Gameday 04.16.11

Page 1

2 p.m.

April 16, 2011

A-Day

TV: ESPNU

AMEDAY G A-DAY EDITION

PRIMED & PREPARED Alabama’s secondary endured some growing pains last season. This year could be a different story.


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After struggling in 2010, the secondary returns as the most experianced part of the defense Page 12

GAME INFO

4 | RICHARDSON READY TO CARRY THE LOAD

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

With the departure of Mark Ingram, the Tide will turn to Trent Richardson to take over at running back

GAMEDAY April 15

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1

INSIDE Secondary a primary

By Laura Owens

• Field: Bryant-Denny Stadium • Location: Tuscaloosa • Time: 2 p.m. • TV: ESPNU

7 | PITTING FOR POSITIONS Check out this Spring’s most touted position battles. By Tony Tsoukalas

GAMEDAY STAFF • Jason Galloway, GameDay editor • Tony Tsoukalas, assistant GameDay editor • Victor Luckerson, editor-in-chief • Jonathan Reed, managing editor • Brandee Easter, print-production editor • Emily Johnson, design editor • Adam Greene, chief copy editor

20 | NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK GameDay previews the new faces in different places for the Tide By Tony Tsoukalas

Cover photo: CW | John Michael Simpson

CW | Jerrod Seaton

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2010 GameDay Picks Winners > 1 John McWilliams — 200/247 (80.97%) > 2 Alex Austin — 197/247 (79.76%) > 3 Nathan Gilbert — 194/247 (78.54%) JASON GALLOWAY — 194/247 (78.54%) GameDay Editor LAURA OWENS — 172/274 (69.64%) Asst. GameDay Editor

Check back next year, and visit

gameday.ua.edu. to play in The Crimson White’s college football pick ’em league. Weekly leaders will get their names published in the 2011 edition of GameDay.

POLL OF THE WEEK Which player are you most excited to see at A-Day? Phillip Sims (36%) Dee Hart (23%) AJ McCarron (18%) Jesse Williams (14%) DeAndrew White (9%)

MARK SCHLABACH’S EARLY PRESEASON TOP 25 1. Oklahoma 2. Alabama 3. Florida State 4. LSU 5. Oregon 6. Ohio State 7. Stanford 8. Boise State 9. TCU 10. Oklahoma State 11. Arkansas 12. Texas A&M 13. Wisconsin 14. Notre Dame 15. South Carolina 16. Michigan State 17. Auburn 18. Georgia 19. Texas 20. Florida 21. Missouri 22. Virginia Tech 23. Arizona State 24. Nebraska 25. Mississippi State

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Hitting the ground running BY LAURA OWENS SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER LKOWENS@CRIMSON.UA.EDU

For the past two years, the dynamic running back duo of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson has dominated the Alabama backfield. With Ingram leaving early for the NFL draft, the running game will fall more on Richardson’s shoulders. “I think his role is going to be more significant now that he’s sort of the back for us,” head coach Nick Saban said.


“He’s always ready to come in a work because that’s just the type of guy he is,” Fluker said. “He has that go-go attitude. He’s been progressing pretty good.” Fluker said it’s been good to see such energy coming from Richardson this spring. “With Trent, he’s a smart character,” he said. “He comes in and works hard. He’s just showing us that he’s dedicated to the team.” Richardson said the other running backs are also working hard to make up for the loss of Ingram. He said Eddie Lacy in particular have stepped up. “Eddie brings so much to the table because Eddie can do a lot of stuff,” Richardson said. “He’s trying to get his speed up. He’s got some speed, too. We call him ‘Feet’ because he’s got quick feet. He can catch the ball, too. “They’re going to help me out in the long run, especially with the offensive linemen, when you’ve got two running backs, maybe three this year that can do a lot of stuff, that’s going to help us out a lot this year. It’ll probably be a lot like what me and Mark had.” Richardson’s leadership will become even more important this season as he helps the other running backs develop around him. “I think a lot of players respect

