Tide Tidbits - Apr. 30, 2008

DJ Hall: 'They weren't doing what I was doing at the level I was playing at.'
"There were 36 receivers taken in the draft, and I wasn't one of them," Hall said. "I don't compare myself to a lot of people. I don't really worry about what everybody else does. I just try to control what I can control. But I know out of 36 of those receivers that were taken, they weren't doing what I was doing at the level I was playing at."

Talking about a college football playoff
Well, it will happen Wednesday morning. But the decision-makers in college football will convene in South Florida and they'll talk about bringing a playoff to college football. SEC commissioner Mike Slive will present a plan for a four-team playoff to fellow league commissioners.

Saban trying to use draft as lesson
University of Alabama coach Nick Saban believes three seniors from his 2007 team could have been drafted by an NFL team. He also believes that receiver DJ Hall, cornerback Simeon Castille, and defensive end Wallace Gilberry will have a real opportunity for a pro career. But he said there is a lesson available. "It's a message for our players that are there right now," said Saban, about the first draft since 1970 that did not feature an Alabama player. "Consistency in performance is very important. Everything you do - on the field and off the field - is a part of your resume."

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You Might Be... #043

You might be a Tennessee fan if...

• Your birth announcements included the words "rug rat."
• You've ever water-skied in your underwear.
• You pick your nose in line at the bank.
• People hear your car a long time before they see it.
• You have a tennis ball on your truck antenna.

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Bama Joke #051

A man inherited over one billion dollars from a long lost uncle who happened to be an oil baron. The man, thrilled at his good fortune, asked his young son what he wanted. He told his child that money was no object. The boy said he wanted a Mickey Mouse outfit. So the man bought him an University of Tennessee football uniform.

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Bama Quote #038

“We had great respect for Alabama, especially its defense; we knew they were a formidable opponent. But in retrospect, I think they were a lot stronger than a lot of our people thought."
-- Miami coach Dennis Erickson after the '92 Sugar Bowl (from The Championship Season)

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You Might Be... #042

You might be an Auburn fan if...

• You've ever used a laundromat as a mailing address.
• You've ever freshened up with a Slim Jim.
• You use a screwdriver to open your chewing tobacco.
• All of your relatives would have to die to wipe out illiteracy.
• There is more oil in your baseball cap than in your car.

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Tide Tidbits - Apr. 26, 2008

AU streak lacks aura of authority
Auburn fans argue a win over Alabama -- by 3 of 33 -- is still sweet. But it surely feels like an aura of total domination seems to be missing (like when Alabama won nine in a row). This streak doesn't have the feel of another one of college football's storied rivalries -- USC-Notre Dame -- which is also now at six in a row. In last year's game at South Bend, USC won 38-0.

UA's Gilberry wants to give 'em something to talk about
You can read that his athleticism is a liability even though Tide coach Nick Saban considers it an asset. You can read that he's one of the hidden gems and you can read that his work ethic is subpar. Or maybe it's just best to sit back and wait for the draft to start Saturday and see what happens. [A] number of teams having last-minute conversations with Gilberry.

All Crimson Tide players can do today is wait
Depending on your point of view, today could be a long day or a very short one for University of Alabama football fans. Then again, you just never know. That's the nature of the National Football League draft, which can see more twists and turns than a back-country dirt road. But it will be a surprise if any Crimson Tide player gets a phone call indicating that he's been selected in the first two rounds this year.

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Bama Joke #050

When Joe Paterno got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Penn State flag in the window. "This house is yours for eternity, Joe," said God.

"This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here." Coach Paterno felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-story mansion with a Crimson and White sidewalk, 50 foot tall flagpole with an enormous Alabama flag flying.

Joe looked at God and said "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I led my team to a national national championship and have more wins than Coach Bryant. Can I ask you a question?"

God asked "so what do you want to know, Joe?"

"Well, why does Coach Bryant get a better house than me?"
God chuckled and said "Joe, that's not Bear’s house, it's mine."

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Tide Tidbits - Apr. 25, 2008

Alabama players hoping for a shot

It's a weekend where dreams often collide with reality. Only a select few college football stars get to live the NFL draft they grew up watching on television. "I'm not really too worried if I don't hear my name called on the first day," Alabama cornerback Simeon Castille said, "but I mean, who wouldn't want to hear their name called on the first day?"

