Gators in the Moonlight: Florida/Tide in Primetime

The top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide will enter the second game of a demanding three game stretch on Saturday night, as the No. 7 Florida Gators come to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Life without Tim Tebow has been a struggle at times for the Gators, but Florida is still loaded with talent and speed on both sides of the ball.

At the quarterback position the Gators are led by John Brantley.

Unlike Tim Tebow, Brantley is a true
pocket-passer. However, Brantley does possess quickness and solid footwork.

Brantley has thrown for 700 yards thus far in 2010, including six touchdowns and one interception.

One of the biggest storylines for this game has centered (and will continue to center) around Jeff Demps.

Demps, the leading rusher for the Gators (almost 400 yards), injured his left foot against Tennessee and injured the foot once again in the contest with Kentucky.

Demps was in a protective boot the initial portion of the week and is listed as “probable” for the ‘Bama game.

Even if Demps plays, his effectiveness will certainly be in question.

If Demps is unable to play or heavily hindered by his injury, the bulk of the ground game will depend on Mike Gillislee and Emmanuel Moody.


Florida’s Trey Burton will also provide the additional storyline for the Florida/Alabama contest.

Burton is simply a “do everything” performer for the Gators.

Burton set a Florida school record with six touchdowns against Kentucky. The
all-purpose athlete lined up at quarterback, tight end and receiver against the Wildcats.

At the quarterback position Burton ran the “Wildcat” to perfection, but also completed a 42-yard pass.

It goes without saying; the Alabama defense will need to limit the production of Trey Burton.

Florida is known for having speed merchants on offense that can do a little bit of everything. Trey Burton is certainly one of those guys.

For the second consecutive week, the Alabama secondary will be forced to cover a talented group of receivers.

The Gators are led by Deonte Thompson (18 receptions for 248 yards), Carl Moore (11 receptions for 148 yards) and Omarius Hines (9 receptions for 125 yards).

Jeff Demps also has 11 receptions for 61 yards on the season, but as mentioned above, his playing status and certainly playing effectiveness is in question due to his injury.

We know how talented Alabama is on the offensive side of the ball, but the Crimson Tide will be facing a very talented and very tough Florida defense.

The Gators have designed a plan to contain the Alabama ground game. In what is known as the “heavy package,” the Gators will use five defensive linemen and two middle linebackers to limit the Alabama rushing attack.

Alabama gained 251 yards against Florida in the SEC title game so it goes without saying, stopping the run will be critical for the Gator defense.

Not only will Florida attempt to stop the run, but the Gators will look to shutdown Greg McElroy thanks to three of the best cover men in the nation.

Safety Ahmad Black, safety Will Hill and cornerback Janoris Jenkins will be a tough challenge for the Alabama quarterback and receivers.

Crimson Notes 9/28/10

Alabama safety Robert Lester has been named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his stellar performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks.



Lester intercepted Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett on two occasions Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville.

The first interception ended an Arkansas scoring drive (in the end zone) and the second allowed the Tide to obtain the go-ahead touchdown in the final period of play.

On the injury front, Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus continues to recover from an ankle injury he suffered against Arkansas.

Dareus was injured during the latter portion of the first half and was noticeably favoring his ankle during the second half of action against the Razorbacks.

Although the injury is not considered serious, Dareus isn’t expected to practice in “full form” until Wednesday.



‘Bama quarterback Greg McElroy sustained a deep thigh bruise in the contest with Arkansas.

However, the injury is considered minor and will not cause McElroy to miss any practice time this week.

The Tide quarterback admits to being sore, but says the injury is just simply part of the game.

McElroy took a shot to the upper portion of his leg which was not protected by his thigh pad.

The Great Escape: Alabama Defeats Arkansas

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett had his way with the Alabama defense through three quarters, but when the game was on the
line…the champions prevailed.

Mallett threw two critical interceptions in the final period of play which helped propel the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide to a 24-20 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks.

In arguably the finest game of the entire 2010 season, Arkansas gave Alabama all they wanted and more.

