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.

Tailgating Still Fun After All These Years

Posted by Gaylord Campbell

Tailgating is something almost every family I think has done once or twice in their lifetime. My family though is a tailgating family that enjoys all aspects of it. Most of the time people associate tailgating with just sporting events. I have been to college and pro football games and those have been some of the best tailgating parties I have been associated with. Meeting family and friends to enjoy company and talking about sports cannot be beat. Tailgating combines food, fun, and a happy atmosphere that cannot be beat.

Besides great company tailgating also lets you try new food and recipes that others bring. Many times you will taste something that is just unbelievable and you will be able to get the recipe for it. This is one of the things I really enjoy about tailgating. Before leaving home to go tailgating I set my home security alarm installed by ADT milwaukee WI. Tailgating has really grown over the years and meeting new people is part of the enjoyment. Sometimes even some of the players stop by to check out the food and meet people. It does not happen often, but it has. All part of the fun called tailgating at your favorite sporting events.

Clash of the Titans: Florida/Alabama

As the Alabama Crimson Tide continue to run the “gauntlet” of the SEC, ‘Bama will come face-to-face with the best all-around team on the 2010 schedule…the Florida Gators.

The Gators no longer have the “magic” of Tim Tebow, but they have the talent that many Florida fans have come to expect and appreciate.

Both Florida and Alabama are obviously loaded with talent…but who has more talent?

As is the case with many “epic” games, the “small things” can mean the most.

Can the Florida defensive front handle the Alabama offensive line?

In what could be the most vital element of the game, will Florida be able to limit the “push” of the Crimson Tide offensive front?

Football “life” begins in the “trenches” and at the point of attack. It will be vital for Alabama to establish a strong offensive presence…and that begins on the line.

Taking nothing away from Florida, but I feel once the game arrives in the final period of play, the Alabama offensive line will allow the Tide running game to possibly seal the fate of the Gators.

On the flipside, the Florida offensive line “could” have problems with the Alabama defensive front, especially in the latter stages of the game.

Outside of the “trenches,” I look for the wide receiver position to play a crucial role in the game.

Who has the better group of receivers? Alabama.

Florida has talent, (Thompson, Burton, etc) but Alabama has more weapons. More weapons...more options/chances.

If the Gators are able to contain the Alabama ground attack, Julio Jones will likely see man coverage…which is a plus for the Alabama offense.

The Gators have a talented secondary, but Julio Jones on an “island” would be a tall order for any defense.

On the other side, John Brantley is a talented quarterback for the Gators…but he’s no Ryan Mallett. One would have to like Alabama’s chances when the Tide decides to pressure the Gator signal caller.

The Alabama offensive line, the ground attack and possible man coverage on Tide receivers “could” spell trouble for Florida.

Florida is a great team, but from top to bottom…Alabama is better.

Unless ‘Bama turns the ball over and gives the Florida offense a short field several times during the game…you have to like Alabama’s chances at home.

ALABAMA 31
FLORIDA 20