HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I want to personally wish everyone a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and also take this time to thank everyone for all the support thus far during the 2010 season!

I'll return to "football action" next week as I will bring you another edition of “Crimson Notes” and the game preview for the all important contest against LSU in Baton Rouge.

The month of November should be chaos personified, so buckle down the
television…and stay tuned!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN and ROLL TIDE!

Current BCS Standings: 'Bama in Good Position

1) Auburn 8-0
2) Oregon 7-0
3) Boise State 6-0
4) TCU 8-0
5) Michigan State 8-0
6) Missouri 7-0
7) Alabama 7-1
8) Utah 7-0
9) Oklahoma 6-1
10) Wisconsin 7-1

KEY GAMES THIS WEEK:
1) Auburn at Ole Miss
2) Oregon at USC
5) Michigan State at Iowa
6) Missouri at Nebraska

Crushed Orange: Alabama Dismantles Tennessee

University of Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones set a single-game school record with 221 receiving yards, as the Alabama Crimson Tide crushed the Tennessee Volunteers by a score of 41-10.

Jones, who suffered a broken hand against South Carolina, played the best game of his college career on Saturday night.

Not only did Jones set a new school record for the most receiving yards in a single game, but he also had a career-high 12 receptions.

Courtesy of Julio Jones in the passing game and the duo of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson on the ground, Alabama gained 536 yards of total offense.

The initial half of play was a struggle for Alabama and the Crimson Tide only led the overmatched Volunteers by a score of 13-10. However, the entire second stanza would belong to Alabama, as the Crimson Tide would score 28 unanswered points.

Quarterback Greg McElroy passed for 264 yards while A.J. McCarron (in mop-up duty) completed three passes (perfect on the night) for a total of 62 yards and one touchdown.

In the rushing department Trent Richardson had a total of 12 carries for 119 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown run. Reigning Heisman winner Mark Ingram rushed for 88 yards on 14 carries.

The Alabama defense allowed Tennessee running back Tauren Poole to rush for 117 yards in the game. Poole became the first individual player to rush for over 100 yards against the Alabama defense in 41 games.

Even though Poole was solid on the ground, the Alabama defensive unit was strong.

The Tide limited the Vols to only 10 points in the contest and intercepted two passes.

Courtesy of safety Robert Lester and cornerback B.J. Scott, Alabama continues to lead all of major college football with a total of 15 interceptions.

The Alabama Crimson Tide currently hold a four game winning streak over the Tennessee Volunteers and under Nick Saban, Alabama has outscored Tennessee 70-26 in Knoxville.

Nascar Races: My New Love

Post contributed by Amanda Alvarez

As a huge sports fan, I have always been proud of the fact that I have been to way more sporting events than most people. I have been to over 300 baseball games, 400 NBA basketball games, and more than 100 NFL football games. One time a friend of mine listened to my story skeptically. He then asked how many Nascar races I had been to. Puzzled, I asked him if he thought that Nascar was a sport. He replied that it most certainly was. I wasn't too sure, so I did some research. Once I was able to satisfactorily convince myself that it was indeed a sport, I began jumping for joy.

I had found a new sport to conquest. It is my initial goal to attend 100 Nascar races. So far, I have been to 72. My favorite races are the ones in Florida. The weather down there is so beautiful. I sometimes rent an RV when I go down there, because hotels and motels are notoriously hard to find in cities when a Nascar event is in town. Many people have asked me if I am worried about leaving my home abandoned as I trek across the country to go to these events. I usually reply that I am always extremely careful to properly set my ADT Home Security alarm, so I have nothing to worry about.

Alabama/Tennessee: Crimson Tide Task Force

When it comes to this particular game, Tennessee is not a “rival” Alabama needs to beat in order to extend the “bragging rights” in this series.

The Tennessee Volunteers are simply a
team…in the way of the prize.

The focus for Alabama following the loss at South Carolina has not changed.

