Bama in the News

October 8 - 14, 2008

• Crimson Tide Continues Open Week Practice • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team worked for two hours in full pads Wednesday afternoon, it's second of three open date practices this week. The Crimson Tide hold its final practice of the we...

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/8 - Practice

• Ian R. Rapoport:  Who is this Eryk Anders guy... and other stuff! • al.com
There are very few times when a player will do something on the field, and I'll have to go look up his number. But to be completely honest, I had to figure out who No. 32 was the first time he began contributing on defense.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Terrence Cody: The nation's third most valuable player? • al.com
Just checked out an interesting list compiled by The Sporting News' columnist Matt Hayes.

• Gentry Estes: Practice update: Andre Smith back in black • al.com
While things grow far more interesting on the Plains, Alabama has started its second of three practices for bye week. 

• ScoutTV: Darrington Sentimore • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Darrington Sentimore is one of Louisiana’s top defensive linemen for 2009 and this past Friday Scout.com and TigerSportsDigest.com was on hand to catch the 4-star prospect in action. 

• As Good As Could Be At Halfway Mark • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Undefeated Alabama football exceeding expectations in all areas

• King Has a Lot to Think About • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Greg King has tons of offers and tons of schools calling. He is beginning to sort things out.

• Miss. State Verbal Planning Visits • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Fletcher Cox talked of future plans.

• Patterson lands Tide offer • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Noxubee County star receiver Patrick Patterson has long had Alabama near the top of his group of favorites, but the only thing missing has been an offer from the Tide. On Wednesday, Patterson received the good news.

• Smith back in black • BamaOnLine
Alabama left tackle Andre Smith was back at practice Wednesday, but was in a black non-contact jersey after missing Tuesday's workout due to an illness. Click here for BamaOnLine.com's Thursday practice ... 

• Wednesday practice notes: Smith back in uniform • Crimson Confidential
Alabama was on the field in full pads on Wednesday for the second of three bye-week practices. A few notes and observations:

• Under-Armour All-American down to Alabama, Auburn • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One thing is certain about Petey Smith. The 6-foot, 240-pound inside linebacker from Armwood High School in Seffner, Fla., will either be going against his big brother, Eric, in practice or once a year in November. 

• Senior Maiyo Named SEC Athlete of the Week • RollTide.com
The Southeastern Conference released its SEC Athlete of the Week honors today for the fifth week of the cross country season. Senior Augustus Maiyo was named Athlete of the Week for the first time ...

• CBS Sports to Televise Alabama-Mississippi Game • RollTide.com
The Southeastern Conference announced today that CBS will televise the Alabama-Mississippi football game to a national audience beginning at 2:30 p.m. (CDT) from Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, O... 

• Gentry Estes: Wednesday reading: Tide fans of Philly • al.com
My top billing for Alabama stories today goes to -- of all newspapers -- The Philadephia Inquirer.

• 2008 SEC Football Coaches Press Conference • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Football Coaches Press Conference 

• SEC Announces Oct. 18 Football TV Selections • SEC Sports
SEC Announces Oct. 18 Football TV Selections

• Alabama '10 WR Holds Elite Offers • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Elite prospect sees stock rise.

• SEC Power Poll • BamaOnLine
On a day in which Vanderbilt served as the epicenter of SEC football, the upset bug steered clear of the league's elite teams. As a result, most of the changes to this week's SEC Power Poll involved ... 

• Crimson Clubhouse: Another agent arrested in Prothro case • Crimson Confidential
How's this for some Alabama football related news totally out of the blue:

• Ian R. Rapoport: Saban talks about Andre Smith and the NFL Draft... • al.com
Lots of discussion about Andre Smith recently. First, he missed practice yesterday because he was sick. And this morning, coach Nick Saban answered one of the more pressing questions about the 2008 postseason.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama-Ole Miss details announced... • al.com
While I'm waiting for Alabama coach Nick Saban to come on in the SEC teleconference, here's a quick one: 

• Gentry Estes: Ole Miss game picked up by CBS • al.com
Per news this morning from CBS ...

• Two schools on the mind of top LB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the South's premier linebacker prospects hasn't had the chance to make any unofficial trips so far this season. But the Memphis standout is planning to officially visit two schools in the coming weeks. 

• King Has a Lot to Think About • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Greg King's offer list is a virtual who's who in college football. Some of the best teams in the country are in pursuit of the talented linebacker. The season is moving forward and the decision making process is proving to be a difficult one for the Memphis product. 

• Lots and Lots of Recruiting Stuff • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
We interrupt the Regular Season to bring you Recruiting Season. 

• Signing class midseason review • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Running back Mark Ingram is one of four new signees to have a major impact on the Crimson Tide's season to date. So how has UA's No.1-ranked signing class fared in terms of impact? BamaOnLine.com takes a close look at newcomer contributions at the halfway point of the season. 

• CBS picks up Ole Miss - UA game • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama's next game after the off week will be another nationally televised contest. CBS will broadcast the Oct. 18 home game against Ole Miss, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m.

• Cecil Hurt: Giving due credit • Tuscaloosa News
Southern sports fans pay nearly as much attention to bloodlines in college football coaching as they do in thoroughbred racing. Around Alabama, in particular, there's an awareness of coaches who are part of the Paul 'Bear' Bryant legacy, from Gene Stallings, Howard Schnellenberger, Pat Dye, Danny Ford and others, to present-day head coaches including Mike Riley, Sylvester Croom and David Cutcliffe. Bobby Bowden has put several protégés, and two sons, into head coaching positions, most notably Mark Richt at Georgia.

• Brandon Deaderick: Rush 'til you drop • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Even though University of Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick became a starter last season when teammate Bobby Greenwood went down with an ankle injury, he wanted more.

• FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: No rest for the Tide weary • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | On the seventh week of the 2008 season, the University of Alabama football team rested, but only for a bit. That's because in the college football world, their work was only half done.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Why is Saban Alabama's coach... and other stuff! • al.com
I think you guys know by now I like to experiment. You got a new gadget, I'll try it for the blog. You want video? You got it. You wanted more updates? I recommend Twitter. Well today, let's do something else new.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama baseball to return to Troy • al.com
Alabama released its 2009 baseball schedule today.

• Doug Segrest: The weekly SEC page • al.com
We've got something for everyone in today's sports section.

• Chris's Blog - Wednesday October 8th • Chris Stewart Sports
6:15 a.m. CDT - Getting things started by looking back...

• Surprising season in the SEC ... so far • The Birmingham News
Halfway through the 2008 college football season, one thing is certain. 

• SEC's midseason football awards • The Birmingham News
Halfway through the 2008 college football season, one thing is certain. 

• CRIMSON TIDE • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - How often did junior linebacker Eryk Anders think perhaps it wasn't going to happen for him at Alabama? 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Mark McCarter: Mid-term Exam • The Huntsville Times
It's mid-term exam time. Get out your No. 2 pencils. Or, for the Auburn fans whose loved ones have cautiously removed all sharp objects from within reach, make do as best as you can. 

• Anders finally finds role as 'rabbit rusher' • The Huntsville Times
Junior linebacker embraces spot as pass rusher 

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Ill Smith excused from Tuesday's practice

• FSN South, SportSouth 08-09 SEC Hoops Schedule • SEC Sports
FSN South, SportSouth 08-09 SEC Hoops Schedule 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Tide focuses on little things • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It wasn't something the players noticed, at least while they were playing the game.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Scouts come to see Smith, but he's a no-show • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It had to be a little disappointing for the trio of NFL scouts who showed up Tuesday to watch Alabama's practice.

• McClain impresses NFL star Ryans • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
NASHVILLE — It’s easy to see Demeco Ryans hasn’t let the fame and fortune of the NFL go to his head.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Tuesday’s practice took Alabama players back in time to a degree. 

• Grading Predictions: Juniors • Bama Sports Report
This is the biggest group of Tide players, with 21 guys. I’ll try to edit down the quoted material from the post during the summer to keep the length of this from getting totally out of hand. Feel free to follow the link to the summertime player profile to read the whole thing.

• Practice Report: 10/7/08 • Bama Sports Report
It was back to the practice field for the Tide today after two consecutive days off. The guys were just in shells, with “getting and staying healthy” likely being a major premium this week. The guys will practice again on Wednesday and Thursday, before having three consecutive days off beginning Friday.

• 2010 WR is turning heads • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I liked the atmosphere for the Kentucky game. Everybody knew who I was. People came up to me and said I was the future for Alabama..."

