Happy Thanksgiving!

ONLY.....

...ONE WEEK 'TIL KICKOFF...!!

ROLL TIDE!

BAMA QB Greg McElroy KNOWS People

Great article over on TideSports.com about THE University of ALABAMA Quarterback Greg McElroy and the people he knows.

This piece offers great insight on how some folks --many of them prominent and influential-- are impressed by this young man.

Roll Tide, Greg!

This Week's Picks

Alright! Week four of college football, and here are my usual predictions and picks. THIS edition includes one big upset pick, a little later in the post.

THE University of Alabama opens up their SEC play with a trip up to Fayetteville to face the 10th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.
In a game to be nationally televised by CBS, all the hype seems to be about Ryan Mallett's arm and the Hogs' high-powered passing attack. Much like last year, I expect The Tide to be all up in his grill, and I hope our young secondary can cover their speedy receivers. Look for the Bama 'D' to put a 'Colt McCoy' on Mallett.
Offensively, I see The Tide's initial plan to be a grinding, power ground-control strategy to keep the Razorbacks off the field. Possibly two 100-yard rushers...? If it does, however, turn into a foot-race.... I still like our chances. A poised McElroy and fleet of hungry receivers?
Pick: ALABAMA 42, Arkansas 20.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This season, as in the past, I WILL be continuing my ritual of consuming representations of our opponent. This week I will be having bacon and other forms of pork yet to be determined!)

Everyone Else

SEC:

South Carolina 24, auburn 21 Spurrier is a little more slick.

Florida 31, Kentucky 24 Gators start to gel after tense 3 1/2 quarters.

Georgia 24, Mississippi State 17 MSU comes alive, but Georgia finally puts one together.
LSU 31, West Virginia 28 Tigers pull one out in raucous Baton Rouge night game.

tennessee 5, UAB 3

Fresno State 28, Ole Miss 14 Akbars are in trouble.

National:
TCU 31, SMU 14
Texas 31, UCLA 14
Penn State 21, Temple 10
Oregon 28, Arizona St. 20
Stanford 35, Notre Dame 21
Oklahoma 49, Cincinnati 24

UPSET ALERT!

Oregon State 31, Boise State 27 Mike Riley is the giant-killer.

On a totally relevant and related note, I've been calling local talk and sport radio stations with picks and commentary using the name "Cook". I then, to their surprise, do a long Beano Cook impersonation to spice up the shows.
A little self-gratification, if you will.

My Picks For This Weekend

Well, last week I did pretty decent, except my choosing of tennessee over Oregon. I also missed on Miami-Ohio St. and Michigan's squeaker over Notre Dame.
I don't care about any of these teams anyway, so 'Whatevah!'

Now for THIS week:
S.E.C.-
ALABAMA 42, Duke 3 If The Tide steps it up a notch, this could be a shutout.
Florida 21, tennessee 7 Will probably be ugly.
Arkansas 35, Georgia 21 Should be the most interesting matchup of the weekend.
Ole Miss 5, Vandy 3 Akbars can score, but can they stop even the 'Dores...?
LSU 21, Mississippi St. 20 Bulldogs keep getting closer and closer. Miles is due to blow one.
Kentucky 28, Akron 14
South Carolina 42, Furman 17
auburn 24, Clemson 21 Too much orange. Both Tigers.

Top 25
Ohio St. 35, Ohio 14
Penn St. 24, Kent St. 7
Texas 31, Texas Tech 28
Notre Dame 17, Michigan St. 14
Boise St. 28, Wyoming 14
Utah 21, New Mexico 14
USC 21, Minnesota 10
BYU 21, Florida St. 14
TCU 35, Baylor 20
Oklahoma 31, Air Force 10


That's all I have to say about that.

First Picks of the Season!

Okay.

New season. New players. ALABAMA's not 'defending' their National Championship. They're trying to win another. Here's hoping that they DO.

