NSD 2015: Alabama signs another elite class

-For yet another recruiting season the Alabama Crimson Tide have inked one of the top signing classes in the nation. 247Sports and ESPN have each proclaimed Alabama the
No. 1 class in the nation while Rivals and Scout have the Crimson Tide at No. 2 behind USC.

-While the 2015 edition of national signing day proved quite uneventful for Alabama in terms of drama and suspense, not only did the Crimson Tide sign yet another superb class, 'Bama also managed to sign all prior verbal commitments leading up to signing day. While such an effort often goes unrecognized by many fans, securing what you have is vital.

-In respect to new additions to the class, Alabama inked 4-star wide receiver Daylon Charlot this morning. Charlot, a former 'Bama verbal commitment prior to reopening his recruitment, came back to the Tide after testing the waters at LSU. Charlot had been viewed as a 'Bama lock for roughly a month or more.

-In respect to signing day targets, Alabama hit on the aforementioned Charlot but failed to sign 5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson and 4-star wide receiver K.J. Hill. Although Alabama was never viewed as the favorite for either player down the stretch, the Crimson Tide still had an outside shot. When it came to their final decisions, Hill selected Ohio State while Jefferson signed with Florida.

-As noted in a prior post, Alabama commitment Christian Bell, a 3-star linebacker from Hoover, AL, has indeed accepted a grayshirt and will enroll in January of 2016. Due to his grayshirt status, Bell will not be counted in the class of 2015.

-Click HERE for a detailed look at Alabama's 2015 signing class.

2015 Alabama Recruiting: The final update - Feb. 3

*Listed order is based on star ratings only.
The order holds no other significance of any measure.

*Click name for 247Sports page.

Name: CeCe Jefferson
Rating: 5-star
School/City: Baker County Senior/Glen Saint Mary, FL
Position: Defensive End
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss
Odds of Signing: POOR/FAIR - When it comes to playing the game in respect to recruitment, 5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson is a master. In this age of big press conference calls and faux promises and propaganda, even those who've worked in the recruiting field for decades can't really get a pulse on Jefferson. While logic says that Jefferson will not sign with Alabama, if he came riding into his press conference on an elephant I probably still wouldn't be shocked. My guess is that Florida or Ole Miss will be Jefferson's school of choice...but don't rule out an elephant.

Name: K.J. Hill

Rating: 4-star
School/City: North Little Rock/North Little Rock, AR
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio State
Odds of Signing: POOR/FAIR - In respect to K.J. Hill, the worm has really turned within the last 7-10 days. Other than Daylon Charlot, Hill, for a time, was viewed as one of the most likely Tide targets to ink his name on the dotted line with Alabama. However, things have soured quite fast. While nothing is 100% when it comes to recruiting, history has shown us that much, but the odds of Hill joining the Tide are now quite slim. Most experts now predict the 4-star talent to sign with Ohio State.

Name: Daylon Charlot
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Patterson/Patterson, LA
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided - Former Alabama verbal commitment
List: Alabama, LSU
Odds of Signing: GREAT - While many other stories concerning Alabama targets have flipped and flopped, less than 15 hours before signing day Daylon Charlot still appears to be a virtual lock for Alabama. Even if the Crimson Tide fail on their remaining targets expect UA to at least ink Charlot. Not too shabby by any stretch.

Additional news 

-Alabama is not expected to lose any commitments on signing day. On the surface that seems like a none story, but many teams of over the years, Alabama included, have lost pieces to the puzzle on the day it counted the most. The Crimson Tide will only add to the class of 2015...not take away. While 'Bama still has a total of five or six spots available for the class of 2015, the Crimson Tide will not fill them all unless something of monumental proportions comes to pass.

-3-star linebacker Christian Bell has accepted a grayshirt offer. Reports say that Bell is still 100% committed to the University of Alabama. Hill is scheduled to enroll in January of 2016.

-If you want to call it an "honorable watch list" for tomorrow, I'll throw 4-star defensive end/tight end Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. and 3-star wide receiver Lawrence Cager into the mix. I'm placing both young men in this category because the odds are almost less than poor that Alabama earns a signature from them on signing day, but it certainly wouldn't be the wildest thing I've ever seen.

Lawrence Cager

Cager and 'Bama have had mutual interest for months and essentially the only thing that has kept Cager from giving a verbal commitment to Alabama has been the Tide's interest in Charlot and Hill. If Alabama fails to sign Hill, don't be shocked to see the Tide make one last gasp to attract Cager away from Miami at the midnight hour.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr.

While the worm has certainly shifted to the U of Michigan, the school where Wheatley's father became a school legend at running back, earlier reports, even as of a few weeks ago, had Wheatley, Jr. wanting to carve his own path at a different school. While Alabama and Wheatley, Jr. were "warm" on each other in terms of interest, I'm not sure if anything was ever really all that serious. However, if Wheatley, Jr. really wants to add some drama to his Wednesday activities, inking with Alabama would be the ultimate curve.

'Bama Recruiting Update: January 29 - remaining target list

*List is subject to change.

*Listed order is based on star ratings only.
The order holds no other significance of any measure.

*Click name for 247Sports page.