• Anders finds role on Tide defense • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
There were times when Eryk Anders wondered if Tuscaloosa was the place for him. After a redshirt year and two years on special teams, the junior linebacker from San Antonio, Texas was wondering if he would ever get playing time on defense. 

• Coffee Keeps Close To The Football • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
A generation or two of Alabama football fans grew up knowing certain principles of football. Each Sunday afternoon for an hour those fans were schooled in the game by former Crimson Tide Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant on his television show. “He’s got the ball under the wrong arm,” the coach would drawl as a Tide player ran. 

• Tide on top for Peach phenom • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Henry County receiver Markeith Ambles could be the top wide receiver in the state of Georgia for 2010, and last weekend the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder visited Tuscaloosa for the Tide's contest with Kentucky.

• PHOTO GALLERY: 2010 RB DJ Howard • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The state of Alabama has alot of talent at the running back position in the class of 2010. One of those talented running backs is Lincoln High School's own DJ Howard.

• Impact players: Tide's 2008 signing class already contributing • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Everywhere John Parker Wilson looks, he's nearly twice as likely to find a freshman contributing to an Alabama victory as he is a senior.

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, Part I • Crimson Confidential
Eryk Anders and Cory Reamer 

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, Part II • Crimson Confidential
Javier Arenas and Roy Upchurch 

• VIDEO — Tuesday player interviews, Part III • Crimson Confidential
John Parker Wilson and Rashad Johnson 

• Tide Golfers Host JPNI Monday and Tuesday • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's golf team plays host each fall to some of the top teams in the nation at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate. The 2008 event is Monday and Tuesday, October 13-14 at Birmingham...

• Practice Report: 10/9/08 • Bama Sports Report
Alabama held its final practice before taking a three day break to enjoy the off weekend. In full pads for the second consecutive day the Tide split today’s practice between the fundamental work that we’ve seen for the last two days and Ole Miss specific work. 

• Thursday practice notes: Smith still in black • Crimson Confidential
Second-ranked Alabama (6-0 overall, 3-0 in SEC) completed its third and final bye week practice Thursday afternoon at the outdoor practice facility. The team worked out in full pads. Players will lift weights Friday and then take both Saturday and Sunday off.

• Thursday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
WR Mike McCoy and the rest of the Alabama football team is idle this weekend, but still practicing as hard as usual. 

• Volleyball Heads West for Pair of SEC Matches • RollTide.com
The volleyball team (8-6, 1-4) looks to come out fresh this weekend when it travels to take on a set of SEC West opponents in Arkansas (4-11, 1-4) and Ole Miss (7-7, 3-2).

• Soccer Heads to Fayetteville to Play Arkansas • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team (7-4-1, 2-2-0 SEC) will head on the road for two SEC contests this weekend. The Crimson Tide will open the weekend slate against the Arkansas Razorbacks (9-3-0, 2-2-0 SEC) o...

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting Chat Transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (10-08-08)

• Ian R. Rapoport: The great philosopher, Javier Arenas... • al.com
One of the great things about a bye week -- besides the collective deep breath -- is that football is not always on everyone's mind. Don't get me wrong. Football strategy talk is interesting. But it's good to get away from it, too.

• Gentry Estes: Prospect watch: Free time for a big weekend • al.com
As the national college football landscape gets clearer with several big-time games Saturday, we've also reached a make-or-break point of the year for many high school programs. With Alabama in the midst of a bye week, Crimson Tide assistant coaches will get the rare opportunity to hit the road and take in games all over the place tomorrow night. 

• UA among favorites for Georgia junior • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Just as with the 2009 class, the Tide coaches will be looking to add several new names along the offensive line in 2010. Offensive tackle Kenarious Gates of Greenville is receiving interest from a host of top programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Notre Dame. The 6-5, 290-pounder likes four schools in the early going. 

• Alabama '10 Lineman Gaining Interest • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Chase Hughes, 2010 lineman from Springville, Ala., stars on both sides of the ball for his high school squad. He is receiving early interest as Scout.com learned more about his season and visits. 

• The Weekly Spread ‘Em • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
With special guest Tommy Tuberville 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Jeremy Richardson • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
An elite prospect is emerging out of Springville High School for 2010, and big receiver Jeremy Richardson has the stats to back up his meteoric rise in status with 150 yards receiving per game.

• Bama in the NFL • BamaOnLine
Each week, BamaOnLine.com checks in on the all the action in the NFL and how former Crimson Tide players are doing around the league. This week, we take a look at 17 former Tide players active in the NFL who have made ... 

• BOL Panel Picks Contest • BamaOnLine
Each week this football season, BamaOnLine.com will choose two of its members to go head-to-head picking college games against BOL staff, media members, and guest panelists Roger Schultz, a former All-SEC center for the Crimson Tide (and star of NBC's The Biggest Loser), and Todd Bates, permanent captain of Alabama's 2004 team.

• Anders finding his role with Crimson Tide • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Every team has its role players, and for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Eryk Anders fill one specifically — put pressure on the opposing quarterback.

• Wingo’s new top five still includes Alabama (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Ronnie Wingo still has his top five. It’s just not the same top five he had a few weeks ago. 

• Crimson Clubhouse: Gilmore announcement pushed back again • Crimson Confidential
ESPNU 150 athlete will announce Wednesday 

• Luke Winn: Kemp's eldest son, Shawn Jr., making his own name • SI
PHILADELPHIA -- The kid was seated on the floor of a gym at Philadelphia University, a few minutes after his first game at the Reebok All-American Camp on Tuesday, when a man in an official camp polo shirt walked by and mistook him for a different high-school senior-to-be. "Dan Jennings?" the man said, but received only a strange look in return.

• Thibaudeau's Singles Run Ends at All-American Championships • RollTide.com
No. 57 Mathieu Thibaudeau was stopped short of reaching the singles main draw of the D'Novo/ITA Men's All-American Championships Wednesday.

• Reamer: Tide wants to be assignment-sound • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Think back to just three or four months ago, and the state of the University of Alabama linebacker corps. 

• Tide’s Maiyo picked Athlete of Week • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | University of Alabama senior cross country runner Augustus Maiyo has been named SEC Athlete of the Week for the first time in his career at Alabama.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Daniel Moore unveils his sketch of The Blackout • al.com
Remember when we spoke with famed artist Daniel Moore last week about how his newest print would depict Alabama's 41-30 win over Georgia? And how it would be called, The Blackout?

• Gentry Estes: Alabama guard Ronald Steele: 'I think I'm getting there' • al.com
Ronald Steele may still be on the mend, but the senior point guard and catalyst for Alabama's entire basketball team doesn't expect to be limited when preseason practice begins next Friday.

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Anders emerges as a defensive playmaker: 

• Players deal with increasing autograph requests, fan attention • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- On Monday night, Rashad Johnson was eating at a local restaurant with a buddy when a young boy approached the table, quietly and timidly. "Are you Rashad?" the child asked the Alabama senior captain, who confirmed he was. As the tiny visitor fumbled with his words, a man sitting nearby noticed what was happening.

• Mike Herndon: League gets defensive • Press-Register
It's not a good year for offenses in the SEC.

• Alabama bringing its 'A' game on midseason report card • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Through the many highs and rare lows of Alabama's first six games, the ultimate measuring stick is being met. 

• Alabama football notes for its open date • Press-Register
No. 2 ALABAMA (6-0, 3-0) does not play this week. -- NEXT GAME: vs. Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa (TV: WKRG/CBS)

• Alabama, Ole Miss to play on CBS on Oct. 18 • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's Oct. 18 home game against Ole Miss was picked up Wednesday for broadcast by CBS and will kick off at 2:30 p.m. It marks the second consecutive Crimson Tide game featured on the national network.

• Mobile Press-Register sports writer ... • Press-Register
...Tommy Hicks' Harris Interactive college football poll ballot
Press-Register sports reporter Tommy Hicks is one of 114 voters in the Harris Interactive football poll. Each week, his ballot along with his brief analysis is published in SEC Extra:

• SEC football by the numbers • Press-Register
Games that have featured the defending AP national champion against the team that preceded it as the nation's best.

• Alabama • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - If the Bowl Championship Series decided its two finalists today, there is a good chance the Crimson Tide would be one of them. That's enough to warm even Nick Saban. 

• Alabama notebook: Tide freshmen have impressed • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - After six games, Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson evaluates a top-rated signing class in glowing terms. 

• A • The Huntsville Times
It's fun stuff when you start comparing the SEC to the Big 12 Conference. 

