Texas A&M Vs Alabama Crimson Tide

Picture it. Bryant-Denny Stadium in temperatures that will be Africa hot and 101,821 seats filled with impassioned Bama fans and you’re the Aggies of Texas A&M going against two All-American quarterbacks, seven All-American wide receivers and sixteen future NFL defensive draft picks.

This is the Aggies first road game this season.

Imagine the foolishness of a 240-pound Otaro Alaka attempting to cover WR Jaylen Waddle in the slot. If Coach Fisher and Defensive Coordinator Mike Elko do that who’s going to cover wide receivers Henry Ruggs, Devonta Smith and Jerry Jeudy?

A&M has the best defensive athletes of any team Alabama has played to date, but if the “Hawaiian Superman” is on his game, it just won’t matter.

Gary Danielson, commentator for CBS Sports told Saturday Down South, “One of the things they’ve got going for them heading into this game is a belief they can play with the best. After facing Clemson and doing what they did, they get on that airplane believing they have played against the best and can compete against the best. They also bring a quarterback who can throw the ball and a coach who believes in him and moves the ball around.”

Is Kellon Mond a better QB than Ole Miss’s Jordan Ta’amu?  Against Bama Ta’amu completed 7 of 22 passes for 133 yards.  More than half his passing yards came in a 75-yard TD on the opening play before going 6 of 21 for the rest of the game with two interceptions. The remainder of the game he scrambled for his life against the “Alabama Wall”.

To Mond’s credit, he lit up Clemson for 430 yards and three TDs with no interceptions last week, but the knock against him is he isn’t the best at reading defenses.  Bama’s rebuilt secondary with cornerbacks Shyheim Carter and Saivion Smith can reach the end zone turning interceptions into points.

"We practice getting the ball out," Carter said. "During the game, our goal is to get three or more turnovers a game."

"We’re just trying to get turnovers, man," safety Xavier McKinney said. "That's kind of our goal. One of our goals is to get turnovers. We try to make that a big emphasis on trying to get the ball out of the ball carrier or trying to get an interception. Anything that we can do to get points up on the board and get the ball back for our offense, that's what we try to do."

It was McKinney who snagged the ball and raced 30 yards to the end zone for the Tide’s final touchdown against Ole Miss in their 62-7 ridiculously easy romp a week ago.

As far as Bama’s special teams, it appears Coach Saban has finally found himself a reliable place kicker in Joseph Bulovas.  And, yes, I’ll “quit askin’” about the Tide’s kicking game now.

If my beloved boys from Tuscaloosa can rattle Mond’s cage early by forcing him to make unwise decisions that generate a turnover or two, they’ll all but have the game in the bag.

You Cannot Be Serious

With five months to go before the opening of the 2018 college football season, I was stunned to learn that 6-time national champion head coach Nick Saban has added a laughingstock to his staff.

Butch Jones was fired as the Vols head coach on Nov. 12, a day after the team’s 50-17 loss to Missouri. He coached the program for five seasons, going 34-27.  Tennessee lost all six of its conference games last season.

To say Butch didn't work out as the coach at Rocky Top is something even a blind hog could see. 

On Tuesday, Saban confirmed the former Tennessee coach is an official member of Alabama’s “off-field” coaching staff.

“He’s an intern, an analyst. I mean, I guess we could have several names for it,” Saban said after Tuesday’s inaugural spring practice. “He can’t coach on the field, but he can work with us off the field. And today was actually the first time that he was cleared by the NCAA…That finally got completed today, so now he’s officially going to be a part of the staff here.”

Barrett Sallee, college football writer for CBS Sports, thinks this is a chance for the washed-up coach to “go through the Saban doctorate program for coaches who have gone astray.”

Now, if Butch decides to question Coach Saban’s “system philosophy” he’ll drop his ass like a hot potato.  Just ask Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian.

Maybe he should just stick to fetching Nick his ice-cold Cokes and Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies.

