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.

Roll Tide!