• Tide's Anders arrives at last as linebacker • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It doesn't take long to read through Eryk Anders' collegiate biography. He had played in 18 games before this season, all on special teams, recording eight tackles.

• Tide vs. Ole Miss to air on CBS • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The Mississippi-Alabama game on Oct. 18 in Tuscaloosa will be nationally televised by CBS. It will kick off at 2:30 p.m.

• Rainy day drives Tide workout inside • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama worked out for approximately two hours Wednesday, starting outside despite rain in the area, then concluding in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility.

• Anders gives Alabama help off the bench • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — It might be tough to notice the playful bickering between nose tackle Terrence Cody and defensive end/outside linebacker Eryk Anders.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody said he feels less pain in his knees than he did a year ago. 

• Practice Report 10/8/08 • Bama Sports Report
It was back into full pads for the Tide today, though the practice was still considerably different from a normal game week. There was a continued emphasis on fundamentals, as expect in an off week practice. Coach Saban is still adamant about the Tide’s intensity level remaining high, so this was far from being a 

• Kirkpatrick lining up official visits • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Tide fans are always eager to find out what's going on with Gadsden City standout corner Dre Kirkpatrick. Recruiting has slowed down some for the 6-2, 185-pound playmaker as he's started planning official visits…

• Big receiver talks about Tide's offer • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Several weeks ago, TI reported that the Crimson Tide had a serious interest in star receiver Patrick Patterson of Macon-Noxubee County, Mississippi. This morning, the 6-2, 215-pound Patterson picked up an offer from Tide head coach Nick Saban. 

• Big 2010 OL visits UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Big Mapleswood (Tenn.) offensive lineman James Stone expects to be one of the top prospects in the southeast for 2010. This past weekend, Stone took in the Alabama-Kentucky game to check out a Tide squad that has already extended him a written offer.

• Swimming and Diving Faces Florida State on the Road Saturday • RollTide.com
The Swimming and Diving teams take to the road Saturday, traveling to Tallahassee, Fla. to face the Florida State Seminoles at 1 p.m. ET. 

• Rowing Starts Fall Season Saturday on the Tennessee River • RollTide.com
The Alabama Rowing Team gets its third season as a varsity program underway this Saturday at the Chattanooga Head Race. 

• Anchor Man: Smith Now A Veteran On Offensive Line • RollTide.com
When it comes to protecting quarterback John Parker Wilson, Andre Smith takes it personal. 

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting Chat Transcript Part ll • Tuscaloosa News
Chat Transcript Part ll (10-08-08)

• Ian R. Rapoport: So, what are you doing this weekend?  • al.com
A weekend without a trip to Bryant-Denny Stadium or any other stadium across the south to watch Alabama... very strange. Bye weeks still kinda freak me out. What do I do?

• Chris's Blog - Friday October 10th • Chris Stewart Sports
8:20 a.m. CDT - Looking ahead to Knoxville...

• Springville lineman drawing early interest • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Junior two-way lineman Chase Hughes of Springville, AL is already attracting a fair share of attention from top programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Florida State and Vanderbilt. Hughes was in Tuscaloosa last weekend for the Alabama-Kentucky game. 

• Junior likes Alabama and A&M • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
St. Pius end has two early favorites

• What Does AU’s Turmoil Mean to Us? • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Not much really. Its the best thing we can say about our program right now: this doesn’t mean much to us. 

• 2010 Bakers Dozen • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Midway through the 2008 high school football season, targets have begun to emerge in the in-state junior class and it is looking like another promising crop of talent. The BOL staff is ready to present the early bird's version of the 2010 BOL Baker's Dozen. 

• Prep preview: Dial, Clay-Chalkville take on Oxford • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
A potential first-round playoff game is on the line for one Alabama commitment tonight.

• Crimson Tide Finish Bye Week Practice Schedule • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team finished its bye week practice schedule on Thursday afternoon with a two-hour workout in full pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility.

• Men's Tennis Wraps up Play at All-Americans • RollTide.com
Dan Buikema and Mathieu Thibaudeau dropped their first round match in the doubles main draw of the D'Novo/ITA Men's All-American Championships Thursday.

• Freshman Swimmer Joe Ziegler Set for Homecoming Trip Saturday • RollTide.com
Freshman Joe Ziegler returns to his hometown of Tallahassee Saturday as he and his Alabama teammates take on FSU. 

• For Crimson Tide’s Eryk Anders, it’s all about timing • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It was two weeks before 2005 fall camp and the University of Alabama had a last-minute opening with its incoming true freshmen, a class highlighted by players like running backs Jimmy Johns, Glen Coffee and Roy Upchurch; offensive lineman Michael Johnson; defensive back Chris Keys; and defensive linemen Lorenzo Washington and Brandon Fanney.

• Ian R. Rapoport:The week of work is over... and other stuff! • al.com
All right... football is done for this week. Which means now we can all hang around this weekend and watch... football. Coach Nick Saban said he'll have his TV on, I imagine sitting in a monster easy chair with ginormous cup holders (for water).

• Gentry Estes: Alabama finishes up practices on bye week • al.com
Alabama's second-ranked football team finished up its bye week practices today. Players will break tomorrow morning, many of them heading home for the weekend. 

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Off week doesn't yield changes: 

• FIVE THINGS • The Birmingham News
A lighthearted Q&A with Cornelius Bennett, former Alabama All-American and NFL All-Pro player now living in North Miami Beach, Fla.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, October 10, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Tide duo ready for new start • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - The 21st birthday looms like no other, the day when a college student can let loose and take that legal drinking status for a boisterous test run.

• Tide stars anticipating their senior moments • The Huntsville Times
Healthy Steele, trimmed Gee forge Alabama's hopes for a basketball turnaround 

• Tide first teamers battle in practice • The Huntsville Times
First team plays first team on Thursday

• Saban pleased with Tide practice effort • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama completed its bye week practice schedule on Thursday afternoon with a two-hour workout in full pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility. The team will have a lifting session this morning and then have the weekend off before beginning preparations for Ole Miss next week. 

• Alabama keeps offensive system simple, powerful • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Glen Coffee has Alabama’s offense down to a simple science. With all the crazy off-the-wall schemes that have entered college football during the past few years, the Crimson Tide’s set is simple.

• ASK CFN (10/10) - The Best Coaches Going • College Football News
Who are the best pound-for-pound coaches going right now? Can Ohio State really get back into the national title hunt? What's more prestigious, the Final Four or a BCS game? These questions and more in the return of ASK CFN. 

• The $4 million man • AlabamaFB
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama was looking for a blue-chip investment that could provide healthy returns for years to come, and it was willing to pay a premium to get it.

• Thursday practice notes • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
It's not a game week, but that doesn't mean practice stops. The Tide worked three days this week and Nick Saban was "really pleased with the effort and attitude" of his team. 

• Eryk Anders Doing Well In His Role • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
“Go Dog Go,” by P.D.Eastman is a delightful children’s book. I thought about it recently while talking to a couple of Alabama football players. A subplot of the book has two dogs in a recurring situation, random meeting. One, a male wearing a silly hat, asks, “Do you like my hat?” I won’t spoil the ending for you, but time after time the female says, “I do not like that hat,” and moves on. 

• Offers pour in for Sanders • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the top 2010 prospects in the state of Alabama continues to watch offers from all over the country flood his mailbox. Ariton defensive end Craig Sanders talks about his recent suitors, including the Crimson Tide, in this premium football recruiting update. 

• VIDEO: Saban's Thursday news conference • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban met with reporters following Thursday's practice.

• Richardson lands Tide offer • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Springville receiver Jeremy Richardson expects to be one of the more coveted prospects in the state of Alabama for 2010, and on Thursday afternoon, the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder received the first of what figures to be many written offers when the Crimson Tide came calling. ... 

• Alabama battling four others for Patterson’s pass-catching prowess • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Help for Julio may be on the way.

• Notebook: Smith sick, not injured • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban reiterated on Thursday that star left tackle Andre Smith has sat out of practice this week strictly due to illness — specifically strep throat — and not due to linger effects of the elbow injury he suffered in last week's game against Kentucky. 

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's Thursday press conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses the bye week 

• Tide Golfers Host JPNI Monday and Tuesday • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's golf team plays host each fall to some of the top teams in the nation at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate. The 2008 event is Monday and Tuesday, October 13-14 at Birmingham...

• Practice Report: 10/9/08 • Bama Sports Report
Alabama held its final practice before taking a three day break to enjoy the off weekend. In full pads for the second consecutive day the Tide split today’s practice between the fundamental work that we’ve seen for the last two days and Ole Miss specific work. 