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“I think his leadership will have maybe a greater impact, not that we’re going to ask him to be anything that he hasn’t been because he’s been very good in all those regards, but I think now because of his role, he may have a more significant impact with that leadership and personality and energy that he has.” Going into his junior season, Richardson has had at least 700 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide. In his freshman year, he had eight touchdowns. He added 10 more his sophomore year. According to Saban, Richardson knows that what he’s done in the past won’t help him achieve what he’ll want to do next season. “Trent absolutely goes out there everyday and wants to compete and wants to get better because he’s playing to a standard,” Saban said. “He has a high standard that he wants to achieve. It’s important to him. So, what he did last year means nothing. What he’s doing now is going to affect what he’s doing in the future, and that’s what everyone should be focused on.” Offensive lineman D.J. Fluker said he’s seen a lot of energy out of Richardson so far in spring practice.

CW | John Michael Simpson Trent Richardson dives over the top of Tennessee defenders during Alabama’s 41-10 win over the Volunteers on Oct. 23 at Neyland stadium. Richardson will look to take over as the Tide’s primary running back this Fall with the departure of Mark Ingram. him,” Saban said. “He’s always been a part of the peer group leadership program. He’s been a leader on the field by the way he competes, the kind of person he is, the way he practices every day. He’s a really good person, so I think he always affects the people around him in a positive way.”

Richardson said he passes the Heisman Trophy Ingram won in 2009 every day on his way to practice and that it’s weird to see something that football players dream about right next to him. But as far as looking for his own Heisman, he said that’s not his focus.

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QUARTERBACK AJ McCarron

Phillip Sims

Many are penciling in McCarron to be the favorite in this battle. The 6-4 190-pound quarterback has been labeled by some as a gunslinger, and he possesses a rocket arm. Questions have been raised about whether McCarron will be able to handle in-game decisions. If McCarron can develop into an established signal caller, his future with the Tide will be bright.

Don’t count Sims out of this battle. The 6-2 217-pound former four-star prospect was rated the No.1 overall quarterback in the 2010 signing class by ESPN. While most give the edge on arm strength to McCarron, Sims is no light-weight when it comes to how he throws the ball. Look for Sims to make this a battle and challange McCarron for the starting role.

LEFT TACKLE Aaron Douglas

Alfred McCullough

Since deciding to join the Tide from Arizona Western junior college, Douglas has generated much excitement. The former Tennessee Volunteer was a Freshman All-SEC selection before leaving UT. Douglas has shown in the past that he can succeed at a high level. He will need to prove that he can repeat his performance during the spring to earn the nod for starting left tackle.

McCullough did a good job filling in for an injured D.J. Fluker at right tackle last season. Despite not having quite the potential as Douglas, McCullough’s experience with the Tide might prove to be an edge for him. This will be one of the most important battles of the Spring. The Tide needs McCullough to come through big to open up holes for its running backs.

NO. 2 RECEIVER Darius Hanks

DeAndrew White

Pending a surprising decision by the Alabama coaching staff, Marquis Maze will be the Tide’s primary reciever, but Hanks could factor in as the Tides second option. The six-foot, 185 pound reciever hauled in 32 catches for 456 yards last season. Hanks is thought to be the favorite, as he was the Tide’s third reciever last year behind Julio Jones and Maze.

White was redshirted last season, but upon signing with the Tide in 2010 created a lot of buzz. the 5-11 175-pound reviever is an absolute burner. White finished second in the 200-meter dash in high school in the state of Texas during his senior year of high school. Look for White to headline a group of talented recievers competing against Darius Hanks for the the No. 2 role.

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POSITION BATTLES

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Top 10 2010 spring game attendance Tide quarterback AJ McCarron throws the ball in front of a packed house in BryantDenny Stadium at last year’s A-Day game. CW | Jerrod Seaton

No. 1 ALABAMA - 91,312 2. Nebraska – 77,936

5. Penn State – 55,000

8. Texas – 44,000

3. Ohio State – 65,223

6. Florida – 51,500

9. Virginia Tech – 41,000

4. Auburn – 63,217

7. Florida State – 51,000

10. Georgia – 38,472

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#finishing Alabama remembers the Iron Bowl BY BRITTON LYNN Senior Sports Reporter bmlynn@crimson.ua.edu