Name: CeCe Jefferson
Rating: 5-star
School/City: Baker County Senior/Glen Saint Mary, FL
Position: Defensive End
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss
Odds of Signing: POOR - While the odds of CeCe Jefferson signing with Alabama were close to zero just a couple of weeks ago, the Crimson Tide have made some gains. Jefferson, on his own time, has actually made two trips to the UA campus within the previous week. While communication is high and Alabama has turned up the full court press, I think odds are still poor, at least as of right now, that 'Bama lands Jefferson. While UA certainly has the room to take Jefferson, I'm not sure if Jefferson wants to be taken by Saban. Ole Miss seems to be the favorite for this 5-star talent.

Name: Tyrone Wheatley, Jr.
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Canisius/Manlius, NY
Position: Defensive End/Tight End
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, UCLA, USC
Odds of Signing: FAIR - The son of legendary Michigan running back Tyrone Wheatley, Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. has been on Alabama's radar for roughly a month. While many thought, and rightfully so, that Wheatley, Jr. would be a lock for Michigan, that doesn't seem to be the case. In fact, some recruiting experts seem to think that Wheatley, Jr. will likely select between Alabama and USC when the time arrives. Again, as with most on this list, Alabama will make a spot for Wheatley, Jr. if he decides to commit.

Name: Daylon Charlot
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Patterson/Patterson, LA
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided - Former Alabama verbal commitment
List: Alabama, LSU
Odds of Signing: GREAT - Daylon Charlot is, without question, the strongest chance Alabama has with any target on the board. While nothing is official, many believe that Alabama and Charlot have been happily married for quite a while. Charlot is likely a silent commitment to the Crimson Tide. Alabama earning Charlot's signature on national signing day seems inevitable.

Name: Chidi Valentine-Okeke
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Faith Baptist Christian Academy/Ludowici, GA
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Verbal commitment to LSU
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU
Odds of Signing: POOR/FAIR - Thought to have been the third wheel in respect to offensive tackle targets, Chidi Valentine-Okeke seemed to be a lock for 'Bama if he was offered a secure spot. After the Crimson Tide seemingly failed to reel in the two main targets, Drew Richmond and Isaiah Prince, the path seemed to be clear for Valentine-Okeke. Well, not so fast. While the interest has always been mutual, Valentine-Okeke shocked many in the recruiting world by giving his verbal commitment to LSU on the morning of Jan. 29. Valentine-Okeke had a spot with Alabama and likely still does. I find it hard to believe, at least right now, that Valentine-Okeke and Alabama are finished. This one could be a signing day decision.

Name: K.J. Hill
Rating: 4-star
School/City: North Little Rock/North Little Rock, AR
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio State
Odds of Signing: GOOD - After decommitting from Arkansas following an official visit to Alabama, the numbers game is now working in UA's favor in respect to Hill. The 4-star wide receiver has a spot with the Crimson Tide if he wants sign on the dotted line. While odds aren't as high as that of Charlot, chances are good that K.J. Hill will be in an Alabama uniform this fall.

Name: Lawrence Cager
Rating: 3-star
School/City: Calvert Hall College/Towson, MD
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Verbal commitment to Miami
List: Alabama, Miami, Ohio State
Odds of Signing: FAIR - Although Cager recently reaffirmed his commitment to Miami, Alabama now has more spots available than before. Cager has expressed interest in Alabama for quite a while and the feeling is mutual. Many thought Cager would be a victim of the numbers crunch but things have recently shifted due to several decommitments. Logic would now suggest that if Cager wants to attend Alabama he'll have a secure spot. Expect Alabama to aim for both Charlot and Hill, but Cager could be a wildcard.

Additional news

-Alabama has roughly 5-6 spots available.

-As noted above, just in passing, Alabama lost three verbal commitments on January 29. Montrell Custis, Rico McGraw, and Isaiah Prince each decommitted from the Crimson Tide. The departures of Custis and Prince were expected by most in the know. McGraw's decommitment, while not as obvious as that of Custis and Prince, had been rumored for roughly a month.

'Bama Recruiting Update: January 23 - remaining target list

*List is subject to change.

*Listed order is based on star ratings only.
The order holds no other significance of any measure.

*Click name for 247Sports page.

Name: Daylon Charlot
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Patterson/Patterson, LA
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided - Former Alabama verbal commitment
List: Alabama, LSU
Odds of Signing: GREAT - Considered to be a silent commitment per many in the know.

Name: Drew Richmond
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Memphis University School/Memphis, TN
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Verbal commitment to Ole Miss
List: Alabama, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Tennessee
Odds of Signing: POOR - Appears to be a lock for Ole Miss although 'Bama is in the mix at some level.

Name: Chidi Valentine-Okeke
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Faith Baptist Christian Academy/Ludowici, GA
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU
Odds of Signing: FAIR - With Richmond being a long shot, Valentine-Okeke will likely ink with 'Bama if the Crimson Tide decide to take another offensive tackle.

Name: K.J. Hill
Rating: 4-star
School/City: North Little Rock/North Little Rock, AR
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Arkansas
Odds of Signing: GOOD - Recently decommitted from Arkansas following an official visit to Alabama.

