Cotton Bowl 2006

After a 9-0 start to the season, the Alabama Crimson Tide is looking to avoid losing three in a row to end the year. Following a heart breaking overtime loss to LSU and getting manhandled at Auburn, Coach Mike Shula’s team has a chance for redemption as it faces Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. It is a clash of coaching philosophies and styles as Shula’s pro-style, grind it out offense goes up against Coach Mike Leach’s high powered, spread offense. Leach’s squad will be without two wide receivers, which were suspended for the bowl game. L.A. Reed and Marquis Johnson will not play vs. the Tide and while neither caught more than 13 passes on the season, it will cause depth concerns and rotation problems. Many prognosticators are pointing to Tech’s great offense vs. ‘Bama’s outstanding defense as the key matchup, however Shula’s struggling offense going against the Red Raider “D” will be just as crucial. QB Brodie Croyle is coming off a nightmare performance against arch rival Auburn; however the offensive line is to blame for much of the Tide’s woes allowing 11 sacks in Jordan-Hare. Croyle was battered for four quarters and did not look comfortable throwing the football the few occasions he did have time to set his feet. Texas Tech has a good defense led by Dwayne Slay, Keyunta Dawson and Fletcher Session and will have a stern test trying to stop ‘Bama RB Ken Darby (1,161 yards/ 5.5 yards per carry). The Crimson Tide deploys a pro-style system with short passing routes and a tough ground game which controls the clock.

Defensive coordinator Joe Kines will have to find a way to stop QB Cody Hodges and a slew of talented receivers. Hodges (4,001 yards and 30 passing TD) distributes the ball all over the field as four receivers had at least 61 catches. Contrastingly, Alabama’s top four WR’s had at least 17 receptions. RB Taurean Henderson is the Red Raiders leading rusher with 860 yards on just 144 carries. Bama has five talented defensive backs and will likely play a great deal of dime packages (six DB’s). The Tide will need to be in good shape physically as Tech spreads the ball all over the field and throws it deep frequently. The key to the game will be Alabama’s offense being able to move the ball, take time off the clock and put points on the scoreboard. Keeping Texas Tech’s high powered offense on the sidelines will keep the ‘Bama defense fresh. Ranked #1 for most of the year in points per game, the Crimson Tide defense has seven senior starters and will want to end their careers on a winning note. The defense only allowed one TD in the month of October. The ‘Bama defense’s streak of creating turnovers was snapped vs. LSU at 29 games and taking the ball away vs. Texas Tech will be a focus for the Tide. This should be a very interesting and exciting game to say the least. Experts say “offense sells tickets and defense wins championships” and I’m betting they are correct. ‘Bama pulls out a close game late on a Jamie Christensen field goal.

On the recruiting front, Alabama lost out in the Tim Tebow sweepstakes to the Florida Gators, but is still doing very well. As of 12/18, Coach Shula has received 17 commitments with one 5-star player and eight 4-star players. As for Tebow choosing the Gators over the Tide; it was all about family and the closeness of the campus to his home in St. Augustine. Tebow cited wanting a system to prepare him for the NFL and chose Urban Meyer’s junky, misdirection, spread offense. Shula has been a QB coach in the NFL as well as an offensive coordinator, and while Meyer’s system got Alex Smith drafted #1 overall, he clearly isn’t ready to be an NFL quarterback. Tebow should flourish in Meyer’s system at Florida but will not be ready to play on Sundays if the Gators keep the same style of offense. Now that “Tebowpalooza” has ended, ‘Bama is concentrating on in state players Andre Smith and Tim Hawthorne and out of state linebackers Brandon Spikes and Derrick Odom, all ranked in the nation’s top 75 players.

IRON BOWL WEEK 2005

Following a Saturday of hard fought, nail biting games that ended on the final play, Alabama and Auburn must retool for this year’s Iron bowl in Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. The winner still has a shot at the SEC West crown if LSU loses to either Arkansas or Ole Miss. This year’s version of one of the nation’s most bitter rivalries has championship implications for the second straight season. Last year, ‘Bama held a 6-0 halftime lead before Auburn came out of the locker room blazing behind QB Jason Campbell and won 21-13. Auburn came into the game with a #3 BSC ranking hoping to propel into the top two, however voters saw the struggle vs. a 6-5 ‘Bama squad as not good enough to vault into the BSC National Championship game.

