Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE
The week leading up to the Third Saturday in October is often given the moniker of Tennessee Hate Week for those donning the crimson and white. Loathing the Volunteers is a widespread epidemic throughout the state and cigar stores have potential for record numbers as fans stock up for victory.
The Crimson Tide now prepares for its 95th dual with the Volunteers to take place in Neyland Stadium this Saturday in a rivalry that spreads like wildfire to those that hail from other parts of the country.
“I got the fever here when I arrived,” Alabama defensive end and Texas native Damion Square said. “Over these five years, it’s grown on me and now I’m just like anybody that’s been an Alabama fan for 60 years.”
Sorry for the suplex
As Alabama was wrapping up its 42-10 win over the Tigers, reserve defensive lineman had a controversial suplex tackle on Missouri running back Russell Hansbrough that earned a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
“He’s an aggressive player, and when you’re tackling a small guy like that you can do just about anything you want, and he took advantage of it,” safety Robert Lester said.
While there has been no word from the Southeastern Conference office regarding discipline or lack thereof, Saban has taken the manner into his own hands.
“I think he understands that what he did was not done in the right way in terms of being a strong competitor and we are managing internally things for him to do to make better choices and decisions in the future,” Saban said. “All young people when they make mistakes, that’s what you really want to try to do. He has written a letter of apology to the player and the coach.”
Saban also said he spoke to Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel, saying Pinkel, “understands our position on it.”
“I think this is a young player who’s excited about getting into the game, makes a very, very poor decision and judgment on making that play,” Saban said. “It’s something that we don’t condone here. It’s not how we want our players to play.”
Breaking character and splitting sides
Saban may be as methodical and, at times, predictable, as any college football coach out there. However, there are times when he can shock the world with his comedic stylings.
“Well, I tried to fire myself this week,” Saban joked in response to a question about the repercussions of his team coming out of the lightning delay flat. “If you have any ideas what I could do to myself, I’d be glad to do it. I feel bad about it.”
Saban also made a joke regarding the National Football League when it comes to the punt returner situation as the Tide tries to cope with the loss of Dee Hart and Christion Jones fighting through an ankle sprain.
“We only have what we have, We don’t have a waiver wire. We can’t pick up anybody. I was trying to check for it on my desk this morning – I couldn’t find it,” Saban said. “We have the players we have.”
Injury Update
Saban said that quarterback AJ McCarron has a bruised knee and, “will try to do some things in practice today,” citing soreness. Saban gave Christion Jones day-to-day status as he rehabs his ankle.