Name: Lawrence Cager
Rating: 3-star
School/City: Calvert Hall College/Towson, MD
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Verbal commitment to Miami
List: Alabama, Miami, Ohio State
Odds of Signing: POOR - Cager is viewed as the backup plan if Hill doesn't sign with 'Bama. However, please don't mistake "poor" for lack of mutual interest. Cager is high on Alabama. Expect UA to take two more wide receivers with Charlot/Hill or Charlot/Cager being the likely duo.

Additional news

-Alabama has roughly 3-4 spots available.

-Expect the Crimson Tide to lose one or two current verbal commitments prior to National Signing Day. 3-star defensive back Montrell Custis is the most likely departure at this time.

Recruiting Update: 'Bama still in the hunt for top targets

As the 2015 edition of national signing day draws closer by the hour, many programs are searching for the final piece(s) of the puzzle in order to solidify an impressive signing class.

In respect to the Alabama Crimson Tide, Nick Saban and company currently have 26 verbal commitments, but who are the remaining targets as the "midnight hour" approaches?

With limited spots available, here are several prospects Alabama will be vying for in order to cement yet another elite signing class.

*List is subject to change.

*Listed order is based on star ratings only.
The order holds no other significance of any measure.

*Click name for 247Sports page.

Name: CeCe Jefferson
Rating: 5-star prospect
School/City: Baker County Senior/Glen Saint Mary, FL
Position: Defensive End
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss

Name: Terry Godwin
Rating: 5-star prospect
School/City: Callaway/Hogansville, GA
Position: Athlete
Status: Verbal commitment to Georgia
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia

Name: Isaiah Prince
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, MD
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Maryland, Ohio State

Name: Daylon Charlot
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Patterson/Patterson, LA
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided - Former Alabama verbal commitment
List: Alabama, LSU

Name: Chidi Valentine-Okeke
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Faith Baptist Christian Academy/Ludowici, GA
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Undecided (Alabama lean as of 1/9)
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU

Name: Lawrence Cager
Rating: 3-star
School/City: Calvert Hall College/Towson, MD
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Verbal commitment to Miami (Will likely sign with Alabama if spot is available)
List: Alabama, Miami, Ohio State

Crimson Commentary: Another Sugar Bowl defeat

The magic number is now three. That's the number of consecutive Sugar Bowl defeats the Alabama Crimson Tide currently have. Quite disheartening. Quite unfortunate.

This time last year I published a post very similar to the tone of this one. Another Sugar Bowl, another big stage...another loss.

While the clash with Ohio State certainly had more on the line than a traditional Sugar Bowl, courtesy of the new College Football Playoff format, once again Alabama failed to deliver in the SuperDome.

In respect to what we all witnessed last night, the overachieving Crimson Tide, led by an overachieving quarterback, finally hit the wall. A season filled with dramatic plays and dramatic games was capped by an inability to make the big plays and get off the field on third down. The game also saw the overachieving quarterback, Blake Sims, crack under pressure, and this time, unlike the Iron Bowl, the fifth-year senior was unable to recover.

Today's column on the paradox of a brilliant season with a bitter end. http://t.co/9Dgz2PXwPD
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) January 2, 2015

On the flip side of the coin, Ohio State, led by a third string quarterback, carved up the Alabama secondary, arguably the weakest link of the Crimson Tide team in 2014. UA allowed a grand total of 537 yards to the Buckeyes.

Nick Saban built a dynasty at Alabama, this much is true. However, Saban's sculpted and polished Crimson Tide currently sit at 0-and-2 in bowl games since defeating Notre Dame to capture the 2012 national title. Two Sugar Bowl trophies, that should be in 'Bama's trophy case, now reside in Oklahoma and Ohio. Three in total if you wish to count the contest with Utah in January of 2009 prior to Saban's first national title at Alabama. Quite a bitter pill to swallow considering all the success that has been digested.

Summary? Alabama needs to win a bowl game next season. Period. While the shine of a 12-2 season and an SEC championship is beautiful, making a habit of losing non-title bowl games is not a streak you want to have.



One more thing. Nick Saban and his staff are not above reproach. You can fully appreciate the success while also noting the shortcomings. The Alabama secondary, for example, should not allow a third string quarterback, making his second career start, to carve up the defense like a turkey. Saban is a defensive guru, correct? Call it a swing and a miss in respect to the recruitment of defensive backs or potentially bad development, but something has to change in this specific area.

Here's to hitting the mark in 2015. Alabama's a winner. Time to return to the days where we win the final game, not sulk and question the final loss.

Coming Soon: 2015 recruiting news

No. 1 Alabama prepares to face final SEC hurdle

Although I haven't done the best job in the world in terms of updating the blog and providing weekly commentary, as promised in the format change earlier this fall, I've certainly been watching Alabama run the SEC maze with the rest of you.

While the College Football Playoff system, most notably the committee, has been just as confusing, if not more so, than the BCS ever was, 'Bama is one win away from being able to compete for the national title.

Amari Cooper might be able to catch more than touchdowns this season for @ALABAMAFTBL. pic.twitter.com/5jUNP6CDHV
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 30, 2014

In respect to the SEC championship game, the Missouri Tigers are the Florida State of the SEC. Regardless of how they play, the Tigers seem to find a way to have more points at the end of the game. Are they a good team? I don't think anyone really knows to be quite honest.

