Former Tide player tearing up the NFL

49ers coach, Mike Singletary praised rookie running back, and former Crimson Tide player, Glen Coffee. With Frank Gore missing from the lineup, Coffee took 14 carries for 67 yards and established himself as a clear front runner for the second string spot. Check this interesting article for more information.

RTR

Tickets still available for FIU and Tenn-Chattanooga

Well after you have got the grass cut and are ready to sit back on some cold ice tea, check out today's links....

If you are interested in this year's rule changes, check out this article here. Not much really except the chin strap is now part of the face mask penalty. Also, the rugby kicker rule is interesting.

If you are still looking for tickets, tickets are still available for some home games. Read more here.

Also, some think Alabama had a lot of luck last year. Read more here. Luck? I would ask Terrence Cody if being 6'5" and 354 pound beast in the middle is based on luck. I just think some people didn't realize the potential until Bama dominated last year. Some are on the bandwagon for life, others just hop on at their convenience.

Lastly, does Alabama have a spy for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Read more here.

Roll Tide!

Aug. 14 Julio Jones Practice Video

Sitting on my couch, watching Kenneth Darby on the St. Louis Rams hit the gap and pick up yards against the NY Jets, and I have just one question on my mind: Erik Ainge was drafted?

Anyways, here is an interesting article by Tommy Hicks on wide receiver Brandon Gibson. This is a homer article for me, but I really forgot he was on the team. Hopefully one of this wide receivers will step up and take some pressure of our numero ocho, Julio Jones.

And to begin the weekend I'll post some video of practice.

RTR

A year ago. . . this is how we started...

A year ago, our Crimson Tide was mentally and physically ready for Clemson. What will this year be like?

Mark the Beast Barron

This was Mark's debut a year ago. Do you think we will get to see more this year?

A humble comparision

For those of you, who cannot get enough footage of the current Fall Camp, here is a video of the Quarterbacks and receivers practicing on Thursday.




And if you can tolerate the writing styles of those that contribute to the Bleacher Report, a contributor offers a "humble comparison" of the only common opponent, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, between the Crimson Tide and the Hokies in 2008. So which team is better? The obvious answer is the Crimson Tide.

Even though this is not breaking news, the Crimson Tide suffered it's first major injury of Fall Camp, when Sophomore running back Jeramie Griffin tore his anterior cruciate ligament. It occured during Tuesday's practice seems to be a non-contact injury and more information has surface on his injury and additional remarks by Coach Saban here.

RTR

Thursday Practice Interview Video

Courtney Upshaw and Robby Green talk to Reporters

ESPN's preview of the SEC

Lunchtime Links and Kinks

What is an offense to do after losing 3 O-linemen, 1 three year quarterback, 1 running back, and two tight ends? Well, that is a great question. You can read one reporter's take here. As for me, I think the coaches will have the offense ready to play, but there will definitely be some kinks. A cohesive O-line takes time and experience. We definitely will see more passing.

So if you were worried about Bama losing a lot of players to get to the 85 Scholarship cut off, you might be interested in this next article. From 2006 - 2008 in the SEC, who lost the most players? According to these articles here and here, it was Auburn. Alabama actually ranks 9th. Alabama has only lost 23 players in the span while Auburn has lost 35.

If you interested in 5 kinks that Alabama has to fix this year, click here. One of those issues is the spread offense. And I think that we are close. Our defense did ok for 3 quarters against Florida and only fell apart at the end. I feel that speed is the answer against combating the spread and I think Saban keeps recruiting speed on defense. (By the way, Utah did not run a better spread offense than Florida, they just wanted the win and respect more than us.)

Lastly, recent polls are giving us a preseason ranking of #5. I know, I know, Saban says preseason polls do not matter. The only one that matters is the last poll. But if you are still interested, you can read this article here about what all the preseason magazines are saying about the Crimson Tide.

Crimson Tide Highlights for a dull Thursday

Here on this normal Thursday in the midst of a mundane work week, BFN would like you to pay homage to the energetic and often poorly edited collage of home-made Tide Highlights. We understand the purpose that motivated the creators of said films, but we often fail to comprehend their artistic vision. So for your approval, we have selected some captivating titles that range from High Tide to Rising Tide, sprinkled with some professional-looking productions. Enjoy.

