Tide Tidbits - September 30, 2008

Saban stays focused despite lofty ranking
Nick Saban doesn't want to talk about rankings in September. He even insists he doesn't even know where Alabama stands in the polls. "I don't even know what we're ranked. Nobody's told me," Saban said Monday, 24 hours after the latest AP poll came out. "I don't really care because it really doesn't matter. Whatever it is, can somebody tell me who was ranked there last year at this time? Does anybody know?" Sure, coach. It was LSU, your former team and the eventual national champion.

Tide’s trend is fast starts
Football is a 60-minute game, but Alabama’s 5-0 start is due in large part to the opening minutes of every game. The second-ranked Crimson Tide has been ruthlessly efficient in setting the tone. “We just have that mind set that nobody is going to stop us,” Coffee said. “We just have the mind set that we are going to physically try to dominate you, no matter who you are.” Alabama has scored on its opening drive in four of its first five games, including touchdowns in its last three.

Upchurch gives Tide backfield more legs
This isn’t where Roy Upchurch expected to be. Coming out of high school, Upchurch was projected as Alabama’s next great running back. It hasn’t worked out that way yet, but that doesn’t mean the Crimson Tide junior isn’t a valuable asset. But even though Upchurch is Alabama’s third-string tailback, he’s still managed to make an impact — providing the second-ranked Crimson Tide with fresh legs late in games.

Injuries hamper Kentucky's preparation for Alabama
Undefeated and barely outside the top 25, Kentucky is nevertheless a banged-up football team as it gears up to open SEC play at No. 2 Alabama. Wildcats coach Rich Brooks made reference in today's press conference to no fewer than eight players who will miss practice time this week and perhaps Saturday's game. That included the team's top linebacker, starting right tackle, starting tailback, second-leading pass catcher and reserve quarterback option.

Alabama's sudden rise back to national prominence something to behold
One day it was Colin Cowherd of ESPN ranting about Alabama's "lunatic and delusional fan base." The next day, it was Jim Rome foaming at the mouth, saying: "Maybe Alabama wouldn't be so quick to have fired Mike Shula if they knew that nobody in America who mattered would be willing to step in and replace him. Look at who has already said no. Nick Saban. Pass. The ole ball coach, no thanks. Frank Beamer, why should I? Bobby Petrino, Downgrade. Rich Rodriguez, make me. Oh, and Jim Leavitt wants nothing to do with you. That has to hurt. At this point, you might as well dig up Bear Bryant. Or better yet, see if Mike Price is still interested. Trust me, you're not going to do any better. The front of the jersey may still say Alabama but in name only. That program is nowhere right now. It's become an SEC afterthought. Enjoy the glory days of Bryant, Namath, Stabler, Stallings, Alexander, Price, because that's all you have and that is not going to change."

Roll Tide!