I was a little sad that we didn't have a 'marquee' game, taking center stage with sole possession of the national spotlight. With the 'creampuff', The TIDE will be able to rotate players, giving many younger and freshman players 'game experience'. (Though they probably get more competition in practice! Just sayin'...!) San Jose State MIGHT score 3, but I doubt it.

I have been unable to be at my computer, so I missed picking Thursday's games. Here, for MY enjoyment, are this week's SEC picks, followed by some national ones.

THE University of ALABAMA 54, SJSU 0 (First-string sits after 4-score 1st qtr)

Florida 56, Miami, OH 14 (Post-Tebow, Gators air it out)

Arkansas 42, Tennessee Tech 17 (Mallett puts up big numbers against patsies)

LSU 49, North Carolina 14 (NC uses freshmen due to suspensions)

Georgia 45, La-Lafayette 10

Ole Miss 35, Jax St. 14

Kentucky 24, Louisville 21

Tennessee 3, UT-Martin 2

Mississippi State 17, Memphis 14

Vanderbilt 10, Northwestern 9

auburn 45, Arkansas State 10

South Alabama 35, Pikeville 17

Texas 66, Rice 21

TCU 14, Oregon St 13

Oklahoma 49, Utah St. 21

Nebraska 38, Western Kentucky 7

Penn State 45, Youngstown St 10

Florida State 77, Samford 3

W. Virginia 55, Coastal Carolina 14

Monday:

Virginia Tech 35, Boise St. 20 (Shut up & sit down, Boise!)

The TIDE Racks Up In Recruiting-- Again!

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide completed another stellar recruiting season, and although they weren't a consensus recruiting champ again, most rankings had them in various top-5 spots. ESPN ranked them at #3, behind Florida & Texas. Rivals has us 5th, behind USC, Florida, Texas & auburn. Scout has us rated 4th, behind Florida, Oklahoma & Texas.

By the way, did I mention that BAMA beat Florida, Texas and auburn on the field this year...? Coach Saban has a process and a thoroughly-prepared menu of what he's looking for, so I am pretty sure he got what he wanted, with one exception.

As the success continues, and the winning and championships pile up, look for The TIDE to continue to pull in top talent.

ROLL TIDE!

Defending ALABAMA's (and WalMart's) Honor

A couple of weeks ago, there were some bitter columns in the Mobile Press-Register, along with a cartoon by j.d. crowe, that kind of upset me. I sent an e-mail to the editor, and here is the e-mail in its entirety:

As a long-time subscriber to the Press-Register and a long-time supporter of The University of Alabama Crimson Tide, I feel the need to respond to both the article and the Crowe cartoon regarding Alabama and Wal-Mart.

Both Mr. Crowe and the obviously bitter and biased Kelso seem to take pleasure in belittling and ridiculing Bama fans who want to see (or be photographed with) the crystal championship trophy. First, let me say that many of these people are fans and supporters of The University, but probably will never be able to actually afford to attend a game due to the expense and logistical hurdles in doing so. Most folks can’t afford the price of a ticket, much less the cost of a day-long trip and the possible additional expense of food and/or lodging. They DO, however, support The University and the team by purchasing officially-licensed apparel, home decor and other items to show their loyalty. For many, this is the closest they will ever get to actually being a ‘part’ of history. With the unemployment, loss of industry and income, (plus the economy) pride in the accomplishments of the premier college in the state is one of the few things to make some folks feel good about themselves.

First, for mr. crowe: You really seem to delight in portraying ALL Alabamians as toothless, overweight hicks. While we do have our share, I must advise you that these people are EVERYWHERE. If one has ever travelled by ground to our nation’s capitol, you would see that ‘civilization’ up there also seemingly ends once you ‘turn off the paved road’. Trailer parks stuck on hillsides are prevalent throughout the entire Virginia landscape. As much as you seem to loathe your audience and the region in which you work, you should probably consider re-location. Your liberal, leftist views would be better suited to the Huffington Post or the fading New York Times.

