Touchdown Alabama Magazine - Arkansas 2009 Online Edition

Alabama’s Premier College Football Magazine

September 26, 2009

September 26, 2009

Tide SEC Opener Player Spotlight William Vlachos By: Lauren Moranor

Mt. Cody Brings the “D” TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET

Inside the Fail Room

By: Jennifer Gorham

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September 26, 2009 | Volume 2, Issue 5

In This Issue 8

President/Publisher

Pregame Preview

Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Mike Lacy

Managing Editor

10

Rosters

14

The Fail Room

18

Visitor Profiles

19

Larry’s Lowdown

21

Pat Raines

22

Player Matchups

25

William Vlachos

26

SEC News

29

Bama Fans

Bennie Bice

Jessica Temple

Photography

BDL Matt Gaston UA Media Relations

Creative Director Graphic Design

Chief Information Officer Website Designer

Jenifer McCormick Cassandra Johnson Tramayne Wright Brian LaShomb Carey Landon

Public Relations

Katlyn Clark Drew Franklin

Advertising Director Advertising Sales

Herb Neu Ron Bush Doug Cate Alex Schroyer

Accounting Department Marketing Department Contributing Writers

Danny Glynn John Shamblin

Larry Burton Randal Etheredge Jennifer Gorham Anthony Johnson Amanda Kelly Brad Lake Lauren Moranor Coe Robbins

M U L T I M E D I A Next Issue • Marquis Maze • John Copeland • “The Bear Factor”

Web Content • Post-Game Interviews • Game Footage • Press Conferences from Nick Saban • More From Larry Burton

Weekly Radio Show

• Coming Soon!

All content is the property of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Touchdown Alabama Magazine reserves all rights to content in both the print and online (www.touchdownalabama.net) versions of the publication. No image or text may be reproduced without written consent from Touchdown Alabama Magazine.

Letter from the Editor Hello, Crimson Tiders!

Welcome to another weekly issue of Touchdown Alabama Magazine! The Tide takes on its first SEC opponent this week in Bryant-Denny before hitting the road for Kentucky and Ole Miss. When the Tide is away, don’t forget to visit touchdownalabama.net for our digital issues!

If you are new to the magazine, we are glad you picked us up and we hope you enjoy it! Our regular readers might notice a few subtle changes this week.

Let us know what you think!

As Alabama’s premier college football magazine, we strive to bring you the most complete and current coverage of the Crimson Tide. If you have any suggestions or ideas for things you would like to see in our upcoming issues, please let us know! We are always open to suggestions from our readers.

If you are rolling with the Tide over the next few weeks, drive safely and do you part to cheer the team on to some wins on the road! We will be back in print on October 17 for Alabama’s homecoming game. Find us at Bamaland, the Supe Store, the Bryant Museum, Barnes and Noble or our Bryant Drive tent.

Roll Tide!

Touchdown Alabama Staff

Send Letters to: PO BOX 3251 TUSCALOOSA AL 35403-3251 205-701-1211 publish@tdalabama.com Advertising: ads@tdalabama.com

ON THE COVER 62 Terrence Cody DL Sr.

Alabama’s 2008 defense finished third nationally in total defense and the 2009 team is off to a great start. In the first two games, Alabama lead the SEC in rushing defense, sacks and tackles for loss. At 6-5, 354 Cody is the big man and is making a big impact on the D. He was one of five players to earn preseason first-team AllAmerica honors this year and is on watchlists for the Outland Trophy, Bednark Award, Lombardi Trophy and Nagurski Award. He was recognized by the coaching staff as a defensive player of the week following the FIU game. “Mount Cody” will continue to make things tough for the opposing offense this season.

Subscribe T oday! . . www touchdownalabama net

6

| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA September 26, 2009

This should be an interesting game.

Both teams have looked great so far.

I see a close game, with Alabama putting it away late.

INDEX

>>Alabama 24-14 Bennie Bice - Publisher In the spirit of Leonard Posttosties, noted radio prognosticator for 30 years: Bobby Petrino brings his pet piggies down to T-Town in hopes of snatching an SEC West win. The pummeling pachyderms aren’t likely to go along with those plans, so unless Arkansas sends some advanced scouts with a heavy dose of swine flu to infect the Tide, these razorbacks are likely gonna end up on a barbecue pit.

Larry’s Loser - Arkansas Larry Burton

Alabama starts its SEC schedule against a gun-slinging high powered offense. Arkansas is ranked in the top 5 nationally in total offense and has two SEC games under its belt. Alabama is two dimensional in the running and passing game and will exploit Arkansas’ defense by running the ball and controlling the clock. Defensively, Alabama’s DB’s will be tested over and over with Arkansas’ new quarterback Ryan Mallett.

After an explosive performance against North Texas, the Tide gets ready to open SEC play. It will be a tough game, but with its swarming defense the Tide will dominate the entire game. I like the Tide over the Hogs.

>>Alabama 31-21 Mike Lacy - Editor-in-Chief

>>Alabama 24-7 Marvin Constant

Arkansas played surprisingly well last week against Georgia, so they could present Alabama’s first challenge of the season, but the Tide will still take the win.

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7

Pre-Game Preview

Pre-Game Preview

Razorback Challenge SEC Opener to Present Toughest Team So Far Katie Koenig

T

he Alabama Crimson Tide will see their first SEC game when they host the Arkansas Razorbacks this week. Alabama is coming off an easy 53-7 victory over North Texas last week, and they hope to continue their near-perfect level of play against a tougher SEC team this week. Fans saw Greg McElroy continue to impress as he completed 13 of 15 passes last week for 176 yards, as well as two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown.

Alabama had three players who had 75 yards or more in their highest-scoring game since a 56-7 victory in 2001 over UTEP. Mark Ingram continues to put up big numbers for the Tide with 91 yards and a touchdown last week. Freshman Trent Richardson saw a lot of action once again against North Texas as he had 87 yards and a touchdown. Fans also saw Terry Grant scoring twice and rushing for 79 yards.

Tide fans should be excited that the team managed such a big victory last week without last year’s AP SEC Freshman of the Year, Julio Jones.

Jones suffered a bruised kneecap in Alabama’s game against Florida International earlier this season, but he should be fully recovered in time for this week’s conference opener. Running back Roy Upchurch suffered a high ankle sprain in the win over Florida International and is still questionable. Coach Saban said last week that both players had been improving steadily in their recoveries. Alabama saw no additional significant injuries from the North Texas game last week.

