Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 11/9
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All of your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Man, what a game. We walked into Death Valley, got the win, and kept playoff hopes alive. This shows my excitement after last night.
No. 4 Alabama edges No. 15 LSU in OT, setting up huge game vs. No. 1 Mississippi State
"After another classic slugfest on Saturday night at Death Valley, overtime was probably appropriate. If neither team is quite what it has been in the last few years, it didn’t matter in the moment. Alabama drove for a field goal with three seconds left in regulation, then escaped with a win and its playoff hopes still alive. Blake Sims connected with DeAndrew White for the go-ahead touchdown, and the Tide knocked down Anthony Jennings’ fourth-down pass into the end zone to win it."
I can’t tell you how glad I am this one is over. I knew it would be a tough and physical game. I actually hit my prediction pretty close with the 21-14 guess. Time to regroup and get ready for the Bulldogs.
Three and Out: Alabama beats LSU in overtime to keep playoff hopes alive
"As soon as LSU sophomore quarterback Anthony Jennings’ fourth-and-10 pass attempt fell incomplete in overtime, it became abundantly clear: Alabama (8-1) is in the driver’s seat for a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff."
Great look from Sports Illustrated at the College Football Playoff Picture.
Brandon Greene emerges as unlikeliest of targets to kick-start Alabama’s overtime offense
"The Alabama tight end caught a much more important one during the Crimson Tide’s overtime thriller at LSU. This one counted, and it jump-started an Alabama offense that rode the momentum all the way to a stunning, 20-13 victory.“I’m just excited I can help the team out at the end of the game in a crucial moment of the game,” a reluctant Greene said in the first post-game interview of his Alabama career."
This is one of the better plays I have seen all year and Kiffin picked the best time to pull it out of his hat. Even if some of his playcalls were questionable during the game, the final drive and overtime possession was absolutely beautiful. I have to remember what Saban said during his press conference though. When a coach calls a play its final but we have the luxury of second guessing it after the fact.
‘We can make history,’ Blake Sims tells Alabama huddle before season-saving drive
"But Alabama quarterback Blake Sims described a more private display after the Crimson Tide’s wild 20-13 win at LSU. Emotion was think in the Alabama locker room, as the senior described Nick Saban’s reaction.“When coach Saban is smiling, you know that we did a good job,” a grinning Sims said. “So when he’s celebrating, we can celebrate even harder.”"
Sims may have struggled throughout the game but I am glad he is our quarterback. This is a guy that will do anything he can in his power to help his team win. Even with the struggles, he completed six passes on eight attempts when it mattered in the final two drives. Ice water in the veins.
Crimson Tide Earns Trio of Wins on Saturday in Men’s Tennis
"The men’s tennis team picked up a pair of wins Saturday at the USTA Futures tournament and another win in doubles at the Commodore Scramble.Sophomore Hayes Brewer defeated Tom Dynka, 6-3, 6-4, and junior Becker O’Shaughnessey earned a win against Quinton Vega, 6-4, 6-2 in Niceville, Fla., to move on to the third round of qualifying."
Women’s Basketball Hosts North Alabama for Exhibition Matchup on Sunday
"The women’s basketball team welcomes North Alabama to Foster Auditorium on Sunday, Nov. 9, for the Crimson Tide’s lone exhibition contest of the 2014-15 season. Game time is set for 2 p.m. CT, and admission is free."
Volleyball Concludes Road Weekend Sunday at South Carolina
"Alabama (19-6, 7-4 SEC) concludes its road weekend in Columbia, S.C., facing the South Carolina Gamecocks (15-9, 5-6 SEC) on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. CT live on the SEC Network."