After losing to Indiana and then being blanked by Georgia to the tune of 34-0, logic would suggest that Mizzou is a much better team since those two setbacks took place, but again...who really knows?

The SEC East is a bad division. No polite way to put it. So, having said all of the above, the Crimson Tide need to prepare for a battle. When facing the unknown, prepare for the worst. Or in this case, Mizzou's best game.

Taking it one game at a time is quite the old cliche, but things often become cliche courtesy of truth. If Alabama wants to be one of the final four, they need to be first on Saturday.

IRON BOWL '14: Title Contender vs. The Spoiler

While the blog has been silent, the tension has been palpable.

After taking care of Mississippi State and dusting off Western Carolina, in a game that seemed to last three days, Iron Bowl week has finally arrived. Once again, as seems to be all too common in recent years, Alabama's dreams, in respect to the SEC and national title picture, will either be cemented or broken by the outcome of the annual tussle with Auburn.

#Breaking: GameDay is heading to Tuscaloosa for the #IronBowl! #GetUp4GameDay pic.twitter.com/4LjExavJoH
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 23, 2014

While the Crimson Tide did suffer a plethora of bumps and bruises against Western Carolina, thankfully most of those ailments don't seem to be serious, per Nick Saban.

Wide receiver ArDarius Stewart and tight end Brian Vogler appear to be the only players whose status will be in doubt for Saturday's clash in Tuscaloosa. Saban has described both men as having stretched knee ligaments. Additional updates will likely be given Monday during Saban's game week presser.

When it comes to the gauntlet that I wrote about several weeks ago, so far so good seems to be the obvious conclusion. At this stage of the season, win and advance is the order of the day. Here's to continuing that trend for two more weeks.

For detailed information concerning Iron Bowl week, but sure to monitor the RSS feed of your choice located on the left side of the page.

No time for celebration for hungry Tide

LSU recap? Whew. Well, that's it. Game over. Right? On to the next one...

Unfortunately celebration time is/was short-lived. Personally, I soaked up the dramatic win at Tiger Stadium for all of one hour and then I was ready to move my fandom to the next game.

While it seems crazy to have to forget about such an amazing victory, the heavy lifting part of the mission has really just started.

Game preview? No. 1 Mississippi State is coming to town. I'm pretty sure that sentence alone defines what's at stake for the Crimson Tide.

One corner has been turned in respect to Alabama's November gauntlet, but the quest for the ultimate prize is still a work in progress.

Here's Nick Saban's Monday presser...

Alabama prepares to run November gauntlet

Take a deep breath while you can, Tide fans. Why? The next 48 hours could be your final time to do so until early December.

As has been the case so many times before, the Alabama Crimson Tide will attempt to run the November gauntlet for yet another season and the first adventure begins this Saturday at LSU.

T.J. Yeldon scores the game-winning touchdown to beat LSU in 2012, Alabama's last trip to Baton Rouge. #tbt pic.twitter.com/OTzWxkEFko
— TideSports.com (@TideSports) November 6, 2014

-----------------------------------

LSU
Mississippi State
Western Carolina
Auburn
SEC Championship Game

Okay, perhaps I did fib when it comes to the breath holding business. Yes, you can breathe against Western Carolina. However, if Alabama drops a game before that time, it really won't matter what you do because all will be lost in terms of the SEC title and the national title.

Getting down to the nuts and bolts of the matter, because of Alabama's early season loss to Ole Miss, the Crimson Tide must conquer the month of November. Not have a good showing...conquer.

Saban: "This is the time of year when everyone has to be committed to playing their best football."
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) November 5, 2014

If things remain the status quo, holding strong throughout the month, Alabama will have defeated a top-20 LSU team, No. 1 Mississippi State, and No. 3 Auburn. In the process, the Tide will have clinched the SEC Western Division crown while punching their ticket to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game.

Based on how the College Football Playoff selection committee has viewed things and done things up until this point, it seems the criteria changes with every passing week. Winning out, for everyone within the top-10, seems to be the only method that is somewhat understandable.

College Football Playoff Rankings. #CFP25 1. Mississippi State 2. Florida State 3. Auburn 4. Oregon pic.twitter.com/TvpOh3YUl9
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 5, 2014

Not to change the topic at hand, but I think those who were upset with the BCS format and wanted a change, will likely be issuing missing persons flyers for the BCS before too long.

At any rate, the mountain for the Crimson Tide is quite steep, and objectively speaking, I'm not sure they can pull it off. Having said that, if Alabama is still a one-loss team one month from now, there'll be no question who the No. 1 team in the nation is on the final selection day.

Super Cooper: WR Amari Cooper on pace to be the best

While my Alabama/Tennessee postgame blog was scratched due to sinus issues which impacted my concentration, Amari Cooper's concentration has been the picture of perfection.

Another game...another record.

Without recapping the events in Knoxville, I will say, just briefly, that I was very disappointed with Alabama's lack of "foot to the floor" mentality in the second half. However, to write what should be quite obvious, a 14-point victory over an SEC rival on the road will forever be a major accomplishment.

Did someone say accomplishment? Yet another perfect segue for Amari Cooper.