Alabama had a chance to duplicate the Tigers feat from 2004 as the Tide started 9-0 and welcomed LSU to Tuscaloosa for the nation’s premiere matchup of the weekend. It was the first time in history that two top five teams battled in Tuscaloosa’s Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mike Shula’s squad dominated the first half and held a 10-0 lead at the break. LSU QB JaMarcus Russell found his groove and marched the Bengal Tigers down the field as Justin Vincent scored on 4^th and goal from the one for the score. The TD was the first allowed in 17 quarters by the nation’s #1 Alabama defense. LSU tied the game on their next drive and both defenses dominated the remaining 20 minutes before going to overtime. As LSU was driving for a potentially game winning score, Alabama had two timeouts on the board. After a 2^nd down play that produced 3^rd and long, Shula elected to save a timeout as the clock showed 1:45. LSU finally called timeout with 1:10 and many ‘Bama fans were scratching their heads wondering if the 35 seconds would come back to haunt them. LSU threw an incomplete pass and Chris Jackson missed a 49 yard field goal. Brodie Croyle completed three passes and the ball was spotted at midfield with nine seconds remaining. Following an incomplete pass, Croyle dumped a swing pass to Glen Coffee who streaked down the right sideline, and with LSU in a prevent defense, no defenders were found. Coffee was finally corralled at the nine yard line and many fans wondered aloud what could have transpired with the extra 35 seconds.

The game went into overtime and ‘Bama’s offense self destructed once again. Following a 5-yard penalty and two plays, Shula’s team faced 3^rd and 2. Croyle was flushed out the pocket and fired to Ken Darby who could not make the diving grab. Jamie Christensen booted a 35-yard field goal to put ‘Bama up 13-10. The defense allowed a first down on a 10-yard pass to Vincent. Two plays garnered four yards to set up a third down from the 11 and Russell found Dwayne Bowe in the end zone in front of a diving Charlie Peprah for the winning score. The crowd was stunned at the sudden end of a great defensive football game as LSU’s players stormed the field in celebration.

Coach Shula must regroup before traveling to Auburn as a BSC bowl looms in the distance. If Alabama can defeat Auburn for the first time since 2001, they will likely go to a BSC bowl with LSU or Georgia winning the automatic bid. Several opponents have been mentioned should the Crimson Tide be chosen to play in the Fiesta Bowl. Bowl officials would love to pit ‘Bama vs. Notre Dame or Penn State on January 2^nd. If the BSC isn’t in the cards, perhaps the Outback bowls vs. Ohio State or the Peach Bowl vs. Florida State are possibilities. Regardless of the Iron Bowl, Coach Shula has won over many ‘Bama fans who cried for a “signature win” with a 9-0 ranking and the #3 BSC team. If the Tide wins vs. Auburn and the bowl game, Shula could finish #2 in the polls and win a national coach of the year award.

NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK

Alabama fans have waited to hear those words regarding the Crimson Tide team for three years. Alabama will take on the Florida Gators in a heavyweight matchup of undefeated, ranked teams in Tuscaloosa which is being called the “National Game of the Week” by many in the media. Yes, Arizona State battles top ranked USC and Michigan-Michigan St. has intrigue, but the SEC battle of top 15 teams is the first meeting since 1999, when Alabama beat Florida twice under then coach Steve Spurrier.

Many Bama fans have taken offense to several comments by Gator Coach Urban Meyer and a few UF players which will make the game that much more appealing. Several Gators have stated that Alabama does not have the talent as many other teams in the SEC. The first year coach, Meyer has resurrected the UF program following the departure of Ron Zook and Mike Shula has ‘Bama headed back in the right direction in his third year. Brodie Croyle and Chris Leak look to be the cream of the crop as quarterbacks go in the SEC and each has talented weapons to get the ball to. Croyle has three wide outs in Tyrone Prothro, DJ Hall and Keith Brown, who all have 100-yard receiving games this year. Leak looks to Chad Jackson and Jemalle Cornelius in the passing game as Andre Caldwell is out for the season, suffering a leg injury vs. Tennessee. Both teams have fantastic running games with Kenneth Darby for ‘Bama and DeShawn Wynn for the Gators. Meyer’s offense is predicated on causing mismatches and Leak has been masterful in getting Wynn the ball with room to run. Shula’s pro-style offense is more of a man-on-man blocking scheme, smash mouth running style and Darby as flourished behind and ever improving offensive line. Both teams can score points and this game may come down to which team has the ball last. Florida can score quicker than a hiccup, while Alabama tends to grind it out and control the clock. Once in the red zone, FB/RB Tim Castille is very effective punching it in scoring five TD’s on only 26 carries.