The atmosphere in Fayetteville provided the perfect ingredients for an upset and for most of the game, an upset seemed inevitable.

Courtesy of Ryan Mallett and a young Alabama secondary, the Razorback offense moved the ball at will against the Crimson Tide for the majority of the contest.

On the day, Mallett completed 25 of 38 passes for 357 yards including one touchdown. However, three interceptions (two in the final period) are the only stats Ryan Mallett will remember.

Arkansas jumped on Alabama early and often during the initial half of play.

The Alabama offense was solid, but like Mallett, Greg McElroy would also throw critical interceptions which gave the Hogs not only the ball…but the momentum.

The uncharacteristic ‘Bama turnovers allowed Arkansas to shred the Tide secondary and when the teams headed for the locker room, the Hogs held a 17-7 advantage.

Even though an upset was brewing in Fayetteville…Alabama wasn’t totally stymied.

With the Hogs leading 20-7 in the third quarter, Trent Richardson found the end zone via a 20-yard screen pass to cut the lead to 20-14.

In the final period of play, the Tide would add a field goal to cut the Arkansas lead to three.

With the game hanging in the balance, Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett was intercepted by Tide safety Robert Lester (second of the day) on a critical third down play.


Lester would return the ball deep into Hog territory, which would allow Mark Ingram to give Alabama the lead courtesy of a 1-yard touchdown run.

Ryan Mallett was solid…but Mark Ingram was Mr. Heisman. When the day was done, Ingram would rush for 157 yards and two touchdowns (54-yards and 1-yard) on 24 carries.

With the Tide clinging to a 24-20 lead in the final moments of the contest, Mallett was flushed out of the pocket and was once again intercepted, this time by cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick.

‘Bama would simply “hit the knees” and take a hard fought victory back to Tuscaloosa.

As mentioned above, the Alabama offense was the best Arkansas defense for the majority of the initial half. The “shaky Tide” was due in large part to ‘Bama quarterback Greg McElroy.

The Tide signal caller finished the day 18 of 26 passing for 194 yards which included one touchdown…but two critical interceptions.

Alabama certainly left some points on the table, but the same defense which had been burned early and often, recovered to save the game.

When you have a game of this nature, several stats seem to jump off the page in respect to the “hits and misses” for each team.

Alabama was 8 of 14 in third down conversions, while the Hogs were a dreadful 2 of 10.

The Crimson Tide also had the ball longer, which loomed large against the high octane offense of the Razorbacks.

Bama had the ball 33:52 compared to the Razorbacks who only possessed the ball, 26:08.

In a funny, yet fitting stat, both the Tide and the Hogs gained a total of 421 yards on offense.

As for Ryan Mallett, he had 313 yards and one touchdown through three quarters. In the final stanza when it meant the most….only 44 yards, no touchdowns…and two interceptions.

How bad do you want to win? The contest in Fayetteville was certainly a “character builder” for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

FUN FACT: Alabama running back Mark Ingram only had two carries for more than 45 yards during the entire 2009 season. The 54-yard touchdown against the Razorbacks marked the third occasion this season…in only two games of action.

Alabama/Arkansas: Nick Saban Postgame Presser

Alabama/Arkansas: Hype Won’t Save Razorbacks

“Sexy pick”…meet conventional wisdom.

As is often the case in the sporting world, various media types will pick an upset because the “timing is right” or the “atmosphere is perfect”…etc.

Many times the “experts” share in the same delusion as many fans. Out of the clear blue sky facts become irrelevant and desire and the “home field advantage” trump all logic.

The Alabama/Arkansas contest on Saturday afternoon is the perfect example of “hype” over substance.

Hype over substance? Yes…that is correct.

In the sporting world, facts and wisdom so often take a backseat to the “sexy pick” and all that used to matter…becomes irrelevant.

Arkansas will win courtesy of Ryan Mallett, the home field advantage, a weak Alabama secondary, red towels, and pig calls.

Sounds like perfect logic…where do I sign?

The “hype” suggests that we ignore the fact that Arkansas is a one-dimensional football team on offense and the rise and fall of the entire offense will depend on one player.