• Thursday practice notes: Smith still in black • Crimson Confidential
Second-ranked Alabama (6-0 overall, 3-0 in SEC) completed its third and final bye week practice Thursday afternoon at the outdoor practice facility. The team worked out in full pads. Players will lift weights Friday and then take both Saturday and Sunday off.

• Thursday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
WR Mike McCoy and the rest of the Alabama football team is idle this weekend, but still practicing as hard as usual. 

• Volleyball Heads West for Pair of SEC Matches • RollTide.com
The volleyball team (8-6, 1-4) looks to come out fresh this weekend when it travels to take on a set of SEC West opponents in Arkansas (4-11, 1-4) and Ole Miss (7-7, 3-2).

• Soccer Heads to Fayetteville to Play Arkansas • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team (7-4-1, 2-2-0 SEC) will head on the road for two SEC contests this weekend. The Crimson Tide will open the weekend slate against the Arkansas Razorbacks (9-3-0, 2-2-0 SEC) o...

• Andrew Bone: Recruiting Chat Transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (10-08-08)

• Ian R. Rapoport: The great philosopher, Javier Arenas... • al.com
One of the great things about a bye week -- besides the collective deep breath -- is that football is not always on everyone's mind. Don't get me wrong. Football strategy talk is interesting. But it's good to get away from it, too.

• Gentry Estes: Prospect watch: Free time for a big weekend • al.com
As the national college football landscape gets clearer with several big-time games Saturday, we've also reached a make-or-break point of the year for many high school programs. With Alabama in the midst of a bye week, Crimson Tide assistant coaches will get the rare opportunity to hit the road and take in games all over the place tomorrow night. 

• UA among favorites for Georgia junior • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Just as with the 2009 class, the Tide coaches will be looking to add several new names along the offensive line in 2010. Offensive tackle Kenarious Gates of Greenville is receiving interest from a host of top programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Notre Dame. The 6-5, 290-pounder likes four schools in the early going. 

• Alabama '10 Lineman Gaining Interest • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Chase Hughes, 2010 lineman from Springville, Ala., stars on both sides of the ball for his high school squad. He is receiving early interest as Scout.com learned more about his season and visits. 

• The Weekly Spread ‘Em • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
With special guest Tommy Tuberville 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Jeremy Richardson • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
An elite prospect is emerging out of Springville High School for 2010, and big receiver Jeremy Richardson has the stats to back up his meteoric rise in status with 150 yards receiving per game.

• Bama in the NFL • BamaOnLine
Each week, BamaOnLine.com checks in on the all the action in the NFL and how former Crimson Tide players are doing around the league. This week, we take a look at 17 former Tide players active in the NFL who have made ... 

• BOL Panel Picks Contest • BamaOnLine
Each week this football season, BamaOnLine.com will choose two of its members to go head-to-head picking college games against BOL staff, media members, and guest panelists Roger Schultz, a former All-SEC center for the Crimson Tide (and star of NBC's The Biggest Loser), and Todd Bates, permanent captain of Alabama's 2004 team.

• Anders finding his role with Crimson Tide • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Every team has its role players, and for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Eryk Anders fill one specifically — put pressure on the opposing quarterback.

• Wingo’s new top five still includes Alabama (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Ronnie Wingo still has his top five. It’s just not the same top five he had a few weeks ago. 

• Crimson Clubhouse: Gilmore announcement pushed back again • Crimson Confidential
ESPNU 150 athlete will announce Wednesday 

• Luke Winn: Kemp's eldest son, Shawn Jr., making his own name • SI
PHILADELPHIA -- The kid was seated on the floor of a gym at Philadelphia University, a few minutes after his first game at the Reebok All-American Camp on Tuesday, when a man in an official camp polo shirt walked by and mistook him for a different high-school senior-to-be. "Dan Jennings?" the man said, but received only a strange look in return.

• Thibaudeau's Singles Run Ends at All-American Championships • RollTide.com
No. 57 Mathieu Thibaudeau was stopped short of reaching the singles main draw of the D'Novo/ITA Men's All-American Championships Wednesday.

• Reamer: Tide wants to be assignment-sound • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Think back to just three or four months ago, and the state of the University of Alabama linebacker corps. 

• Tide’s Maiyo picked Athlete of Week • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | University of Alabama senior cross country runner Augustus Maiyo has been named SEC Athlete of the Week for the first time in his career at Alabama.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Daniel Moore unveils his sketch of The Blackout • al.com
Remember when we spoke with famed artist Daniel Moore last week about how his newest print would depict Alabama's 41-30 win over Georgia? And how it would be called, The Blackout?

• Gentry Estes: Alabama guard Ronald Steele: 'I think I'm getting there' • al.com
Ronald Steele may still be on the mend, but the senior point guard and catalyst for Alabama's entire basketball team doesn't expect to be limited when preseason practice begins next Friday.

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Anders emerges as a defensive playmaker: 

• Players deal with increasing autograph requests, fan attention • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- On Monday night, Rashad Johnson was eating at a local restaurant with a buddy when a young boy approached the table, quietly and timidly. "Are you Rashad?" the child asked the Alabama senior captain, who confirmed he was. As the tiny visitor fumbled with his words, a man sitting nearby noticed what was happening.

• Mike Herndon: League gets defensive • Press-Register
It's not a good year for offenses in the SEC.

• Alabama bringing its 'A' game on midseason report card • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Through the many highs and rare lows of Alabama's first six games, the ultimate measuring stick is being met. 

• Alabama football notes for its open date • Press-Register
No. 2 ALABAMA (6-0, 3-0) does not play this week. -- NEXT GAME: vs. Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa (TV: WKRG/CBS)

• Alabama, Ole Miss to play on CBS on Oct. 18 • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's Oct. 18 home game against Ole Miss was picked up Wednesday for broadcast by CBS and will kick off at 2:30 p.m. It marks the second consecutive Crimson Tide game featured on the national network.

• Mobile Press-Register sports writer ... • Press-Register
...Tommy Hicks' Harris Interactive college football poll ballot
Press-Register sports reporter Tommy Hicks is one of 114 voters in the Harris Interactive football poll. Each week, his ballot along with his brief analysis is published in SEC Extra:

• SEC football by the numbers • Press-Register
Games that have featured the defending AP national champion against the team that preceded it as the nation's best.

• Alabama • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - If the Bowl Championship Series decided its two finalists today, there is a good chance the Crimson Tide would be one of them. That's enough to warm even Nick Saban. 

• Alabama notebook: Tide freshmen have impressed • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - After six games, Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson evaluates a top-rated signing class in glowing terms. 

• A • The Huntsville Times
It's fun stuff when you start comparing the SEC to the Big 12 Conference. 

• Tide's Anders arrives at last as linebacker • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It doesn't take long to read through Eryk Anders' collegiate biography. He had played in 18 games before this season, all on special teams, recording eight tackles.

• Tide vs. Ole Miss to air on CBS • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The Mississippi-Alabama game on Oct. 18 in Tuscaloosa will be nationally televised by CBS. It will kick off at 2:30 p.m.

• Rainy day drives Tide workout inside • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama worked out for approximately two hours Wednesday, starting outside despite rain in the area, then concluding in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility.

• Anders gives Alabama help off the bench • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — It might be tough to notice the playful bickering between nose tackle Terrence Cody and defensive end/outside linebacker Eryk Anders.

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody said he feels less pain in his knees than he did a year ago. 

• Practice Report 10/8/08 • Bama Sports Report
It was back into full pads for the Tide today, though the practice was still considerably different from a normal game week. There was a continued emphasis on fundamentals, as expect in an off week practice. Coach Saban is still adamant about the Tide’s intensity level remaining high, so this was far from being a 

• Kirkpatrick lining up official visits • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Tide fans are always eager to find out what's going on with Gadsden City standout corner Dre Kirkpatrick. Recruiting has slowed down some for the 6-2, 185-pound playmaker as he's started planning official visits…

• Big receiver talks about Tide's offer • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Several weeks ago, TI reported that the Crimson Tide had a serious interest in star receiver Patrick Patterson of Macon-Noxubee County, Mississippi. This morning, the 6-2, 215-pound Patterson picked up an offer from Tide head coach Nick Saban. 

• Big 2010 OL visits UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Big Mapleswood (Tenn.) offensive lineman James Stone expects to be one of the top prospects in the southeast for 2010. This past weekend, Stone took in the Alabama-Kentucky game to check out a Tide squad that has already extended him a written offer.

