The Associated Press: Mich St-Alabama headlines non-BCS bowls

Michigan State finished in a three-way tie for the Big Ten title, then watched as fellow co-champions Wisconsin and Ohio State snapped up BCS bids. The seventh-ranked Spartans will settle for a New Year’s Day game against former Michigan State coach Nick Saban and 15th-ranked Alabama.

“I know the TV sets are going to turn on,” Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said. “I would estimate that this game will rival, if not win out over most of the BCS ratings when it’s all said and done.”

It’s Alabama – The Only Colors

In four years, Mark Dantonio has won a Big Ten title, compiled an enviable record in rivalry games, and moved MSU toward the upper echelon of the Big Ten.  The only major accomplishment still left unchecked is a bowl win; given that MSU has been matched up against one of the sport’s highest-profile teams, Dantonio has an opportunity to get that monkey off his back in a highly-emphatic fashion.

Dantonio, Saban expect questions on relations | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

“Do I like coaching against Jim Tressel or any of these people?” Dantonio said when asked about coaching against Saban. “No, because they’re your friends, too, but it’s a unique situation, and the competitiveness in you as a person sort of takes hold of you a little bit. It’s not about one coach against another coach; it’s about an entire team.”

Dantonio had kind words about his former boss, crediting him for bringing him onto his staff at MSU in 1995.

“As a defensive coach, Coach Saban has probably been my biggest mentor as a coach,” Dantonio said. “I had the opportunity to come here, and I probably sit here now as a head football coach because of him bringing me here. Bobby Williams has been great, too, to me and my family.”

Capital One Bowl – SEC Blog – ESPN

The game pairs two of the nation’s smartest and classiest quarterbacks in Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins and Alabama’s Greg McElroy as well as two of the nation’s most accomplished defenders in Michigan State’s Greg Jones and Alabama’s Marcell Dareus. Jones and the Spartans’ run defense face arguably their biggest test of the season against reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, a native of Flint, Mich., as well as dynamic sophomore Trent Richardson.

Bowl game a chance for Tide to set the tone for 2011 season | TideSports.com

“There are a lot of lessons to be learned from what happened this season. I don’t think having a dominant program is something you inherit. It’s something you learn how to do,” Saban added. “I think a lot of lessons were learned this season by what we did and didn’t do. We didn’t play as a dominant team for 60 minutes in some games. That affects the outcome. One of the things we should have learned is that we’re only better than the other guy when we’re playing at our best. We need to play our best all the time, and hopefully we learned that.”

It’s not Pasadena, but Spartans will take matchup with Bama | TideSports.com

“We’ve come a long way,” Dantonio said. “We’ve had a storybook-type season. We’ve fought through some adversity, won some close games, we’ve come back, so we’ve done a lot of different things. We’re an 11-1 football team, so where that takes us we’ll go. The thing we want to make sure we understand as a football program is our No. 1 goal is to win the Big Ten championship. We were able to accomplish that.

“I feel like we’re playing a championship-caliber football team. I feel like this is going to be a great matchup that’s going to turn on TV sets all over the country.”

Tide’s Ingram grew up pulling for Spartans, ‘but they are the other team now’ | al.com

“It is going to be exciting for us to go to Orlando and play in a New Year’s Day bowl game,” Ingram said Sunday night in a news release. “I grew up a Michigan State fan, so it will be very exciting for me and my family just to go out, play in the game and for them to watch it. But they (Michigan State) are the other team now.”

and etc.

Inside the Box Score – at Purdue – ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE – University of Alabama Official Athletic Site

Rosenberg, Sharp, Shelton Miller pick MSU’s bowl game | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Capital One Bowl scouting report | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

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Wake up to vintage hate.

Quick and dirty this morning folks, ’cause someone forgot to set their alarm clock.

Alabama football notes for Saturday’s game against Tennessee | al.com

Tide, UT coaches not strangers | TideSports.com

ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: McElroy: Tide offense ‘capable of a lot more’ | montgomeryadvertiser.com

Tide’s Watkins shocked at 2-for-1 block | montgomeryadvertiser.com

TNJN – Insider’s Edge: Vols focus to contain Alabama rushing duo

Alabama-Tennessee Preview – CBS 42

Blogger roundtable: Alabama playing like a team ready for its bye week | al.com

As Grant’s second season gets set to begin, Tide is starting to emphasize finishing | al.com

JaMychal Green bulks up, wants to be team leader | TideSports.com

Alabama football commitment Danny Woodson selected to play in U.S. Army all-star game | al.com

Never too much of a good thing.

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Time to get your hate up.

Vols not an automatic win | The Crimson White

This year, the Volunteers are 2-4 overall, 0-3 in the Southeastern Conference. Compare that to Alabama’s near perfect 6-1, 3-1 SEC record, and it seems like a no-brainer that the Crimson Tide will dominate.

But think about last year. Then, Alabama was at a perfect 7-0 hosting the 3-3 Vols. It was another case in which Alabama clearly had the advantage on paper. However, quarterback Greg McElroy averaged just over 4 yards per throw, while running back Mark Ingram only ran for 99 yards.