As much hoopla as been made concerning both teams’ offensive propensity; the defense is the reason for the success of each team. Florida comes into the contest with the #5 overall defense in the nation, while the Crimson Tide checks in at #7.

Demeco Ryans is coming off a 15-tackle, SEC player of the week performance vs. Arkansas, while the Gators counter with Brandon Siler and Vernell Brown. UF is giving up 13 points and 223 yards per contest while the Crimson Tide allows 13.8 points and 232 yards per game. This could be a very low scoring game that comes down to special teams, which makes it a toss up. Florida is a four point favorite and Alabama is hungry for its first SEC title since 1999. Meyer has a bag of tricks and may be forced to unveil a few new ones to escape Tuscaloosa with a victory. Shula searches for a signature win over a team favored to defeat the Tide. With a win, Alabama would improve to 5-0 for the first time since 1996, when the Tide started out 7-0

Well, now that recruiting is over and everyone has signed on the dotted line, let’s see how Mike Shula did with the class of 2005. After a disappointing loss to Minnesota in the Music City Bowl, people are starting to talk about the security of Shula’s job. Bama fans should realize Shula is playing with only 10 clubs in the golf bag when everyone else has 14. Now that the sanctions have lifted and the Tide is able to sign a full compliment of players, Alabama should compete for the SEC West crown. With Auburn graduating a number of skill positions, including the All-SEC backfield of Jason Campbell, Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown, the title is up for grabs.

Coach Shula signed a full class of 33 players, with three already in school and plans to participate in spring drills. Everything that went wrong in 2004 in Tuscaloosa has started out going right in 2005. All of the juniors that had NFL dreams have decided to return to school. The injured players from ’04 are progressing nicely and their backups gained valuable experience this past season. Of the 33 signed, a number will not qualify academically and several will “greyshirt”. Among those expected to make an immediate impact, perhaps one of the running backs will shine brightest. Mike Ford and Roy Upchurch, both from Florida are top 20 tailbacks with 4-star grades. Obviously recruiting is objective with the grading process and because someone is a four or five star prospect, does not equal automatic success. Several players have slipped underneath recruiting radars and made names for themselves, while hundreds of high profile players have bombed. Shula signed three quarterbacks to sure up the backup position, which was a concern in 2004. While Spencer Pennington has given up football to concentrate on baseball and Marc Guillon has injury concerns, one of the three freshmen should get the backup spot and be the heir apparent to replace Brodie Croyle. John Parker Wilson is looked upon by many to get the nod as the #2 as he was highly recruited in 2004 from Hoover, Ala. Because he’s enrolled in school and will participate in spring drills despite playing baseball. Jimmy Barnes and Jimmy Johns will also battle for the spot. Barnes was chosen to play in the Army All-American game and Johns is the reigning Mr. Football from Mississippi.

A duo coming to Tuscaloosa from prep school should get immediate playing time in Brandon Fanney and Lorenzo Washington. Both signed with Bama in ’04 and attended Hargrave Military Academy to improve their academic situations. Each is a four-star player on the defensive line and will be ample opportunity to join an already solid DL. Former LSU head coach Nick Saban’s decision to take over the reigns as coach of the Miami Dolphins benefited Alabama with the signing of Chris Keys, formerly from Louisiana. Keys is a hard hitting, athletic safety that could take over in the Tide secondary once Roman Harper and Charlie Peprah make their way to the NFL.

Several other highly recruited players inked their name in Crimson lore and will have the chance to play next season for the Tide. Some of those players include: Glen Coffee, Marlon Davis, Brandon Deadrick, Bobby Greenwood, Prince Hall, Cole Harvey, Charles Hoke, Desmond Jennings, Michael Johnson, Nick Kyles, Lionel Mitchell, Cory Reamer, Michael Ricks, Chris Rogers, Zach Schreiber, Ali Sharrief and Byron Walton. All of these are either three or four star players and should be able to see the field in 2005. The future is bright in Tuscaloosa and with a weak non-conference schedule; key players returning from injury and a favorable home schedule (Florida, LSU, Tennessee and Arkansas) as the Tide should get rolling again in 2005. The state will be loaded with talent in the high school ranks for 2006. One recruiting guru stated the state of Alabama will have more Division I talent than any other year he could remember. If Bama can land it’s share of the top players in state, Shula should improve on his sub-par winning percentage.

