Alabama’s Premier College Football Magazine
November 27, 2009
TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET
Volume 2, Issue 13 $3.00
Hey, Tigers, he’s coming.
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Touchdown Alabama Magazine P.O. Box 3251 Tuscaloosa, Al 35403
November 27, 2009 | Volume 2, Issue 13
In This Issue 8
President/Publisher
Pregame Preview
10
Rosters
14
Week 13 Rivalries
18
Eryk Anders
20
Recruiting
22
Player Matchups
24
Opponents
26
SEC News
30
Traditions
33
Bama Fans
Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Mike Lacy
Managing Editor Photography
Bennie Bice Jessica Temple
Auburn University Athletic Dept. BDL Bryant Museum Matt Gaston Mark Lent UA Media Relations
Creative Director Graphic Design Chief Information Officer Website Designer
Jenifer McCormick Cassandra Johnson Tramayne Wright Jessie Landon Brian LaShomb Carey Landon
Reporters
Angel Hufham Victoria Sheehan
Public Relations
Eric Hudson Katelyn Clark Drew Franklin Christopher Wilson
Advertising Director Advertising Sales Contributing Writers
Herb Neu Ron Bush Leslie Housley Alex Schroyer
Larry Burton Jennifer Gorham Amanda Kelly Katie Koenig Anthony Johnson Brad Lake Lauren Moranor Mike Parker
M U L T I M E D I A Next Issue • The Offensive Line • Leigh Tiffin • Conference Tittle Games
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, LLC 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 Dear Tide Fan, Well, readers, it’s the last game of the regular season! It has been an exciting one, but it’s not quite over yet. After this week’s Tide and Tigers game, we still have 2 to go. Touchdown Alabama will be online for the SEC Championship game and back in print for a special bonus edition for our bowl game. We are also already gearing up for the 2010 season! We have lots of new ideas for weekly features to bring you even more information on your Crimson Tide and the excitement that surrounds the sport. We are thrilled to announce that for the second year in a row, we are expanding! Next year’s magazine will be 48 pages! That’s
ON THE COVER #22 Mark Ingram
Sophomore
Running Back
a full 50% increase over this year’s! You can help us fill those extra pages. If you have any ideas of things you’d like to see, things you are wondering about, things you love about the game that you want to share with other fans let us know! We’d love to hear your feedback.
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
This isn’t the only cover Ingram is gracing this week. The Heisman hopeful has made it big, snagging the coveted spot on the front of Sports Illustrated. For more on Ingram and the latest stats, turn to the Heisman Watch on page 12. Photography by Xxxxx.
6
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA
November 27, 2009
MISSION STATEMENT
“Touchdown Alabama Magazine was created to bring Alabama football fans the coverage of their team that they crave and expect, as well as to bring them closer to the action on the field. The University of Alabama has a long college football history, rich with tradition. Each season has added more dynamic players and colorful stories to the Alabama family. It is only fitting that a program with 12 National Championships should have a weekly magazine dedicated to conveying the excitement of the game to its devoted fans. Touchdown Alabama Magazine strives to be the most up-to-date, relevant and exciting magazine covering University of Alabama football. Furthermore, we guarantee in-depth articles, exclusive interviews and quality content surrounding the Crimson Tide. We will never forget who we generate this magazine for... you, the fan. God bless.”
INDEX Alabama has looked like the best team in the country thus far. I expect them to defeat Auburn soundly with a great defense and an improved offense as of late. I don’t expect a 36-0 win like last year, but I do expect a dominant performance.
The Crimson Tide is coming into this match from a easy win to face a team that is coming off a bye week. This will not be a factor in this contest. What will be a factor is the Tide’s defensive line and the pressure they put on the Tiger’s offensive line when it comes to defending against the spread offense. Also, the Tide’s physicality against Auburn will come through in the 3rd and 4th quarters.
Auburn always can sneak up on you. That’s a beautiful thing about the Iron Bowl. But Nick Saban’s got eyes in the back of his head and he’s trained these young men to be the same way, so I don’t see an upset in the making. I expect the first quarter to be close and then Alabama’s depth and power to wear down Auburn’s thin ranks. Alabama 35 - Auburn 6
>>Winner: Alabama Bennie Bice - Publisher
>>Winner: Alabama Mike Lacy - Editor-in-Chief
>>Winner: Alabama Larry Burton
Ad Name: Bud LightGolden Wheat Closing Date: 10.5.9 QC: RR Item #: PGW20099668 Pub: Touchdown Alabama Job/Order #: 609292-209429
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7
Pre-Game Preview
O
Alabama Auburn
Anthony Johnson
-VS-
ne year ago, Alabama headed into the Iron Bowl with an unblemished 11-0 record, yet somehow, the season was nowhere near complete. Forget the fact that Alabama was perfect on the year, ranked No.1 in the Bowl Championship Series and already the Western Division champions. None of it mattered. Auburn owned the state of Alabama—and had owned it for the last six years. Most Tide fans and Auburn faithful are not hesitant to admit that any season is a failure with a loss to “the other team” in the state. But even the most optimistic of Auburn fans could see that last year, something was different. The Iron Bowl had a different aura in ’08. The old cliché of “throw out the records, it’s the Iron Bowl” seemed like wishful thinking to most.
8
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA
November 27, 2009
The talk around the water coolers was different than it had ever been before. The question for most wasn’t if Alabama was going to win, but just how bad would it be. Alabama had National Football League-caliber talent roaming the sidelines, while Auburn was questioning the job security of head coach Tommy Tubberville and wondering what went wrong. Alabama was clicking on all cylinders and foaming at the mouth awaiting the arrival of the struggling Tigers, who entered the Iron Bowl with a 5-6 record with bowl game aspirations fading in the distance. By the time the final seconds of the clock had ticked away, most Auburn fans were already driving on I-85 heading home. Tide fans had only just begun the celebration of a 36-0 drubbing PHOTOGRAPHY BY BDL
of the hated Auburn Tigers. When Alabama heads to Jordan-Hare Stadium Friday, the Tide will bring with it another unblemished 11-0 record, and again, NFL-caliber talent will be roaming the sideline. Meanwhile, the Tigers will head into the game with an improved 7-4 record and a much better offense than the Tide faced one year ago. However, Auburn boasts the No.88-ranked rush defense in the country out of 120 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivison, yielding an average of 170-rush yards per game, while the Tide enters the game with a Heisman trophy candidate, Mark Ingram, and the No. 10-rated rush offense in the FBS, averaging 225.7 yards rushing per game. Auburn will look to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, who overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat Auburn 31-24, two weeks ago. Auburn yielded 169-yards rushing to Georgia, committed nine penalties and threw two interceptions in the loss. The Tide is coming off a 45-0 dismantling of overmatched UT Chattanooga. The Tide was able to play every senior on the roster on Senior Day and allow the second and third-string offense a chance to play, while allowing the starters a chance to rest up in preparation for the short Iron Bowl-week. The pieces are in place again for the Tide to finish the regular season 12-0 for the second-straight season with only one game standing in the way of a national championship birth.
