Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 1/31
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Former Crimson Tide safety takes shot at LSU’s new defensive coordinator
"Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix left Alabama as a highly decorated safety before becoming the 21st pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2014 NFL draft.The safety didn’t take to Twitter Friday to rip the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions or even the Minnesota Vikings, though.Clinton-Dix’s contempt for the rival LSU Tigers remains strong, and he made sure to point out what type of hire the program made when Kevin Steele was named its new offensive coordinator."
Nothing like a little trash talk among teams in the SEC West. Off season never really ever arrives.
Alabama Football: Grading Crimson Tide’s Offseason Staff Changes
"Barring any last-minute changes, Alabama’s staff turnover for this offseason is complete.It was fairly painless and, outside of a nervous week or two waiting on Lane Kiffin, not as apocalyptic as some thought after Alabama was bounced from the College Football Playoff in a convincing Sugar Bowl loss to Ohio State.So what do these hires bring to the table? Will they work out in the long term? Let’s grade each staff hire and break them down."
Marc Torrence from Bleacher Report grades the staff changes. Check out his grades. I can tell you that I am happy.
Season report card: Alabama Crimson Tide
"Even at Alabama, where it’s become national championship or bust, SEC championships are nothing to sneeze at. The Crimson Tide won their third SEC championship under Nick Saban in 2014, and winning an SEC title always constitutes a successful season.The ride wasn’t always smooth, and there were some glitches in all three phases of the game, ending with the disappointing loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals. This wasn’t a dominant Alabama team, but still one good enough to win 12 games."
ESPN takes a look at this past season’s Alabama Crimson Tide.
Kentucky Wildcats vs Alabama Crimson Tide: Know Your Enemy
"Deja vu week for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team continues as the Alabama Crimson Tide rolls into town. Kentucky blasted the Red Elephants 70-48 on the road two weeks ago, so the Tide pulling off the upset in Rupp Arena does not seem to be a plausible event. The Tide have lost four of five and are coming off a couple of close SEC losses to Arkansas and Florida by just two points each. So it’s not like Alabama is just rolling over for teams, but they have hit the hard luck express.Anthony Grant teams tend to play Kentucky pretty tough, but this is not a particullay good team, but they did take Wichita State to the limits on the Shockers home court, falling 53-52. Even with the close losses, Alabama could hop on the bubble with a win over Kentucky. Jerry Palm gives Alabama a RPI rank of 63 and they have faced the 43rd toughest schedule in the country."
Our colleagues at Kentucky’s Fansided site takes a look at the game from their point of view.
Men’s Tennis Returns Home for Matchup with Florida State
"The 44th-ranked men’s tennis team (2-2) will host No. 33 Florida State (6-1) on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Roberta Alison Baumgardner Tennis Facility. Admission is free and pizza will be provided, while supplies last.The match will be the 23rd in the series between the Crimson Tide and Seminoles that dates back to the 1961 season. Alabama leads in the win column, 13-9, however Florida State did pick up the 5-2 win in the last meeting that occurred on Feb. 25, 2006."
Women’s Tennis Continues Regular Season with Match vs. No. 20 TCU
"The seventh-ranked Alabama women’s tennis team will play host to No. 20 TCU this Saturday, January 31 at 5:00 p.m. CT inside the Roberta Alison Baumgardner Tennis Facility. The Crimson Tide kicked off its 2015 regular season with a pair of 4-0 victories over Syracuse and Virginia Tech during last weekend’s ITA Kickoff Weekend tournament in Tuscaloosa.Set to square off for the first time since a 4-1 victory during the 2013 season in Fort Worth, Alabama owns the all-time series vs. TCU, 5-0."