If Alabama “wins out” they will play for the SEC title and by doing so, have a very strong chance to play for the national championship.

If you’re an Alabama coach, player or fan, the Tennessee Volunteers are simply another team you have to defeat in order to obtain your goals.

In respect to the game in question, Tennessee is incredibly young and certainly lacks depth at key positions. Alabama has more skill players and simply has more talent.

However, Alabama has had a difficult time in 2010 in respect to playing well on the road. Outside of the massacre at Duke, the Crimson Tide have lacked focus and intensity.

If Alabama comes prepared to play from a mental standpoint and displays the proper intensity and discipline to compete at a high level…the game should go as many expect.

Come Saturday night, the Alabama Crimson Tide will mark Tennessee off the
“to-do” list.

ALABAMA 33
TENNESSEE 13

‎2011 Alabama Football Schedule

Sept. 3 Kent State
Sept. 10 at Penn State
Sept. 17 North Texas
Sept. 24 *Arkansas
Oct. 1 *at Florida
Oct. 8 *Vanderbilt
Oct. 15 *at Ole Miss
Oct. 22 *Tennessee
Nov. 5 *LSU
Nov. 12 *at Miss. State
Nov. 19 GA Southern
Nov. 26 *at Auburn

*SEC GAMES

Rocky Road Tennessee: High Tide...Low Vols

The Tennessee/Alabama football rivalry is one of the preeminent rivalries in all of college athletics.

It has been several years since both schools had “powerhouse” teams during the same season, but the history of the rivalry and what the game means to each fanbase will never change.

The Alabama Crimson Tide enter the 2010 version of this celebrated rivalry as the No. 7 team in the land (6-1, 3-1 SEC), while the Tennessee Volunteers under new coach Derek Dooley…have struggled. The Vols (2-4, 0-3 SEC) are one of the youngest teams in the country and have paid the price this season.

Tennessee has talent, but as a unit…the Vols have been miserable in 2010.

The Vols have been dismantled by Oregon and Georgia, lost at home to Florida and were defeated by LSU in one of the wildest finishes in recent memory.

In respect to victories…Tennessee has defeated Tennessee-Martin and the UAB Blazers. The Vols defeated UAB 32-29…in overtime.

As has been the case since 2008, the only thing Tennessee has to gain in this contest is honest confidence for the remainder of the season and the satisfaction of ruining the SEC and possible national title hopes of Alabama.

The Tennessee Volunteers have absolutely nothing to lose come Saturday night, which is all the more reason Alabama better be ready for anything…and everything.

We all know what happens when you don’t respect the opposition. If Alabama wants to play in Atlanta and possibly Glendale, Arizona…the Crimson Tide will respect Tennessee.

When it comes to the Tennessee offense, the Volunteers are led by quarterback Matt Simms.

Simms has thrown for 1,136 yards thus far in 2010. The Vols leading passer has also thrown a total of seven touchdown passes and four interceptions.

Rumors have been swirling all week that Tyler Bray could see action at the quarterback position against Alabama.

Bray has only attempted 18 passes all season, but was impressive in late game action at Georgia.

On the ground, the Volunteers are led by Tauren Poole. Even though Tennessee is 2-4 on the season, the bright spot has certainly been found in the play of the Vols leading rusher.

Poole has a total of 478 yards this season, including five touchdowns.



David Oku and Rajion Neal are quality backs for Tennessee, but the workload has been carried by Poole in 2010.

At the receiver position, the main targets of Matt Simms are Denarius Moore, Justin Hunter, Zach Rogers, Luke Stocker and Gerald Jones.

Moore leads the team in total receptions (18) and total receiving yards (257) and also has four touchdowns to his credit.

In respect to the contest with Alabama, look for Moore, Gerald Jones and tight end Luke Stocker to be utilized often. Stocker is a quality player and certainly proved to be a factor against Alabama last season.