NO NAME
82 Earl Alexander
POS CL
HT
WR Jr.
6-4 212
Phenix City, AL
72 Tyler Love
alabama Roster
HOMETOWN
NO NAME
POS CL
HT
WT
OL R-Fr. 6-6 303
32 Eryk Anders
LB
Sr.
6-2 235
San Antonio, TX
33 Mike Marrow
28 Javier Arenas
DB Sr.
5-9 195
Tampa, FL
4 Marquis Maze
WR So. 5-10 179
6-2 220
Atlanta, GA
10 A.J. McCarron
QB Fr.
49 Jonathan Atchison LB
Fr.
RB-HB Fr.
6-2 240 6-4 190
HOMETOWN
Mountain Brook, AL Holland, OH Birmingham, AL Mobile, AL
4 Mark Barron
DB So.
6-2 214
Mobile, AL
25 Rolando McClain LB
7 Kenny Bell
WR Fr.
6- 1 160
Rayville, LA
80 Mike McCoy
44 Alex Benson
LB
Sr.
6- 1 225
Trussville, AL
52 Alfred McCullough OL So.
6-2 305
Athens, AL
86 Undra Billingsley TE
Fr.
6-2 276
Birmingham, AL
12 Greg McElroy
6-3 220
Southlake, TX
93 Chris Bonds
DL
Jr.
6-4 255
Decatur, AL
WR Sr.
6-3 215
Rankin, MS
QB Jr.
Fr.
6-4 280
Columbia, SC
56 William Ming
DL
Fr.
6-3 260
Athens, AL
67 John Michael Boswell OL So.
6-5 306
Northport, AL
59 Brandon Moore
DL
Fr.
6-5 310
Montgomery, AL
88 Michael Bowman WR Fr.
Autaugaville, AL
87 Drew Bullard
6-4 210
Rossville, GA
66 Brian Motley
OL
Jr.
6-3 291
LB
Jr
6-3 238
Florence, AL
64 Kerry Murphy
DL
Fr.
6-4 323
Hoover, AL
77 James Carpenter OL
Jr.
6-5 300
Augusta, GA
46 Wesley Neighbors DB So.
6-1 210
Huntsville, AL
99 Josh Chapman
DL So.
6-1 313
Hoover, AL
83 Kevin Norwood
WR Fr.
6-2 180
D’lberville, MS
62 Terrence Cody
DL Sr.
6-5 354
Ft. Myers, FL
18 Morgan Ogilvie
QB So.
6-0 195
Mountain Brook, AL
57 Marcell Dareus
DL So.
6-4 296
Huffman, AL
2 Tana Patrick
LB
6-3 235
Bridgeport, AL
16 Thomas Darrah
QB So.
6-5 227
Newnan, GA
79 Drew Davis
OL Sr.
6-7 306
Evergreen, AL
84 Colin Peek
TE Sr.
96 Luther Davis
DL
Jr.
6-3 275
West Monroe, LA
95 Brandon Deaderick DL Sr.
6-4 306
Elizabethtown, KY
51 Michael DeJohn
LB
Jr.
6- 1 241
Hoover, AL
85 Preston Dial
TE
Jr.
6-3 233
Mobile, AL
40 DeMarcus DuBose LB So.
6-1 232
Montgomery, AL
13 Rob Ezell
5-10 170
Athens, AL
WR Jr.
7 P.J. Fitzgerald
P
Sr.
5-11 204
Coral Springs, FL
76 D.J. Fluker
OL
Fr.
6-6 340
Foley, AL
58 Nick Gentry
DL So.
6-1 264
Prattville, AL
11 Brandon Gibson WR So.
6-2 192
Mobile, AL
6 Demetrius Goode RB So.
5-9 191
LaGrange, GA
29 Terry Grant
RB
Jr.
5-10 190
Lumberton, MS
33 Hampton Gray
DB Sr.
6- 2 196
Northport, AL
23 Robby Green
DB So.
6-0 181
New Orleans, LA
34 Jeramie Griffin
RB So.
6-2 224
Batesville, MS
15 Darius Hanks
WR So.
6-0 184
Norcross, GA
54 Glenn Harbin
DL
Fr.
6-5 257
Mobile, AL
5 Jerrell Harris
LB So.
6-3 227
Gadsden, AL
30 Dont’a Hightower LB So.
6-4 255
40 Baron Huber 22 Mark Ingram
RB/TE Sr.
2 Star Jackson
6-4 263
RB So. 5-10 212
3 Kareem Jackson DB
6-6 255 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
39 Kyle Pennington DB
Jr.
5-11 188
Chatom, AL
68 Taylor Pharr
OL
Jr.
6-6 290
Irondale, AL
54 Russell Rains
OL Fr.
6-2 260
Satsuma, AL
13 Cory Reamer
LB
Sr.
6-4 234
Hoover, AL
3 Trent Richardson RB Fr.
5-11 220
Pensacola, FL
8 Chris Rogers
DB Sr.
6-0 190
Lakeland, FL
74 David Ross
OL
6-3 299
Homewood, AL
1 B.J. Scott
DB So. 5-11 196
Jr.
Prichard, AL
46 Chris Scott
WR Sr.
5-11 170
Birmingham, AL
50 Brian Selman
SNP Sr.
6-0 210
Vestavia Hills, AL
Fr.
6-3 280
Norco, LA
DB Sr.
5-9 200
Stevenson, AL
94 Jeremy Shelley
PK Fr.
5-10 170
Raleigh, N.C.
48 Travis Sikes
WR Jr.
6-3 198
Nashville, TN
71 Allen Skelton
OL So.
6-1 265
Coker, AL
17 Brad Smelley
TE So.
6-3 233
Tuscaloosa, AL
92 Damion Square
DL
Fr.
6-3 272
Houston, TX
61 Anthony Steen OL-DL Fr.
6-3 305
Lambert, MS
Lewisburg, TN
47 Ed Stinson
6-4 240
Homestead, FL
Knoxville, TN
90 Milton Talbert
DL
Jr.
