Alabama’s Amen Corner threatens a second repeat

What are the chances that the Crimson Tide repeats as National Champions? Can Bama really expect such a lofty feat? The optimist says “HELL YEAH, ROLL TIDE!”

The realist channels my inner Brent Musberger and says “Now, hold on a minute pardner [sic].”

The reason for my caution: Arguably the toughest four-game stretch in October-November faced by any team in the country.

Per ESPN:

September treats Alabama to games away from Tuscaloosa against USC and Ole Miss, but the October slate for Alabama would spook anyone. This all-SEC gauntlet features road trips to two schools that will enter the season ranked and will make or break Alabama's chances of three-peating as SEC champs and returning to the College Football Playoff for a third consecutive season.

There are actually three road games during that stretch, with visits to Fayetteville, Knoxville and Baton Rouge. Teas A&M visits the Tide during the stretch, but there’s every reason to think that the Aggies’ Kevin Sumlin could have his team playing well and smelling blood.

Per Bleacher Report (I know, I know):

That leaves the tough three-game span from October 15 to November 5—at Tennessee, Texas A&M and at LSU—a stretch that would cause nearly any team to stumble and will more than test this team’s mettle.

BR’s Walsh doesn’t include the trip to the Hawg’s Fayetteville. While Arkansas still has a lot of questions, it’s still an SEC road trip.

If Alabama reaches this stretch unscathed, and if it wins three out of these four with a loss on the road, the chances are good that Bama makes the SEC Championship Game (perhaps with a rematch against Tennessee). Win that and a playoff berth is a slam dunk.

What happens there is a coin toss. It could go like the inaugural visit, where Bama gets booted in the first round. It coud play out and pit Alabama against, say, a hungry Ohio State.

The standard disclaimer: It’s way too early to start making predictions. The standard response to the standard disclaimer: Who the hell cares? it’s the offseason and we can talk about anything we damned well please.

Is the left trying to take over sports coverage now?

I would argue that liberals have already done so, but Matt Lewis over at Daily Caller makes the case that it’s still work in “progress.”

“It’s funny to listen to sports commentators on the radio who have clearly been brought up through public schools and state university journalism programs talk about class and race and gender like a sociology major from Smith or Dennison,” says R.J. Moeller, a conservative who also writes about sports and culture. “They hate any strong male coaches. They hate any sort of patriotism associated with the sport. They’re treating sports and holding what goes on in locker rooms to the same standard they would a diversity and social justice mediation seminar on Google’s campus.”

Moeller’s not alone in feeling this way. Others cite the “feminization” of sports and the liberal tilt of modern sports coverage as cause for concern.

And if conservatives are upset about this, it may be because this is all they have left. Progressives have long owned Hollywood, and (except maybe for Nashville) most of the popular music industry. Sports were perhaps the bastion for conservative entertainment — the final refuge for the patriotic, beer-guzzling, macho male who just wants to forget about his day job and watch a game — without hearing a lecture. Those days may be over.

The concussion issue is a serious one, but the others—particularly the “bullying scandal” at the Miami Dolphins and the fake brouhaha over the Redskins name—are classic examples of leftist, progressive political correctness.

The problem: There aren’t any un-politicized journalism programs left in the country.

I was bullied while playing on a championship soccer team when I was in elementary school. My tormenter was bigger than I was, and I was a chubby little pre-teen with mild self-esteem issues but a fiery hot temper (that my beloved still tells me I need to control sometimes). My father explained that there is only one way to deal with a bully—confront him and let him know that you aren’t going to tolerate it.

I did just that. When the bastard turned his back on me one day, I ran over and grabbed a sandbag that held the goal down and hit him square between the shoulders. When he fell, the coaches started running toward us but they didn’t get there before I swung that 10-lb “weapon” twice more, getting him once in the chest and a second time to the face. He started crying.

But that’s not how the political correct crowd wants to deal with bullies.

Dan Patrick has dedicated a ridiculously large amount of time on his program in the last two weeks since the non-scandal in the Dolphins locker room erupted.

Getting back to the concussion issue—it’s my opinion that advancing helmet technology and improved tackling technique are the answers to the problem. The so-called “targeting rules” in college and pro football are not. What those rules will end up doing is causing more knee injuries. If you can’t hit high, you have to hit low, and knees are going to be destroyed. While knee injuries are capable of being overcome with surgery and rehab, and while chronic brain trauma is incurable, there is little evidence that the targeting rules can significantly reduce brain trauma.

But that’s not the politically correct point of view either, is it?

Football is a violent sport. There are no current, former or future college or NFL players who are being forced to play it, and with very few exceptions they have been playing this macho, testosterone-influenced, impact sport since they were old enough to pee standing up. Ask any former player that, knowing what they know now about the risks of future encephalopathy, if they would do it all over again. The answer has been an overwhelming “Yes.”