Without beating around the bush, I'll simply let a few tweets tell the story in respect to Mr. Cooper. Before the 2014 season comes to an end, Cooper, who is now a real contender for the Heisman, will likely hold every Alabama school record when it comes to receiving.

Twitterville stat time!

Amari Cooper national rank: No. 2 in yards- 1132 No. 2 in ypg- 141.5 No. 3 in TDs- 9 No. 3 in receptions- 71 No. 4 in rec per game- 8.9
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) October 26, 2014

-----

At 71 catches, 1,132 yards, Amari Cooper needs 8 catches to break single-season reception record & 2 yards to break single-season yards mark
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) October 26, 2014

-----

From career standpoint, Amari Cooper has 175 recs & 2,868 yards. Needs 20 catches for career rec record & 56 yards for career yards mark
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) October 26, 2014

-----

Most every high school football player has dreams and aspirations of becoming a collegiate great. In the case of Amari Cooper, I wonder if anyone could have told him that he'd select the University of Alabama and do nothing but break every school record in respect to his position. Heh.

From an individual standpoint in regards to the school he attended, Amari Cooper is on pace to have the perfect career. Only a select few can say that.

Congrats, Amari. If statistics are the proving ground, you're simply the best.

Congrats to Amari Cooper for breaking Julio Jones' single-game receiving yards record on Saturday. #RollTide pic.twitter.com/YTaunFH9yF
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 27, 2014

Alabama annihilates Texas A&M, Saban praises intensity

If winning makes everything better, then winning by the tune of 59-0 must be the equivalent of Christmas morning in the middle of October.

Whatever Alabama did wrong against Arkansas, they did everything right, and more, against the Aggies of Texas A&M.

--Click HERE for complete stats--

Courtesy of an offensive juggernaut and a defensive reminiscent of the days of Gene Stallings and the '92 title team, Alabama was high octane in every facet of the game.

FINAL: Alabama 59, Tex A&M 0. Tide's largest margin of victory since 62-0 win vs Tulane in 1991. Largest SEC margin since Vandy '79 (66-3).
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) October 18, 2014

Click the video below to hear what Nick Saban had to say about his team's performance against the Aggies.



For more postgame information be sure to click your choice of RSS feeds found on the left side of this page.

UA survives Hogs, Saban concerned about "this punt thing"

Mercy.

Last night Alabama survived a scare from Arkansas in what looked like a flashback to the days of Dubose and/or Shula.

With enough mental mistakes to drive a crazy person nuts, Alabama, clearly the better team in terms of talent, decided to open hunting season on their own two feet.

--Click HERE for complete stats--

Courtesy of false starts, missed blocking assignments, missed defensive assignments, and a special teams nightmare that appears to be spawning a horror franchise, the Crimson Tide, while still 5-1 with the top prize still in reach, looks like a wobbly wagon at best.

You certainly don't need me to tell you, but if Alabama plays the remainder of the 2014 schedule the way they did against the Razorbacks, Western Carolina will be the only win the Crimson Tide will enjoy until 2015.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Click the video below to watch Nick Saban's postgame presser following Alabama's 14-13 victory over Arkansas.



For additional information on the status of the Tide, or quite possibly the additional headache, be sure to visit the RSS feeds of your choosing located on the left side of this post.

Make it or break it time for No. 7 Alabama

Just two months ago one could have never dreamed that Alabama's "test of worth" would come in a road contest against Arkansas, but football, as in life, is quite mysterious.

Playing "tight" against Ole Miss, per the admission of several Tide players, a performance this weekend, similar to that of the contest in Oxford, could find Alabama with two losses and a season on the verge of a downward spiral.

The easy schedule Alabama had in June isn't quite so easy in October. While Alabama's tough road will give them a chance to impress the masses and get back in the national title picture, the same bumpy terrain could stick a fork in every expectation the 2014 squad had for this season. A burnt to a crisp Tide before November is not out of the realm of possibility, unfortunately.



Turnovers, missed assignments, enough mental errors to fill Santa's Christmas bag. The Arkansas game will be a test of fundamentals for 'Bama.

Make no mistake, UA is still arguably the most talented team in the nation, but talent can only take you so far. You can be the best defensive back in the nation in terms of talent, but if your head isn't in the game and you don't know who to cover, then it makes no difference how talented you are.

CECIL HURT: Does Alabama still have same mentality it did in 2008? | http://t.co/HvbgWkYjH5 - http://t.co/0mCTJIHYi0-
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) October 10, 2014

If Alabama can roll through the next two months with one loss, enter the SEC title game, and advance to the new college football playoff, Nick Saban will be looking down the scope of coach of the year honors.

How bad does Alabama want it? We'll find out in roughly 24 hours...

Please check the RSS feeds on the left side of this post for all the latest Crimson Tide news via various respected media outlets.

Rockin' Rebels: Ole Miss upsets Alabama

Let the exhales of disappointment commence.

What was billed to be a close game, and potentially an Ole Miss upset, played out just like most of the media had predicted. The unfortunate script was revealed earlier this evening and Alabama was on the raw end of a victory celebration. Ole Miss turned away the Tide by the score of 23-17.

