The Nightcap: A Recap of Today’s Alabama News

No. 13 Mississippi State feeling good

"An undefeated MSU team has not played in a game against a fellow unbeaten this late in a season since 1941, when the 5-0-1 Bulldogs fell to undefeated Duquesne 16-0 on Nov. 15."

It’s homecoming and most people play a cupcake for homecoming.  Mississippi State is no cupcake, they are tough and they always bring their best game against the Tide but there is a lot to overcome in this game aside from their soft schedule. They are up against a top ranked Bama team that has bought into the process — a team that believes it has a date with destiny. It’s doubtful that anyone thought MSU would be ranked as high as 13 when this game was penciled in, but it says a great deal about the coaching staff over in Starkville and the strides they have made.

Huntsville’s Tommy Ray hits 500-consecutive game mark as Alabama football fan

"He just wanted to see Alabama play one time. His imagination had been fueled by the 1960s radio broadcasts of his favorite team and he knew the players’ names as if they were his own classmates. Trammell. Jordan. Clark. Fracchia. Neighbors. Battle. Namath."

This site is about the fans. How could we not mention someone who has made it to 500+ games? Tommy Ray never attended Alabama, he went to our sister school at UAH but he grew up loving the Tide like so many others. His dedication and persistence should certainly earn him a “Roll Tide” if you see him on the quad tomorrow – or any other game day. It’s a given he will be there and we wish him many more.

Tide hosting dozens of elite recruits for Homecoming Weekend

"In addition to hosting several currently committed players, including O.J. Howard, Bradley Bozeman, ArDarius Stewart and Tyren Jones, Alabama will also be hosting a high-profile official visitor who is not currently committed. Monaca, Pennsylvania wide receiver Robert Foster, rated the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver prospect by the 247Composite index, will spend the weekend in Tuscaloosa getting the Crimson Tide’s full recruiting pitch. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound star is also considering Ohio State and Pitt but this weekend could be the Tide’s best opportunity to win over the five-star prospect."

As Bama grad, and former NY Times editor Howell Raines said, “to have been in the city of Tuscaloosa in October when you were young and full of Early Times and had a shining Alabama girl by your side–to have had all that and then to have seen those red shirts pour onto the field, and, then, coming behind them, with that inexorable big cat walk of his, the man himself, The Bear–that was very good indeed.” Bear will only be there in spirit, but the Alabama spirit is as great as it ever was. Hopefully, the visiting recruits will see why we alumni consider The Capstone a magical place and reserve their spot in history by signing with the Tide.

SEC West unbeatens Alabama, Mississippi State meet

"That consistent dominance, plus two national champions in three years, convinced oddsmakers that this is a mismatch whatever the records indicate. Alabama is a 24-point favorite and has won the last four meetings by a collective 117-27."

Don’t believe the hype. Coach Saban has expressed that point time and time again. MSU has always played Alabama hard and they are well-coached, disciplined, and talented. LSU is next week. Next week will get here in due time. Right now, Mississippi State is trying to claim their spot in the BCS picture and they are trying to take a “W” home for Alabama’s homecoming. Yell loud. Shake the fuzzy end of your drink stirrer. Don’t let anyone think they have a chance in T-town.

Roll Tide.

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