Bama in the News

September 22 - 30, 2009

• Don Kausler Jr.: 'Evaluate them and then see who's got the feel,' Saban says of rotating Tide's RBs • The Birmingham News
Saban comments on his philosophy about rotating running backs in a game. 

• Alabama Football: Tuesday Notebook • RollTide.com
The latest installment of the Alabama Football Notebook takes at look at the Crimson Tide offense following the Tide's 53-7 win over North Texas on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Alabama has scored 93 poi... 

• Practice report: Grant remains with backs • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama junior Terry Grant continued to work with the Crimson Tide running backs Tuesday at practice as UA prepares for its Southeastern Conference opener against visiting Arkansas.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Practice, 9/22
The Crimson Tide offensive line, running backs and tight ends practice for their SEC opener against Arkansas, Sept. 22.

• Chase Goodbread: Tuesday practice update • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The latest from the practice fields as Alabama prepares to open its SEC schedule with Arkansas... 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Roughly one-third of Alabama's newcomers have played so far • The Birmingham News
Only three newcomers have played in all three of the Tide's games to date.

• Cavacalde of Whimsy - The New Stars • College Football News
Who leads the nation in sacks? How about receiving? Who are the statistical leaders you've never heard of, and who are the new breakout stars early in the season? The ten players you need to know, the silly Kiffin-Meyer feud, and the aftermath from Washington's win, all in the latest Cavalcade of Whimsy.

• Taking Stock Of Alabama • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The post-game story of Alabama 53, North Texas 7 seemed to turn on how the Mean Green wasn’t so mean. Alabama Coach Nick Saban didn’t miss the point. He saw an Alabama team that showed improvement. 

• Turning The Page • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
UA head coach Bobby Petrino believes his team is focused soley on Alabama now

• Practice Report: Bama gearing up to go after Mallett • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Midweek memo to Mr. Mallett: They’re coming. 

• North Texas From the Couch • CBama Sports Report
How bad is North Texas? That's the question of the week, because what we know right now is that either North Texas is really really bad, or else Bama is really really good.

• SEPT. 22 Cecil Hurt Show • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
This week Cecil discusses the sound performance of the Tide last weekend, the Arkansas match-up, and answers your questions in this week's segment.

• Gentry Estes: Arkansas player arrested for failure to appear on speeding ticket • The Press Register
Reserve defensive end, a Mobile native, played in 11 games last season

• Gentry Estes:  No joke: Good passing can mean extra running at an Alabama football practice • The Press Register
Quarterback Greg McElroy says offense jokes about throwing things off at the end of a practice "so coach Saban doesn't run us as hard."

• Chris Pow: Alabama football report card: North Texas • al.com
The Alabama Crimson Tide dominated the North Texas Mean Green in a 53-7 blowout in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, rolling up 523 total yards on offense and limiting the Green to just 187 total yards. Fans' grades for the Tide's performance were extremely positive, with majority 'A' grades for every area except for two squads: special teams and defensive...

• Don Kausler Jr.: Talking baseball (baseball?) with Alabama coach Nick Saban • The Birmingham News
His point: A defense can't just do one thing to be effective, just like a pitcher has to have more than one good pitch.

• Gentry Estes: Tuesday briefing: "They score a lot of points, but they haven't played us." • The Press Register
Alabama has the nation's third-rated defense. Arkansas has the nation's second-rated offense. Now it's time to figure out which one will stick. 

• Mallet’s torching of Georgia secondary no surprise to Carr • AJC
A lot of people were surprised to see what Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet did to Georgia’s secondary this past Saturday night in Fayetteville. Lloyd Carr was not.

• High on the Tide: Why Alabama Will Play for the National Championship • Bleacher Report
Alabama currently sits at No.3 in both the AP and Coaches Poll. Some argue (including myself) why the Tide aren't sitting atop the college football world right now thanks to less than spectactular outings of Florida (23-13) vs Tennessee and Texas (34-24) vs a Texas Tech team with no defense. It seems the Tide faithful may in fact have a reason as to why they should be #1. Here are the reasons why I think Alabama will be the best in the land at the end of the post season.

• Stacking Mac Up Against The SEC's Best Shows Greg McElroy's Doing Fine • Bleacher Report
If the regular season is 12 games long, then we've just finished the first quarter. Many thought it would take a while for this tall Texan tapped to sling passes at Alabama to be comfortable as a starter. So how does Mac stack up against the supposed SEC's best?

• Lofty Expectations Could Lead to Bruised Egos in the SEC West • Bleacher Report
How do you temper the expectations of the most rabid fanbases in the country?

• CBS Expert Picks • CBS Sportsline
Expert Picks

• The Harmon Forecast • CBS Sportsline
In its 53nd year, The Harmon Forecast predicts probable scores of college football games each week.

• Bama on the radar of 2011 LB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Linebacker A.J. Johnson, one of Georgia's top juniors, has gotten off to en excellent start this season. The 6-3, 220-pounder from Gainesville has helped his team to a 4-0 record with 55 tackles. 

• Coach Spotlight: Alfy Hill • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The latest University of Alabama commitment hails from the town of Shallotte, NC in Brunswick County, located in the Wilmington area. Alfy Hill of West Brunswick High School announced his decision September 9th. His head coach, Jimmy Fletcher, said major interest didn't start until after Hill's junior season, which saw him record 112 tackles, 15 for loss, 12 sacks, and four blocked punts. 

• Dale Trimble visits Alabama • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Cornerback has big game, and taking trips.

• Bama Defense Must Throw Curves • 'BamaMag
Saban points to importance of disguises and changes in defense against Hogs

• Saban Discusses Redshirt Policy • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
A handful of freshmen have played, but redshirt decisions come later

• Christopher Walsh: Forget the first 3 games, Tide' season starts now • BamaOnLine
Although No. 3 Alabama has been one of the most impressive teams in the nation thus far, the Tide's season really begins Saturday with the start of SEC play

• 4-Star OT to visit UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Hyattsville, Md. offensive tackle Arie Kouandjio is one of the most massive offensive tackle prospects in the 2010 recruiting class and the Crimson Tide have earned an official visit from the four-star prospect... 

• Top-ranked Tide? Two AP voters say yes • Crimson Confidential
Gators No.1. Longhorns No. 2. 

• Bama must beware of Hogs’ Dennis the Menace  • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Arkansas has a Dennis who can be just that if given a crack of daylight. And for an Alabama team that’s been a little on the porous side when it comes to kick coverage, that’s a scary thought.

• New faces, same results • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama's view from several of the Southeastern Conference's defensive statistical categories is from the top.

• Defense looking for turnovers • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Aside from an Outland Trophy and a few All-SEC credentials, another thing missing from the retooled offensive line at the University of Alabama is 61 pounds.

• Tide's Frazier named offensive player of the week • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | University of Alabama sophomore outside hitter Ashley Frazier was named Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week in volleyball on Monday. This is the first conference honor for the Oregon, Ohio native

• Bernier earns SEC defensive honors • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | University of Alabama sophomore goalkeeper Justine Bernier was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. Bernier led the Crimson Tide to the Red Raider Classic title with her play in goal.

• Andrew Bone: Tide's home schedule draws top recruits • Tuscaloosa News
Southeastern Conference play begins this week when the Crimson Tide hosts Arkansas, with top prospects expected to begin traveling to the Capstone for league games.

• Contrite Rolando McClain focuses on present and playing under control • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - If given a choice between talking about yesterday, today or tomorrow, Rolando McClain probably would pick the present. The past and the future don't seem to interest Alabama's junior All-America linebacker as much.

• Crimson Tide defense looking forward to challenge of stopping Arkansas • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - All Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain saw of Georgia's 52-41 shootout victory over Arkansas was a few Saturday night highlights.

• Jones, Upchurch return to practice • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama receiver Julio Jones and running back Roy Upchurch were both cleared to return to practice Monday after sitting out the victory over North Texas.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

• Mark McCarter: Third is not the safest of places in national poll • The Huntsville Times
Right about now in some corners, Nick Saban's oft-repeated philosophy of focus and process is being as ignored like a flight attendant's safety briefing. It's just words you've heard dozens of times before, so why bother.

• A mighty challenge in Mallett • The Huntsville Times
Arkansas' high-powered offense set to test Tide's dominating defense 

• SEC Soccer Honors Announced • SEC Sports
Mississippi State's Kat Walsh, Alabama's Justine Bernier and Auburn's Amy Howard have received SEC Soccer weekly honors.

• SEC Volleyball Honors Announced • SEC Sports
Alabama's Ashley Fraizer, Auburn's Liz Crouch and Arkansas' Jasmine Norton have received SEC Volleyball weekly honors.

• Cross Country Notebook - 9/21 • SEC Sports
Get the latest news and notes on your favorite SEC cross country team. 

• Tide expects sharper challenge from Razorbacks this time • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Last year, Bobby Petrino was handed a humbling setback in his first Southeastern Conference game as Arkansas' head coach.

• Alabama notebook: Richardson rushing toward larger role • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- After rushing for 205 yards and three touchdowns in the past two games, Trent Richardson may have earned a bigger role in Alabama's offense.

• With Arkansas next, Tide expects no easy Saturday • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Mark Ingram could not fight it. The urge to smile was much too strong when Alabama’s leading …

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama
TUSCALOOSA — Julio Jones and Roy Upchurch returned to practicing at full speed Monday after missing the previous week’s worth of practice with injuries. Jones, a receiver, and … 

• Alabama defense focuses on forcing turnovers • Dothan Eagle
Alabama’s Southeastern Conference opener is a collision between its standout defense and Arkansas’ prolific offense.

• Tide notebook: Back-up linebacker Chris Jordan does well • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama took advantage of its blowout victory over North Texas by using a lot of players in the game.

• CFN Week 3, Scoreboard, Roundup & Recaps • College Football News
The season took a wild turn this weekend as Jake Locker and Washington stunned USC. Before we start to dive into an interesting Week Four, check out the scoreboard, links to the CFN recaps, and predictions for all the Week 3 games. CAVALCADE AND TQ COMING AT NOON.

• Top junior defensive lineman still favors Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Alabama usually wouldn't have a great chance to land a top prospect from Auburn HS. But LaMichael Fanning is a different story.

• RAW Video: Saban 9/21 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Rolando McClain, Colin Peek, Javier Arenas and Mark Ingram from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Alabama Report 9/21 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Rolando McClain, Colin Peek, Javier Arenas and Mark Ingram from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• RAW Video: Greg McElroy 9/21 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Rolando McClain, Colin Peek, Javier Arenas and Mark Ingram from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• RAW Video: MClain 9/21 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Rolando McClain, Colin Peek, Javier Arenas and Mark Ingram from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• RAW Video: Colin Peek • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Rolando McClain, Colin Peek, Javier Arenas and Mark Ingram from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• RAW Video: Javier Arenas 9/21 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Rolando McClain, Colin Peek, Javier Arenas and Mark Ingram from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• RAW Video: Mark Ingram 9/21 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Rolando McClain, Colin Peek, Javier Arenas and Mark Ingram from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Bama Defense Must Throw Curves • 'BamaMag
Where is Casey Dick when you need him? The former Arkansas quarterback would have been perfect for a discussion of Alabama pass defense, as described by Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban Monday. How easy it would be to write about the need to get a high, hard one past Mighty Casey Dick. 

• Elite Ga. junior visits Tuscaloosa • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Poor weather and the lack of a marquee opponent kept the visitors list short and sweet for Alabama last weekend, but one of the Peach state's top defenders made it into town and it appears that the Tide could have the early edge in his recruitment.

• Notebook: Backfield reflective of diversity • BamaOnLine
Sophomore running back Mark Ingram doesn't just lead the Crimson Tide in rushing with 297 yards, but in receiving with 10 catches. 

• JUCO cornerback Harris: "Alabama is still my leader" • Crimson Confidential
Senior Recruiting Analyst Will Matthews gets the latest on All-American JUCO cornerback Mike Harris (Torrance, Calif./El Camino Junior College).

