Alabama basketball falls at Clemson
The University of Alabama basketball team (10-4) lost its first true road contest of the season Tuesday night, falling 66-59 to No. 11 Clemson (15-0) at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Crimson Tide made a push in the final minutes cutting a 15-point Tiger lead to as few as five before coming up just short.
Saban meets with Florida speed rusher
The Alabama defense is dire need of a pass rushing specialist -- or two -- in the upcoming signing class. Earlier today, Tide coach Nick Saban was in Homestead to visit with one of the top edge players on the board.
Down to the nitty-gritty for pass rusher
"I'm not going to make a final decision until after I take my visits," says Yazoo City, MS standout Fletcher Cox. "I'm going to Alabama this weekend and then to Mississippi State the next weekend. I'm not that familiar with either campus, so I want to see them both and compare them."
UA coach visits top receiver
As national signing day draws closer, the Alabama staff continues to pursue several top receivers. One that the Crimson Tide is keeping close tabs on is Macon-Noxubee County, MS star Patrick Patterson. On Monday, Alabama assistant Bo Davis was in Macon to visit Patterson and his family. How did the visit go?
Saban visits with top DB
As the last two Alabama games of the 2008 season showed, you never have enough playmakers in the secondary. Therefore, it's no surprise that the Tide staff remains squarely in the hunt for one of the elite defensive backs in the nation, Janzen Jackson of Barbe H.S. in Lake Charles, La. The 6-1, 185-pounder has been committed to LSU since February, but he's leaving the door cracked for two programs, including Alabama.
Tide among favorites for Mississippi junior
The Magnolia State is always going to be prime recruiting territory for college football staffs in SEC country. One of Mississippi's top 2010 players, defensive end Carlos Thompson, Jr. of Simmons H.S. in Hollandale, is already on the radar of several schools.
Recruiting starting down the home stretch
With signing day less than a month away, the Crimson Tide heads down the home stretch of recruiting with its sights set on several uncommitted blue-chip prospects, including Bastrop, Louisiana wide receiver sensation Reuben Randle, regarded by many as the nation's top prospect.
2010 lineman receiving early interest
One of the top two-way linemen in the Florida panhandle is junior Sean Watson of Rutherford H.S. in Panama City. He is receiving interest from Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Florida, FSU, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, Ohio State and Oregon.
Brandon Moore down to three
Montgomery-Carver lineman Brandon Moore has scratched one school off of his list, leaving the 6-5, 315-pounder with three finalists. "I took Clemson off my list," Moore says. "I just broke it down to Miami, Florida and Alabama, in no order."
Steele leads Tide over Jackets
Sound the alarm: there's been a sighting of the sophomore year, All-SEC Ronald Steele. Steele, Alabama's senior point guard who has battled injuries the past two years, served notice to Georgia Tech and the SEC that he's back.
Scenes from the Sugar Bowl
Here are scenes for the Tide's 31-17 loss to the Utah Utes.
Notebooking the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl
Javier Arenas returned a Utah punt 73 yards for a touchdown with 5:28 left in the second quarter to narrow the Utah lead over Alabama to 21-10. That return is Arenas' sixth punt return for a touchdown in his Alabama career, extending his own school record.
Tide Sugar Bowl experience more low than sweet
Losing your final two games can put a damper on even a 12-2 season, as fourth-ranked Alabama found out in the 75th Allstate Sugar Bowl Friday night. The Tide fell down 21-0 early and never recovered, as No. 6 Utah became the last undefeated team standing with a 31-17 win to cap a 13-0 year.
Tide returns to the Sugar Bowl
It's been 16 years since the Crimson Tide has traveled to New Orleans to take part in the Sugar Bowl. Unlike the last time Alabama set foot inside the Superdome, this year's No. 4 squad won't be playing for a national championship. Instead, they will attempt to rebound from the tough loss to Florida in the SECCG and reach the 13-win mark, which is shared only by the legendary 1992 team.
Saban, Whittingham ready to do battle
There are a pair of pretty intriguing match-ups that will take place during the 75th anniversary of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Friday night when No. 4 Alabama takes on No. 7 Utah.
Saban: "This is an institutional matter. It's not an NCAA matter"
Alabama fans worried about forfeits and Auburn fans hoping for the same can rest easy. The situation that Andre Smith got into that caused him to be sent home to Birmingham is "an institutional matter. It's not an NCAA matter," according to Tide head coach Nick Saban, who addressed the media for the first time Wednesday since Smith's suspension.
