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!

Dear Santa:

I almost forgot! Chuck Norris wants some 'Nick Saban pajamas' for Christmas!

Please go to Google and enter 'Google Chuck Norris', and hit the 'I'm Feeling Lucky' button.

Merry CHRISTMAS to All!

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...?

Brent's Week 3 College Picks

Okay. Week 3. Here we go.

Thursday:
MIAMI 28, Georgia Tech 24. Canes eek it out late.

Saturday:
ALABAMA 42, North Texas 7. Tide’s Special teams received some unwanted hands-on supervision this week!
FLORIDA 56, tennessee 14. Ouch! Shut up, Kiffin, or it will really get out-of-hand...!
SOUTH CAROLINA 35, Florida Atlantic . 17 The Cocks finally get an offensive punch, but the D can’t stop anybody from scoring…!
LSU 31, Louisiana-Lafayette 7. Bayou Bengals overpower and eventually pull away.
VANDERBILT 24, Mississippi State 14 Commodores overcome injuries, while Bulldogs run out of steam.
OLE MISS 34, Southeastern Louisiana 14 Rebels get their bearings after extended vacation.
ARKANSAS 31, Georgia 24 Will Razorbacks get caught looking ahead to Bama…? Not likely. Bulldogs secondary will be exposed.
auburn 21, West Virginia 20 Both teams come in undefeated, yet virtually untested. Whoever blinks first loses. Oddly enough, the plainsmen/tigers/war eagles/wtf will be better prepared.
KENTUCKY 28, Louisville 17 Cats consume Cardinal

Elsewhere:
BYU 42, Florida St. 14. Poor Bobby. Poooor, poor Bobby…..
TEXAS 42, TEXAS Tech 21 Harrell and Crabtree are gone. First road game for new qb. Longhorns won’t slow down.
USC 49, Washington 14. The Huskies made LSU look better than they really are. Trojans pile on. Some pundits go ahead and award Southern Cal the championship. They are declared to be 'possibly the greatest team of all time' again......
Notre Dame 21, Michigan St 14. Irish finally get lucky. A win should put them in the top five.
UTAH 28, Oregon 17 Utes still seem to be legit.

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....

40 Days 'Til KICKOFF....!
ROLL, TIDE, ROLL....!
Everyone is looking forward to the upcoming college football season, and plans are being made for watching the games. Host scheduling of get-togethers will be posted as soon as youth football and girls' soccer schedules are announced in order to accommodate some participants.

Only.....

62 Days 'Til Kickoff...!

Roll Tide, Roll!

SABAN's Response to TN's Kiffin, Thompson

Memo to Kiffin: Saban gets Tennessee recruit
Saturday, February 07, 2009
IAN R. RAPOPORT
News staff writer
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban issued no statement following the inflammatory comments made by a pair of Tennessee coaches. He made one in recruiting, instead.
On the heels of another No. 1-ranked signing class for 2009, Saban secured his first oral commitment for 2010 when receiver Keiwone Malone of Mitchell (Tenn.) High said he would play at UA. Malone is a 6-foot-1, 165-pound junior who led the state with 76 receptions for 1,438 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Roll Tide ANYway... And Happy New Year!

Well, The Crimson Tide lost to Utah in The Sugar Bowl to finish 12-2 for the season. We were flat and distracted, and The Utes were fired up about the bowl, about lack of respect, and for playing The Tide. I am proud of our team for getting this far and honestly surprised that they were as successful, as I figured BAMA would go 9-3, optimistically 10-3.
The BAMA Twins, Cole and Wade Ellis were treated to the best year The Tide has had on the field in a while, and the highlights were many (36-0, anyone...?). Some of our regular attendees to our weekly football gatherings didn't show for the last two games (you know who you are...!), and it is apparent that this disruption of our 'mojo' cost us victories.
Coach Saban has the boys ahead of schedule, and Andre Smith notwithstanding, look to be even better next year. If recruiting plays out like projected, we'll finish with another top-5 haul. Let's see how many coaches get 'Sabanized' next year...!
Happy New Year, and ROLL TIDE!

