’Bama/Michigan State: Last Stand for '10 Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide…have underachieved.

Perhaps it was youth, inexperience, a sense of entitlement or simply “media hype,” but the Alabama Crimson Tide weren’t supposed to be 9-3…and they weren’t supposed to be in the Capital One Bowl.

In any other year, for any other team, 9-3 would be considered a fantastic season.

However, when commercials are made, documentaries are filmed and a movie about the head coach is put on display, 9-3…just isn’t good enough.

Not many people predicted Alabama to have an undefeated season, but even less predicted the Tide to finish fourth in the SEC West.

The inability to focus at critical times and the inability to finish an entire game is the reason Alabama is in Orlando…and not Glendale, Arizona.

The Tide certainly had the talent in 2010, but the desire and the mental fortitude to be the best…was left in Pasadena.

Alabama is a “good” team, but they only have one chance left to display the greatness that “could” have been during the 2010 season.

On Saturday afternoon in the 2011 Capital One Bowl, Alabama will have the opportunity to finish on a high note and claim 10 or more wins for the third consecutive season.

For the Alabama seniors and those who may declare early for the NFL Draft, the Capital One Bowl will be the “last stand” and ultimate chance to display the greatness that helped lead the Crimson Tide to a national title just one year ago.


Alabama will not play for “all the marbles” in 2010, but it doesn’t mean they can’t finish the season like champions.

ALABAMA 31
MICHIGAN STATE 16

2011 Capital One Bowl Statistical Breakdown

Team Records:
Michigan State (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten)
Alabama (9-3, 5-3 SEC)

Alabama Offensive Leaders:
Passing: Greg McElroy - 209-296, 2,767 yards, 19 touchdowns
Rushing: Mark Ingram - 146 carries, 816 yards, 11 touchdowns
Receiving: Julio Jones - 75 receptions, 1,084 yards, 7 touchdowns

Michigan State Offensive Leaders:
Passing: Kirk Cousins - 216-320, 2,705 yards, 20 touchdowns
Rushing: Edwin Baker - 195 carries, 1,187 yards, 13 touchdowns
Receiving: Mark Dell - 49 receptions, 761 yards, 6 touchdowns



Points Scored Per Game:
Alabama 34.6 / 20th Nationally
Michigan State 31.3 / 38th Nationally

Points Allowed Per Game:
Alabama 14.1 / 5th Nationally
Michigan State 20.1 / 26th Nationally



Total Yards Per Game:
Alabama 435.6 / 27th Nationally
Michigan State 406.7 / 38th Nationally

Passing Yards Per Game:
Alabama 274.3 / 27th Nationally
Michigan State 250.2 / 45th Nationally

Rushing Yards Per Game:
Alabama 175.3 / 36th Nationally
Michigan State 168.8 / 39th Nationally

‘Bama Practice Report, Thursday Bowl Festivities

As the 2011 Capital One Bowl draws closer, the Alabama Crimson Tide returned to the practice field at Dr. Phillips High School on Wednesday.

'Bama practiced for nearly two hours in shells (helmets, shoulder pads and shorts) and will have a similar practice session on Thursday.

Since the game falls on Saturday, the Crimson Tide practice routine has been (and will continue to be) similar to a “regular season” game-week schedule.

On Thursday afternoon, (after practice), Nick Saban and various players will participate in the Capital One Bowl Pep Rally (5 p.m. EST) to be held at Pointe Orlando.

Saban and select players will be joined by the Million Dollar Band and the ‘Bama cheerleading squad.

Nick Saban’s radio show will be held at the Renaissance Orlando Resort later in the evening (Thursday) and will be open to the general public.

Tide Practice Report, Universal Studios Excursion

After practicing indoors (Nicholson Fieldhouse at the University of Central Florida) on Monday due to high winds and harsh wind chill values, the Alabama Crimson Tide returned to Dr. Phillips High School on Tuesday for an outdoor practice session.

With the exception of injuries which have already been well-documented, (most notably Mark Barron), Alabama will enter the contest against Michigan State…injury-free.

Tuesday was certainly about game preparation…but the “fun department” was also in full force.

As part of Capital One Bowl week revelry, the Crimson Tide enjoyed a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando.

Crimson Notes 12/27/10

Due to high winds and wind chill values in the low 30s, the Alabama Crimson Tide practiced indoors on Monday afternoon. ‘Bama utilized the Nicholson Fieldhouse on the campus of the University of Central Florida.

The Crimson Tide practiced for two hours in full pads as preparations continue for the 2011 Capital One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans.

Alabama will return to the practice field on Tuesday and the session is expected to be held outdoors at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando.