6-4 275
Hattiesburg, MS
99 Leigh Tiffin
PK Sr.
6-2 212
Muscle Shoals, AL
51 Carson Tinker
ST So.
6-1 220
Murfreesboro, TN
87 Chris Underwood TE So.
6-4 231
Birmingham, AL
5 Roy Upchurch
RB Sr.
6-0 205
Tallahassee, FL
41 Courtney Upshaw LB So.
6-2 249
Eufaula, AL
Flint, MI
6-0 193
Macon, GA
QB Fr.
6-3 206
Lake Worth, FL
5-11 191
Fr.
26 Ali Sharrief
Jr.
24 Marquis Johnson DB Sr.
10
WT
Sarasota, FL
94 Darrington Sentimore DL
LB-DL Fr.
78 Mike Johnson
OL Sr.
6-5 303
Pensacola, FL
35 Nico Johnson
LB
6-3 225
Andalusia, AL
73 William Vlachos
Jr.
6-1 294
Birmingham, AL
Memphis, TN
65 Chance Warmack OL Fr.
6-3 301
Atlanta, GA
Fr.
OL
75 Barrett Jones
OL R-Fr. 6-4 289
8 Julio Jones
WR So.
6-4 211
Foley, AL
97 Lorenzo Washington DL Sr.
6-5 290
Logansville, GA
26 Phelon Jones
DB So. 5-11 195
Mobile, AL
91 Alex Watkins
LB So.
6-3 225
Brownsville, TN
55 Chavis Williams
LB
Jr.
6-4 223
Dora, AL
60 David Williams
OL Fr.
6-3 272
Duncanville, AL
6-6 266
Reform, AL
36 Chris Jordan
LB So.
6-3 230
Brentwood, TN
81 Kendall Kelly
WR Fr.
6-3 216
Gadsden, AL
20 Tyrone King
DB Sr.
5-11 203
Birmingham, AL
21 Dre Kirkpatrick
DB Fr.
6-3 185
Gadsden, AL
9 Nick Williams
WR Fr. 5-10 165
42 Eddie Lacy
RB Fr.
6-0 210
Geismar, LA
27 Justin Woodall
DB Sr.
37 Robert Lester
DB Fr.
6-2 207
Foley, AL
18 Rod Woodson
DB Fr. 5-11 200
89 Michael Williams TE
Fr.
6-2 221
Fort Lauderdale, FL Oxford, MS Olive Branch, MS
NO NAME
HT
WT
89 Adams, Darvin
POS
WR 6-3
185
28 Aycock, Dontae
RB 5-10 221 FR
40 Barden, Trevor
WR 6-4
33 Barrett, Gabe
DB 5-10 177
JR
25 Bates, Daren
DB 5-11 195
FR
22 Bell, T’Sharvan
DB
6-0
CL
SO
183 FR
176 RS FR
HOMETOWN
NO NAME
POS
HT
WT
CL
HOMETOWN
24 Hood, D’Antoine
DB 5-10 187
SO
Phenix City, AL
Tampa, FL
45 Hooper, Davis
RB
6-0
201
SO
Montgomery, AL
Canton, GA
37 Hull, Morgan
K
JR
Canton, MS/Harrison
6-3
199
96 Humphries, Chris DE
6-2
225 RS FR
Memphis, TN
57 Isom, Byron
OL
6-3
291
JR
Jonesboro, GA
Kissimmee, FL
60 Jones, Joe
DL 5-11 323
FR
Gardendale, AL Demopolis, AL
Alexander City, AL
Decatur, AL Somerville, AL
3 Benton, DeAngelo WR 6-2 192
FR
Bastrop, LA
35 Kerby, Jacob
FB
6-1
215
FR
66 Berry, Mike
OL
6-3
311
JR
Antioch, TN
38 King, Jason
FB
6-0
222
JR
Newnan, GA
80 Blake, Emory
WR 6-1
192
FR
Austin, TX
65 Lembke, Jake
DS
6-0
237
FR
New Lenox, IL
93 Blanc, Mike
DL
288
JR
Pompano Beach, FL
FR
Marietta, GA
23 Blanton, Caleb
DB 5-11 175
SO
Hartselle, AL
76 Bostrom, Jorell
OL
6-3
353
JR
Nampa, ID
29 Brooks, Chandler
K
6-0
174
SO
Huntsville, AL
29 Brown, Xavier
WR 6-2
203
FR
63 Burgess, Blake
OL
6-2
247
18 Burns, Kodi
WR 6-2
59 Butler, Patrick
LB
6-0
17 Bynes, Josh
LB
6-2
18 Byrum, Wes
K
6-2
47 Caldwell, Joey
LB
6-1
222 RS FR
9 Carr, Quindarius
WR 6-1
181
62 Carroll, Kevin
OL
6-1
6-4
43 Lutzenkirchen, Philip TE
6-4
262
97 Lykes, Derrick
DL
6-2
284 RS FR
75 McCain, Andrew
OT
6-6
SR FR
Fort Meade, FL
Lawrenceville, GA
6 McFadden, Walter DB
6-0
175
SR
Pompano Beach, FL
FR
Vestavia Hills, AL
83 McKenzie, Gabe
6-5
252
SR
Mobile, AL
208
JR
Fort Smith, AR
26 McNeil, Mike
S
6-2
201
JR
Mobile, AL
218
JR
Columbus, GA
43 Means, Ikeem
DB
6-0
195
FR
Wetumpka, AL
239
JR
Lauderdale Lakes, FL
37 Mickens, Tyler
DB 5-10 174
FR
Jonesboro, GA
209
JR
Fort Lauderdale, FL
15 Moseley, Clint
QB
6-3
197
FR
Leroy, AL
Five Points, AL
42 Ostersen, Chris
DB
6-3
201
SO
Springfield, VA
SO
Huntsville, AL
72 Parmer, Andrew
OL 5-10 266 RS FR
263
JR
Lassiter, GA
20 Parramore, Woody DB
5-8
167
SR
54 Phillips, Aubrey
6-5
330
FR
45 Carter, Antoine
DE
6-4
263
JR
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
QB
6-3
200
JR
Hoover, AL
36 Christopher, Wade LB
6-1
215
SO
Vestavia Hills, AL
98 Clayton, Zach
DL
6-3
281
JR
Opelika, AL
41 Cofield, Rodney
DB
5-7
167
FR
Atlanta, GA
20 Cole, Drew
DB 5-11 182
SO
TE
OL
Dalton, GA Montgomery, AL Olive Branch, MS
42 Pierre-Louis, Philip WR 5-8
157 RS FR
29 Poole, Blake
DB
6-0
184
FR
Buchanan, Ga.
