Game Preview
Auburn University Tigers vs. No. 1 University of Alabama Crimson Tide
The Auburn Tigers, preseason SEC West favorites, are coming into the Iron Bowl with a 5-6 record and a six-game winning streak in hand. There is nothing riding on this game for the Tigers, but yet there is everything. A win by Auburn means a salvaged season, a bowl game, and a continuation of the longest streak in Iron Bowl history for the Orange and Blue.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, 2008 SEC West Champs, are No. 1 in the country and 11-0, but still need one more win to finish off the Revenge Tour. Alabama needs the win to not only stop Auburn's streak, but to complete Nick Saban's transformation of bringing Alabama back to prominence.
Alabama wins this game if...
They play their game
Alabama has played tremendous football this season, and nothing less will be needed to continue their perfect season.
Alabama will need to continue dominating the trenches, establish a power running game early, and be the most physical team on the field. All three of those points have been major staples of this 2008 squad, and the last and most important game of the season is no time to change.
With the Crimson Tide at full health, there should be no difference in the Alabama game plan.
They can confuse Kodi Burns
Nick Saban is known to be a master of defenses. He has the most complex schemes for his teams, but his defenses also work to confuse opposing quarterbacks.
Kodi Burns is going to be no different.
This will be Burns' first Iron Bowl, and Nick Saban is no doubt ready for him. Saban will work to confuse Burns by disguising blitzes and coverages to try and force Burns into mistakes.
Alabama will lose this game if...
The offense tries to get "too cute"
Alabama has been a smash mouth team for the whole season, but they have had tendencies to try new things at inopportune times.
In their struggles against Ole Miss and Kentucky, Alabama got away from the things that were working and went completely conservative, resulting in less time on the field for the offense and allowing other teams to drive on the defense.
If Alabama finds something that works, either running or passing, they need to stick with it and use that advantage for all four quarters. Any change from what works will give Auburn a chance to get back in the game.
They have another second half collapse
It happened against Georgia. Then again against Kentucky. Then the following game against Ole Miss. Alabama got up big at halftime, just to find a way to hold on late.
The Crimson Tide have been solid in the first half all season, leading at half in every game but LSU, which was a tie. The second half has been somewhat of a grab bag.
If Alabama can come out in the second half and move the ball, the Crimson Tide should have smooth sailing to their first win in the Iron Bowl since 2001 and first ever win in Tuscaloosa. If they manage some sort of collapse, the second half of this game could get very, very interesting.
The X-factor will be...
Alabama Quarterback John Parker Wilson
The losing streak to Auburn has seen many senior quarterbacks fail to produce. Tyler Watts couldn't finish off the Tigers in 2002. Brodie Croyle spent more time on the ground than upright in 2005.
Now, its John Parker Wilson's turn.
Two years ago, JPW had two costly fumbles to give Auburn great field position. Last year, he played well enough to win, but had a bounce go against him in the end zone.
This year, if Wilson can play as he has all season, not trying to do everything himself and control the game, Alabama should have no problem. If he reverts back to his old self, this game gets a lot closer fast and Alabama will have to rely on a running game.
Final Score Prediction
Alabama 27, Auburn 7
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Game Preview
Auburn University Tigers vs. No. 1 University of Alabama Crimson Tide
The Auburn Tigers, pre-season SEC West favorites, are coming into the Iron Bowl with a 5-6 record and a six game winning streak. There is nothing riding on this game for the Tigers, but yet there is everything. A win by Auburn means a salvaged season, a bowl game, and a continuation of the longest streak in Iron Bowl history for the orange and blue.
The Alabama Crimson Tide, the 2008 SEC West champs, is the top team in the country with an 11-0 record. However, they still need one more win to finish off the revenge tour. Alabama needs the win to not only stop Auburn's streak, but to complete Nick Saban's transformation of Alabama back to prominence.
Alabama wins this game if...
They play their game
Alabama has played tremendous football, and nothing less will be needed to continue their perfect season.
Alabama will have to continue dominating the trenches, establish a power running game early, and be the most physical team on the field. All three points have been major staples of the 2008 squad, and the final and most important game of the season is no time to change.