Arkansas is coming off a tough loss in their

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT GASTON

SEC opener against Georgia last week. While their offense put up some big numbers, as expected their defense left something to be desired. Many Arkansas fans were hoping a victory in the Georgia game would serve as a springboard for their team to build a case as a serious contender in the SEC West.

Arkansas’ quarterback Ryan Mallett showed last week that he could be a bright spot for the Razorbacks. Mallett set two school records against the Bulldogs as he racked up five touchdown passes and broke the single-game passing record with 408 yards in the air. Mallett transferred to Arkansas from the University of Michigan in 2007 and sat out the 2008 season, per NCAA regulations.

The Razorbacks struggled last week with penalties early on as linebacker Jerry Franklin was ejected after two personal fouls. They suffered after an illegal block took away a big gain and saw an unsportsmanlike conduct call a little later in the game. In total, Arkansas had 11 penalties for 100 yards last week against an undisciplined Georgia team. Penalties could play a part this week as well if the Hogs are not more careful in their game against the Tide.

This week marks the beginning of a tough road schedule for Arkansas. Aside from Alabama, they must travel to Florida, Ole Miss and LSU. The team had an off week before the Georgia game, so they now play 11 straight to finish out the season.

The game will be aired on CBS with kick-off set for 2:30 CST. touchdownalabama.net |

9

alabama Roster 10

NO

NAME

POS

CL

82 32 28 49 4 7 44 86 93 67 88 87 77 99 62 57 16 79 96 95 51 85 40 13 97 76 58 11 6 29 33 23 34 15 54 5 30 40 22 3 2 24 78 35 75 8 26 36 81 20 21 42

Earl Alexander WR Jr. Eryk Anders LB Sr. Javier Arenas DB Sr. Jonathan Atchison LB Fr. Mark Barron DB So. Kenny Bell WR Fr. Alex Benson LB Sr. Undra Billingsley TE Fr. Chris Bonds DL Fr. John Michael Boswell OL So. Michael Bowman WR Fr. Drew Bullard LB Jr James Carpenter OL Jr. Josh Chapman DL So. Terrence Cody DL Sr. Marcell Dareus DL So. Thomas Darrah QB So. Drew Davis OL Sr. Luther Davis DL Jr. Brandon Deaderick DL Sr. Michael DeJohn LB Jr. Preston Dial TE Ir. DeMarcus DuBose LB So. Rob Ezell WR Jr. P.J. Fitzgerald P Sr. D.J. Fluker OL Fr. Nick Gentry DL So. Brandon Gibson WR So. Demetrius Goode RB So. Terry Grant RB Jr. Hampton Gray DB Sr. Robby Green DB So. Jeramie Griffin RB So. Darius Hanks WR So. Glenn Harbin DL Fr. Jerrell Harris LB So. Dont’a Hightower LB So. Baron Huber RB/TE Sr. Mark Ingram RB So. Kareem Jackson DB Jr. Star Jackson QB Fr. Marquis Johnson DB Sr. Mike Johnson OL Sr. Nico Johnson LB Fr. Barrett Jones OL R-Fr. Julio Jones WR So. Phelon Jones DB So. Chris Jordan LB So. Kendall Kelly WR Fr. Tyrone King DB Sr. Dre Kirkpatrick DB Fr. Eddie Lacy RB Fr.

HT

WT

HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL

6-4 6-2 5-9 6-2 6-2 6- 1 6- 1 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-7 6-3 6-4 6- 1 6-3 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-6 6-1 6-2 5-9 5-10 6- 2 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-4 5-10 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-0

212 235 195 220 214 160 225 276 280 306 210 238 300 313 354 296 227 306 275 306 241 233 232 170 204 340 264 192 191 190 196 181 224 184 257 227 255 263 212 193 206 191 303 225 289 211 195 230 216 203 185 210

Phenix City, AL/Central San Antonio, TX/Smithson Valley Tampa, FL/Robinson Atlanta, GA/Douglass Mobile, AL/St. Paul’s Rayville, LA/Rayville Trussville, AL/Hewitt-Trussville Birmingham, AL/Woodlawn Columbia, SC/Richland Northeast HS Northport, AL/Tuscaloosa County Rossville, GA/Ridgeland Florence, AL/Florence Augusta, GA/Hephzibah Hoover, AL/Hoover Ft. Myers, FL/Gulf Coast C.C. Huffman, AL/Huffman Newnan, GA/Newnan Evergreen, AL/Sparta Academy West Monroe, LA/West Monroe Elizabethtown, KY/Elizabethtown Hoover, AL/Hoover Mobile, AL/UMS-Wright Montgomery, AL/Jefferson Davis Athens, AL/Athens Coral Springs, FL/Stoneman Douglas Foley, AL/Foley Prattville, AL/Prattville Mobile, AL/UMS-Wright LaGrange, GA/Hargrave Lumberton, MS/Lumberton Northport, AL/Tuscaloosa County New Orleans, LA/John Curtis Christian Batesville, MS/South Panola Norcross, GA/Norcross Mobile, AL/McGill-Toolen Gadsden, AL/Gadsden City Lewisburg, TN/Marshall County Knoxville, TN/Powell Flint, MI/Southwestern Academy Macon, GA//Fork Union Military Lake Worth, FL/Lake Worth Sarasota, FL/Booker Pensacola, FL/Pine Forest Andalusia, AL/Andalusia Memphis, TN/Evangelica Christian Foley, AL/Foley Mobile, AL/LSU/McGill-Toolen Brentwood, TN/Brentwood Academy Gadsden, AL/Gadsden City Birmingham, AL/Grambling State/Minor Gadsden, AL/Gadsden City Geismar, LA/Dutchtown

NAME

POS

37 72 33 4 10 25 80 52 12 56 59 66 64 46 83 18 2 84 39 68 54 13 3 8 74 1 46 50 94 26 94 48 71 17 92 61 47 90 99 51 87 5 41 73 65 97 91 55 60 89 9 27 18

Robert Lester DB Tyler Love OL Mike Marrow RB-HB Marquis Maze WR A.J. McCarron QB Rolando McClain LB Mike McCoy WR Alfred McCullough OL Greg McElroy QB William Ming DL Brandon Moore DL Brian Motley OL Kerry Murphy DL Wesley Neighbors DB Kevin Norwood WR Morgan Ogilvie QB Tana Patrick LB Colin Peek TE Kyle Pennington DB Taylor Pharr OL Russell Rains OL Cory Reamer LB Trent Richardson RB Chris Rogers DB David Ross OL B.J. Scott DB Chris Scott WR Brian Selman SNP Darrington Sentimore DL Ali Sharrief DB Jeremy Shelley PK Travis Sikes WR Allen Skelton OL Brad Smelley TE Damion Square DL Anthony Steen OL-DL Ed Stinson LB-DL Milton Talbert DL Leigh Tiffin PK Carson Tinker ST Chris Underwood TE Roy Upchurch RB Courtney Upshaw LB William Vlachos OL Chance Warmack OL Lorenzo Washington DL Alex Watkins LB Chavis Williams LB David Williams OL Michael Williams TE Nick Williams WR Justin Woodall DB Rod Woodson DB

CL Fr. R-Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Ir. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr.

