Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 10/17

Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All of your Crimson Tide news in one place. Roll Tide and Beat The Aggies.

Prediction: Accidental defensive battle ensues between two struggling offenses in Texas A&M-Alabama game

"This year’s game between Alabama and Texas A&M couldn’t be more different than the previous two meetings. The Aggies are coming off consecutive losses after once being considered a playoff contender and the Crimson Tide went from dominant to dormant in an upset loss to Ole Miss and squeaking past Arkansas a week ago.The media has been quick to announce the end of Nick Saban’s reign at Alabama after two games that have taken his team out of the national spotlight. Saban is looking to get his team back on track and shed the haters along the way. He probably couldn’t pick a better team to do it against. Last year Saban said Johnny Manziel took years off his life as A&M scored the most points against Alabama in school history. But the Aggies are showing fewer signs of yesteryear each game and could desperately use a win over a top 10 team to revive their season."

The closer this game gets, this is what I am thinking. Something like last season. Each team trades blow for blow for the game and one wins in the fourth quarter by a touchdown or so. I’m usually wrong so if you like to bet, do the opposite.

Alabama baseball fans in Birmingham will see familiar faces as Tide plays at Hoover Met in 2015

"There are at least eight players from the Birmingham area on the Tide squad.That list includes Mikey White and Colton Freeman from Spain Park High School, Geoffrey Bramblett from Hoover High, Georgie Salem and Grady Bailey from Vestavia Hills High, Jake Hubbard from Oak Mountain High and Jake Walters from Thompson High. Connor Short, a Hoover High graduate, also is on the Tide team but is having to sit out a year because of a transfer from Auburn University."

It will be exciting for those guys getting to play close to their homes. I can’t wait for baseball again. A lot of the players and their families interact with us on Twitter and makes the season enjoyable. I’m just hoping we don’t see a “strike” at our ankles to end the season in Regionals.

Former Alabama star running back named to the 2014 SEC Legends class

"The SEC announced its annual class of football legends Thursday evening and Alabama’s representative has a connection to the present.Bobby Humphrey, owner the program’s No. 2 career rushing total, got the nod this season. His son, Marlon Humphrey is a freshman cornerback who came to Alabama this fall as one of the nation’s top recruits."

So happy for one of my favorite players. Bobby was one that I would pretend to be when playing backyard football. Don’t think I was as effective as he was though. Great honor for him and his family, especially son Marlon that plays for the Tide currently at running back.

Film Room: Examining the ups and downs of Alabama’s defense, special teams

Good article from Al.com’s Matt Scalaci on the Tide’s defense so far. He is assisted by former Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson.

Men’s Tennis Opens Southern Regionals on Thursday with Nine Wins

"The men’s tennis team won a combined nine matches on Thursday on the first day of play at the 2014 USTA/ITA Southern Regional Championships, which are being hosted by Auburn University at the Yarbrough Tennis Center."

McCleney and Traina Among Initial Invitees to 2015 Team USA Selection Camp

"Junior outfielder Haylie McCleney and former pitcher Jaclyn Traina are among the 32 initial invitees to the 2015 USA Softball Women’s National Team Selection Camp, held on Jan. 4-8, 2015 at Bill Barber Park in Irvine, Calif."

Women’s Basketball Surprises Season Ticket Holders Tuesday Evening

"Members of the women’s basketball team split up into four vehicles Tuesday evening to surprise a number of season ticket holders with their tickets for the 2014-15 campaign, which is one month away from tipping off.To be part of the excitement of Alabama women’s basketball, be sure to pick up your season tickets now by calling the Alabama ticket office at 205-348-2262 or by clicking here."

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