This Week's College Football Picks

Well, here we are again! Another Saturday, another tough SEC matchup between The University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the tennessee "vile: in tears". ESPN will showcase the contest of hated rivals to a national audience, and the hostile crowd and hot-seat that is phat fil phulmer's will be on display. ON display for Big Al to poop on!
Many of the so-called 'experts' have predicted a trap game or an upset, but don't look for that to be the case. Even without Terrence Cody, the defense should get to the viles quarterback early and often. Our coverage looks to be strong enough to keep whoever is under center back long enough for a sack or two.
Coach Saban has been preaching to The TIDE all week about a second-half letdown, so don't look for that to happen again. With so much now at stake, I doubt the players will let up.
As a BONUS, ESPN's Lee Corso picked tennessee, so we're a safe bet to Roll...!
ALABAMA 42, tennessee 14

Now for the rest of this week's SEC picks:

Kentucky matches up pretty good, but the Gators are just too much. And too strong. Looks like Florida 45, Kentucky 24

Houston Nutt makes his first trip back to Little Rock since bolting for Ole Miss. The Razorbacks are improving but still a little wobbly. The Rebels have looked strong against everyone so far. OLE MISS 31, Arkansas 10

Vanderbilt hosts Duke in what could turn out to be an entertaining game. The Commodores need this one badly if they want a bowl game, as they will enter a tough SEC stretch next. I say VANDERBILT 28, Duke 17

Georgia travels to LSU for a 2:30 slugfest. LSU is cocky and over-confident (even after the pasting they took from Florida), and Georgia is desperately trying to prove they aren't as bad as the first half of the BAMA game. I think patience and skill will win out over bravado and risk. GEORGIA 31, LSU 21

Nationally, I'm thinking...
TEXAS 38, Oklahoma State 28
PENN STATE 28, Ohio State 24
Oklahoma 42, Kansas State 27
Southern Cal 49, Arizona 17
Texas Tech 42, Kansas 38

Possible Logo Variations for "Cow College"

Here are a couple of new possibilities for the logo for the auburn tigers:

Or how about THIS...?:

Either one would be appropriate after the miserable start and Thursday night's letdown at West Virginia after jumping out to a hefty lead. Wonderful.

Please check out the "Gump for Heisman" link in the column to the right.

First Picks of October

Ah-ight. Last week is over, The TIDE is #2, and an undefeated Kentucky Wildcat team is coming to visit in a nationally-televised SEC matchup. Alabama has been reminded and lectured all week about the second-half letdown in the Georgia game, so don't look for anyone to come out flat. Kentucky has been opportunistic if un-spectacular, but they ARE 4-0. Not sure how well they'll do if we can stop them outside of the red zone. We have to avoid giving up the big plays.
The 'Cats match up pretty well at skill positions, but will be out-slugged and mugged by our big D. Look for Bama to pull away in the second half.
ALABAMA 42, Kentucky 14.

Okay, here's the rest of the picks:

Tebow & the Gators take out their frustrations on a reeling Razorback squad. Arkansas should be able to finally score a few points, but not nearly enough. Will Petrino last the season...? Florida 54, Arkansas 14

tennessee is just not very good. It's obvious that David Cutcliffe has always been the one responsible for much of tennessee's success. The 'viles' should get some relief against Northern Illinois. But not much. Will fatty fulmer's time finally be up....? If so, who's next in line...? tennessee 14, NI 10

The Gamecocks visit The Rebels in a wacky match-up that's anybody's ball game. Spurrier is not very happy with the lack of progress by South Carolina's squad. If he can't find a quarterback to run his offense, might the Ol' Ball Coach reeeeally consider making a move over to Knoxville...? Ole Miss 21, Carolina 13

Now the UGLY: Isn't that 'spread offense' something...? auburn better hope they get it together. ESPN's Gameday is in Nashville for the first time EVER! To see -- this is not a typo-- an UN-DEFEATED VANDERBILT host the tigers/war-eagles/plainsmen/whatever. The Commodores are ranked and rolling while making very few mistakes, and tubby's tigers have been less-than-impressive so far this season. Will the Vandy Cinderella story continue...? Or will auburn find their footing and bring the 'Dores back down to Earth...? Can the tigers overcome their own ineptitude...? Will they implode on national tv..
And don't be surprised to see THIS guy outside the stadium in Nashville. If things go as they have all season, he MAY just have a job by halftime...!
Not likely. auburn 21, vanderbilt 17

The TIDE is ROLLING IN...!

That's right, Georgia. Black makes you look sexy. Assume the position. Accept your fate. Now, go clean yourself up and fix Big Al a drink and some dinner, bitch! The SEC, as well as the rest of the nation, has been served notice.
The following photo was sent to me by Scottie Willis, fellow Tide fan and purveyor of All Fine Things Crimson:

Thank you, Scottie!

After last nights destruction of the Georgia Bulldogs, The University of Alabama Crimson Tide can no longer fly under the radar or be overlooked. After yet another dismantling of a pre-season top-10 team, folks are paying attention. And wondering just what to think.
To upcoming opponents, I offer a word of advice: Take some pain medication. At least a half hour before kickoff. Maybe it will ease the oncoming trauma.
Until, that is, YOU REALIZE 'THE PROCESS' IS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE! In other words, get used to it. All the haters and naysayers, please shut your pie-holes. You'll get your turn.
Roll Tide.

Tide Cooks up Hogs in Fayetteville: This Week's Picks

Normally, you could say this would be an old-fashioned, grind-it-out-up-the-middle contest, but now real life ain't that way. Sure, you'll see Ingram and Coffee and Upchurch and Grant get some carries, but look for this to be an aerial affair. Heck, if the Arkansas passing game is as good as they say, this could look like a flea circus with JP Wilson linging to Julio, BJ Scott, Stover and the gang! The guess here is that our "D", with Cody whipping their All-American center and friends all day, will keep the Razorbacks off their rhythm.
ALABAMA 28, Arkansas 17

Is the offense of the Plainsmen playing opossum...? tubby better hope not, and the chant will be "Whoa, eagle...!" If the tigers from this state aren't saving up, and the offense is as sluggish here as it was last week, this could get ugly fast. I look for it to be closer than what many expect:
LSU 24, auburn 20

The Gators ARE this much better....
Florida 48, Tennessee 14

The Bulldogs should stroll into next week undefeated and ripe for pickin'....
Georgia 28, Arizona State 17

The Jackets aren't nearly as good as auburn.....
Mississippi State 10, Georgia Tech 7

Although Spurrier will want more points, this is just what the 'Cocks need:
South Carolina 35, Wofford 7

This could be the most interesting SEC game this weekend!
Ole Miss & Vandy= Toss-up!

THIS WEEK'S PICKS (A Little Late...!)

Okay, I'm pushing for time, so I'll get right to my picks of this week's SEC football games and other contests of note or interest:

Coach Saban only had to point to last week's lackluster performance as a prime example of a let-down, and hopefully the message hit home. Look for more faces to pop up in the rotation- some new, some familiar- as more folks get game-time experience before the start of the conference slate. The Tide rolls:

ALABAMA 45, Western Kentucky 10

tennessee 35, UAB 10

Spurrier seems to be inside Richt's head, but I think this time Georgia is a touch more loaded, and the 'Cocks are playing scared: Georgia 31, S. Carolina 14

Kentucky 28, Middle Tennessee 17

Vanderbilt (On a Roll!) 27, Rice 14

Ole Miss 38, Samford 3 (Nutt is instilling confidence and everyone will get to play!)

LSU 64, North Texas 7 (Tigers feel they have something to prove with long layoff and early patsies on schedule...!)

auburn travels to Starkville to meet a confident Mississippi State, who has been successful as of late against Alabama teams. The guess here is the tigers will be ready.

auburn 34, MSU 17

Arkansas & Texas postponed due to Hurricane Ike, and Florida is idle.

In non-SEC action, look for the Trojans to shut the Buckeyes up as Southern Cal will probably roll over Ohio State. USC 41, OSU 21

Penn State 28, Syracuse 14

Clemson 21, NC State 10

Oklahoma 38, Washington 28

Michigan 14, Notre Dame 13

UCLA 21, BYU 20

COOL BAMA SPORTS ILLUSTRATED ALTERNATE COVERS

Click on the title of this post to see some cool alternate BAMA Sports Illustrated Covers....!