Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 11/27
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Hope everyone enjoys a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.
How One Of The Richest Teams In College Football Makes Its Money
"The University of Alabama has one of the three richest athletic departments in college sports thanks in large part to its football program. Yesterday we took a look at how the football team spends its riches.But that money has to come from somewhere and the chart below breaks it down. Of the athletic department’s $143.8 million in revenue, $88.7 million comes from the football program according to data obtained by BusinessOfCollegeSports.com."
Pretty interesting look at where all the money comes from the athletic department. Since Saban arrived, the athletic department has grown by leaps and bounds and Business Insider breaks down exactly where it all comes from.
Alabama Football: Tide’s 3 Key Matchups to Watch for in 2014 Iron Bowl
"It’s the No. 1 team in the country, heading toward another SEC Championship Game appearance and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Auburn has lost three games and is on a tailspin to end what was once a promising 2014 campaign.Still, the Crimson Tide and Tigers’ annual rivalry game this year will be a chess match between two of the best offensive and defensive minds in the country. The two teams’ seasons have been defined by a handful of plays that could have swung games in the other direction.It’s closer than you’d initially imagine. There are a couple matchups that should decide the outcome of the game."
Marc Torrence of Bleacher Report takes a look at three matchups for the Iron Bowl. Good article on what to keep an eye on during the game.
Blake Sims leads himself and Alabama from behind
"There were plenty of times when Blake Sims could have packed it in, said enough was enough and resigned himself to not playing quarterback for the University of Alabama.Way back in the spring, he could have thrown in the towel. He’d just tossed two interceptions during the final practice of camp, and Jake Coker, the strong-armed transfer from Florida State, was expected to waltz into Tuscaloosa and take over.But Sims surged ahead of Coker during fall camp, won the job and started the season off on a tear, throwing eight touchdowns and two interceptions during the first four games.It was great. Until it wasn’t."
Great stuff from ESPN on Sims and his ability to lead Alabama back from behind, especially as the season has gone on. He’s been battle tested a few times this season so he should be ready for anything this weekend against Auburn. You never know if we may just need it.
Sports writers, editors from across Alabama make picks for the Iron Bowl
"Now take a look at a wider poll of sports writers and editors from across the state of Alabama. All 19 picked the Crimson Tide to beat the Tigers and by an average score of 32.6 to 22.8. A year ago, 17 of 18 writers chose Alabama over Auburn before the Tigers pulled the 34-28 upset."
Looks pretty good from the picks on paper but we all know that the game isn’t played at a news desk.
Volleyball Completes Five-Set Comeback to Defeat Missouri on the Road Wednesday
"Facing a 2-0 deficit at intermission, Alabama gutted out three strong sets Wednesday night on the road to complete the five-set comeback over Missouri, 3-2.The win is the Crimson Tide’s 24th this season, which matches the single-season school record in wins. The record was originally set in 1995 and was matched last season as well. Another win this season would make it the winningest season in school history."
Women’s Basketball Wins Fourth Straight Game with 75-44 Victory over Alabama A&M
"Led by a career-high 29 points and 10 rebounds from sophomore Ashley Williams, the women’s basketball team downed Alabama A&M, 75-44, Wednesday night at Foster Auditorium. The win was the fourth in a row for the Crimson Tide, which stands at 5-2 on the season, while the loss drops the Lady Bulldogs to 0-4."
Krystal Rivers and Kat Hutson Named All-SEC
"The Southeastern Conference has announced its annual volleyball awards to cap the 2014 season, as redshirt sophomore Krystal Rivers and freshman Kat Hutson represent Alabama on the All-SEC Team.It is the first time the Tide have had multiple honorees on the All-SEC team since 2007 when Crystal Hudson was named First Team All-SEC and Bridget Fuentez was named Second Team All-SEC."
Levi Randolph: Playing In Memory of his Best Friend
"Levi Randolph’s memories of his best friend will never fade.Memories of laughter and tears. Memories of success and disappointment. Memories of hanging out together or chatting on the phone. Memories of heading different directions after high school but never really separating. Memories of a young kid, who became a best friend, who became a brother.Memories of the worst day of Randolph’s life. Memories of the day – just over a year ago – that Dezmond Dennis, Randolph’s best friend, lost his life in a two-car wreck with a car driven by a drunk driver.Memories of Dez."