• No. 3 Tide beginning to receive national notice • Crimson Confidential
Alabama, due to its impressive wins this season and some not-so-impressive outings by other preseason top five selections, is beginning to gain more national acclaim. 

• Stopping Mallett: Tide defense has means to do so • Crimson Confidential
How do you stop -- or at least minimize the effectiveness -- of a 6-foot-7, 238-pound gunslinger who...

• Practice Report: Monday, September 21 • Bama Sports Report
While the rain held off during Alabama's 53-7 win over North Texas on Saturday, the Tide football team had no such luck today. The weather in Tuscaloosa is downright awful, and really isn't expected to improve until later in the week. So expect to see a lot of use of the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Practice, 9/23
The Crimson Tide defense practices, Wednesday, Sept. 23.

• Chase Goodbread: Wednesday practice report • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
News and notes from the practice field on Wednesday, including a key special teams performer who sat out the contact portion of practice.

• Andrew Bone: SEPT. 23 Recruiting Report • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
More great performances by some Tide commitments last week. We look forward to this week, and have a conversation with Deion Belue's head coach at Deshler.

• SEC, powered by stout quarterbacks, puts up big numbers • The Birmingham News
One-Minute Madness video webcast

• Practice Report: Boot-clad Kirkpatrick joins injury list • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama’s defensive backs are preparing for a flurry of flying footballs Saturday. 

• Alabama Football Notebook: Defense and Special Teams • RollTide.com
The latest installment of the Alabama Football Notebook takes at look at the Crimson Tide's defense and special teams heading into Saturday's SEC opener with Arkansas. The UA defense and special te... 

• Kirkpatrick withheld from contact • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama freshman Dre Kirkpatrick was withheld from contact at practice on Wednesday, though it remains unclear why the freshman from Gadsden City could not practice with the rest of the team. Kirkpatrick was in a black jersey, indicating an injury of some sort. UA coach Nick Saban will likely address Kirkpatrick's status for Saturday's game against Arkansas at his post-practice news conference. Kirkpatrick was named among Alabama's special teams players of the week following a victory over FIU on Sept.12.

• Gentry Estes: Practice report: UA's Dre Kirkpatick restricted with apparent foot injury • The Press Register
Alabama reserve cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick wore a black, no-contact jersey at practice today and a protective walking boot on his right foot.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Freshman reserve cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick held out of Tide's practice today • The Birmingham News
Saban scheduled to meet with the news media after practice.

• Arkansas On The Road To Victory Against Big Favorite Alabama • Bleacher Report
The Arkansas Razorbacks head into this weekend's game against Alabama with the hottest quarterback in the SEC, Ryan Mallet, who is averaging a hundred yards a game more than No. 2 rated signal caller, Georgia quarterback, Joe Cox.

• SEC Picks Week Four: Arkansas Has a Mountain to Overcome to Beat 'Bama • Bleacher Report
Week Three has come and gone, and what a weekend we had in college football. There were some great games around the SEC.

• How Will Tide Defend Hogs’ QB? • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
The question of the week seems to be, “Which Alabama defensive back is the Arkansas quarterback going to pick on?” The answer is “Any one he wants to if everyone doesn’t do his job.”

• Frazier Earns Collegiate Volleyball Update National Player of the Week Honors • RollTide.com
Sophomore outside hitter Ashley Frazier received her second award of the week, this time on a national scale, as she was named Collegiate Volleyball Update National Player of the Week. 

• Saban: Jones, Upchurch progressing • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Roy Upchurch continue to make progress in their returns from injury, coach Nick Saban said Wednesday.

• Cecil Hurt: These running backs worth watching • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
It remains to be seen how Arkansas will handle UA's RBs. In fact, it remains to be seen how Nick Saban will handle them, too.

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
PLAYER CAM: Mark Ingram PLAYER CAM: Mark Ingram
Although he played in limited time through most of the second half, sophomore running back Mark Ingram continued to prove he is a force to be reckoned with in.

• Chris Pow: Nick Saban 09/23/09 teleconference • al.com
Listen to Alabama football coach Nick Saban answer questions from the media during the weekly SEC teleconference on Wednesday.

• Don Kausler Jr.: You don't believe Mallett's throws have been clocked at 115 mph? • The Birmingham News
New Arkansas quarterback has a strong arm, but come on. ...

• Gentry Estes: Wednesday briefing: "There's more to protect now." • The Press Register
Has Alabama's home-field advantage changed in the past two seasons? Javier Arenas thinks so.

• Jon Solomon: College Football Hall of Fame will move to Atlanta • The Birmingham News
Hall is leaving South Bend

• Jon Solomon: Study finds disparities with NCAA probation • The Birmingham News
Do more resources equal lighter probation lengths?

• Don Kausler Jr.: Razorbacks' punter is Dylan Breeding, a freshman walk-on from Hoover • The Birmingham News
He averaged 37.3 yards on seven punts against Georgia, but status for Alabama game is uncertain

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Fitzgerald impressed with nation's top two punters • The Birmingham News
"I don't know what their pregame meal was," he said of the Georgia and Oklahoma State punters, "but I want some of that."

• Philip Shirley: FROM BEHIND ENEMY LINES: Arkansas vs. Bama Prediction • al.com
For the third week, our analysis of the Alabama Crimson Tide has proven fairly accurate and we’ve stayed within a play or two of getting the score dead on. Things get a little tougher to call this week, though clearly Bama is playing about as good as anyone in the country and better than most. Thanks for all the...

• Bamachannel.com: Ken Rogers breaks down the Tide-Arkansas game • Dothan Eagle
The Dothan Eagle’s, Ken Rogers, breaks down the Alabama-Arkansas game in an interview with bamachannel.com.

• 2009 CFN SEC Week 4 Expert Picks • College Football News
SEC 2009 Week Four Game of the Week, Player of the Week, Roundup & Standings

• Standout 2011 corner likes UA • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the state's top prospects for the class of 2011 is Jasper-Walker cornerback Jacquese Kirk. The 6-0, 165-pound Kirk has a reputation as a coverman feared by opponents. 

• Prattville safety ready for big game • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Nick Perry, Scout.com four-star safety from Prattville, Ala., has helped the Lions bounce back from their season opening loss with three straight wins. Prattville welcomes the No. 4 team in the country Friday night, Don Bosco Prep from Ramsey, N.J. 

• Coach Spotlight: Phillip Sims • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Head coach Richard Morgan talks Tide commitment.

• ScoutTV: Sims scores five TDs • 'BamaMag
This Alabama commit throws for over 280 yards...

• BOL Recruiting Nuggets • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With the Alabama class of 2010 in the final stages of completion, the Tide is still strongly in the mix for several elite prospects. In this edition of BOL Recruiting Nuggets, find out the latest on James Stone, Keenan Allen, John Fulton and much more.

• Eyeing Eleven – Artaves Gibson likes Bama • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One of the top running back prospects for the 2011 class is Mitchell (Memphis) High’s Artaves Gibson. Gibson, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound versatile back has received a lot of attention from schools throughout the country. 

• Alabama targeting pair of Houston-area juniors • Crimson Confidential
One of the top producers of Division I college football talent in the country is Houston-area North Shore High School. 

• Video: Saban talks about match-up with Hogs • Crimson Confidential
Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks about the third-ranked Crimson Tide's game against Arkansas this Saturday. 

• Blog Poll 2009 - Week #3 (Revised) • Bama Sports Report
Based on feedback in our forums, I've adjusted my Blogpoll ballot. I've removed my Arkansas stunt vote, and replaced it with Auburn. I also moved Florida back to the second spot, because, on further reflection, Texas didn't really show me much either.

• Tide Continues Work for SEC Opener • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team practiced for two hours in full pads Tuesday afternoon at the Thomas-Dew Practice Facility as the team continued to work towards Saturday's Southeastern Conference opener ... 

• Crimson Tide likes to keep the ball on the ground • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama football team has run the ball on first down more than it has passed by a better than 3-to-1 ratio.

• Fitzgerald's non-ranking a sign Tide is efficient • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | P.J. Fitzgerald fell out of the nation's top 20 in individual punting after last week's University of Alabama victory over North Texas — but the senior from Coral Springs, Fla., doesn't mind the circumstances of the tumble: He no longer qualifies for the listing because he hasn't punted enough.

• Arkansas' Childs ready to 'put it on the line' • Tuscaloosa News
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. | Greg Childs lunged forward as far as his 6-foot-3 frame could reach, caught Ryan Mallett's pass and rolled over in the end zone.

• Offensive line has new faces, same results • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Aside from an Outland Trophy and a few All-SEC credentials, another thing missing from the retooled offensive line at the University of Alabama is 61 pounds.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/22 - Eryk Anders

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/22 - Terrence Cody

• 9/22 – Player bites • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Chase Goodbread fills in for Rachel following Tuesday's practice. 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Nick Saban vs. Bobby Petrino rivalry more than hot air • The Birmingham News
Mark Richt was lucky. Last Saturday, he avoided the inevitable and escaped the clutches of Bobby Petrino.

• Classic matchup' pits Tide's Javier Arenas against Razorbacks' Ryan who? • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The marquee material is marvelous: If Alabama vs. Arkansas doesn't say enough about Saturday's game, how about Nick Saban's defense vs. Bobby Petrino's offense?

• Study finds disparities with NCAA probations • The Birmingham News
Universities from automatic-qualifying Bowl Championship Series conferences receive lighter NCAA probation penalties than other Division I schools, according to a study released Tuesday by a Florida attorney who defends smaller schools against the NCAA.

• Alabama football notebook: Jordan getting used to defense • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Last year, Chris Jordan said he missed his old position "a lot." 

• Option attack: Deep backfield gives Alabama coaches plenty of choices on ground • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Which Alabama running back is the hardest to tackle? 

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

• Bill Bryant: There's plenty to think about ... • The Huntsville Times
If Rich Rodriguez had come to Alabama, Ryan Mallett never would have gone to Arkansas, which would have denied us the intriguing matchup Saturday between the Crimson Tide and the Hogs. 

• Alabama notes • The Huntsville Times
Jordan adjusts to LB

• FRESH WHEELS KEEP CHURNING • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Which Alabama running back is the hardest to tackle? 

• Eric Couch: Tide Rolling on to face the Razorbacks. • al.com
After the win over the Mean Green last Saturday I was pleased with the play of the second and third teams. Both the Defense and Offense showed that Bama has the talent to step up when needed. As I mentioned in my previous entry I wanted to see the aforementioned players get a chance to score some points and... 

• Terry Pellman: Given the Choice- McElroy or Mallett? • al.com
I had a very interesting question posed to me yesterday. It's the type of question that made me think, and it is also the type of question I wanted to share with my fellow Bama fans and ask you to consider. The conversation was with a good friend of mine, Chris, who owns and operates an Arkansas message forum dedicated...

• Jess Nicholas: Arkansas preview: Hogs’ offense can match Tide blow for blow • TideFans.com
For three weeks, Alabama has been preparing for either dynamic quarterbacks, high-powered offensive systems or improving programs trying to assert themselves on the college football landscape. On Saturday, Alabama will get a three-for-one deal.

• Jess Nicholas: SEC preview and predictions – Week 4 • TideFans.com
Last week wasn’t the best for the Predictions Dept., but every season has its surprises (such as, how in the world could Vanderbilt be worse than Mississippi State…). This week, Alabama and Arkansas meet in the conference’s top tilt, but a resurgent Kentucky faces Florida and Georgia takes on Arizona State in an interconference matchup.

• SEC Soccer Week 4 Release • SEC Sports
Get the latest news and notes on your favorite team in the SEC Soccer weekly release. 

• 2009 SEC Football Legends • SEC Sports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- All-Americans, both on the playing field and in the classroom, and All-SEC performers highlight the 2009 Southeastern Conference Football Legends Class, the SEC announced today.

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Offensive line off to nice beginning • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It's hard to accurately describe the effectiveness, but the numbers don't lie.