It was week eight in college football, and Alabama needed a break; Tennessee had just had its break. The Tide hung on, literally, by the tips of Cody’s fingers, barely staying perfect.

Saban sees good, bad in win | TideSports.com

“The goal of this game was for us to get back to playing with the kind of effort, the kind of toughness and discipline and execution; to play with the intensity you need to play with to play winning football. We probably hit on the toughness part — I was pleased with that — I thought we tackled better on defense, played on the line of scrimmage better,” Saban said. “We did a better job all the way around and gave much better effort in this game. Guys really played hard and I’m really proud of that. The intensity was good, the execution was not what it needs to be. That’s something we can improve on. We had way too many penalties — discipline penalties. Offsides on defense, false starts on offense, those things we can correct and improve.”

Solomon: Alabama’s offense is human after all | al.com

“People forget that it’s hard to be productive all the time,” ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill said. “Having said that, the single biggest negative is Greg McElroy’s inability to get the ball out quickly. Sometimes you go through stretches where you’re just not seeing it. You start patting the ball in the pocket, and that’s when bad things happen.”

Alabama 23, Ole Miss 10: Grading the Tide | al.com

Perhaps Maze epitomized this victory. He returned six punts for 125 yards, including one for 37 yards highlighted by a breathtaking play by linebacker Alex Watkins, who wiped out two Rebels with the block of the season.

But Maze lost a fumble on his last return, setting up the Rebels for their only three points of the first half.

Softball Sweeps Second Day of Fall Games – University of Alabama Official Athletic Site

softball w00t!

The Alabama softball team swept its second day of fall games as the Crimson Tide earned a 4-0 win over UAH and an 8-0 win over Northwest Florida State College Sunday afternoon. With the two wins, Alabama improves to a perfect 3-0 this fall.

“All the freshmen played really well,” Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said. “Jackie (Traina) pitched a great game, not giving up a hit after the first inning. Cassie (Reilly-Boccia) and Conley both had great at bats. I was really proud of the fact that we only had one error the entire day. That is something we have been working really hard on this fall.”

and etc.

Dooley encouraged in rebuilding process

Photos from the Alabama-Ole Miss game | al.com

Miscues Hurt Ole Miss On The Road | Saturday Down South

Barry Sanders, Jr. visits Alabama | MrSEC.com

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Tide’s Dareus ruled ineligible for 2 games | The Associated Press

I’m sure you’re all up to speed on this after yesterday, but just wanted to throw this quote out there:

“It is important to note that Marcell never intentionally violated any NCAA rules and did not knowingly receive any benefits from an agent,” Mike Ward, Alabama’s associate athletic director for compliance, said in a statement. “Marcell lived up to the letter and spirit of the NCAA cooperative principle and the NCAA described him as ‘one of the most truthful student-athletes we have ever interviewed.’”

The NCAA cited “mitigating circumstances” in reducing the penalty from as many as four games.

UA will appeal, naturally, but at this point (and as OTS already said), this could have been a lot worse, so let’s just be happy we’ll have his pass rushing back by Arkansas and all get real excited about learning just what Damian Square can do the next couple of weeks.

Mosley likely to have impact for Crimson Tide | TideSports.com

For all the surprise over Chavis Williams taking over at Sam, C.J. Mosley working his way onto the depth chart as a true freshman in a stacked linebacker corps ought to raise a few eyebrows.  The talent and expectations from his recruiting were there (Rivals rated him a four start and the #2 prospect in the state), but I don’t think any of us really thought anyone out of the 2010 signing class that was either a) not a DB and b) didn’t enroll early was going to get on the field in any meaningful way.  Apparently Mosley has really caught on, though:

“I see more of Rolando (McClain) in him than I see myself. … He’s a lot smarter than what I was when I was a freshman,” said Hightower. “Which makes it seem like he has a little bit of Rolando in him. He didn’t come in early like a couple of the other freshmen did, but he’s progressed a lot faster than a lot of those guys have, even some of the guys who have already been here for a year.”

Color me impressed, and if Mosley can come in right away and perform like McClain or Hightower this season he’s got a bright future ahead of him.

Tide Hopes to Build Own Legacy in 2010 | The Northport Gazette

Not much more than the usual “last year has nothing to do with this year” quotery, but check this one out:

“Certainly that team had something to do with our current team understanding the formula for success and what it takes in terms of focusing on the process of what it takes to be successful in terms of work ethic and positive energy and attitude, everybody being responsible and accountable for what they need to do to be successful, how important team chemistry is, and confidence, what it takes, self-imposed limitations that sometimes you can shed when you are able to accomplish something even beyond what you thought you might.”

That is the most Sabanesque Saban quote yet.  I wonder if he’s just doing it to screw with us now…

and etc.

The Meniscal Tear – Conquest Chronicles

I meant to link this the other day when Ingram’s injury came out, but traveling etc.  Anyway, head over for a solid read on the type of injury Ingram is facing.