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Despite finishing this past football season with a 10-3 record and a 49-7 beating of Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl game, the Crimson Tide still looks back on one game it feels shouldn’t have been lost. The Iron Bowl. Last year’s Iron Bowl was especially tragic for Alabama, losing 28-27 to arch-rival Auburn in Bryant-Denny Stadium despite leading by as much as 24. “That’s a day we will never forget,” said junior running back Trent Richardson. “We were up 24-0 then (Auburn) came back and beat us. We let them win. We let the game get away from us. It’s big for us because we are not going back down that alley. Me as a leader, I will not let us go back down that alley. As a team we know we can’t go back down that alley.” Following the game, head

coach Nick Saban said the Iron Bowl would not be forgotten, and that the team would use its mistakes against the Tigers to become a better team in the future. Even though Auburn ended up going on to win the national championship after playing Alabama, to Saban and the rest of the team there is no excuse for the loss. “These kinds of teams don’t go away,” Saban said. “There are a lot of lessons to be learned out there about how important finishing is and continuing to do things correctly.” The Alabama football team has vowed that this coming

Auburn defenders gang tackle Alabama running back Trent Richardson during the Tigers’ comeback victory over the Tide in last year’s Iron Bowl. CW | Jerrod Seaton

Your doctor

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Iron Bowl 2010 quarter by quarter score breakdown ALABAMA

AUBURN

1st

21

0

2nd

3

7

3rd

3

14

4th

0

7

Final

27

28

— Running back Trent Richardson season will be different. Posted inside Alabama’s locker room, weight room, and practice facility are signs hanging that read, “Never Forget. 28-27.� These signs aren’t just there to remind the Tide of its loss against the Tigers, but to emphasize how important it is for them to finish every game. “It just represents that we need to finish more,� said sophomore offensive lineman DJ Fluker. “We need to be able to come out and execute first half, second half and all of the game. We need to remember in our mind to work harder this year anytime [we are playing]. I think we’ve been doing pretty good this year.� So instead of dwelling on what they think should have been the ending to last year’s Iron Bowl, the players are turning their energy toward not making the same mistake again by staying mentally focused throughout the entire game.

“[The loss] is always going to be in the back of our heads,� Richardson said. “Whenever we do go out there, that’s something that should be in the back of our heads. Whenever we do go out there for practice and do strap up for the games, that’s not going to happen.� A lot of the team said the difference between last year’s team and this season’s team is the potential it has because of its persistent leaders. “We have leaders on our team and they always stay on top of us,� Fluker said. “Always trying to make us better as a unit offensively and defensively always trying to keep us together. I think we are a family. With that bond that’s greater than anything. We go out there in practice and work hard all the time because we have the mentality to be great as players.� The Tide has many starters coming back this season, 23 new,

enthusiastic signees and a group of players who are ready to make a name for themselves. “We have a good chance being that team this year if we finish every game like we are supposed to and fight for the full four quar-

ters,� Richardson said. “The way we are practicing and going into the spring and depending on how we do in this camp and the way we’ve been coached I think we can go all the way this year and go to that game.�

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GAMEDAY April 15

“[The loss] is always going to be in the back of our heads. Whenever we do go out there, that’s something that should be in the back of our heads. Whenever we do go out there for practice and do strap up for the games that’s not going to happen.�


LAST LINE OF D


EFENSE

BY MARQUAVIUS BURNETT Sports Reporter msburnett1@crimson.ua.edu


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Junior cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick celebrates after beating Tennesee 41-10. Kirkpatrick will be counted on this season as a key component of the Tide’s secondary. CW | Jerrod Seaton

When Alabama entered spring practice last year, it only had one returning starter in the secondary, strong safety Mark Barron. This season, the Tide’s secondary will be one of the most experienced units on the entire team. Last season’s group was talented, accounting for 18 of the teams 22 total interceptions, but lacked experience. They gave up big plays in crucial moments of games, putting pressure on the defense in tough situations throughout games last year. After a year of ups and downs last season, this year’s group will look to shut down opposing teams’ passing games. Four players that will play major roles in the production of this year’s secondary are Barron, Robert Lester, Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie among others. Whether it be making plays, leadership or pure athleticism, each player brings something different to the group and collectively they will look to be a force on this year’s defense. “We are a lot more comfortable