This is the most important video I’ve ever made. I now pronounce myself #ChampionOfLife pic.twitter.com/Jakyfpjd0E

— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) March 7, 2018

Random thought...if being an intern was butch jones best option, then what were his other options? 🤔🤷🏻‍♀️😂🤣 #RollTide
1. Garbage truck driver...He does like trash cans
2. Janitor.. more trash cans
3. Land fill worker...More garbage

— Bama Bo™ (@BamaBo17) March 22, 2018

Alabama Crimson Tide Vs Georgia Bulldogs

The road to the SEC Championship begins in earnest today as my beloved Crimson Tide travels to Athens to do battle ‘tween the hedges against Georgia.  Bama is ranked No. 13 while the Dawgs are sitting at No. 8.  The game kicks off at 3:30 PM and will air on CBS.

Coach Saban is counting on strong performances from Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake and the improved throwing skills of QB Jake Coker.  On the other side of the ball, the Dawgs have standout QB Grayson Lambert and the dynamic running duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

As good as Georgia’s offense has been so far this season they are facing a tenacious Bama defense.  They have great speed up and down the field and rarely make mistakes.  They will have to kick things up a notch against a disciplined Georgia offense.

Alabama hasn't played in Sanford Stadium since they buried the Bulldogs in their black jerseys (the now-famous “blackout” game) after running out to a 31-0 halftime lead and going on to totally destroy them 41-30 in 2008. Mark Richt was Georgia’s head coach at the time and must remember the sting of that loss.

Seth Emerson, who covers the Bulldogs for the Atlanta Journal Constitution tweeted back in August, “Georgia will not be wearing any alternative uniforms this year, per A.D. Greg McGarity. Stand down, Georgia fans.”

Given that “the blackout” failed, the braintrust at UGA has devised another method to pump up the Dawg Nation.  In advance of Saturday’s matchup, “Wear Red. Beat Bama” billboards were put up throughout the state.  Bama is in their heads big-time.

Bama leads the series between these two teams 37-25-4, but oddsmakers have the Tide as 2-and-a-half point underdogs for the first time in six years.

Bama’s senior defensive cornerback Cyrus Jones told Sports Illustrated on Monday, “The fact that we’re underdogs, I think it just gives us that much more motivation to go out there and just kind of reclaim our reputation and how we want to be viewed by the rest of the league and the rest of the country.

Freshman running back Bo Scarbrough is healthy again after tearing knee ligaments during spring ball and is eligible to play after missing four games due to an NCAA violation committed during his recruitment.

If Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin and Coach Saban decide to play Henry, Drake and Scarbrough at the same time it could open up Alabama’s offense and give the Dawgs’ defense fits.

Alabama’s dynasty has all but been called “dead” by the “experts”.  Go ahead ya’ll, keep telling yourself that.  Win this game and the loss to Ole Miss will be all but forgotten.

The forecast for today’s game is calling for staggering, soaking rains—might as well call it the Rain Bowl.  

Historic rainfall and major flood event looms for the Southeast this weekend http://t.co/Ux3svEdawg pic.twitter.com/Gt2zRttjAs

— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) October 2, 2015

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

And since no football post would be complete with some pom-poms, feast your eyes on one of Alabama’s lovely Crimsonettes.

Alabama Crimson Tide Vs ULM Warhawks

Today my beloved Crimson Tide plays at home against the Warhawks of Louisiana-Monroe.  The game airs on the SEC Network at 4:00 PM ET.

After last week’s demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Ole Miss Rebels I, your humble Bama fan, note that the Tide took a precipitous plunge in the AP Top 25 Poll from No. 2 to No. 12, some nasty rumors about Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin were swirling this week (turns out it was an Internet hoax) and backup kicker Gunnar Raborn was suspended indefinitely after his arrest on Thursday for driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

I don’t want to be a “gloomy Gus”, but I hope these incidents are not portends if a dying Alabama dynasty.  There are far too many in college football who would love nothing better.

I was certain last week that Ole Miss would not win back-to-back victories against Bama.  Brother was I wrong.  This week ULM is undoubtedly looking to do the same thing.  Back in 2007, the Warhawks were at Bryant-Denny Stadium and won the game the Tide had squandered 21-14.

QB Jake Coker is going to be under center today and if he continues to look down his receivers, ULM’s defense is going to smother any chance at catching the ball.  I hope Kiffin stops thinking with his little head and starts thinking with his big head and works on Coker’s passing skills, otherwise the stories about Alabama’s dynasty dying will not be exaggerated.