The Tennessee offense has the talent to be efficient, but the defense will have to contain Alabama to give the Volunteers a chance to be successful.

Linebacker Nick Reveiz and cornerback Janzen Jackson are talented players, but the Tennessee defensive unit as a whole will have to play sound football if they want to keep Alabama under 30 points.

Crimson Rewind: "Rocky Block 2009"

Football In The Fall

Thanks for the post from Noble Schultz

Fall brings with it football season. High school football, college football and national league football. My family participates in a youth league football known as Rocket football. The players are younger, the youngest being 8 years old. They have a cheerleading squad as well, with a team of cheerleaders for each team of football players, all in the same age group.

My daughter is a cheerleader this year. Game days like today are truly a test of dedication! Very cold and very windy, those boys love the game. The cheerleaders cheered them to a victory today. These fall mornings are wonderfully crisp, the colors are beautiful. We all attended the game this morning even though it was terribly windy and cold. I'm sure we will all pay for our dedication with runny noses and stuffy heads for a few days, but it was well worth it.

Before leaving for the game, we checked the satellite TV schedule on Direc4u.com. Because, when we're not going to football games, we love to watch movies together on satellite TV. Today we are hoping for a really good movie to watch while we all warm up with hot chocolate and maybe some popcorn

Crimson Notes 10/18/10

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Marquis Maze has been named the co-Special Teams Player of the Week in the SEC.

Against the Ole Miss Rebels, Maze had six punt returns for a total of 125 yards.

Kentucky kicker Ryan Tydlacka shared the honor with Maze thanks to his punting effort in the win over South Carolina.

Injury Report:

-DeQuan Menzie, Eddie Lacy, DeMarcus Milliner and Courtney Upshaw all limited today (Monday) with minor ailments. No serious injuries…just typical bumps and bruises.

-D.J. Fluker is still questionable for the Tennessee game as he continues to recover from a groin injury he suffered against South Carolina. Fluker missed the contest with Ole Miss due to the injury.

-Julio Jones is fine. The Tide wide receiver had his hand x-rayed and no additional damage was done during the game against Ole Miss.

Jones stretched his stitches which caused obvious discomfort, but he did not "injure" the hand.

Nick Saban reiterated (Monday) that Jones could have returned against Ole Miss, but the decision was made to keep him out of the game for basic precaution.

Taking the Defensive: ‘Bama Stymies Ole Miss

Courtesy of a sound defensive effort and an opportune 85-yard touchdown by Trent Richardson, the No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ole Miss Rebels by a score of
23-10 on homecoming.

For yet another week the Alabama rushing attack was held in check, but the Crimson Tide defense came ready to play.

Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was suffocated by the Alabama defensive pressure and spent the majority of the game on the run.

The Tide kept Masoli guessing and kept the Ole Miss offense off-balance.

From a defensive standpoint, this was the best game of the 2010 season for 'Bama in terms of pressuring the opposing quarterback and forcing errant passes.

Masoli finished the game 18 of 40 for 110 yards. The Ole Miss quarterback did throw a touchdown pass, but he also threw a critical interception late in the game to seal the Alabama victory.

Entering the contest with Ole Miss, the Alabama defense was second in major college football in respect to interceptions. The Mark Barron interception of Jeremiah Masoli (mentioned above) gave the Crimson Tide the overall lead with a total of 13 for the season.

Alabama receiver Julio Jones started the contest against Ole Miss, but only caught one pass before leaving the game after aggravating his broken hand.

Coach Nick Saban confirmed that Jones could have returned to action, but the decision was made to keep the Tide wide receiver on the sidelines for the remainder of the game unless he was undeniably needed for action.

Jones aggravated the hand when a pass bent his finger back, which caused obvious discomfort in his broken/surgically repaired left hand.

STATS OF NOTE:

-The Alabama defense held Ole Miss to only 10 points. Prior to the contest with Alabama, the Rebels had been averaging 37 points per game.