HT 6-2 6-6 6-2 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-6 5-11 6-6 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-0 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-3 5-9 5-10 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-6 5-10 6-2 5-11

WT 207 303 240 179 190 255 215 305 220 260 310 291 323 210 180 195 235 255 188 290 260 234 220 190 299 196 170 210 280 200 170 198 265 233 272 305 240 275 212 220 231 205 249 294 301 290 225 223 272 266 165 221 200

HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL Foley, AL/Foley Mountain Brook, AL/Mountain Brook Holland, OH/Central Catholic Birmingham, AL/Tarrant Mobile, AL/Saint Paul’s Episcopal School Decatur, AL/Decatur Rankin, MS/Northwest Athens, AL/Athens Southlake, TX/Southlake Carroll Athens, AL/Athens Montgomery, AL/Carver Autaugaville, AL/Autaugaville Hoover, AL/Hargrave/Hoover Huntsville, AL/Huntsville D’lberville, MS/DiIberville Mountain Brook, AL/Mountain Brook Bridgeport, AL/North Jackson Ponte Vedra Beach, FL/Georgia Tech/Bolles Chatom, AL/Washington County Irondale, AL/Shades Valley Satsuma, AL/SaWuma Hoover, AL/Hoover Pensacola, FL/Escambia Lakeland, FL/Evangel Christian Homewood, AL/Homewood Prichard, AL/Vigor Birmingham, AL/Ramsay Vestavia Hills, AL/Vestavia Hills Norco, LA/Destrehan Stevenson, AL/North Jackson Raleigh, N.C./Broughton Nashville, TN/Christ Presbyterian Coker, AL/Tuscaloosa County Tuscaloosa, AL/American Christian Houston, TX/Yates Lambert, MS/Lee Academy Homestead, FL/South Dade Hattiesburg, MS/Hattiesburg Muscle Shoals, AL/Muscle Shoals Murfreesboro, TN/Riverdale Birmingham, AL/Vestavia Hills Tallahassee, FL/Godby Eufaula, AL/Eufaula Birmingham, AL/Mountain Brook Atlanta, GA/Westlake Logansville, GA/Hargrave Brownsville, TN/Haywood Dora, AL/Dora Duncanville, AL/Hillcrest Reform, AL/Pickens County Fort Lauderdale, FL/St. Thomas Aquinas Oxford, MS/Lafayette Olfve Branch, MS/Olive Branch

alabama Roster

NO

11

ARKANSAS roster 12

NO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 11 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 35 36 37 38

NAME Cameron Craig Perkins Devrick Garry Grace Telvin Griffin Blake Gunderson Derek Hatcher Jordan Jacobs Chris Muncie Brandon Pyle William Serrano Brandon Tierney Justin Wortman Dylan Zimmerman Anthony Leon Reggie Fish London Crawford Joe Adams Rudell Crim Jarius Wright Tramain Thomas Bobby Petrino Brandon Barnett Knile Davis Alex Tejada Tyler Wilson Elton Ford Wendel Davis Nick Petrino Cobi Hamilton Seth Armbrust Dylan Breeding Jim Youngblood Ryan Mallett Darius Winston Brandon Mitchell Adrian Davis Dustin Cain Carlton Salters Ronnie Wingo Michael Smith David Gordon De’Anthony Curtis Isaac Madison Terrell Williams Ramon Broadway Jerell Norton Alvin Chambers Greg Gatson Broderick Green Daniel Baldwin Mitchell Bailey Jerico Nelson Bret Harris Dennis Johnson Jerry Franklin Ross Rasner Ronald Watkins Andru Stewart Cameron Bryan Jerry Mitchell

POS K CB RB WR OL QB OL WR WR WR K CB K FS WR WR WR CB WR SS WR TB RB K QB S LB QB WR S P TE QB CB QB DE FS WR RB TB CB TB CB OLB CB CB WR CB RB CB FB S LB TB LB SS RB CB K FS

CL Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr.

HT 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-4 5-7 6-2 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-8 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-3 5-9 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-3 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-3 5-9 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-1 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-1

WT HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL 175 Tulsa, OK (Bishop Kelly) 165 Houston, TX (Cypress Creek) 226 Alpharetta, GA (Chattahoochee) 178 Texarkana, AR (Arkansas High) 290 Rockwall, TX (Rockwall) 200 Middleberg, FL (Ridgview) 230 Alexander, AR (Bryant) 185 El Paso, TX (Montwood) 240 Hallsville, TX (Hallsville) 200 Nashville, AR (Nashville) 185 Arlington, TX (Ft. Worth Country Day School) 170 Cabot, AR (Cabot) 160 Summerville, SC (Summerville) 230 Miami, FL (Gulliver Prepatory Academy) 163 Mesquite, TX (Mesquite) 205 Mobile, AL (Davidson) 182 Little Rock, AR (Central Arkansas Christian) 190 Tallahassee, FL (Rickards) 180 Warren, AR (Warren) 187 Winnie, TX (East Chambers) 168 Fayetteville, AR (Fayetteville) 211 Texarkana, AR (Arkansas High) 213 Missouri City, TX (Fort Bend Marshall) 205 Springdale, AR (Springdale) 215 Greenwood, AR (Greenwood) 215 Alpharetta, GA (Chattahoochee) 230 Sweeny, TX (Sweeny) 190 Louisville, KY (Trinity) 209 Texarkana, TX (Texas High School) 190 Little Rock, AR (Catholic) 200 Helena, AL (Hoover) 225 Camden, AR (Fairview) 238 Texarkana, TX (Texas High School) 180 Helena, AR (Helena-West Helena Central) 220 Amite, LA (Amite) 252 Rosenberg, TX (Terry) 190 Coppell, TX (Coppell) 200 Tallahassee, FL (North Florida Christian) 218 St. Louis, MO (St. Louis University H S) 180 Tallahassee, FL (Rickards) 180 Tulsa, OK (East Central High School) 215 Camden, AR (Fairview) 185 Dallas, TX (Carter) 225 Tulsa, OK (Union High School) 191 Shreveport, LA (Evangel Christian Acad) 200 Cedar Hill, TX (Cedar Hill) 192 Florissant, MO (Hazelwood East) 175 Memphis, TN (Germantown) 248 Little Rock, AR (Pulaski Academy) 185 Piggot, AR (Piggot) 227 Broken Bow, OK (Broken Bow) 205 Destrehan, LA (Destrehan) 210 Irving, TX (MacArthur) 205 Texarkana, AR (Arkansas High) 241 Marion, AR (Marion) 205 Waco, TX (Reicher) 185 Stafford, VA (Colonial Forge) 200 Bakersfield, CA (Oaks Christian Acad) 176 Oklahoma City, OK (Bishop McGuinness) 205 Mandeville, LA (Mandeville)

