Michigan.
Projected Record: 8-4
Bowl: Outback
Biggest Conference Win: Alabama
*Surprising Loss: Troy
2nd Alabama: I know this prediction is a shocker for some. I can’t believe I’m making it but hey the stars fell on Alabama once it could happen again, “Hence the state slogan”. The Crimson Tide will look to build big on last year’s minor successes and near misses. The Tide, under first year head coach Nick Saban, proved to be a worthy opponent for most in the SEC during the ’07 campaign. Make no mistake oh-bama will have a few things to say about who gets to compete for it all concerning the SEC this time around. With an opening game against Clemson in Atlanta and a home game against Auburn, which never has lost in Bryant – Tuberville Stadium, and road games against Georgia, and LSU, the one thing the Tide nation won’t be able to do is, celebrate another division crown. Not this year anyway…
Projected Record: 9-3
Bowl: Cotton
Biggest Conference Win: Tennessee
*Surprising Loss: Kentucky
1St Auburn: The 2008 version of the Tigers are ready to unload their Tony Franklin version of the spread offense. With practically all their toughest games (LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia) at home, the schedule would seem to be more conducive for wins. The defense should actually be better than last year’s unit that was very solid most of the season, but did give up some big plays with the game on the line. Not since the Chick-fil-A bowl win against Clemson have the players been able to prove their prowess against anyone other than fellow team mates. The two quarterback system with returning star Kodi Burns and newcomer Chris Todd makes for an interesting one – two punch with RB’s Ben Tate, Mario Fannin and Brad Lester ready to be a no surprise upper cut needed to make a serious run at the SEC crown and a spot in the national title game.
Projected Record: 11-1
Bowl: Orange Bowl
Biggest Conference Win: Georgia
*Surprising Loss: at Miss. State
Tags: crimson tide
Ga. back with first offer
June 30, 2008
Alabama Football: Like ‘99, True Freshmen Will Make an Impact
June 30, 2008
By Stephon Lewis
OK, let's talk history.
I know, I know. Bama folks are always talking about the past. You will just have to trust me on this one. This is some good stuff.
Now that the Tide has landed the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, more of Bama’s rivals now contend that true freshmen rarely make a difference on a competitive team.
But just looking back to Bama's last championship team ('99 SEC, its 21st), there were four true freshman starters from a top five rated class: One on offense with Dante Ellington at right tackle, and three on defense—end Kenny King, linebacker Saleem Rasheed and cornerback Gerald Dixon.
So what does this have to do with anything? Don’t get your urnge panties all in a bunch. I’m getting to that.
Comparing that recruiting class, which also featured RB Santonio Beard and Florida killer, wide receiver Antonio Carter, to this year's recruiting coup is not necessarily the point here. The question is, how do we determine the potential impact a true freshman can make since it's been done before?
Much like the ‘99 squad, there is considerable talent on this year’s offense, especially on the Offensive line where the RT position is the only arguable weak spot. Like this year, the ‘99 OL also featured a star center in Paul Hogan along with an all-world left tackle in Chris Samuels.
Although there was a pretty good battle in the spring for the RT spot with Drew Davis taking the lead, just like ‘99, many Bama fans still look forward to a high profile freshman tackle coming in and making an SEC splash.
Fitting the bill:
* Tyler Love - tackle
In ‘99, the previous recruiting class brought in some solid defensive line talent but used the ‘99 class to bolster a young talented team. When Bama needed a defensive end to step up, it called on the big time talent of Kenny King. The ‘08 class has several players that may be able match King’s freshman contributions.
Of these recruits, who will it be?
* Marcel Dareus - Defensive End
* Glenn Harbin - Defensive End
* Courtney Upshaw - Linebacker / Defensive End
* Undra Billingsly - Defensive End
In ‘99, when the Tide needed a playmaker in the linebacking corps, it looked no further than the talented true freshman LB from Birmingham, Saleem Rasheed. Who could Bama turn to in a year where the true freshman can make a run on a position?
Of these recruits, who will it be?
* Jerrell Harris - Outside linebacker
* Donte Hightower - Linebacker
* Courtney Upshaw - Linebacker/Defensive End
The state of the current Tide secondary is not to the point of the '99 squad, which would not only need the injection of a true freshman in Anthony Dixon, but would also enlist the services of a high-profile junior college transfer cornerback in Milo Lewis.
While not at the state of emergency that the '99 defensive backfield was in—that distinction obviously goes to the LB position—there are still a few players who could come in and challenge for a starting spot or at least get some major playing time.
Of these recruits, who will it be?
* Robbie Green - Cornerback
* Mark Barron - Safety
* Alonzo Lawrence - Cornerback
Am I saying that Bama will win the SEC because they had a top class? Uh...no.
This was all to say that the Tide can get winning football out of a top-rated class, and probably will.
