Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 11/13
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All of your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Alabama-Miss. State: Prescott must have game of his life to beat Tide
"To put Alabama’s defensive performance in that game into a broader context, look to the yards per rush on 56 carries as opposed to LSU’s 183 total rushing yards. ‘Bama held LSU to an average of 3.3 yards per rush — a number that would rank 16th in the nation. Alabama contained LSU’s strength and destroyed its passing game, too, allowing only eight completions on 26 attempts for an average of 2.9 yards per completion. LSU’s total offensive output on the night was 259 yards. That’s less than the Tide’s season average of 275 total yards allowed per game, which ranks fourth in the nation.It was a snapshot into why No. 1 Mississippi State’s undefeated season will most likely end in Tuscaloosa this week against the fifth-ranked Tide. Alabama has proven to have one of the most dominant defenses in the nation this season, and it all ties back to the defensive line.Let’s look at what makes the Tide so tough and why for the Bulldogs to have any shot at all of beating ‘Bama, Dak Prescott will need to play the game of his life."
Just a tremendous breakdown from Fox Sports with some especially mind numbing stats as to how good the Tide has been in stopping the run. Be sure to check back here on when we dive into all of the stats before the game.
Mississippi State will ‘do what we do,’ use single coverage on Alabama’s Amari Cooper
"Still, the Bulldogs don’t plan on changing anything specifically for one player and plan on single man coverage against Cooper, the physical threat who leads the SEC in receiving and is among the country’s best with 79 catches for 1,215 yards and 10 touchdowns.Mississippi State is giving up 300 yards per game through the air, last in the SEC. But the Bulldogs lead the SEC in sacks and are near the top in rushing defense and tackles for loss.“We do what we do,” Mississippi State defensive coordinator Geoff Collins said. “The emphasis all year and all the time is to stop the run."
Nothing gets out from these coaches that they don’t want out. If they are planning on single coverage, Cooper will more than likely have spectacular game.
Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon (ankle) ‘doing well,’ Nick Saban says
"Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon left last weekend’s win over LSU with an ankle injury, but is practicing this week, head coach Nick Saban told reporters Wednesday.“He’s practicing and doing well,” Saban said on a teleconference, according to Bama Online. Saban added that he expects Yeldon to be ready for Saturday’s game against top-ranked Mississippi State."
Let’s hope we have a healthy Yeldon to go along with some Derrick Henry for Saturday. From all accounts, it seems he is ready to go.
Inside Nick Saban’s office
No text preview for this one since it’s is photos. Great look inside Coach Saban’s office with tidbits on photos and the decorations inside.
Volleyball Sweeps Mississippi State Wednesday at Home
"Alabama won its midweek matchup against Mississippi State in convincing fashion on Wednesday in Foster Auditorium, sweeping the Bulldogs for the Crimson Tide’s 21st victory of the season.Alabama (21-6, 9-4 SEC) limited Mississippi State (6-22, 1-12 SEC) to a .207 hitting percentage, as the Bulldogs hit above .200 in just one of the three sets. Freshman Kat Hutson led the Tide with 13 kills while Leah Lawrence put on a strong performance with four block assists and one solo block along with eight kills. Natalie Murison and Kryssi Daniels paired up for a combined 16 digs on defense while Sierra Wilson paced the offense with 34 assists."
Women’s Basketball Inks Nationally Ranked Class During Early Signing Period
"Women’s basketball signed a top 25 recruiting class for next season that contains four talented playmakers in Taylor Doan, C’coriea Foy, Trista Magee and Shaquera Wade, head coach Kristy Curry announced on Wednesday.“We signed a group of difference makers that will have an immediate impact on our program,” said Curry. “We have looked forward to this signing day because we believe this is a pivotal class in the process as we build this program.”"
Men’s Basketball Inks Three of Top Players in Alabama During Early Signing Period
"University of Alabama head men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant announced on Wednesday that three student-athletes have signed to continue their playing career with the Crimson Tide, which came on the first day of the early signing period.Power forward and top 100 recruit Dontá Hall (Luverne, Ala./Luverne HS), small forward Brandon Austin (Montgomery, Ala./Carver HS) and combo guard Dazon Ingram (Theodore, Ala./Theodore HS) are each rated among the top prospects in the state of Alabama and are slated to join the Crimson Tide on the court for the 2015-16 season."
John Servati named 2015 recipient of NCAA’s Award of Valor
"John Servati, swimmer at the University of Alabama, will be recognized as the 2015 Award of Valor recipient at the NCAA Convention Honors celebration the NCAA announced on Wednesday.“John Servati was an extraordinary young man who worked every day, in both word and deed, to make the world around him a better place,” Alabama Director of Athletics Bill Battle said. “This honor is richly deserved and speaks not only to his final act of courage, but to the legacy of service that he left behind.”"