NAME

POS

CL

HT

WT

HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL

39 40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 76 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Matt Harris Joseph Henry Ryan Powers Tenarius Wright Van Stumon D.J. Williams Freddy Burton Matt Marshall John Durmon Briton Forester Stephen Barnett Alfred Davis Robert Salinas Jermaine Love Colby Berna Michael Villegas Austin Moss Jelani Smith Robby Campbell Damario Ambrose Rhett Richardson Seth Oxner Zach Stadther Nick Brewer Adam Pearce Travis Swanson DeMarcus Love Mitch Petrus Alvin Bailey Clay Bemberg David Hurd Zhamal Thomas Wade Grayson Grant Cook Ray Dominguez Kareem Crowell Matt Hall Tyler Deacon Anthony Oden Grant Freeman Chris Gragg Marques Wade Lance Ray Neal Barlow Price Holmes Greg Childs Ben Cleveland Austin Tate Lucas Miller Austin Tucker Colton Nash Jake Bequette DeQuinta Jones Chris Berezansky Will Coleman Patrick Jones Malcolm Sheppard Ryan Calender Caleb Evans Lavunce Askew

S TE LB DE FB TE LB DB FB P LB NT DE LB OL LB ILB LB OL DE LS C NT LS DE C T G OG C OT OG C G T OG T T OT T TE WR WR WR WR WR TE TE WR WR TE DE DT DE DE DT DT OLB DE DT

Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So.

6-2 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-0 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-9 6-2 6-8 6-7 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-6 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-1 6-6 6-5 6-5 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-4 6-3

198 Richardson, TX (Pearce) 240 Conway, AR (Little Rock Central) 223 Athens, AL (Tanner) 238 Memphis, TN (Whitehaven) 266 North Little Rock, AR (North Little Rock) 251 Little Rock, AR (Central Arkansas Christian) 231 Morrilton, AR (Morrilton) 230 Camden, NJ (Camden) 243 Warren, AR (Warren) 185 Encinitas, CA (La Costa Canyon) 227 Siloam Springs, AR (Siloam Springs) 326 College Park, GA (Banneker) 241 La Joya, TX (La Joya) 230 Garland, TX (North Garland) 293 Fayetteville, AR (Fayetteville) 230 Springdale, AR (Springdale) 223 Rockwall, TX (Heath) 215 Abbeville, LA (Abbeville) 314 Wildwood, MO (Lafayette) 268 Mobile, AL (Davidson) 214 Rockwall, TX (Rockwall) 315 Monticello, AR (Monticello) 295 North Little Rock, AR (North Little Rock) 215 Austin, TX (James Bowie) 256 Little Rock, AR (Pulaski Academy) 305 Kingwood, TX (Kingwood) 305 Lancaster, TX (Carter) 315 Carlisle, AR (Carlisle) 323 Broken Arrow, OK (Broken Arrow) 295 Little Rock, AR (Central) 305 West Monroe, LA (West Monroe) 343 New Iberia, LA (New Iberia) 296 Harrison, AR (Harrison) 322 Jonesboro, AR (Jonesboro) 329 Bainbridge, GA (Bainbridge) 325 Tallahassee, FL (Godby/Hargrave Military Acad) 328 Russellville, AR (Russellville) 295 Little Rock, AR (Catholic) 328 Indianapolis, IN (Lawrence N/Hargrave Mil. Acad) 298 Paris, AR (Paris) 230 Warren, AR (Warren) 195 Ellenwood, GA (Martin Luther King) 207 Havana, FL (East Gadsden) 200 Little Rock, AR (Pulaski Academy) 190 Batesville, AR (Batesville) 217 Warren, AR (Warren) 256 Springdale, AR (Springdale) 230 Harrison, AR (Harrison High School) 205 Huntington, AR (Greenwood) 195 Springdale, AR (Shiloh Christian) 261 Sulpher Springs, TX (Sulpher Springs) 271 Little Rock, AR (Catholic) 307 Bastrop, LA (Bastrop High School) 252 Hillsborough, NJ (Hillsborough) 240 Helena, AR (De Soto) 309 Hampton, GA (Lovejoy) 291 Bainbridge, GA (Bainbridge) 226 Caddo Mills, TX (Caddo Mills) 243 Custer, MT (Helena) 290 Camden, AR (Fairview)

ARKANSAS roster

NO

13

Exclusive

More than one meaning for the word FA IL

I

Jennifer Gorham

magine stepping off a bus from a nine-hour trip only to be welcomed with a locker room dubbed “The Fail Room.”

Along with the fact that your will be facing a ranked team that holds the National Championship record in a few hours, that name could be unnerving.

That is just what visiting teams are welcomed with when they walk into the locker room located under the Alabama student bleachers. Not only can they hear the elephant sound effects, Paul “Bear” Bryant’s thick southern accent from the TV screens and “Yea Alabama,” chanted by thousands of fans, but they have the luxury of seeing grey Alabama A’s patterned into the red carpet.

Could all of these factors be put in place to confuse, intimidate or scare the opposing team? More than likely not, but since this is the first season that opposing teams will venture into the newly-named room, no one knows how it will affect the teams, if at all.

The Fail Room was named after James M. Fail in December 2008. Fail, a Mobile native and an Alabama alumnus, graduated and went on to become a prominent factor in the financial sector. He has been linked with

14

| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA September 26, 2009

Stone Holdings Inc. and Bluebonnet Savings Bank. Fail is also recognized for his philanthropic contributions throughout Alabama and he served in the Navy for three years before attending the University.

While the students and fans fill Bryant-Denny Stadium to the maximum limit and The Million Dollar Band takes the field, the opposing team may not understand the meaning behind the name.

The Fail Room symbolizes a respect for what The University of Alabama has instilled in one man, and because of that The University of Alabama has given the word “fail” a new meaning.

