Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 11/22
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.
FiveThirtyEight’s College Football Playoff Forecast
"Which teams are most likely to make college football’s first-ever four-team playoff? And which have the best chance of coming away with the national title?The quick answer is the obvious one: The Alabama Crimson Tide lead the way on both counts. They’re No. 1 in the playoff selection committee’s current rankings and No. 1 according to most computer systems, including ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). Alabama is no stranger to postseason success, having won the national title in 2009, 2011 and 2012."
Great looking odds and percentages for the Crimson Tide. The team still has some tough games but things start to look better as each week passes.
SEC slant: Alabama’s problem letting off the gas
"Every team has its flaws. It’s just that kind of season where no one in the top four is perfect. Florida State, the only undefeated Power 5 team left, is ranked third because there’s so much about the Seminoles that’s concerning. Which, in a roundabout way, brings us to No. 1 Alabama. The SEC-leading Crimson Tide have come on strong of late, but that doesn’t mean they’re without a fairly serious problem: The offense, it seems, lets off the gas."
If I had one complaint about Alabama, this would be it. Don’t let up in the second half until the game is well out of hand. I can understand not wanting to run the score up but the Tide needs to push a bit more.
Watch Nick Saban, Alabama football seniors address fans, alumni during school’s homecoming pep rally
"The University of Alabama’s annual homecoming pep rally remains rich in tradition, including one every fan on the Quad likely attended the event for on Friday night.After a spirited introduction from Alabama broadcaster Eli Gold, Crimson Tide football head coach Nick Saban hit the stage to thunderous applause from the large crowd in front of the steps of Gorgas Library.Saban thanked the fans for attending, singling out those returning to Tuscaloosa specifically for homecoming, and praised the annual traditions he’s come to know and love since arriving at the Capstone eight years ago."
Great video from the Homecoming festivities on campus tonight.
Marty Lyons says Alabama will ‘open up a can’ on Auburn during blazing homecoming pep rally speech
"After an introduction from Alabama sports broadcaster Eli Gold, Lyons thanked alumni and fans for participating in the series of homecoming traditions this week at Friday night’s pep rally. He then briefly mentioned Alabama’s Saturday opponent before wasting no more time to look ahead to Iron Bowl week with a little trash talk on the steps of Gorgas Library.“A week from now, when our good friends Auburn come in, we are going to open up a can of whip-ass!” Lyons said. “And we’re going to show them exactly what ‘Roll Tide Roll’ means!”"
Well, that will get me in the mood for the Iron Bowl. What about you?
Volleyball Defeats Auburn, 3-1, in Front of Record Home Crowd
"With the match split at 1-1 at intermission, Alabama came out with two strong sets to beat Auburn, 3-1, Friday at Foster Auditorium to improve to 23-6, 11-4 in SEC play.The Tide had three players with double-digit kills, led by Krystal Rivers with 22 kills on 41 total swings for a .341 hitting percentage. Sierra Wilson led the Tide in assists with 52, which helped her surpass 4,000 career assists. She is the just the fourth player in school history to reach this milestone. Brittany Thomas had an excellent all-around performance, knocking in 17 kills and 12 digs for her eighth double-double of the season while hitting a team-leading .429."
Women’s Basketball Takes Down Kansas, 85-80
"Senior Briana Hutchen recorded the first double-double of her career with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while sophomore Ashley Williams added 24 points to propel the women’s basketball team to an 85-80 victory at Kansas on Friday night at Allen Fieldhouse. The win lifts the Crimson Tide to 2-2 on the season, while the loss, which was the first of the year for the Jayhawks, puts KU at 2-1."