Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 11/18
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All of your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Alabama completes its return to top of SEC
"Go back six weeks to the first Sunday in October. Back when the AP poll had Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Texas A&M in its top 15. Back when all five SEC West teams were undefeated and in position to make the College Football Playoff. Back when we knew the division would eventually cannibalize itself, only we didn’t know how.Go back and think of the possibilities, and then recall the weekend that followed, the first of those handful of unbeaten teams that fell. The one the coaches’ poll had ranked No. 1. It was in Oxford, Mississippi. Afternoon turned to night, Ole Miss came back late, the goal posts were carried out of the stadium and Alabama’s playoff hopes were seemingly extinguished. Nick Saban’s dynasty in Tuscaloosa was declared by some to be over.We have come a long way these past six weeks."
Order has been restored at least for now. We still have the Iron Bowl coming and the Tide is listed as favorites but you just never know what will can happen in that game.
Three and Out: Alabama’s win over Miss. State displays playoff worth
"Alabama appears to be peaking at the proper time to make the College Football Playoff, as it showed in a 25-20 win over No. 1 Mississippi State on Saturday. Alabama entered the game No. 5 in the playoff rankings, and it’ll certainly vault into the top four this week. This victory assures the Crimson Tide a playoff spot if they can win three more games: Western Carolina and No. 9 Auburn at home followed by the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.Here are three thoughts on the game."
Great stuff from Sports Illustrated on Blake Sims evolving as well as Lane Kiffin. Saban and staff can prepare for a title game like no other. We just have to add one more this season if we can make it that far.
Alabama players ready ‘to run through a brick wall’ after speech from ‘Lone Survivor’ inspiration
"The retired Navy SEAL and inspiration behind the movie “Lone Survivor” gave an emotional speech to the Crimson Tide on Friday. Players describe an emotional scene in the team auditorium as Luttrell told his story.“I was sitting on the edge of my seat,” tight end Brian Vogler said. “Any time you can talk to somebody like that, you’re completely locked in to everything that’s going on, every word that’s coming out of his mouth. And honestly, once he got done talking, I wanted to run through a brick wall.”"
I would have given anything to hear that speech. Coach Saban is a master at getting his team motivated and having a great American hero should do it every time. Awesome story. Check out the movie if you have never seen it.
Baseball Signees Kyle Cameron and Davis Vainer
"Last week, Alabama baseball inked 11 recruits to add to the 2015-16 roster. Over the next four days all 11 players from this year’s recruiting class will be featured on RollTide.com. Today’s featured signees are right-handed pitchers Kyle Cameron from Tuscaloosa and Davis Vainer from Atlanta, Ga."
Amari Cooper a Semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award
"University of Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper was named one of 10 semifinalists for the 2014 Biletnikoff Award presented by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation on Monday.The award recognizes the outstanding receiver in college football, regardless of position – any player at any position who catches a pass is eligible."