Fail waited for the opportunity to give back to the university that taught him about the real world and led him to success in his business endeavors. Not many opportunities come around where you can give something the title “fail,” but when the opportunity did come along for Fail to leave his fingerprints on the campus that left its mark on him, he could not pass it up.

“Anything I’ve done would not have been possible without the University of Alabama, but not so much from a ‘making money’ standpoint,” Fail said. “At the University, I learned how

Visiting locker room has unique name been such a strong supporter of ours and had already made a to learn. I learned discipline and how to apply what I learned to the real world. Now, many years later, I am honored to give back significant gift to name our media suite in memory of his late to the school that means so much to me. Earlier this year [2008], father-in-law, former Birmingham Post-Herald sports editor when I saw the visitor’s locker room as a potential naming right, Naylor Stone, but he had always been hesitant to use his unique name for a naming right until the right opportunity came along.”

I figured it was the most appropriate opportunity I would ever Moore emphasizes that Fail has been a great work partner have to use my name.”

When a team is on the road, chances are they will not have a and his donation to The Crimson Tide Foundation will not be forgotten. A donation for The Crimson Tide Foundation fancy or spacious locker room, but while some may be includes gifts made to the A+ Incentives extremely small and others very bland, Program, athletic scholarship endowments the visitors’ locker room in Bryantand other athletic gift funds, according to Denny is a first-class space. Besides the the athletic club. crimson carpet and the foreboding name, “Over the years, we’ve developed a teams should feel at home here. In fact, special relationship with Mr. Fail,” Moore that same locker room was good enough said. “What a joy he has been to work with for Crimson Tide players before the 2006 and get to know. We’ve all been energized stadium renovations took place. Now, by being around him, his approach to life, they are housed in the north end zone on his generosity and his excitement for life. the opposite side of the field from The Needless to say, his most recent gift and Fail Room.

Fail with Athletics Director Mal Moore at the way he chose to use it, will be rememFail has contributed to the University the dedication ceremony bered for many years to come.” before the renaming of the locker room The meaning of this fail is not to discourage anyone from with his fitting moniker. doing their best, but to give back to a university that meant so “This naming opportunity came at Mr. Fail’s request,” UA much to one person. athletics director Mal Moore said in a statement. “Mr. Fail has

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UA MEDIA RELATIONS & BDL

touchdownalabama.net |

15

Opponents

Views From the Other Side Amanda Kelly

Michael Smith, RB, #21

C

onsidered by many to be one of the top running backs in the SEC, Arkansas senior Michael Smith was forced to wait until last season to shine.

Smith injured his hamstring during the Razorbacks’ fall camp his freshman year and by the time it properly healed, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones had established themselves as starters. Smith took a redshirt for the season and played in relief of McFadden and Felix over the next two years.

Last year, however, Smith started in nine of the 10 games he played in, and finished the year with 207 carries for 1,072 yards and eight touchdowns. He was the team’s leading rusher and second-leading receiver.

He is also only the ninth person in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season.

The senior majoring in kinesiology was named to the preseason 2009 All-SEC First-Team, but sets no expectation for the number of plays he’ll participate in this year.

“I don’t how many carries I’m going to have,” Smith said. “Coach Petrino is very situational and every situation requires a different type of back . He’s going to play the running back who will deliver the best result for the situation.”

Jake Bequette, DE, #91

B

orn into a family of skilled athletes, Jake Bequette is already starting to stand apart. The defensive end has recorded 28 total career tackles, a statistic that should impress his father, uncle, and grandfather, all former members of the Arkansas football team.

The 6-foot-5-inch sophomore is majoring in financial management. He played in all 12 of the team’s games last season and received an SEC All-Freshman selection.

During last year’s game against Alabama, Bequette recorded an assisted tackle.

As one of four returning starters for the Razorback’s defensive line, Bequette has been a part of the team’s rebuilding process and says he uses the constant adjustments as motivation.

“With all the depth chart changes, Coach always wants to promote an environment of competition and we embrace that,” he said.

Although the Razorbacks opened this season with an impressive 48-10 win over Missouri State, it is still early and their defensive line is relatively unproven. Bequette, who recorded two tackles in the season opener, seems positive about the progress of the defense thus far.

“I think with any defense, it takes a little while to see how good you are,” he said. “We are confident. We are miles ahead of where we were last year as a defense.”

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| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA September 26, 2009

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BDL

Larry Burton

Larry’s

LOWDOWN

Larry Burton

TEAM – Together Each Alabamian Matters

B

eing a new writer for Touchdown Alabama, I have access to players and their thoughts after the games with the credentials that come with the job. It is a time when the players are still in the heat of the moment and they speak from the heart without time to practice a patent answer.

It is a time when they don’t know the questions that will be hurled at them in rapid fire and often their answers mimic one another even though they have no idea of what their teammate has just said across the room.

I witnessed this earlier in the season after the Florida International Game. On that night the tone each player conveyed was TEAM. It was both refreshing and insightful to witness young men of such character.

I spoke to senior wide receiver Mike McCoy, who stepped up when sophomore Julio Jones went out early. He had one of his best games, but chose instead to brag about the other receivers who stepped up to take up their share of the slack.

He bragged also on his quarterback, junior Greg McElroy, who all the receivers had so much faith in. “We know if we run our routes and do our job, the ball will be there,” he said. They have faith in their quarterback and in each other.

I talked to senior offensive lineman Mike Johnson, who said the thing that made him most proud was the fact that the team never missed a beat when substitute linemen were brought in. He thought they were a deeper and more athletic line than last year’s notable

line. He said he had faith in them and that he only had to concentrate on doing his job well and not looking over his shoulder.

Sophomore running back Mark Ingram told me he was glad to see senior Roy Upchurch get his first start of the year, even if it was because he (Ingram) had been, and still was, a little sick with the flu. He said that the backs were all a pretty close knit group and that yes, they all wanted their carries, but there was no jealousy and they all pulled for one another.

Ingram said, “I knew that when Roy went down that there were others who could and would step up.” Step up they did, including Ingram himself, who was obviously still not feeling well. His eyes were watery and puffy and his voice was just about gone.

“You do what you have to do,” said Ingram about his playing. “I could go a few plays and then I had to come out, I just had no energy.”

Yet he accounted for 103 yards of rushing and receiving.

Then there was McElroy, who broke an Alabama all-time record with 14 straight completions. He did not like to dwell on that and said he didn’t even know about it until he heard it over the P.A. system.

