THURSDAY 2/2
The Tide rolls even when the play on the field is over. Alabama racked up the nation's consensus #1 recruiting class yesterday, but not without at least a bit of controversey. First here is the good news for Alabama fans: According to al.com
Alabama had the nation's No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals.com, ESPN.com and 24/7 Sports.com. Scout.com rated Alabama No. 2 behind Texas.
Alabama signed four defensive backs, including junior college transfers Deion Belue and Travell Dixon to help absorb the losses of cornerbacks DeQuan Menzie and Dre Kirkpatrick.
Alabama also brought in three of the nation's top wide receivers in Panama City (Fla.) Arnold's Eddie Williams, Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast's Chris Black and Miami (Fla.) Northwestern's Amari Cooper.
Now, depending on how you wish to view it, the controversey: Nick Saban said a big reason this class was so strong were the players that committed to the Tide months ago and remained so on signing day. At the same time, North Atlanta running back Justin Taylor and Vigor defensive lineman Darius Philon were two such players, but in the end were offered "greyshirt" scholarships to make room for others. That distinction would keep the two off the team until at least next January. Coincidentally, both were injured during their senior seasons after committing to Alabama.
At the heart of the situation is this: when were the players informed they would be, or even might be excluded from this year's siging class? If they understood that as a possibility all along that would be one thing. But Taylor, whose story has gotten big play in the Atlanta newspaper, was very surprised to recieve the news just a few weeks back. Initially he said he would stick with Alabama. Yesterday he signed with Kentucky. Philon, who apparantly got word on his reduced "greyshirt" status at Alabama last week, actually wore an Alabama hat as he announced at a Vigor High signing ceremony he would sign with the defending National Champions. By the end of the day, he had decided to join fellow Vigor star Jamychael Winston at Arkansas. I've reached out to Vigor head coach Kerry Stevenson for clarification, but have yet to hear from him.
Like I stated above, Saban gave gave credit in large part for the great class to the early commitments that stayed true to Alabama. But did that loyalty go both ways? Maybe not. I know this: Darius Philon is a heck of a football player. If he fully recovers from his injury and enrolls at Arkansas as now planned, there will be at least one game on his schedule for four seasons he'll have circled. I can't say I blame him.
WEDNESDAY 2/1
It's National Signing Day! Bama looks like they'll have another great class. It's a crucial year for South Alabama. Auburn could finish strong. I'll have updates throughout the morning.
MONDAY 1/30
A group of Georgia alum had had a great time at Joe Cain's down at the Battlehouse last Thursday night. We have an annual reception for Georgia players that are in town for the Senior Bowl. Tackle Cordy Glen and cornerback Brandon Boykin couldn't make it but center Ben Jones and punter Drew Butler did. I was able to tell Drew my age old story of being a young reporter plositioned under the Sanford Stadium goal post when his dad, Kevin, kicked a 61 yard field goal to beat Clemson in 1984. As I told Drew, when the ball sailed through the goal posts and into the end zone bleachers where the Clemson fans were seated, I spun around making certain gestures in their direction because "that's what up and coming journalists are supposed to do."
I told him I wished I could tell his dad that story, when he informed me Kevin Butler was actually about five feet from me. In fact there were three generations of Butlers in Mobile. I told the story to Kevin and his dad and we all got a big laugh out of it.
TUESDAY 1/24
Auburn's new offensive coordinator Brian Loeffler isn't showing all his cards, but was quoted as saying they will slow down the pace to "protect" the defense from too much time on the field. It sounds like once Cam Newton left The Plains, the reality of that offense without a dynamic quarterback caught up to Gene Chizik's team. Like I told my Auburn buddy Bill Black after the Tigers bounced georgia in 2010, "I'll see you next year when you have an Earthling at quarterback." It looks like part of the new offensive guy's job is to mask problems on defense.
I guess Gus Malzahn's idea to leave may have been mutually agreed upon. I knew something was up when one of America's best blocking fullbacks decided to leave Illinois and head to Auburn. Former UMS-Wright All Stater Jay Prosch wanted to be closer to home to be near his mother who is battling an illness. But he had to choose a team where a blocking fullback is relevant.
There are many if not most versions of the spread where that is not the case. Exactly what AU will do on offense, I don't know. But look for an emphasis on running...behind the fullback. How good a blocker is Prosch. His nickname in Big Ten Country was "Jay-Dozer."
FRIDAY 1/13
With the departure of two key members of the Alabama defense to the NFL Draft, the Tide will truly have to reload on that side of the ball. While Trent Richardson forgoing his final year in Tuscaloosa was a no brainer, few observers were surprised by the declarations by LB Donta Hightower and CB Dre Kirkpatrick either.
The fact is it could have been worse. Numerous other potential defectors will be returning, and with constant drumb beat of incredible recruiting classes, the Tide should be just fine. Here is more from rollbamaroll.
TUESDAY 1/10
A BRUTAL THING OF BEAUTY
A.J. McCarron was superb in skillfully guiding Alabama to their 21-0 win over LSU to secure the Tide's second BCS National Championship in the past three years. I received a text during the game from my brother in Seattle asking, "Where did A.J. spend the last 40 days? A quarterback camp?" McCarron barely resembled the quarterback that appeared overwhelmed in the first meeting of the two SEC giants back in November.