64 Powell, Russell
OL
6-0
250
FR
Hartselle, AL
50 Pugh, Ryan
OL
6-4
289
JR
Hoover, AL
Picayune, MS
39 Pybus, Spencer
LB
6-0
215
SO
Dothan, AL
30 Rhodes, Dorian
DB 5-11 178
52 Coleman, Antonio DE
6-3
261
SR
Mobile, AL
79 Cooper, Jared
OL
6-4
295
SO
Brewton, AL
16 Cooper, Robert
TE
6-4
220
FR
96 Crofoot, Clayton
H
6-6
191
SR
86 Cubelic, John
WR 6-0
207
JR
Birmingham, AL
30 Douglas, John
RB
6-2
241
SO
Augusta, GA
51 Downs, Watson
LB
6-0
219 RS FR
Dothan, AL
97 Durst, Clinton
P
6-1
191
SR
Destin, FL
21 Shoemaker, Ryan P
6-0
53 Eddins, Bart
OL
6-4
297
JR
Montgomery, AL
11 Slade, Mike
DB
6-3
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
FR
Birmingham, AL
56 Richardson, Ashton LB
6-0
190
SO
New Orleans, LA
Mobile, AL
91 Ricks, Jake
DL
6-4
292
SR
Muscle Shoals, AL
Orlando, FL
17 Rollison, Tyrik
QB
6-0
194
FR
Sulphur Springs, TX
78 Roseman, Darrell OL
6-4
289
JR
Dunedin, FL
2 Savage, Aairon
DB 5-11 173
SR
Albany, GA
99 Shaffer, Blake
LB 5-11 210
FR
Alexander City, AL
184
JR
Birmingham, AL
192
SO
Tallahassee, FL Seffner, FL
94 Eguae, Nosa
DL
6-2
244
FR
Mansfield, TX
4 Etheridge, Zac
SS
6-0
212
JR
Troy, AL
35 Evans, Jonathan
LB 5-11 207
FR
Prichard, AL
90 Fairley, Nick
DL
293
SO
Mobile, AL
85 Stallworth, Travante WR 5-9
27 Fannin, Mario
RB 5-11 225
JR
Hampton, GA
46 Stevens, Craig
95 Ford, Dee
DE
214
FR
Odenville, AL
21 Freeman, Eltoro
LB 5-11 219
SO
Alexander City, AL
58 Gaston, Harris
FR
Bessemer, AL Marietta, GA
6-4
Birmingham, AL
32 Smith, Eric
RB 5-10 237
SO
55 Smith, Vance
OL
281
SO
Pace, FL
39 Spry, Ralph
WR 5-10 166
JR
Auburn, AL
6-2
183
FR
Leesville, AL
LB
6-3
223
JR
Tallahassee, FL
71 Sullen, John
OL
6-6
326
FR
Auburn, AL
44 Tate, Ben
RB 5-11 218
SR
Salisbury, MD
15 Thorpe, Neiko
DB
6-2
176
SO
Tucker, GA
12 Todd, Chris
QB
6-4
210
SR
Elizabethtown, KY
LB
6-1
219
68 Gibbons, Stephen OL
6-0
255 RS FR
49 Goggans, Michael DE
6-3
264
JR
Alexander City, AL
74 Travis, Jamar
DL
6-0
308
FR
Brewton, AL
77 Greene, A.J.
OL
6-5
282
SO
Madison, TN
5 Trott, Tommy
TE
6-5
243
SR
Montgomery, AL
8 Gulley, Anthony
WR 5-9
176
FR
Brantley, AL
14 Trotter, Barrett
QB
6-2
203 RS FR
70 Harris, Andre
OL
6-3
325
FR
Lovejoy, GA
32 Washington, Demond DB
5-9
185
JR
Tallassee, AL
61 Harris, Josh
DS
6-1
220
SO
Carrollton, GA
87 Winter, Derek
WR 6-0
200
SO
Tampa, FL
13 Hawthorne, Tim
WR 6-3
212
JR
Birmginham, AL
Birmingham, AL
82 Wisner, Jay
WR 6-2
194
JR
Bozeman, MT
Irondale, AL
48 Woods, Bailey
TE
6-5
237
SO
Marietta, GA
SO
Springdale, AR
81 Zachery, Terrell
WR 6-1
203
JR
Wadley, AL
SO
Corner, AL
73 Ziemba, Lee
OL
308
JR
Rogers, AR
92 Henderson, Cameron DL
6-5
230 RS FR
31 Herring, Adam
LB
6-1
216
40 Hill, Robert
DE
6-1
230
6-8
AUBURN ROSTER
299
23 McCalebb, Onterio RB 5-10 164
19 Caudle, Neil
6-5
Clanton, AL
11
Achievements
Heisman Watch
Mark Ingram Sophomore running back Mark Ingram, out of Flint, Mich., has the potential to become Alabama’s first Heisman winner. Here are a few of his accomplishments:
12
• • • • • • • • • • • •
1,624 all-purpose yards in 2009 Fifth nationally and first in the SEC in ground yards per game, averaging 217.18 Leads the nation in runs of 10, 15 and 20 yards Broke 100 rushing yards in 7 games this year Currently second in Alabama’s single-season rushing yards record with 1,399 Only has one fumble in 380 career touches Midseason All-American by CBSsportsline and Sporting News Semifinalist for the Maxwell Award Candidate for Doak Walker Award Candidate for First-Team All-America honors SEC Offensive Player of the Week (VT, USC) Candidate for Heisman Trophy
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA
November 27, 2009
Collectible Photography Signed Untitled Photo by Michael E. Palmer
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O
n August 2, 2008 photographer Michael E. Palmer captured this image of a lightning storm over the Coach Paul W. Bryant statue on the Walk of Champions at Bryant-Denny Stadium. As a University of
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ames Hudson is the lead photographer at Echoes Marketing. Hudson is self-taught and believes that is a huge advantage in photography. He has developed a style of his own, called High Dynamic Range (HDR). His skill development has given him a unique style and perspective. HDR photography is James’ specialty and he loves applying it to his passion, the University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa landscapes. He builds art pieces with a unique style that
James Hudson’s The Dream
Touchdown Alabama Magazine P.O. Box 3251 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Alabama student Palmer began documenting scenes in and around Tuscaloosa. Mike, a native of Hamilton, Alabama graduated in 2000 and launched his career as professional photgrapher.
provokes emotion and gives the viewer a surreal feeling. He is breaking HDR into our local market to show the full beauty of the scenes that it depicts. This type of photography is breaking the mold and provides its viewers with unique pieces of art from a photographer with a distinct eye for the scene. The price for this signed, 16X20-inch print is $300, including shipping. Stop by www.Echoesphoto.com to meet the team and check out their portfolio.