Sugar Bowl predictions
Make your predictions for the Sugar Bowl.
Alabama defeats Quincy
The University of Alabama men's basketball team won its fourth straight game Tuesday night, cruising past Quincy 86-58 at Coleman Coliseum.
South Florida star set to make decision
Star linebacker/defensive end Olivier Vernon of American HS in Hialeah, Florida will announce his college choice next week. Will it be Alabama, FSU or Miami? Earlier today, Vernon discussed his options with TI.
Recruiting notes
Is Bama behind for Bumphis?... Louisiana sources on Randle... UA loves Bell's speed... and more.
Andre Smith out of the Sugar Bowl
According to a statement released by Alabama head coach Nick Saban today, Tide All-American left tackle and Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith will not play in the Sugar Bowl.
Alabama closing in on pass rusher
Given that the Crimson Tide is in excellent shape with so many top prospects, it's difficult to predict exactly who Alabama will finish up with in this year's class. One prospect the Tide appears to be closing in on is…
Alabama defeats Yale
The University of Alabama men's basketball team improved to 8-3 on the season with a 66-63 victory over Yale (2-7) at Coleman Coliseum Sunday night
Saban talks about Utes
"This is an outstanding team that we are playing in Utah," Saban told reporters. "They're probably the only undefeated team left in the country, which is a significant accomplishment in and of itself and is a very, very difficult thing to do in this day…"
Tide showing strong interest in junior RB
"I went to every game in Tuscaloosa this season, except the Auburn game. I was very surprised with the season that Alabama had."
Star safety plans to announce on NSD
It appears that the Crimson Tide staff would like to add two more defensive backs in this year's class. The nation's top defensive back, Gadsden City corner Dre Kirkpatrick, is considered a strong lean to Alabama. The final piece of the puzzle might be...
From Nick Saban to Bama fans: Merry Recruiting!
As the recruiting stretch run nears, the Crimson Tide is sitting on 20 commitments. It's difficult to predict how many Alabama will sign, but it appears safe to say that it will be more than 25. It would not be a surprise if the number reached 30 to 32, including four to six prospects who will enter school in January.
Saban visit impresses star linebacker
"Coach Saban came by my school first to meet with me and my high school coach. We had a very good conversation."
Alabama cruises past Chattanooga
Senior Alonzo Gee scored 20 points to lead Alabama past Chattanooga, 82-63, before a crowd of 8,511 in Coleman Coliseum on Monday evening. With the win, the Crimson Tide improves to 7-3 on the season, while the Mocs drop to 2-8 overall.
Trent Richardson talks recruiting
Even though Pensacola-Escambia running back Trent Richardson has been committed to Alabama since early June, some Tide fans worry about Richardson's plans to visit other schools. In this update with TI, the 5-11, 224-pound Richardson discusses recruiting and other topics.
Saban says No. 4 Tide facing a tough challenge
If you're one of those Crimson Tide fans expecting a repeat of last year's Sugar Bowl, where Hawaii was dismantled by SEC rep Georgia, Alabama coach Nick Saban has a word of caution.
Mingo is mum on recruiting
Some figured that Bar'Kevious Mingo would be committed to LSU by now. The 6-5, 215-pound linebacker/defensive end from West Monroe, Louisiana insists that he's still open to several schools, but he won't say much about them.
McCarron reflects back and looks ahead
AJ McCarron, the Tide's lone quarterback commitment for the 2009 class, has had his ups and downs over the past two seasons. As a junior in 2007, the 6-4, 190-pounder led St. Paul's to the 5A state championship. This fall his team had a losing record. McCarron believes that this year's disappointing slide will help him just as much as last year's magical run.
Stover: I'll be home for Christmas
There are certain advantages to playing in a BCS bowl game. From a player's perspective, the later the bowl game, the better chance you have of being home with your family for Christmas. That's a big deal for Alabama wide receiver Nikita Stover, who after a pair of Christmases in Shreveport will be in Hartselle, Alabama this year with his four-year old son, Trey.
Tide works twice as bowl preps continue
The Alabama football team practiced once inside and once outside Friday as preparations for the January 2 Allstate Sugar Bowl continued.