-Trent Richardson’s 85-yard screen pass reception for a touchdown was the longest play from scrimmage in his Alabama playing career. Richardson finished the game with a total of five receptions for 101 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.

-Ole Miss had 12 penalties against Alabama for a total of 106 yards.

-Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy completed 17 of 25 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

-The Crimson Tide have won 18 consecutive games at Bryant-Denny Stadium which matches the third-longest home winning streak in school history. The current streak is the longest since 1935.

Ole Miss/Alabama: Crimson Tide Rededication

The name of the game this weekend for the Alabama Crimson Tide will be based around two basic principles…intensity and discipline.

Ole Miss quarterback Jeremiah Masoli will present the Crimson Tide defense with several challenges.

The success of the ‘Bama defense will be due in large part to discipline and playing assignment football.

Like Cameron Newton of Auburn, Masoli is an effective runner. The Ole Miss quarterback is not afraid to run when receivers are covered, or call his “own number” and make a positive play…out of a busted play.

Nick Saban always preaches the importance of playing to a “standard” and maintaining the ability to focus and play your best, regardless of what the other team is doing.

The contest with Ole Miss will be “gut check time" for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Do you want to make the drive to Atlanta and play for the SEC title, or simply collapse and watch another team take your place in the Georgia Dome?

Ole Miss is a quality team, but the game Saturday night will be more about the mental status of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alabama is a physically gifted football team, but it takes more than physical ability to survive in the SEC. Without proper mental toughness you’re just another talented team…with several losses.

Life is easy when you’re winning, but the sign of a true champion is what comes after defeat.

ALABAMA 38
OLE MISS 14

Crimson Notes 10/14/10

Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones continues to make progress after suffering a broken left hand against South Carolina.

Jones had a plate and screws inserted into the hand on Sunday and has been medically cleared to play if he can tolerate the pain.

On Wednesday afternoon the Tide receiver was at full speed while participating in every practice drill.

Jones was also catching passes with ease while showing no ill effects from the injury and surgical procedure.

Jones’ playing status for the contest against Ole Miss is still in question, but it certainly appears the Tide receiver is moving in the right direction.

While Julio Jones is making progress and could potentially play against Ole Miss, Crimson Tide right tackle D.J. Fluker will not be available this weekend.

Fluker sustained a severe groin injury in the loss to South Carolina and has been limited to a stationary bike thus far in practice.

Alfred McCullough is expected to start at the right tackle position until Fluker has been cleared for action and is once again able to contribute.

Linebackers Courtney Upshaw and Chris Jordan continue to recover from injury. Upshaw (ankle) and Jordan (hamstring) have been participating in practice this week.

While Jordan appears to be on the mend, Upshaw’s right ankle remains heavily taped and the Tide linebacker continues to favor the ankle at times during practice.

Rebel Yell: Masoli, Ole Miss Journey to 'Bama

The No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide will return to action this weekend against the Ole Miss Rebels. 'Bama (5-1, 2-1) will look to rebound from a tough loss at South Carolina in which the Tide played very “tired” and undisciplined football.

The Ole Miss Rebels (3-2, 1-1) will look to pull the upset and also maintain team stability and momentum.

The entire nation watched as the Rebels were embarrassed by Jacksonville State during the first weekend of the college football season.

However, the Rebels have rebounded nicely and will look to give Alabama a second loss in as many weeks.

Coach Houston Nutt will lead the Rebels on the sidelines, but former University of Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, will direct the Rebels on the field.

Masoli, who put up impressive numbers during his time at Oregon, has been “hit or miss” thus far at Ole Miss.

Masoli has thrown for 823 yards and six touchdowns, but the Ole Miss quarterback has also thrown five interceptions.

The addition of Jeremiah Masoli to the Ole Miss football team has been a “positive,” but many people have questioned Masoli’s ability to perform against the high caliber defensive talent found in the SEC.