The Crimson Tide is going bowling for the first time since 2001 as NCAA sanctions have cleared and the sun is beginning to break through the clouds. Alabama looks to make it two straight in bowl games following 2001’s victory over Iowa State in the Independence Bowl. Coach Mike Shula’s team will travel to Nashville to take on Minnesota on New Year’s Eve at 12:00 EST. Bama must do something it’s done all year; stop the run. The Golden Gophers sport the nation’s top rushing duo in Marion Barber III (1,082 yards on 194 carries and 10 TD’s) and Laurence Maroney (1,243 yards on 188 carries and 12 TD’s). The Gophers are not as one dimensional as people may think as sophomore quarterback Bryan Cupito has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 14 TD’s. Ernest Wheelwright is the most dangerous of the receiving core with over 600 yards and seven scores. Defensive Coordinator Joe Kines must formulate a strategy to respect the pass while stopping the talented backs. The Crimson Tide defense has the ingredient needed to stop Minnesota, speed. Linebackers Cornelius Wortham, Freddie Roach and Demeco Ryans can run and are sure tacklers. If the defensive line can get penetration, the Tide should be able to control the line of scrimmage and keep the runners from popping off huge chunks of yardage.

Offensively Alabama needs a big game from injured Kenneth Darby to have a chance in Nashville. Darby was slowed by injuries vs. Auburn and the Tide’s offense sputtered for most of the game without the 2^nd team All-SEC. Darby has a chance to win the SEC rushing title with a great game vs. Minnesota and Ciatrick Fason having a sub-par game vs. Miami in the Peach Bowl. Darby has been the key to Bama’s offense with the injuries suffered by the entire starting backfield. Quarterback Spencer Pennington showed some promise in the Iron Bowl as he led the Tide down the field on several occasions, only to come out of the game with 13 points. An interception on the goal line, a missed 4^th down conversion and two field goals spelled doom vs. the #3 team in America. As for most of the year, Alabama’s defense kept them in the game, including holding Auburn to zero first half points. Dave Rader’s troops must throw enough to stay balanced to keep Minnesota’s swarming defense at bay. Alabama comes into the contest with the #112 ranked passing offense in the land, while the Gophers are the #112 rated pass defense in the nation. This could be a key to the game if Bama can’t throw it, and the Gophers can’t teams when they do throw it.

Historically Alabama has been a tremendous team in bowl games. No other team has played in (52) or has more bowl victories (29) than the Crimson Tide. However the last time Bama rolled into the Music City Bowl, it was not a pretty sight as the Virginia Tech Hokies throttled Bama 38-7 in 1998. The next year, a red-shirt, freshman quarterback named Michael Vick took Va. Tech to the national championship game vs. FSU. Obviously the Tide does not have fond memories of that game. And while no current member of the Tide staff was a part of the ’98 squad, it comes into this game with very little bowl experience. Only seven current players were on the team in 2001 when the Seneca Wallace led Cyclones missed a potential game winning field goal as the Tide narrowly escaped 14-13. This bowl appearance has benefited Alabama in several areas. The Tide will have six weeks for all the nagging injuries to heal. Going to the bowl game means extra practice, which is extremely important for the younger players. It gives added exposure for the players looking to prove their worth with NFL scouts, such as Danny Martz, Todd Bates and Anthony Bryant. It has also helped with recruiting as Bama has reeled in several key recruits in the past two weeks. The Tide has climbed up the rankings and now sits firmly in the top 10 in recruiting.

I’ll leave you with one fact to remember. Every time since 1950 that Alabama has had a losing season, they have followed the losing season up with at least seven wins. The second year has always produced at least 10 wins. The Tide has a great deal of momentum going and it should carry into recruiting, through the spring practices and all the way up to the 2005 season opener. With quarterback Brodie Croyle returning for his senior season and a favorable schedule with includes home game vs. Florida, Arkansas, LSU and Tennessee; the Crimson Tide should be a favorite to win the SEC West. Every junior has announced that they will return to school for one final shot at glory, which includes, Roach, Ryans, Roman Harper and Charlie Peprah. Coach Mike Shula desperately needs this seventh victory to springboard into 2005. He should find it vs. Minnesota if the Tide follows the same formula it has used all season: sound running game + good defense +controlling the clock + field position=a Crimson Tide victory.