• 2008 SEC Scores: 
Arkansas 25, Auburn 22

• Rowing Earns Bronze at Season Opening Chattanooga Head Race • RollTide.com
The Rowing team earned a pair of bronze medal finishes in its season opener at the Chattanooga Head Race on the Tennessee River Saturday as well as seven top-10 finishes.

• Swimming and Diving Splits with Florida State on the Road • RollTide.com
The Swimming and Diving teams split with Florida State Saturday with the women taking a 157-143 win that came down to the diving events while the Crimson Tide men, despite some standout performance...

• Greenwood Looks to Gilberry For Senior Inspiration • RollTide.com
If Bobby Greenwood needs any sort of motivation going into his senior season, he doesn't have to look very far to find someone who, just a year ago, found himself in a very similar situation. 

• Ian R. Rapoport:  Is Alabama the No. 1 team in the land? • al.com
Wow. No. 5 Texas 45, No. 1 Oklahoma 35. Shocker. But does this mean Alabama is the top team in the land? Tune in tomorrow...

• Bowman watching the Tide rise • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Since the commitment of Ridgeland (Rossville, Ga.) wide receiver Michael Bowman to the Crimson Tide, the Rivals250 receiver has been a very interested observer in Alabama's rise to the top of the national polls.

• Travis McCall: Crimson Tide's unsung hero • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
It's hard to quantify what Travis McCall does for the Alabama football team.

• Tide players, coaches set for rare off weekend • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Eat, sleep and watch football — the weekend routine for many college students. And for one weekend at least, Alabama's football players get to be just like them. 

• Crimson Clubhouse: Saturday prep rewind • Crimson Confidential
Bowman comes up big against Ringgold 

• Soccer:
Friday Night: Alabama 3, Arkansas 1

• Volleyball:
Friday Night: Alabama 3, Arkansas 1

• Soccer Earns Convincing 3-1 Win Over Arkansas • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team continues to impress on Friday nights as the Crimson Tide went on the road and defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 3-1 at Razorback Field. Alabama used goals from three differe...

• Volleyball Cruises Past Arkansas • RollTide.com
Brooks Webster notched 22 kills on her 22nd birthday to lead Alabama past Arkansas 3-1 Friday evening at Barnhill Arena. With the win, the Crimson Tide improves to 9-6 on the season. 

• McClain enjoying breakout season • Tuscaloosa News
When he saw Glen Coffee burst through the hole and head downfield for an 87-yard touchdown at Arkansas last month, no one may have been happier for the University of Alabama running back than one of his former teammates.

• Tuscaloosa, UA well represented on Alabama Sports Hall of Fame ballot • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | The Board of Directors of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame released the names for this year's ballots and several nominees with Tuscaloosa and University of Alabama connections made the list.

• Tide rowing opens season on Chattanooga River • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama rowing team, which begins its third season as a varsity program today at the Chattanooga Head Race, finds itself younger than a year ago but with improving depth.

• Ian R. Rapoport: What kind of investment did Alabama make in hiring Nick Saban? • al.com
While you're flipping through channels, trying to watch six games at once, here's something to chew on. Remember all that hoopla when Alabama coach Nick Saban signed that 8-year, $32-million deal? 

• Chris's Blog - Saturday October 11th • Chris Stewart Sports
6:00 a.m. CDT - Has Lincoln stopped scoring?...

• Alabama Sports Hall of Fame nominees include John Mitchell, Steve Kittrell, ... • Press-Register
...Rick Crawford, Reggie Copeland, Milt Bolling and Billy Shipp, all with Mobile ties
The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame ballot for the Class of 2009 features 48 names in its modern category and 25 in its old-timers category. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Saturday, October 11, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• SEC Soccer Roundup - Friday, October 10th • SEC Sports
SEC Soccer Roundup - Friday, October 10th

• SEC Volleyball Roundup - Friday, October 10th • SEC Sports
SEC Volleyball Roundup - Friday, October 10th

• GAME DAY: Tide focuses on positive thinking • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran has a constant refrain as he walks among the players during pre-practice stretch each day: "Get your mind right," he bellows, so often that you wonder if the players even hear it anymore. 

• GAME DAY: 10 reasons Tide is one step from top spot • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- This version of First & 10 doesn't have conflict and resolution to it the way a normal game week might.

• Video: Jeremy Richardson makes plays • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
BOL introduced Springville wide receiver Jeremy Richardson as the early top-ranked player in the state of Alabama in Friday's Baker's Dozen. In this premium video feature, check out highlights of Richardson in action as he turns in big play after big play.

• Tide players, coaches set for rare off weekend • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Eat, sleep and watch football — the weekend routine for many college students. And for one weekend at least, Alabama's football players get to be just like them.

• Prep preview: Dial, Clay-Chalkville take on Oxford • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
A potential first-round playoff game is on the line for one Alabama commitment tonight. 

•  Bama in the NFL - Week 6 Game Stats:
Check to see how former players did this week

• Ian R. Rapoport: What's going on with Julio Jones? • al.com
So, we're six games into the Alabama's season, and the bye week is ending. What better time than the halfway point to take a look at the performance by one of the Crimson Tide's most hyped recruits?

• 2008 SEC Football - Week 8 Sunday Notebook • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Football - Week 8 Sunday Notebook

• SEC Volleyball Roundup - Sunday, October 12th • SEC Sports
SEC Volleyball Roundup - Sunday, October 12th

• SEC Soccer Roundup - Sunday, October 12th • SEC Sports
SEC Soccer Roundup - Sunday, October 12th

• Texas the new No. 1; Tide No. 2 • AlabamaFB
NEW YORK -- Texas rode its resounding Red River Rivalry upset right to No. 1.

• Five-Star Photo Gallery: Trent Richardson • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Scout.com presents a collection of images of Trent Richardson, five-star running back from Pensacola-Escambia, (Fla.), from Friday night's game against Niceville. 

• Vernon set to visit UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
In the search for a dominant pass-rusher for the class of 2009, the University of Alabama has scoured the landscape for top talent - including prospects that are already committed to other programs. Check inside for the latest on Miami commit Olivier Vernon and his scheduled visit to the Capstone.

• Second half forecast: Tide needs consistency to stay on championship track • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Today marks the beginning of the second half of Alabama's 2008 football season, the day where the Crimson Tide's surprising championship run either continues or begins to die.

• Volleyball:
Alabama 3, Ole Miss 1

• Soccer:
LSU 7, Alabama 0

• Volleyball Nets Win Against Ole Miss • RollTide.com
The volleyball team rolled past Ole Miss 3-1 Sunday afternoon at the Gillom Sports Center. With the win, the Crimson Tide stands at 10-6 on the season and 3-4 in the Southeastern Conference, while ... 

• Soccer Falls on the Road to No. 19 LSU • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team suffered a 7-0 loss at the hands of the No. 19 ranked LSU Tigers Sunday afternoon. LSU found the net three times in the first half and added four more in the second to secur... 

• Ian R. Rapoport:  Alabama: No. 2 in both Coaches and AP polls... • al.com
Here are the answers to your questions: Alabama is No. 2 in both polls. 

• Gentry Estes: While not preferable, No. 2 is good enough ... • al.com
Alabama fans were probably disappointed to learn this morning that the Crimson Tide missed out on its first regular season No. 1 ranking since the 1980 season at the expense of Texas.

• Gentry Estes: Alabama No. 2 in both polls; Texas jumps to No. 1 • al.com
On an enthralling Saturday of college football, three of the top four teams in the AP poll lost. The lone exception was No. 2 Alabama, and there was a very real chance that the Crimson Tide would reach the No. 1 ranking without lifting a finger on its bye week.

• Doug Segrest: Week 7 SEC grades • al.com
Suddenly, the Papajohns.com Bowl doesn't look so bad. Not for Auburn, nor for Tennessee or Mississippi State. For at least four SEC teams, getting to the postseason will be a chore.

• Chris's Blog - Sunday October 12th • Chris Stewart Sports
Noon CDT - The Cotton Bowl Curse? 

• An Evening with Solomon and C.J. • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
In honor of BOL’s recently released “Baker’s Dozen for 2010”, I passed up on Vigor v. Faith Academy and took in Murphy v. Theodore to check out two of the kids with a high ranking on the list ... Murphy wideout Solomon Patton and Theodore linebacker C.J. Moseley. 