The “hype” also suggests that we ignore the fact that Alabama will showcase two of the best running backs in the nation on Saturday afternoon.

Shall we also ignore the fact that Alabama has a balanced offensive attack with weapons not only at the running back position…but at receiver?

Shall we ignore the fact the Arkansas offensive line will have a very tough time dealing with the Alabama defensive front?

Or…are we so “caught up” in the hype we just assume Ryan Mallett will have four seconds to throw every single time?

The commentary above is not a “dig” at Arkansas or the fans of the Razorbacks.

The commentary above is a dig at “expert” media types who several times a year (when they see fit) will put logic “out to pasture” in favor of the well-oiled, “hype machine.”

Arkansas is a quality football team with quality fans, but when the Hogs have nothing to scream about come Saturday night…don’t blame your team.

Blame the media who built the game up to be the “Super Bowl Gone College” when it was simply nothing more than another road game for the No. 1 team in the nation.

ALABAMA 38
ARKANSAS 24

Crimson Notes 9/23/10

In order to prepare for the Arkansas offense and quarterback Ryan Mallett, the Alabama defense is working on conditioning.

If the Hogs go “high-tempo” against the Tide, the Alabama defense wants to be prepared to sustain the episode.

Several Alabama linemen took to the treadmill this week to prepare for a possible Arkansas no-huddle or “hurry-up” offense.

The game of “musical chairs” continues at the linebacker position(s) for the defending national champs.

Jerrell Harris played three games at the inside linebacker position, but has spent a large portion of the week with the outside backers.

The move of Harris could signify more playing time for Nico Johnson. The Tide linebacker became a mainstay of/for the ‘Bama defense after Dont'a
Hightower was lost for the majority of the 2009 season with a knee injury.

Although Johnson has seen limited action thus far in 2010, the new “rotation” could very well work in his favor, starting this weekend at Arkansas.

Speaking of linebackers, it appears Jalston Fowler is officially…a former linebacker.

Fowler, who was recruited as a linebacker, was moved to the running back position earlier in the season.

The move (at the time) was said to be experimental and Fowler was used in short yardage and goal line situations in practice.

However, coach Nick Saban is now preparing Fowler as the fifth running back in the Alabama rotation.

Fowler, who looked very impressive in late-game action against Duke, now sits behind Demetrius Goode on the Alabama depth chart.

With so many storylines and key “factors” this weekend, Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower will be looking for revenge.

Saturday will mark the anniversary of a knee injury which prematurely ended his 2009 season.

The injury came against…the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Hightower was injured when he received a legal cut block in the first quarter of action. Even without Hightower, Alabama crushed Arkansas…35-7.

The Alabama/Arkansas game is very important, so of course we’ll see a “Humphrey” on the field.

Former Alabama running back Bobby Humphrey will be rooting for Alabama on Saturday…but he’ll also be rooting for his son.

Maudrecus Humphrey (freshman) plays wide receiver for the Razorbacks and will be featured on kickoff returns against the Crimson Tide.

Hog Heaven: Alabama Invades Arkansas

Child’s play is over…the season is here!

On Saturday afternoon the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide will travel to Arkansas to face the No. 10 ranked Razorbacks.

It goes without saying the game in Fayetteville will be the biggest game of the season for both teams to this point.

The Hogs have the home field advantage and the Hogs have star quarterback…Ryan Mallett.

In 2010, Mallett has thrown for over 1,000 yards including nine touchdowns. Mallett has a completion percentage of 70, going 70 for 100 on the young season.

How will Mallett fair against a young Alabama secondary?

Of the many storylines present for this particular contest, Mallet vs. the Tide defense is the most prominent.

In 2009, the Alabama Crimson Tide rolled the Razorbacks thanks in large part to the ineffectiveness of Ryan Mallett. The Hogs quarterback had his worse game of the season against the Alabama defense.

New year…new location…same Alabama victory?

Many ‘Bama fans think the change of scenery and the new Tide secondary won’t be enough to change the outcome for the Razorbacks. However, Hog fans are drooling at the idea of Ryan Mallett facing the inexperienced Alabama secondary.