-Click HERE for complete stats-

Ole Miss made plays that Alabama didn't in the second half. Simple as that. Big win for the Rebs.
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) October 4, 2014

Personally, I felt that Alabama's offense was far too vanilla against the Rebels. While I wasn't expecting a circus show, I expected some creativity and far more overall consistency.

In respect to Alabama's defense, the Tide held strong in the first half, but when the chips were down in the second half, the 'Bama secondary simply had no answer for the Ole Miss passing game. A Rebel passing game that sealed the victory in the final minutes of play.

Another note of collapse was that of Alabama's special teams...

Special teams damage for Alabama included 2 missed FGs, bad opening kickoff, fumble on one kick return and block in back on the last one.
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) October 4, 2014

Many comparisons were made during today's game to that of Alabama/South Carolina in 2010. Now that everything has been said and done, today's contest was virtually identical to that afternoon in Columbia. A sluggish Crimson Tide team was defeated by a hungry squad with something to prove and a quarterback looking for his moment in the sun.

Once the agony of today's defeat melts away, the picture will reveal that Alabama has a lot to play for in 2014, which still includes the ultimate prize. However, in this moment, the Ole Miss Rebels have slayed the giant.

Be sure to visit your choice of postgame stories found in the various RSS feeds on the left side of the page. Click the video below to hear Nick Saban's thoughts on today's game as well as an injury update on various players, most notably that of Kenyan Drake.

Changes to The Crimson Elephant

Since The Crimson Elephant was born in 2009, the goal of this site has been to provide the reader with practice reports, injury reports, game previews, postgame recaps, breaking news, recruiting updates, etc., concerning the University of Alabama football program.

However, after much deliberation, The Crimson Elephant will now focus on commentary and opinions in respect to the above coverage instead of attempting to actually provide the above coverage.

The Crimson Elephant is simply a blog and because of that fact, with only one person steering the ship, the site will now provide RSS feeds, in the left column of the main page, for all the wonderful content created by the paid beat writers who cover the Crimson Tide.

Want the latest practice report? Scroll the RSS feeds. Want the latest game preview of the Tide's next opponent? Scroll the RSS feeds. Want to know what The Crimson Elephant thinks about the latest news? Read the various blog posts.

That subtle change noted above will be enough to dramatically shift the landscape of this blog. Instead of giving the reader the latest injury news, The Crimson Elephant will now provide first person commentary regarding the latest injury news. Reporting is over. Thoughts and opinions are in.

Thanks to everyone who has supported this blog over the years. Here's to many more adventures together while riding The Crimson Elephant.

Alabama's aerial assault proves too much for Florida

Lane Kiffin's offense has once again proved to be too much for the opposition. Courtesy of 445 yards passing from Blake Sims and 201 yards receiving from Amari Cooper, the Alabama Crimson Tide rolled the Florida Gators by the score of 42-21.

Congrats to Blake Sims for being named @WalterCampFF Offensive Player of the Week! #RollTide http://t.co/gVJxnShXQ6
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) September 21, 2014

While the performance was far from a thing of beauty, especially in the first half of play, the Crimson Tide were able to overcome four turnovers to break a 21-21 tie in the second half of action.

-Click HERE for complete stats-

Postgame news and notes

Some structure changes within the blog have caused a few hiccups in respect to organization and time, so I'll respectfully turn the game recap over to Alabama beat writer Marquavius Burnett. I also encourage you to visit Mr. Burnett's Twitter page (twitter.com/Marq_Burnett) for some impressive statistics concerning the Tide. Scroll through the first 15 tweets or so to find some great information.

Powered by Blake Sims, Amari Cooper and a stingy defense, Alabama aced its opening SEC test, 42-21, against Florida: http://t.co/HHlTkGu9bY
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) September 21, 2014

Nick Saban's postgame presser

Tide coach Nick Saban addresses the media following Alabama's conference victory over Florida.



Looking ahead

While the Crimson Tide looked as messy as a mud hill for essentially half of the game against Florida, 'Bama was able to overcome a plethora of turnovers to still take control of the contest against UF and win by 21 points. The ability to overcome adversity, self-inflicted or otherwise, is one of the most defining traits of a quality team and Alabama was certainly tested against the Gators.

Great win for @AlabamaFTBL. Listen to Coopers TD. #ItsGood2Be #builtbybama #RollTide #UFvsBAMA https://t.co/cydIxaQBXH
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) September 20, 2014

Given the minor injury to Blake Sims and the typical bumps and bruises that come from playing the first four games of the season, Alabama's idle week is coming at the perfect time. The Crimson Tide will have the opportunity to heal while also improving basic fundamentals and scheming for the Ole Miss Rebels.

Game Preview: Florida - Alabama

The 2014 SEC season has arrived for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators will be the first test in what promises to be yet another challenging and grueling SEC schedule.

Hungry for an upset, as are most teams that tangle with the Tide, Alabama will have to rise to the occasion in order to send the Gators back to Gainesville with a loss.

Betting Line: Alabama -14.5 (as of 9/17)

-Click HERE to track the line-

Alabama's QB Blake Sims is 12th nationally (3rd in SEC) in passer efficiency. #Alabama #RollTide pic.twitter.com/3ae66o8wnd
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabama) September 15, 2014

Florida Gators

After being delayed a full week due to their season-opener being scratched because of severe weather, Florida will enter Bryant-Denny Stadium with a record of 2-0.