• Alabama notebook: Special teams player claims kickoff coverage improved • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama linebacker Chris Jordan said Tuesday that Alabama's kickoff coverage unit is preparedy for the challenge posed by the Arkansas Razorbacks.

• NEWS AND VIEWS: Mallett's arm should provide test for Crimson Tide secondary • Montgomery Advertiser
News: The third-ranked Crimson Tide opens Southeastern Conference play Saturday at home against Arkansas at 2:30 p.m. after their back-to-back, two-game exhibition season against Florida International and North Texas.

• Tide offense boosts production, so far • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Even a casual look at the Alabama football stat sheet … 

• Tide offense boosts production, so far • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Even a casual look at the Alabama football stat sheet reveals the vast departure from just a season ago. No longer is the Tide offense asked to manage the clock, score just …

• Alabama receiving corps growing stronger • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — If there is strength in numbers, Julio Jones could really enjoy his return to the Alabama lineup this week.

• Roy Upchurch expected to return Saturday • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama’s options at running back will increase this week with the expected return of Roy Upchurch, who suffered a high ankle sprain against Florida International and sat out the North Texas game.

• Commander's Call: The Crimson Tide Stain, Illness or Ignorance? • Bleacher Report
As an SEC West football intel analyst, I know that Alabama fans have this self-righteous proclamation to nothing but their very own superiority and class above the entire field of college football programs. 

• TI TV, Petrino PC and player interviews for September 22 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Video: • WVUA-TV
Alabama Report 9/21

• Raw Video: Petrino 9/22 • WVUA-TV
Petrino 9/22

• RAW VIDEO: Eryk Anders 9/22 • WVUA-TV
Tuesday post-practice player comments

• RAW VIDEO: Chris Jordan 9/22 • WVUA-TV
Tuesday post-practice player comments

• RAW VIDEO: Mike Johnson 9/22 • WVUA-TV
Tuesday post-practice player comments

• Tuesday post-practice player comments • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are comments from Eryk Anders, Mike Johnson and Terrence Cody following Tuesday's practice. 

• Cody Getting Ready For The Hogs • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
It’s not a big secret about what’s going to happen when Alabama has short yardage at the goalline and the fullback is wearing No. 62. Terrence Cody’s job in his brief appearances on offense is simple. He makes a hole—a very wide hole—for an Alabama running back. 

• Fitzgerald Pleased To Not Punt • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide senior is fine with a lot of extra point holds

• Carter still wide open • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Stonewall (LA) athlete Curtis Carter is still getting used to all the attention that comes with being one of the top recruits in the nation. He has a number of options that includes the Tide and discusses some of those schools in this update.

• Notebook: New line enjoys similar results • BamaOnLine
Even though Alabama has a new offensive line after replacing three players, the Tide has used a slightly different approach to put up impressive numbers 

• Tiffin’s rise from ’06 could include sweet twist Saturday • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The guy who everyone thought would forever be haunted by his meltdown against Arkansas four years ago when he was a freshman comes back to boot the game-winner against Arkansas four years later as a senior. 

• Will's Blog: Forget the stats, Sims is fine • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One player that has been performing very well despite not having the stats of last season is Oscar Smith gunslinger and Alabama commit Phillip Sims. 

• Practice Report: Tuesday, September 22 • Bama Sports Report
I guess my days as a weather forecaster are over, and that's good news for the Alabama football team. The weather in Tuscaloosa cleared up this afternoon, and the Tide was able to have its full pads practice outside.

• SEC Scores:
South Carolina 16, Ole Miss 10

• Football Team Wraps up Good Week of Practice • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team practiced for 90 minutes in shells Thursday afternoon inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility as preparations wind down for Saturday's Southeastern Conference opene...

• No. 7 Women's Golf Faces Tough Field at Mason Rudolph • RollTide.com
The No. 7 University of Alabama women's golf team tees off in its second tournament of the fall on Friday at the Mason Rudolph Women's Championship in Franklin, Tenn. The Crimson Tide will face a s...

• Volleyball Set to Travel to South Carolina and Florida This Weekend • RollTide.com
The volleyball team (4-8, 2-0) will head east this weekend to take on eastern division foes South Carolina (9-2, 1-1) and Florida (8-1, 2-0) for its first Southeastern Conference road matches of th... 

• Soccer Heads to Mississippi to Open SEC Slate • RollTide.com
Alabama Once Again Opens SEC Play on the Road

• Cecil Hurt to appear as guest on SEC Tailgate show • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Cecil Hurt, sports editor for The Tuscaloosa News, will be a guest on the CBS College Sports Network’s SEC Tailgate Show on Saturday.

• Chase Goodbread: ChalkTalk: Arkansas • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Welcome to ChalkTalk, a weekly installment on Good Tidings designed to make sure you know everything to watch for on Alabama football Saturdays.

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban: Julio Jones 'for sure' good to go against Hogs • The Press Register
Alabama star receiver Julio Jones is expected back for Arkansas; Tailback Roy Upchurch could still be limited.

• Jon Solomon: Who's got the edge: Arkansas offense vs. Alabama defense? • The Birmingham News
CBS analyst Gary Danielson offers his analysis

• Jared Macarin: SEC Football by the Numbers Week 4: Streaks and feats • al.com
The fourth week of the college football season will see Alabama try to extend its run of wins in league openers, LSU seek to continue its high-scoring mastery of Mississippi State and Florida attempt to beat Kentucky for the 23rd consecutive season.

• SEC Tailgate in Tuscaloosa • SEC Sports
CBS College Sports Network's SEC TAILGATE show on Saturday, Sept. 26 is live from the University of Alabama's campus in Tuscaloosa.

• Fearless Forecasters: College Edition • Dothan Eagle
Picks from the Dothan Eagle sports staff for Sept. 26 college games: Auburn, Alabama, Troy, Georgia, Virginia Tech, Miami

• Are Conference Conflicts Getting as Heated as Team-on-Team Rivalries? • Bleacher Report
I like to visit sports bars sometimes and just hang out with fans. It gives me sense of what the fans are interested in at that particular time.

• SEC Predictions & Recruiting Rankings • 'BamaMag 
The Scout.com publishers/writers jumped in early this week with their predictions with a Thursday night match-up. Read where the SEC schools rank in recruiting along with the Scout.com publishers/writers predictions of this week's games. 

• Matchup: Arkansas at Alabama • BamaOnLine
The biggest matchup between Alabama and Arkansas has nothing to do with any players as coaches Nick Saban and Bobby Petrino will match wits every time the Razorbacks have the ball Saturday

• Big-time visitors expected at UA • BamaOnLine
Alabama's first marquee home game of the season is expected to attract a number of high-caliber recruiting visitors. Check inside for a tentative list of expected attendees which includes Gainesville four-star receiver Tai-ler Jones, C.J. Mosley and much more. 

• BOL Picks: Week 4 • BamaOnLine
From Arkansas-Alabama to Cal-Oregon to Texas Tech-Houston, this week's picks involve a wide array of games.

• Will's Blog: Talking offensive line production • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
In my opinion, the offensive line has made some tremendous strides since the first half of the football game against Virginia Tech. It seems like to me that they're gelling at the right time considering SEC

• Week 3: Running Backs • Bama Sports Report
I did my look at the Alabama quarterbacks earlier. Now here's a look at the Tide's four-headed rushing attack that has been all but unstoppabl through the first three games of the season.

• Week 3: Quarterback • Bama Sports Report
I'll be honest and tell you that I have very little interest in analyzing what Alabama did well on either offense or defense against North Texas. Bama won the game 53-7, and it could have been 83-7 if the Tide coaches had been interested in that. The answer to the question - what did Alabama do well against North Texas? Everything. Extra points were a bit dicey, but that discussion wouldn't take up a lot of space.

• Alabama's 1979 National Champions Hold 30-Year Reunion • RollTide.com
Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's only 12-0 national championship team is holding its 30-year reunion this weekend, when the 1979 Alabama team returns to Tuscaloosa for the Tide's SEC opener against the A...

• Alabama Student-Athletes to Collect Canned Foods Thursday • RollTide.com
In an effort to raise awareness about hunger in the community, Crimson Tide student-athletes from all sports will be collecting canned food donations outside the Brunos supermarket on McFarland Bou... 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
In the Trenches: North Texas
In the Trenches heads to the strip after the Tide's win over North Texas.

• 9/23 – Player Bites • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Chase Goodbread fills in for Rachel after Wednesday's practice.

• TideSportsExtra Features • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
5 Things: Arkansas 5 Things: Arkansas
5 Things you need to know about Alabama’s upcoming opponent, the Arkansas Razorbacks.

• Recruiting Cam • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Recruiting Cam: Broderick Hall Recruiting Cam: Broderick Hall
Bryant High School sophomore quarterback Broderick Hall is starting to garner some attention in the recruiting world.

• Gentry Estes: Breaking down the Tide's 2008 signing class: 'As good as advertised if not better' • The Press Register
Of 23 remaining members of Alabama's touted 2008 recruiting class, 21 have played, and nine have started.

• Gentry Estes: View from the other side: Arkansas • The Press Register
Robbie Neiswanger of the Morning News of Northwest Arkansas drops by to give his take on the Razorbacks.

• Gentry Estes: SEC EXTRA: Gentry Estes: Bama quarterback Greg McElroy ahead of game in academics • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA — Greg McElroy admits it. He has not gotten an A in every class he’s taken at Alabama. "I’ve never had a C," he said. "My lowest grade was a B+." Considering all the pressure that’s on McElroy these days as the new starting quarterback for the nation’s third-ranked college football team, it’s easy to imagine this has...

• Don Kausler Jr.: More about the Tide's new Pistol formation • The Birmingham News
McElroy's grasp of new scheme is as impressive as his execution

• SEC EXTRA: Matching up Alabama and Arkansas • The Press Register
Game within the game: Statistically, Alabama has the nation's third-ranked defense, allowing roughly 10 points a game (in addition to two touchdowns allowed by the kickoff team). Arkansas has the nation's second-ranked offense, averaging more than 500 yards in two games. The collision of those forces -- driven by the coaching matchup of defensive-minded Nick Saban against offensive specialist...

• Gentry Estes: Alabama football notebook: Saban considering redshirt for BJ Scott • The Press Register
Alabama's BJ Scott, who played wide receiver last season, has not played this year after being moved to the secondary, and Crimson Tide Nick Saban said there's a possibility that he could be redshirted in 2009.

• Dr. Crimson: Time for a Prediction and Some Things to Look For in the Arkansas Game • al.com
I was surprising close on my prediction last week (55-6 prediction vs the actual of 53-7), so maybe I will get lucky again this week. I truly enjoy the SEC games as they bring a different level of feel to the games. They are always entertaining and the family will be heading over from NC to see this one...

• Bama heading towards a strong finish in recruiting • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
With the season underway, recruiting has taken a back seat to what's happening on the field. But for Nick Saban, recruiting is never really on the backburner. The Tide staff has 22 commitments, and several uncommitted blue-chippers remain strong possibilities for the Tide. Let's take a look at some of the top prospects still giving strong consideration to Alabama.

• Cade Foster showing off leg this season • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Cade Foster, Scout.com four-star kicker from Southlake-Carroll, Texas, is having an outstanding season as a kicker and middle linebacker. The Dragons' four games have not been close this season as they dismantled opponents and remain the top program in the Lone Star State. The Alabama commitment talked about his season and when he plans to travel to Tuscaloosa. 

• Jarrett Johnson Finds Dream Role • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Former Tide star now starting for Baltimore Ravens

• SEC Power Poll • BamaOnLine
Cats and Tigers on the rise. Swine on the decline. That sums up this week's SEC Power Poll.

• Bama commit Wilson continuing to shine this fall • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One of the "nastiest" players that is committed to Alabama has to be Mountain Brook standout Wilson Love.

• Practice Going Well for SEC Opener • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team practiced for two hours in full pads Wednesday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility as preparations continue for Saturday's Southeastern Conference opener agains... 

