Tide Tidbits - September 9, 2008

Bama’s big-play man
Javier Arenas only needs a small window of opportunity. And if Arenas gets in open space, opponents beware — he’s capable of putting six points on the scoreboard in just a matter of seconds. With quick feet and explosive speed, Arenas has become one of the most elusive kick returners in the Southeastern Conference. If you don’t believe it, just ask Tulane coach Bobby Toledo.

How many lessons until the Tide is turned?
Alabama coach Nick Saban compared it to the lesson a child receives when he touches a hot stove after he's been warned of the danger. Saban said the lesson should have been firmly ingrained in last November's 21-14 loss to UL-Monroe. "It tells me that we don't have the maturity to take ownership and responsibility for playing at a high standard all the time, which is what you would like your team to do," Saban said. "We have to continue to work with our players to get that. We didn't show that maturity in this game and it is something we need to work on."

Tide's Javier Arenas 'good to go' after injury in win over Tulane
Alabama junior Javier Arenas was back on his feet Monday, returning to practice less than 48 hours after being knocked out cold during a victory over Tulane. Arenas said he "blacked out" when drilled by Jordan Ellis on a punt return early in the third quarter. He lay motionless on the field for a short time before rising and wobbling to the sideline. He did not return to the game and said he has no memory of fans chanting, "Javy," while he lay on the turf. "It took a major toll on me," Arenas said.

Big void in big plays
Statistically, it was the worst output in passing yards of any game senior quarterback John Parker Wilson has started at the University of Alabama. His longest completion against Tulane was 15 yards, and the running game barely surpassed that with a 16-yard carry. It makes one wonder, what happened to the Crimson Tide’s big plays?“It’s hurting us, I think,” Wilson said, later adding, “We did very poorly, across the board, everybody. We were great against Clemson, we were horrible against Tulane, now we need to get back to where we need to be.”

Roll Tide!