Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 9/16

Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All of your Crimson Tide news in one place.

Crimson Tide bracing for improved Florida offense

"It was a pitting of pro-style offenses the first time Alabama coach Nick Saban faced former understudy and current Florida coach Will Muschamp in 2011.Alabama went to the Swamp that October evening and won 38-10 over the Gators, who started well but lost quarterback John Brantley to a season-ending knee injury. Florida maintained its grind-it-out attack in 2012 and last season before abandoning it in December when Muschamp hired Duke offensive coordinator Kurt Roper for the same role on his staff.The new-look Gators visit Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday as the No. 3 Crimson Tide open Southeastern Conference play."

The Gators have definitely improved from last season to this year but the question is just how much. They struggled to put a middle of the conference type Kentucky team away at home this past weekend. They have playmakers on both sides of the ball so it should be a fun game, especially if we win. We should know a little more about this Tide team Saturday evening.

Sims has come far to win Tide QB battle

"You can see it in his body language; Blake Sims has settled down. His head isn’t on a swivel any more. His eyes aren’t feverishly bouncing from side to side. His feet have suddenly stopped dancing around inside the pocket. Everything he does on the football field he’s now doing more confidently, and it’s paying off.Sims is Alabama’s starting quarterback.Through three games, the redshirt senior hasn’t done anything to lose the job. He’s connected on 75 percent of his passes, throwing for 646 yards and four touchdowns. He’s also run for 102 yards and two scores. His total QBR of 89.6 ranks sixth nationally, ahead of Jameis Winston and Trevor Knight."

You could tell this during the Southern Miss game as Sims got the biggest majority of the snaps, perhaps to give him a little more time to get comfortable before Florida comes to town. It’s time for the ones that choose to crucify him to get behind him and support him until something changes.

More from Alabama Crimson Tide News

Crimson Tide offense clicking at record pace

"For such a defensive minded head coach, Nick Saban suddenly features a record-breaking offense. And that’s with new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and first-time staring quarterback Blake Sims.The Alabama offense has produced 1,705 yards total offense through the first three games. That’s the most yardage ever for the Crimson Tide through the first three games in any season. The old record was 1,646 yards in 1973."

Who would have thought the Tide would be putting up offensive numbers like this? I know I didn’t. It’s awesome to see, even though the competition hasn’t been as strong as what Alabama will see for the rest of the year. If we can keep that up, look out.

Alabama football: Tide excited to get to the meat of schedule

"Here come the meat and potatoes.After a few appetizers to start the season, No. 3 Alabama is set to start the bulk of its Southeastern Conference schedule with the Florida Gators serving as the first course Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on CBS.“Games like this, players really get excited,” Tide coach Nick Saban said. “If they don’t, they don’t understand what playing Alabama football means and they don’t understand playing in the SEC. But I think we’ve got enough guys on our team that really understand that, so I don’t think that should be an issue.”"

This what I love. The SEC schedule. Even with all of the cardiac causing events, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Being an Alabama fan for the past few years has brought more fun than disappointment. It’s almost time again.

Volleyball to Take on UAB Tuesday in Home Opener

"Alabama (8-2) will make its 2014 Foster Auditorium debut on Tuesday, Sept. 16 as the Crimson Tide welcome the UAB Blazers (3-7) for a 7 p.m. CT match."

Official Practices Are Underway for Gymnastics

"The defending Southeastern Conference champion Alabama gymnastics team got the 2015 season underway with its first official practice Monday in the Frances Smith Practice Facility.It was the first official practice as head coach for Dana Duckworth, who took over for Sarah Patterson, who stepped down as the Crimson Tide’s mentor in July."

Those last few links will get you caught up in the world of Alabama athletics. Enjoy your Monday 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.