• Tide’s Anders is pushing back • Tuscaloosa News
Linebacker ‘plays a little bit bigger than he is’

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/23 - Cory Reamer

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/23 - Nick Saban

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
9/23 - Justin Woodall

• Recruiting chat transcript • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript (9-23-09)

• Chase Goodbread: Quiz time • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Quiz: Which opposing running back tallied the most total yards against Alabama's defense last season? The answer could surprise you.

• Ray Melick: SEC's Mike Slive could lead NCAA, but why? • The Birmingham News
Could Mike Slive be in line for a promotion, from leading the Southeastern Conference to heading the entire NCAA?

• Former Alabama coach Mike DuBose still coaches big games, but not in the big time • The Birmingham News
There's a big college football game this weekend hard off Interstate 20 in Dixie. The winner will take a big step toward a conference championship, and maybe more.

• Alabama's football resurgence traces to 2008 signees • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - History still must judge how far the Alabama football program has come compared to where it's been in recent years.

• Alabama football notebook: Saban considers redshirt for Scott • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban is considering a redshirt this season for former Vigor standout BJ Scott, who moved from receiver to cornerback in the spring.

• Alabama football notes for Saturday's game against Arkansas • The Press Register
ARKANSAS (1-1, 0-1) at No. 3 ALABAMA (3-0, 0-0) 2:30 p.m. Saturday (CBS) Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa -- LINE: Alabama by 17

• Mike Herndon's AP Ballot • The Press Register
Press-Register sports reporter Mike Herndon is one of 60 voters in The Associated Press college football poll. Each week, his ballot, along with his brief analysis, is published in SEC Extra:

• SEC Football by the Numbers • The Press Register
Players in SEC history with two 100-yard kickoff returns after Kentucky's Derrick Locke took one back all the way against Louisville last week, duplicating his feat against Western Kentucky in 2008. 

• SEC Matchup: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. road challenges • The Press Register
Fans wondering why SEC teams litter their non-conference schedules with teams from Charleston Southern, Southeastern Louisiana, Jackson State, North Texas, Western Carolina and Furman should take a minute to examine the grueling road lineup that the Arkansas Razorbacks face now that they have entered league play.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Thursday, September 24, 2009

• Class of '08 fuels Tide's roll • The Huntsville Times
Alabama's top-rated group of recruits is living up to hype 

• Chase Robertson: McElroy is Worthy • al.com
The number 12 jersey has a fond significance in Alabama football legacy. The great Joe Namath wore it to glory during the 1964 national championship season. Kenny Stabler inherited it from Namath. He made the number proud by winning a title in 1965 and beating Auburn in 1967 with a 47 yard game-winning touchdown run.

• SEC Volleyball Week 4 Release • SEC Sports
Here you'll find the latest news on notes on your favorite SEC Volleyball team. 

• Tide's Grant gets back in TB rotation • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- He went from being Alabama's leading rusher to a forgotten player. 

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Crimson Tide, Hogs learn from last year's showdown • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It was a defining moment for both teams.

• Ex-Tide star Krauss likes current crop of linebackers • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — That old itch returns to Barry Krauss every once in a while. Catching the occasional Alabama football practice brings the former Crimson Tide linebacker back in his mind to the … 

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama freshman Dre Kirkpatrick wore a walking boot at practice Wednesday, but Tide coach Nick Saban said there is no need to panic. A teammate stepped on …

• Bama offensive front paving the way • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette heard about Alabama’s rebuilt offensive line and couldn’t wait to get in the film room. 

• Three & Out: SEC Thoughts, News & Notes 9/23 • College Football News
CFN SEC Blogger Barrett Sallee shares three thoughts, comments or observations about week four in the SEC.

• SEC Bloggers Week Four Picks • College Football News
CFN's SEC Bloggers provide their winners for each SEC game played this season. 

• 2009 SEC Fearless Predictions - Week 4 • College Football News
Is Ole Miss the real deal? Can Stephen Garcia and the suddenly hot Gamecock offense lead the way to the upset? The college football weekend kicks off tonight with a good SEC battle, and there are other intriguing games to watch out for. Check out the Previews and Predictions for the Week 4 SEC Games.

• Tony Barnhart: There was never any doubt on UGA-FLA in JAX • AJC
Five burning questions as we head into the weekend:

• SEC Fans Want Answers To 12 Important Questions About Their Teams • Bleacher Report
Here are 12 important questions that SEC fans would like answered. 

• Symbiotic Relationship: Twitter and The Sportswriter • Bleacher Report
Choose to ignore Twitter, but it's not going away.

• Mississippi junior likes the Tide • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Even though Corey Williams spent the majority of his sophomore season playing special teams for Noxubee County HS in Macon, several colleges have already expressed interest in the 6-0, 198-pound linebacker.

• Saban's press conference for Wednesday • WVUA-TV
Watch video of it on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Wednesday practice report • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
With three practices done, Nick Saban likes what he's seen this week. 

• Preparation Ranks Above Location • 'BamaMag
It’s safe to say there is no ‘Home, Sweet, Home’ sampler hanging in the head coach’s dressing room at Bryant-Denny Stadium. It’s not that Alabama Coach Nick Saban doesn’t appreciate playing in Tuscaloosa; it’s just that he doesn’t want to rely on a so-called home field advantage. 

• Bryant-Denny Held Up To Rains • 'BamaMag
Saban surprised that field drained after bad weather last week

• Vols Make a Move • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
James Wright still has the same three leaders, but another program could rock the boat.

• Prattville safety ready for big game • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide commitment talks about national HS game.

• The Weekly Spread ‘Em • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Only 2 games this week 

• It's test time for Tide secondary • BamaOnLine
So just how good is Alabama's pass defense? We're about to find out, plus everything you wanted to know about how Saban wants receivers covered.

• Tide leads for Jr. DE • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
In the two seasons since Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama's defensive front has become one of the team's great strengths and now the Tide is looking to add another dominant pass rusher in 2011. Find out more inside... 

• Notebook: Third downs will be a key Saturday • BamaOnLine
Safety Justin Woodall's interception on third-and-10 last year helped spark Alabama to a big victory at Arkansas. Third downs will likely be crucial in Saturday's rematch. 

• VIDEO: Justin Woodall and Cory Reamer • BamaOnLine
The Tide defensive duo of Justin Woodall and Cory Reamer met with reporters Wednesday evening.

• VIDEO: Saban's Wednesday news conference • BamaOnLine
Saban on Wednesday (Windows Media Player format)

• Video: McClain discusses match-up with Hogs • Crimson Confidential
Alabama's standout linebacker Rolando McClain discusses the match-up between the Tide's defense and Arkansas' high-powered offense this Saturday.

• Will's Blog: Don't knock Deion Belue • Crimson Confidential
There has been a lot of debate out there questioning the future of Deion Belue at Alabama. 

• UPDATED Practice Report: Kirkpatrick dealing with bruised foot • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The news is good regarding the injured Dre Kirkpatrick. 

• Practice Report: Wednesady, September 23 • Bama Sports Report
The Alabama football team was once again in full pads for its Wednesday afternoon practice. The weather has improved as the week has gone on, though it looks as though there is a chance of rain again this weekend. According to Coach Saban, Bama practices with a wet ball every Monday, so if rain does come into play on Saturday, the Tide will be ready.

• Auburn Theory Timelines • BWalls98 Bama Ball
Nick Saban will never take the Alabama job. Those Bammers are living a pipe dream.

• Bama in the NFL - Week 3 stats:
See how former players performed.

• Women's Golf Finishes 7th at Rain-Shortened Mason Rudolph • RollTide.com
The No. 7 Alabama women's golf team finished the rain-shortened Mason Rudolph Women's Championship at 6-under par with a 36-hole total of 570, good for a seventh-place finish.

• Baseball Team Opens Fall Practice on Monday • RollTide.com
The Alabama baseball team will open fall practice on Monday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium where first-year head coach Mitch Gaspard will unveil his brand of baseball that will produce a team t... 

• Jemison to miss season • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama basketball player Demetrius Jemison will miss the upcoming season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

• Hightower to require surgery • Tuscaloosa News
University of Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower has knee ligament damage and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's McElroy isn't tired of being called an 'efficient' quarterback • The Birmingham News
"He's been crazy accurate," running back Mark Ingram says.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Hightower will have knee surgery, Saban says • The Birmingham News
Ligament damage in sophomore linebacker's left knee will be repaired.

• Gentry Estes: Tide's Dont'a Hightower expected to be out for the season with knee ligament damage • The Press Register
Dont'a Hightower suffered ligament damage in left knee, MRI confirms, and will require surgery.

• Terry Pellman: Given the Choice: McElroy or Mallett - Revisited. • al.com
Last week, I took a few minutes to share a conversation I had with a friend of mine who also happened to be a die hard Arkansas fan. He had asked me early on in the week, "If both quarterbacks were standing in front of you—Greg McElroy and Ryan Mallett—which one do you choose?" I chose McElroy for a few...

• Bo Williams: No longer driving a slow car fast? • al.com
I once read a good column on the joys of driving a slow car fast. It's the kind of fun you remember from the beater Civic 5-speed you had in high school. It wouldn't really do much, but you still set "ambitious" tasks for it, and you were frequently surprised at what you could get out of it. Ever known...

• Eric Couch: Another Tide victory but with a price. • al.com
Saturday ended with a Crimson victory but the price of winning includes injuries. The game was filled with chop and cut blocks by the Razorbacks all game long. Including the hit on Don’ta Hightower that took him out of the game; however the defense has depth and still held Arkansas to just 7 points and 63 yards on the...

• Alabama coach Saban says Dont’a Hightower will need surgery on knee • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA – Alabama coach Nick Saban’s two-sentence statement on Sunday indicated that, as expected, sophomore linebacker Dont’a Hightower will be lost for a significant amount of time, if not the rest of the season. 

• SEC Bachstory - Week Four • College Football News
The SEC Bachstory will be THE SEC column to catch up on the big events from the past weekend. Each Monday morning the best and worst of the SEC will be dissected and discussed.

•  Prospects watch Tide roll • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide staff hosted several visitors for Saturday's SEC opener against Arkansas. Here's a rundown of the visiting prospects spotted by TI. 

• Upon Further Review: Arkansas at Alabama • BamaOnLine
Alabama's victory was so dominating that no one seemed to notice that Greg McElroy didn't miss a pass in the second half, or his outstanding "play" on first down at his own 1.

• It's official: Hightower out for season • BamaOnLine
An MRI on his left knee confirmed ligament damage, ending sophomore linebacker Dont'a Hightower's promising season

• Mosley stops by for Tide win • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's top remaining defensive targets for 2010 is Theodore linebacker C.J. Mosley and after his team earned a hard-fought win on Friday night, the Rivals250 member and his mother made the long trek to Tuscaloosa to take in the Tide's big 35-7 win over ... 

• Women's Volleyball:
Florida 3, Alabama 0

• Sunday Rewind: A look back at Alabama's win over Arkansas • RollTide.com
Here is a look back at Alabama's 35-7 win over Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

• Volleyball Drops First SEC Match of 2009 to No. 5 Florida • RollTide.com
The volleyball team suffered its first Southeastern Conference loss of the season to No. 5 Florida 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-14) Sunday at the O'Connell Center. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Arkansas/Bama fan cam

• TideSportsExtra Museum • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
1992 SEC Championship Game 1992 SEC Championship Game
With Alabama kicking off the SEC season, we look back at the conference's first title game in 1992.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide ranked second in nation in total defense and rushing defense • The Birmingham News
Alabama is ranked eighth in the nation in total offense.

• Gentry Estes: Following up on Dont'a Hightower's injury ... • The Press Register
Alabama's star linebacker was telling teammates he was OK, but Nick Saban's answer wasn't nearly as positive.

• Gentry Estes: An honest question: Is Alabama the best team in the country right now? • The Press Register
National pundits sure seem to think so after viewing the season's fourth victory.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide holds strong at No. 3 in AP poll, gains on No. 2 Texas • The Birmingham News
Alabama has closed to 20 points behind Longhorns after trailing them by 38 the previous week.