With the Crimson Tide at full health, there should be no alterations in the Alabama game plan.
They can confuse Kodi Burns
Nick Saban is known to be a master of defense. He has the most complex schemes for his teams, but his defense also works to confuse opposing quarterbacks.
Kodi Burns is going to be no different.
This will be Burns first Iron Bowl, and Nick Saban is ready for him. Saban will work to baffle Burns by disguising blitzes and coverage's. This will give more opportunities for Burns to make a mistake.
Alabama will lose this game if...
The offense tries to get "too cute"
Alabama has been a smash mouth team for the whole season, but they have had tendencies to try new things at inopportune times.
In their struggles against University of Mississippi and Kentucky, Alabama got away from the things that were working and went completely conservative. Their conservative play resulted in less time on the field for their offense. Teams took advantage of their tired defense by driving the ball in on them.
If Alabama finds something that works, either running or passing, they need to stick with it and use that to their advantage for all four quarters. Any change from what works will give Auburn a chance to get back in the game.
They have another second half collapse
It happened against Georgia. Then again against Kentucky. Then the following game against Ole Miss. Alabama was up big at halftime, but won by a small margin.
The Crimson Tide have been solid in the first half all season, leading at halftime in every game except LSU, which was tied. The second half however, has been somewhat of a grab bag.
If Alabama can come out in the second half and move the ball, the Crimson Tide should cruise to their first win against Auburn since 2001, and first ever win in Tuscaloosa. If they manage to collapse, the second half of this game could get very, very interesting.
The X-factor will be...
Alabama Quarterback John Parker Wilson
Auburn’s losing streak has been a result of poor production from their senior quarterback play. Tyler Watts couldn't finish off the Tigers in 2002. Brodie Croyle spent more time on the ground than upright in 2005.
Now, its John Parker Wilson's turn.
Two years ago, JPW's two costly fumbles gave Auburn great field position. Last year, he played well enough to win, but had a bounce go against him in the end zone.
This year, if Wilson can play as well as he has all season, Alabama should have no problem winning the game. If he reverts back to his old self, this game will be a lot closer, and Alabama will have to rely on their running game.
Final Score Prediction
Alabama 27, Auburn 7
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Hey Guys,
So, with basketball season under way, the Monday Message Board is going to now expand to including some points about basketball, but, as always, we will start with football.
Two Down, One More to Go
After the 32-7 win against Mississippi State, Alabama managed to stop the second haunting streak it had going heading into this season.
Alabama ended the Bulldogs' two game winning streak, but more importantly, 'Bama scored an offensive touchdown for the first time since 2004.
Alabama has now ended losing streaks to both LSU and Mississippi State, as well as the November losing streak, but one more glaring streak remains: six in a row to Auburn.
The third team of Tigers is the last streak the Tide is looking to break this season, and it will take everything this team has left.
Auburn is looking into their first losing season in ten years as well as playing for a chance to get to Shreveport (ironic, huh). They will be hungry, and Alabama can not take this team lightly.
Javier Arenas: How Ever Could We Doubt Thee?
Was anyone else starting to get the feeling that Javy may have lost his touch or was trying to do to much?
The fumbles against Tennessee and LSU were not encouraging and some were starting to wonder what happened to the man who ran wild last season.
Well, he couldn't have returned at a better time.
Arenas went crazy on Mississippi State. He ran for 153 return yards, breaking his own career high, and scoring his fifth career punt return for a touchdown, good enough to tie David Palmer's school record of five.
Alabama provided Arenas plenty of room to run on the returns, something the team as a whole had struggled with at times this season.
Alabama could sure use that special teams help in two weeks when the Tigers come calling.
Mercer? Really?
So, here is the basketball inclusion. I don't know how many of you were able to see Alabama's performance against Mercer, but it was rather pathetic.
Alabama came out flat, remained that way, and played forty minutes of uninspired basketball.
Mercer pushed 'Bama around, out-rebounded them by 18, and in the end, managed to come away with the victory after outplaying Alabama in every phase of the game.
Sure, this may just be the first game, but there are plenty of things that need to change, and Alabama will get their only chance before heading to Maui on Wednesday to face off against Florida A&M.