UA Players get Shopping Spree at Best Buy   (<< Click to Read)

“NCAA rules allow bowl committees to arrange for gifts valued at up to $500 per player. Commonly referred as swag (an acronym for stuff we all get), the gifts from most bowls are predetermined: watches, hats, sunglasses, etc. The Capital One Bowl, however, will turn Alabama and Michigan State players loose at an
Orlando-area Best Buy location, each with a gift card worth $420, for a two-hour shopping spree.”

'Bama Practice, Florida Citrus Sports “Day for Kids”

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team practiced this afternoon for the first time since arriving in Orlando on Christmas Day.

With temperatures holding in the 40s, the Crimson Tide held a two-hour practice session at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando.

Prior to the afternoon practice, the team spent the morning at DisneyQuest. Alabama joined Michigan State and Champs Sports Bowl participants North Carolina State and West Virginia for the Florida Citrus Sports “Day for Kids” function.

The gathering welcomed more than 300 financially, emotionally and physically challenged children who were grouped with players from each team who served as guide companions for the event.

Alabama will return to the practice field on Monday as preparations continue for the 2011 Capital One Bowl.

Going Christmas Shopping Online

Thanks for the post from Nora Mccoy

Christmas shopping is sometimes the most unanticipated thing for someone to do. They know they must go shopping but can't stand the long lines and the crowds. In recent years, many people have begun to do their Christmas shopping online.

Many of the major retailers have websites that carry almost all of the merchandise that is available within the store. They have even begun featuring items that are exclusive to the internet and not available in stores. The same sales that you would find in a store will be available online. Also at this time of year, many of these websites will offer free delivery. This trend is becoming more and more popular with people.

If you do prefer to do a little shopping in the store, many of the major stores have a feature online that allows you to pick up in store. This not only saves you on delivery charges if there are any, you can avoid many of the long lines and crowds at the store. There will be a special section within the store which is designated for this.

If you do go to the stores to do your shopping, make sure to set your homes security alarm (Texas Alarm systems systems) before doing so.

Merry Christmas…and Thank You!

I want to take this time to publicly thank everyone who has helped make this site a success for yet ANOTHER college football season!

To the site affiliates, regular readers and all the visitors…thank you for your support and interest.

The 2010 football season for the Alabama Crimson Tide was certainly filled with the highest of highs…and the lowest of lows.

However, the loyalty and kindness of friends and strangers once again managed to keep this site thriving and successful.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to sharing another season of Alabama Crimson Tide football with each and every one of you in 2011!

Crimson Consumer: The Steam Team

The University of Alabama football team is fortunate to have fans all across the nation and the world.

Football fans in Texas are certainly passionate and it’s a known fact that many Crimson Tide fans call the state of Texas home!

For the best carpet cleaning in Austin, look no further than The Steam Team!

When it comes to the best prices (carpet cleaner prices Austin), the best assurance (safe carpet cleaner Austin) and the best care (natural carpet cleaners Austin) be sure to contact The Steam Team!

Alabama Crimson Tide football and The Steam Team…a winning combination!

Injury Report: Cunningham out for Michigan State

Michigan State’s leading receiver B.J. Cunningham will miss the Capital One Bowl against Alabama due to a broken foot.

Cunningham suffered the injury on Saturday during practice and underwent surgery the following day.

During the 2010 regular season, Cunningham led the Spartans with 50 total receptions and nine touchdown catches.

Douglas, Williams Sign with the Tide

Last week, Arizona Western Community College transfers Aaron Douglas (offensive tackle) and Jesse Williams (defensive tackle) officially signed with Alabama.

Although Douglas comes to the Crimson Tide via Arizona Western, the Maryville, Tennessee product has SEC experience.

In 2009 Aaron Douglas was a starter for the Tennessee Volunteers and was named freshman All-American at the right tackle position.

Douglas and Williams join East Mississippi Community College defensive lineman Quinton Dial who also signed with the Crimson Tide last week.

All three signees will enroll in January.

Back to Basics: Tide preps for Spartans

Capital One Bowl preparations have officially begun for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

‘Bama returned to the practice field on Thursday and held two practice sessions on Friday.

Alabama will practice Saturday through Wednesday (one session per day) before disbanding for Christmas break.

The Tide will travel to Orlando on Christmas Day and resume practice on Dec. 26 at a local high school.

In the Alabama secondary, walk-on Will Lowery is expected to get the start at the safety position replacing the injured Mark Barron.

Tide fans can expect to see Lowery and freshman Nick Perry (Lowery’s backup) fill the void caused by Barron’s absence.