It's nearly impossible to predict how well any of Bama's incoming freshmen will turn out, but it would be foolish to think the Tide won't benefit positively from such a great influx of talent.
Just like it did in '99.
Tags: alabama footballCrimson & White Roundtable - Our Turn
June 30, 2008
If you're just joining us, the rules are simple. Each week, a different Bama blogger poses a series of questions. Any and all Tide bloggers are encouraged to post responses on their own sites. If you do decide to jump in, be sure to let us know by emailing webmaster@alabamagameday[DOT]net.
We're departing sunny Orlando later this week for sweet home Alabama, so a compilation of the best answers will be up by Monday. And now, on with the questions...
Which non-conference home-and-home series would you most like to see?
We're a big fan of non-conference rivalries. The old days of series with Notre Dame and Penn State were clashes of titans, unlike today's jobber matches with the likes of... well, La. Monroe.
True enough, scholarship limitations have allowed traditional patsies to become more competitive, but we still pine for the days of epic battles. That said, we're excited about the renewal of the Penn State rivalry, and would love to host USC and Notre Dame. Texas would be great, and although Coach Fran is gone, we'd also like to see the Aggies of Texas A&M in Bryant-Denny.
Which of the following is the most likely win for Alabama this year: LSU, Tennessee or Auburn?
This may be a no-brainer, but one can never tell with a rivalry game. LSU figures to be strong, but is also subject to the whims of the Paddleboat Gambler, Les Miles. Tennessee figures to be resurgent this year, after winning the SEC East last year.
That leaves an Auburn team trying to become a fun-and-gun team in a cloud of dust conference. Can Auburn pull off this transition with a new starting QB? We'll know by November when the Iron Bowl rolls around, but it's our feeling that a battle-tested Tide team may just break the streak this year.
Who will be the #2 quarterback coming out of Fall practice?
With Star Jackson mania running wild earlier this year, there seemed to be no question this kid would be breathing down John Parker Wilson's neck come September. But walk-on Thomas Darrah had the best A-Day stats, and surprised lots of folks.
In the end, however, the nod will go to Greg McElroy. He's been in the system longer, and despite the new OC, enough of last year's playbook remains the same to give him the edge coming out of Fall practice.
To hedge our bets, however, we note that Coach Saban has long stated depth charts are just a way to account for all the players. Even if McElroy is posted at #2 for administrative purposes, he could lose the job quickly if he fails to perform in any mop-up opportunities he gets.
If you could swap any two SEC schools for any other schools in the Southeast, which would they be?
We're asking for two schools because we assume everyone would ditch Vanderbilt, and we're no different. In the place of the futile Commodores, let's bring in Southern Miss. They're already a defacto SEC school; we're just making it official.
And to avoid three Mississippi schools, we're dropping Mississippi State in favor of Clemson, thus giving us an Auburn with a lake, to contrast the one without.
Give Saban a break
June 30, 2008
Alabama Football: Monday Message Board 6/30
June 29, 2008
Hey Guys,
Of course we all know this past week was a hard one for Crimson Tide fans with the arrest of Jimmy Johns. It wasn't any easier for me when I had to break the news to all of my friends. The station where I am interning broke the story first, and it was a hard one to swallow.
Anyway, I know everyone wants to move on from that, so here we go.
June has been focusing on the individual and the incoming freshman class, so there is no reason to deter from that on the last day of the month.
We have discussed the best incoming freshman, the best case scenario for JPW, and the best returning senior.
Basically, that leaves the rest of the team, so what better subject to focus on this week.
The question for this week, then, is: Which returning underclassmen need to have the biggest impact in order for Bama to be successful?
We will be focusing on the juniors and sophomores of the team and how they figure to contribute to this team.
As always, you can comment below, or write your own article about the topic.
Next month the focus will be this history of Alabama Football, which I know is something that every Alabama fan likes to discuss.
Here's to hoping that this next week is a happier one for the Crimson Tide.
That's it for this week guys.
Thanks,
Nic
Tags: alabama football, crimson tideDavid Robertson Makes Major League Debut with Yankees
June 29, 2008
Alabama Football: Rashad Johnson Looks to End Unthinkable Career on High Note
June 29, 2008
Next time you get a chance, go over to Rivals.com and search for the name Rashad Johnson in the year 2004.
When you get no results, don't blame the site—it's because Johnson doesn't have a player profile on Rivals.com. Same for Scout.com.
Despite what those sites say, Rashad Johnson does exist.
The Alabama senior walked on to the Crimson Tide football team under then-coach Mike Shula in 2004 and was just happy to make the team.
Now he is entering his final season not only with a scholarship, but with reigning first team All-SEC honors, plus team captain duties as elected by his teammates.