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13
Exclusive
13 Week
Rivalries
The Sunshine Showdown The Governor’s Cup The Iron Bowl Brad Lake
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| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA
November 27, 2009
T
he 13th week of college football brings old rivalries that football teams and fans alike look forward to. Three of these games involve the top-ranked teams in the country this season, and do not be surprised to see an upset or two during this last week of the regular season. The Sunshine Showdown between Florida and Florida State University has been going on since 1958. Florida owned the rivalry at first, winning 15 of their first 18 meetings. Then the great Bobby Bowden arrived at Florida State in 1976 to write a legacy of his own. The following 4 seasons after Bowden’s premiere produced 4 consecutive Florida State victories. After those 4 games, the rivalry balanced out a little bit. The Seminoles have not beaten the Gators since the 2003 season. This is Bowden’s last chance to beat Tim Tebow, whom he ranks upon the top quarterbacks of all time. It will be hard for the 6-5 Seminoles to do this with QB Christian Ponder out after just receiving a successful shoulder surgery. The game will be broadcast by CBS on Saturday, November 28. Another one of the biggest rivalries in college
Exclusive
football is the Iron Bowl. Alabama looks to have another dominating victory against Auburn to continue their undefeated streak on to the Georgia Dome, where they will be facing the No. 1-ranked Florida Gators in the SEC Championship for the second consecutive year. The name “Iron Bowl” comes from the iron and steel producing city of Birmingham, Ala., where the bowl used to be commonly held. Now the game is held in Bryant-Denny Stadium every even-numbered year and at Jordan-Hare Stadium every odd-numbered year. Due to a contract between the SEC and CBS sports, the game will be played on Friday, Nov. 27 at 2:30 p.m. ET on CBS. This will be the first time in 21 years that the Iron Bowl has been played on a Friday, and only the sixth time in the bowl’s history. If the 7-4 Tigers expect to beat their in-state rivals, QB Chris Todd will have to penetrate Alabama’s defense through the air. Todd will have to try and stay away from obvious interceptions by looking off defenders before throwing. If he does not, Alabama’s defense will eat up the Tiger’s offense and burn the clock out by running Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson straight down the throat of the home team. As always, this game is still one that Bama wants to play to full potential because it would make Auburn fans’ season to see the Tigers knock Alabama off balance before the SEC championship game. After suffering a defeat against Georgia Tech last year, the PHOTOGRAPHY BY BDL
Georgia Bulldogs will be expecting to return fire this year against the No. 7-ranked Yellow Jackets. The Governor’s Cup is up for grabs this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC. This game, nicknamed a game of “clean, old-fashioned hate,” is another in-state rivalry that shouldn’t disappoint fans for the final week of the regular season. No. 7 Georgia Tech ended Georgia’s 7-game winning streak in the rivalry with a 45-42 victory last year, and has had a very successful season, winning 10 of their 11 games so far. The Bulldogs have not experienced as much success this year as they would like, falling behind their rivals with a 6-5 record. The key for Georgia to win the game in Atlanta is to avoid turnovers. Last week against Kentucky, the Bulldogs had a 20-6 lead over the Wildcats, but they blew that lead in the second quarter with 4 second-half turnovers. The Bulldogs have given up 102 points off of 26 turnovers for the season. The Yellow Jackets on the other hand, have been rolling over every team they have faced so far, losing only to Miami 33-17 in September. Other games to watch include the Egg Bowl between Mississippi and Mississippi State, which promises to be a ground battle with both teams possessing amazing running backs, No. 21 Utah at No. 22 Brigham Young, No. 12 Oklahoma State at Oklahoma, No. 3 Texas vs. Texas A&M and No. 23 Clemson vs. South Carolina. touchdownalabama.net |
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT GASTON
Player Spotlight
Built to Play
Eryk Anders
Jennifer Gorham
E
rik Anders, number 32, has been a star player this season as a jack linebacker for the Crimson Tide. “I really feel like it’s almost custom-built for a person like me, who can rush a passer and drop back and cover,” Anders said. Even though he was redshirted and played on special teams in 2006, Anders has made a comeback to finish his stay at the Capstone. He is ranked fourth on the team with 44 tackles and second on the team in sacks with four. Anders is tied in the SEC for 10th in tackles for loss and sacks per game and leads the team in quarterback hurries with 11. Anders has one interception, a forced fumble and one pass break up. Things are looking bright for this senior from San Antonio, Texas. Coach Nick Saban believes Anders has made strides in his performances during his stay at the University. “Eryk Anders has come a long way and makes a lot of plays,” Saban said. His teammates have also taken notice as Anders has improved and added multiple positions to his résumé. “When he came in, he came as a defensive tackle, then he had to learn a position at linebacker,” Chris Rogers said. “He had speed. He ends up starting right now. Great pass rusher. Gives everything he’s got.” “Honestly, from the get-go, he was never in the picture to be a starter,” Arenas said. “He just burst out and now he’s one of the best out there. That’s hands down.” Anders agreed that he has progressed over the last three seasons. “I think I’ve made improvements in every part of my
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game since I’ve been here, especially during this last spring,” Anders said. “I rededicated myself and now I’m playing pretty well. [I am] just working hard and trying to get better every day.” Anders is coming from an injury he received against Mississippi State to play against the Tigers this weekend. Anders has a history against Auburn, where he showed his pass rushing skills with a third-down sack against the Tigers’ quarterback Kodi Burns in the 2008 season. He also recorded his sixth quarterback hurry later in that game. “I just keep my hands alive and keep my feet alive,” he said. “If the DBs are covering, that gives me more time to get there. I just stay moving. They can’t block you forever. Eventually you’re going to get back there.” PHOTOGRAPHY BY BDL & Matt Gaston
Recruiting
The
Crimson Tide Recruiting Commits
Week 13 Mike Parker The number of stars assigned to each player indicates the level pro scouts have assigned to the player after evaluating him. Out of five possible stars, the more stars you are receive, the higher your rating. Information courtesy of Rivals.com.
The Missing Ingredient: SPEED
In his past recruiting classes, Nick Saban, for the most part, focused on big, physical and athletic prospects. However, in the 2010 class, Saban is emphasizing the importance of SPEED. Not all of the following verbal commits to the Crimson Tide have a distinct position that they will play on college level, but they all do share that one critically needed talent: SPEED. Deion Belue Athlete 6’0” 175 lbs.