...ROLL TIDE

Defensive Lineman Quinton Dial Signs with ‘Bama

East Mississippi Community College defensive lineman Quinton Dial has officially signed with the University of Alabama football team…for the second time.

Dial, who originally signed with the Crimson Tide in 2009, has spent the past two years at EMCC in order to qualify academically at Alabama.



Dial signed with the Crimson Tide on Wednesday after achieving a 3.0 grade-point average during his time at EMCC.

The Alabama defensive lineman expressed his excitement by saying, “I’ve been looking forward to this day for two years now.”

Tide Practice to Resume on Thursday

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team will resume practice on Thursday to begin preparation for the Capital One Bowl against Michigan State.

Alabama will capture a third straight 10 plus win season with a victory over the Spartans.

‘Bama will arrive in Orlando on Dec. 25 to partake in bowl festivities which will culminate on Jan. 1 with the 2011 Capital One Bowl.

Four Tide Players Garner AP All-America Honors

Four members of the 2010 Alabama football team have been selected for the Associated Press All-America team.



Julio Jones and Mark Barron received second-team honors, while Marcell Dareus and Barrett Jones were named to the third-team.

After having a total of six players named to the AP first-team in 2009, which was a college football record, no Tide players achieved first-team honors in 2010.

McElroy, Freshmen Receive Honors

The awards just keep coming for Alabama senior quarterback Greg McElroy.

On Wednesday, McElroy was named the Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year as voted on by the league’s coaches.

McElroy, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, is currently in his second year of graduate school and maintains a 4.0 grade-point average in sports management.

The Tide quarterback earned his undergraduate degree in marketing while achieving a 3.8 grade-point average.



In other news, a total of four Alabama players have been named to the Freshman All-SEC team for 2010.

Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, defensive back Dee Milliner, linebacker C.J. Mosley and punter Cody Mandell were honored.

2010 Team Captains, All-SEC Coaches’ Team

The University of Alabama football team held their annual team banquet on Sunday night at The Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham.

Quarterback Greg McElroy, linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Mark Barron were named permanent captains of the 2010 team.

In April of 2011, the weekend of the A-Day game, the 2010 captains will have their hand prints forever placed in the cement at Denny Chimes.



The University of Alabama placed a total of 11 players (12 spots) on
the All-Southeastern Conference Coaches’ Football Team.

Julio Jones and James Carpenter were selected as members of the first-team offense, while Marcell Dareus and Mark Barron were named to the first-team defense.



The second-team offensive selections included Mark Ingram, William Vlachos and Barrett Jones. On the defensive second-team, Alabama selections included Dont’a Hightower, Robert Lester and Dre Kirkpatrick.

Rounding out the squad for Alabama was Trent Richardson. The Crimson Tide workhorse was named to the second-team on both offense (for his all-purpose efforts) and special teams (for his work as a kickoff return specialist).

All-SEC Honors for Tide Players

Three members of the University of Alabama football team have been named to the first-team of the Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference team.

Julio Jones, Barrett Jones and Mark Barron have been awarded with first-team honors after helping lead Alabama to a 9-3 regular season record.

Crimson Tide safety Mark Barron has only been a starter for two seasons, but has now been named to the SEC first-team...for the second time.

2011 Capital One Bowl: Alabama/Michigan State

The Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3, 5-3 SEC) and the Michigan State Spartans (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) have been selected to participate in the 2011 Capital One Bowl.

The game will take place on New Year’s Day and will kickoff at 1 p.m. eastern time from the famed Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Alabama will be participating in the Capital One Bowl (formerly the Citrus Bowl) for the second time in school history. The Crimson Tide defeated Ohio State in the 1995 CompUSA Florida Citrus Bowl.

On the other side of the coin, the Michigan State Spartans will be making their third appearance in the Capital One Bowl (2000, 2009).

The 2011 Capital One Bowl will mark the
first-ever meeting between Alabama and Michigan State.

In respect to game preparation, Alabama will return to the practice field Dec. 16 and will arrive in Orlando on the evening of Dec. 25.

Three Tide Players Invited to Senior Bowl

Three members of the University of Alabama football team have received invitations to participate in the Under Armour Senior Bowl.

Preston Dial, Greg McElroy and James Carpenter have been selected to play in the annual event held at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.



The game is comprised of the nation’s most elite seniors and allows NFL coaches and scouts to not only survey notable talent, but also discover several “diamonds in the rough.”

Tickets for the Jan. 29, 2011 Under Armour Senior Bowl range from $10 to $24 and can be purchased online at seniorbowl.com.

The NFL Network will televise the game at 3 p.m. CST.