“Chalkboard wise,” if the Hogs want to get the job done on the offensive side of the ball, they’ll need solid line protection.

Any coach and/or football mastermind will tell you that a great quarterback quickly becomes an average quarterback under pressure.

Before Ryan Mallett can have time in the pocket to test the young Alabama secondary, he must have time to throw.

If Mallett is disrupted, the receivers will be disrupted.

An effective passing game (and running game) must start at the point of attack, which is obviously the offensive line.

The goal of the Alabama defense will be to present Mallett with various defensive looks and blitz packages.

Nick Saban is a defensive genius, so the primary goal for Saturday will be to confuse the Arkansas quarterback.

Arkansas is a one-dimensional football team on offense. The Hogs only use the run to keep the defense honest, but success on the ground and the idea of establishing a long-term running attack is not part of the Arkansas agenda.

If Ryan Mallett has time in the pocket to throw the football, the Alabama secondary will most likely be exposed by a top rate quarterback and talented receivers.

The Arkansas receiving unit consists of primary targets Joe Adams, Greg Childs and D.J Williams.

Adams leads the team in receiving yards with 344, while Childs leads the Razorbacks in receptions with 19.

D.J. Williams is third on the team in receptions with 14 in total, but is arguably the most unsung member of the Arkansas offense. Williams is big and burly and plays the tight end position extremely well.

Williams is often the safety valve for Mallett when Adams and Childs are heavily covered.

Even with all the productivity, the key to success for the Arkansas offense and the Alabama defense will begin at the point of attack.

Mallett won’t be able to throw at will…if he’s sitting on his backside.

When the roles are reversed, can the Arkansas defense contain the Alabama offense? The eyes of a betting man would say no.

The Arkansas defense looks stronger than the “doormat” version of 2009, but for all the weapons the Razorbacks have to offer on offense…the Tide simply offers more.

Arkansas is one-dimensional and Alabama has more weapons than the military!

The reason Alabama is favored to win the game is simply based on production. For as much as Arkansas may well produce against the Tide secondary, many people can’t fathom a situation where Alabama loses the game.

Why?

Do the names Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Julio Jones, Darius Hanks, Marquis Maze (etc) hold any importance?

The Arkansas offense will rise or fall based on the production of Ryan Mallett. The Alabama offense won’t “flounder” just because Greg McElroy has a lackluster outing.

In 2009, all the talk leading up to the Alabama/Arkansas contest was Ryan Mallett.

When the day was done, it was Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy who looked superior and had the better performance.

The 2010 version of Alabama/Arkansas should be no different.

The Arkansas defense will simply not be able to meet the challenge and stop the Alabama offense on a consistent basis

If the hogs “load the box” to stop the run, Greg McElroy will have open receivers for a little game of “pitch and catch” for the entire afternoon.

Alabama has a well-balanced offensive attack that will exploit the Arkansas defense. McElroy will have the “better game” because the Arkansas defense will have to protect against the ‘Bama run threat.

The simple fact that Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson are on the field will make the Alabama passing game more effective against the Arkansas defense.

Arkansas has an explosive offense, but Alabama has an explosive team.

All the “red shirts” and “towel waving” won’t help the Hogs come Saturday.

It will take more than a few solid offensive players to derail the entire Alabama football team.

Ryan Mallett is a great quarterback, but like so many great quarterbacks…he doesn’t play defense.

Arkansas is too limited…and Alabama is simply too good.

The Alabama Offensive: Tide Annihilate Duke

Alabama running back Mark Ingram rushed for 48 yards on the first play of the game…and the lights went out in Durham.

The cliché is as old as time, however, “it was over before it ever began” is the perfect summary for what took place at Duke University.

Mark Ingram rushed for 151 yards on nine carries and scored two touchdowns, as the Alabama Crimson Tide destroyed the Duke Blue Devils, 62-13.

The 62 points amassed by the Crimson Tide was the highest scoring output in 19 years. The Tide scored 62 against Tulane in 1991.

Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy passed for three touchdowns in route to a solid performance…in limited action.

McElroy finished the day 14 of 20 for 258 yards, including one interception.

On the receiving end, Julio Jones caught five passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.

Arguably the most exciting play of the game came when Trent Richardson mishandled a kickoff, yet proceeded to recover the ball and race 91 yards for a touchdown.

The “drop” caused Duke to overrun the play which resulted in Richardson going virtually untouched to the end zone.

When the day was done, Alabama gained 626 yards of total offense. The Crimson Tide broke the 600-yard mark for the first time since 1989.

The first-half output of 45 points was the most in any half by 'Bama since 1973.

The Alabama offense was a juggernaut against Duke, especially in the initial half. The Tide offense was so efficient, Alabama didn’t face a third down scenario until the third quarter of play.

In his return to the gridiron, Mark Ingram became the first running back from a BCS conference to rush for 150 yards while carrying the ball less than 10 times.

As mentioned above, Ingram rushed for 151 yards on nine carries in his 2010 debut against the Blue Devils.

Alabama/Duke: Blue Devils no Match for ‘Bama

Duke by 20! Wait…this isn’t basketball?

On the hardwood, ‘Bama/Duke wouldn’t be much of a discussion. The Blue Devils would certainly take Alabama to the cleaners and leave the bill at the door.

However, the contest at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday afternoon…is (unfortunately for Duke)…football.

The Duke offense is talented and the Blue Devils do offer some of the best receivers in the Atlantic Coast Conference and one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

However, the “best” Duke has to offer could be handled by the Alabama third-string defense.

Wallace Wade Stadium only holds 34,000 spectators, so extra seating will be added for the contest on Saturday afternoon.

The atmosphere should be outstanding and the crowd will be electric!

How many times does a school get the opportunity to play host to the No. 1 team in the nation? Not often.

The setting will be “unique,” as David welcomes Goliath to the playing field.

The game certainly has an allure due to the fact the contest is at Duke, but the actual game…will be a debacle for the Blue Devils.

Duke will put a couple of scores on the board, but the Blue Devils simply don’t have the athleticism to contain Alabama for an entire game.

The Alabama offense will mince the Duke defense and the only question pertaining to this game…will be the point spread.

ALABAMA 47
DUKE 13

Tide Players Battle Illness and Injury

Mark Ingram is healthy…but a few of his buddies have the crud.

Cornerback DeQuan Menzie missed practice on Tuesday with a stomach virus.

Although Menzie returned to practice the following day, other players are now “down with the sickness.”

Coach Nick Saban is now trying his best at “damage control” to prevent a major team issue.

The illness is minor compared to the flu outbreak of 2009 which impacted several college teams, but nevertheless, plenty of hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes are available for the ‘Bama players in order to prevent sickness throughout the team.

In other health/injury news, linebacker Courtney Upshaw and tackle James Carpenter have made daily improvements as they continue to recover from ankle injuries.

Upshaw saw limited action against Penn State due to an ankle sprain he suffered in the season opener against San Jose State.

Carpenter was injured during the game against Penn State and was seen leaving the field accompanied by medical staff.

Other than a few nagging ailments and a minor stomach virus, Alabama is healthy and will be ready for the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday.

Going Fishing

I appreciate the guest post, Ricky Mcguire.

So, would you like to know how much I love to go fishing? Fishing is very relaxing in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah is located about 350 miles southeast of Atlanta, Georgia. In Savannah, you have to purchase a permit in order to fish legally. There are many places to go fishing in this area due the coastal waters that surrounds the city.

My best fishing spot is Lazaretto Creek Marina and we go fishing in this area once a month. Lazaretto Creek is located on U.S. Highway 80 leading from Savannah, GA to Tybee Island, GA. The area is very close to the ocean and you can go deep sea fishing from this marina. Sometimes I am in a rush to go, but I always remember to set my house alarm system before I go fishing.

When I venture out on my fishing trip, my dog Rex is going fishing with me all the time. Most of the time, we know when the fish are biting because Rex begins to bark and bark. Then, he wags his tail and then I pull and pull until we get the fish into the boat. We catch a lot of fish in this fishing hole.