The Ole Miss quarterback will certainly have the opportunity to silence his critics with a big game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

On the ground, the Rebels are led by Brandon Bolden. The Ole Miss running back leads the team in rushing (518 yards) and has accumulated a total of five touchdowns thus far in 2010.

Bolden is a “power back” who is certainly not afraid to deliver contact in order to gain extra yardage.

The second leading rusher for the Rebels is none other than quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.

Courtesy of his mobility, Masoli is able to use his legs to gain yardage when the pocket collapses or receivers are blanketed down field.

Thus far in 2010, Masoli has 262 yards on 50 rushing attempts…including three touchdowns.

Outside of Bolden and Masoli, expect Ole Miss to utilize Enrique Davis and Jeff Scott in the running game. Davis and Scott have combined to score four touchdowns this season.

Once again, as is often the case in the SEC, the Alabama secondary will have to handle an impressive crop of receivers.

One of the biggest “eyesores” involving the Alabama defense has been the lack of discipline in the secondary. The Crimson Tide have talented players on defense, but the lack of “order” and numerous missed assignments have plagued the Alabama secondary…especially against quality opponents.

The Ole Miss receiving unit is led by Markeith Summers. Thus far in 2010, Summers has amassed a total of 242 yards and has 11 receptions to his credit. Two of those receptions resulted in touchdowns.

Other offensive weapons at the wide receiver position include Melvin Harris and Jesse Grandy.

Harris has nine receptions on the season for 170 yards and two touchdowns, while Grandy has 10 grabs for 142 yards and one touchdown.

The safety valve for Jeremiah Masoli is running back Brandon Bolden.

Not only is Bolden the leading rusher for the Rebels, he’s also tied for the team lead in total receptions (11) and fourth on the team in receiving yards with 124.

The chances of Ole Miss defeating Alabama in Tuscaloosa are rather slim, but the Rebels are certainly not a team to be taken lightly.

If the Alabama team (defense especially) take the field Saturday night with the same lack of focus and discipline they displayed against South Carolina, the Rebels should be able to keep the game reasonably close.

Jones Suffers Broken Hand, Fluker Groin Injury

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Julio Jones suffered a broken left hand in the loss to South Carolina.

Jones injured his hand in the initial half of play against the Gamecocks, yet managed to play through the injury.

Jones had a plate and screws inserted into his fractured hand on Sunday.

The timetable for Jones’ return is unknown at this time. Coach Nick Saban told reporters the return of Julio Jones will simply be based on pain tolerance.

The Crimson Tide receiver could miss a few days…or as much as a week.

Starting right tackle D.J. Fluker will be out at least a week after suffering what has been described as a “severe” groin injury.

The injury was visibly noticed during the South Carolina game as the Alabama medical staff attended to Fluker on the field.

Tide linebacker Courtney Upshaw continues to battle an ankle injury. Upshaw reaggravated the ankle against South Carolina and is listed as day-to-day this week.

Upshaw is expected to practice in preparation for Ole Miss, but he will certainly be restricted.

Carolina Pride: Gamecocks Defeat No. 1 Alabama

For the first time since November of 2007, the Alabama Crimson Tide have lost a regular season game.

Courtesy of three Stephen Garcia touchdown passes (two to Alshon Jeffery) and a three touchdown effort by Marcus Lattimore, the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide, 35-21.

Prior to Saturday afternoon, the Gamecocks had never defeated a No. 1 team in football. However, once the day was done, the Tide had been “rolled”…and South Carolina was the talk of the nation.

In a game which reminded many Alabama fans of the contest with Arkansas, the Tide fell in a hole during in the initial period of play.

Alabama kicked an early field goal to take a 3-0 lead, but South Carolina would quickly take control of the game thanks to an amazing effort by quarterback Stephen Garcia and a rocking crowd at Williams-Brice Stadium.

The Gamecocks led 21-9 at the half, but in typical and certainly expected fashion, Alabama rallied.