The Warhawks are going into Bryant-Denny Stadium looking to pull off an upset. 

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

And because no football post would be complete with pom-poms, check out this week’s pretty young thing.

Ohio State Vs Oregon For The National College Football Championship

I loves me some good ‘ol college football.  The wind went out of my sails when Ohio State upset my beloved Alabama Crimson Tide 42-35 on New Year’s Day.  It is because of that that I will be rooting for the Oregon Ducks in the CFP Championship.

The game kicks off at 8:30 PM ET from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX and will air on ESPN.

I have never followed Oregon football, but I’ve heard it said often that they are “soft” and are a “finesse” team.  Oregon has a record of 70-10 since 2009 and only Alabama has a better record (72-9).

Ohio State is the underdog in this game according to many sports “experts” but it’s important to remember they defeated the Ducks 26-17 in the 2010 Rose Bowl.  If Oregon goes with a hurry-up offense those big ‘ol defensive linemen for the Buckeyes won’t be able to keep up.  They’ll be grabbing their knees and sucking wind most of the game.

I predict the Bucs will be cryin’ on the plane ride back to Columbus and that will make me happy.

GO DUCKS!

And because no football post would be complete without some pom-poms, here is a lovely Duck cheerleader.

A Shot Of Truth For Shane Ray’s Cheap Shot

Let me begin by praising the Missouri Tigers for ascending to the SEC Championship.  They played hard against my beloved Crimson Tide.  They should be proud of their accomplishments this year.  All of them, that is, except defensive end Shane Ray.

With 11:48 left in the second quarter, Ray made a vicious hit on QB Blake Sims after he connected with DeAndrew White for a 58-yard TD pass.

I know the Tigers were feeling frustrated.  From Jump Street they were unable to handle Alabama’s hurry-up offense, but Shane Ray went way beyond the pale when he hit Sims with the crown of his helmet.

Some Tigers’ fans absurdly point out that Ray charged Sims with his arms extended.  Not so.  Review of Jeff Rosen’s Vine clearly shows his arms were not fully extended.  His helmet squarely hit Sims under the chin, lifted him off his feet and spun him mid-air.  Not only that, the hit was late.

Under the rules, “using the crown of the helmet to tackle or initiating contact to the head or neck of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm or fist—will be ejected from the game, with a 15-yard penalty assessed, pending a review from the instant-play booth.”

The call was reviewed and upheld, but even after seeing the replay, Ray wasn’t convinced his ejection was warranted.

“I’m running to the quarterback, I was within two steps of the quarterback and I hit him as soon as he released.  I didn’t lead with my helmet. I led with my hands and my head—if you look at the replay, it looks like my head is underneath his chin making contact with his chest. Unfortunately, I got called for targeting, and I can’t do anything about it. I tried to make a play, a physical hit, and I was the recipient of officiating.”

Just a week before against Arkansas, this same DE who is adamant he’s “not a dirty player”, blindsided Hogs’ QB Brandon Allen after the whistle had blown for a false start.

I give credit to Mizzou Head Coach Gary Pinkel who said his coaches up top agreed with the official’s call on the field.  "I think he had the crown of the head," Pinkel said. "That's what I was told. Our coaches upstairs saw it, and they agreed with it. So that's what it was."

Interviewed after the 42-13 win, Bama’s quarterback said of the call, "He hit me. I felt it, you know, he's a very big guy. He's a great player at the same time. He's just playing football the way he does and I have no (ill will) for him."

Alabama Vs. Missouri

Am I ever stoked about today.  My beloved 11-1 Alabama Crimson Tide does battle with the 10-2 Missouri Tigers at 4:00 PM ET from Atlanta’s Georgia Dome for the SEC Championship.  The game will be carried on CBS.

The Tigers are the decided underdog, but don’t you dare think that I am going to be cocky about that.  I have often noted that on any given Saturday any college team can win.  Today is no exception.

Missouri would love nothing better than to knock off the nation’s top-ranked team.  I think this is going to be one helluva nail-bitter since Mizz’s pass rushers and Bama’s offensive line are the best in the SEC.

My boys are going to have to protect QB Blake Sims and they're going to have to stop Ray Golden.  The Tigers’ QB Maty Mauk is going to have to bring his A-game to have a fighting chance.