IRON BOWL WEEK 2004                                  

For Tide fans, there is one question that gets asked every year, “Would you rather go 10-1 and lose to Auburn or go 1-10 and beat Auburn”. Well, that question will get answered this Saturday as the 2004 Iron Bowl comes to Tuscaloosa with the Auburn Tigers sporting a #3 ranking and having BCS title game hopes. For Auburn, it has been a dream season with BCS uncertainty looming in the distance. USC and Oklahoma are ahead of the Tigers in the standings; however they have closed the gap on the #2 Sooners. With OU (how is the University of Oklahoma called “OU”, shouldn’t it be “UO”) having two games left against sub-par opponents, Auburn could gain a spot in the title game with victories over Bama and Tennessee in it’s two remaining games. This is what Alabama is looking to avoid: being a notch on Auburn’s belt on the way to a possible National Championship. In a scene very reminiscent of 1989, the situation is reversed with Bama looking to play spoiler.  In ’89, Bill Curry led Alabama into Auburn for the first time ever with a 10-0 ranking and a future date with Miami in the Sugar Bowl. Auburn rallied behind quarterback Reggie Slack to win 30-20 to end the Tide’s championship dreams. Tide fans are hoping they can do something no other team has done this year; stop Auburn’s backfield of Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown and Jason Campbell. Campbell has emerged as one of the nation’s most dangerous quarterbacks after three average seasons on the Plains. Brown and Williams trail only Minnesota’s tandem of Barber and Maroney as the nation’s top rushing duo. The Crimson Tide has the defense to stop the trio, but Bama’s offense must move the ball the keep the defense fresh.

Bama’s defense went into the LSU game as the #1 rated defense in the nation but found itself having to blitz late in the game and gave up two 4^th quarter scores. A horrible no-call in the end zone has drawn the ire of many fans in Alabama as the radio lines lit up days following the game. The call did not cost Alabama the game. It did cost them a CHANCE at winning the game. QB Spencer Pennington threw a fade route to Keith Brown, who was covered by All-American candidate Corey Webster. As the ball approached, Webster shoved Brown to the turf and intercepted the pass before returning it near midfield. If the appropriate call had been made, Bama would have likely gone up 17-6 midway through the 3^rd quarter. As well as the defense was playing at that point, it may have looked like another road win in Baton Rouge. As it was, LSU flipped the field position and dominated the rest of the contest. Alabama’s offense was anemic with Pennington failing to complete pass after pass as the defense crowded the line to stop running back Kenneth Darby (109 yards). The Tide had plenty of chances to put together scoring drives, but failed to move the ball due to ineffective quarterback play, poor blocking and conservative play calling. The Tide must bounce back from injuries, bad calls and depth concerns if they want to compete with Auburn. With that being said, this is the Iron Bowl and anything can happen. If Alabama can control the clock using short play-action passing and a good running game, they will have a shot at winning the game. Auburn has not seen a defense like this all year, but the Tigers can move the ball and score points. Auburn’s defense is also outstanding as they rank just behind the Tide on the national level. Alabama has won 9 of the last 14 meetings dating back to 1990; however Auburn has never lost in Tuscaloosa.

In the Iron Bowl, records are thrown out the window as was evident in 1984 and 1989, but this is a different Auburn team and the Tide is struggling. Auburn should win the game, but the Tide faithful should be proud of their team becoming bowl eligible despite losing their entire starting backfield. What sort of record would Auburn have without Campbell, Williams and Brown in the lineup?

Some possible bowl matchups have been tossed around the airwaves over the past few weeks and several have fallen by the wayside. There was talk of an FSU-Bama matchup in the Peach Bowl. With FSU finishing at 9-2 or 8-3, that is no longer a possibility. More likely scenarios have Bama going to the Music City Bowl to take on Ohio State or Purdue. The Peach Bowl would love to pit (no pun intended) Bama vs. Virginia Tech or Virginia and the Independence Bowl against Missouri has been mentioned as well.