But choices like that are not supposed to be made by individuals in the philosophy of leftists. Decisions are to be made by the Enlightened.

The only thing that’s important is what happens between the lines. Injuries have always been a part of all major sports and that is never going to change, unless the Enlightened Ones on the left convince commissioners and the public that the sports need drastic rules changes that will, effectively, do just what Matt warns about—deny us Neanderthals the respite that comes from drinking beer and watching the damned game.

Nick Saban on 60 Minutes: Full Segment

In case you missed it, here is the outstanding segment broadcast last night on CBS’ 60 Minutes. The report is the culmination of nearly unprecedented access to the Alabama Crimson Tide Football.

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If you're an Alabama fan, this segment should make things in the room a little uhh... "dusty." If you're not an Alabama fan, well... it should make you even less comfortable now than you were before you saw it.

Q&A with the other side: A Rebel blogger’s take on the Ole Miss at Alabama game

Dave Blevan of OleRebelBlog.com and I had the opportunity to trade insight on tonight’s matchup between the undefeated Ole Miss Rebels and the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide. You can catch my take on the game here.

Not surprisingly, Rebel fans are a little nervous, but still confident.

1. How are Ole Miss fans looking at the upcoming game against Alabama? A concern or a win?

To tell you the truth. Ole Miss fans are just happy to be 3-0 right now. This the first time since 1989 this has happened, and the fans are just sucking in the glory. The fans see this game as a nothing to lose situation. If they lose, well it was expected. If they win, then it's the biggest upset of the college football season. 

2. Which player on offense that Alabama fans might not be aware of, will stand out in the game?

It would have to be Evan Engram. Engram is a freshman tight end who really stood out in the game against Texas. It's been a long long time since Ole Miss has had a tight end who really stood out as an impact player. Engram has shown he can catch clutch mid field passes to put the opposing team on edge. 

3. Which player on defense that Alabama fans might not be aware of, will stand out in the game? 

Cody Prewitt was been doing great this season and has really stood out. He could threaten with picks in deep down field passes. 

4. Which Alabama player are you most concerned about?

It's got to be Christian Jones. Like Virginia Tech, we have fallen victim to his great abilities on special teams. Hid speed and ability as a wide receiver are also feared. 

5. Biggest concerned Ole Miss position?

Our concern for the longest has been the secondary. We have given up too many points in the past with this area. Charles Sawyer is out. Players like Trae Elston, are going to have to step it up against the skilled Bama receivers like Jones and Cooper to keep the game close. 

6. What about an injury report? Any key players that will be out for the game?

Denzel Nkemdiche has been out with a knee injury for the past two games. He has been looking good in the past few practices. He could return for the Alabama game. Vince Sanders is expected to return to the Alabama game. Sanders has been out all season with a broken collarbone injury. He was the Rebels 2nd leading receiver in 2012. 

7. Were their concerns after the Texas game?

Well, BYU put up almost 600 yards of rushing against Texas. We put up half of that number against Tecas. So, we know we are half the team BYU is. 

8. Where do you think Ole Miss and Alabama will end up this season?

Alabama is expected to make history this year. Three in a row, would be unbelievable, and very well respected by the rest of the nation. As for Ole Miss, if we finish 9-3 or 8-4, it will unbelievable season for us.  

If you as most Rebel fans, they don't expect us to contend for the West this year. If we somehow upset Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU, then our mindset might change. But, that happening this year is highly unlikely. Our hope is next year, will be the year we shake things up in the conference.  

9. Do Ole Miss fans feel the Tide will three-peat or do they think this is not the year?

Right now, Ole Miss see us being the team standing Alabama's way. All Alabama has to do now is beat Ole Miss and LSU and it is a given they will the SEC Championship game. 

10. Prediction of the game and final score?

Our writing staff has been picking games weekly for a fun record. Four out five, of our staff picked Ole Miss to beat Bama. That doesn't mean that we expect Ole Miss to go in and pull out two or possession win. It's more like a last second field goal win. 

My prediction is Ole Miss wins with a field goal with less than a minute to play. Final score: Ole Miss 33-30. Andrew Ritter kicked a 52 yard field goal in the Texas game.  

There you have it. See? I told you that they’re still confident. It should be a fun game.

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Jim Cornelison sings the National Anthem the way it’s supposed to be sung

In case you missed this stirring rendition of the National Anthem at the beginning of yesterday’s Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears game, here it is. This is the way the song was meant to be sung. It’s full of force, conviction and the love of freedom that this great song stands for.

If it doesn’t get a little dusty in here for you while listening to this, then the terrorists have won.