Yes, this is a fun spot to go fishing but we have watch for those dolphins because they will steal our fish.

High Octane: ‘Bama Preps for Duke Offense

The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-0) will take the show on the road this weekend as they travel to Durham, NC to tangle with the Duke Blue Devils (1-1) of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

When it comes to “high octane,” the Duke offense has more than enough under the hood.

The Blue Devils are led by quarterback Sean Renfree and a cast of runners and gunners!

Renfree, the generator of the Duke offense, has thrown for 708 yards and six touchdowns over the course of the first two games.

In the loss to Wake Forest last Saturday
(54-48), Renfree threw for 358 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Duke offense amassed 487 yards of total offense against the Demon Deacons thanks in large part to Renfree and his supporting cast.

Wide receivers Conner Vernon, Austin Kelly and Donovan Varner are the main targets of Sean Renfree. The trio have produced impressive numbers in the Duke passing game.

Conner Vernon was on the receiving end of eight Renfree passes against Wake Forest for a total of 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Austin Kelly caught 10 passes for 73 yards and one touchdown against the Demon Deacons while Donovan Varner had six grabs for 51 yards.

The Duke passing game is very effective, but the Blue Devils can also produce on the ground.

Running back Desmond Scott is a quality player and certainly one of the most underrated backs in the ACC.

Scott rushed for 122 yards and one touchdown at Wake Forest and certainly provides a different element to counter the Duke aerial attack.

Based on offensive numbers and notable playmakers, the Duke football team appears to be a “world-beater”…so what is the downside?

Duke…has no defense.

For as much as the Blue Devils produce on the offensive side of the ball, the defense is the antithesis in terms of production.

In the loss to Wake Forest, the Duke offense produced 48 points, but the defense allowed 54.

Duke exploded for 487 total yards against the Demon Deacons…but they allowed 500.

Wake Forest amassed 271 yards through the air and 229 yards on the ground against the deplorable Duke defense.

After the first two games of the 2010 season (Elon and Wake Forest) the Duke offense is averaging 44.5 points per contest. However, the defense allows a total of 40.5 points per game.

The Blue Devils may put a couple of touchdowns on the board against the sturdy Crimson Tide defense…but they may give up 70 points in the process.

Not even the great "Coach K" will be able to save Duke come Saturday afternoon.

Crimson Notes 9/13/10

After his outstanding performance against Penn State, Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been named the SEC
co-Offensive Player of the Week.

Richardson will share the honor with South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore. The talented Carolina freshman led the Gamecocks to victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.

On the injury front, Tide running back Mark Ingram will return to practice this week.

The reigning Heisman winner will see limited reps in practice, but only as a precaution.

How much Ingram will play is still very much in question, but the Tide running back will make his 2010 debut on Saturday afternoon at Duke.

Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Upshaw suffered the injury against San Jose State and saw very little action against Penn State.

Nick Saban said he didn’t want to risk further injury to Upshaw, so he was very restricted against the Nittany Lions.

Linebacker Chris Jordan (shoulder) and left tackle James Carpenter (ankle) were injured in the contest against Penn State, but are expected to practice this week.

Both Jordan and Carpenter will be “limited” for a couple of days, but should be ready to play on Saturday.

In what should be “common knowledge” at this stage, Marcell Dareus will return to action this weekend. The two-game suspension ordered by the NCAA has been served and Dareus is now eligible.

Alabama “Grounds” Overmatched Penn State

Trent Richardson rushed for 144 yards (102 in the first half) and one touchdown as the Alabama Crimson Tide cruised to a 24-3 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Penn State defense had gone 17 consecutive games without giving up 100 yards to a single running back, until Richardson exploded Saturday night.

While Richardson was the “talk” after the game…PSU quarterback Robert Bolden had been the “talk” leading up to the game.

How did the young freshman quarterback perform against the Alabama defense? Fair.

When it was all said and done, Bolden went 13-of-29 for 144 yards…including two interceptions.