ANOTHER BIG INJURY FOR ‘BAMA

Alabama went into Knoxville with the 3^rd rated overall defense in the country. The problem was the Tide hadn’t played a top 25 team yet. After Saturday’s 17-13 defeat at the hands of the Volunteers, the Crimson Tide owns the overall #1 rated defense in the nation. Tennessee scored a defensive touchdown and set up another easy score following a 46-yard punt return by Derrick Tinsley. Bama held Phil Fulmer’s offense to 195 total yards (132 passing and 63 on the ground) to vault into the #1 spot. Quarterback Erik Ainge was pressured all game and threw two interceptions and had several others tipped away. The vaunted Vol’s ground game was limited to 63 yards on 34 attempts as Demeco Ryans, Freddie Roach and Cornelius Wortham each collected seven tackles. Wortham and Ryans also came up with interceptions to halt drives in their own territory.

Quarterback Spencer Pennington had another sub-par game as he completed 14-28 passes for only 113 yards. 71 of those yards were grabbed by the ever improving sophomore Tyrone Prothro. Prothro was open several more times and Pennington could not get the ball in his hands down the field. Pennington did a nice job of completing medium range passes on third-down situations. He was able to hit the receivers in stride to give them a chance to make a play to pick up the necessary yardage. This game proved just how much Brodie Croyle is missed when the Tide has the ball. An anonymous NFL scout commented at the Jets-Patriots game in Foxboro, Mass., “If Alabama still had its starting quarterback (Croyle) they would be 8-0.” That statement has been debated by many fans in the South, but injuries are a part of football and now the Crimson Tide must deal with yet another one.

Sophomore fullback/tailback Tim Castille injured his knee in the fourth quarter vs. Tennessee and will miss the remainder of the 2004 campaign. Castille was the starting fullback in the season opener vs. Utah State, and with his injury, Alabama has now lost its entire starting backfield from week one (Croyle, Castille and TB Ray Hudson). This will present more depth concerns for the Tide as Castille’s versatility will be sorely missed. Le’Ron McClain will move into the starting position at fullback, so the running game should not miss a beat. McClain has had significant playing time all year and is a great blocker. True freshman Aaron Johns moves into the backup role at the tailback position. NCAA scholarship sanctions from previous administrations have the Crimson Tide in a numbers crunch and the injuries are taking their toll on the Tide. Good news is ahead as Alabama has its first off week of the season before hosting Mississippi State on November 6^th. The off week could not come at a better time as several players are dealing with nagging injuries. Five players limped off the field at one point or another vs. Tennessee so the rest will be sorely needed. One player getting overlooked by many media sources is offensive guard Danny Martz. Martz is a first year starter in his final year of eligibility and has graded out the Tide’s most consistent lineman. Wesley Britt and Evan Mathis are four-year starters that receive most of the publicity, but Martz is the pulling guard that springs the tailback on Bama’s counter play to the left. Virtually unknown coming into the season, Martz may have earned himself an NFL job is he continues his stellar play.

Bama coaches will now come up with the game plan to stop Coach Sylvester Croom’s upset minded Bulldogs. MSU is coming off a shocking 38-31 home victory over the Florida Gators. The loss nailed the coffin shut on Ron Zook’s coaching career in Gainesville as he will be fired at the end of this season. The game is very big for the Bama nation as a win will make the Tide bowl eligible. The game is also significant as it is the first encounter between Alabama and State since the Croom-Shula head coach search. Many Bama fans were intrigued by Sylvester Croom coming back to his alma mater as the two were the finalists for the vacancy in April of 2003 after Mike Price was fired. Shula has done a nice job in his short time at the Capstone and should only get better with experience. Bama fans need to stay patient as Shula’s lineage will shine through sooner than later. He lacks one thing all other Bama coaches have had; a landmark victory. A win in Baton Rouge or vs. a potentially 10-0 Auburn team will give him that win.

Alabama’s rushing game has shined all year as Kenneth Darby ran for 99 yards against a tough Tennessee defense.