When Johnson came to Tuscaloosa, he was a running back out of Sulligent, Alabama, a small town about an hour from Jasper and home to a tiny 1-A high school.
After a redshirt season, Johnson made the move to defense in 2005, but saw no action short of special teams work.
In 2006, Johnson finally got a chance to start four times, but still saw limited action at safety.
After a coaching change and a tireless spring, Johnson earned a starting job in the defensive secondary, and he didn't disappoint in his junior campaign.
Johnson turned in a memorable season, picking off six passes, good enough to tie for the conference lead and 10th nationally. He was the team leader in tackles last season, including a team-high 13 in the bowl win over Colorado.
With all his hard work, Johnson left a mark on his coaches, opposing coaches, and his teammates.
During the season, Johnson garnered five Defensive Player of the Week honors from the coaches. After his breakout season, Johnson racked up a first team All-SEC selection from the coaches, and, more impressively, was selected as a team captain by his teammates.
By being selected a team captain, Johnson had the honor of placing his hands and cleats in cement around Denny Chimes along with all the other team captains since the '50s. Johnson's name is now in the company of many Alabama Football legends.
In 2008, Johnson looks to lead a defensive secondary which has lost some starters from last season. Even though that may be a problem, Johnson still figures to factor into opponents' game plans and will be a constant threat to quarterbacks under pressure.
It also doesn't hurt to have reigning All-SEC safety attached to your name.
Entering his senior season, Johnson may have been the only one who could have pictured himself getting this far. It is quite obvious that no one else could have pictured this scenario back in 2004.
Even though 'Bama didn't originally want Johnson, the Crimson Tide wouldn't know what to do without him now.
Tags: alabama football, crimson tideSEC Football: 2008 Week By Week Preview
June 29, 2008
The SEC is without a doubt the toughest conference in college football—no other conference can even compete.
This year looks like the most up-for-grabs year yet. No one team is really standing out over the rest. There are a few favorites, but not a year goes by without seeing a couple of upsets.
I will give you my picks and predictions of the main SEC games throughout this year and we will see how it all turns out.
In the second week of the season we get the first conference game—South Carolina at Vanderbilt. Vandy had a shocking season last year and was one win away from making it to a bowl game, but ended up losing the last four games and killing their season.
I don't see them being able to make it two years in a row. Steve Spurrier will find a way to get it done, and South Carolina will open the SEC season off with a win.
In the third week we really start the season with a couple of revenge games. Auburn has to play at Mississippi State, and Auburn will be looking to recover from last year's 19-14 upset. I don't see Mississippi State winning again, and I have Auburn winning.
The game of the week will be Georgia at South Carolina. South Carolina gave Georgia a 16-12 loss last year that kept Georgia out of the SEC championship, and possibly the national championship. Georgia had not found Knowshon Moreno at that time, but he will definitely be here this year, and he will lead Georgia to their first SEC win of the season.
In the fourth week we get a few rivalry games. Alabama has to play at Arkansas and will be looking to beat them two years in a row. If Alabama could beat Arkansas with Darren McFadden last year, I see Alabama beating them again. This time, though, it won't be as close as the three-point game last year.
If Alabama wants any chance at competing in the SEC West, they need to start the season off right with a win.
We also get to see LSU play at Auburn. This will be the first SEC game that the defending champions will play, and if they want to win it all two years in a row, they will need to win this game. I don't think Auburn has enough talent on their team to upset possibly the No. 1 team in the nation, and LSU will escape with a win.
The biggest game of the week will be Florida at Tennessee. Florida ran away from Tennessee last year and demolished them 59-20. I don't see it being any different this year. Tim Tebow will try to put up some more Heisman stats as Florida beats Tennessee by at least two touchdowns.
In the fifth week we get some standout East versus West games.
Tennessee plays at Auburn, and after a good year off from playing each other, this should be a really interesting game. I don't see either one of them putting a real big dent in the SEC race, so this would be for bragging rights and a chance at a better bowl game. This should be a really close, pound it out game, but I see Auburn winning a close one.
Ole Miss has to go to Florida and look to recover from the 30-24 loss last year. This game always seems to be a shocker—every year either team has a chance at winning, but Tebow will handle Ole Miss and Florida will walk away with a win.
The game of the week will be Alabama playing at Georgia. Both teams will most likely be undefeated in the SEC heading into this game, and the winner will be able to put up a challenge in their side of the SEC.
Last year's game was arguably one of the best games in the SEC. It took extra time for Georgia to finally take care of Alabama, as Georgia scored on their first play of overtime to defeat Alabama 26-23.
I see this season's outcome being about the same. It's going to come down to whoever has the ball last, and I see Georgia having the ball last. Georgia will win this game and remain in first place in the SEC East.