40 in 4.4
A native of Tuscumbia, Ala., Deion Belue has lightening speed and is an extremely good punt and kick returner. He can play anywhere from in the slot to lock down corner…possibly even safety. However, any way in which Belue has his hands on the ball, he adds the “wow” factor.
Corey Grant Running Back 51’0”
180 lbs.
40 in 4.4
Corey Grant, from Opelika, Ala., is one of the most valuable commitments for Alabama because, even though the Tide might just have the best back field in the country, the one ingredient it lacks is a threat to take it all the way to the end zone at any second. That missing link is fulfilled in Corey Grant. Since he is the fastest player in the state of Alabama, Grant is sure to be far and away the quickest and most versatile running back on the team. He can even play in the slot. Since Grant lives right down the road from Auburn, the Alabama coaches did an outstanding recruitment job in getting Grant to commit to the Tide.
Keiwone Malone Wide Receiver 6’1” 165 lbs. 40 in 4.4
A stand-out WR at his high school in Memphis, Tenn., Keiwone Malone has had a stellar senior season. He has that coveted speed factor that every coach hopes to see in a wide receiver. In addition, Malone has great hands and good
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November 27, 2009
Player Pos Keenan Allen DB Deion Belue DB Devonta Bolton LB Ronald Carswell WR Cade Foster K Jalston Fowler RB Corey Grant RB Alfy Hill DE Harrison Jones TE Brandon Lewis DT Chad Lindsay OL Wilson Love DE Keiwone Malone WR DeMarcus Milliner DB Nick Perry DB Austin Shepherd OL Blake Sims ATH Phillip Sims QB Brian Vogler TE DeAndrew White WR Jarrick Williams DB Jay Williams K
Stars
Ht 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-7 6-0 6-2 6-4
Wt 195 175 230 180 215 240 186 222 230 275 307 235 165 180 195 316 180 209 248 170 205 220
40 4.5 4.51 - 4.5 - 4.8 4.4 4.59 4.8 - 5.4 4.8 4.4 4.45 4.49 5.5 4.5 4.8 4.67 4.4 4.6 -
RR 6.1 5.6 5.8 5.7 5.4 5.8 5.8 5.9 5.7 5.7 5.6 5.6 5.8 6.1 5.8 5.7 5.7 5.9 5.8 5.9 5.9 5.3
Hometown Greensboro, NC Tuscumbia, AL Scooba, MS Macon, GA Southlake, TX Prichard, AL Opelika, AL Shallotte, NC Memphis, TN Scooba, MS The Woodlands, TX Birmingham, AL Memphis, TN Millbrook, AL Prattville, AL Suwanee, GA Gainesville, GA Chesapeake, VA Columbus, GA Galena Park, TX Eight Mile, AL Thomasville, AL
instincts. The recruitment of Malone will be one to carefully watch, as he has said he would entertain other visits. For now, however, Keiwone Malone is solid with the Crimson Tide.
DeMarcus Milliner Defensive Back 6’1” 180 lbs.
40 in 4.4
DeAndrew White Wide Receiver 6’0” 170 lbs.
40 in 4.4
Straight out of little Millbrook, Ala., DeMarcus Milliner has more NFL potential than any other current commit. Milliner can get up to full speed in two steps, has quickness, and unusually explosive acceleration. Although he plays both offense and defense for his high school team, Milliner will definitely be a huge addition on the defensive side of the ball for Alabama.
Since DeAndrew White is a native of Galena Park, Texas, Alabama did a terrific job in recruiting him, snatching him right out of the throat of Texas. Besides being highly explosive, White has that desirable talent of quickness, as well as a high level of athletic ability. When it comes to home run threats down field, DeAndrew White is second to none in the entire country.
Keenan Allen Defensive Back 6’3” 195 lbs.
40 in 4.5
Alabama landed this most recent DB commit from Greensboro, N.C. Definitely one of the better recruits so far, Allen will start off for the Tide as a wide receiver. One of the best play makers in the country, Allen is sure to add a high level of excitement to Crimson Tide football.
All of the prospects listed above add that one desperatelyneeded, missing ingredient to Nick Saban’s line-up for the future: SPEED. When you add this year’s crop of speedsters to Saban’s past recruiting classes of large, physical, athletic prospects, all I can say is that the future looks amazingly bright for talent at the Capstone. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIVALS.COM
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Mark Ingram vs. Ben Tate
hen asked who the best running back in the state was, Auburn’s Ben Tate responded by saying, “I know I’m the best back in the state.” ``I bet, if you went and broke down film and asked teams in the SEC who is the best back in the state, I mean, I feel like it’s me,’’ Tate continued. The Alabama/Auburn game is coming down to a showing of two of the best running backs in the nation. Alabama’s Mark Ingram and Auburn’s Tate are expected to put on a dominating performance for each team’s offense. Both Alabama and Auburn have a rush-heavy offense and both running backs are the leading rushers for their teams. Ingram leads the SEC in rushing with 10 touchdowns and 1,297 yards. He also ranks sixth nationally in rushing and is a candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Tate leads the No.2 scoring offense and tanks third amongst the SEC in rushing with eight
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November 27, 2009
touchdowns and 1,142 yards. He also ranks eighth in the SEC for all-purpose yards. Both running backs were stars before they arrived at college. Coming out of high school, Tate was ranked the No. 6 best running back in the nation by Rivals.com, while Ingram was a four-star running back and ranked the 17th best athlete in the nation by Rivals.com. The Alabama and Auburn defenses will make these two players their focus throughout the game. Ingram will be up against the 10th best rush defense in the SEC, while Tate will be facing the No. 1 rush defense in the SEC. Ingram and Tate are both power rushers. They force defenders to miss and encourage contact. Both running backs will be looking to gain as many yards after contact in hopes of winning this game by inches. So who is the best running back in the state? The Iron Bowl is sure to bring an answer to that question. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BDL
MATCHUPS
Marcell Dareus vs. Antonio Coleman
A
labama and Auburn’s quarterbacks will have their hands full during the game with these two defensive players. Alabama’s Marcell Dareus and Auburn’s Antonio Coleman will be leading their respective defenses in the Iron Bowl Dareus, a sophomore defensive lineman, and Coleman, a senior defensive end, will step on the field and immediately have their eyes on the quarterback. Both players have led the SEC in sacks at one point in the season. Coleman currently ranks first with 7.5 sacks on the season while Dareus ranks fourth with 6.5 sacks. Coleman leads the No. 10 defense in the SEC and will be trying to put pressure on Alabama’s Greg McElroy, forcing him to make quick decisions. Dareus has become a star on the SEC’s No. 2 defense. Dareus, an excellent pass rusher, will force Auburn to rely
completely on their running game. Coleman ranks first in the SEC for tackles for a loss and will look to knock out anyone with the ball. If either quarterback hesitates, one of these two players will be the first person that they meet. In high school, Coleman was ranked in the top 75 for defensive ends by Scout.com. Dareus was one of 16 true freshmen to start the 2008 season. In high school he received a four-star rating by Scout.com. The Iron Bowl is played with a lot of passion and you can bet that these two defensive stars will light up the field on Friday. After losing 36-0 to Alabama last season, the Auburn defense is coming into this season’s Iron Bowl with a lot of fire, determined to upset Alabama’s drive for another undefeated regular season. Both players are a force to be reckoned with and will give the other team’s offense trouble all day long. touchdownalabama.net |
