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Final 2014 Associated Press poll has Alabama in top five as Ohio State claims title
"After falling short of the inaugural College Football Playoff championship, Alabama’s 2014 season has a final ranking.The Associated Press had the Crimson Tide No. 4 after Monday night’s title game. Ohio State topped the poll after a convincing 42-20 whipping of No. 2 Oregon.TCU, winners of the Peach Bowl over Ole Miss, jumped past Alabama for No. 3. Florida State and Michigan State tied for No. 5 behind the Tide."
That puts a wrap on the 2014-2015 season. Not too bad of a result coming in at number four and definitely top 10 for next season.
Alabama Football: Which Early Enrollees Have the Best Chance to Play in 2015?
"Nick Saban doesn’t require it, nor does he hold it against players who don’t wish to do it.But there’s no question that high school commitments who enroll in school a semester early get a leg up on the rest of the competition within their class for early playing time. Going through spring practice, as well as getting settled into life as a college student without the season going on, pays big dividends.Last year, for example, seven of Alabama’s eight January enrollees saw the field in some capacity in 2014, with only quarterback David Cornwell taking a redshirt.Notably, Cam Robinson started every game at left tackle. JUCO transfers Jarran Reed and D.J. Pettway were regulars in the defensive line rotation. Tony Brown got two starts at cornerback. Cam Sims played in all but two games at wide receiver. Their extra time paid off."
As the 2014 season comes to a close, Marc Torrence takes a look at early enrollees that have a chance to play next season.
LSU has been in contact with Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker about job
"LSU officials have been in contact with Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker during the school’s search for a replacement for John Chavis, multiple sources told The Advocate on Monday.It’s unclear how serious of candidates Smart and Tucker are, but each — at least through intermediaries — has spoken with representatives from LSU about the defensive coordinator opening.LSU also reached out to Bears defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, a source said. The 57-year-old Ohio native has spent time as defensive coordinator at Florida and Kent State."
I don’t think this means too much to be honest. It’s a lateral move and I don’t see Smart making it. I have been wrong before though.
Edmond Boy Donates College Football Championship Tickets To Make-A-Wish
"One of teams many expected to be playing in Monday night’s College Football National Championship game was number one ranked Alabama. But they lost on Jan. 1 to Ohio State.The result stings for an 8-year-old Edmond boy, but not enough to stop him from being a hero for another college football fan.The father of Callan Weathington pledged to buy tickets if Alabama made it to the National Championship game in Dallas. He bought the tickets for $2,500 while Alabama was in the lead of the SEC championship game final."
Even though the Tide didn’t get to play for it all, one young Tide fan made someone else’s day with his gesture.
Gymnastics Sixth Nationally in First Regular-Season Rankings
"The Alabama gymnastics team is sixth nationally in the first regular-season rankings of the 2015 season after Friday’s season opener against Arizona.Oklahoma is ranked first this week, followed by LSU and Florida, all of which are on Alabama’s schedule this season. Utah and Michigan took the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Georgia, a part of the Tide’s road slate, is ranked sixth while Nebraska, Illinois-Champaign, and California round out the top 10."
Men’s Basketball Continues Road Swing at South Carolina on Tuesday Night
"Alabama will close out its two-game road swing when the Tide travels to Columbia, S.C., where it will take on the South Carolina Gamecocks on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 8 p.m. CT on ESPNU.The Tide, off to a 12-3 start to the season and 2-0 in SEC play, is receiving votes to be ranked in the latest top-25 polls, which were released on Monday. Alabama checks in at No. 34 in the nation in the Associated Press national poll with seven votes to be ranked, while the Tide is No. 36 nationally in the USA Today Coaches Poll with eight votes. It is the first time since the 2012-13 season that Alabama has received votes to be ranked in the top-25 national polls."