Tide Tidbits - September 23, 2004

Saturday will be statement game for UA
The Alabama Crimson Tide has played 99 games since the beginning of the 2000 season. None will be any bigger than game number 100 this weekend in Athens when the No. 8 Crimson Tide takes on the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs. Alabama is 53-46 this decade and 30-34 in SEC play during that time span. They’ve hired five different head coaches, went through a tumultuous stint on probation and have received a heap of bad publicity. Saturday, however, when the clock hits zeroes in Sanford Stadium, everyone will know. Alabama fans won’t have to say “We’re close,” and they won’t have to say, “Remember when?” The fans, the enemies and the country will see what the hype is all about.

Showdown in Athens
As impressive as the performance in Fayetteville was for the Tide, this Saturday's matchup with No. 3 Georgia poses a much bigger threat. The matchup between the Georgia receivers and the Alabama defensive backs looks to be a key in this week's game between top-10 teams, and Arenas said that in a big game like this, there is an emotional aspect that cannot be measured. "(We want to play with) passion, that's all," he said. "Passion and love for the sport -- not wanting to lose and wanting to win every play."

Alabama defense playing ‘Smart’
Mark Richt hated to see him go. But the Georgia football coach isn’t exactly thrilled to see Kirby Smart return, either. At least not on these terms. Smart left Georgia’s coaching staff three years ago to accept a job with the Miami Dolphins. And when Nick Saban stepped down from his post in the NFL, Smart followed the second-year Crimson Tide coach to Tuscaloosa. It’s a move that’s worked out well for both Saban and Alabama.

Coffee perks up Alabama offense
Tide tailback Glen Coffee would probably never admit it, but there were plenty of times when he thought his time would never come. Coffee came to Tuscaloosa as a highly recruited runner out of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and showed flashes of potential as a true freshman, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in a 2006 preseason scrimmage, then had to undergo a sports hernia operation. "I think he is much more comfortable with the offense," head coach Nick Saban said. "He's made a lot of very, very good cuts in terms of the plays that we run. And I think the plays that we run complement his style very well. And he's shown a burst and some acceleration and an ability to get through, make some secondary people miss and make some longer runs."

Saban won't dominate Tuberville
Despite his friendship with Saban, Dooley wouldn't wish the Alabama coach well in all of his other games. "I still have a little Auburn in me," he said. Maybe that explains why he doesn't believe that Saban coming to Alabama means Auburn going away. Dooley sees "more evening out" of the rivalry.

Roll Tide!