Roll Tide

William Vlachos, Brandon Gibson, Mark Barron Interview

A quick observation. . . Being from Mobile, how does a UMS-Wright (Brandon Gibson) athlete get along with a St. Pauls' (Mark Barron) athlete? I would imagine it would be similar to being an Auburn athlete teaming up with an Alabama athlete. I wonder if AJ shows any love in pass drills to Brandon too.

An audio file for you Crimson Tide Audiophiles

Here is some audio from Nick Saban this past Tuesday, talking about the team and the competition at the linebacker position. I like his views on complacency and a need to be upwardly mobile. He said that the potential four starters at this position would likely be the same choices made by the media. Coach Saban also refers to developing all of the players on the team and not just focusing on the first string. He's looking for solid depth so they can run multiple packages.

Also in this audio file, same in his semi-yell/normal tone talks about how the offensive line is a developmental position. I think I'll Bama fans are on the edge of their seats waiting to see who steps up and eases our offensive line anxiety. Here's a clip from Drew Davis to calm those nerves. Watch around 1:13 to see his comments on freshman DJ Fluker.

Roll Tide

Not your Jimmy Dean Links...(Lunchtime Links, get it?)

I know my title is lame, and I'll admit I was stuggling for a title. Anyways, check out some more lunchtime links below.

One thing you gotta love about Saban is that he will get the best players on the field. With anticipation of the 2009 football season, many of us are still waiting to see who will fill the departed positions. If you are interested in reading more on Saban's musical chairs, click here.

One thing that has been a buzz all summer is how stout our Defense will be this year. There are only few questions that need to be answered regarding the Defense, and one issue is who will step up and be the vocal leader? Check out this article about Ro. And if you are not at work and can play a video with sound, check this video out below.

But wait, what about Donta Hightower? Ok, I will not leave him out. Check out an article here.

And lastly, if you were wondering who might be a Heisman contender in the SEC, click here. Interestingly enough, Julio Jones may be in some circles as a contender, but he would need some impressive numbers to really be considered.

Roll Tide!

Poor Alabama? Guess Again!

Here are some more tide articles to get everyone over the hump today.

Chris Low continues his analysis of the Crimson Tide on Espn.com this morning with a few quotes of sophomore Linebacker, Dont'a Hightower. You really got to love the vibe coming from this 2009 team which of course is due in part to our back to back top recruiting classes. We are returning back to where we belong, at the top.

The Associate Press has written a little synopsis of the current condition of this 2009 squad. It's complete with the praise of Julio Jones, a question mark at Greg McElroy's name, a quote by Ro, and some concern over the O-line. Go get your fix.

We are all wondering how Trent Richardson will fit into the mix of our current running back core. Competition is rampant at this position, and Saban praises, in perhaps an uncharacteristic move, Trent Richardson in a quote from Tidesports.

Roll Tide!

Links, Links and more Links... And Auburn is weak!

Too much of a good thing is. . . great, Right? Check out more links to pass the time until Sept. 5 (25 days away).

If you want to watch more practice footage from today, go here.

Big news for the Crimson Tide is actually bad news for the Hokies. The Hokies leading rusher tore his ACL Check out the article here. Best wishes to this kid, but it should make things some what easier for the defense.

Also, Nick Saban touched on a few issues today that is worth taking a look at here.

But if you are still looking for some more to read, check a fellow blogger's observation here. The blogger goes through the O-Line questions, which freshman is likely to play, and who has been impressive to date.

And lastly, Do you want to understand an explanation why Auburn doesn't want to play in the Chic-fil-A College Kickoff? You can read about it here. But the most interesting part about this article is that Auburn feels threatened by Troy. Yep, I said Troy.

Roll Tide!

Indoor Practice August 11, 2009

What the Fug?

As the fug dissipates from the Alabama locker room, so does the equally warm commentary of Chris Low from Espn.com. One noteworthy comment in this article, is his assesment of Dont'a Hightower as breakout player and "one of the best linebackers, period, in the SEC".