Alabama will hopefully right the ship on Wednesday, but there is hope for a first round win in Maui as Oregon lost to Oakland at home Monday night.
So, with football in an off week, or, as coach Saban calls it, a time to "chill out," we will turn to basketball for this week's question.
As I stated earlier, Alabama looked completely uninspired against Mercer, a team Alabama beat on the road last season.
It sure didn't help the Tide that Brandon Hollinger, Senario Hillman, and Alonzo Gee went a combined 4-25 for the game, but good teams find a way to win, and Alabama couldn't do that on Sunday.
So, this week's question is...
Will the Alabama Basketball Team Be Able to Right the Ship Before SEC Season?
There are plenty of games and plenty of time between now and then, but most of those games aren't easy.
Alabama plays Oregon, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, and at Clemson for sure, with the chance of playing North Carolina, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Indiana, St. Joseph's, or Texas in Maui as well.
As always, leave your comments below or write an article expressing your views on the topic.
That's all for this week, guys.
Thanks, and Roll Tide,
Nic
Related posts
Hey Guys,
So, with basketball season under way, the Monday Message Board is going to now expand to including some points about basketball, but, as always, we will start with football.
Two Down, One More to Go
After the 32-7 win against Mississippi State, Alabama managed to stop the second haunting streak it had going heading into this season.
Alabama ended the Bulldogs' two game winning streak, but more importantly, 'Bama scored an offensive touchdown for the first time since 2004.
Alabama has now ended losing streaks to both LSU and Mississippi State, as well as the November losing streak, but one more glaring streak remains: six in a row to Auburn.
The third team of Tigers is the last streak the Tide is looking to break this season, and it will take everything this team has left.
Auburn is looking into their first losing season in ten years as well as playing for a chance to get to Shreveport (ironic, huh). They will be hungry, and Alabama can not take this team lightly.
Javier Arenas: How Ever Could We Doubt Thee?
Was anyone else starting to get the feeling that Javy may have lost his touch or was trying to do to much?
The fumbles against Tennessee and LSU were not encouraging and some were starting to wonder what happened to the man who ran wild last season.
Well, he couldn't have returned at a better time.
Arenas went crazy on Mississippi State. He ran for 153 return yards, breaking his own career high, and scoring his fifth career punt return for a touchdown, good enough to tie David Palmer's school record of five.
Alabama provided Arenas plenty of room to run on the returns, something the team as a whole had struggled with at times this season.
Alabama could sure use that special teams help in two weeks when the Tigers come calling.
Mercer? Really?
So, here is the basketball inclusion. I don't know how many of you were able to see Alabama's performance against Mercer, but it was rather pathetic.
Alabama came out flat, remained that way, and played forty minutes of uninspired basketball.
Mercer pushed 'Bama around, out-rebounded them by 18, and in the end, managed to come away with the victory after outplaying Alabama in every phase of the game.
Sure, this may just be the first game, but there are plenty of things that need to change, and Alabama will get their only chance before heading to Maui on Wednesday to face off against Florida A&M.
Alabama will hopefully right the ship on Wednesday, but there is hope for a first round win in Maui as Oregon lost to Oakland at home Monday night.
So, with football in an off week, or, as coach Saban calls it, a time to "chill out," we will turn to basketball for this week's question.
As I stated earlier, Alabama looked completely uninspired against Mercer, a team Alabama beat on the road last season.
It sure didn't help the Tide that Brandon Hollinger, Senario Hillman, and Alonzo Gee went a combined 4-25 for the game, but good teams find a way to win, and Alabama couldn't do that on Sunday.
So, this week's question is...
Will the Alabama Basketball Team Be Able to Right the Ship Before SEC Season?
There are plenty of games and plenty of time between now and then, but most of those games aren't easy.
Alabama plays Oregon, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, and at Clemson for sure, with the chance of playing North Carolina, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Indiana, St. Joseph's, or Texas in Maui as well.
As always, leave your comments below or write an article expressing your views on the topic.
That's all for this week, guys.
Thanks, and Roll Tide,
Nic
Related posts
Hey Guys,
So, between a little schoolwork and the recuperation period needed from New Orleans, the Monday Message Board treads on a little late this week.