Tide headed back to the A-T-L
Once again, Alabama is headed to the Georgia Dome. A months-old rumor was confirmed when Atlanta Sports Council president Gary Stokan made official what he'd already leaked to ESPN and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Alabama will face Virginia Tech in the second annual Chick-fil-A College Kickoff.
UA in good position for 2010 safety
Safety Jarrick Williams of Blount HS in Prichard is one of the state's top junior prospects. The 6-2, 205-pounder wrapped up a successful 2008 season and continues to see his stock rise among college coaches.
Tennessee linebacker starts official visits
Memphis-Melrose linebacker Greg King begins his official visits tomorrow with a trip to Lubbock to see Texas Tech. Heading into the visit, the 6-3, 205-pound King says that Texas Tech and Alabama are still his two favorites.
Top DB staying busy
The state's top uncommitted prospect -- Gadsden City cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick -- has had a busy week. While in the process of taking final exams, the 6-2, 185-pounder entertained Tide coach Nick Saban during an in-home visit Wednesday night. And on Thursday evening, he attended the ASWA Player of the Year banquet in Birmingham.
Randle considering visit to UA practice
The father of Bastrop, LA wide receiver Reuben Randle (6-3, 205, 4.5) says that his son is thinking about taking an unofficial visit to Alabama this weekend to watch a Crimson Tide practice.
Coach not expecting immediate decision from Cox
"I expect him to visit Alabama and Mississipi State before he makes a final decision. He's going to visit Alabama on January 9th and Mississippi State the next weekend…"
Saban updates Tide's bowl preps
Roy Upchurch is out, Colin Peek is in, and Andre Smith is listening. Those were three of the various tidbits that emerged from Nick Saban's first meeting with the media since the Monday after his Crimson Tide's loss to Florida in the SEC Championship Game.
Elite junior RB on Tide's radar
"I felt welcomed when I visited Alabama this season. I got a good feeling from the coaches. The fans are very intense."
Tide defeats Tennessee State
The University of Alabama men's basketball team defeated Tennessee State 75-66 at Coleman Coliseum Wednesday night. The Crimson Tide shot 48 percent from the field while holding the Tigers to 37 percent shooting for the game.
AU commit to visit Bama on Friday
The start of bowl practices means that prospects will be making unofficial visits to watch the Tide prepare for the Sugar Bowl. One of the first prospects expected to be in Tuscaloosa is blue-chip...
Saban visits Gadsden City duo
Alabama head coach Nick Saban was in Gadsden City this morning meeting with defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick and wide receiver Kendall Kelly, two of the top targets left on the Crimson Tide's recruiting list.
Carpenter inks with Tide; spurns Chizik, Auburn
Give Gene Chizik credit. At least he's trying. Hoping to make a big splash in recruiting, early this morning the new Auburn head coach placed a call to one of his former signees at Iowa State. On the other end was Alabama commitment James Carpenter.
Bonds enjoys in-home visit with Saban
Tide coach Nick Saban is a man on the move. After spending the first part of the day in Mississippi, he boarded a plane and headed to Columbia, South Carolina, where he made his in-home visit with UA commitment and Richland Northeast star Chris Bonds.
Coach Gottfried press conference transcript
"We are getting ready for Tennessee State and looking at them on film they are a very athletic team."
Norwood commits to Saban, Alabama
After meeting with Yazoo City defensive end Fletcher Cox on Tuesday morning, Alabama head coach Nick Saban later stopped to see another of Mississippi's finest today. This afternoon, Saban was in D'Iberville visiting with standout wide receiver Kevin Norwood. The meeting resulted in a verbal commitment from Norwood to the Crimson Tide.
Saban meets with Fletcher Cox
Nick Saban is making the most of the pre-Christmas recruiting period. On Monday, Saban made several visits to top Tide targets. The Alabama head coach is at it again today. This morning, Saban visited with blue-chip linebacker/defensive end Fletcher Cox of Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Saban visits Montgomery standout
One of the Tide's top remaining targets in the state is Montgomery-Carver star lineman Brandon Moore. The two-way talent and his family entertained Alabama head coach Nick Saban this evening. How did the visit go?
Ohio State commit to visit Alabama
"I'm very open to Alabama. I'm very interested in them. What Coach Saban has done there is unbelievable. I didn't see it coming."