The more things change, the more they stay the same as Alabama lost another starting player on offense to a season ending injury. With quarterback Brodie Croyle already on the shelf, tailback Ray Hudson suffered a knee injury that propels Kenneth Darby into the starting position. The Crimson Tide ranks #1 in the SEC in rushing and Hudson had been a big part of that success. He finishes his career at Alabama by rushing for 638 yards on 92 carries, a 6.9 average and five rushing touchdowns (6 overall) in 2004. Hudson now hopes to rehab his surgically repaired knee in time to prepare for April’s 2005 NFL Draft. Darby, along with starting fullback Tim Castille and freshman Aaron Johns will now shoulder the load for Coach Mike Shula. All three of the aforementioned played large parts in Alabama’s 45-17 victory at Kentucky as Darby had 99 yards and two scores. Castille also contributed with two touchdowns and Johns had 30 yards on 12 carries in just one quarter.

 The running game wasn’t the only bright spot for Alabama as the special teams exploded with several big plays. Tyrone Prothro’s 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the biggest spark as the Crimson Tide now leads the nation in kick return average at a 35.4 clip. Anthony Madison also blocked a Wildcat punt to set up an easy touchdown in the 3^rd quarter. Prothro’s touchdown was Bama’s third return for TD in six games in 2004.

 Defensively Alabama leads the SEC in pass and total defense and is ranked nationally in both categories (3^rd in pass defense and 4^th in total). Granted the Tide is playing stingy defense, these numbers were put up against lesser opponents, as the Tide has yet to beat a “quality” team. Their four wins have come against Western Carolina, Utah State, Mississippi and Kentucky. The Tide’s schedule starts to get tougher as Southern Miss, Tennessee, LSU and Auburn are all left of the docket. Alabama needs two more victories to become bowl eligible. It should get one of the wins versus a struggling Mississippi State team on November 6^th. Saturday’s game vs. USM in Tuscaloosa may be the best shot at that sixth win as the Tide travels to Knoxville and Baton Rouge. Bama will host the surprising Auburn Tigers on November 20^th, and as Auburn will surely be favored in that game, the Iron Bowl has seen stranger things happen.  

Junior Spencer Pennington will start the homecoming game vs. USM as second stringer Marc Guillon suffered back spasms the week prior to Kentucky. Pennington, the third team QB, took every snap vs. UK and played well enough to earn another start. Pennington was 7-11 for 83 yards as the Tide generated over 300 yards on the ground. Although he wasn’t called to throw the ball often, he converted several third and long opportunities. The junior from Fayette, Ala. Led the Tide on six scoring drives vs. UK.

Normally I will not turn in two articles this close together, however since QB Brodie Croyle’s injury the Bama nation is looking for answers. Alabama has started the season 3-0 for the first time since 1996 and optimism was high until the starting quarterback was helped to the locker room with a torn ACL. Croyle was completely healthy for the first time in his three seasons at the Capstone and his numbers beginning to show. Croyle had completed 44 of his 66 passes for 534 yards as well as 6 touchdowns and zero interceptions. He ranks 2^nd in the SEC in passing efficiency behind Florida’s Chris Leak. He had emerged as the team leader with tackle Wesley Britt and linebacker DeMeco Ryans. The Arkansas game will mark the third straight year that Alabama has played its first SEC road game with a first-time starter at quarterback. In 2002, Croyle stepped in for an injured Tyler Watts, and led the Crimson Tide to a victory over at Fayetteville, Arkansas 30-12.

Croyle now turns the reigns over to sophomore Marc Guillon, a transfer from Miami, Fla. Guillon came to Miami highly touted out of Chico, CA, but left after Brock Berlin and Derrick Crudup were ahead of him on the depth chart. The ‘Canes loss is ‘Bama’s gain as Guillon has shown flashes of brilliance and should be able to step into Mike Shula’s pro-style offense without losing a beat. Guillon was able to play significant minutes in Alabama’s 52-0 victory over Western Carolina as he was 5-for-7 for 71 yards and threw his first collegiate touchdown pass to Le’Ron McClain.

Guillon should benefit from a solid running game and a stingy defense that ranks number one in the SEC in total defense at 216.3 yards per game. Ray Hudson had his 100-yard game streak snapped as he was held out of the second half after suffering a mild concussion.

Last year, Arkansas beat Alabama 34-31 in 2OT in Tuscaloosa. Arkansas jumped out to a first half lead, but Alabama exploded out of the locker room to take a 21 point lead midway through the third quarter. Matt Jones led the Razorbacks to three second half scores to force overtime. The Hogs were aided by a controversial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty as ‘Bama intercepted a desperation pass in the first overtime. The Crimson Tide was forced to begin the drive from the 40-yard line and missed a long field goal. Arkansas capitalized in the second overtime as Brian Belasario nailed the game winner. Alabama should have revenge on it’s mind as the teams battle this Saturday.