• Philip Shirley: Behind Enemy Lines: • al.com
Thumbs Down and Hats off to Saturday Events
1. I saw a lot of good sportsmanship and opponents patting each other on the back toward the end of the Bama game Saturday against Arkansas. On the other hand, was it just me or were there far too many blocks below the waist, clips, and chock blocks--both called and uncalled? I cannot remember seeing so many. And the block... 

• SEC Volleyball Roundup - 9/27 • SEC Sports
Check out all of the SEC volleyball action from Sunday, September 27th. 

• CFN Ranking Of Every Team - Week 4 • College Football News
How good are the teams right now? The CFN rankings go on how the teams are performing at the moment. We have a massive shake-up in the rankings (we will change them up wildly week by week) with Greg McElroy's Alabama moving up thanks to the Tebow injury. Check out the fourth week of the 2009 CFN Rankings.

• Who's Hot - (Sept. 26) ... • College Football News
Richard Cirminiello spotlights who the hot players, coaches and programs are in the Week Three Who's Hot.

• 2009-2010 Bowl Projections ... Sept. 27 • College Football News
Predicting and projecting the possible 2009-2010 post-season matchups.

• Coaches' Poll, Wk 4... You Won't Believe This • College Football News
The weekly poll and ranking from the USA Today Top 25 Coaches' Poll

• Arkansas Experiences Alabama's Version Of Shock and Awe • Bleacher Report
What was supposed to be a classic match between the nation's top quarterback and the nation's No.2 defense turned into "Shock and Awe" for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

• Superman Is Human, Miami Thought It Was 2001 Again, and The Tide Rolls! • Bleacher Report
As a lot of college football fans know, the week was full of upsets and just plain upsetting turn of events. Thursday saw the overrated Ole Miss go down, and then Saturday saw Penn State on top of others make their way down the ranks.

• Bowl Projections • CBS Sportsline
Updated Sept. 26

• 2009 Bowl Projections - Week 4 • ESPN
Our prognosticators agree on four of the five BCS bowl games. Not in the BCS party this week after losses: Cal, Miami and Mississippi.

• Bama still No. 3 but gaining ground on 'Horns • Crimson Confidential
The Tide's still rising. 

• McElroy, Crimson Tide stake claim to No. 1 • Crimson Confidential
The NFL scouts were already drooling after watching Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett zip the ball all over the field last week in a record-setting performance against Georgia. 

• Gentry Estes: Sunday Morning Quarterback: Alabama 35, Arkansas 7 • The Press Register
Looking in general terms, the No. 3 team in the nation is expected to roll over an underdog at home. But major college football -- especially in the SEC -- often isn't like that. 

• Soccer Against Mississippi State Postponed Until Tuesday • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team had its second consecutive match postponed due to inclement weather. The Crimson Tide had Friday's match against Mississippi postponed and now the Sunday match against the B... 

• Football:
Alabama 35, Arkansas 7 - box score

• SEC Scores:
LSU 30, Mississippi State 26

• Alabama Handles Arkansas, 35-7, In SEC Opener • RollTide.com
A convincing offensive and defensive effort propelled the University of Alabama football team to a convincing 35-7 win over Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams at Bryant-D... 

• No. 3 Tide rolls past Arkansas 35-7 • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA (AP) — Greg McElroy passed for a career-high 291 yards and three touchdowns and No. 3 Alabama opened Southeastern Conference play with a 35-7 win over Arkansas on Saturday.

• Jon Solomon: Hightower injury doesn't look good • The Birmingham News
Nick Saban said linebacker Dont'a Hightower will have an MRI on his knee tomorrow and the early prognosis is not good. Hightower was on crutches and gingerly moving on the sideline late in the game. Losing Hightower for an extended period would be a big blow for Alabama. He's capable of rushing the passer and dropping into coverage, and...

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's offense outshines Razorbacks as three long scores lead the way to 35-7 victory • The Birmingham News
McElroy's passing, Richardson's running and big catches by Julio Jones and Marquiz Maze lift third-ranked Alabama. 

• Big Day at Bryant-Denny: Bama buries Arkansas 35-7 • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
For Alabama Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, everything seemed big.

• No word on Hightower’s knee • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | As University of Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower waited to be carted out of Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday, there was no official word yet on the knee injury that ended his day after just a quarter of play.

• Wildcat play finally produces fireworks • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The wildcat formation made a return to the University of Alabama’s offensive arsenal on Saturday, but instead of the pedestrian results it provided in its debut against Virginia Tech on Sept. 5, it was far more explosive in a 35-7 win over Arkansas.

• TideSports Photos: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama vs. Arkansas

• Tide defense bottles up Mallet, Razorbacks • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It was a popularly-held assumption that Arkansas’ offense was so explosive that it would be almost impossible for the Alabama defense, ranked No. 3 nationally in total defense coming into its SEC-opener, to stop the Razorback passing attack for an entire 60 minutes.

• Three plays for touchdowns key Bama offense • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The third-ranked University of Alabama went into Saturday’s game against the Arkansas Razorbacks thinking big. 

• Petrino: Hogs lacked confidence • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | In the aftermath of his team’s 35-7 drubbing by the third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino offered a simple reason why his Razorbacks appeared to be suffering a case of “Swine Flu” Saturday afternoon in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Nick Saban: Arkansas post-game

• Cecil Hurt: Tide’s passing game key to win • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Last season, the University of Alabama’s offensive identity wasn’t exactly subtle. While the Crimson Tide did have some passing capability in 2008, the main objective was to keep pounding away

• Chase Goodbread: Sunday report card • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Each Sunday this football season we'll take a look back and hand out a grade for the Crimson Tide's offense, defense and special teams. Think the grades are too harsh? Not harsh enough? Give us your thoughts...

• Rachel Baribeau Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Arkansas post-game player bites Arkansas post-game player bites
Chris Rattey speaks with Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Eryk Anders after the Tide's 35-7 win over Arkansas. 

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Interview: Don McNeal Interview: Don McNeal
Chris Rattey speaks with Tide great Don McNeal during the Alabama-Arkansas game.

• Kevin Scabinsky: Hot Corner: Nick Saban talks up silent Smart • The Birmingham News
Being the defensive coordinator for Nick Saban is like being Robin alongside Batman. No matter how well you do your job, you’re probably not going to get a lot of credit.

• On this day, Tide's offense second to none • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - All the talk coming into Alabama's Southeastern Conference opener against Arkansas focused on the Tide's third-ranked defense clashing with the Razorbacks' second-ranked offense. Ryan Mallett this. Big plays that.

• Mallett no match for Tide defense • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - As he tried to explain how a defense could shut down Arkansas' high-powered offense, Hogs quarterback Ryan Mallett returned to one word - execution.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Sunday, September 27, 2009 

• Mark McCarter: Grind-it-out game plan turns nuclear • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - "OK, so you hike the ball to me. Then I'm gonna go this way, you go that way and I'll hand it to you. Then you pitch it to him and he'll throw it. 

• Bill Bryant: Defense delivers day of woe for Arkansas • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - History has been staring the Alabama defense down since the season's opening kickoff. 

• Petrino: Razorbacks didn't believe • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - You see Washington upsetting Southern Cal and South Carolina knocking off Ole Miss, so you wonder why so few players on the Arkansas team bought into this week's sales pitch.

• Rating the units: Alabama • The Huntsville Times
Offense: 8.3 

• Scoring summary: Alabama 35, Arkansas 7 • The Huntsville Times
SECOND QUARTER ? 

• Talking strategy: Alabama • The Huntsville Times
THIRD-QUARTER KNOCKOUT 

• Tide makes Mallet just another QB • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Arkansas' Ryan Mallett arrived Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium with all the credentials of a top-flight passer and the numbers to back them up. 

• Who's counting: Alabama 35, Arkansas 7 • The Huntsville Times
12 - Completions by Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, in 35 attempts. The sophomore came into the game leading the nation in passing efficiency. 

• Jess Nicholas: Arkansas wrap-up: Alabama can’t keep losing difference-makers • TideFans.com
Were it not for one play – one otherwise insignificant play – the topic of conversation tonight would be how Alabama’s secondary asserted itself en route to limiting one of the conference’s, if not the nation’s most...

• GameDay Highlights - Alabama vs Arkansas • SEC Sports
Alabama highlights vs Arkansas

• (3) ALABAMA 35, ARKANSAS 7: Tide defense dominates Razorbacks • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Ryan Mallett didn't make much of a difference after all.

• Photos • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama defeats Arkansas

• Josh Moon: Let the campaigns begin • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- I think it's time we start talking about entertainment value where this Alabama football team is concerned.

• Tide 'D' steps up in Hightower's absence • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Coming into Saturday's game, Arkansas had the Southeastern Conference's best offense.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Tide to learn more about Hightower's injury today • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower watched the final minutes of Alabama's 35-7 win over Arkansas from the sidelines, his left knee immobilized as he limped from the field with the help of crutches.

• ALABAMA REPORT CARD • Montgomery Advertiser
RUSHING OFFENSE C

• INSIDE THE TIDE • Montgomery Advertiser
THUMBS UP
Offense: Give Alabama's team, especially the offense, a pat on the back for showing up to play with an 11:20 a.m. kickoff. Alabama's performance the previous week against Florida International was frustrating to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, so he encouraged his team to start fast and stay strong. For an offense that requires mental precision from the offensive line, the quarterback, the tailbacks and the receivers, that's usually too much to ask but the Tide showed up and put together an impressive performance.

• Tide’s Mac attack • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Greg McElroy finally reached a breaking point Friday night. All the talk of Arkansas’ dynamite offense and big-play potential led him to an impassioned speech on the eve of …

• McElroy does the job for Tide • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Call Greg McElroy “efficient” all you want. The Alabama quarterback doesn’t mind. In fact, …

• Alabama blasts Arkansas • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama didn’t just shut down Arkansas’ game plan; the Crimson Tide executed it on offense.

• Courtney Upshaw thrust into spotlight • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — The timetable for Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw’s development may have speeded up late in the first quarter Saturday afternoon, when Dont’a Hightower left the game with a knee injury.

• Crimson Tide Wash Out Arkansas • College Football News
In a month chock-full of shockers, the Alabama Crimson Tide refused to be sucked into the upset whirlpool—blowing out Arkansas 35-7.

• Instant Analysis - Alabama bombs Arkansas  • College Football News
Everyone knew Alabama's run defense was solid, and everyone knew the running game was fantastic, but the passing attack blew past Arkansas and the secondary was stellar. The CFN writers give their thoughts on Bama's destruction of the Hogs.

• RAW VIDEO: Saban 9/26 • WVUA-TV
Post-game interviews with Saban, Petrino and players
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW VIDEO: Bobby Petrino • WVUA-TV
Post-game interviews with Saban, Petrino and players
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Bama Recap 9/26 • WVUA-TV
Post-game interviews with Saban, Petrino and players
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW VIDEO: Greg McElroy 9/26 • WVUA-TV
Post-game interviews with Saban, Petrino and players
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW VIDEO: Mark Ingram 9/26 • WVUA-TV
Post-game interviews with Saban, Petrino and players
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW VIDEO: Marquis Maze 9/26 • WVUA-TV
Post-game interviews with Saban, Petrino and players
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW VIDEO: Marcell Dareus 9/26 • WVUA-TV
Post-game interviews with Saban, Petrino and players
See it on WVUATV.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Arkansas photos • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are scenes from the Tide's win over Arkansas.

• Anders effective, no matter where he lined up • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The moment he saw teammate Dont'a Hightower down on the Bryant-Denny Stadium turf, Eryk Anders knew he'd have to play a new position.

• Tide uses big plays, defensive pressure to beat Arkansas • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Arkansas was known as the big-play, quick-strike offense. But it was Alabama's offense that supplied the fireworks in the Tide's 35-7 win over the Razorbacks on Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. 