Anyways, after a trip to Tiger land, Alabama has emerged with another win, but there are plenty of other important things that have come from this victory, such as...
Alabama is headed back to Atlanta
For the second time this season, Alabama is going back to the Georgia Dome—this time to play for a title. The Crimson Tide wrapped up the SEC West in record time this weekend by defeating LSU and giving everyone else in the West three total losses.
This will also mark Alabama's third trip to the state of Georgia this season, which has been very kind to the Crimson Tide. Besides the 2-0 record, Alabama is averaging 37 points in the Peach State this season. Not half bad.
Alabama can handle the adversity of a tight game
If there was one positive out of Alabama's ho-hum performance, it was that the team found a way to win this game.
Alabama trailed for almost a quarter in this game, easily longer than any other time previously in the first nine games. Alabama also had uncharacteristic turnovers during the game but rose above them to put themselves in position to win the game for as many times as it would eventually take.
Trends continue for Alabama
Since 1999, Alabama has managed to have a 10-win season every three years.
Each of those seasons, Alabama was led by a senior quarterback.
This season has turned out as no different of a trend, as John Parker Wilson has Alabama at 10-0 in his final season with the Crimson Tide. The catch to this trend, so far, has been that Alabama has only reached 10 wins in each of those seasons. However, the Tide was never 10-0 in any of those years, either.
Alabama looking to continue streaking, and continue breaking streaks
Some people were actually not aware of this, but the win over LSU halted a five-game losing streak to the Bayou Bengals. By now, people are also well aware that Alabama is in the midst of its 21st double-digit winning streak in school history, easily the best mark in NCAA history.
The win over LSU was big, sure, but Alabama still has business to take care of. The Tide has lost two straight to Mississippi State and hasn't scored an offensive touchdown against the Bulldogs since 2004. Then, of course, there is the six-game streak against Auburn, which Alabama fans have been salivating over since the Tide reached 5-0 and Auburn was taking a downturn.
Now, as Alabama continues their season undefeated, they will continue to take the best shot from their opponents.
Up next, as previously stated, is Mississippi State, the most important home game of the season, as I wrote before the year began.
However, not only does Alabama have the No. 1 ranking target, but they also have the SEC West wrapped up.
This brings me to this week's topic: Can Alabama avoid a letdown even though the SEC West has been clinched?
Last season, the demeanor of the team changed once they were out of the SEC West race.
This season, they have won the West, but does that make a difference? Will the chance at an undefeated season be enough to keep them focused?
As always, feel free to leave your comments below.
That's all for this week, guys.
Thanks, and Roll Tide,
Nic
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Hey Guys,
It was good to see Alabama dominate a game against a lesser opponent for the first time in what seemed like forever.
Alabama is now 9-0 and has amassed an NCAA record 21st win streak of 10 or more games.
So, after yet another win, and extending the best start ever for a Nick Saban coached team, the Alabama Crimson Tide found themselves in a spot they haven't been in since Jan. 2nd, 1993 and haven't been in in the regular season since November 1980.
Alabama is the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation.
After an incredible ending in Lubbock, Texas on Saturday, the Crimson Tide benefited from the loss handed to the Texas Longhorns by Texas Tech to take over the No.1 ranking in every poll out there.
The Tide sit atop the AP, Coaches, and, most importantly, BCS rankings heading into the final three games of the season.
O yea, and for the interesting stat of the week, it only took Nick Saban 669 days to get Alabama back to the number one spot in the country.
Mark Ingram has found his stride once again.
People were starting to worry about Ingram after getting injured against Ole Miss and then having a down day in Knoxville.
Ingram dismissed all those worries on Saturday against the Red Wolves.
The freshman running back ran the ball 12 times for 113 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday, achieving his first career 100-yard game at the college level and made me look like a genius for picking him as player of the game on WVUA's Crimson Tide Gameday.
Ingram looked like the guy who ran all over Clemson in Week One and came back just in time for the home stretch when Alabama will need everything at their disposal to finish off this season.
Defense is starting to get stronger.
Sure, this may not be the best time to declare this after a weaker opponent, but the Alabama defense shut out a team who had put 83 points on the board earlier this season.