Adult Basketball League

Guest written by our friend Katie Callahan

There are a couple adult basketball leagues that I participate in every season in the Portland, OR metro area. The first is the Men's C League which is run by a private organization. The games are held at local facilities such as the "Y" or most of the public high school gymnasiums. In the past, I have played games through this organization at grade school playgrounds but this is a rare occurrence. My house is in a lower income neighborhood and so I make sure to set my adt home security alarm before I go out to play hoops. The other organization I participate in is a confederation of churches. The main reason for playing with this league is that I am an older gentleman and the league is strictly for men above the age of forty. There are a couple rules against profanity and the captains of most teams are men that have been affiliated with the league for at least a couple seasons. While the level of competition is not always there, it has consistently been a nice place to meet friends and get involved in games of poker or chess. The chance for camaraderie with fellow baby boomers is something I take full advantage of. The Portland, OR adult basketball league scene is worth one's time and there are also leagues for women.

Tide Safety Mark Barron Undergoes Surgery

Alabama Crimson Tide safety Mark Barron is in the early stages of recovery following surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.

Barron sustained the injury against Auburn when he tried to strip the football from wide receiver Emory Blake on Auburn’s initial touchdown of the game.

Due to the surgery and necessary recovery time, Barron will not be available for the bowl game.

Alabama is expected to receive a bowl invite from either the Capital One, Cotton or Outback Bowl on Sunday.

Mark Barron led Alabama in tackles during the 2010 season with a total of 75. The Crimson Tide safety also accumulated 54 solo tackles and was credited with two sacks.

In respect to pass defense, Barron was credited with three interceptions and six pass breakups.

Based on surgery and rehabilitation time, the setback could play a vital factor for Barron as far as the NFL Draft is concerned.

The Tide safety is a junior, but is expected to “test the waters” in respect to the NFL.

Barron’s decision to return for his senior season or enter the NFL Draft could very well hinge on his rehabilitation.

Converting Fans

Guest post of the week by Roscoe Harris

I grew up in Pittsburgh. While that might not mean anything to some people, those who are from the area understand the pride instilled in me for anything from the area. I grew up enjoying everything the city had to offer. This naturally includes the passion and love I have for the professional Pittsburgh sports teams. Sure, laugh at me because I still follow the Pirates. Though they are on the longest losing streak ever, I am still loyal to them. I'm just thankful that the Steelers and Penguins make up for it!

I moved away from Pittsburgh after graduating college. I was offered a job opportunity in New Mexico that was too good to pass up. One of the first things I did was have Satellite TV specials installed so I wouldn't miss any of my Penguins games. I try to make it home at least twice a year so I can see both of my favorite teams play a home game. The rest of the time, I will host parties at my house. I have so many black and gold decorations that my friends all poke fun at my obsession. It's okay though. It's a small price to pay for being a fan of two awesome teams so far from home. It's funny though. When I first moved here, I was the only fan. In the 15 years I have been here, I have managed to convert over a dozen friends to the 'Burgh mentality.

Scott Expected to Transfer, Hill Plans Return

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back B.J. Scott is expected to transfer.

Scott, a former five-star prospect and member of the 2008 signing class, has simply never reached his full potential at Alabama and has played very little during his time in Tuscaloosa.

The Mobile product was originally a reserve wide receiver during the 2008 season and after being redshirted in 2009…was moved to defensive back in 2010.

Due to lack of playing time and a recent ankle injury which required surgery, Scott is expected to transfer closer to home.

The University of South Alabama, coached by former Tide wide receiver Joey Jones, is high on Scott’s radar.

At this time Scott has not been officially released from his scholarship at Alabama, but the Crimson Tide coaching staff have been informed of his plans.



While B.J. Scott is expected to leave, former Alabama linebacker Alfy Hill appears to be planning his return.

Initially reported in August, Hill was forced to leave Alabama just weeks before the season began after being ruled as an academic non-qualifier by the NCAA.

Upon leaving Tuscaloosa, Hill was expected to enroll at a junior college, meet the necessary academic standing…and return to Alabama.

Hill (in what was considered a shock) enrolled at East Carolina and it seemed that Alabama would never have a shot at reclaiming the talented linebacker.

However, during the month of October, Alfy Hill left East Carolina and his journey has now taken him to Itawamba Community College where he has once again appeared on the Alabama recruiting board.

Hill will begin classes in the spring semester and could potentially graduate in Dec. of 2011.

Itawamba coach Jon Williams has suggested that Alfy Hill wanted to be at Alabama, but the NCAA declared him ineligible…which forced him to leave.