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Alabama vs Kent State: Recap, Photos and Online Replay

By: @LivingCrimson

AP No. 2 Alabama (1-0, 0-0 SEC) beat the unranked Kent State Golden Flashes 48-7 in its season opener before a sold-out crowd of 101,821 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saturday, September 3, 2011. (ONLINE REPLAY)

Alabama’s helmets were decorated with small ribbon stickers in remembrance of the tornado victims and a circle sticker for deceased teammate Aaron Douglas.

Several Kent State players visited Tuscaloosa in July to help with tornado relief, and Crimson Tide fans applauded as the Golden Flashes jogged on to the field before kickoff.

Bryant-Denny Stadium fell still during a moment of silence to remember tornado victims, and the Million Dollar band performed a tribute at halftime. Fans in the uppermost seats could see twisted trees and mangled homes along the trail of destruction in the distance.

The quarterback competition kicked off with A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims alternating in three offensive series sets each. The game also featured seven true freshmen, proving once again to future recruits that Alabama makes space in its lineup for players with the ability to compete:

FS: Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix
OLB: Trey DePriest
ILB: Xzavier Dickson
WR: Christion Jones
LT: Cyrus Kouandjio
DL: Jeoffrey Pagan
SS: Vinnie Sunseri

The Tide also played nine redshirt freshmen and two JUCO transfers:

DL: Quinton Dial
JLB: Adrian Hubbard
TE: Harrison Jones
C: Chad Lindsay
RT: Austin Shepherd
RB: Blake Sims
QB: Phillip Sims
TE: Brian Vogler
WR: DeAndrew White
P: Jay Williams
DL: Jesse Williams

Saturday confirmed what everyone suspected leading up to this season: Alabama’s defense is the real deal. Led by freshman Trey DePriest's 10 tackles, the defense held the Golden Flashes to 90 yards total offense and minus-9 rushing. LSU transfer DB Phelon Jones had Bama’s sole interception in the game, although many players almost had interceptions with eight passes broken up (PBU). CJ Mosley and Quinton Dial recorded a sack each, and Dont’a Hightower, Damion Square, Undra Billingsley, JUCO transfer Jesse Williams and freshman Trey DePriest each had a quarterback hurry.

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The Tide finished ranked nationally No. 1 in rushing defense,

No. 13 in passing defense and No. 2 in total defense.

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The offense has room for improvement, however, after the Tide had four interceptions and the ball was on the ground four more times. Coach Saban quantified Phillip Sims’ two interceptions as “bad” since he “didn't throw the ball to the right place,” and A.J. McCarron’s two interceptions as “good” since his throws “could have been caught…got tipped…the other team ends up intercepting.” Additionally, the offensive line shuffled and reshuffled position players while it pretty much stifled the rushing game. Jalston Fowler ended up as the leading rusher with 69 yards on 4 carries, Eddie Lacy in second with 58 yards on 8 carries, and Trent Richardson in third with 37 yards on 13 carries. Marquis Maze ranked No. 4 nationally with 253 all-purpose yards: receiving of 118 yards, punt returns of 96 yards and kickoff returns of 39 yards.

It was over when... Alabama lost in the Iron Bowl. The Tide have outscored their last two opponents 97-14.

Game ball goes to... Trent Richardson, who punched in three TDs, including two in the first quarter, on 13 carries.

Stat of the game... 6. Alabama's ferocious defense allowed Nick Saban's alma mater just six first downs.

Surprise of the game… no Wildcat with Blake Sims.

Alabama will next travel to State College, Pennsylvania, to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. central time and will be televised by ABC.

ESPN highlights: Trent Richardson scored three touchdowns in Alabama's 48-7 rout of Kent State.

Box Score with top performers AJ McCarron 226 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT; Trent Richardson 13 CAR, 37 YDS, 3 TD; Marquis Maze 8 REC, 118 YDS, 1 TD. Play-by-Play with Alabama scoring in all four quarters. Drive Chart shown quarter-by-quarter.

Photos from the game at RollTide.com, ESPN, 247Sports Part 1 and Part 2, TideSports, DailyBamaBlog, al.com, and The Crimson White.

Participation Report and and Game Stats from RollTide.com. National stats from NCAA and CFBStats.

Portions of the Game Recap from ESPN and RollTide.com.

You can follow me on Twitter at @LivingCrimson

Verne Lundquist sighs in relief, as Psalm FaaFoisia Pulemagafa Wooching commits to UCLA

No, really. That’s the dude’s real name. Psalm FaaFoisia Pulemagafa Wooching. See Bryan Fischer’s story at CBSSports.com.

I’m sure you all share my fond memories of Verne Lundquist trying to pronounce the relatively simple name, “Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis.”  God bless him, he really did try but he really did struggle mightily trying to wrap his jowls around it.

Should Wooching have chosen an SEC school (Houston Nutt always has room), could you imagine him trying to say, “and there goes Sum Bitching dude for the touchdown!”

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