Tennessee star gets visit from Saban, Cignetti
There's no question the Tide staff wants a speedy slot receiver in this recruiting class. TI reported that Alabama head coach Nick Saban was in Tupelo, MS on Monday afternoon visiting with Chad Bumphis . Before going to Tupelo, Saban was in Paris, Tennessee meeting another top slot receiver on the Tide's list, Marsalis Teague of Henry County HS.
Saban visits Bumphis; decision expected soon
As TI reported earlier today, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was in Tupelo, Mississippi this afternoon visiting with star receiver Chad Bumphis. The 5-10, 190-pound Bumphis has long been one of the Tide's top slot receiver targets.
Top pass rusher nearing a decision
"It's a three-team race. I thought he was pretty solid for Miami, but he really likes Alabama and Florida State."
Sentimore ends senior season in style
While a few Tide commitments were either playing in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic or taking it easy this past weekend, Darrington Sentimore was helping lead Destrehan to a second consecutive Louisiana state championship.
Mississippi WR talks all-star game, recruiting
Fresh from the Alabama-Mississippi HS All-Star game on Saturday, Patrick Patterson says that one player in the game stood out to him.
Tide loses lead, game to Aggies
Alabama let a winnable basketball game against a good opponent slip away late, and lost in overtime to Texas A&M, 86-78. Alabama did not make a field goal in the extra period and was outscored 13-5 in overtime before a Coleman Coliseum crowd announced at 9,316.
Bama pursuing pass rushers
Perhaps the Tide's biggest need on the defensive side in this class is at least one top notch pass rusher. The Alabama staff is in pursuit of several linebacker/defensive end types with the ability to pressure the quarterback.
UA checking out JUCO star DL
"Coach [Bo] Davis came by to get my tape and took it for Coach Saban to see. They're supposed to get back with me real soon to let me know if they're offering me. If they offer, I would definitely have serious interest in them."
Andre Smith wins Outland Trophy
Alabama All-American and First-Team All-SEC left tackle Andre Smith is the 63rd recipient of the Outland Trophy, presented annually to college football's best offensive lineman or linebacker.
Tennessee star closing in on decision
"Coach Saban is to come up here early next week. Then he's talking about taking his official visit to Alabama that weekend."
Meridian QB talks recruiting
With the departure of Sylvester Croom from Mississippi State, some thought that Meridian quarterback Tyler Russell, a longtime MSU commit, might soon be on the market again.
Top DB going to give Bama a shot
"They've kept right on recruiting me like I was not committed. That tells me that they really want me and I appreciate that. That is why I'm going to at least take an official visit to see Alabama."
Bayou DL keeping options open
"I'm still talking to Coach [Bo] Davis on the phone and I'm still interested in Alabama. I like Alabama a lot."
Top safety taking visits
With the loss of Rashad Johnson after this year and of Justin Woodall and Ali Sharrief after next season, it's important that the Tide boost the numbers at the safety position. As recruiting looks to heat up during the winter months, Atlanta-Carver standout Darren Myles is a player to keep an eye on.
Football All-SEC Awards
The University of Alabama placed nine players on the 2009 Coaches All-SEC Team, the league office announced today.
Fast Florida defender high on UA
"I think Alabama is definitely a serious contender for him. You know, he committed to FSU so early. I didn't want him to change back and forth, but he's very impressed with Alabama..."
Georgia TE giving Tide a look
If they had their way, the UA coaches would like to bring in a tight end as a part of the 2009 class. With two months left until signing day, they are making a late run at one of the South's finest.
Bama moves in front for elite pass rusher
There is no question that one of Alabama's foremost needs in this year's class is a top-notch pass rusher, and the Crimson Tide is now the leader for one of the nation's best.
Standout WR plans three official visits
The wide receiver recruiting board for Alabama is loaded with talent, and one of the top players on the list is Kevin Norwood of D'Iberville, Mississippi. Having just finished his senior season on Saturday, Norwood is ready to get down to business on the recruiting front.
Tide, Utes to square off on the bayou
Alabama has won big games in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. So has Tide coach Nick Saban, during his days at LSU. On Friday, January 2, they'll try to do so together for the first time. Alabama (12-1, 8-0 SEC) will take on 12-0, 8-0 Mountain West Champion Utah in the 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl.