Tide Tidbits - October 10, 2008

'Bama's Saban earning his big bucks so far
Alabama was looking for a blue-chip investment that could provide healthy returns for years to come, and it was willing to pay a premium to get it. That's what the Crimson Tide got 20 months ago when it made coach Nick Saban college football's first $4 million man. The deal initially was viewed as excessive by some critics, but now everyone from business professors to former and current players to folks at the campus bookstore seems to think 'Bama is getting plenty of bang for its buck.

Alabama football notes for its open date
Alabama has five non-offensive touchdowns this season — two interception returns, one fumble return, one punt return and one blocked-punt return. That ties the Crimson Tide for the national lead with Missouri and Kansas State. Missouri has four interception returns and one kickoff return for TDs, and Kansas State has scored on three punt returns, one fumble return and one blocked-punt return.

Georgia struggles to explain defensive letdowns
Alabama was just the latest. The Crimson Tide came into Sanford Stadium two weeks ago and bolted to a 31-0 lead by the 1:25 mark of the second quarter. In less than a half-hour, the Blackout was a Blowout. "We probably played the best half of football we’ve ever played,” said Alabama coach Nick Saban, almost apologetic for the early rout.

Alabama, Ole Miss to play on CBS on Oct. 18
Alabama's Oct. 18 home game against Ole Miss was picked up Wednesday for broadcast by CBS and will kick off at 2:30 p.m. It marks the second consecutive Crimson Tide game featured on the national network.

Roll Tide!