The young quarterback seemed very poised at times, yet appeared very flustered by the Alabama defense and blitz.

Thanks to various defensive looks and the ‘Bama blitz, Will Lowery and Robert Lester intercepted Bolden, which diffused two promising Penn State offensive drives.

The PSU offense, led by Bolden, had several opportunities to put points on the board, but costly fumbles and interceptions doomed the offense.

Each time the Nittany Lions had momentum on the offensive side of the ball; the Crimson Tide defense would stand tall and force a turnover.

The Alabama defense held Penn State to 283 yards of total offense and only 156 yards through the air.

PSU running back Evan Royster was held in check as he rushed for only 32 yards on nine carries.

While the Nittany Lions offense struggled and turned the ball over in critical situations, the Alabama offense was very “business like” on the ground and through the air.

Tide running back Trent Richardson “stole the show” with his amazing success on the ground, but the Alabama air attack was very solid as well.

‘Bama quarterback Greg McElroy went 16-of-24 for 229 yards and two touchdowns.

The ability of Alabama to establish the run certainly aided in the Tide passing game in the initial portion of the contest.

In the first period of play, McElroy connected with wide receiver Kevin Norwood on a 36-yard touchdown strike to give the Tide an early 7-0 lead.

The touchdown by Norwood was not only the first of his young ‘Bama career, it was also the first pass reception of his college career.

In the second quarter of action, the Tide ground attack would once again allow McElroy to establish the pass. On this occasion the Alabama quarterback would find tight end Preston Dial in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown.

Jeremy Shelley would later add a 31-yard field goal and the Tide led by a score of 17-0 at the half.

The second half of play was rather “conservative” for the Crimson Tide. The Alabama offensive effort in the latter stages of the contest seemed very meticulous and detailed.

Tide running back Trent Richardson would add a 1-yard touchdown run in the final period of play to give Alabama a 24-0 lead.

Penn State would finally get on the scoreboard with 9:47 to go in the game courtesy of a 36-yard field goal.

Effective on the ground and through the air, Alabama had 409 yards of total offense against the Nittany Lions.

With the score 24-3, many Tide fans began to chant “SEC” as the final minutes ticked away at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Outside of the obvious Tide victory, the highlight of the evening may have occurred before the game ever began.

Former Florida State coach (and Alabama native) Bobby Bowden, joined Nick Saban and Joe Paterno on the stadium turf prior to kickoff.

The two winningest coaches in college football and arguably the best “active coach,” made the on field gathering something to behold.

FUN FACT: In the first two games of the 2010 season, Alabama has yet to allow a touchdown. The Crimson Tide currently lead the “season” by a score of 72-6.

Penn State/Alabama: Tide Simply Better

When you look at the Penn State/Alabama contest, many storylines are present and many factors could play a major role in the game.

Will the absence of Mark Ingram and Marcell Dareus have a major impact on the game? Most people seem to think Alabama can easily “handle” Penn State without Ingram and Dareus.

What about Tide linebacker Courtney Upshaw and offensive lineman DJ Fluker? Both men are dealing with ankle injuries which have kept them “limited” in practice this week.

The injury to Upshaw was more severe and the Tide linebacker was heavily taped and obviously affected by the ailment during practice.

Alabama is banged up and has one of the best defensive players in the nation out of action due to suspension. So the question must be asked…why is Alabama a double-digit favorite over the Nittany Lions?

Many media types and prognosticators feel that Penn State will be unable to “finish” and be incapable of sustaining an offensive attack against the Tide defense.

Penn State quarterback Robert Bolden is talented…but he plays a factor in the “point spread” for this contest.

Bolden will enter a very hostile environment for the first time in his college career. With a freshman at the controls, can Penn State have enough “composure” to handle not only various defensive looks…but the game atmosphere and crowd noise?

The 2010 edition of Penn State/Alabama is a match-up of two wonderful college football programs. The “game setting” for this contest is what novels and paintings are built upon.

However…this game should be over by the third quarter.

Penn State is a good team…perhaps a very good team, but the Nittany Lions will not be able to match 'Bama “blow-for-blow” and the second half will belong to the Tide.