In the end, today is just one more big game for Alabama in a season that has been chock full of them and when the clock runs down at the end of the fourth quarter Alabama will be on its way to the College Football Playoff.

No. 2 Oregon won their game yesterday.  No. 3 TCU plays Iowa State at 12:00 PM ET and No. 4 Florida State meets Georgia Tech at 8:00 PM ET.

ROLL TIDE ROLL

And because no football post would be complete without some pom-poms, cast your eyes upon these Bama lovelies.

#SECATL #RollTide #BAMAvsMIZZ

Alabama Vs Auburn

This post was queued to publish today because I am still enjoying my time with friends over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Today, however, is a biggie for fans of the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers.  The “The Iron Bowl” kicks off at 7:45 PM ET from Bryant-Denny Stadium in T-town and airs on ESPN.  The Iron Bowl game dates back to 1893.  Alabama leads the series 42-35-1.

Last week, Alabama celebrated its Homecoming.  Part of the festivities included a pep rally featuring legendary defensive great Marty Lyons.  Lyons was the 1978 Consensus First-Team All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year.  Lyons is also a College Football Hall of Famer. 

Alabama was playing the Western Carolina Catamounts last Saturday, but Lyons stirred the Homecoming crowd with this, "A week from now, when our good friends Auburn come in, we are going to open up a can of whip-ass!  And we're going to show them exactly what 'Roll Tide Roll' means!"

The rivalry between The Tide and The War Eagle of Auburn is one of the fiercest in college football.  Alabama suffered an inordinate number of injuries in their 48-14 win over WCU.  Star receiver Amari Cooper, nose tackle A’Shawn Robinson, left tackle Cam Robinson, fullback Jalston Fowler, receiver ArDarius Stewart and tight end Brian Vogler were all taken off the field.  Alabama also held out T.J. Yeldon, DeAndrew White and Adam Griffith.

It scares me to think that even one of these players would not be able to take the field against the Tigers.

Today’s game is a chance for revenge pay back after last year’s 34-28 loss to the Tigers and a chance to keep their national title hopes alive.

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

For any of you who may be an Auburn fan reading this post, enjoy this amusing video entitled, “Don’t Give Auburn A ‘Second’ Chance.”

Alabama Vs Western Carolina

It’s Homecoming Week at the Capstone and Bama will play the Catamounts of Western Carolina University. The game kicks off at 4:00 PM ET and will be carried on the SEC Channel.

What is a catamount?  I’m glad you asked.  According to WCU’s website, “Webster's Dictionary defines ‘catamount’ as ‘any of various wild cats such as a cougar or lynx.’ Cats of the catamount variety, including the bobcat, have roamed the southern Appalachian Mountains, where Western Carolina University is located, for years.”

If the 9-1 Tide beat FCS foe Western Carolina today and Auburn in next week’s Iron Bowl, they will win the SEC West and play in the SEC championship game.

I know many of you are thinking this game will be a cakewalk for Bama, but I would caution you to think back to September 1, 2007 when the Michigan Wolverines played tiny Appalachian State at home in Ann Arbor.  The Mountaineers ended up shocking the college football world by beating the Wolverines 34-32.

I’m not saying my beloved Alabama will underestimate the mismatched Catamounts because on any given Saturday any team can win, even the Catamounts.  With that said:

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

And because no football post would be complete without a photograph of some pom-poms, please enjoy this lovely.

Alabama Vs Mississippi State

Last Saturday I spent the entire game biting my nails down to the nubs.  Alabama was playing the LSU Tigers in Death Valley—the place where LSU Coach Les Miles said “dreams come to die.”

With an overtime win, Alabama made sure it was the other guys whose dreams died.

That brings us to today’s game against the SEC’s only undefeated team—Mississippi State.  The game will be carried on CBS and kicks off at 3:30 PM ET in T-town.

MSU has lost the last 19 times they’ve played Alabama at home.  MSU has QB Dak Prescott, a Heisman Trophy candidate, who is considered a solid No. 2 to the Duck’s Marcus Mariota.  Alabama has All-American Amari Cooper who has amassed 1219 yards receiving and scored 10 TDs.  The Bulldogs have the nation’s top-ranked red zone defense and is 5th in the nation in team sacks.  Alabama has the nation’s 3rd ranked rush defense.