Instead, he wanted to talk about the receivers. McElroy found nine different ones that night and went a fantastic 18 out of 24 for 241 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

“We have such a great group of receivers that it’s easy for me to do my job,” McElroy said. “Losing a Julio could cripple some teams, but we are fortunate to have a great group of receivers who can step up.”

He also bragged on the offensive line and running backs and said this was a team victory.

All these stars had great nights of their own, yet each only wanted to talk about his teammates, the accomplishments of others and the importance of having others to rely on.

It made me cognizant of the fact that while most colleges have a football squad, ours is truly a football TEAM. Coach Nick Saban has raised the talent level since he’s been here, and it’s obvious he has the team focused, but it’s nice that at least one old-fashioned thing still remains on the team since the earliest days of Crimson Tide Football: a sense of team being more important than any one player’s accomplishments.

In this day of “me first”, that’s pretty refreshing. touchdownalabama.net |

19

The

Recruiting

Week 4 Coe Robbins

QB Phillip Sims 6’2” 209, Chesapeake, Va. - Oscar Smith rolls past King’s Fork 34-0 with help from Sims who was 17-of-27 for 219 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Rivals No.1 rated QB has garnered scholarship offers from all over the country but is still a very strong commit to Alabama. Sims has two 3,000 yard seasons and has thrown 33 touchdowns as a sophomore and 38 as a junior.

RB Corey Grant 5’10” 186, Opelika, Ala. - Corey Grant had 173 yards and two scores in the first half alone as Opelika defeated Enterprise 27-24 in overtime. Grant finished the ballgame with 201 yards on 26 carries.

Grant runs a 4.4 forty with a 37-inch vertical and bench presses 290 pounds.

Grant has said that the coaching staff wants to utilize him in many ways because of his speed mainly as a returner. With Javier Arenas departing next year, he could make an immediate impact come 2010.

20

WR Keiwone Malone 6’ 1” 165, Memphis Tenn. – Keiwone Malone caught a last second touchdown to cut Mitchell High’s deficit to Melrose 26-25. Mitchell’s coach decided to go for the win, but the team fell short on the two-point conversion, ending the game. Malone caught his last pass from 21 yards out.

Alabama’s first commitment of 2010, Keiwone has what it takes to be a slot receiver. At 6-foot with a 4.4 forty, Malone can make any guy miss tackles in the open field. Malone also had scholarship offers from Tennessee, Ole Miss and Oregon.

student with a gun in the school. When the police arrived and searched the student, no firearm was found.

The state’s top ranked prospect and No.1 CB in the country by Rivals runs a 4.45 forty and benches 240 pounds.

K Cade Foster 6’1” 215, Southlake, Tx. - Foster’s kicking duties were not needed but connected on extra points as Carroll defeated Mesquite 56-21.

As a junior, Foster was perfect inside of 50 yards who finished on last year’s season 6-of-9. Foster also had offers from Miami, Stanford and Washington.

DE Alfy Hill 6’4” 222, Shallote, N.C. - Alfy Hill was one of the primary blockers on the offensive line during the final drive as West Brunswick came from behind to defeat Ashley 21-20.

Hill is freakishly fast for his size. At 222 pounds, Hill runs a 4.59 forty according to Rivals. He is also Rivals 10th best DE prospect and is the No. 4 overall player in the state of North Carolina. Hill chose the Tide over his other finalist and home school North Carolina.

DB Demarcus Milliner 6’1” 180, Millbrook, Ala. - Demarcus helped Stanhope Elmore defeat Shaw (Ga.) 35-0, despite having a cancellation of the homecoming parade due to a gun scare. Students reported seeing a

| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA September 26, 2009

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRESTON KERES/ THE WASHINGTON POST

Wisdom Raines down on Alabama football

Catching Up With

Pat Raines

I

Brad Lake

t has been a long time coming for the Alabama Crimson Tide to return to its dominant status of the Paul “Bear” Bryant era. Some feel like it is finally here and some do not, but one person that thinks Alabama will have a good season knows a thing or two about those “Bear” essential days of old.

Pat Raines, Dean and Professor of Economics at Belmont University located in Nashville, Tenn., played center on the infamous 11-0 1971 wishbone team at Alabama, and he knows about great team work.

“The reason we started running the wishbone is because of how much smaller we were compared to opposing team’s,” Raines said. “We were smaller, so we weren’t that good at pass blocking, but we were really fast so we converted to the wishbone because it was an effective running formation. Since we were so much faster than the other teams, we could open up those gaps for our running backs to squeeze through, and it was very effective. We didn’t pass much, but when we did we caught the other team off guard.”

Raines played at University of Alabama from 1969 until 1972 and obtained his bachelor’s degree in science and economics in 1973. He continued his academic success, earning a Masters in 1976 and a Ph.D. in 1982. Raines began his teaching career at the University of Richmond in

Richmond, Va., where he spent a happy 23 years. In 2003, Raines moved to Nashville, Tenn., to join the Belmont faculty.

One of the most memorable moments Raines spent on the field was during the 1972 Tennessee game. “One of my favorite games was when we came from behind to beat Tennessee in Neyland stadium with four minutes left on the clock,” he recalled. “One thing people don’t credit Coach Bryant with is the fact that he was such a psychological genius.

After we scored with less than four minutes on the clock, [Bryant] decided to kick an extra point instead of going for the win. He did this because he knew, no matter what, that Coach Bill Battle had to beat Alabama. On Tennessee’s next possession, they threw 3 passes and then we sacked them on fourth down. We went on to score another touchdown giving us the 17-10 win on the road.”

Although it is hard to compare with the team that Raines played on, the offensive line now is just as important as it was in 1971.

“I think that if Alabama wants to go all the way this year, their offensive line is going to have to pull it together and become joined at the hip,” Raines said. “When I played we had the mentality that we were not going to lose, if the offensive line this year can obtain that same mentality then they are going to win a lot of games.

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21

Exclusive

Alabama’s &

Anthony Johnson

Tide Rushing Attack V Razorback Michael Smith

S

aturday’s western division showdown should feature some of the premier running backs in the SEC. Arkansas senior running back Michael Smith has been lingering in the shadow of former razorback superstars Darren McFadden and Felix Jones—both are now making a living on Sundays in the NFL. Smith, the 5’7 176-pound speedster is primed for a breakout season, considering the experienced offensive line that will be paving his way. Smith carried the rock last season 207 times for 1,072 yards, boasting a solid 5.2 yard average-per-carry. Smith scored eight touchdowns on the year, and his best day came against Kentucky where he rushed for 192 yards. Also a receiving threat, Smith finished second on the team last season with 32 catches for 298 yards and two touchdowns.