Give credit to slick first down play calling and an offensive line that protected McCarron for four quarters. Even the masses in the Big Apple are waking up to the praises of the lanky kid from St. Pauls. Here is more on A.J.'s performance from the New York Times.
Offensive coordinator Jim McEllwain had no trouble calling pass plays on first down. The strategy worked to perfection as Alabama rolled up 384 yards and 21 first downs while their stifling defense held LSU to just 92 total yards and only 5 first downs. Of those two statistics I'm not sure which is more incredible: Ninety two total yards or FIVE first downs! Just so you can gaze upon the numbers for yourself, here is the game's boxscore courtesy of espn.
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=320090099
How good was Alabama's defensive performance? Let's put it into context. Just consider the track meets we've witnessed in other BCS bowl games this year like Oklahoma State's 41-38 Fiesta bowl win over Stanford and Oregon beating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl 45-38. And let us not forget that Clemson managed to give up TEN touchdowns to West Virginia last Wednesday night at the Orange Bowl.
Meanwhile, LSU did all they could do to pass midfield! Just put yourself in Jordan Jefferson's shoes. How would you describe the relentless beatdown by the Tide defense? Jefferson called it "a nightmare." This comes from fox.
MONDAY 1/9
Alabama will be in their home crimson jerseys tonight. LSU will be in their traditional home white. But who will enjoy the actual advantage of the home crowd tonight? There are WAY more fans in New Orleans than will ever get into the Super Dome. Knowing the Alabama fan base like I do, I can't fathom the Tide fans not getting their share of the seats at the game. But let's do the math. There are only so many seats available inside. And the Super Dome IS in Louisiana. Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McEllwain says the Tide will treat tonight's contest as a road game. Here is more on tonight's game from Washington Post.
I had a great time as the atmosphere grew for last night's Godaddy.com Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium last night. With the relatively late eight o'clock kick-off, I went early and enjoyed much of the pre-game activities in the press box, at the Greer's tent and on the field. Then I went home to see how it looked on ESPN. I thought it looked great! It was an excellent turnout thanks to a huge contingent from Jonesboro and fantastic. As you probably know, Northern Illinois rallied for a 38-20 win.
FRIDAY 1/6
LSU does not aspire to simply win this year's BCS title, crowning them National Champions of this football season. That's small potatoes. If the Tigers can beat a brutally tough Alabama team for a second time this season in the Super Dome on Monday night, they think they will secure their place with the best teams in college football history. Who's to argue? Besides their narrow overtime win in Tuscaloosa in November, LSU has pummelled Oregon, West Virginia (ask Clemson if they are any good) and Georgia. Here is the skinny from the Big Easy courtesy of the New York Daily News college football writer Dick Weis.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/winner-lsu-faces-bama-article-1.1001661
So just what is the deal with Michael Dyer anyway? I'm not sure, but this seems to be clear: he is done at Auburn.
Why the back that whizzed past Bo Jackson's freshman rushing record in 2010 and gained over 1,200 yards again this season has decided to pack his things is a hot topic on The Plains. Most believe he'll end up at Arkansas State with former AU OC Gus Malzahn. Here is the story from yahoo.
THURSDAY 1/5
Hello! I'm back from my get away to the Tampa area where I visited my sister and her family and got the chance to watch Georgia play very well...for another first half. Aaron Murray has great moments but also has damaged the Dogs badly in several losses this year by being careless with the football. It happened again Monday after Georgia had built which appeared to be a secure 16-0 halftime lead. His two third quarter interceptions put Michigan State right back in the game. Then Georgia's defense wears down, their kicker forgets how to kick and Michigan State wins in triple overtime. This all despite a record receiving day for WR Tavarres King.
Enough of that. Lets talk Alabama / LSU for all the BCS marbles. Of the over 1000 news articles I found on the game by googling it, here are a couple that you may not have seen. This one is about the SEC dominance of the college football world from The Sporting News.
And even if LSU loses do they still win? That could be the case as you'll read here from espn.
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/24156338/34201879
WEDNESDAY 12/28
South Alabama is doing their best to address some deficiencies in personnel by signing some JUCO players. Five junior college players have committed to the Jags in the past week. South has suffered attrition through injury and suspension, especially in the defensive backfield. By the Cal Poly game at the end of last season, a walk on was starting at safety.
Going foward, the Jags won't be able to afford such lags in talent. The schedule will not allow it. Along with a full Sun Belt schedule, the Jags travel again to N.C. State. They also play at Mississippi State and Hawaii.
South also hired a new offensive coordinator. He is former Southern Miss tight end's coach Robert Matthews. There is nothing in his bio to suggest what Matthews' offensive philosophy will be. The Jags' offense, a stength in their first two seasons, digressed with the upgrade in competition in 2011. Quarterback C.J. Bennett certainly took a step backward. To add to their concerns, South Alabama loses key members of the offensive line.
They return a good bit of their skill personnel, but the question is are they good enough to compete at the next level? Just what was wrong with the offense in 2011? Scheme? Talent? A combination of both? It's something Joey Jones needs to get to the bottom of. And in a hurry.
© 2012