For the ‘Austin American-Statesman’s john kelso, I can’t believe that ANYone from Texas would dare say ANYthing about ANYone ANYwhere driving a truck. Contrary to your uninformed and biased view, many in Alabama DO know what Waterford crystal is. Your obvious jealousy over your team’s defeat is displayed by your bilous vitriol.

While the First Amendment and your current employment give you the platform to spew your jealousy, nothing changes the fact that The Crimson Tide BEAT the Texas Longhorns 37-21 to win the BCS National Championship. Insulting the fans and supporters of Alabama only makes you look sad and petty.

Roll Tide!
Brent Amacker (Register Subscriber)

Here is her response, along with the edited version of the above message:
From: Coleman , Frances [mailto:FColeman@press-register.com] Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 9:57 AMTo: John B. Amacker - MobileSubject: RE: Negative Stereotypes

Hi, Mr. Amacker, and thank you very much for your letter. It was longer than we're able to accommodate, so I trimmed it some, and wanted you to look at the edited version and see if it suits you. I've pasted it on to this email. (And Mr. Kelso's columns DO make him look sad and petty!)

Frances

Frances Coleman
Editorial Page Editor
Mobile Press-Register
P.O. Box 2488
Mobile, AL 36652
251-219-5607

------------------------------------------------
¶
Both cartoonist J.D. Crowe and the obviously bitter and biased syndicated columnist John Kelso seem to take pleasure in belittling and ridiculing Bama fans who want to see (or be photographed with) the crystal championship trophy. ¶
First, let me say that many of these people are fans and supporters of the University of Alabama , but probably will never be able to actually afford to attend a game due to the expense and logistical hurdles in doing so. ¶
They do, however, support the university and the team by purchasing officially-licensed apparel, home decor and other items to show their loyalty. For many, this is the closest they will ever get to being a part of history. ¶
Mr. Crowe seems to delight in portraying all Alabamians as toothless, overweight hicks. While we do have our share, I must advise him that these people are everywhere. ¶
His liberal, leftist views would be better suited to the Huffington Post or the fading New York Times. ¶
For the Austin American-Statesman’s Mr. Kelso, his obvious jealousy over his team’s defeat is displayed by his bilous vitriol. ¶
While the First Amendment and his current employment give Mr. Kelso the platform to spew his jealousy, nothing changes the fact that the Crimson Tide beat the Texas Longhorns 37-21 to win the BCS National Championship. Insulting the fans and supporters of Alabama only makes him look sad and petty. ¶
BRENT AMACKER ¶
Mobile 

ROLL TIDE! UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA WINS BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

ROLL TIDE, people.
THE University of ALABAMA Crimson Tide rolled to another National Championship last night, beating the Texas Longhorns in Pasadena. The TIDE is back where they belong. On top of the college football world. In three short years, Coach Nick Saban has resurrected one of the most storied programs and placed us firmly where we belong.
The national media, partisan naysayers and bitter auburn types will say "What if...?" and "Well, if only....!", but BAMA did exactly as I thought they would. Take McCoy out. Now, don't get me wrong-- I'm not rooting for anyone to get hurt, and I love a hard-fought, evenly-matched game, but THAT'S THE JOB OF THE DEFENSE-- to take the opposition out of their game plan!
It was a clean hit, just one that pinched a nerve in the Texas qb's shoulder.
As my pre-game prediction stated: "POW! Right in the Kisser!"

This from the Denver Post: "It took Colt McCoy four years to return to the Rose Bowl for a shot at a national title. It took five plays for him to go back to his old spot on the Rose Bowl sideline.
An injury to his throwing shoulder on Texas' first drive turned the Longhorns' BCS championship on Thursday night into no more than a wing and a prayer. Yet with a wing from a freshman quarterback who overcame a horrid first half and a stout defense that dominated the second, Texas had a prayer before finally falling to top-ranked Alabama 37-21."
The Tide pounded backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert, like Eryk Anders demonstrates above. The Longhorns' backup qb kept plugging away, though. The Texas offense finally got on track, but BAMA bowed up and make some big plays to put the game away in the fourth quarter.