With his incredible speed and hands, Smith could break open a

22

| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA September 26, 2009

deadly ground attack for the Hogs once again this season.

Last year, the Tide hung 328-yards rushing against the Razorback defense on its way to a 49-14 rout. This season, Tide sophomore running back Mark Ingram has already erased any doubts about a “sophomore slump”. Ingram had a coming-out party against then No. 7 Virginia Tech on his way to a 156-yard day. For his efforts, Ingram was named SEC player of the Week.

The following Saturday, Tide blue-chip recruit Trent Richardson showed the Crimson Tide faithful exactly why most recruiting sites listed him as the nation’s No. 1 running back coming out of high school. Trent exploded for 118-yards rushing and two touchdowns on his way to being named SEC Freshman of the Week. The running game will be crucial Saturday for both teams to open up the passing attack.

& Arkansas’

Greg McElroy V Ryan Mallett

A

fter playing one season for the Michigan Wolverines and seeing limited playing time, highly touted quarterback Ryan Mallett transferred to Arkansas. Mallet was 61-of-141 for 892 yards and seven touchdowns in his freshman campaign. He appealed to the NCAA for eligibility last season, but was denied. Finally, the 6’7 248-pound sophomore behemoth quarterback is primed to lead the Hogs to glory. Mallet was one of the most highly sought-after quarterbacks in the country out of high school and is already being tabbed as an NFL-caliber quarterback with his tremendous arm strength and size, despite only one season with the Wolverines. With future NFL star tight end D.J. Williams, and senior London Crawford to throw to, look for Mallett to drop back and pass PHOTOGRAPHY BY BDL

early and often to his experienced receivers.

Junior Quarterback Greg McElroy has made the most of his opportunities thus far for the Crimson Tide. Through two games, the Texas native threw for 471 yards and two touchdowns with a 61-percent completion ratio. McElroy set a record in only his second game as a starter when he completed 14 consecutive pass attempts against Florida International.

McElroy has silenced the doubts that the passing attack would falter this season after the loss of John Parker Wilson, who is now playing for the Atlanta Falcons. McElroy’s poise in the pocket and intelligence has been a breath of fresh air for an offense that was so dependent upon the power running game one season ago. Look for the Tide to try and exploit the Razorback secondary, which was somewhat porous in 2008. touchdownalabama.net |

23

Traditions

Tide Traditions

ELEPHANT STOMP Katie Hall

E

very home game day, the members of the Million Dollar Band meet on the steps of the beautiful, historic Amelia Gayle Gorgas library to start off one of Alabama’s most practiced traditions; the Elephant Stomp.

The Elephant Stomp is the parade from the steps of Gorgas Library to the stadium. It was first practiced in 1974 and was such a hit with fans that it became a regular Tide tradition. It is led by the Million Dollar Band and fans are encouraged to join in. The Elephant Stomp begins about two hours before kickoff and is about an hour long.

It begins with a short pep rally at the library, where the band performs “Yea Alabama” and a few other crowdpleasing songs. When the band finishes their pep rally, they proceeded to the stadium in parade formation and fans follow. Excitement fills the air as fans near the stadium and realize that another amazing Alabama Crimson Tide football game is about to occur.

The Elephant Stomp has been one of the key sources for

24

| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA September 26, 2009

gathering ‘Bama fans together. The crowd starts forming about 30 minutes ahead of time and when the band plays that first note of “Yea Alabama”, they go nuts. “Roll Tides” are shouted, shakers are shaken, and the game-time celebrations commence.

“I love doing the Elephant Stomp! I love hearing everyone cheer along to ‘Yea Alabama!’ and seeing all the shakers move in beat to the music,” said UA Sophomore Heather Harbinson. “I love walking over to the stadium with all my other ‘Bama fans and just celebrating this amazing football team we have. It’s great!”

The elephant stomp also serves as a warning to the opposing team. “I always assumed we did the Elephant Stomp to warn the other team that we were coming for them! They could hear us from the locker room and know the Tide has arrived!” said UA senior James Kelly.

The Elephant Stomp is a Crimson Tide tradition that brings ‘Bama fans together to start game days off right: by celebrating their incredible football team.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT GASTON

Player Spotlight

William Vlachos

Vlachos Helps in Rebuilding

Lauren Moranor

O

ne of the biggest questions surrounding Alabama’s 2009 season was how the Tide was going to rebuild the offensive line that lost three starters, including Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith and first team AllAmerican and two-time co-captain Antoine Caldwell. The experienced o-line that was credited to helping the Tide to its fast starts last year and great quarterback protection had some major holes to fill. But have no fear Tide fans, junior William Vlachos is here and ready to do his part.

“There is more responsibility on my shoulders. I prepared hard last year and I prepared just as hard this year,” said new starting center Vlachos.

Vlachos, pronounced Va-LAY-os, has played in nine career games at Alabama. He played backup lineman for two years to former starter Caldwell. Vlachos says that it was an honor to get to learn from Caldwell; however he does not feel any added pressure having to replace him. Vlachos still keeps in contact with Caldwell, saying that he is very supportive.

“I have taken a lot of stuff from him. I do try to follow his roll and play like he did. Hopefully I can become as good of a leader as he was,” Vlachos said.

Vlachos hails from Mountain Brook High School where he was named Most Valuable Lineman. Vlachos was named to the Super All-State team by the Birmingham News. He was ranked the No. 9 center nationally by Rivals.com and was ranked the No. 16 overall best played in the state of Alabama.

Vlachos’ 6-foot-2 frame has been looked at as a disadvan-

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT GASTON

tage for him, being one of the shortest on the offensive line. But what Vlachos lacks in height, he makes up for in many other areas. He has great quickness, he always makes sure he gets all of his assignments and he always plays fast. He has a competitive character and a lot of confidence in his abilities. Vlachos also has incredible strength. Teammates say that he is a workout fiend and one of the strongest on the team.

“If you have a disadvantage somewhere, you have to make up for it with something else. I play hard,” Vlachos said.

A versatile player, Vlachos can play both center and guard.

He is already making a name for himself, helping the offense rack up 1,014 yards of total offense in the Tide’s first two games. That is the second most yards Alabama has put up in back-to-back games since 2001.

Vlachos is ready for those tough SEC defenses, after going head-to-head with nose guard Terrence Cody during spring and fall practice. He started out the 2009 season on a high note by winning the Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Player award, after having a strong spring practice. Vlachos is ready to help the offensive line go out and set the tone for game and get out to a fast start, something the team was known for last season.