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Opponents Opponents
Views From The
Other Side Amanda Kelly
#12
I
Chris Todd
#32 Demond Washington
t took Auburn’s starting quarterback, Chris Todd, a long time to find his place in college football. He began his collegiate career at Texas Tech as a redshirt freshman. He played in five games his second year with the team, going 25-35 and gaining 241 yards for the season. Todd transferred to a junior college after just two years at Texas Tech. Although he was only at Hutchinson Community College for one year, he completed 104-of-212 passes for 968 yards with eight interceptions and six touchdowns while playing with the team. In 2008, Todd played his first game with the Tigers. He had to compete for playing time, but ended the season having completed 55.1 percent of his passes in the seven games he played. This season, however, Todd is Auburn’s sole quarterback. He graduated in August 2009 and has spent his senior season learning under a new coach. Although the Tigers have not had as great as season as they would have hoped, Todd’s coach has confidence in him. “We said all along that Chris gives us the best chance to win, “ Head Coach Gene Chizik said. “That’s who we are going to play quarterback with. We can’t be wishy-washy on the quarterback situation. “ With 19 touchdowns and 2,196 yards on the season, Todd most likely is the Tigers’ best option to win. He has made key completions to set up scoring all season. After a solid win over Furman earlier this year, Chizik praised his Todd’s ability. “It was really good to see Chris,” Chizik said. “He was on the run for a lot of his throws, and he was very efficient in what he did. Chris did a really nice job. It is hard to complete that many in a row. It was good to see him come out and fire on all cylinders.”
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| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA
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O
nly in his first season with the Auburn Tigers, Demond Washington has already made key plays on both defense and special teams. The junior college transfer has played well despite adjustments throughout the season. After a teammate suffered a season-ending injury, Washington was moved from cornerback to safety, a position he had never played before. Although it took some hard work, Washington said he trusted the decision by assistant coaches Tommy Thigpen and Phillip Lolley. “It was tough, but they are a great team,” Washington said. “Coach Thigpen and Coach Lolley helped me a lot with the transition.” Head Coach Gene Chizik had high hopes that Washington would play the position well. “We are going to work Demond Washington at safety,” he said. “Our goal is to put the four best players on the field and if that is the way that it unfolds that is what we will do.” Washington has played well since he made the move, but one of his most impressive plays was a 99-yard kickoff touchdown return during the Georgia game. Although the Tigers lost that game, Washington’s play exemplifies the fight in the Tigers. He was proud of himself, but gave credit to the rest of his special teams unit. “The kick return team blocked great, my hat [is] off to those guys,” Washington said after the game. “The blockers were great and that was a big momentum shift.” During the bye week, Washington practiced hard with his team working toward their last regular season game, the Iron Bowl. Although he has never played in the rivalry before, Washington seemed excited. When asked about the game, all he said was “We’ll be ready.” PHOTOGRAPHY BY Auburn University Athletic Dept.
The Lowdown
Larry’s
LOWDOWN
Larry Burton
Different Dreams for Two Alabama Men
C
ory Reamer and Baron Huber grew up in different towns with different dreams. Cory played high school football in Hoover and dreamed of playing in an Iron Bowl alright, only with the other team. His parents are lifelong Auburn fans and Cory spent his youth rooting for the Tigers. He hoped his high school play would land him a scholarship with Auburn. But Tommy Tuberville didn’t think Reamer had the size, speed and other ability to make it and passed on him. But Mike Shula came calling and the rest is history. Baron Huber grew up in the shadow on Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee and dreamed of running touchdowns into the orange and while checkerboard of that fabled stadium. But like Cory, that schools coach, Phillip Fulmer, thought he was too slow to make it and with bigger fish to fry likewise passed on him. But again, Shula saw something in the intensity that both men possessed and brought both to Tuscaloosa. They not only became team mates, but good friends and were soon roommates together. Both took similar paths to today’s playing time by working the long hours on the scout team and back up teams but getting playing time early on special teams. Today, but have served vital roles in helping Alabama become the power it has. Huber has been used as fullback and tight end but is the kind of guy who would take on any assignment given him. His team mates sometimes call him the “Wild Child” because of his intensity and enthusiasm. Reamer was a special team standout until his play and dedication in the weight room earned him more playing time as a full time linebacker. Watching Reamer play today it’s hard to imagine that any school would have passed on him. Both players have won individual awards at Alabama. Reamer won the Woodrow Lowe Linebacker Award following spring practice in 2009 and has been a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection. Huber won the Derrick Thomas Community Service Award following spring practice in 2009. Yes, both these young men didn’t get to live the dreams they had
as youths, but have traded that dream for a bigger one, a chance to play for a national championship. Neither would trade the dream they’re living now for the one the imagined as a boy and each is proud to be a Crimson Tide player and member of the Bama Nation. “I’ve almost won my parents over,” teased Huber earlier in the season. Earlier this year he said it was very nice to be 3-1 against his former idols, the Tennessee Vols. And about Huber Saban said in terms that let you know how much he loves the guy, “Some people play five plays and complain they didn’t play ten, but this guy is happy to give everything on every play he gets and you have to love how his enthusiasm motivates and effects the other players.” Baron was named as a Captain during this year’s Tennessee game and it was an honor he certainly earned. Cory Reamer says he too still has a little way to go to winning over both his parents to Crimson Tide, but he’s smiling when he says it. If Reamer were on a baseball team, he would be the utility infielder. He’s worked out at just about every linebacker spot and does well in each. “This is a guy who looked like he was going to just be a good special team player, but he’s worked so hard to put himself in the position he’s in now.” said Saban about Reamer. “He’s got great instincts and puts himself in the right position to make plays.” Reamer recently teased that he’s so used to being yelled at by Saban that recently when he did something really great in practice and Saban complimented him on it, he felt awkward and so did Nick, so they both had a laugh about it. Both players are grateful to Shula for giving them the chance to come here and have fond memories of their time with him, but both have earned the respect of the current coach, Nick Saban and that respect is very mutual. When asked if they ever wish they could have lived out their first dream, both say no. Perhaps Huber said it best when he said, “Yes Knoxville may be where I’m from, but Alabama is my home.” touchdownalabama.net |
