Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 9/30

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

Alabama faces biggest test yet in Ole Miss

"After fumbling about against West Virginia in the season opener, Alabama’s defense has returned to form. If it weren’t for four turnovers, Florida wouldn’t have scored a single point in Tuscaloosa two weeks ago. Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart made the Gators look inept as Jeff Driskel struggled to complete 9 of his 28 pass attempts.Alabama has developed into a complete football team these past few weeks. Even the punting and place kicking have been better than expected.But now comes the real fun.Now comes Ole Miss."

Should be a fun one in Oxford. Ole Miss already being blinded by the lights from College Gameday’s appearance so it’s possible they will be off their game. With Cody Prewitt’s comments, look for the Tide to come in even more hungry and motivated.

CBS puts hold on Alabama-Arkansas game

"CBS has exercised a six-day option on the upcoming Alabama at Arkansas football game.The Razorbacks will host the Crimson Tide in Fayetteville on Oct. 11.CBS and ESPN will each broadcast two games that day. CBS will choose a game for its 2:30 p.m. time slot followed by ESPN picking games for 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. CBS will then select a game for an 11 a.m. broadcast."

With so many great games set for Oct 11, CBS has put a hold on their selection of games until after Saturday’s slate is complete.

Hugh Freeze urges Ole Miss fans to ‘enjoy the journey,’ sizes up ‘super explosive’ Amari Cooper

"— Freeze said the most impressive aspect of Blake Sims’ game has been “his accuracy and how efficient he’s been running the offense.” He also complimented the Alabama quarterback for his ability to throw the deep ball, something many fans questioned as recently as two weeks ago.— Like most opposing coaches, Freeze had nothing but effusive praise for Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper: “Cooper is arguably one of the top three receivers in the nation, if not the best, and he’s been super explosive. You have to guard him on runs because of the screen game, and you have to guard him on the deep ball. He’s a difficult matchup for everybody, including us.”"

Be sure to check that link to see what Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze’s thoughts are on the big game this weekend.

Tide Leads Shoal Creek Intercollegiate Through Two Rounds

"Behind the play of clubhouse leader Tom Lovelady, the Alabama men’s golf team is in first overall after 36 holes of the Shoal Creek Intercollegiate, being played at Shoal Creek Country Club in Birmingham, Ala.In all, Alabama has three golfers (Lovelady, Robby Shelton and Gavin Moynihan) among the top five individuals in the event."

Emma Talley Leads Crimson Tide on Day Two of the ANNIKA Intercollegiate

"Led by Emma Talley’s 2-under-par 70, the Alabama women’s golf team shot a second round total of 4-over 292 on Monday at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate on the par-72, 6,247 yard Watson Course at the Reunion Resort.“I feel like we played a little better today than we did yesterday,” Alabama head coach Mic Potter said. “We made a lot more birdies. All in all, we had our chances and had opportunities. We just have to keep getting better; keep improving every day."

Goalkeeper Emily Rusk Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week

"Alabama junior goalkeeper Emily Rusk was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday.“Emily would be the first to tell you we have been defending well as a team all season,” Alabama head coach Todd Bramble said. “I am very happy for her individually to get this honor. She worked hard after a tough season last year and showed great determination to improve her game as a goalkeeper. For her to be recognized in this manner is a great reward for all the work she has put in over the last nine months.”"

Krystal Rivers Earns Second-Straight SEC Weekly Honor

"Redshirt sophomore Krystal Rivers continues to impress for Alabama as she has earned her second-straight SEC Offensive Player of the Week award, announced by the conference office Monday.Rivers led the offense in kills for the second-straight week, posting 22 last Wednesday against Georgia and 26 on Sunday against LSU. The 26 kills against the Tigers are her highest in a four-set match so far this season. She also played a key role on defense, posting double-digit digs in each match to earn her fourth and fifth double-doubles of the season. Her 12 digs in the weekend finale against LSU are a new career-high. Combined over the week’s two matches, she had a .400 hitting percentage, 48 kills, 22 digs and seven blocks."