with the defense and playing with each other,” junior safety Robert Lester said. “We are building a lot more chemistry this season and we are trying to cut out all of the mental errors.” One of the many things that head coach Nick Saban preaches is mental toughness. With this year’s group, mental mistakes should be a thing of the past. Not only is the secondary talented, but they are also battle tested and have all experienced the rigorous schedule that the Tide has to go through on a weekly basis in the Southeastern Conference. Barron is the veteran and most experienced of the group. This will be his third year starting at the strong safety position. In his first year as a starter as a sophomore in 2009, he led the SEC in intercep-

tions with seven. In 2010, he had three total interceptions and led the team with 75 tackles, including two sacks. He chose not to enter the National Football League draft and return to school for his senior year. That decision could propel the Alabama secondary to being one of the best in the country. Barron sustained a shoulder injury in the offseason but is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to play once the season starts. He figures to be the main play caller for this year’s defense. Lester is the playmaker of the group, and he had a breakout season in 2010 at the free safety position. His team-high eight interceptions led the SEC and was second in all of college football. Along with Barron, he will be called upon to take on a bigger leadership role this season. Lester said he welcomes the pressure, and he is more prepared for this season. “Last year I worried a lot about our communication,” Lester said. “I would look to Mark [Barron] to make sure my calls were right. Now I have the confidence to make calls and even change calls if Mark does it wrong. I’m more comfortable back there now and I want to

make sure I do whatever is right for the secondary.” Kirkpatrick is the phenom of the group. At 6-foot-3, 192 pounds, he is big enough to cover physical receivers and agile enough to stay with the quicker receivers. Coming out of high school, Kirkpatrick was highly recruited and was the top defensive back in his class. He saw limited playing time as freshman, mainly on special teams, but took over the starting spot in 2010. He had three interceptions and 53 tackles, including four tackles for loss. With a year of experience under his belt, Kirkpatrick will now look to be the shutdown corner that scouts projected him to be coming out of high school. “He is developing and learning the defense just like everybody else,” Lester said. “He’s a great person and a great competitor. He’s the type of guy that is going to get into the offense’s head and force them to make mistakes.” The breakout of the group this year could be Menzie. He is a junior college transfer from CopiahLincoln Community College and was expected to play a huge role in the Tide’s secondary in 2010, but an Achilles injury slowed his


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Alabama production. He was still able to safety Mark play in 12 games last season but Barron was not nearly the same athlete returns an because of his nagging injuries. intercepNow completely healthy, Menzie tion against has come on strong this spring and Auburn in is receiving high praise from head 2009. Barron coach Nick Saban. will be a “Based on him being healthy major part of and able to perform, if you look a secondary at our first scrimmage, [Menzie] with more was our best corner,” Saban said. experience “It makes for good competition than last because we have three guys that season. have played a significant amount at that position. It will be interestCW File ing to see how those guys compete and respond to that.” Other contributors for the secondary will include Will Lowrey and Dee Millner, who both played in all 13 games for the Tide last season. As a true freshman, Millner had only one interception but was the team’s fourth-leading tackler with 55 total tackles. Lowrey had two interceptions and 33 tackles in 2010. With a solid secondary in place, the Tide will be allowed to use more blitz packages with the linebackers this season. The talented group compliments Saban’s Look for this year’s secondary defensive coaching style because When corners can play on an nators to create more exotic blitz he likes to put his corners in man- “island”, one-on-one without safe- packages to further confuse the to be the best unit on the Alabama defense. to-man, bump-and-run coverage. ty help, it allows defensive coordi- offense.


16 GAMEDAY April 15

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CW | Drew Hoover

CW | Jerrod Seaton

Left: An Auburn defender tackles Alabama running back Trent Richardson during the Crimson Tide’s 28-27 loss to the Tigers. Above: South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore runs through the Alabama defense during the Tide’s first regular-season loss since 2007. Bottom Left: Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones makes a diving, one-handed snag in the season opener against San Jose State. Bottom Right: Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones lines up for a play in the Tide’s 41-10 victory over Tennessee last season. Jones had the best game of his career, catching 12 passes for 221 yards.