Tide gets commitment from Georgia lineman
Darius McKeller, an offensive tackle from Jonesboro, Ga., committed Wednesday morning to the University of Alabama. The 6-foot-6, 295-pound prospect visited Tuscaloosa the week preceeding the A-Day Game. “The visit to Alabama went real good,” McKeller said. “I talked to Coach [Nick] Saban, Coach [Kirby] Smart and Coach [Joe] Pendry. They told me how I would fit in their system. They want to help make me a better person. They said they would help me get better on every play.

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Bama Quote #037

"It shows the passion that people have for the University of Alabama, and it certainly makes me feel great about being here as head coach. What we did today sends a message that there's a lot of support and enthusiasm for what's happening here right now. I certainly appreciate it. It makes me and my family feel good about being here. God knows we went through little bit to get here, but we're happy to be here."
-- Coach Nick Saban’s comments on the record-breaking attendance (92,138) at the 2007 A-day game

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You Might Be... #041

You might be a Tennessee fan if...

• You drew "horns" on your new bride in your wedding pictures.
• You haul more than U-Haul.
• You buy a police scanner to keep up with your relatives.
• You pick your teeth from a catalog.
• You missed high school graduation because your kids were sick.

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Tide Tidbits - Apr 23, 2008

Smith, Caldwell named to Outland watch list
University of Alabama offensive linemen Antoine Caldwell and Andre Smith headlined the 2008 Outland Trophy Watch List that was released Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America.

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Bama Joke #049

Q: Did you hear about the Auburn terrorist who tried to blow up the Alabama team bus?

A: He burned his lip on the tailpipe.

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Bama Quote #036

"In the second quarter, I saw Torretta look over at me, and he froze for a second. I saw fear."
-- Alabama defensive end John Copeland after the 1993 Sugar Bowl (from Talk of the Tide)

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The Softer Side of Saban

The other Saban: Wife nothing like famous husband
Outgoing and cheerful, Alabama's football first lady seems in sharp contrast to her more introverted, intense husband of 36 years, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. He is more comfortable studying film in his office than chatting in the halls. That doesn't mean he's not friendly, his wife says.

An interesting read.

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You Might Be... #040

You might be an Auburn fan if...

• Your car alarm eats dog food.
• You're considered an expert on worm beds.
• You leave everything in your will to your mule.
• You make wind chimes out of frozen orange juice lids.
• You own a pair of knee-high moccasins.

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Bama Joke #048

Q: What is the difference between the Tennessee football team and Rice Crispies?

A: Rice Crispies know what to do in a bowl (game).

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Bama Quote #035

"Everyone says we can't beat Miami, but we are not just anybody, we are Alabama."
-- former Alabama receiver David Palmer (from Talk of the Tide)

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You Might Be... #039

You might be a Tennessee fan if...

1. You stockpile motor oil.
2. Your favorite cologne is Blue Tick Hound.
3. You think a subdivision is part of a math problem.
4. Your wheelbarrow breaks and it takes three relatives to figure out how to fix it.
5. You call the operator to get the number for 911.

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Bama Joke #047

Q: Why is ice no longer available for drinks at the Auburn cafeteria?

A: The senior who knew the recipe graduated.

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Bama Quote #034

"I know that I picked up a great deal of things during my association with Coach Bryant. I know he influenced me as a coach by teaching me to never give up on your talent. And he told me there was no substitution for work. He convinced his people. And when players and coaches are convinced they can win, they're going to win."
--Coach Gene Stallings on Bear Bryant

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You Might Be... #038

You might be an Auburn fan if...

1. You have fake fur on your dashboard.
2. You give your dad a gallon of Pepto-Bismol for his birthday.
3. Nobody can rebuild an engine like mama.
4. You consider a spotlight hunting equipment.
5. Your car has never had a full tank of gas.

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Tide Tidbits - Apr. 14, 2008

A-Day a success

With an estimated attendance of 78,000, Alabama's fandom now has both the national record and the second-place medal for attendance at a spring game. Saturday's turnout was a reaffirmation of the fan base's love for the boys in crimson and white, and we couldn't be more pleased.

Is Jimmy Johns going to redshirt?

"That's something me and Coach (Nick) Saban still have to talk about," Johns said. "I still have a redshirt left. If they don't think I'm an every down backer, maybe I do want to take a redshirt. I've always wanted to just play and wanted to win."

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Bama Joke #046

Q: How can you spot a Tennessee fan at a wedding?