The sixth week doesn't have many exciting games. Florida will have to put their undefeated record on the line as they travel to Arkansas. Arkansas will put up enough of a challenge to keep it close, but in the end Florida will pull away with a win and remain undefeated.
In the game of the week, Kentucky will have to travel to Alabama. Alabama will still be recovering from their loss to Georgia, and they will be able to take their anger out on Kentucky. This game will not be close—Alabama will be able to get back on a winning streak as they beat Kentucky pretty easily.
The seventh week will feature key games in deciding who will play for the SEC championship. Arkansas has to play at Auburn in a battle for third place in the SEC West. Last year's contest was a defensive battle in a 9-7 Auburn win. I see about the same outcome this year, as Auburn will win another defensive battle to take over the third spot in the SEC West.
In another standout SEC East game, Tennessee has to travel to Georgia. Last year Tennessee ran away from Georgia in a 35-14 win and eventually clinched the SEC East. It will not be the same this year with the loss of Tennessee's Erik Ainge, and Georgia will continue their undefeated streak as they beat Tennessee and remain in first place.
The game of the week will pit two top five undefeated teams against each other as LSU has to travel to Florida to play the Gators. Florida will try to reverse last year's 28-24 loss, and they will be able to do so with the help of Tim Tebow and the roar of the home fans. With this win, Florida will most likely jump to the number one spot in most polls.
Week eight will have more East versus West battles. I'm not picking any upsets this week—the team with the higher ranking will win.
In the closest game of the week, Arkansas will have to play Kentucky. This game will have nothing on the line, because by this time both teams will be out of the race for the SEC. I see Arkansas coming out with a win and giving them a little bit of a boost in shooting for a bowl game.
In the most lopsided game of the week, LSU has to play South Carolina. LSU will be coming off their loss to Florida, and I see them running up the score in a blowout win over South Carolina as they start their winning streak again and stay on top of the SEC West.
Week nine features two very exciting games. Alabama has to travel to Tennessee in hopes of staying in the race for the SEC West. Last year Alabama murdered Tennessee in a 41-17 runaway game. This year I don't see it being that much of a blowout, but Alabama will still walk away with a win and stay number one in the SEC West.
The game of the week will have Georgia traveling to LSU. This game will be the second top five matchup of the season in a very grueling meeting. This game could very likely be decided in overtime because the teams are that even, but in the end I see Georgia walking away with a win and staying undefeated.
Week 10 will feature the game of the year—Georgia versus Florida. This could be a No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup. Last year Georgia beat Florida 42-30 in a very uneven game.
This year I see it being a lot closer. Both teams have a great quarterback, but this game will come down to the running game, and Georgia definitely has the edge on Florida with Knowshon Moreno. Georgia will be able to pound it out on the ground and somehow walk away with two straight victories over Florida.
This win will boost Georgia to No. 1 overall in the nation and put them alone atop the SEC East.
In week 11, we will have the SEC West championship when Alabama travels to LSU. Last year Alabama lost 41-34 in LSU's national championship run. Alabama has the tools to get the job done, but in the end I see LSU walking away with a win in front of the home crowd.
This win will tie Alabama and LSU atop the SEC West, but LSU will own the tiebreaker and eventually clinch the SEC West for the second straight year.
Week 12 will have more rivalry games. Vanderbilt has to travel to Kentucky, and both teams will enter this game with hopes of playing in a bowl game. This should be an interesting game in a fight for respect and a bowl appearance, and Kentucky will walk away with a win and become bowl eligible.
The game of the week will pit No. 1 Georgia against Auburn. Last year's Blackout game was a very good game for Georgia—it put them on the right track to head to the Sugar Bowl. This win will clinch the SEC East for Georgia and give them an undefeated season in the SEC.
Week 13 will pit Vanderbilt versus Tennessee. Tennessee will have already clinched a bowl spot and will most likely overlook Vandy. Vanderbilt will come into this game still looking for a bowl spot, and they will be able to shock the Volunteers in front of their home fans and pick up a win.
In the last week of the season, Auburn will travel to Alabama. Alabama will still harbor hopes of going to the SEC championship. Auburn will not have the talent or the tools to be able to clinch this win, and Alabama will remain tied for No. 1 in the SEC west.
In the game of the week, LSU travels to Arkansas with hopes of going to the SEC championship with a win. LSU will not play around with Arkansas and will get this game over with quickly. The Tigers will clinch the SEC West with a win and end the regular season on a good note.
The SEC championship will pit SEC West champion LSU against SEC East champion Georgia. This game will be just like the first game of the season, as Georgia has their eyes on the national championship.
It will be a close, high-scoring game, but Georgia will have the better passing game and will clinch a spot in the national championship with a win.
This is my first entry on this site. Please go easy on me. I would really appreciate any comments or suggestions in how to improve my writing or what you liked. Thank You.
Tags: SEC