The electric atmosphere could keep the game close for a quarter or so, but the same atmosphere will also be one of the factors which cripples PSU during critical “conversion” situations.

Simply stated…a “short-handed” ‘Bama squad is better than a fully stocked group of Nittany Lions.

The game certainly has all the ingredients for a classic contest, but Alabama is simply better.

‘Bama will move to 2-0 on the young season and one can only HOPE Joe Paterno receives a standing ovation from 101,000 Crimson Tide fans!

ALABAMA 31
PENN STATE 14

College Football Royalty…Penn State/Alabama

For the first time in 20 years, the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Alabama Crimson Tide will go head-to-head on the gridiron.

On Saturday night, legendary coach Joe Paterno will make his return to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time since Penn State defeated Alabama (9-0) in 1990.

Penn State and Alabama are not only rich in tradition, but have also provided the game of college football with some of the best moments in history.

Although history is a reminder of great tradition and great moments, the ability to seize the present will decide the 2010 edition of Penn State/Alabama.

The obvious storylines for this contest will revolve around the absence of Marcell Dareus, the uncertainty of Mark Ingram and the aptitude of Penn State freshman quarterback Robert Bolden.

The Dareus issue will simply be a case of other talented players filling the role. Individuals with insight into the daily “business” of the Alabama football program are well aware that Dareus is a major part of the defense…but certainly not irreplaceable.

Will Mark Ingram play against Penn State? The chances of the Tide running back participating in the game are highly unlikely. However, similar to the Dareus situation, Alabama has depth and Trent Richardson can certainly carry the load left by the reigning Heisman winner.

By taking a detailed look at the so-called “storylines” the most intriguing would appear to be that of Penn State quarterback Robert Bolden.

When a true freshman quarterback faces the No. 1 team in the nation, in Bryant-Denny Stadium and in front of 101,000 screaming fans…we certainly have a plot to examine.

Bolden was impressive in his college debut against Youngstown State as he completed 20 of 29 passes for a total of 239 yards and two touchdowns.

However, to state the obvious, Youngstown State is not Alabama…and Bryant-Denny Stadium is certainly not home.

The productivity or incapability of Bolden against the Crimson Tide defense could very well be the deciding factor in the game.

The Penn State offensive line appeared pedestrian at times against YSU and the Alabama defensive front will look to take advantage and exploit this possible weakness.

If the Tide can penetrate the offensive line, Bolden will be on the run against the Alabama defense. As any coach will convey…you don’t have to sack the quarterback to disrupt the quarterback.

Receivers Brett Brackett (who caught both Bolden touchdowns against YSU) and Derek Moye are the primary targets of Robert Bolden.

Brackett is listed at 6-foot-6 and tops the scale at 246 pounds. The young Alabama secondary could have major issues trying to contain the very tall and experienced receiver.

Derek Moye caught five passes for a total of 61 yards in the Penn State season opener against Youngstown State. Expect Robert Bolden to look for Moye as an alternate receiver when Brackett faces unyielding coverage.

In the spirit of “smash-mouth football”…the Tide defense will need to contain Penn State running back Evan Royster.

Royster, who only needs 441 yards to become the all-time leading rusher in school history, will be an essential piece of the Penn State offense on Saturday night.

If the Penn State passing gain struggles, the Nittany Lions will have to depend on Royster to provide the offensive firepower.

Royster was held to only 40 yards against Youngstown State and now he must face an Alabama defense which is known for stopping the run.

We all know about the offensive weapons Alabama has to offer and the Tide should be productive against the Penn State defense.

However, the 2010 edition of Penn State/Alabama will most likely be decided when Penn State has the football.

How will the young quarterback perform in front of a great defense and hostile crowd? Will the Alabama secondary be able to cover a 6-foot-6 receiver (Brackett) efficiently for an entire game? Will Penn State running back Evan Royster prove he is one of the best running backs in the nation…or will he simply become a victim of the ‘Bama defense?

The Penn State offense versus the Alabama defense…grab the popcorn and enjoy!