This game will not hinge on stats on a piece of paper.  It’s the intangibles that will matter most.  There will be cowbells clanging in Bryant-Denny Stadium to be sure, but they will be drowned out by the sounds of “Sweet Home Alabama” being sung by 102,000 devout fans. That will generate plenty of emotion for my boys.

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

And because no football post would be complete without pom-poms, please feast your eyes upon this lovely.

Order Shall Be Restored. #BeatMissState #RollTide #MSSTvsBAMA pic.twitter.com/JAr0RkKw1N
— PoliticalClownParade (@Carry_That_Load) November 16, 2014

Alabama Crimson Tide Vs LSU Bengal Tigers

Okay people.  Today is the day my beloved boys from Bama take on LSU’s Tigers in Death Valley.  The Crimson Tide is currently ranked No.4 and LSU sits at No. 14.  The game kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on CBS.

“Couchgating” checklist:  Bama jersey, Houndstooth hat, big foam finger, major snackeries, plenty of libations and a few friends to root with during the game.  Check.

I’m a diehard fan alright—not so extreme as to name my kids Krimson Tyde and Alliegh Bama or to have a hissy fit like the gal who had a meltdown after Ole Miss lost to LSU on October 25th.  The video, which went viral, shows a devout Ole Miss fan slamming a gallon of milk on a countertop swearing (and I do mean swearing) that she hated LSU.

My good friend and blog sister, Diogenes’ Middle Finger is an LSU fan.  A few days after that game, in response to a snarky comment she posted on my blog, I emailed her and asked if she would be interested in making a friendly wager on the outcome of the game.

We agreed to call it the “Alabama-LSU Milk Challenge” because of that Ole Miss fan’s major milk meltdown.  We agreed if our team lost the other would donate $100 to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Alabama has a 48-25-5 record against the Tigers.  That stat means very little when these two teams meet on the battlefield.  Consider that LSU is playing at home where they rarely lose.  T.J. Yeldon has a foot injury that may limit his number of carries and LT Cam Robinson is nursing a high ankle sprain.

Both teams are riding a three-game winning streak. I’d like to see Diogenes’ wallet get drained, but, but if my boys lose…wait…I can’t let that happen.  Seriously, no matter what happens on the field of play tonight, the Wounded Warrior Project will emerge as the true winner.

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

And because no football post would be complete without some pom-poms, feast your eyes on these lovelies.

I am joining my friend @bobbyjindal in a friendly wager on tonight's @alabamaFTBL vs @LSUfball game.

— Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) November 8, 2014

If LSU wins, we receive some Alabama chicken and white BBQ sauce. If Bama wins, I'll send some delicious Louisiana shrimp and pralines.

— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) November 8, 2014

Tonight's game is sure to be a good one to watch. @bobbyjindal, I sure am going to enjoy those shrimp & pralines after Bama's win! #RollTide

— Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) November 8, 2014

Sophie’s Slacker Saturday

Today is Saturday and there’s no Bama game.  My beloved Crimson Tide has a bye this week.

I will be relegated to watching the SEC games involving teams Bama will face after they whip the LSU Tigers on Saturday, November 8th.

No. 2 Florida State managed to survive a half-time 21-0 deficit against Louisville to win 42-31 on Thursday.  I’ll have to set up the TV’s picture-in-picture to watch No. 3 Auburn take on No. 4 Ole Miss at 7:00 PM, Arkansas playing No. 1 Mississippi State at 7:15 PM and peek in once in a while on Stanford vs. No. 5 Oregon at 7:30 PM.

I don’t have to tell you I’m rooting for the Rebels, Hogs and Cardinal to pull the win against the Tide’s competition for the College Football Playoffs that will lead to crowning a national champion.

One can safely say that the current rankings will surely change after today.  What will matter is the decision the Selection Committee makes on December 7th.

Meanwhile, my furkid Sophie will do what she does best—look adorable while snoozing on the couch beside me as I enjoy some honest-to-God smashmouth football.

Alabama Vs Tennessee

Alabama travels to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers in a game scheduled for 7:30 PM ET that will air on ESPN2.