CW | Drew Hoover

CW | John Michael Simpson

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Highlights from last season

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JULIO JONES, WR

GAMEDAY April 15

Closing in on NFL draft

• Measurables: 6-4, 220 pounds •Biggest Strength: Athleticism. Jones was a beast in the combine, posting a 4.39 40-time and broad jumping 11 feet 3 inches. • Draft projection: Top 10 pick • Kiper says: “His size and speed combination is the best in the draft at the position, and his development as a wideout over the past year shows a determination and work ethic that will be loved by the coaching staff.”

MARCELL DAREUS, DL • Measurables: 6-4, 319 pounds •Biggest Strength: Versatility. Dareus could fit into both a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme • Draft projection: Top five pick • Kiper says: “A schemeversatile player who can be a disruptive, penetrating force as an interior lineman, or a fantastic pass rusher as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, Dareus is a safe pick. He doesn’t have remarkable quickness, but his agility and versatility at a full 319 pounds is the stuff of an elite lineman.”

CW File

JAMES CARPENTER, LT

CW File

• Measurables: 6-5, 300 pounds •Biggest Strength: Run blocking. Carpenter was a leading force behind Alabama’s run offense, mauling over defenders and creating holes for running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. • Draft projection: Third round

MARK INGRAM, RB • Measurables: 5-10, 215 pounds •Biggest Strength: Footwork. Ingram’s ability to cut and weave his way through defenses makes him the top running back in this class. • Draft projection: Mid-tolate first round • Kiper says: “The most complete back in this class, he has great balance, runs with great pad level, balance and leverage, and explodes from contact. Once he gets through the initial hole, he’s a terror on the second level.”

State Liscensed ed Artists

CW | Drew Hoover

GREG MCELROY, QB • Measurables: 6-3, 225 pounds •Biggest Strength: Decision making. Though McElroy does not have the rocket arms of other quarterbacks in this class, his game calling and decision making should get him a few looks at the next level. • Draft projection: Fifth round CW | Drew Hoover

CW File

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20 GAMEDAY April 15

Meet the New Kids DEE HART

AARON DOUGLAS

Rivals.com Dee Hart is one of the most exciting prospects joining the Tide this spring. The five-star running back was voted MVP of the Army All-American game. Dr. Phillips HS, Fla. Measurables: 5-9, 189

JESSE WILLIAMS

Rivals.com

Tennessee Media Relations Douglas played at Tennessee as a redshirt freshman before transferring to Arizona Western and eventually Alabama. While at Tennessee, Douglas earned Freshman All-SEC honors. Arizona Western JC Measurables: 6-6, 230

The thunder from down under, Williams hails from Brisbane Australia. Williams transferred from Arizona Western and figures to play a huge role in Alabama’s defensive line. Arizona Western JC Measurables: 6-4, 340

PHILIP ELY Ely has drawn comparisons to former Tide quarterback Greg McElroy. Both McElroy and Ely are known for their game management as well as their ability to win. Plant Senior HS, Fla. Measurables: 6-1, 186

Rivals.com

Good luck

QUINTON DIAL Originally a 2008 Tide commit, Dial returns to Alabama after two years at East Mississippi Junior College. Rivals. com gave the defensive lineman a four-star rating. East Mississippi JC Measurables: 6-5, 309

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21 A smooth athlete, Carswell has plenty of room to grow into a solid receiver. Carswell comes to the Crimson Tide from the same high school as former Tide great Kareem Jackson. Westside HS, Ga. Measurables: 6-0, 171

VINNIE SUNSERI

Rivals.com

TREY DEPRIEST Many thought DePriest, a native of Springfield, Ohio, would go to Ohio State. However, the four-star Rival’s prospect surprised everyone when he decided to join the Tide. Springfield HS, Ohio Measurables: 6-2, 230

Son of Linebackers coach Sal Sunseri, Vinne could help the Tide in many ways on defense. A four-star recruit, Sunseri could figure as a linebacker or safety for the Tide. Northridge HS, Ala. Measurables: 6-0, 205

GAMEDAY April 15

RONALD CARSWELL

Rivals.com

WILSON LOVE Love is following his brother Tyler to Alabama. The threestar defensive lineman was ranked as the No. 34 defensive tackle by ESPNU. Mountain Brook HS, Ala. Measurables: 6-4, 270 Rivals.com