• Washington Punt Block Was Big • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Just do your job. Alabama Coach Nick Saban and Crimson Tide players speak frequently of the importance of doing their jobs. Considering the quality of Bama players, that should be enough. 

• Low Expectations For Hightower • 'BamaMag
Star sophomore linebacker suffered knee injury in win over Arkansas

• Maze Strikes Big; Tide Defense Stuffs Mallett • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Disrupting Arkansas' Mallett was a key to the Tide's dominating defense.

• Tide Wins Third In Row Over Hogs • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Big plays were order of the day for Alabama

• PHOTO GALLERY: Hogs no match for the Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide continued their streak of 18 straight SEC opener victories Saturday with a 35-7 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks. Click here to check out BOL's exclusive photo gallery from the Tide big win over the Hogs.

• Crimson Tide pounds Arkansas, Mallett, 35-7 • BamaOnLine
Alabama's tough defense and big offensive plays were too much for Arkansas on Saturday, when the Crimson Tide opened SEC play with a one-sided victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Notebook: Hightower's season likely over • BamaOnLine
Dont'a Hightower sustained what's believed to be a season-ending knee injury Saturday, although the team is waiting for an MRI to confirm the damage on Sunday. 

• Instant Analysis: Arkansas • BamaOnLine
The Crimson Tide used a strong defense and big-play offense to top Arkansas Saturday.

• VIDEO: Nick Saban's post-game news conference • BamaOnLine
VIDEO: Nick Saban's post-game news conference

• POSTGAME: Julio, Reamer and McElroy • BamaOnLine
POSTGAME: Julio, Reamer and McElroy

• Afterthoughts: Arkansas • BamaOnLine
Afterthoughts: Arkansas

• College Football's 11 Best 11s: An Upsetting Last Weekend In September • Bleacher Report
The opening 15 minutes of Saturday's game between Florida and Kentucky demonstrated why the Gators are the best college football team in the nation.

• NCAA Football Top 25 Week 4: Alabama New No. 1; Four Top 10 Teams Fall • Bleacher Report
What a wild week four! We had four teams in the top 10 fall. Here is my new Top 25:

• Bama-Arkansas Quotebag: Anders says Bama D knew what it had to do • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Would the real No. 1 please rise. 

• Video: Saban discusses Tide's win over Hogs • Crimson Confidential
Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks about No. 3 Alabama's 35-7 win over Arkansas Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Video: Game highlights from Bama-Arkansas • Crimson Confidential
No. 3 Alabama rolled past Arkansas 35-7 Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Greg McElroy threw for three scores, and... 

• Bama-Arkansas by the Numbers: Tide defense holds Hogs' offense well below average • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Rolando McClain was right. The Arkansas offense may have lit up the scoreboard in its first two games, but...

• Bama forced to deal with loss of Hightower • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
This seems to be frequented waters for Alabama. The loss of a key contributor. 

• Women's Volleyball:
Friday Night Alabama 3, South Carolina 2

• Soccer Has SEC Opener Postponed due to Inclement Weather • RollTide.com
The Alabama Southeastern Conference opener against Mississippi has been postponed due to field conditions that are not suitable to sustain a match. A makeup date has not been announced. 

• Volleyball Wins Five-Setter at South Carolina • RollTide.com
Behind another balanced offensive effort, the volleyball team improved to 3-0 against Southeastern Conference opponents as it won a five-set thriller (25-23, 14-25, 18-25, 26-24, 15-9) at South Car... 

• Coach Nick Saban Press Conference Transcript • RollTide.com
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban held his weekly press conference on Monday in Tuscaloosa. Here are his comments.

• No. 3 Alabama Travels to Kentucky • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team goes on the road in Southeastern Conference play for the first this season with a trip to the commonwealth of Kentucky for a clash with the Wildcats, on Satu...

• Harris to return • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris, declared ineligible prior to the season, will be eligible to return to the field for a home game against South Carolina on Oct. 17. UA has been awaiting resolution from the NCAA on Harris, who was suspended for violations of both team and NCAA rules, and coach Nick Saban said Monday that Harris' suspension would be for six games.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Video: 9/28 - McElroy

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Video: 9/28 - Nick Saban

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Video: 9/28 - Roladno McClain

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Video: 9/28 - Javier Arenas

• Andrew Bone: Prospects who visited Tuscaloosa • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The weather certainly scared away prospects who had originally planned to visit, but several targets braved the trip to Tuscaloosa.

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Player Cam: Big Play Cam Player Cam: Big Play Cam
For the first edition of this week's player cam, we couldn't focus on just one individual. Instead, let's turn the cameras to a huge weapon in Alabama's arsenal: The Big Play.

• Dennis Pillion: Video: Nick Saban and player interviews • al.com
Interviews with Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Javier Arenas and Rolando McClain.

• Don Kausler Jr.: No night game for Alabama-Ole Miss showdown on Oct. 10 • The Birmingham News
Game will kick off no later than 2:30 p.m.

• Gentry Estes: Hightower out 3-4 months, per Saban;... • The Press Register
... There will be competition to replace him as Alabama tries to move on
Alabama deals with the loss of its star linebacker, who is out for the season with a serious knee injury, while also trying to prepare for Saturday's game at Kentucky.

• Terry Pellman: Wildcats Present a Unique Challenge for the Tide. • al.com
As Alabama prepares for their second SEC game of the 2009 season in Lexington, they'll be facing a team that presents an offensive approach that the Tide hasn't faced this year. If we take a minute and look back over the first four games this season, the Tide has seen a variety of different offensive schemes. In Atlanta, opening against...

• SEC Volleyball Honors Announced • SEC Sports
SEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK 

• James says Bama still in it but Dogs and Vols look strong • AJC
Just came from a one-on-one interview with North Gwinnett offensive tackle JaWuan James.

• With Some Teams Now Looking Unsure, Is The SEC a Two Trick Pony? • Bleacher Report
Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Tennessee have all floundered in the East and Ole Miss laid a big egg, Arkansas got stomped and Mississippi State while looking better, are still losing.

• When the Chips are Down or Momentum Needs Charging, Alabama Throws Deep • Bleacher Report
In every game this year when the game got tight or momentum needed to swing back to the Tide, Nick Saban and Jim McElwain knew just what to do: Throw deep.

• The Only Thing Alabama Must Fear Is Overconfidence and Complacency • Bleacher Report
Things are really looking good for the No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide.

• Replacing Hightower • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
At his weekly press conference today, Nick Saban said that the knee injury suffered by Dont'a Hightower against Arkansas would keep the Tide sophomore linebacker out for the rest of the season. Hightower will undergo surgery and the Tide defense will undergo change in trying to replace perhaps its most versatile defender. 

• McElroy Can Talk The Talk, Too • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
We’ve all heard about being able to “walk the walk” being preferable to being able to “talk the talk.” Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy can walk the walk. Just as important, he can talk the talk. 

• Tide searching high and low for LB replacement • BamaOnLine
Alabama is considering numerous options including Nico Johnson, Jerrell Harris and the three-player shift it used against Arkansas in trying to replace standout linebacker Dont'a Hightower

• VIDEO: McClain, Arenas and McElroy • BamaOnLine
Three key players from Alabama's win over Arkansas met with reporters Monday.

• Notebook: Tide aims to improve run blocking • BamaOnLine
Alabama wasn't pleased with the lack of production out of the running game Saturday and will be looking for ways to improve against Kentucky this week

• VIDEO: Saban's Monday news conference • BamaOnLine
VIDEO: Saban's Monday news conference

• Bama target Allen produces huge Friday night performance • Crimson Confidential
Keenan Allen has been tearing it up in high school football as of late. He had a huge Friday night recently where he made big-time plays from every position on the football field. 

• Recruiting Update: Gabe King • Crimson Confidential
Gabe King is one of those players that Alabama fans have been watching for quite some time now....

• Up Next: Kentucky coming off blowout loss to Gators • Crimson Confidential
Kentucky may be 2-1 on the season, but it's not like the Wildcats are riding a wave of...

• Greg McElroy for Heisman • Bama Sports Report
This article isn't really about why Greg McElroy should win the Heisman. It's really about the odd mindset of some Alabama fans.

• Richardson Named SEC Freshman of the Week • RollTide.com
Alabama freshman running back Trent Richardson has been named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, following his performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks last Saturday afternoon in ...

• Soccer Set to Make Up SEC Opener in Starkville • RollTide.com
The Alabama soccer team (4-3) will look to finally get in one of its weekend fixtures in Mississippi. Alabama opens Southeastern Conference play against Mississippi State (8-1) on Tuesday, Sept. 29... 

• Richardson named freshman of week • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, the second time in four weeks he has taken that honor.

• Cecil Hurt: Loss of Hightower tough, but not a disaster • Tuscaloosa News
There is no way the University of Alabama can be the same defensive team it was before Dont’a Hightower was injured. 

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban: Jerrell Harris to be reinstated after a six-game suspension • The Press Register
Jerrell Harris will ultimately miss half the season with NCAA eligibility issues.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Harris will be back after six games • The Birmingham News
He'll return for Oct. 17 home game against South Carolina

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide's Richardson again named SEC freshman of the week • The Birmingham News
It's the second time in the past three games he has earned the honor.

• Gentry Estes: Monday briefing: With Hightower out, where does Alabama's defense go from here? • The Press Register
What's a likely plan now that Alabama has lost one of its top defensive players?

• SEC Players to Watch in Week 5 • College Football News
Players on the move or with something to prove in week 5 in the SEC

• The Time for Comparing the 2008 and 2009 Alabama Teams Has Passed • Bleacher Report
No one knows a team like the coaches and players know themselves and this week I was able to ask them what they felt about the comparisons to this year’s team and last years.

• Great Win for Alabama: Stutter, Stop, and Go • Bleacher Report
Find the newspapers and read the headlines. From Tuscaloosa to Fayetteville, none of the sports writers really got it right.

• Richardson Gets Second SEC Nod • 'BamaMag
For the second time this season, Alabama freshman tailback Trent Richardson has been selected the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance in Alabama's 35-7 win over Arkansas Saturday. Richardson scored the first touchdown of that game.

• Following the Future: Week Five • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
In this week's edition of Following the Future, check inside for the latest on future Tide players such as Opelika's Corey Grant who enjoyed a big game versus top-ranked 5A squad Vigor.

• Linebacker Harris to return for South Carolina game • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
One linebacker is gone. Another is on the way back.

• Football Players of the Week • SEC Sports
Football Players of the Week

• Road Trip • Tuscaloosa News
No. 3 Tide hits the road against Kentucky

• Out for the season • Tuscaloosa News
Hightower to have surgery on damaged knee ligaments

• Alabama basketball player Jemison to miss season with achilles tendon injury • Tuscaloosa News
Tuscaloosa | University of Alabama men’s basketball forward Demetrius Jemison will miss the entire 2009-10 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The injury, confirmed by an MRI on Sunday, will require surgery to repair.

• Alabama women’s golf finishes seventh at rain-shortened Mason Rudolph • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The No. 7 Alabama women’s golf team finished the rain-shortened Mason Rudolph Women’s Championship at 6-under par with a 36-hole total of 570, good for a seventh-place finish.

• Bama baseball team opens fall practice • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The Alabama baseball team will open fall practice on this afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium under first-year head coach Mitch Gaspard.

• Crimson Tide volleyball team drops first SEC match to Gators • Tuscaloosa News
GAINESVILLE, Fla. | The Alabama volleyball team suffered its first Southeastern Conference loss of the season to No. 5 Florida 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-14) Sunday at the O’Connell Center. The loss drops the Crimson Tide to 5-9 overall and 3-1 in the conference, while the Gators improve to 10-1 on the season and 4-0 in the SEC.

• Recruiting chat transcript part lll • Tuscaloosa News
Chat transcript part lll (9-23-09)

• Chase Goodbread: Prospects who visited Tuscaloosa • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
The weather was rainy throughout the state on Saturday, but just minutes prior to the Tide's kickoff against Arkansas the skies cleared and even the sun came out in the second half. The weather certainly scared away prospects who had originally planned to visit, but several targets braved the trip to Tuscaloosa. 