• Brothers in Gridiron • BamaOnLine
College football runs in the family for Javier Arenas. Turns out, Alabama's cornerback and return-man extraordinaire has an older brother holding down a cornerback spot at another of college football's most storied programs. BamaOnLine.com went inside the relationship for an in-depth feature.

• Texas takes over top spot in USA TODAY poll • USA TODAY
The dust has settled -- at least until next Saturday -- and Texas has ascended to No. 1 in the USA TODAY/ESPN Top 25 Coaches' Poll.

• ‘A’ is for Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | If one were to try and find a signature moment from the first half of the University of Alabama football team’s 2008 season, there would be numerous choices.

• Tide splits with FSU at swim, diving meet • Tuscaloosa News
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | The Alabama swimming and diving teams split with the Florida State Seminoles with the women (3-0) taking a 157-143 win that came down to the diving events while the Crimson Tide men (1-1), despite some standout performances, fell 179.5-120.5.

• Cecil Hurt: Poll-watching’s fun, but it’s still the primaries • Tuscaloosa News
The last time a fifth-ranked team went to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, upset the No. 1 team and leapfrogged over Alabama in the polls as a result, it really meant something.

• Julio Jones deals with hype, excels for the Tide • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- What stands out is what you see. 

• Tide's surge result of mental toughness • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - On the surface, Alabama has made this game so simple. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Sunday, October 12, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all comments can be published. 

• SEC schedule draws scrutiny • The Huntsville Times
You see Mark Womack's work every week, played out before hundreds of thousands of college football fans. 

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Tide may take No. 1 ranking • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Is Alaba­ma for real?

• Could Alabama be No. 1 Sunday? • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Mack Brown can finally say he’s done something in the Texas-Oklahoma game that Bob Stoops hasn’t — pulled off an upset. And it’s a big one. 

• Tide at work in off week • Dothan Eagle
It’s not any single factor, but a variety of things that propelled Alabama to its stunning start.

• CFN Rankings - No. 1 to 119 - Week 7 • College Football News
Jordan Shipley's performance in the win over Oklahoma shot Texas up to No. 1 in the latest CFN Rankings, but who gets the No. 2 slot? There was a big shakeup at the top for yet another week. Check out the latest CFN ranking of all 119 teams. 

• 2008 Bowl Projections ... Oct. 12 • College Football News
Predicting and projecting the possible post-season matchups

• How it went: Carver RB Dennis talks with Tech • AJC
Carver-Atlanta running back Demond Dennis made an unofficial visit to Georgia Tech and watched the Yellow Jackets hold off Gardner-Webb.

• WHO'S NO. 1? • AlabamaFB
When the Associated Press Top 25 media poll and USA Today Top 25 coaches poll are released Sunday afternoon, three legendary college football programs and three traditional fanbases will be eagerly looking for the answer to one question.

• The Only Team Tide Should Worry About • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
An open date for Alabama football meant a different type of Saturday for me, a day of observing other top teams around the country and around the conference. At the end of an interesting day there was much discussion among television commentators about how the new polls would look this week. 

• Junior likes Alabama and A&M • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
St. Pius end has two early favorites

• 2010 defensive end has LSU offer • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Craig Sanders can add the defending national champions to his list of offers.

• Recruiting notebook: Where does Tide go from here? • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
We're nearly four months from national signing day, but already Alabama's 2009 football signing class is beginning to take form.

• Crimson Tide Returns to Practice Field • RollTide.com
Following its first open date of the 2008 season, the No. 2 University of Alabama football team returned to practice Monday afternoon as preparations begin for Saturday's Southeastern Conference ma...

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

• Monday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
As expected, Alabama left tackle Andre Smith returned to practice after battling an illness last week.

• Monday practice notes: Rebel week begins • Crimson Confidential
No. 2 Alabama (6-0, 3-0) practiced for the first time since Thursday at the outdoor facility under cloudy Tuscaloosa skies. A few notes from the media viewing period:

• Notebook: Saban has little fun watching football as a fan • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban, lounging in an old, tattered tank-top and a pair of sweats. Bare feet propped up on the coffee table.

• Coach Nick Saban Press Conference Transcript • RollTide.com
Alabama head coach Nick Saban held his weekly press conference on Monday. Here are some of his comments as the Tide faces the Mississippi Rebels on Saturday in Tuscaloosa.

• Tide Players Focused on Rebels • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team held its weekly media day on Monday. Juniors Javier Arenas, Glen Coffee, Lorenzo Washington and Terrence Cody, along with senior John Parker Wilson, talked a...

• Alabama Shares Lead After Morning Round at JPNI • RollTide.com
After the first 18 of 36 holes that will be played by the end of the day Monday at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate, the University of Alabama is T-1st with SMU at 2-under par. Bama's Bud Ca...

• Ian R. Rapoport: Burning questions answered, as Alabama returns from the bye week... • al.com
The players returned from the off week after doing, well, all sorts of stuff. Each had different plans, though they were a variation on a theme. Lots of sitting around, lots of football.

• Gentry Estes: Mondays with Saban: "We control what we do" • al.com
It's game week again at Alabama, and after a brief break for the bye week, Nick Saban's players seemed loose and "ready to go," according to the Crimson Tide's head coach.

• Doug Segrest: Dabo Swinney named interim coach at Clemson • al.com
Dabo Swinney, a former Pelham High receiver and ex-Alabama player and coach, is the interim coach at Clemson, according to TigerIllustrated.com. 

• Ben Culpepper: Nick Saban's 10/13 Press Conference • al.com
Nick Saban talks about the Crimson Tide's upcoming game against Ole Miss, the bye week and defending the "Wildcat" formation in his weekly press conference.

• Chris's Blog - Monday October 13th • Chris Stewart Sports
3:55 p.m. CDT - Clemson: Auburn WITH a lake, but WITHOUT a head coach...

• Saban's Tide rested and ready • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The bye week couldn't have come at a better time if you ask No. 2 Alabama's players and coach. The Crimson Tide (6-0, 3-0 SEC) will have all its players who were battling minor injuries back at practice this week. 

• Tide targets dominate the new Rivals100 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The latest version of the Rivals100 has been released, and the news is good for several Alabama commitments and prospects. In this premium football recruiting update, check inside to where top UA targets are ranked, what the experts have to say about these Alabama recruits and find out about one Tide commitment that is now a five-star prospect.

• Steen talks about big senior season • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of Alabama's five offensive line commitments for the class of 2009 is showing why he should be considered among the top prospects in the state of southeast this season as Lee Academy two-way lineman Anthony Steen has been dominant.

• Notebook: Readying for Rebels • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Brandon Deaderick has a tough matchup Saturday in Ole Miss left tackle Michael Oher. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban commented on Oher and other topics Monday.

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's Monday news conference • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban conducted his weekly news conference Monday, taking time to break down the second-ranked Crimson Tide's upcoming contest against Ole Miss.

• VIDEO — Nick Saban's Monday press conference • Crimson Confidential
Alabama coach Nick Saban discusses Saturday's game with Ole Miss

• Alabama Set to Host Mississippi • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team comes off the bye week with a Southeastern Conference showdown against Houston Nutt's Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18. The ga... 

• Play Begins Monday for Tide Golf's Annual Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate • RollTide.com
Twelve collegiate men's golf teams have converged in Birmingham where they will begin play Monday morning in the 54-hole Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate at Old Overton Club. The University of A... 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Random stuff before Saban speaks.... • al.com
A few quick things before I run out to Alabama coach Nick Saban's news conference to find out how everyone enjoyed their bye week and see what's going on leading up to the Crimson Tide's game against Ole Miss on Saturday.

• Gentry Estes: Reports: Tommy Bowden out as Clemson coach • al.com
While this isn't Alabama news, the Crimson Tide does share a bit of responsibility for what is going on at Clemson right now. 

• Gentry Estes: CBS exercises six-day option for Oct. 25 games • al.com
There will be no certainty today about television for the Alabama-Tennessee game, except for this: It's not going to be the morning Raycom game again this year.

• Gentry Estes: Monday reading: How is Enrique Davis faring at Ole Miss? • al.com
Remember Enrique Davis? Auburn's touted running back signee? Attended Hargrave for a year and then wound up signing with Ole Miss and new coach Houston Nutt instead of the expected new spread offense at Auburn?

• Doug Segrest: The Legends Poll and me just wondering aloud • al.com
Texas got twice as many first-place votes as Alabama in this week's Legends Poll, voted on by former head coaches, including Pat Dye, Vince Dooley and Gene Stallings. Continue for the complete poll.