Defeating Eastern Michigan by the score of 65-0 following the game that wasn't, the Gators were taken to three overtimes at home by the much improved and unrelenting Kentucky Wildcats.

While UF will test Alabama like no other team has this season, it has yet to be seen how the Gators truly stack up against top competition. Is Kentucky really that good or is Florida still the same sour team that went 4-8 in 2013? Only time will tell.

Demarcus Robinson, 15 receptions for 216 yards and 2 TDs vs Kentucky Wildcats #UFvsUK @_DRob11 #UFvsBama #ItsGreatUF pic.twitter.com/X7r17IXxgA
— Kan Li (@kanli) September 15, 2014

Quarterback Jeff Driskel, running backs Matt Jones and Kelvin Taylor, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, and defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III are five key players for Florida. In the contest with Kentucky, Robinson caught 15 passes for 216 yards and what would be the game saving touchdown in the initial overtime session.

Alabama Crimson Tide

In respect to Alabama the message is quite clear. Keep doing what you're doing...only at a higher level. Luckily for the Crimson Tide, with the possible exception of the secondary, most notably corner, UA doesn't have any glaring issues to handle.

Blake Sims, once again, will get the start at quarterback this weekend and unless something major happens Jake Coker will be relegated to spectator status.

Falcons' Roddy White, Packers' Jordy Nelson among comparisons to Alabama's Amari Cooper --> http://t.co/JNQnp6HMCe pic.twitter.com/VLu5q8belw
— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) September 18, 2014

Excluding a victory, which is obviously the goal for any and every game, one of the most important aspects for Alabama will involve building a tighter team chemistry and perhaps a better rhythm on the offensive side of the ball. The Tide defense will obviously need to be more physical in order to take care of the Gators. Forcing a few turnovers would be just what the doctor ordered.

Game nuggets

-As noted in the Southern Mississippi postgame blog, safety Nick Perry will miss the first half of Saturday's contest with Florida due to his targeting ejection against USM.

-Wide receiver DeAndrew White is expected to return to the lineup this weekend after being out of action for two weeks due to a separated shoulder.

-Safety Jarrick Williams, who underwent foot surgery following the West Virginia game, has not officially been ruled out by Nick Saban in respect to the Florida contest. Williams was originally projected to miss four weeks of action.

Saban: DeAndrew White has practiced all week and done fine. Not sure about what we'll do with Jarrick Williams. Ahead of schedule.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) September 17, 2014

-True freshman defensive back Tony Brown has been working opposite Cyrus Jones in practice with the first team defense. Will that translate to a starting role for Brown this weekend? It is certainly worth a watch. Nick Saban said (Wednesday presser) that Brown will play substantial minutes against Florida.

Alabama freshman CB Tony Brown 'will play a lot' against Florida http://t.co/no1XeGkPIv
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 17, 2014

-As noted above when discussing UA's quarterback situation, Nick Saban has noted that Jake Coker will only play against Florida if needed. Logic suggests that Blake Sims will play every meaningful snap against the Gators based on Saban's remarks.

Prediction

While Alabama is the better team, often times the glow of such a big stage can get the best of players. Although the contest with Florida is not a high pressure "all eyes on Tuscaloosa" affair, this will be the first start for Blake Sims against SEC competition. All it takes is a rough first quarter to be placed behind the eight ball.

As for Florida, one would think that UF's close encounter with Kentucky would essentially prove that Will Muschamp's struggles of 2013 have carried over to 2014, but that's very hard to say. Perhaps UF just had a bad (fluke) game against a Kentucky team they potentially took for granted.

We're heading to Bryant–Denny Stadium on September 20th. Florida and Alabama clash in Tuscaloosa on CBS. pic.twitter.com/lSgAOYBHW6
— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) September 8, 2014

The Crimson Tide are favored to beat Florida by two touchdowns and logic would suggest such a betting line would be accurate.

If UF manages to keep the game close, the final narrative will be more about Alabama's struggles than Florida's new found stability. As is the case in most games during the Saban era, all the pressure will be on the Crimson Tide simply because so much is expected.

Only in this current age of Alabama football can a victory feel like a loss. If said victory falls short of the standard of excellence which has been in place for several seasons, a faction of people will always walk away unsatisfied.

Saturday's game could be one of those "win it on the scoreboard and lose it in the feelings" scenario for some.

--- Alabama 27 Florida 13 ---

Sims and rushing attack lead Alabama over Southern Miss

Courtesy of 547 yards of total offense, 333 on the ground, the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles by the score of 52-12.

While UA looked a tad sluggish in the early stages of the contest, the Crimson Tide gave USM "the business" in the second stanza.

Amari Cooper finished with 8 catches for 135 yards and a TD. Now has 33 catches for 454 yards and 2 TDs on the year.
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) September 14, 2014

-Click HERE for complete stats-

Postgame news and notes

In this abbreviated game recap, Alabama beat writer Marquavius Burnett has the rest of today's story from Bryant-Denny Stadium.

