Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 11/15
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All of your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Mississippi State marches on
"Always in the life of Mississippi State, there has been Alabama. Ole Miss may be the Bulldogs’ biggest rival, but right there, a short drive east on U.S. Highway 82, has been their biggest tormentor. And really, there is nothing else to know about the game Saturday, the most important in the 119-year history of Mississippi State football.If the No. 1 Bulldogs defeat the No. 5 Crimson Tide, it will remain their most important game for only a matter of days. If Mississippi State leaves the field a loser, as it has 78 times in the 98 games between the schools, then the game Saturday may hold that designation for years to come.“For many years, they’ve been the bell cow to which you wanted to measure yourself,” former Mississippi State athletic director Larry Templeton said of Alabama. “It’s been a one-sided rivalry.”"
Well, it’s finally here. Here is ESPN’s preview of the game. Just another Saturday. folks. Second tough game of the year on deck. Win and you are in.
Alabama Football: How Tide Can Stop Dak Prescott
"If Alabama is looking for a blueprint in stopping Dak Prescott and Mississippi State, Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart only have to flip through their game plans from a few years back.In 2009, it faced the mighty Florida Gators in the SEC Championship Game, an Atlanta re-match of the year before. That team featured a Heisman-worthy quarterback who, up to that year, had been coached by Dan Mullen, then the offensive coordinator of the Gators and now the head coach at Mississippi State.It was a similar style of quarterback and play, and the Crimson Tide held Florida to just 13 points in a route that propelled Alabama to its first national title under Saban."
Marc Torrence points to the things that the Tide needs to do to slow down Prescott: Contain him by pressing the pocket back against him, force bad throws, and stay disciplined. Just like against LSU in New Orleans for the title. Keep him honest.
Mississippi State seeks to stay atop SEC West at Alabama; Walkthrough
"Mississippi State guard Ben Beckwith is a 6-foot-3, 306-pounder who looks like what you would get if you introduced one of Slayer’s guitar techs to a squat rack. He plays with a nasty streak, and he seems incapable of providing a BS answer to any question. So, though Robert’s Rules of Getting Interviewed Before Football Games suggested Beckwith say the Bulldogs are treating Alabama like any other opponent, Beckwith told the truth. Saturday’s clash in Tuscaloosa does mean more, and that’s good, because the top-ranked Bulldogs needed some motivation. “We’ve had a little lull these past three weeks,” Beckwith said. “There’s no doubt about that. There’s not a person on the team who will tell you we’ve played well the past three weeks.”"
And there is Sports Illustrated preview. Also a friendly reminder to check the Bama Hammer coverage on this exact website. You won’t be sorry. Now, let’s go take care of some Bulldogs today.
Alabama’s JK Scott named a semifinalist for college punting’s top honor
"Alabama’s JK Scott is one of 10 finalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top punter.What stands out about his inclusion is he’s the only freshman among the group. Scott’s one of two from the SEC, joining Texas A&M’s Drew Kaser."
Scott with his thunder foot stands a good chance to win this one. He could play an important part in changing field position if the Tide struggles for a few drives against the Bulldogs.
Williams’ Double-Double Propels Alabama Women’s Basketball to Season-Opening Win
"The Alabama women’s basketball team won its 2014-15 season opener by a score of 60-44 over Florida A&M on Friday evening in Coleman Coliseum. Sophomore Ashley Williams recorded the sixth double-double of her career to pace the Crimson Tide with 21 points and 11 rebounds."
Baseball Inks 11 to 2015-16 Signing Class
"Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard announced the signing of 11 players during the early signing period for the 2015-16 academic year. Included in this year’s class of signees are prep standouts Kyle Cameron (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), Dylan Duarte (Corpus Christi, Texas), Sam Finnerty (Pelham, Ala.), Brock Love (Rainbow City, Ala.), Mike Nikorak (Stroudsburg, Pa.), Chandler Taylor (Montgomery, Ala.), Davis Vainer (Atlanta, Ga.), Cobie Vance (Fayetteville, N.C.), Alex Webb (Columbia, Tenn.) and Gene Wood (Flowood, Miss.), and junior college transfer Matt Foster (Gulf Coast State College (Fla.)).“We’ve targeted the right guys that fit our system,” said Gaspard. “They’re going to help us build team depth moving forward. We’ll have some great competition when these guys get here, and we addressed a lot of the needs that our team had. I think it’s good that the kids put their trust in the coaching staff and this great university to get their education as well. We’re all looking forward to having this group on campus.”"