A: Easy, just look for the guy in the orange T-shirt.

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Bama Quote #033

"Florida? Tennessee? Auburn? Georgia? They're all great teams, great programs. But in the grand scheme of things, none have overtaken Alabama as THE football program in the SEC."
--An article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on game day of the Alabama-Arkansas tilt (from Talk of the Tide)

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You Might Be... #037

You might be a Tennessee fan if...

1. You've never paid for a haircut.
2. You give "chinette" as a wedding present.
3. The tires on your car don't fit under your fenders.
4. You think A-1 Sauce tastes great on 'possum.
5. You think the traffic sign "Merge" is a personal challenge.

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Tide Tidbits - Apr. 11, 2008

Tide's spring game to feature starters against starters
"I think we've made a tremendous amount of progress through the offseason program and 13 spring practices," he said. "We've got a lot of guys that have made a lot of improvement. We certainly have a lot more improving that we can do."

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Bama Joke #045

One day a man ran into an old friend and asked if he was still dating that Auburn girl. “No,” replied the friend. “She wasn’t the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Just the other day she decided to ride a horse for the first time. Without any instruction she hopped on and took off at full gallop. Everything was fine for a minute until she began losing her grip and began sliding down the side of the horse. She started grasping desperately at the reins and the horse’s mane. The horse kept its pace up as she bounced up and down on the ground with the horse’s hooves pounding away inches from her head. The horse might have killed her if were not for the Wal-Mart greeter who ran over and unplugged the thing.”

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Tide Tidbits - Apr. 10, 2008

Saban falling in love?
"I enjoy coaching this team," Saban said. "We have a lot of guys who try to do things the way you would like for them to be done. We have a lot of good people on our team. It's important to them to be good. "They're trying to learn how to do that on a consistent basis. It's fun to teach people who want to learn." "I think our attitude and leadership has improved. We have more guys doing things the way we want them to do it."

Defensive line appears stable
Coming into this spring, the defensive line was supposed to be one of the biggest question marks for the Crimson Tide, especially with the departure of first-team All-Southeastern Conference end Wallace Gilberry. However, the unit has in some ways been one of the most stable despite depth concerns.

Fanney is ‘anxious’ to grab starting spot
“I’ve been here three years, going on my fourth year, and I haven’t started yet,” Fanney said. “That’s what I came to do this year, and I’m going to do everything I can to do that. You can say I’m pretty anxious. I know what I have to do to start, or to play.”

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Bama Quote #032

"You know you hear a lot of talk now about education and players getting a degree. Buddy, let me tell you something: It was big to Coach Bryant back in 1958. I wasn't doing too well in school my freshman year, and my second semester, matter of fact, I wasn't doing anything. I was cutting classes. So Coach Bryant asked me to eat lunch with him, and man, I was scared to death because I knew I had a problem, but I didn't know why he was mad. To tell you the truth I didn't think he knew what kind of grades I was making! He had the dean of the school with him, and I went and sat down with them. He introduced me to the dean, and we started talking. He pulled out my IQ and pulled out how many classes I'd cut, and boy, I didn't look up – I just kept my head down. Coach Bryant said, 'Look up at me, boy, I'm talking to you!' So I looked up, and he said to the dean, 'Now this boy right here can help us win, but if he doesn't start getting better grades, he isn't going to be here! 'The dean started talking about the classes I'd taken, what I should take, and all this stuff, and Coach Bryant said, 'Well, I'm going to give him one more semester. I'm going to move him into my house with me, and I'm going to do him like I do Paul, Jr., when he comes home with a C, I'll beat him with a dictionary!' So, I got straightened out real fast!"
--Billy Neighbors (from Talk of the Tide)

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You Might Be... #036

You might be an Auburn fan if...

1. You panicked when Sears discontinued its catalog.
2. There are more than five McDonald's bags currently on the floorboard of your car.
3. There is a hot water bottle hanging from your shower curtain.
4. Your clothesline has at least two splices in it.
5. There are more than 4 hats in the rear window of your car.

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Bama Joke #044

Q: How come Tennessee football players won’t drive a Japanese car?

A: They don’t think they’ll understand what’s said on the radio.

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Tide Tidbits - Apr. 7, 2008

Tide shows improvement in second scrimmage
"I think there was a significant improvement in our ability to execute from last week to this week, which is really what you are looking for," head coach Nick Saban said. "That's going to be the goal every day from now until the end of spring practice."

