Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 9/9
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All of your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Alabama football: Evans bolsters Tide pass rush right away
"Alabama freshman linebacker Rashaan Evans jumped off the TV screen on the Crimson Tide’s first play of the 2014 season.Making his collegiate debut, Evans sped down the field and nailed the ball carrier on the Tide’s opening kickoff against West Virginia for his first career tackle.During the Tide’s win against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Evans tallied the first sack of his career, showing speed on the edge. Evans is one of many young players who could bolster the Tide’s pass rush this season and in the future."
Rashaan Evans needs no introduction, right? He’s the one from National Signing Day that was expected to pick Auburn but decided to go with the good guys. I’m excited for this one. Not only for the reason that he spurned Auburn on national TV, but for his ability to pass rush. He grabbed his first one this past weekend and it’s only going to get better for him.
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"Ohio State added depth to its offensive line in a big way during the summer when it landed graduate transfer Chad Lindsay from Alabama.Now that depth is gone.Lindsay, a fifth-year senior, announced in a statement he personally sent to the media Monday evening that his football career has come to an end because of injury."
I always like to see the guys succeed that transfer from the team. Once you are a member of the Crimson Tide, I pull for you. I hate things didn’t work out for Lindsay at Ohio State but he did receive his degree at Alabama so that’s a positive. Good luck, Chad.
Notebook: Cyrus Jones jokes around with Perry
"When meeting with reporters, there are a few moments when Alabama players let loose and have a little fun with the process. For Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones, that moment came on Monday.Jones was asked about a particular play in the second half of the Tide’s win over Florida Atlantic on Saturday. The play saw Tide safety and Prattville native Nick Perry get trucked by Owls’ running back Jay Warren. Warren lowered his shoulder and ran through Perry in the open field. Jones said the defense let Perry know about it.“We definitely got on him a little bit in the huddle, but it was all in fun,” Jones said. “He tried his best. Plays like that are going to happen when you’re playing football, so we just moved on.”"
Good stuff from Marq Burnett and Cliff Kirkpatrick. This one covers a few topics including the defense joking on Nick Perry after he got trucked against Florida Atlantic, Eddie Jackson, the tight ends, Tim Williams, and more.
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South Bound & Down
Alabama-Florida Game Scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Kickoff on CBS
"The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that Alabama’s home game against Florida on Saturday, Sept. 20, will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be televised by CBS."
Now you all know when the Alabama and Florida game kicks off. Be sure to get those “I’m proud to be a Gator Hater” cheers ready and let’s get SEC play off on the right foot with a win.
Alabama CB Cyrus Jones can laugh off near punt-return TD, Nick Perry’s unfortunate hit
"Before getting to the serious business of the day, we had to get a few things straight with Alabama cornerback Cyrus Jones.It started with his 70-yard punt return Saturday against FAU. Replacing the injured Christion Jones, the defensive back made a few cuts before finding open space.Two defenders to beat.One blocker to lead the way.A touchdown looked promising.Then Jones clipped Derrick Henry’s heels and the one-man convoy was gone."
Funny stuff from Cyrus Jones. He almost took that one to the house.
Sims the clear leader in Tide QB race
"You can keep calling it a competition if you want.But if you’re going to continue referring to Alabama’s quarterback battle, you must now admit that Blake Sims is well ahead of Jake Coker, maybe far enough out of reach to call the race.It’s not the result many people expected, to be sure, but all you had to do was watch the reaction of players and coaches during Saturday’s game against Florida Atlantic to see where the quarterbacks stood.Nick Saban threw his headset to the ground when Coker took an ill-advised sack.Lane Kiffin held his arms out in disbelief when Coker failed to manage the play clock."
While I agree with Alex Scarborough that Sims has looked better thus far, I don’t know if Saban is ready to call it. Coker progressed as the day went on last Saturday. Both quarterbacks bring different skill sets to the offense. Saban also said today that nothing had changed in the quarterback competition but there is nothing stopping him from naming a starter before this weekend’s game. We will just have to wait and see.
Have a great day and Roll Tide. Keep it right here on Bama Hammer and The Houndztooth Powered By Bama Hammer for all of your Alabama Crimson Tide news and discussions.