Alabama used two things on Saturday which have not always been the strong points of the defense: quarterback pressure and pass defense.
Alabama managed to take down Corey Leonard four times on Saturday, easily the highest number of sacks tallied by the Crimson Tide this season.
Bobby Greenwood and Brandon Deaderick are both improving as the season goes along and both manage 1.5 sacks on Saturday.
As for the pass defense, the Tide held Arkansas St. to only 67 yards passing, kept Leonard under a 50 percent completion rate, and even returned an interception for a touchdown.
The pick-six by Rashad Johnson was the first score of his career and was the fourth defensive touchdown by Alabama this season.
So, as I stated above and is rather well known by now, Alabama is the No.1 team in the country this week.
Alabama heads to Baton Rouge for a game that has been circled since Nick Saban took the job at Alabama.
Saban wasted no time this weekend eliminating the distractions from his by releasing or making statements about his role in this week's game and the Tide's new ranking.
So, since we don't talk to Saban or the team, we can speculate all we want about these distractions.
So, the question being asked this week is: Do you think Alabama will be affected by all the distractions this week?
There are plenty distractions to go around besides what has already been mentioned. Alabama has lost five straight to the Bayou Bengals and hasn't won an SEC game in November since 2005.
So, as always, you can leave your comments below or write an article about how these distractions may or may not affect the Crimson Tide.
And one last thing this week. I was named a sports blogger for the Crimson White this past week and will be updating that at least once a day, so if you want to take a look at it, here is your link. Scroll down until you see "In the Nic of Time."
That's all for this week, guys.
Thanks, and Roll Tide,
Nic
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Hey Guys,
Well, after looking less than stellar for the past two weeks, Alabama took offense to that talk and did something about.
For the second straight year, Alabama played their most complete game of the season to date against the Vols, and came away with a convincing victory once again.
This is Alabama's first two-game win streak over Tennessee since 1991-92.
So what else did we learn?
This is a Team to the Fullest Extent
This team is not made up of individuals, and that is the biggest difference between this season and last.
Everyone on this team has the same mindset and the same goals: One game at a time and do what it takes to win.
Around this time last season is when the individuals started to emerge, and there are no signs of that happening again this season.
November is Right around the Corner
With Saturday being Nov. 1, I'm going to go ahead and start this talk before anyone else does: November has not been Alabama's month.
The Tide have not won a game in November since 2005, and they even score a touchdown in that 16-0 win over Mississippi State.
For those who don't want to do the math, let me break it down for you: The Tide have lost nine straight November games. It breaks down to three losses to LSU, three to Auburn, two to Mississippi State, and one to Louisiana-Monroe.
However, there is something different about this team. It partly has something to do with the previously discussed team, but also something in the locker room.
Each player in Tuscaloosa has a poster in their locker. It has shots of two scoreboards from last year, both losses, both in November.
Alabama has learned not to take any team lightly, and that will surely hold true, but nonetheless...
Let's Go ahead and See Those "Alabama Will Be Upset This Week" Articles
You know what I'm talking about, and don't even try to play dumb.
They were popular for Ole Miss after they had beaten Florida on the road. They were popular last week for Tennessee with Fulmer trying to save his job. They will be popular this week because:
1) Penn State has become a media darling now that they have gotten past Ohio State. 2) Alabama's loss last season to LAMO.
Alabama has all of a sudden become the team that the country wants to fail, and it seems to have happened overnight on a national scale.
Sure, Alabama doesn't always win pretty, but there are still numbers to suggest not only how this team has gotten its ranking, but how they still deserve it.
- 1:15: Total amount of time this season Alabama has spent trailing in a game. That's out of 480 minutes.
- 101-6: Alabama has outscored their opponents by this margin in the first quarter through eight games.
- 1: Number of rushing touchdowns allowed by Alabama this season.
Once again, this goes back to Alabama being a team, and it's the usual Alabama team. No Heisman candidate, but they still win.
So once again, Alabama gets a good victory and it got some help from some players you would have thought would normally contribute.
Roy Upchurch has had his fair share of runs this season, but he had the hot hand on Saturday night.
Josh Chapman stepped up in the absence of Mt. Cody to deliver a solid game from the nose tackle position.