• Jess Nicholas: Ole Miss preview: Bama doesn’t know what to expect from erratic Rebels • TideFans.com
Alabama’s band plays the theme to “The A-Team” as a fight song at every game. That’s fitting, because this week, Alabama faces one of the show’s characters, “Howling...

• Jess Nicholas: SEC preview and predictions – Week 8 • TideFans.com
The Predictions Dept. has been doing its thing for 13 years now, and the Week 7 effort was the worst in that...

• Top OL plans to enroll early at UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I've talked to the Alabama coaches about it and I'm going in there early. I want to get there and learn as much as I can this spring. I want to get a grasp of as much the offense as I possibly can…" 

• The Greatest Blog In The History of History (with pictures) • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Never think I won’t go the extra mile for you. If there is anything that professionalism requires, its sacrifice. This was an extraordinarily time consuming blog but I did it for all of you and I am not even going to ask for thanks. Consider it a man doing a man’s job when its required of him. A hard day’s work for a day’s pay. Behold the fruits of my sweat, persistence and hard work. 

• Texas jumps Alabama, takes top spot in AP poll • Tuscaloosa News
NEW YORK | Texas rode its resounding Red River Rivalry upset right to No. 1.

• Tide soccer falls on the road to No. 19 LSU • Tuscaloosa News
BATON ROUGE, La. | The Alabama soccer team suffered a 7-0 loss at the hands of the No. 19 ranked LSU Tigers Sunday afternoon. LSU found the net three times in the first half and added four more in the second to secure victory. After the day, the Crimson Tide moved to 8-5-1 overall and 3-3 in SEC play.

• Alabama volleyball nets win against Ole Miss • Tuscaloosa News
OXFORD, Miss. | The Alabama volleyball team rolled past Ole Miss 3-1 Sunday afternoon at the Gillom Sports Center. With the win, the Crimson Tide stands at 10-6 on the season and 3-4 in the Southeastern Conference, while the loss puts the Rebels at 8-8 overall and 4-3 in conference play.

• Ray Melick: Tide has to be seen to be considered • The Birmingham News
That's what we in the business call a rhetorical question, meaning we know the answer before we ask it. Of course someone wants to be No.1. 

• Alabama players refuse to look through rearview mirror at past tumbles • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama has been here before. 

• Tide remains at No. 2 spot • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - A day meant to be football-free was far from it. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, October 13, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all comments can be published. 

• Rest readies Tide for next six tests • The Huntsville Times
Still unbeaten, still No. 2, Alabama helped by wild weekend across nation 

• AP FOOTBALL POLL: Texas topples Tide for No. 1 spot • Montgomery Advertiser
NEW YORK -- Texas rode its resounding Red River Rivalry upset right to No. 1.

• Green gets accustomed to Alabama basketball • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Practice doesn't officially start until Fri­day, but the newest member of Alabama's basketball team has been working hard to develop chemistry with his teammates.

• 5 Thoughts - It's The Polls, Stupid • College Football News
It's all about the polls, and they need to be under more scrutiny. Why? Ranked fourth, USC and Mark Sanchez are in a perfect position to slip into the national title game. Minnesota's turnaround, Texas rebounding, bad rules, and more in this week's 5 Thoughts.

• Poll Watch: Week 7 • Bama Sports Report
In case you missed it this weekend, there was a quite a shake up in college football. Top five teams Oklahoma, Missouri, and LSU were all beaten, changing the face of both the AP and ESPN/USA Today polls considerably.

• Big junior receiver likes the Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I like how successful Alabama is and the enthusiasm the players play with," he says. "I really like the atmosphere there..." 

• Tide after FSU commit • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
South Dade (Homestead, Fla.) defensive end Ed Stinson had about as good of a junior season as a defender could have, racking up over 60 tackles with 16 sacks, and the Crimson Tide has taken notice. Check inside for the latest on this FSU commit who is checking out Alabama along with one other SEC program in this premium recruiting update.

• Alabama lean Norwood set to bring mother with him for Tide-Rebels tilt • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Heavy Alabama lean Kevin Norwood is planning on his making his third trip to Tuscaloosa this coming Saturday, and this time he’ll be joined by his mother, Sandra.

• John Parker Wilson Finalist for Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award • RollTide.com
University of Alabama senior quarterback John Parker Wilson was selected as one of 10 finalists for the 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award on Tuesday.

• Crimson Tide Expects Physical Football Game • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team worked out for two hours in full pads Tuesday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility in preparation for Saturday's Southeastern Conference matchup wi... 

• Alabama Football: Offensive Notebook • RollTide.com
The Alabama offense leads the SEC with 226.3 rushing yards per game this season. Find out more about the Tide offense in this week's notebook on RollTide.com. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/14 - Practice

• Gentry Estes: John Parker Wilson named a finalist for the Unitas Award • al.com
Alabama's John Parker Wilson has been rated as one of the top 10 senior quarterbacks in the country by his inclusion today on the finalist list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

• This Week In SEC Football - October 14th • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Football - October 14th

• SEC Football on Sirius XM Satellite Radio Schedule • SEC Sports
SEC Football on Sirius XM Satellite Radio Schedule

• Tide's Wilson finalist for Unitas Award • AlabamaFB
TUSCALOOSA -- University of Alabama senior quarterback John Parker Wilson was selected as one of 10 finalists for the 2008 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award on Tuesday.

• Video: Tide not taking Rebels lightly • AlabamaFB
No. 2 Alabama hosts Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon

• Redskins Sign Alexander to Running Back Corps • Redskins.com
The Redskins have signed running back Shaun Alexander, a three-time Pro Bowler and 2005 league MVP, the team announced on Tuesday.

• Tuesday practice report: Injuries staying away • Crimson Confidential
No. 2 Alabama (6-0, 3-0) continued to lay the groundwork for the Ole Miss Rebels (3-3, 1-2) Tuesday afternoon. The Tide practiced in full pads at the outdoor facility. A few notes from the media viewing period:

• Tuesday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Antoine Caldwell and the rest of the Alabama football team continued preparations for Ole Miss Tuesday with a full-pad workout.

• Golfers Win 3rd Straight JPNI Championship • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama golf team won its third straight Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate, competing in a field of 12 that included six ranked teams. Alabama won the tournament at 10-under par... 

• UA's graduation rate among highest in SEC • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Seven of the University of Alabama’s athletic teams produced 100 percent graduation rates for the latest reporting period, and two other teams graduated at least 90 percent of their student-athletes.

• Shaun Alexander signs deal with Redskins • Tuscaloosa News
Former University of Alabama star Shaun Alexander signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins today, ESPN is reporting.

• It’s Official: Alexander Signs with the Redskins • Bama Sports Report
We told you that it was probably coming, and today it officially happened. Alabama’s all-time leading rusher Shaun Alexander has signed a deal to play for the injury depleted Washington Redskins.

• BOLevision: Ole Miss • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With the first of two bye weeks in the Crimson Tide's rear view mirror, BOL staffers Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread look ahead to Saturday's meeting with Ole Miss! 

• Bama in the NFL - Players:
Shaun Alexander signs with the Redskins.  Kenneth Darby signs with the Rams. 

• Redskins sign Shaun Alexander, punter • Sporting News
Free agent running back Shaun Alexander's workout with the Washington Redskins went well, and the team offered him a one-year, veteran minimum contract, the Washington Post reports.

• Tuesday Tide Trivia • RollTide.com
Test your Alabama football knowledge with Tuesday Tide Trivia each week on RollTide.com

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama's grades are in... • al.com
Some random, academic news for you guys... Turns out, Alabama is doing pretty well in the classroom. The school just released its graduation rates from 1998-2001, along with other, assorted academic news. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Recruit Stephon Gilmore picks USC over Tide • al.com
A quick heads up, from the fine people at Gamecockcentral.com: A few minutes ago, athlete Stephon Gilmore picked South Carolina over Alabama at a news conference in Rock Hill, S.C. Read about it on Crimson Confidential.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Coffee enters one Heisman conversation... and links! • al.com
The fact that Alabama is 6-0 and ranked No. 2 in the country is affecting every one. And I don't just mean because national writers are dropping in and reporting on the Tide. There are other benefits.

• Gentry Estes: Tuesday reading: Antoine Caldwell says why Alabama is for real • al.com
Leave it to Alabama's in-house Sporting News columnist to explain to the nation why the Crimson Tide is set to make the best of its current No. 2 ranking.