2004 has been a breath of fresh air following to the dreadful 2003 4-9 campaign as the Crimson Tide has leaped out to an impressive 2-0 start. A solid running game combined with a stingy defense looks like the blueprint for Coach Mike Shula’s second year. Following three different head coaches in less than six months, NCAA sanctions and a top ten rated schedule, Alabama has gotten off to a quick start as it becomes bowl eligible for the first time since 2001. Alabama fans are very happy with the Tide’s start, but don’t start making plans for New Orleans just yet. The two victories come in Tuscaloosa over Utah State (48-17) and an Eli Manning-less Ole Miss team (28-7). Playing in the tough SEC West division presents heavy opposition from LSU, Auburn and Arkansas as well as East foe’s Tennessee and South Carolina. The Tide should go bowling however as a favorable overall schedule will likely produce at least a 7-4 season. Southern Miss remains as the toughest non-conference opponent but the Western Carolina game remains up in the air due to Hurricane Ivan. Alabama would need this easy game as there are no compatible make up dates in the near future.

Senior Ray Hudson has finally gotten the chance to start after sitting behind Shaud Williams, Santonio Beard and Ahmaad Galloway for three years. Hudson has responded with two straight 100-yard games and three scores. Sophomores Tim Castille and Kenneth Darby have shown promise also, giving the Tide a much needed running back for offensive coordinator Dave Rader.

Coming into 2004, Alabama returned one wide receiver with a catch in a game wearing the crimson jersey in sophomore Tyron Prothro. Freshmen Keith Brown, DJ Hall, Ezekial Knight and Matt Caddell have stepped in and given Brodie Croyle legitimate targets to compliment the strong running game. Nikita Stover was the gem of the wide receiver signees, but was forced to enroll in JUCO and should be at Alabama in two years, which would further strengthen the receiving core.

The offensive line as also been a pleasant surprise as many questions were looming coming into 2004. All-SEC performer Wesley Britt is coming back from a fractured leg suffered vs. Tennessee last season. Britt has shown no ill effects of the injury and should be a day one selection in the 2005 NFL Draft. Evan Mathis has been solid as always, moving from right tackle to left tackle which protects Croyle’s blindside. Senior Danny Martz has gotten his first collegiate start and responded well as his presence solidifies the entire line.

Last season Eli Manning torched Alabama’s defense for 43 points and 446 total yards. This stuck in the back of the player’s minds during spring drills and two-a-days as revenge was looming for the defense. Defensive back Charlie Peprah, “The team was motivated and hungry.  We were embarrassed last season (by Ole Miss).  Last year we would have given up and fallen back.  This year we are a different team and are ready to fight.” This was evident as the defense did not allow a point until 11:03 remaining in the game. Rebel quarterback Michael Spurlock was pressured all night and held to 5-15 passing. Safety Roman Harper collected 11 tackles as well as causing a fumble on a safety blitz, which was quickly converted into a Bama score.

Freshman defensive back Simeon Castille has burst onto the scene and made an immediate impact. Serving as the nickel back, Castille has pushed starters Ramzee Robinson and Anthony Madison for playing time with his cover ability and the knack for having “a nose for the football”. Castille returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown vs. Utah State and has produced several bone jarring tackles. Coaches will be forced to find a spot for the younger Castille if he continues at this rapid clip.

The special teams have been a huge improvement for the Crimson Tide so far this season. Walk-on Jamie Christensen has booted half of his kickoffs into the end zone. Place kicker Brian Bostick has been perfect (10-10 extra points and 2-2 FG) and punter Bo Freelend has gotten off to a good start at 41.7 yard per kick.

Optimism is high in Tuscaloosa and for good reason as the Tide has made large strides from year one of the Shula regime. The Arkansas game in Fayetteville should be a good test of just how far Bama has come this year. Tide fans need to remember this team is playing shorthanded due to scholarship limitations and injuries and depth could still prove to be a major problem. The trips to Baton Rouge and Knoxville will be difficult and the Auburn game in Tuscaloosa will shown the rest of the nation how far Alabama has come since last fall.