Dont'a Hightower managed to lead the team in tackles against the Vols.
Of course, that is one game, but what about the season?
So, this week's topic is: Who is your pick for surprise player of the year for Alabama so far?
In other words, who on this Crimson Tide squad has done the most to impress you this year that you expected to contribute less than they have, or maybe not even at all?
On a team that has risen out of obscurity this season, there are plenty of choices, and really, this whole team has been a surprise.
So, as always, you can leave your comments below or write an article about your surprise player of the year so far.
That's all for this week, guys.
Thanks, and Roll Tide,
Nic
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To say that Alabama fans have been enamored with Terrance Cody since he signed back in February would be an understatement.
Cody is the biggest thing to hit The University of Alabama campus since Bryant-Denny itself, and the cheeks in the seats of of Bryant-Denny Stadium have developed a cult following for the man they call "Mt. Cody."
Don't believe me? Well, then you must have been in the bathrooms when Mt. Cody ran on the field for the Jumbo package and a loud whisper overcame Bryant-Denny Stadium against Ole Miss last Saturday.
You also must have been back in there when Cody went down with an MCL sprain and had to be carted off the field while the rest of the stadium could hear a pin drop.
(By the way, if you were the one in the bathroom at both of these times or just simply don't remember either, here is a hint to fix both problems: drink less before the game)
As grim as the Crimson Tide faithful seemed after Cody's injury, there is no real need to get too down.
This is where redshirt freshman Josh Chapman steps in.
Never heard of him? Well, he has been rotating with Cody at the nose tackle position all season and has just as many tackles for loss as the big fella and only lags behind the tackles category by three after playing just half the time number 62 does.
Sure, he doesn't weigh nearly 400 pounds, but let me pose you this question as if you were an SEC center...
Take your pick: A man who weighs nearly 400 pounds pushing against you, or a man who can squat two of you pushing against you?
Having trouble making a decision? Personally, I would just take the medical hardship scholly and run.
In other words, what Chapman doesn't have in size, he makes up for in strength. The freshman from Hoover benches an impressive 450 pounds and squats 600.
If you are at a loss for words right now, let me help: The kid is a beast.
According to Alabama corner/return specialist Javier Arenas, Chapman draws the same sort of attention in the weight room that Cody has drawn from fans.
Arenas says Chapman fills up the bar with weight on both sides to the point no more can be added. To an even greater extent, a crowd forms around Chapman when he is maxing out, and many players leave with their jaws dropped.
So, to all the Tennessee fans who thought they had dodged a bullet with Cody going down, he is something to remember Saturday: the strongest man on the Alabama sidelines will be on the field Saturday night instead of the biggest.
Related posts
To say that Alabama fans have been enamored with Terrance Cody since he signed back in February would be an understatement.
Cody is the biggest thing to hit the University of Alabama campus since Bryant-Denny itself, and the cheeks in the seats of Bryant-Denny Stadium have developed a cult following for the man they call "Mt. Cody."
Don't believe me? Well, then you must have been in the bathrooms when Mt. Cody ran on the field for the Jumbo package and a loud whisper overcame Bryant-Denny Stadium against Ole Miss last Saturday.
You also must have been back in there when Cody went down with an MCL sprain and had to be carted off the field while the rest of the stadium could hear a pin drop.
(By the way, if you were the one in the bathroom at both of these times or just simply don't remember either, here is a hint to fix both problems: drink less before the game.)
As grim as the Crimson Tide faithful seemed after Cody's injury, there is no real need to get too down.
This is where redshirt freshman Josh Chapman steps in.
Never heard of him? Well, he has been rotating with Cody at the nose tackle position all season and has just as many tackles for loss as the big fella and only lags behind the tackles category by three after playing just half the time No. 62 does.
Sure, he doesn't weigh nearly 400 pounds, but let me pose this question to you as if you were an SEC center...
Take your pick: a man who weighs nearly 400 pounds pushing against you, or a man who can squat two of you pushing against you?
Having trouble making a decision? Personally, I would just take the medical hardship scholly and run.
In other words, what Chapman doesn't have in size, he makes up for in strength. The freshman from Hoover benches an impressive 450 pounds and squats 600.