College Football Nation: Questions abound on college gridirons – The Milford Daily News

14 Types of People You Will See at a College Football Tailgate – The Toilet Paper

Dirty words and mildly NSFW pics in this one.  You’ve been warned.

Comparing 2010 Tennessee to 2007 Alabama – Rocky Top Talk

SEC Best and Worst Case Scenarios – Alligator Army

Two Spartans have local ties | TideSports.com

Download the al.com Alabama-San Jose State Gameday Fact Sheet | al.com

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Quick and dirty this morning, folks, ’cause the last two days of travel have really put me behind. 

Nike unveils new uniforms | TideSports.com

Nico will be along in a little while with some good detailed shots and more impressions from the trip, but I have to say that we came out really well in this, much better than I was expecting.  One of the Nike reps told us afterwards that they were the most worried about our fanbase’s reaction to the changes, but thankfully the university had plenty of say in the design and several of the changes (like the shield at the collar and the A on the hip) I wouldn’t mind keeping on a permanent basis.  Marty Lyons summed it up well:

“They are very subtle,” Lyons said of the changes. “It’s not like they took the white pants and made them all houndstooth. That’s not the tradition. That’s not Alabama. I wouldn’t be in favor of that. But to look at what they’ve done and the professionalism of the people who designed it, I think Nike took the rich tradition of the university and the people who have contributed to that tradition and done a good job.”

Richardson ready to step into Ingram’s void for Tide – Sporting News

With Ingram sidelined for at least one game, go ahead and get ready for the tsunami of “Trent Richardson is better” comments.  Of course, Saban is having none of it:

Mark Ingram’s knee injury doesn’t spell doom for Alabama … at least not yet – USATODAY.com

WARNING: this link leads to comments by Gary Danielson.  Proceed at your own risk.

And speaking of liking and respecting each other:

Ingram has been praising Richardson throughout the preseason, talking about how the two make each other better in practice.

“I think he should be preseason All-SEC, All-American, All-Everything on every award, because he’s a great player,” Ingram told Don Kausler, Jr. of The Birmingham News. “He’s explosive. He’s dynamic. He’s getting smarter as a student of the game every day.”

Wait is over; Williams gets start at LB | TideSports.com

It’s kind of hard to believe that he’s been around so long, but Chavis Williams was part of Saban’s very first signing class, spurning Arkansas and heading to Tuscaloosa after a sudden offer from Saban (and after no offer from Shula), and now’s his time to shine:

“I was raised to never give up, and just to keep working until you get what you want to come out of it,” said Williams, who has watched Ezekial Knight (2007) and Cory Reamer (2008, 2009) start ahead of him in the last three years. “Over the years, there has been a lot of competition at linebacker. Cory Reamer, guys like Rolando (McClain), and this year there has been a lot of competition. But I just speak for myself, try to go out and work hard and try to compete with those guys.”

And if the staff’s faith in Williams isn’t enough to make you believe he can play, check out this quote from Hightower:

“He’s one of the veterans on the team. Even I’m out there sometimes and I’m like, ‘What do we check to?,’ Chavis is one of those guys other than Mark Barron who knows the defense so well.”

and etc.

Crimson Tide begin national title defense against visiting Spartans – KansasCity.com

SJSU coach Mike MacIntyre follows father’s lead into coaching ranks – San Jose Mercury News

Ex-Alabama tackle Dwight Stephenson wins prestigious award | al.com

The Associated Press: Alabama-bound Kelly finds home with Crimson Tide

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You might have heard that Alabama’s running back Mark Ingram spent a little time in the doctor’s office yesterday. Coach Saban’s 168-word announcement remains the only information about the incident we have but that didn’t stop the inevitable tsunami of speculation, soul-searching and serious nonsense. In terms of the game on Saturday it means that Trent Richardson will get his first start against San Jose State and a well deserved honor it is. 

Future Foes: San Jose State

SJSU coach heats things up at practice to prepare for Alabama game | San Jose Mercury News

San Jose State a real mystery | The Enterprise Ledger

Future Foes: Penn State

Will Penn State’s real starting quarterback please stand up? | PennLive.com

Alabama v Penn State a Hot Ticket for the 2010 College Football Season | Melodika

JoPa provides Bama bulletin board material | GoErie.com

Other Crimson Tide News

Ex-Tide linebackers continue to make an impact | The Enterprise Ledger

Cornelius Bennett and Derrick Oden spoke at the Houston and Henry counties’ Alabama Alumni Association’s 28th annual Bama Day at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center.

A simple yes and the Tide’s man would not be in T-town | Anniston Star

Once again, thank you Paul Finebaum.

Blogger roundtable: Crimson Tide tight ends a question mark in ’10 | al.com

Al.com must be getting desperate if they let hacks like this contribute to their coverage.

Miscellaneous

UA Student Health Center murals feature Alabama football | The Crimson White

The new art on the walls of the SHC will make your case of mononuclosis almost bearable.

Customize your portable electric power generator with an Alabama skin

Truly, we live in an age of wonders.

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