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Tide poised for national title run When was the last time an ultra-talented backup running back took over the starting job for Alabama? When was the last time the Crimson Tide brought back nearly all of its defensive starters? How about the last time a new but capable quarterback took over under center? The answer to all three is 2009, the year Alabama won its 13th national championship. But those aren’t even the most convincing reasons why I think the Tide will be able to make another run at the title this season. The biggest hook is the schedule. Alabama has four gimme games on its schedule – home games it should not lose even under the worst circumstances: Kent State, North Texas, Georgia Southern and Vanderbilt. The Tide favors from the schedule turnover that wiped South Carolina off and added the Commodores. There are two more games – at Ole Miss and vs Tennessee – that

are close to being on the list and would still cause a complete shock if Alabama l o s t . That’s half Jason Galloway the schedSports Editor ule right there. Of the remaining six games, I look at four of them as teams Alabama should have no problem taking care of: at Penn State, vs Arkansas, at Mississippi State and at Auburn. Penn State is a decent team and Happy Valley is a tough place to play, but I don’t see the Nittany Lions being much better than they were last season, when an extremely young Tide defense held them to three points. Bobby Petrino’s Razorbacks will likely have another potent offense, but replacing Ryan Mallet is sure to cause a bit of a

drop off, and the Tide has this game at home. Mississippi State is an improving team, but the Bulldogs have a ceiling. In a year where State blew out Michigan in a January Bowl game, Alabama – in a bit of an off year – still beat the Bulldogs easily. As everyone has seen year in and year out, anything can happen in the Iron Bowl. However, come Thanksgiving weekend, I’m guessing the losses of Cam Newton and Nick Fairley would force Auburn to have to pull a monumental upset to beat the Tide. That leaves Florida and LSU. The only reason the Gators haven’t been mentioned before now is because there is a slight chance, that shot in the dark, that under Will Muschamp, under Charlie Weis’ offense, that Florida rises right back to the top in 2011. That is unlikely, though. The Gators are still an extremely talented team, but it will take a little while to transition from the

spread to a pro-style offense, and getting Florida on its schedule early (game five) is an advantage for Alabama. That leaves LSU, the only team I could really picture Alabama losing to in the regular season. But attempting to pick this game six and a half months in advance, I’m still taking the Tide. The Tigers lost a few key pieces on its defense from last season but not much else. The main reason Alabama lost in Baton Rouge last season was because the Tide’s secondary gave up huge plays in key situations. This year’s defensive backfield will be better and more experienced, and an improved Alabama pass rush will expose LSU’s lack of talent at the quarterback position, something it could not do well in last year’s game. The Tide’s weaknesses from last year will likely be gone this season. If AJ McCarron or Phillip Sims can give Alabama close to the production Greg McElroy did two years ago, the schedule sets up for a legitimate run at No. 14.

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23 GAMEDAY April 15


24 GAMEDAY April 15

ALABAMA 2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

Sept. 3

Kent State

Tuscaloosa

Sept. 10

Penn State

State College, Pa.

Sept. 17

North Texas

Tuscaloosa

Sept. 24

Arkansas

Tuscaloosa

Oct. 1

Florida

Gainesville, Fla.

Oct. 8

Vanderbilt

Tuscaloosa

Oct. 15

Ole Miss

Oxford, Miss.

Oct. 22

Tennessee

Tuscaloosa

Nov. 5

LSU

Tuscaloosa

Nov. 12

Mississppi State

Starkville, Miss.

Nov. 19

Georgia Southern Tuscaloosa

Nov. 26

Auburn

Auburn, Ala.


W

“

elcome to The University of Alabama. We hope you enjoy A-Day festivities, and that you will continue to support the Crimson Tide throughout the 2011 season. Roll Tide!� Dr. Robert E. Witt President The University of Alabama


IT’S NOT JUST ANY DAY. IT’S OUR DAY.

The official place for licensed Bama Wear and merchandise.

WE ARE OPEN ON A DAY - APRIL 16, 2011:

Ferguson Center 9am - 2pm ; Tent on the Quad 9am - 1pm ; Bryant Museum 8am - 5pm


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