Crimson Notes 11/29/10: Tide Injury Report

Outside of the obvious injury known as “heartbreak,” the Alabama Crimson Tide did sustain several injuries on Friday afternoon against the Auburn Tigers.

The most evident injury involved Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy. In the closing stages of the game McElroy was sacked and slammed to the Bryant-Denny turf which caused a concussion.

McElroy is on the road to recovery and will be in good health for the bowl game, but the injury was certainly a scary moment for Tide fans.

On the flipside, Tide safety Mark Barron sustained an injury view fans were able to detect.

Barron suffered a torn pectoral muscle while attempting to strip the football from the hands of wide receiver Emory Blake on the initial Auburn touchdown.

Blake juggled the football and in the process of trying to dislodge the ball from Blake’s hands…Barron was injured.



Unfortunately for Alabama, the injury to Barron would later cost the Tide on the scoreboard.

In the third quarter of play Cameron Newton connected with Terrell Zachery for a 70-yard touchdown. Due to the injury, (inability to lift his arm) Barron was forced to stop and wait for Zachery to make the catch, rather than making an actual play on the football.

The Tide safety is scheduled to have an MRI in order to assess the damage.

In a similar fashion to Greg McElroy, both Darius Hanks and Julio Jones were injured during the latter stages of the game.

Hanks suffered bruised ribs, while Jones sustained a bruised knee on a kickoff return.

Jones was able to return to the field for the final series of the game, but the Tide leading receiver stood alone while McElroy and Hanks remained sidelined.

Season Tickets

Guest post by Terrell House

Since moving to Pittsburgh a few years ago, I have slowly been learning all that the city offers. There are museums, amusement parks, aviaries, science centers, and so many other things a person can do. There are so many stores that offer unique items and the restaurants are just amazing. It wasn't until last year that I started to become a true Pittsburgher by following the Penguins. They had just fired their coach mid-season and a new unknown coach was coming in to save the day. Not only did he do that, he also took them to the playoffs. The team was on fire, and the fans were in a frenzy.

People who showed no interest in hockey suddenly became interested. That is how I fell into it. The news stories started getting longer, so I finally tuned into a game one night on my Satellite TV. One thing I can say is it is definitely an addictive game. Those guys have to be in incredible physical shape to take the brutal hits they take and still be able to play. I'd be in bed for a week if I was hit even half as hard by someone. I really enjoy the game now and I have even submitted a request to have season tickets. There is a waiting list for it, so almost 4,000 people are in front of me on it. That's okay though, I am patient.

Teflon Tigers: Auburn, Newton Defeat Alabama

The dream season will continue for the Auburn Tigers as once again they proved that no deficit is too much to overcome.

Cameron Newton threw three touchdowns and ran for another as the Auburn Tigers stormed back from a 24-0 deficit to claim the 75th “Iron Bowl”…28-27.

At this stage in the season it appears the only thing that can stop Auburn…is the NCAA committee on infractions. When all is said and done the Tigers may not be “Teflon,” but from a football standpoint…Auburn can’t be matched.

Call it talent, call it luck or call it a combination of both, the Auburn Tigers are on the verge of a national championship.

In respect to the “Iron Bowl”…Alabama had the perfect scheme on both sides of the ball…for the initial half.

The Crimson Tide stormed out of the gate and took a 21-0 lead before Auburn was able to garner a single first down.

During the early stages of the contest, Alabama held a 314-2 advantage in respect to total yards.



However, when the game ended, the 75th “Iron Bowl” would not be known for the amazing Alabama offensive performance or the defensive scheme that finally put a stop to Cameron Newton and the Auburn offense.

The 2010 version of the “Iron Bowl” will forever be remembered as…”Choke ‘Bama Choke.”

In what has officially been called the greatest comeback in Auburn football history and the biggest collapse in the last 50 years of Alabama football…”Choke ‘Bama Choke” seems like the perfect title.

In what can only be described as a “vanilla” offense (second half) and a series of missed scoring opportunities, the Alabama offensive unit handed Auburn an early Christmas present.

In retrospect, this game was more about what Alabama didn’t do…rather than what Auburn actually accomplished.



The Alabama offense left as many as four touchdowns on the table…and it was certainly the difference in the game.

Alabama scored 21 points in the initial period of play…yet only managed to score 6 points the rest of the game.

Numerous touchdowns squandered, critical turnovers and a very “vanilla/safe” Alabama offense in the second half proved to be the destruction of the Crimson Tide on Friday afternoon.

The Auburn Tigers were “out for the count,” but instead of finishing
the fight…Alabama helped them off the mat.

When the chips were down, the Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t end the Auburn “dream season”…they saved it.

Coming Soon: Alabama Injury Report