Saban praises Upchurch
Alabama's offense fought back during the spring's second scrimmage with help from an unexpected source. Junior tailback Roy Upchurch, relegated to third string before last weekend's defense-dominated scrimmage, caught five passes and ran for touchdowns of 16 and 46 yards during Saturday's rematch at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Upchurch rushed for only 17 yards on seven carries during this spring's first scrimmage. But this time, he worked behind the No. 1 offensive line, according to Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban, who strongly hinted that Upchurch's previous demotion wasn't by coincidence.

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Bama Quote #031

"Let's face it. Alabama just likes to hit you. They are the hardest hitting team I've ever played against."
-- Illinois quarterback Tony Eason after Alabama beat the Illini 21-15 in Paul Bryant's final game (from Talk of the Tide)

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You Might Be... #035

You might be a Tennessee fan if...

1. You own half of a pick-up truck.
2. Your wife can climb a tree faster than your cat.
3. You have your own private booth at the Dairy Queen.
4. You've totaled every car you've owned.
5. The strongest smell in your house is butane.

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Bama Joke #043

A young boy and his mother were in the cemetery visiting the grave of a loved one. They came upon a headstone that read, “Here lies an Auburn graduate and an honest man.” The boy then asked his mother, “Mommy, why did they bury two men in there?”

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Tide Tidbits - Apr. 04, 2008

Saban Experiments with Positions
Alabama fullback Baron Huber and defensive tackle Brian Motley got a look at different positions during yesterday's practice. Huber worked at linebacker and Motley spent time on the offensive line, where he started his Alabama career, because a broken finger limits what he can do on defense.

Arenas showing he's more than a return man
The Alabama player known for his shifty, sometimes explosive special teams plays always believed he was more than just a return man. Defensively, coach Nick Saban said Arenas' coverage abilities improved as the season went along, prompting the position shift. He had two interceptions in the Tide's first spring scrimmage last weekend. "He's got really good quickness and he's covered well and has got a better understanding of the overall scheme from playing both positions," Saban said. "He's had a really good spring so far."


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Bama Quote #030

It was a 3rd down situation, but Coach Bryant thought it was a fourth down. At that time the rules were that if you sent a player into the game, he had to play one down. Coach Bryant sent his punter in--I knew that he was confused. Nevertheless, he sent his punter in, so I sent in a safety who could only field punts--he wasn't a football player, but he could field punts pretty well. Then I saw the Alabama coaching staff talking to Coach Bryant over on the sidelines, and finally he sent another player in and the punter came out. So I send my safety in so my other guy can come out, and the official over on the sideline says, "Whoa! You can't do that--he's got to stay in one play." So I said, "Now wait a minute, fellow. I'm sitting right here watching Coach Bryant send his punter in, and then Coach Bryant took him out!" He looked at me and said, "You ain't Coach Bryant!"
--Gene Stallings in Talk of the Tide about the 1967 Cotton Bowl when Alabama was playing Texas A & M.

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You Might Be... #034

You might be an Auburn fan if...

• You think a chain saw is a musical instrument.
• You've ever eaten out of a minnow bucket.
• You always answer the door with a baseball bat in your hand.
• Your hood ornament used to be a bowling trophy.
• You've ever been arrested for loitering.

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Bama Joke #042

Four college alumni were climbing a mountain one day: a Tennessee, an Alabama grad, a Florida grad, and a Notre Dame grad. Each proclaimed to be the most loyal of all fans at their alma mater.

As they climbed higher, they argued as to which one of them was the most loyal of all. They argued all the way up the mountain, and when they reached the top, the Notre Dame grad hurled himself off the mountain, shouting "This is for the Fighting Irish!" as he fell to his doom.

Not wanting to be out done, the Florida grad threw himself off the mountain proclaiming, "This is for the Gators!"

Seeing this, the Alabama grad walked over and shouted "This is for the Crimson Tide!" and pushed the Volunteers fan off the side of the mountain.

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Bama Quote #029

"Whenever I see those crimson jerseys and crimson helmets, I feel humbled to have played football for Alabama. Other players in the NFL talk to me about their schools and their traditions. I just smile knowing the immense love Alabama fans have for our school and its football program. I'm proud to be a part of that Crimson Tide heritage."
-- Former 'Bama star Derrick Thomas (from Alabama Illustrated)

Roll tide!