(AP Photo/Dave Martin)
The University of Alabama Crimson Tide will play the final home game of the 2009 season on Saturday, as ‘Bama takes on the ‘Mocs of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Keys to the Game:
-Win
-STAY HEALTHY
-STAY HEALTHY
-STAY HEALTHY
In all seriousness, it will be very important that Alabama use caution in respect to how long the starters are in the game against Chattanooga. The last thing anyone wants to see an injury…especially under these circumstances. In a “perfect world” ‘Bama quarterback Greg McElroy will be resting comfortably on the bench by the latter stages of the first half, and Star Jackson will be at the controls.
Also look for the likes of Mark Ingram, Julio Jones, Rolando McClain, (just to name a few) to see limited action against Chattanooga. This game is not about “style points” it’s about winning and staying healthy.
Be prepared to see many fresh faces against the ‘Mocs. I’m certain whoever is available to play…will play.
Even though everyone is aware this contest is nothing but a “glorified scrimmage,” I will most certainly give credit to the opposition.
Tennessee-Chattanooga finished the 2008 season with a record of 1-11. However, in 2009, the ‘Mocs are currently 6-4 overall and 4-4 in the Southern Conference.
The Chattanooga offense is led by quarterback BJ Coleman. In many ways Coleman is one of the best quarterbacks the Crimson Tide defense will face this season. BJ is a transfer from the University of Tennessee, and has certainly found a home with first-year coach Russ Huesman at Tennessee-Chattanooga. Coleman has thrown for 2,312 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2009.
Chris Awuah leads the ‘Mocs in rushing, but it’s rather an irrelevant point. Awuah has over 500 yards rushing in 2009, but Chattanooga is obviously a passing team so any offensive damage will most certainly be done through the air.
BJ Coleman has a couple of excellent receivers in respect to Blue Cooper and Chris Pitchford. Cooper has caught 82 passes, has over 800 yards receiving, and seven touchdowns. Pitchford has 42 receptions in 2009, over 500 yards receiving, and has been the recipient of five touchdown passes.
As mentioned in the initial portion of the game preview, the contest with Chattanooga is the final home game of the 2009 season, and Alabama plans to honor a total of 26 seniors.
(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The 26 seniors have played a vital role in turning the Alabama Crimson Tide into an elite program. We can all remember it wasn’t long ago that Alabama was simply “floating in the pool of mediocrity,” and now the Tide is regarded as a superior football team. The young men listed below deserve respect and credit for being a catalyst in turning the program in a positive direction.
Senior Day 2009:
Eryk Anders
Javier Arenas
Alex Benson
Evan Cardwell
Terrence Cody
Drew Davis
Brandon Deaderick
P.J. Fitzgerald
Hampton Gray
Baron Huber
Marquis Johnson
Mike Johnson
Tyrone King
Mike McCoy
Colin Peek
Cory Reamer
Chris Rogers
Brian Selman
Ali Sharrief
Leigh Tiffin
Heath Thomas
Jacob Vane
Roy Upchurch
Byron Walton
Lorenzo Washington
Justin Woodall
The game with Chattanooga will be the 11th meeting between the two schools, and the first encounter since the 1994 season. The contest will also be the first meeting in Tuscaloosa in 50 years.
Prediction: Alabama 55 Chattanooga 13
Kickoff for Chattanooga/Alabama is set for 11:21 a.m. central time on the SEC Network. Be sure to check your local affiliate for the station in your area.
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