• Ray Melick: Alabama playing like a team that can do it all • The Birmingham News
One Internet headline Sunday described the changes in the latest AP Top 25 as a “rash,” and that was as good a description as any for the plague that has infected college football this year.

• McElroy is the one player Tide can't afford to lose • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Don't confuse the best player on a team with the most valuable player. There's a difference between being the most talented player and the most indispensable player.

• Hightower will have knee surgery, Saban says • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - A knee examination Sunday confirmed what Alabama coach Nick Saban seemed to suspect Saturday - that sophomore linebacker Dont'a Hightower will undergo surgery to repair an injured left knee.

• Tommy Hicks: Ranking teams for Harris poll a labor of love • The Press Register
Ranking college football teams is an exercise every college football fan takes part in, usually making their choices known to family and friends or anyone who will listen. It's part of the game's attraction as well as a cause for some frustration. 

• Alabama's Hightower out with knee injury • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's hopes for the remainder of the 2009 season suffered a major blow Sunday with news that starting inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower isn't expected to be a part of it.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Brooks hopes 'Cats can rebound • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Kentucky coach Rich Brooks began scouting Alabama's football team Sunday morning and was offering this description by Sunday afternoon: "It's scary."

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Monday, September 28, 2009

• Hightower likely out for season • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's hopes for the remainder of the season suffered a major blow Sunday with news that starting inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower likely won't be a part of it. 

• SEC Football Team Notes - 9/27 • SEC Sports
Here's a selection of team-by-team notes as SEC Football moves into Week 5.

• Tide defense issues statement against Hogs • Crimson White
Experts and pundits predicted that the vaunted Alabama offense would be tested by a potent Arkansas offense Saturday, and the Tide passed with flying colors. 

• Tide stops Mallett, Arkansas in SEC opener • Crimson White
It was a different story for Ryan Mallett and the Arkansas offense Saturday's 35-7 loss to Alabama. For the Crimson Tide, it was much of the same.

• Alabama star out for season • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama coach Nick Saban confirmed on Sunday that sophomore linebacker Dont'a Hightower suffered ligament damage to his knee and will miss the remainder of the season.

• Upsets shake up AP poll, but top 3 remain same • Montgomery Advertiser
NEW YORK -- After a weekend in which four top-10 teams lost, The Associated Press college football poll received a major makeover.

• JAY G. TATE'S AP TOP 25 BALLOT • Montgomery Advertiser
Here's how Advertiser staff writer Jay G. Tate voted in Sunday's Associated Press Top 25 college football poll. His previous ranking for each team appears in parentheses.

• Michael Casagrande: As predicted in ’06, McElroy gives Tide a real boost at QB • Decatur Daily
The headline first appeared close to four years ago. Its relevancy remains. Michael Casagrande Inside Alabama “McElroy gives Tide real boost at quarterback” first appeared in The …

• Hightower to undergo knee surgery • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only
Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower will need surgery to repair the knee injury suffered Saturday against Arkansas. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban released a short statement updating the … 

• Larry's Losers in The SEC Week Five • Bleacher Report
This past week the Old Ball Coach threw a lot of us in Prognosticatin' Profession an old curve ball this week when he mustered up the Gamecock's to put a peckin' on them Rebels. And Baccardi the Wonder Dog's feelings about his brother dogs almost pullin' off the upset at LSU almost came true.

• Dan'ta Hightower's Injury Means Opportunity for Others • Bleacher Report
Alabama starting middle linebacker Dan’ta Hightower and Rolando McLain formed possibly the best one two punch in the country, but sadly that all came to an end on the Bryant Denny Turf in a game against Arkansas. 

• Darryl Collins visits SEC game • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Darryl Collins, wide receiver from Gadsden (Ala.) City projects as one of the top players in the South for 2011. He has already amassed seven scholarship offers. The Titans are off to a great start this season with their only loss to Tuscaloosa County. Collins talked about his year and an unofficial visit for an SEC game. 

• Nick Perry attends Alabama SEC opener • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tide commitment discussed weekend's games.

• 2011 hoops star visits UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Alabama head coach Anthony Grant is already hard at work on recruiting top prospects for the 2011 class and this weekend a member of the Rivals150 was in Tuscaloosa this weekend for an unofficial visit.

• MRI confirms Hightower has season-ending injury • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The worst was confirmed Sunday. 

• Jemison to miss season with Achilles tendon injury • Crimson Confidential
The Alabama football team wasn't the only squad on campus to get some bad injury news over the weekend. 

• Injury Report • Bama Sports Report
It looks like bad news for both Bama football and Bama basketball.

• Tuesday Notebook: Alabama Offense • RollTide.com
The latest installment of the Alabama Football Notebook takes at look at the Crimson Tide offense, following a 35-7 win over Arkansas last Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide offense...

• Softball Named to NFCA All-Academic Team • RollTide.com
On top of all the honors the Alabama softball team earned on the field the Crimson Tide earned one for its work in the classroom as well. Alabama was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Associa...

• Six Women's Basketball Games to Air Live on Regional Networks • RollTide.com
Thanks to the Southeastern Conference's new multi-year television agreement, six league games will broadcast live. A combination of three outlets will air the contests regionally.

• Softball Begins Retooling Process with Start of Fall Practice • RollTide.com
The Alabama softball team will have a different look as it enters the 2010 season and that new look took to the field for the first time as a team Tuesday for the start of fall practice. Gone are t...

• Alabama Moves Up One Spot to No. 9 in USTFCCCA Coaches' Poll • RollTide.com
The top five in the Men's Cross Country Coaches' Poll remained the same in the first regular season rankings released on Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (UST... 

• Tuesday practice update • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Senior Cory Reamer practiced with the weakside linebackers during individual drills on Tuesday, in place of injured starter Dont'a Hightower, as the University of Alabama prepared for this Saturday's game at Kentucky.

• Cecil Hurt: SEC Power Poll Week Four • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Plenty of shuffling in this week's SEC power poll after some upsets and close calls. Here is this week's SEC Power Poll.

• Chase Goodbread: What’s next at linebacker? • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
A few notes and thoughts from the practice field on Tuesday (read: what might UA do at linebacker without Dont'a Hightower?) as Alabama prepares for Kentucky.

• Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Bama Breakdown: Tommy Wilcox Bama Breakdown: Tommy Wilcox
This week two-time All American safety Tommy Wilcox joins us in the studio to discuss Alabama football of yesterday and today.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Tide linebackers shown how to shed cut blocks • The Birmingham News
Reamer, Anders and Upshaw appear to be the first-team linebackers along with star Rolando McClain.

• Gentry Estes: Practice report: Tide back to work without Hightower • The Press Register
Today's practice viewing didn't offer many hints at Alabama's plan to replace injured linebacker Dont'a Hightower.

• Don Kausler Jr.: McElroy's favorite play of Arkansas game? Drawing Razorbacks offsides • The Birmingham News
It was better than any of his three touchdown passes

• Speedy junior on Tide's radar • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Class of 2011 standout wide receiver/cornerback Tacoi Sumler of Gulliver Prep in Miami is one of the South's fastest prospects. That's one reason why the junior already has offers from seven schools and the attention of several others. 

• Javier Makes Big Plays For Bama • 'BamaMag
Javier Arenas has made big plays as an Alabama cornerback. Just last week against Arkansas he had two sacks against Ryan Mallett, the very fine Arkansas quarterback. He’s a sure tackler and a good pass defender.

• Practice Report: Reamer still seeing time at Hightower’s Will linebacker spot • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Yes, as Rolando McClain put it Monday, football at the University of Alabama is continuing to go on despite the absence of No. 30.

• Volleyball Hosts Mississippi State in Midweek Matchup • RollTide.com
The volleyball team (5-9, 3-1 SEC) returns home this week after making its first road trip in SEC play, hosting Mississippi State (4-11, 0-4 SEC) on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The match is scheduled to b... 

• Chris Pow: Alabama football report card: Arkansas • al.com
See how Alabama fans graded the Tide in their 35-7 win over Arkansas.

• College Football's Quarterly Report: Top 25 Countdown • Bleacher Report
With four weeks of the college football season in the books, it’s time to see whose stock is up, whose is down, and who might want to start cleaning out their desks.

• Burton shines against the nation's best • Crimson Confidential
Tim Burton, a 5 foot 9, 175 pound cornerback from Cardinal Gibbons HS in Florida has had a very busy few weeks.

• McClain on Hightower loss: Tide needs to ‘keep pushing’ • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Alabama went into the season with two All-America candidates at linebacker.

• Bama makes top-rated linebacker's latest cut • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Five-star outside linebacker Jordan Hicks eliminated one SEC school from his mix on Monday. And it wasn't Alabama. 

• Chris Pow: Post your questions for Tide coach Nick Saban • al.com
Submit your questions, Saban will answer two live on the air

• Gentry Estes: Tuesday briefing: JaWuan James opens up about decommitment from Alabama • The Press Register
Why did JaWuan James decommit from Alabama? He finally talks about the reasons.

• Don Kausler Jr.: Blocking below the waist is a controversial rule that probably will be reviewed, SEC official says • The Birmingham News
It's a complicated rule that has been discussed and might continue to be tweaked, but it's unlikely to be outlawed.

• Jess Nicholas: Kentucky preview: Alabama’s first road test comes against overmatched Wildcats • TideFans.com
Were it not for some fairly stiff injury luck in the first month of the season, Alabama would have to feel good about the way its schedule is setting up. Following a SEC hope opener against...

• Jess Nicholas: SEC preview and predictions – Week 5 • TideFans.com
Although the Predictions Dept. isn’t officially doing an “upset special” game as it did last year, the Ole Miss-South...

• The Harmon Forecast • CBS Sportsline
In its 53nd year, The Harmon Forecast predicts probable scores of college football games each week. 

• The Weekly Spread ‘Em • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
It’s early so you can get dem good lines 

• Tide pursuing 2011 WR  • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Northern Guilford High has produced some of the South's best prospects, including current Tide target Keenan Allen. Now a junior at Northern Guilford is emerging as a star in his own right.

• Video: Blake Sims gets it done • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Perhaps no senior football prospect in the country is having the kind of season that Tide commit Blake Sims is enjoying.

• Christopher Walsh: Yes, McElroy's worthy • BamaOnLine
After four starts, junior quarterback Greg McElroy is starting to hear his name mentioned for Heisman Trophy consideration, but obviously has a long way to go 

• Video: Saban talks about forthcoming return of Harris • Crimson Confidential
Alabama head coach Nick Saban discusses the upcoming return of linebacker Jerrell Harris.

• With Hightower out for the season, the Tide looks to fill the gap • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Rolando McClain didn’t feel like quite the same player for the last three quarters of a 35-7 win over Arkansas last Saturday as he did for the first period.

• Jerrell Harris eligible to return on Oct. 17 • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris has received resolution on his eligibility status from the NCAA, resulting in a six-game suspension.

• Tide’s Anderson named freshman of the week • Tuscaloosa News
BIRMINGHAM | Freshman Kelsey Anderson was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week in volleyball Monday. This is the first conference honor for the Louisville, Ky. native and marks the second consecutive week in which a Crimson Tide player has been recognized by the conference.

• Tide finishes 12th at PING/Golfweek Invite • Tuscaloosa News
BREMERTON, WASH. | University of Alabama sophomore Bud Cauley notched a top 10 finish at the PING/Golfweek Invitational in his first tournament of the season with a 4-over-par 220 to finish in a tie for sixth place.

• Andrew Bone: SEC leading the way on recruiting • Tuscaloosa News
There are many reasons why recruits decide to play football in the Southeastern Conference, but one of the main reasons is the opportunity to play in a conference which will likely see the winner of the league championship compete for the national title.

• Rachel Baribeau Video Blog • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
9/28 – Player bites 9/28 – Player bites
Rachel returns, speaking with Rolando McClain, Greg McElroy and Javier Arenas.

