Tide Tidbits - October 14, 2008

Nick Saban couldn't enjoy watching Texas and Oklahoma play
Nick Saban really couldn't enjoy watching Texas and Oklahoma play, because he was too busy figuring out how he'd defend and counter what the teams were doing. Don't jump to any conclusions, though. No. 2 Alabama's coach wasn't preparing for a potential matchup in the national championship game that he more than anybody understands is a long way from happening. It's just the way his mind works. "It's really hard for me to enjoy watching the game," Saban said. "You look at it too much like a coach."

Tide gets back to the basics
Alabama coach Nick Saban and his team went back to the basics during the team’s off-week. Alabama didn’t play a game last week, but several Crimson Tide players feel they’re better positioned for the second half because of it. “The bye week actually went pretty fast,” defensive end Lorenzo Washington said Monday. “I’ve been sore and aching a little bit. I’m definitely refreshed. My body feels good.” The Tide plays Ole Miss on Saturday.

Fan base warms up to Saban era
David Jones can hardly hide his glee. As the owner of Alabama Express on Tuscaloosa's famed Strip, Jones has as close to a recession-proof industry in there is in this town - the sale of University of Alabama gear. "There's definitely a Coach Saban effect," Jones said, smiling. "It started in January of last year. It had a huge effect on our spring sales."

Nutt Weekly Press Conference
We face a good ball club that is very talented and well coached. They do a great job, especially on defense. They chase the ball. They do a very good job at not giving up anything big. Offensively, they do a very good job of running the ball and are very physical. They have a physical back and an excellent receiver in Julio Jones. The guy that is the trigger man is John Parker Wilson. He makes very few mistakes and is a leader who will execute. So when you take both of those things and a good special teams, you have full day. (Javier) Arenas does a good job with kick returns, punt returns and that’s one of the reasons why they are 6-0.

Wild rivalry: Tide-Rebels' series has strange history
Of his latest date with Ole Miss, Alabama senior quarterback John Parker Wilson's best remembers a pair of high-heeled shoes. Bright red and strewn behind the end zone at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, they were a unique symbol of football craziness in the Deep South, one that defied any reasonable explanation beyond the final score. "It was the girls' shoes that really stuck with me," Wilson said. "I couldn't believe it. We've had stuff thrown on us, but not shoes."

Roll Tide!