Following a safety and a Tide field goal, the lead was cut to 21-14, however the biggest opportunity for Alabama would come in the latter stages of the game.

South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was “all world” against the Crimson Tide, however a pass he should have caught, turned into an interception by Alabama defensive back Will Lowery.

With the Gamecocks leading 28-21 early in the fourth quarter, Alabama was given a short field courtesy of the interception with a chance to tie the game and gain the momentum.

However, the Tide scoring attempt would stall and a fake field goal would prove unsuccessful.

In retrospect, the inability of Alabama to produce after forcing a critical turnover certainly proved to be a major factor in the final result.

After the missed scoring opportunity for Alabama, the Gamecocks would orchestrate a 75-yard drive which would culminate in a Marcus Lattimore 2-yard touchdown run.

When the game was over the Alabama 19-game winning streak had been
snapped…and the No. 1 team had been trampled.



Video Courtesy of TideSports.com

STATS OF NOTE:

-Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson combined for only 64 yards rushing.

-As a team, the Tide only rushed for 38 yards (obviously counting sacks as minus yards) which is the third fewest in the Nick Saban era.

-Greg McElroy threw for a career-high 315 yards, but was sacked a total of seven times.

-South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns, going 17-of-20 for the game.

-Julio Jones caught eight passes for 118 yards and one touchdown, while South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery caught seven passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

Alabama/South Carolina: Crimson Fortitude

In order for South Carolina to defeat Alabama, the Gamecocks must force turnovers.

When you look at the Alabama Crimson Tide offense, not only are they methodical and efficient, but as a unit…they are typically mistake free.

However, as we all witnessed against Arkansas, rare Crimson Tide mistakes played a huge role in the game. The Hogs were able to maintain the lead thanks to critical Alabama turnovers.

The Alabama defense has a knack for giving up yards in 2010, but they also have a knack for keeping teams out of the end zone.

Can South Carolina put more than 20 points on the board against Alabama? Unless the Carolina defense can force turnovers and operate with a short field…the answer is no.

In a nutshell, the keys to the game are “joined” in many ways. In order for the South Carolina offense to be productive against the Tide defense, the South Carolina defense must “turn the Tide” and force turnovers.

If Alabama plays a virtually mistake free game, the Crimson Tide offense will simply pound the South Carolina defense into submission.

On the flipside, without the benefit of a short field (turnovers) the Carolina offense will be forced to sustain “long yardage” drives against a very tough and physical defense.

South Carolina can beat Alabama…but they will need turnovers from the Alabama offense. The Gamecocks are talented on both sides of the ball, but the offense will need help from the defense.

The Gamecocks are at home and all the ingredients for an upset are in place, but Alabama is simply too disciplined and too efficient to falter.

Football is obviously a physical game, but the ability to obtain mental toughness and fortitude will once again propel the Crimson Tide.

The only team that can beat Alabama...is Alabama.

ALABAMA 34
SOUTH CAROLINA 17

Feelin’ Cocky: Gamecocks Ready for ‘Bama

When the 2010 football schedule was released, the Alabama/South Carolina game was promptly circled. The media circled the game and South Carolina fans…circled the game.

The ingredients were in place for an upset. Alabama would finally lose a regular season game for the first time since 2007.

South Carolina would have a bye week before facing Alabama, and the Crimson Tide would enter Williams-Brice Stadium “beaten and battered” after having colossal games against Arkansas and Florida…without time to rest and recover.

How have things panned out? Were all the “projections” fulfilled?

As expected, the contest with Arkansas was tough and came down to the wire. However, the huge showdown with the Florida Gators was nothing more than an exercise in basic fundamentals and domination.

The Alabama Crimson Tide will enter the contest against the Gamecocks with a perfect record and perched at the No. 1 position.

South Carolina on the other hand, will enter the game with one loss (at Auburn) and hold the No. 19 position in the AP top 25.