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IN W O IRT! T ER T-SH T EN EE R AF
TIDE TRIVIA 1 4 5 2 3 Rumor has it that Bear Bryant once played against Tennessee with a broken____. a. hand c. foot b. arm d. leg
Alabama’s first five bowl games were all played in the ________. a. Cotton Bowl b. Rose Bowl c. Orange Bowl d. Sugar bowl Which Alabama head coach never coached a game at Alabama? a. Mike DuBose b. Dennis Franchione c. Mike Price d. Mike Shula
Which Bear Bryant player did NOT go on to become a college coach himself? a.Sylvester Croom c. Jackie Sherrill b. Danny Ford d. Ozzie Newsome How many Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks has Alabama produced? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
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News
SEC News Katie Koenig Ole Miss at Mississippi State 11:21 SEC Network Ole Miss came into this season considered one of the top teams to beat in the SEC. After losses to South Carolina and Alabama early in the season, many considered this year a let down and relegated them back to the middle of the pack. Like last year, though, the Rebels have decided to go out with a bang. After winning a nail-biter against LSU last weekend thanks to poor clock management by Les Miles, Ole Miss is in position to be the third-best team in the SEC with a win at their in-state rival’s stadium this weekend. A win over State would probably send the Rebels to the Capital One Bowl. State has struggled this year under new coach Dan Mullen, but a win over Ole Miss may make the holidays a little brighter for fans. With a 4-7 record coming into this weekend’s Egg Bowl, State has been eliminated from bowl eligibility. State fans probably haven’t forgotten their loss in this game last year by a score of 45-0, the largest margin of victory ever in the series. Arkansas at LSU 6:00 ESPN The Arkansas Razorbacks are already bowl eligible with a 7-4 record, which makes this season an immediate improvement over last year when they stayed home for the holidays. They should be ready, though, for LSU to want some revenge. Arkansas has won the last two meetings between these teams in what has been dubbed “The Battle for the Golden Boot.” In 2007, top-ranked LSU was knocked off in triple-overtime by Arkansas before continuing on to win the BCS National Championship. The Razorbacks repeated the feat last year when they capped a disappointing season with a last-minute win over the Tigers. Arkansas is coming off four straight wins this week, and QB Ryan Mallett has already set new records this year for touchdown
passes and passing yards in a single season. LSU is coming off a tough loss to Ole Miss last week after bad clock management in the last seconds of the game, which the Tigers could have won with a field goal. LSU will look to take advantage of a porous Arkansas defense this weekend. The winner of this game will likely go on to play in the Cotton Bowl. Tennessee at Kentucky 6:00 ESPNU First-year coach Lane Kiffin looks to salvage this season with a win over the Wildcats this weekend. While the Vols played games against top-ranked Florida and Alabama closer than expected earlier this season, moral victories won’t go in the record books. Kentucky hasn’t beat Tennessee since 1984, but the Wildcats have powered through overwhelming injuries this season to come up with key wins. Their 34-27 win over Georgia last weekend was the first time they’d won in Athens in 32 years and put them in position to finish a season with eight wins for the first time since 1984 with a win this weekend. Javier Arenas set a new SEC record for career punt returns for touchdowns with his seventh against Chattanooga. Arkansas running back Michael Smith, the team’s leading rusher, is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Vanderbilt’s Warren Norman set a new record for freshman all-purpose yards in a season. He broke Hershel Walker’s record of 1,805 yards that had stood since 1980.
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Amanda Kelly
W
hen it comes to football games, you’d think the last thing on players’ and fans’ minds would be the team’s wardrobe choice. But for many people, the uniform is more than a just a way to tell one team from another. Wearing a similar uniform year after is something many teams pride themselves on and view as an unbreakable tradition. Other teams have found motivation in their uniforms by change something for just one game. One Saturday in 2007, there was a rumor in Athens, Ga., that the Bulldogs would don black jerseys for that night’s rivalry game against Auburn. Fans dressed in black buzzed with excitement as they filled Sanford Stadium. Although the team’s captains initially disappointed fans when they were wearing red for the coins toss, the stands went crazy when the rest of the team ran onto the field in midnight black jerseys. Georgia went on to beat Auburn 45-20, and proved their jerseys’ worth during their bowl game that season. The Bulldogs wore the black jerseys for a second time, and recorded another stunning victory, beating previously undefeated Hawaii 41-10. On Halloween Night 2009, the Tennessee Volunteers wore black helmets in a game against South Carolina for the first time in
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| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA
November 27, 2009
over 90 years. In an exciting game, the Vols handled the Gamecocks 31-13. Uniform changes haven’t always worked for teams, however. Both the 2008 Georgia Bulldogs and the 2009 Mississippi State Bulldogs donned black jerseys for home games against Alabama. Those “blackouts” failed. In each game, the Tide scored more than 30 points and recorded a win. Although they have played a number of teams who have changed their traditional uniforms for one game, the Tide have maintained a relatively consistent look over the years. There have been a few times the Tide has made a uniform adjustment, but they have mainly been for commemorative reasons instead of motivational ones. In 1969, the Tide wore red helmets with a white, football-shaped sticker to commemorate the 100th anniversary of college football. During the 1992 season, the Alabama jerseys bore a patch in recognition of the 100th season of Alabama football. The team also wore patches during the 2006 season to recognize the 175th anniversary of the University of Alabama. Uniform additions have also served as memorials for the Tide. The team honored Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005 with a PHOTOGRAPHY BY BDL
helmet sticker that displayed the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama. After “Bear” Bryant died in January 1983, the team added a houndstooth hat sticker to their helmets the following season. The “Bear” was honored again during the Alabama-Ole Miss game in 2006. The team wore crimson jerseys with houndstooth collars to recognize the 25th anniversary of Bryant’s 315th win. Al though uniforms may not mean much to some, to the team and fans they can serve as a motivation and a place for honor. And if nothing else, it allows for a more light-hearted way to add excitement to the game.
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