Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 12/20
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Hear a booming “Roll Tide!” from the crew of the USS Alabama submarine
"The ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama docks in Bangor, Washington, which isn’t far geographically from the home of the second-ranked Oregon Ducks, but its crew was cheering for the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide Friday.The submarine’s commander said in a video uploaded Friday that the sub’s “awesome offensive and defensive capabilities” make it the best in the world, just like the Crimson Tide.The commander signs off with a “Go Bama!” for the fans back in the Yellowhammer State followed by a booming “Roll Tide!” from the submarine’s crew."
Pretty awesome video posted yesterday. Check out the video in the link to hear a Roll Tide that will get you going.
Alabama football: Tide doesn’t have much to go on with Buckeyes’ QB
"When it comes to preparing for Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, Alabama’s defensive players may have to rely more on studying tendencies in the Buckeyes’ system than his.When the Crimson Tide and Buckeyes take the field for the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 in New Orleans, Jones will be making his second career start. The first came in the Buckeyes’ 59-0 rout of Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.Is it weird preparing for a quarterback that’s only started one game?“A little bit, but we’ve just got to prepare for them as if he was their starting quarterback, as if he’d been the guy all year,” Tide cornerback Cyrus Jones said. “I don’t think it’s too much there. You got to game plan as if he’s been the man all year.”"
The big thing the Tide will have to worry about is preparing for a quarterback without much film. I am sure Kirby Smart and crew will have them ready.
Alabama tops Division II Stillman going away, 69-49
"Justin Coleman had 14 points to lead five players in double figures as Alabama defeated Stillman College 69-49 on Friday night.Alabama (7-3) scored the first eight points of the game and extended its advantage to 30-12 when Coleman canned a 3-pointer with 5:09 left. Stillman (4-3) scored nine of the next 13 points to pull to within 31-19.The Crimson Tide led at the half 34-21.Alabama pulled away steadily in the second half. The Crimson Tide had its largest lead, 63-39, when Levi Randolph scored on a lay-up with 5:57 to go.Randolph, Riley Norris and Shannon Hale each scored 13 points for the Crimson Tide. Jimmie Taylor contributed 12 points and nine rebounds."
The Tide got the win against Stillman but they have got to start finishing in some of these bigger games and not collapsing down the stretch. They will have a warm-up game again before playing UCLA.
Fowler nearly quit; glad he didn’t
"Jalston Fowler is enjoying every last moment he has with the Alabama football team — especially after the senior fullback nearly quit the game after suffering a left knee injury in 2012.Fowler, a Mobile native, is glad he didn’t quit because of the opportunities he’s had this season with the top-ranked team heading into the College Football Playoff and what might be ahead after the season.The hard times are a fonder memory now.“I thought back to the time I wanted to quit after the knee injury, but I came back and fought through,” Fowler said. “I think that’s going to be one of the biggest things I’ll remember — just coming back from that knee injury and being able to do what I did on the field.”"
One of my favorites. I am glad he stuck it out and came back. He’s been an asset on the field.
Alabama Football Academics among Best in Nation
"Alabama’s top-seeded football team in the upcoming College Football Playoff Semifinal in the Sugar Bowl is one of the nation’s top academic programs as well.The Crimson Tide rank third in the annual academic rankings of the top 25 college football teams, produced by New America, a Washington D.C. think-tank. Alabama also leads the nation with seven players having already earned their master’s degrees while tying for the national lead in number of graduates on the roster this bowl season."