• Chris's Blog - Tuesday October 14th • Chris Stewart Sports
12:15 p.m. CDT - Big chance for Dabo...
I have to say I was sad to see Tommy Bowden let go. I'm not saying it was the wrong move by Clemson, nor am I saying it wasn't deserved. I don't know the situation. I don't know Tommy Bowden, either. 

• 2008 SEC Football - Week 8 Game Previews • SEC Sports
2008 SEC Football - Week 8 Game Previews

• CFN Staff Picks - Week Eight, Part 1 • College Football News
Picks and predictions for every game ... Week 8, Part 1

• Alabama offers Westside-Macon WR; UGA expresses interest • AJC
Westside-Macon junior wide receiver Ronald Carswell received an offer from Alabama, coach Robert Davis said. “Georgia has requested film on him as well,” Davis said. “He is a great athlete with great speed.” Carswell, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, also returns punts...

• Alabama, South Carolina pursue Heritage TE Justin Jones • AJC
Two weeks after backing off a commitment to Kentucky, Heritage tight end Justin Jones has been busy working the recruiting trail.

• Video: Alabama back to work • AlabamaFB
No. 2 Tide rested after week off

• Bama in the mix for junior WR • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I like the attitude of Alabama's players and how they run their offense. They like big receivers like me…" 

• Southeastern Region Recruiting Notebook • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
A review of news across the region.

• UA well represented in Rivals250 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Rivals250 release on Tuesday continued a theme that began the day before with the updated Rivals100 – the University of Alabama is in great shape to turn in another impressive recruiting haul. In this premium football recruiting update, find out which UA targets and commits rose and which ones fell in the rankings.

• Tide Two Shots Back From Lead at JPNI • RollTide.com
Defending tournament champion Alabama is fighting to retain its title, going into the final round two shots back from tournament 36-hole leader SMU going into Tuesday's third and final round of the...

• McCall more of a battering ram than tight end • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Anyone who watches the University of Alabama football team, or has scouted the Crimson Tide, recognizes it and knows exactly what's coming even before the ball is snapped.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/13/08 Saban Press Conference

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
10/13/08 Practice

• Rested Tide ready to resume season • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Although a number of University of Alabama football players and coaches spent the weekend watching the very thing they were taking a break from, football, the time off seemed to do the Crimson Tide some good.

• Andrew Bone: Recruits remaining on the offensive front for 2009 • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama has received a total of 16 commitments for the 2009 class with no more than 25 players brought in with each signing class. We take a look at the top players on the offensive side of the ball who likely remain on the Tide's recruiting board.

• Gentry Estes: Thoughts from Houston Nutt ... • al.com
Ole Miss' popular new coach held his weekly press conference this afternoon, not long after Nick Saban did so at Alabama.

• Ian R. Rapoport: National title talk from fans, red high-heeled shoes... and other stuff! • al.com
Remember last year in Oxford? Ole Miss receiver Shay Hodge caught the ball over Lionel Mitchell, seemingly giving the Rebels a chance for the win... only to have it overturned by the officials. The result was a crazy, 27-24 win for the Crimson Tide.

• Travis McCall helps Alabama, top rushing offense go • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Travis McCall works for a different scoreboard: The team's running backs, receivers, and quarterbacks.

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA
Tide, Saban face ranking buzz:

• NEED AN ESCORT PAST THE DEFENSE? • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA -- Travis McCall works for a different scoreboard: The team's running backs, receivers, and quarterbacks.

• Wild rivalry: Crimson Tide-Rebels' series has strange history • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Of his latest date with Ole Miss, Alabama senior quarterback John Parker Wilson's best remembers a pair of high-heeled shoes.

• Alabama notebook: Houston Nutt says Greg Hardy rumors are false • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Defensive end Greg Hardy's mother called Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt on Friday to ask if her son had been kicked off the team.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Mark McCarter: Keeping eyes on prize • The Huntsville Times
Alabama players, fans not satisfied just yet 

• Paul Gattis: Two different directions • The Huntsville Times
Football has turned into a health hazard in our little state. No. 24 when the season began in the Associated Press Top 25, unranked in the coaches, now No. 2 (and should be No. 1, as we've been saying here at SEC Rewind for two weeks) in just six games. 

• Alabama wary of Rebels • The Huntsville Times
Series is one-sided but Tide is taking Ole Miss seriously

• SEC Volleyball Weekly Honors Announced • SEC Sports
SEC Volleyball Weekly Honors Announced

• SEC Football Television Schedule for October 25 • SEC Sports
SEC Football Television Schedule for October 25 

• Tide out to crack Nutt's game plan • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- While the Alabama-Ole Miss game has been the most closely contested Crimson Tide rivalry over the past decade, Saturday's game adds an interesting new dimension to the series.

• College football notebook • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- With Alabama enjoying an open date this past weekend, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said he spent much of Saturday watching college football games but admitted he could never watch it simply as a college football fan.

• Saban has plenty of respect for Nutt • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Mention Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt’s name to Alabama head coach Nick Saban, and Saban gushes.

• College football notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Even though Alabama didn’t play Saturday, not all of the Crimson Tide’s players spent their off day watching lots of college football. 

• Tide gets back to the basics • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama didn’t play a game last week, but several Crimson Tide players feel they’re better positioned for the second half because of it. 

• Cavalcade of Whimsy - The Big Disappointments • College Football News
Who, along with Jorvorskie Lane's Texas A&M, are the biggest midseason disappointments? Who can't the big-time coaches lose to? Can coaches be recycled? All this and a lot more in the Midseason Cavalcade of Whimsy. Check out all the midseason reports and the halfway point All-America team on Friday.

• Tuesday Question - The Midseason Honors • College Football News
Midseason Stuff: Best Offensive Player, Defensive Player, Coach, Surprise and Disappointment.

• Practice Report: 10/13/08 • Bama Sports Report
Is it just me, or did that off week feel like it lasted about a month? As a general rule Monday sucks, but when it ushers in a game week I can tolerate it. After three days off the Tide hit the practice field in shells today in preparation for the Ole Miss Rebels. 

• Alabama begins prep for Ole Miss • AlabamaFB
TUSCALOOSA – Following its first open date of the 2008 season, the No. 2 University of Alabama football team returned to practice Monday afternoon as preparations begin for Saturday’s Southeastern Conference matchup with the Mississippi Rebels.

• Video of Saban's press conference • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• St. Louis star knows of three official visits • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Tide coaching staff places a premium on big, physical athletes with the versatility to play more than one position. A prospect who fits that description is Ronnie Wingo, Jr. of University HS in St. Louis. Wingo, 6-2, 215-pounder with 4.5 speed, has been high on Alabama's list for several months. Will Bama get an official visit?

• South Florida star keeping the door cracked • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Olivier Vernon is still committed to Miami, but the 6-2, 240-pound linebacker/defensive end from Hialeah-American, Florida is keeping the door cracked in case a school can change his mind.

• Tide Players Watched Football On Day Off • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama football players got their first real time off in a couple of months last weekend. After starting fall camp in August and compiling a 6-0 record and moving up to number two in the national rankings through the first half of the season, the Crimson Tide had an open date. And the players did the same thing many Bama fans did. They watched college football on television. 

• Montgomery Names Leaders, Shares Revelation • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Elite DE holds nothing back as he names his leaders and reveals what almost happened

• Saban Counting On Old-Fashioned Ethic • 'BamaMag
Alabama goes back to practice for Ole Miss after bye week

• Top Peach junior talks Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama football staff already has a jump on securing top talent for 2010, and perhaps the top junior defensive lineman in the state of Georgia is already high on the Tide. Check inside for the latest on this 6-foot-4, 275-pounder and his thoughts on Alabama's undefeated season this year.

• After off week, upsets, Tide back to work • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One-by-one, teams No. 1, 3 and 4 in the Associated Press college football rankings fell on Saturday. The lone survivor was Alabama, which was in the midst of its first bye week of the season.

• Alabama to get visit from Mingo (video highlights included) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
West Monroe (La.) High linebacker Barkevious Mingo is Don Shows' idea of a coach's dream. Mingo is extremely athletic and versatile at 6-foot-5 and 209-pounds, and his attitude towards football has his coach raving. 

• Notebook: Nutt dismisses Hardy rumors • Crimson Confidential
Mercurial end tied for SEC lead in sacks in 2007

• Monday practice notes: Rebel week begins • Crimson Confidential
Smith back in white jersey 

• VIDEO — Monday player interviews, Part I • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
John Parker Wilson and Javier Arenas

• VIDEO — Monday player interviews, Part II • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Lorenzo Washington, Terrence Cody and Glen Coffee