If you are at a loss for words right now, let me help: The kid is a beast.
According to Alabama corner/return specialist Javier Arenas, Chapman draws the same sort of attention in the weight room that Cody has drawn from fans.
Arenas says Chapman fills up the bar with weight on both sides to the point no more can be added. To an even greater extent, a crowd forms around Chapman when he is maxing out, and many players leave with their jaws dropped.
So, to all the Tennessee fans who thought they had dodged a bullet with Cody going down, he is something to remember Saturday: The strongest man on the Alabama sidelines, instead of the biggest, will be on the field Saturday night.
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Hey Guys,
Another week in the books, and another win as well.
Nick Saban is now 7-0 for the first time in his coaching career and has continued to get his Alabama team ready for game after game, along with making sure it's all one game at a time.
So, what was learned this weekend?
Terrence Cody can make a big hole and leave a big hole.
There was a rustling around Bryant-Denny Stadium when the Jumbo package took the field near the goal line, and never has the word been more true.
With Terrence Cody knocking over and stepping on about three Rebels, Mark Ingram marched into the end zone for his team-leading sixth touchdown.
Later in the game, though, Cody injured his MCL after being pushed backwards over an Ole Miss player who had rolled under him.
The Tide will be without Cody for at least two weeks and up to four weeks, according to whichever source you choose to listen to after his MRI today.
Alabama will now look to Josh Chapman, Nick Gentry, and maybe Lorenzo Washington to fill the void left by Mt. Cody.
Chapman has been there all season rotating with Cody, and he can still get a good rush up field.
Washington was moved to the outside in fall camp but should easily adjust back to the inside if needed.
Whoever takes the nose guard position for the Tide, he must be able to continue to get an upfield rush, as well as make holes for Rolando McClain and company to get through.
"A win is a win" is starting to get annoying.
I have nothing wrong with winning a football game, especially one involving Alabama, but this mentality is starting to get annoying.
Every single one of my friends I talked to after the game said the same thing before we were done talking..."Well, a win is a win."
I cringed every time.
Sure, as Alabama fans of the past 10 years, we should be used to this phrase, but the way this team plays in the first 30 minutes of every game should not end with fans coming away happy with just another win.
Just ask yourself this: After which game did you feel better? Ole Miss or Georgia? Tulane or Clemson? Kentucky or Arkansas?
I'm no psychic, but I'm guessing you picked the latter every time.
First half, good. Second half, bad.
Alabama just might be the best 30-minute football team in the country this season. The Tide have now outscored opponents in the first quarter 95-3 and in the first half 171-23.
However, the second half, especially in the last three games, has not been great.
Alabama has lost their last three second halves by a combined score of 63-13. The Tide have won three second halves this season (Clemson, Western Kentucky, Arkansas), but they only beat Clemson and Arkansas by seven and Western Kentucky by 10. However, they did post a shutout against the Hilltoppers.
If Alabama is going to continue undefeated this season, the complacency in the second half is the first necessary change seen on this team this season. It must start with Tennessee this week, who put up 21 on Mississippi State in the final frame Saturday.
So, as I just stated, and as most anyone associated with Alabama Football knows, it's almost time for "The Third Saturday in October."
(OK, that was this past weekend, but the SEC messed things up, so just work with me here.)
It's Tennessee week, and the Tide faithful are starting to reach the part of the schedule they always look forward to: the rivals portion of the schedule.
Every SEC team left on the Tide's schedule has somewhat of a rival feel to them, and the Vols are the top of the list for some Bama fans.
Thus, it should be quite obvious what this week's question will concern: the daisy orange and white.
With a win, Alabama seniors will end their career against Tennessee 3-1. That record would include two very memorable games: 2005's 6-3 win and last year's thorough beatdown in T-town (which Bama played a good second half in, by the way, but I digress.)
Here's this week's topic: What is your favorite memory from the rivalry with Tennessee?
Is it one of the games this senior class has been a part of? Is it the last time Alabama played a night game in Neyland? Or is it so far back that a certain coach was beating the Vols with a broken leg?
As always, you can leave your comments below or write an article of your own.
That's all for this week, guys.
Thanks and Roll Tide,
Nic