Above, Marcel Dareus scores a touchdown in the waning moments of the first half.

As usual, even after being ranked #1, and man-handling media darling and favored Florida Gators in the SEC Championship, ALABAMA was not given the proper credit due prior to this game. Many of the 'experts' and 'pundits', including Lou Holtz and USC coach Pete Carroll, picked the Longhorns to take the title. I KNEW we were going to win when Lee Corso also picked Texas.

That's okay. Let 'em hate. Let 'em keep rooting against us. Even with graduation and several probable early departures for the NFL, Coach Saban has stockpiled some talent, with more on the way. This looks like the beginning of another chapter of 'winning tradition'.

Two of My Favorite Things

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team travelled to Pasadena Friday to prepare for The BCS National Championship Game this Thursday night. After a few bouts of sightseeing and some promotional events, including a trip to Disneyland, BAMA will begin final practices before facing the Texas Longhorns and the bitter, Heisman-jilted Colt McCoy.

Photo by Bill Starling/Press-Register Nick Saban takes a moment to pose with Mickey Mouse during the Crimson Tide's visit to Disneyland in preparation for Thursday's BCS national championship game.

A perceived slight by Heisman voters will be the least of McCoy's worries, once the game kicks off and he begins to take the relentless beatings from the punishing attack of the Crimson Tide defense. Texas is no pushover, regardless of recent struggles, and Coach Saban is putting a stop to any possible over-confidence from this focused and purpose-driven BAMA unit. That being said, by listening to ESPN announcers Ron Franklin and Bob Davie one would think that the Longhorns are the team to beat. Good. Those pricks have no idea what they're talking about. Bama's played better competition all year, week-in and week-out. Coach Saban will have these young men prepared.

While watching the Sugar Bowl the other night, I was amused when - during Florida's blowout of Cincinnati- one of their announcers asked: "If this Gator team is this good, just how good is Alabama...?" This, of course, was in reference to the SEC Championship beatdown.

Thursday can't get here soon enough.

ROLL TIDE!

Rolling TIDE Domination! ON To Pasadena!

ROLL TIDE! Wow! What else can you say? THE University of Alabama Crimson Tide pounded on the Florida Gators to the tune of 32-13 last night in The SEC Championship game on national television.

With a relentless, ball-control offense and a very efficient defense, The Tide pretty much shut the Gators down and sent Tim Tebow out crying like a little girl.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not gloating. I'm just happy. This is the way we were raised. This is the way things are supposed to be. BAMA on top, everyone else looking up.

Not to take anything away from the BCS Title game in Pasadena, but I don't think there's a tougher game out there than last night. The beauty is that Coach Saban won't allow the team to let up until they finish. Last year was great, with an undefeated regular season. This year will be considered by the players and coaches a success only if they finish.

I would like to thank auburn for lighting the fire to make this possible. And now that Mark Ingram had a banner 3-td game (and both Tebow and McCoy were basically shut down), he is squarely back in the middle of the Heisman picture.

I LOVE college football. I love it even more when BAMA wins.

ROLL TIDE!

BAMA Twins Watch as TIDE Pulls One Out

Irvington, AL---- Wade and Colton Ellis nervously munched on snacks and leftovers as they watched The University Of Alabama Crimson Tide narrowly escape an upset by auburn in the 2009 Alabama-auburn Game.

Wade seems to be saying "I can't look...!"

After The Tide came from behind in the final
moments, Wade appears to be telling an obviously very distraught Colton that "Yep! I knew we were gonna win all along....!"

Colton almost looks like he's waving and singing the classic "Nah nah Naaah Nah! Nah nah Naaah Nah! Hey, Heeeyy, Hey, ROLLL TIIIDE!! Buh-Bye, auburn.....!"

Heart Palpitations...!