Four years after leaving Tennessee to become USC’s Head Coach following Pete Carrolls’ departure from Southern Cal to coach the Seattle Seahawks there is still a palpable hatred for Alabama’s Offensive Coordinator Lane Kiffin.

I expect there will be a lot of commotion in the beginning of the game considering Kiffin’s mom told CBS Sports, “I’m scared to death for his safety…I want him to be in the press box.”

Knowing that Vols fans are going to be on Kiffin like stink on manure, Head Coach Nick Saban has indicated Kiffin will be on the sidelines with him during the game.  The Alabama State Police, who have had a presence protecting Bama’s coaching staff since the days of the legendary Bear Bryant, will have their hands full I’m sure.

No. 4 Alabama is coming off its 59-0 annihilation of Texas A&M and the Vols were stung in their 34-3 loss to Ole Miss last week.  The game looks like it will be lop-sided in favor of my beloved Crimson Tide.

Alabama has struggled on the road.  The Vols will be motivated to stop Amari Cooper’s running game and intimidate QB Blake Sims.  The season is past the halfway point and the game has implications for a potential bowl game. 

Given the emotions surrounding Kiffin’s return to Knoxville, this should be a good game. 

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

And since no football post would be complete without pom-poms, please enjoy this photograph of a Bama beauty twirling her baton.

#RollTide #Bama #RTR #HailSaban #Vols #OrangeSwarm

Alabama Vs Texas A&M

I have missed the last two games Alabama has played.  The friend I was visiting while on a recent vacay abhors football.  Yours truly loves the game.  And when it comes to loving football, there is no greater love than that which The Crimson Tide imbues in me.

Today at 3:30 PM ET I will be “couch-gating” big time as my beloved Bama takes on the Texas A&M Aggies in Tuscaloosa at Bryant-Denny Stadium.  CBS will air the game.

The oddsmakers have Alabama as a 13.5-point favorite. 

Ole Whistlebritches is full of it over at SB Nation.  Saying “Dark times have fallen upon the Alabama Crimson Tide, whether the faithful and the coaching staff will admit it or not,” is sacrilege to this devout fan.

The Aggies are coming off a 35-20 defeat to Ole Miss at home. Alabama traveled to Arkansas and got a 14-13 victory over the Hogs.  No matter what naysayer Ole Whistlebritches may say Ala-by-God-bama is still in the thick of the playoff race.

QB Blake Sims is looking strong under center and the Aggies don’t have a certain arrogant SOB at quarterback this year.  We’ve got TJ Yeldon and Derrick Henry at running back to form the most talented duo in the country.  Can you say “smashmouth”?

Roll Tide Roll!

And since no football post would be complete without a picture of pom-poms, feast your eyes upon these Bama lovelies.

Halftime score: Bama 45 - Aggies 0 W/445 total yds Nick Saban is going to have a good press conference this week #RollTide #TAMUvsBAMA
— PoliticalClownParade (@Carry_That_Load) October 18, 2014

SHUTOUT Alabama 59 – Texas A&M ZERO. Pass me the Little Debbie Oatmeal Cakes! #RollTide #TAMUvsBAMA #BamaNation
— PoliticalClownParade (@Carry_That_Load) October 18, 2014

@OWB_RTR HFTB? U said “Dark times.” I repeat U were wrong. Y can’t U admit it following crushing of aTm? http://t.co/E14bbACHwy
— PoliticalClownParade (@Carry_That_Load) October 19, 2014

@OWB_RTR Then you should have said it didn't reflect your personal beliefs.
— PoliticalClownParade (@Carry_That_Load) October 19, 2014

Florida Gators Vs Alabama Crimson Tide

At 3:30 PM ET CBS will air the game between the Florida Gators (2-0) and my beloved Crimson Tide of Alabama (3-0).

Florida needed three O/Ts to finally win against the Kentucky Wildcats last week.  The Gators will play today’s game at 101,821-seat Bryant-Denny Stadium.  Talk about your 12th man.  How intimidating must it be to run onto the field and hear the deafening noise of so many crimson and Houndstooth-clad fans screaming at the top of their lungs and the sound of “Sweet Home Alabama” blaring over the stadium speakers?