You really have to like the energy that this 2009 time has displayed so far. It's humility mixed with a driven familiarity that gives confidence to this team and hope to the fans. Here's an interesting article that sums it all up.

And finally, read two old women give "unbiased" insight on the SEC West. At least Mitchell uses statistics to predict that Bama will win the SEC West

Hot Hot Heat and Lunchtime Links

With practice reaching well over a 100 degress yesterday, most of us can be grateful that we are fans and not players. Although given an opportunity, most of us wouldn't mind strapping on some pads this time of the year, but High Schools' have rules and laws that prevent most of us from doing that anymore. So sit back, grab some of grandma's Ice Cold sweet tea, and enjoy today's links.

Let us see what is all the fuss in Bama Football news today.

First of all, if you didn't watch the video I linked to yesterday about Jerrell Harris, you can catch the "meaning" of why he was interviewed here. Some analysts think that he will fill in for Donta Hightower as an inside linebacker while Donta slips out to the Jack Position.

Also, remember my comments about the Gators practicing in there girdles? Well, I don't know if the Gators knew that could be against the rules. And it turns that the Gators might not be the only ones commiting football faux pas. Check this out.

So if you are like me, you are probably biting your nails about the O-line this year. I am not worried about sporting a decent O-line, but I am worried about the chemistry for the Virginia Tech game. It takes some time to mesh and work as a strong unit on the O-line. . . so here is some info on the O-line evolution this fall so far.

Now this is old news to the die hard fans that are hounding the internet like us, but for those wondering about why players are leaving the Capstone, you can check out this interesting article.

And lastly, did anyone see Urban Meyer's SI cover pic? Its just another reason why the Gator's vanity will be larger than ever this year. But I guess he didn't like it either. Read about it here. But if you ask me, I prefer this adapted version of the cover (Make sure to click on the image to see the new reflection in the sunglasses).

Alabama Football Compilation Fails

How many of us have been cruising youtube.com, looking for some Bama related web content and come across some crazy videos? Or videos that look like they were pieced together using some program uploaded to their Macintosh Classic using a floppy disc. Here on BFN we've compiled a short list of just horrible videos that literally fail on an epic level. Enjoy



This not a "smack video" because Saban wouldn't allow it. I believe this guy is going to be a gold mine for laughs.



I don't even know how to comment on this video. Too many images, moving too fast.



Alcohol, women, and Nick Saban


I wish I was as creative as this dude, pointing out the obvious using a soul-felt saxophone laden song as a mood setter.



Wait for it...

Some more links and a WHAT were the Gators Thinking....

Before I get into some strange pictures about the Gators, let me dump some more links on you.

If you want to hear Ali Sarrief talk about the "Money" position, Jerrell Harris talk about moving to inside linebacker, and Drew Davis discuss the O-line, click here for video.

Also, if you are keeping up the SEC's new sanctions on the media, you need to check out Jon Solomon's blog post here from The Birminingham News. And by the way SEC, some advice, don't mess with the media.

And if you don't know about the new weird media rules, here is a catch up link.

Ok, now let me point something out that I have been itching to post. Did any one see this article? I can't remember how much money the Gators made off last year, but I am pretty sure they can afford some practice shorts. It hasn't been that many years since I've played High School ball, but I am pretty sure shorts are usually worn over the girdle. Luckily, for the rest of the nation, the gators have gone full pads.

And one last link for ESPN's Chris Low talking up the SEC Conference right here.

Kickoff Link Fest

Welcome Tide Fans! We are running a little behind on our launch. We wanted to be up and running before Fall camp, but we finally made it. As we work out some kinks, sit back and enjoy some videos and content:

First, of all, if you want some Monday Practice analysis go here. Sometime you have to be a member and sometimes you don't.

If you haven't heard, ESPN College Gameday will be on hand for the Virginia Tech Game. Read more about it here.

Lastly, if you haven't read enough today, make sure you haven't missed another post full of bama stories and commentary here.

Roll Tide!

New Blog

Welcome to the new blog dedicated to giving you a full plate of links, news and updates regarding the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team. The 2009 Football season is less than 30 days away, and fall camp has already begun. Over the next few weeks, we will provide our readers with the best material from the World Wide Web. So sit back and enjoy the ride. Roll Tide.