3 key players suffer minor injuries, Nick Perry's ejection leaves secondary scrambling, Saban doesnt watch OL & more: http://t.co/lKYFk0Mp6m
— Marquavius Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) September 14, 2014

Nick Saban's postgame presser

Tide coach Nick Saban shares his thoughts following Alabama's victory over Southern Mississippi.



Looking ahead

Alabama will begin the 2014 SEC season next Saturday with a clash against the Florida Gators.

While UF did have one heck of a time against the Kentucky Wildcats, eventually winning the game in three overtime sessions, the contest against Will Muschamp's Florida club will be a great litmus test for Alabama.

How good is Blake Sims under the hot lights of the SEC? Can Sims react accordingly when playmaker Amari Cooper isn't open? Can the Tide defense get pressure on Florida's mobile quarterback while playing sound pass coverage? How will the loss of safety Nick Perry impact Alabama during the first two quarters? Those are just a few questions that Alabama will attempt to answer next weekend.

Is an upset possible? Certainly. The Crimson Tide have had several kinks in the water flow even against inferior competition, so the eyes of the nation will certainly be on Tuscaloosa for a number of reasons.

Alabama's true identity remains a mystery. Fans and pundits alike will find out what the Tide is made of in the very near future.

Game Preview: Southern Mississippi - Alabama

After thumping the Florida Atlantic Owls by the tune of 41-0, the Alabama Crimson Tide will return to Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday to tangle with the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles.

While 'Bama is listed as almost a 50-point favorite, we can officially proclaim that Southern Mississippi is not the same team that your older brother grew up watching.

Expect the contest with USM to play out in virtually the same fashion as the game with FAU did just one week ago. Rotating quarterbacks and a clearing of the bench will likely be the rule of the day once kickoff strikes at 5 p.m. central time.

Betting Line: Alabama -48 (as of 9/10)

-Click HERE to track the line-

TJ Yeldon dives for his first touchdown of the season versus WVU. | http://t.co/uVWsm5GxR8 http://t.co/l8Iv7P2XGv http://t.co/aSzOAZWNOV
— CW Photography (@TheCWPhotos) September 2, 2014

Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

USM, under head coach Larry Fedora, concluded the 2011 season with a record of 12-2. All was right with the world.

And then the record stopped...

Fedora, quite the hot name in coaching at the time, departed for North Carolina and Southern Mississippi would embark on a downward spiral of epic proportions.

Ellis Johnson, the current defensive coordinator at Auburn, took over the USM program in 2012 as Fedora's replacement. Johnson led the Golden Eagles to an 0-12 season. 12-2 to 0-12. Almost seems impossible.

When Johnson was fired at the end of the season, Todd Monken, USM's current head coach, took over the program. Posting a record of 1-11 in 2013, the Golden Eagles were losers of 23 consecutive games before defeating UAB to end the 2013 season. USM was only four quarters away from having back-to-back winless seasons.

Again...these aren't your older brother's USM Golden Eagles.

As for the present, Southern Miss will enter Tuscaloosa with a record of 1-1. After losing to Mississippi State by the score of 49-0 in the season opener, the Golden Eagles rebounded in week two and held off Alcorn State 26-20.

" You want to go and play someone who is at the top of what you do in Division I football and that is Alabama." -- USM coach Todd Monken
— BamaOnline (@BamaOnline247) September 10, 2014

The quest for positivity is currently a struggle in Hattiesburg when it comes to the USM football program. Whatever Larry Fedora discovered at Southern Miss when he led the Golden Eagles to a 12-2 season, he took it with him when he left.

First home win since 2011. I'd day that calls for fireworks! #SMTTT pic.twitter.com/hj8SmPL49v
— DJ Preiss (@djpreiss) September 7, 2014

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama showed moderate improvement from week one to week two, but the level of competition likely played a major role in that observation.

In respect to this Saturday, as noted in the introduction, expect the Crimson Tide to essentially pick up where they left off against Florida Atlantic. Think of Saturday's game as the fifth quarter of the FAU contest.

Film Room with John Parker Wilson: Comparing Blake Sims vs. Jacob Coker http://t.co/8vySmYFuL3
— Crimson Tide AL.com (@aldotcomTide) September 10, 2014

Expect Blake Sims and Jake Coker to see ample time at the quarterback position and also look for younger players to see significant minutes in an effort to season the squad as a whole. A little spice never hurt a thing and bland teams don't win big games.

Speaking of big games, the Crimson Tide will tangle with Florida the week following the contest with USM, so this Saturday is the final opportunity to break out the ironing board and get rid of the wrinkles.

Game nuggets

-While wide receiver DeAndrew White (shoulder) did return to practice this week, Nick Saban informed the media, via Wednesday's SEC teleconference, that White will not play against Southern Mississippi.

-After exiting the contest with Florida Atlantic due to a bruised ankle, wide receiver Christion Jones should be ready for action this weekend against USM.

Prediction

As mentioned above, Alabama's contest with Southern Mississippi is essentially the fifth quarter of the Florida Atlantic game.

Expect the Tide to control the contest while working on the basic fundamentals that will become so very important once conference season begins Sept. 20.

USM receives a check and Alabama improves to 3-0.

--- Alabama 56 Southern Mississippi 7 ---