“They have prepared me well,” Vlachos said.

touchdownalabama.net |

25

News

SEC News Randal Etheredge

Ball State vs. Auburn Ball State, facing their first SEC team this year, is hoping to taste victory for the first time in 2009. Coming off a loss to Army puts a big lump in the throats of the Cardinals. With last week’s shoot-out on the plains, Auburn received two late-game interceptions to beat West Virginia. Each team combined for well over 900 yards off offense. Turnovers being the key for Auburn’s win last week, the defense hopes to continue this trend.

Florida vs. Kentucky The Florida Gators held up their end of the bargain against the Tennessee Volunteers this past week. However, they shouldn’t look past the Wildcats of Kentucky when they travel to the blue grass state to face an undefeated Wildcats team. Facing their first SEC team this year, the Wildcats are hoping to make some noise around the conference .In last week’s win against the Louisville Cardinals, junior running back Derrick Locke led the charge for Kentucky with his 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Senior quarterback Tim Tebow took control of his Gators in a win against rival Tennessee this past week, but rushing for 76 yards and throwing for 115 more wasn’t his most impressive game. But a win is a win, and both teams will be looking for another.

LSU vs. Mississippi State Coming off a win against Vanderbilt this past weekend, the Bulldogs of Mississippi State welcome the Bayou Bengals to Starkville.

After scoring only one touchdown against the Commodores, head coach Dan Mullen got his first win against an SEC team, the lone touchdown coming form senior quarterback Tyson Lee after a 22-yard scramble. The Tigers roll into Mississippi with a top ten ranking, hoping to pick up their second SEC win of the year.

Ole Miss vs. South Carolina Mississippi’s starting quarterback Jevan Snead continues to make noise in regards to his Heisman contention, throwing for over 200 yards and three touchdowns in an impressive game against Southeastern Louisiana. The Rebels enter this weekend with their highest ranking since 1970. With just shy of 500 yards of offense, the Rebles look to overcome head coach Steve Spurrier’s defense when they take on South Carolina this weekend. But don’t over look the offense from the Gamecocks. Junior running back Brian Maddox ran for three touchdowns this past week against FAU. Look for this game to be a shootout.

Ohio vs. Tennessee The head coach for the Vols, Lane Kiffin, didn’t keep his promise in beating Florida this past week. Maybe he will get his chance to sing “Rocky Top” when the Bobcats of Ohio come to town. Starting quarterback for the Vols, senior Jonathan Crompton, looks to improve as the season progresses. After throwing two interceptions and passing for only 93 yards this past week against the Gators, maybe he can improve those numbers against the visitors form Ohio.

Florida LB Brandon Spikes will be placed in a protective boot, but should play this week, after missing most of the second half of last week’s game due to tendinitis in his Achilles’ tendon.

Georgia senior LB Darius Dewberry is questionable again for this week. He has missed two games already following a groin injury.

Junior WR Montez Billings, who has already graduated from Auburn, has decided to leave the team. Billings was the leading return receiver last year.

Lazarius Levingston is questionable with a knee injury that has kept him out of two games already. The junior DE at LSU sustained the injury, which did not require surgery, in the first game of the season.

University of Mississippi’s Greg Hardy is questionable for this week after an ankle injury. The senior DE missed last week’s game.

Tennessee center Josh McNeill is listed as probable again this week. The senior hasn’t played since undergoing knee surgery last month, although doctors had cleared him to play for the last two games.

26

| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA September 26, 2009

CURRENT POLLS AP TOP 25

USA TODAY

1. Florida 2. Texas 3. Alabama 4. Mississippi 5. Penn State 6. California 7. LSU 8. Boise State 9. Miami (FL) 10. Oklahoma 11. Virginia Tech 12. USC 13. Ohio State 14. Cincinnati 15. TCU 16. Oklahoma State 17. Houston 18. Florida State 19. Brigham Young 20. Kansas 21. Georgia 22. North Carolina 23. Michigan 24. Washington 25. Nebraska

1. Florida 2. Texas 3. Alabama 4. Penn State 5. Mississippi 6. California 7. LSU 8. Boise State 9. Oklahoma 10. USC 11. Ohio State 12. Virginia Tech 13. Miami (FL) 14. TCU 15. Cincinnati 16. Oklahoma State 17. Georgia 18. North Carolina 19. Kansas 20. Brigham Young 21. Missouri 22. Michigan 23. Houston 24. Nebraska 25. Florida State

UA SCHEDULE Sep. 5 Sep. 12 Sep. 19 Sep. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 27

VTech W 34-24 FL Int’l W 40-14 N. Texas W 53-7 Arkansas Home Kentucky Away Mississippi Away South Carolina Home Tennessee Home LSU Home Mississippi St. Away Tenn-Chatt Home Auburn Away

touchdownalabama.net |

27

IN W O IRT! T ER T-SH T EN EE R AF

1 2 3

5 QUESTIONS?

In 1927, Paul Bryant earned the nickname that would forever stay with him in Arkansas in by_____ a. Shooting a 500-pound bear on a hunting trip b. Wrestling a bear for a dollar at a carnival c. Blocking “like a bear” on the offense line at

Fordyce High School d. Wrestling “like a bear” with his eight siblings

Bear Bryant’s infamous hat was _____. a. A straw panama c. A white visor b. A felt fedora d. Houndstooth

4 5

Alabama did not lose a game for 31 straight years, from 1969 to 2000, on which SEC opponent’s home field? a. Arkansas c. LSU b. Auburn d. Ole Miss

Alabama became the AP’s top-ranked team and was named the 1979 National Champion thanks to what upset in the Rose Bowl that year? a. No. 5 Notre Dame beat No. 1 Texas b. No. 5 Miami beat No. 1 Nebraska c. No. 3 Penn State beat No. 1 Georgia d. No. 3 USC beat No. 1 Ohio State

Contest Rules

Alabama was the first associated with Email your entry to: publish@tdalabama.com or elephants - the inspiration for the future mail entry to: mascot - in 1930 when______.

Touchdown Alabama Magazine P.O. Box 3251 a. A local sportswriter wrote that “the earth Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 started to tremble” as the first-team lineup First 50 correct entries receive a free t-shirt stormed the field like elephants b. An elephant was used during a halftime promotion, with the band’s drum major riding on his back 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments Include: c. Coach Wallace Wade • Golf Privileges for Residents said he was looking for • Free Tanning offensive lineman “the • Fitness Center • Business Center size of elephants” • Swimming Pool d. The student body (205) 247-9978 • Game Room with Billiards voted for the unusual • Full-Size Washer & Dryer mascot over the more • All Major Appliances common eagle, wildcat,

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