Alabama is good (if not better) than many people expected, while South Carolina is “solid” but certainly not astonishing.

However, “certainly not astonishing” is the substance upsets are built upon.

The “order of ingredients” may have changed, but overall, this game was rightfully circled on the college football calendar.

From a defensive standpoint, the Gamecocks know what they need to do in order to limit the offensive production of Alabama.

Every college football coach, team and fan in the country knows what needs to be done in order to contain Alabama’s offense.

However, in traditional game preview fashion, let us “flip the field” and take a closer look at the South Carolina offense and the problems they could present for the Alabama defense.

At the quarterback position, the Gamecocks are led by Stephen Garcia. During his time in a South Carolina uniform, Garcia has been the hero…and also the target of ridicule.

In respect to a proper example, Stephen Garcia is the “quarterback version” of Les Miles. When he’s good…he's very good, but when he’s bad…he’s horrid.

Garcia is known for making the “big play,” but history has shown that Garcia is also known for making the critical mistake…at the most inopportune time.

On the 2010 season, Garcia has thrown for 743 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Gamecocks definitely do not operate a two-quarterback system, but backup Connor Shaw certainly brings a different dynamic to the offense.

Shaw can not only throw…he can run.

Shaw is only 12-of-18 on the season for 144 yards, but his presence against Alabama is certainly not out of the question.

On the ground, the Gamecocks are led by one of the most dynamic running backs in the nation…Marcus Lattimore.

Regarded as the top running back in the country as a high school senior, Lattimore has wasted little time in making the transition to major college football.

South Carolina will utilize Brian Maddox on occasion, but Lattimore is the “life” of the rushing attack for the Gamecocks.

On the season, Lattimore has rushed for 366 yards and six touchdowns. The Carolina freshman also averages 4.4 yards per carry.

The ground game is certainly vital for Alabama, but a solid rushing attack is equally important, and possibly more so, for South Carolina.

If Lattimore is not effective, Stephen Garcia will have to go to the air more often and put the pressure on his receivers to make plays.

Thankfully for Garcia and the South Carolina offense, the Gamecocks have two of the best receivers in college football…Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley.

In respect to Alshon Jeffery, what more can be said?

The South Carolina wide receiver leads the SEC in receptions and receiving yards per game. Jeffery has caught 27 passes for 498 yards and two touchdowns this season. The South Carolina standout also averages 18.4 yards per reception.



Tori Gurley is the second leading receiver for the Gamecocks in 2010. Gurley has been on the receiving end of 12 passes for a total of 114 yards and two touchdowns.

The one thing Gurley and Jeffery have in common, other than amazing ability…is size! Jeffery stands 6-foot-4, 233 pounds and Gurley stands 6-foot-5, 230 pounds.

When a quarterback has tall and talented receivers, the “perfect pass” may not always be required.

The Alabama secondary will have to find a way to guard against fade
patterns…especially in the “red zone” area of the field.

As mentioned above, the whole country knows what is required to limit the offensive production of Alabama.

However, for the third week in a row, the Crimson Tide defense must meet the challenge of another resourceful offensive team.

The Alabama offense is strong, proficient, and well-balanced.

However, as will be the case with the majority of SEC games this season, the final outcome will be determined by the Crimson Tide defense.

In a similar fashion to the Alabama/Arkansas contest, the atmosphere and crowd will unquestionably be “electric” at Williams-Brice Stadium.

The ingredients for an upset have been prepared, all South Carolina needs to do…is take the heat from the kitchen.

Idle Hands: ‘Bama Begins Uncanny SEC Schedule

If the three-game stretch against Arkansas, Florida and South Carolina was/is considered the “gauntlet” portion of the Alabama schedule, the remainder of the SEC calendar should be known as the “Crimson Tide Bye.”

The contest against South Carolina will symbolize the start of six consecutive SEC games for the Crimson Tide where the opponent will have been afforded a bye week prior to playing Alabama.