In the Gators’ last meeting with Bama, they lost 38-10 in 2011 at home.  Last year Florida lost seven straight games to close their season leaving fans bewildered and frustrated.

I know Florida wants nothing less than revenge for their heart-breaking loss in 2009 that left Tim Tebow helplessly crying on the sidelines as Bama rolled 32-13 to the BCS Championship Game.  Bama went on to become National Champs as they defeated the Texas Longhorns 37-21.

Today, East meets West in which my boys are favored by at least two scores.  I hope I don’t have to watch bunch of Gator fans doing their trademark “chomping”.  So…

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

And because no football post would be complete without some pom-poms, please enjoy this photo of some Bama lovelies.

UPDATE:  Today’s game was more like the Blake Sims/Amari Cooper/Derrick Henry show.  Sims threw for a total of 445 yards.  Despite the Gators’ Vernon Hargreave’s valiant effort to stop him, Cooper had 10 receptions for 201 yards and Henry carried the ball 20 times for a total of 111 yards.  Time of possession for Florida was 20:44 compared to Bama’s 39:16.  Even though The Tide had 4 turnovers they still defeated the Gators 42-21 with a total of 645 yards.  Florida was only able to rack up 200 yards.

The game was hard-fought on both sides of the ball.  I know fans of the Gators are disappointed but they shouldn’t be.  They played with class.

Southern Miss Vs Alabama

Wes Bulgarella of Roll Bama Roll wrote, “Southern Miss is not very good. Their combined record from the last two seasons is 1-23. Last season they were outscored 503-205. Making matters worse for me, the Golden Eagle offense averaged 4.62 yards per play and scored 21 points or more only three times the entire season.”

I’m not going to make the mistake of getting cocky, but unless something absolutely bizarre happens my beloved Crimson Tide should have no trouble giving the Golden Eagles a good old-fashioned whipping.  They are a massive 47-point favorite according to oddsmakers.

This game gives The Tide one more chance to work out any kinks before they take on the Florida Gators in the first of seven consecutive league games. Bama has a bye after the Gators but then goes on the road to Ole Miss and Arkansas to start October.

QB Blake Sims is expected to start when the Crimson Tide hosts Southern Mississippi with Jake Coker coming off the bench.

Head Coach Nick Saban said, "The quarterback situation is no different than it was before.  I know you all would love to create a quarterback controversy.  But the one thing I noticed that I wish you noticed, when Jake Coker threw the touchdown pass [against West Virginia] who was the first guy to go and jump up and give him a congratulations and a hug was Blake Sims."

Kickoff is 6:00PM ET on ESPN2 from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

ROLL TIDE!

And because no football post would be complete without some pom-poms, please enjoy this photo of some Bama lovelies.

Bama Vs Florida Atlantic Owls

The last time Florida Atlantic met The Crimson Tide on the gridiron they were trounced 40-7.  That was back in September 2012.

Today, the Owls go up against Bama after having lost to Nebraska last week.  This should be a “gimme” game against FAU but I’m not going to take anything for granted.

I suspect Coach Saban has been rough on his boys in practice this week after their less than impressive win over the Mountaineers last Saturday.  The bookmakers are predicting a 58-10 victory for The Tide.  I hope they’re right.

The game kicks off at noon on the SEC Channel.  The channel was recently added as part of my satellite package so I’ll be interested to see how they cover the game.

ROLL TIDE!

And because no football post would be complete without some pom-poms, please enjoy this photo of some Bama lovelies.

UPDATE:  Perhaps it was a Godsend for Florida Atlantic that the game was delayed due to weather with 7:53 left to play in the fourth quarter.  During the delay the teams mercifully agreed to end the game.  Poor FAU was crushed 41-0.

I know there’s been a lot of discussion about who should be the starting QB for Bama.  Jake Coker entered the game with The Tide leading 21-0.  Blake Sims was 11 of 13 for 214 yards and 2 TDs.  He averaged 16.5 yards.  Coker was 15 of 24 for 202 yards averaging 8.4 for one TD.

In my opinion Blake Sims is the better QB.  Coker just doesn’t know the Bama playbook well enough to cut it right now.  The team knows Sims has been in the program for 5 years.  They respect him and they play hard for him.  The same cannot be said for Coker.