Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 10/25

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Alabama football: Tide ready to renew big rivalry with Vols

"Alabama has Auburn and Tennessee has Florida, but at the end of the day, the Crimson Tide and Volunteers still have each other.And while the Tide has dominated this matchup in recent years — winning seven straight in the series — this clash is still one of the biggest rivalries in the SEC.“This game that we have every year with Tennessee is one of the great rivalry games in college football,” Tide coach Nick Saban said. “It certainly has a lot of tradition, and is something that has been very special and means a lot to a lot of our fans. Certainly means a lot to me and our staff and our team.”"

It’s time for one of my favorite games of the year. Living near the in Alabama near the Tennessee line or in Tennessee in recent years, this one is special to me. Lots of Tennessee fans up here around the border so it’s nice to have bragging rights. These last seven years have been splendid.

QB conundrum: Will Worley start for Vols?

"Will he or won’t he?Tennessee’s quarterback question will have its answer soon enough.The status of starter Justin Worley for tonight’s visit from fourth-ranked Alabama remains a mystery as the Volunteers coaches remain publicly coy about the health of their beaten-up senior. Tennessee could turn to both of its backups if Worley, who landed awkwardly on his shoulder in the fourth quarter against Ole Miss last week, is unable to face the Crimson Tide."

As of the time this article was put together, there was still no word on Justin Worley. I had believed that the Vols were fighting an uphill battle even with Worley at quarterback. If he can’t go, this one could get out of hand.

Why does Nick Saban think this Alabama team is fun to coach? No ‘energy vampires’

"Nick Saban chuckled when he was asked Thursday which players “bring a smile” on his face whenever he’s down.“On our team?” Saban cracked with the room full of fans at Bob’s Victory Grille laughing along with him.Saban quickly straightened up and delivered his strongest message yet about the Crimson Tide’s much-improved team chemistry. One year after a litany of issues bubbled and ultimately boiled over after back-to-back losses, this year’s version of Alabama is “a really fun team to coach,” Saban said.Why? No “energy vampires.”"

With the lack of drama on this team, I can’t help but think this team will go far in the playoffs if they put us in there. We may need a little help with a few losses here and there but there is definitely a shot of that happening. These guys are helping each other out and that will prove big in the long run in my opinion.

On the Beat: Let’s be honest, we were wrong about Blake Sims

"It’s not easy being wrong ― even harder when you thought you knew it all. But it’s time to man up, and I suspect there are a few out there in the same boat.We’re not perfect.Blake Sims proved it."

I was in that boat and not ashamed to admit it. I was going by what the media was saying about practice viewing periods. Sims is the man for the job right now.

Soccer Closes Out Home Regular Season, Earning a 2-0 Victory Over No. 22 Georgia

"The Alabama soccer team earned its fifth home win of the season and 10th victory overall, defeating No. 22 Georgia, 2-0, on Friday night in the final regular season home game at the Alabama Soccer Complex.“I’m really proud of the team’s performance tonight,” said head coach Todd Bramble. “The fans came out and did a really good job of cheering the team on and supporting us. I thought our play on both sides of the ball was outstanding tonight. I thought it was a totally dominating performance for my group.”"

Record Crowd on Hand as Goblins Win Alabama Gymnastics Ghosts and Goblins Intrasquad

"Team Goblin came out ahead in the Alabama gymnastics team’s annual Ghosts and Goblins Intrasquad Friday night, notching their ninth win over the last 11 years in front of a record crowd at the Frances Smith Practice Facility in Coleman Coliseum.“There were a lot of really big skills done really well tonight and I loved seeing the camaraderie out there on the floor and seeing everyone work through the nerves that comes from competing in front of a crowd,” UA head coach Dana Duckworth said. “We have the best fans in the world and they proved that again tonight. Having them here tonight and packing the gym, helped simulate what it’s going to be like on meet. It also helped our freshman get a taste of what the Alabama gymnastics environment is like.”"

Women’s Golf Tied for Fifth After Round One of The Landfall Tradition

"The Alabama women’s golf team shot a 2-over par 290 during the opening round of The Landfall Tradition Friday at the par-72, 6,159-yard Dye Course at the Country Club of Landfall.After 18 holes, the Crimson Tide is in a three-way tie for fifth place, seven shots off Purdue and the lead (5-under 283). Wake Forest is in second with a 2-under 286. Florida shot an even-par 288 and is in third while Central Florida is in sole possession of fourth with a 1-over 289."

Myneni Continues Run in ATP Challengers; Advances to Doubles Finals and Singles Semifinals in Pune

"Former Crimson Tide tennis player Saketh Myneni has been on a tear recently, advancing to the doubles finals and semifinals in singles at the ATP Pune Challenger.Myneni paired with teammate Sanam Singh defeated Toshide Matsui and Yasutaka Yuchiyama of Japan, 6-2, 5-7, 10-7, to move on to Friday’s finals where they will meet top-seeded Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwantana for the title."

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