Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 12/25
By Chris Hale
Merry Christmas! Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Alabama Football: The Return of Bo Scarbrough
"Arguably the biggest news to come from Alabama’s pre-Christmas Sugar Bowl practices had nothing to do with anything that will affect that actual game, or any other game the Crimson Tide may play this postseason.No, it came in the form of a 6’2”, 235-pound running back, an early Christmas present, if you will, for Nick Saban and his Alabama team.Bo Scarbrough was going through drills with the running backs on Dec. 16, finally academically eligible after a whirlwind clearing process.Scarbrough, a 5-star athlete originally from Tuscaloosa’s Northridge High School, transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year. He had been committed to Alabama’s 2014 class since September 2012.He was announced as a member of that class on national signing day, but never showed up on campus. Saban in early August said that Alabama had an appeal in place that “will take some time.”That process appears to be behind Alabama now."
It definitely was big news to see this 5-star get to hit the field. He can practice with the team in Tuscaloosa but won’t be able to travel to New Orleans. The few extra practices will get him ahead just a it quicker though.
Close games help Alabama find different ways to win, prepare for Playoff
"Alabama hasn’t steamrolled opponents with quite the same relentless regularity as some of its recent national championship teams.Instead, the top-ranked Crimson Tide has survived fourth-quarter threats against the likes of Mississippi State and Auburn, beaten LSU in overtime and eked out a one-point victory over Arkansas.It’s a different, more treacherous path into contention than Alabama took in winning three of the last five national titles. That kind of experience in nail-biters could come in handy New Year’s Day against No. 4 Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, or in the championship game if the Tide makes it that far."
Battle tested and ready to go. Plus it was accomplished in the toughest conference as well.
Marq Burnett: Ten things Alabama fans should be thankful for
"It’s the holiday season, and the Alabama faithful has a lot to be thankful for.Alabama enters the College Football Playoff as the SEC champion with a 12-1 record. The Crimson Tide is the top seed with a Sugar Bowl matchup versus Ohio State on Jan. 1. Win that and the Tide will face Florida State or Oregon for the national championship.With the way the 2013 season ended, some questioned whether Alabama’s dynasty was over.As the Tide prepares to compete for another national championship, here is a list of 10 things the Alabama faithful should be thankful for."
Check out Marq’s list for the ten things Alabama fans can be thankful for. You can talk about it around your Crimson Tide Christmas tree today. Marq also does great work on the Bama beat. He is a great follow on Twitter as well. Be sure to check him out.
A few numbers of note for Alabama and Ohio State entering Sugar Bowl semifinal
"In this edition, we look at some of the interesting numbers both teams have recorded this season.For Alabama, we took a look at the offense first. Amari Cooper accounts for 45 percent of Alabama’s passing yardage and 42 percent of the completions. It’s also worth noting Alabama’s out-scored opponents 295-109 in the first half."
Here are a few great videos to check out some details behind enemy lines. All of them are listed in the link above.