Well, both The University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the New Orleans Saints football teams had me on the edge of my seat all weekend. It wasn't pleasant, at least not until the final guns of either contest.
Inconsistent quarterback play and failure to punch the ball into the end zone in short yardage situations continue to haunt The Tide. Thankfully, Terrence Cody has some mighty big meat-hooks.... and armpits! Alabama was fortunate that Lee Tiffin has gotten into a groove, or we might have been cringing in anguish today.
We have a week off to heal and prepare for the always-dangerous LSU Tigers. Have to play a LOT better on the offensive side if we are to remain undefeated down the stretch.
Roll Tide.




The New Orleans Saints had to come from behind-- waaay behind-- to defeat the Miami Dolphins and remain undefeated. The Phins were playing waaay over their heads for three quarters, but the Saints finally got it together. Drew Brees threw more picks today than he has all season, but New Orleans didn't collapse. They stayed with their game plan, and pounded their way to victory.
Whew!

BAMA Kicks Ole Miss

Well, Mark Ingram's single touchdown would have sufficed. OR, just two of Lee Tiffin's five field goals. Regardless, THE University of ALABAMA beat the university of mississippi 22-3 yesterday in an SEC 'Showdown'.
I thought both teams had to show up and participate for it be a 'showdown'. Heck, if Bama hadn't shot themselves in the foot inside the red zone, it could have been a horrible blowout. It probably SHOULD have been anyway.
At least now we won't have to hear the rebels whine about being 'robbed' or 'gyped', or that The Tide was helped by the officials. Can't blame Bama's blitzes and pressure on home-cooking when you're in your own stadium...!
And can we stop with the whole "Snead for Heisman" garbage...?

Picks Coming Tomorrow PM

I will be posting my SEC picks tomorrow evening......

Picks Coming This Afternoon!

I will have my college football picks up later this evening, before the ESPN game....

This Week's College Football Picks

Here are my picks for THIS weekend (Sept 12):

ALABAMA 45, Florida International 0 “ Fla. Int’l”…? Really…? What are they, immigrants…? A travel agency...? An import shop...?
FLORIDA 48, Troy 21 Gators (AND Troy ) will be surprised by toughness of Trojans
Tennessee 24, UCLA 21 Improved Vols pull it out late against Bruins

The next three are toss-ups, and could go either way:

Auburn 14, Mississippi St. 13.Evenly-matched. State COULD pull the upset.
Georgia 21, South Carolina 17 Visor will be flying as Ol’ Ball Coach watches his team beat themselves, making Bulldogs look better than they actually ARE…
LSU 31, Vanderbilt 28. This one is tricky. After a sluggish trip out west, tigers could be vulnerable. Vandy is much improved, and could have a chance late.

Non-SEC:
PENN STATE 24, Syracuse 14
BYU 35, Tulane 7
Texas 31, Wyoming 17
Navy 24, La. Tech 10
USC 42, Ohio State 24
Michigan 17, Notre Dame 16

Tooting One's Own Horn

Last week, the Georgia Bulldogs ruined my possibility of 100% accuracy on my college football picks. Shame on the Bulldogs.

First Weekend of Season Picks!

THIS WEEK’S PICKS By BRENT “BamaBeano” AMACKER

SEC
South Carolina 27, NC St. 20
Vanderbilt 24, W. Carolina 10
Kentucky 24, Miami , OH 14
Florida 62, Charleston So 7
Arkansas 31, Missouri State 10
Tennessee 27, Western KY 7
Mississippi St 17, Jackson State 7
auburn 21, La Tech 9
LSU 31, Washington 14
Georgia 28, Oklahoma St 27
Ole Miss 28, Memphis 14

Alabama 28, VA Tech 17 (Brent knows everyone else is picking Virginia Tech in a close one. Screw everyone else. Brent knows better.)

ELSEWHERE:
Louisville 28, Indiana St 3 MIAMI 28, Florida State 21 (Ramon Mejias wants to show up in Tallahassee wearing Gator blue and orange, but he fights the urge He knows the ‘Canes are improved, and the ‘Noles are over-rated.)

Only.....

5 days 'til KICKOFF!
RTR!