The Alabama bye week will come a week prior to the contest with LSU in Baton Rouge.

However, the LSU Tigers will also be idle the same week as the Crimson Tide.

So…are bye weeks good or bad?

Alabama coach Nick Saban has gone on record with research stating that over the last five years SEC teams (excluding Alabama), are
29-29 following the so-called “benefit” of the bye week.

Coach Nick Saban believes the importance of an idle week is merely circumstantial.

Common knowledge would suggest that a bye week allows a team to recover from injury and regain focus. However, an off week could also put an “end” to momentum and the idle time could be detrimental to team morale.

Advantage or disadvantage one thing is certainly clear.

Since the SEC reformatted the league in 1992 to include two six-team divisions, no school has played as many “idle-week” teams as the Alabama Crimson Tide will play during the 2010 season.

Crimson Notes 10/4/10

Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw has been named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week following his superb performance against the Florida Gators.

Upshaw was credited with seven tackles against the Gators (four for losses) and also a critical fumble recovery which put an end to a promising Florida offensive drive.

The Tide linebacker also played a big role in pass coverage.

Upshaw was officially credited with two pass breakups against the Gators.

Not to be overshadowed, Alabama offensive lineman Chance Warmack has been named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Against the tough and physical Florida defensive front, Warmack allowed no sacks, no pressures and was never flagged for an offensive penalty.



On the injury front, Tide wide receiver Julio Jones is nursing a bruised knee.

Jones is expected to be limited in practice (day-to-day), but the injury is considered to be inconsequential in respect to his ability to perform against South Carolina.

Crimson Tide linebacker Chris Jordan is also listed as day-to-day with an injured hamstring.

Elephant Stomp: Tide Rolls Florida

Courtesy of an efficient offense and a “bend but don’t break” defense, the Alabama Crimson Tide crushed the Florida Gators by a score of 31-6.

Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson rushed for a combined 110 yards and two touchdowns (Ingram) and the Alabama defense forced four Florida turnovers.

Statistically, this would “appear” to have been a close game.

However, the Alabama defense would turn Florida away time and time again.

Critical turnovers, including a “pick-six” by Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley, simply killed the majority of Florida’s offensive opportunities.

While the Alabama offense was sound and effective, the “turnover-fest” for the Gators would begin on their first possession of the game.

After an impressive opening drive, the Gators faced fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line when all-purpose player Trey Burton decided to attempt a “jump pass” which was intercepted by Tide linebacker Nico Johnson in the end zone.

The interception by Johnson would mark the beginning of the Florida offensive collapse.

When all was said and done, Gator quarterback John Brantley would be intercepted twice (Dre Kirkpatrick and C.J. Mosley) during his first career encounter against the Alabama defense.

Outside of the interceptions, the Gator offense would turn the ball over a fourth time when Brantley would trip over his offensive lineman which resulted in a muffed handoff attempt.

Florida never seemed composed and the Gators never seemed to gain equanimity. Alabama on the other hand…simply set the tone.

The Alabama offense was balanced and kept the Florida defense guessing and mystified.

The Gators certainly “guessed wrong” when Crimson Tide wide receiver Marquis Maze threw a touchdown pass to tight end Michael Williams in the initial half of play.

The Tide held a 24-3 lead at the half and that was simply…all she wrote.

While the Alabama offense may have been well-organized…the Gators were a juggling act gone awry.

As the contest moved along, the game morphed into a “comedy of errors” by the Florida offense.

Florida seemingly would play “pitch and catch” down the entire field before the Alabama defense would provide a huge play to end most every Gator scoring effort.

In what could only be described as a “tidal wave,” Florida simply had no answer for the top-ranked Crimson Tide.

Alabama simply "handled" Florida, while the Gators spent the majority of the game trying to "handle"….basic football fundamentals.

With the victory over Florida, Alabama improves to 5-0 overall...2-0 in the SEC.