• Tide teammates hurt for Hightower but prepare to move on • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Dont'a Hightower was down. He was on his back on the damp Bryant-Denny Stadium turf, clutching his left knee, grimacing, writhing in excruciating pain.

• Harris back in three weeks • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban said he received word Friday night from the NCAA that linebacker Jerrell Harris would be eligible for the Oct. 17 game against South Carolina.

• Hightower's role tough to fill • The Press Register
TUSCALOOSA - Senior defensive end Lorenzo Washington thought Monday about Alabama's football future without sophomore linebacker Dont'a Hightower.

• Sports Soundoff • The Press Register
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 

• Mark McCarter: Hard to match LB's versatility, emotion • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - When Dont'a Hightower crashed to the earth in a heap, there was an almost immediate sense of trepidation. Watch the replay, watch the landing, you had a sense right then he was going from a spot on the Alabama depth chart to a spot on an orthopedist's schedule. 

• Bill Bryant: Nolstagia calls as Tide, Tigers pile up victories • The Huntsville Times
Driving from Tuscaloosa to Nashville late Saturday night is not highly recommended, particularly if you're fighting roughly 90,000 other folks heading the same way up I-59. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: Notes on Arenas wanting to be a DE, 'Lionel' Washington's blocked punt and more • The Birmingham News
McElroy appreciates students who sat through pregame rain; Saban respects foe that played Tide close last year

• Regions Bank Top Plays of Week 4 • SEC Sports
Watch and Vote on the Regions Bank Fan Poll for Your Favorite Play From Week 4! 

• Oct. 10 Football TV Selections • SEC Sports
The SEC has announced a partial list of football television selections for Saturday, October 10, 2009. 

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Tide looks to fill void left by injury • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- It's a play that could hinder the champion­ship aspirations of Alabama.

• ALABAMA ADVISORY BOARD: Tide prime for top ranking • Montgomery Advertiser
It was a terrific SEC season opener with a surprisingly lopsided win. The defense was solid in keeping the vaunted Hogs offense in check. After dropped passes kept Alabama bogged down in the first quarter, long, quick-strikes in the second quarter started the onslaught.

• Tide running back wins SEC award • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama freshman running back Trent Richardson has been named the Southeast­ern Conference Fresh­man of the Week, fol­lowing his performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks last Saturday afternoon in Tusca­loosa.

• ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Minor injury for McElroy; 'it's fine' QB says • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Greg McElroy was a little sore Mon­day afternoon, but insisted a hip pointer he suffered against Arkansas would not hinder him this week as he prepared for Saturday's game with Kentucky.

• Hightower’s injury means changes for Tide • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — Dealing with cut blocking is nothing new for defensive end Lorenzo Washington and the rest of …

• College Football Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — The mystery of Jerrell Harris’ eligibility is finally solved. Alabama coach Nick Saban announced the sophomore linebacker will be eligible by the seventh game of …

• Tide notebook: Little things helped Bama roll • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — After a game in which Alabama scored three touchdowns on plays of 50 yards or longer, quarterback Greg McElroy allowed himself a lesser moment to savor.

• Ex-Bama-commit James opens up about opening up recruitment • AJC
North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire pokes his head out of his fieldhouse office and let’s loose a yell that penetrates the cacophony of clings and clangs and shouts emanating from the weight room next door. “JaWuan, come here just a minute, would ya?” he barks

• True Evaluation of Contenders for the SEC Crown • Bleacher Report
It is now officially four weeks into the college football season and we can now truly start to evaluate the contenders in the SEC.

• Arkansas Made a Disasterous Mistake Against Alabama That Others Won't • Bleacher Report
Watching game film, Bobby Petrino must have been sweating bullets. Once it gets rolling, Alabama's offense seems unstoppable, the defense seems unmovable.

• Perry can't wait to get to Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's earliest commitments for the 2010 class was Prattville safety Nick Perry. Since committing, the 6-2, 195-pounder has seen his recruitment slow down and his senior season kickoff.

• Nick Saban press conference report • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I think there is a lot of things we could improve on as a team," Saban said at his weekly press conference today. "We probably didn't run the ball as efficiently or effectively as we'd like to. We made some explosive plays. Defensively, we did a good job against a good passing team. Still, we have plenty to improve on defensively." 

• RAW Video: Saban 9/28 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Javier Arenas and Lorenzo Washington from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW Video: McElroy 9/28 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Javier Arenas and Lorenzo Washington from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW Video: Washington 9/28 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Javier Arenas and Lorenzo Washington from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW Video: Arenas 9/28 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Javier Arenas and Lorenzo Washington from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• RAW Video: McClain 9/28 • WVUA-TV
Video of interviews from Saban's press conference
Watch video of interviews of Nick Saban, Greg McElroy, Javier Arenas and Lorenzo Washington from Monday's press conference on WVUA-TV, the home of Tider Insider TV.

• Delvin Jones planning visits • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Delvin Jones, Scout.com four-star defensive end from Miami-Palmetto, Fla., committed to the University of Tennessee in August. He is still receiving interest from other programs and listening. He does plan to take official visits and talked about the other schools. 

• Linebacker News Is Bad And Good • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Hightower confirmed as out for year, but Harris will soon be eligible

• Top 2011 DT takes in Tide win • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Tide Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart will be looking to reload his defensive front in the class of 2011, and one of the top junior tackles in the southeast is Carver-Columbus prospect Gabriel Wright.

• Kemp opening it up • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
High potential big man Shawn Kemp is at Chatham (Va.) Hargrave Military Academy for a post graduate year, and it appears that the center will be opening his recruitment back up after committing to the Tide.

• VIDEO: Media Day recap with Britton Lynn • BamaOnLine
BamaOnLine.com provides a recap of Monday's football news conference.

• CBS national television coverage doing wonders for recruiting • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Exposure is a recruiter's best friend. Saturday afternoon's CBS coverage of the Alabama versus Arkansas game gave Coach Saban and his football team a tremendous amount of air time for the prospects to see.

• Replacing Hightower - Part 1 • Bama Sports Report
The Alabama football team did practice today, but there was no access to the media - the first time in Nick Saban's tenure at Alabama that a Monday practice has been closed. Since we don't have a practice report for you, I thought it would be a good time to start taking a look at exactly how Alabama is going to attempt to replace Dont'a Hightower.

• Football Practice Going Well • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team practiced for two hours in full pads Tuesday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility as preparation for Saturday's Southeastern Conference game at Kentucky continues. 

• Three & Out: SEC Thoughts, News & Notes 9/30c • College FootballNews
CFN SEC Blogger Barrett Sallee shares three thoughts, comments or observations about week five in the SEC.

• Tide Needs Better Run Blocking • 'BamaMag
Pass blocking has improved, but run blocking must get better

• Practice Report: Wednesday, September 30 • Bama Sports Report
The Alabama football team worked in pull pads on Wednesday in preparation for the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday morning. The weather in Lexington should be in the mid-60s for the game, and thankfully the Tide has had milder weather in Tuscaloosa to help prepare for it.

• Alabama's Offense IS Better • Bama Sports Report
I ran across an interesting item this afternoon from the SEC blog Team Speed Kills where they talk about items that are contrary to conventional wisdom. The relevant portion:

• Wednesday Notebook: Defense and Special Teams • RollTide.com
The latest installment of the Alabama Football Notebook takes at look at the Crimson Tide defense and special teams, following a 35-7 win over Arkansas last Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. The Cr... 

• Reamer continues work with ILBs • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior Cory Reamer continued working with the weakside linebackers at practice on Wednesday as the Crimson Tide prepares for Kentucky in the absence of injured starter Dont'a Hightower.

• Gentry Estes: Craig Sanders decommits from Alabama and is likely bound for Auburn • The Press Register
The family of recruit Craig Sanders is getting word out today that the Ariton defensive end has chosen to decommit from Alabama and will instead sign with Auburn.

• Chris Pow: The Nick Saban TV Show, September 27 • al.com
Watch clips from this week's Nick Saban Show, with Burton Burns and LB Rolando McClain

• Gentry Estes: Tide's offense is 'killing' more plays before the snap • The Press Register
Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said more play calls were changed "by far" against Arkansas than any of the previous three games.

• SEC Week 5 Game Previews • SEC Sports
Here's an in-depth look at the Week 5 SEC Football matchups. 

• SEC WBB, MBB Tournament Tickets • SEC Sports
Public tickets for the 2010 SEC Women's and Men's Basketball Tournaments will go on sale Thursday, 

• Craig Sanders decommits from Alabama • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Craig Sanders, Scout.com four-star defensive end from Ariton, Ala., is no longer committed to Alabama. His mother sent Scout.com an email Wednesday afternoon to inform of Craig's future intentions. 

• UT commitment looking at other schools • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Miami (Palmetto HS) athlete Rivals250 Delvin Jones committed to Tennessee in mid-August, but that verbal pledge will not stop him from visiting several other schools. Jones said on Tuesday that he plans to visit three schools, including Alabama.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Tide prepares for trip to Lexington • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide continued continued preparation Wednesday for their showdown with the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday.

• Sanders decommits • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The University of Alabama football program lost their second commitment of the class of 2010 when Ariton defensive end Craig Sanders let Tide Coach Nick Saban aware of his intentions to decommit on Wednesday.

• BOLevision: September 30 • BamaOnLine
On this week's edition of BOLevision, we take a closer look at the Crimson Tide's matchup with Kentucky and check-in on the men's cross country and women's softball programs.

• Practice Report: Tide’s linebacker coaches showing no signs of letting up • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
There is some good news for Alabama as it tries to band-aid the defense back together after the loss of multi-talented linebacker Dont’a Hightower.

• Sanders' Stepfater Talks Tide, Status • Crimson Confidential
Craig Sanders. a 6 foot 5 245 pound jack linebacker prospect from Ariton High School/Ariton, AL is one of the more popular recruits among the 2010 class. 

• Replacing Hightower - Part 2 • Bama Sports Report
In part one I took a look at how Alabama would look to replace Dont'a Hightower in the base 3-4 defense. Based on yesterday's practice I found out that I had not considered the idea of moving two guys to new positions in order to the fill the hole. Armed with that new information, here's how I think Alabama will look to replace Dont'a in the nickel and dime packages.

• Hightower surgery successful • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower had successful surgery to repair ligament damage in his left knee, UA coach Nick Saban said on his weekly teleconference.

• SEPT. 30 Cecil Hurt Show • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
In part I of this week's segment Cecil and Rachel discuss the Arkansas win. Look for Part II on Kentucky later this week

• Chase Goodbread: Hokies holding up • TideSports Extra (Subscribers Only)
Three weeks after Alabama's win over Virginia Tech in Atlanta, how impressive does the victory look? Good Tidings checks back in with an impressive recovery by the Hokies. 

• Chris Pow: Nick Saban 09/30/09 teleconference • al.com
Listen to Alabama football coach Nick Saban answer questions from the media during the weekly SEC teleconference on Wednesday. Listen to the entire SEC teleconference

• Don Kausler Jr.: Locke, Cobb and Kentucky's ground game concern Saban as Tide prepares for first SEC road game • The Birmingham News
Wildcats lost 17-14 last year at Alabama.

• Gentry Estes: Wednesday briefing: Let the Alabama-Florida comparisons begin • The Press Register
Alabama's rapidly increasing national profile means this weekend's performance will be measured against the team most recently in the visitors' locker room at Commonwealth Stadium. 

• Don Kausler Jr.: It will take multiple players to replace Hightower, Saban says • The Birmingham News
Loss of star linebacker is an opportunity for others on Tide depth chart

• Daniel Boyette : Ex-Tide QB Watts: Assistants crippled DuBose; Franchione 'was all about himself' • al.com
Former Alabama quarterback Tyler Watts says Mike DuBose "simply did not surround himself with good people. His assistant coaches were not good," while Dennis Franchione "wanted everything to be about him."

• Gentry Estes: Saban: Hightower will "make a full recovery" from successful knee surgery • The Press Register
Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower's season-ending knee surgery yesterday was a success, according to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.