Tide Tidbits - October 23, 2008

What the Tennessee Media is Saying
Q: First the big question: How vital do you think this Alabama game is for Phillip Fulmer?

Edwards: "This game is really important for Phillip Fulmer. A lot has been made of Tennessee's run to the SEC championship game last year after getting blown out by Alabama, and rightfully so. That was a very good coaching job by Fulmer and his staff to get that group to rebound. But despite winning the East, the Vols still had two huge losses to Florida and Alabama by a combined margin of 100-37. If Tennessee loses to Alabama this week (which is very likely, I think), it will be a combined 1-5 in its last six games against Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

Recruiting No. 1 key to Fulmer's, Saban's success
Compare the resumes of Alabama Coach Nick Saban and Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer and the highlights are downright gaudy: National championship titles, Southeastern Conference titles, National Coach of the Year awards. Still, both admit the hardware isn't awarded simply because of great coaching. The lifeblood of the programs, they both readily admit, is recruiting.

Ken Stabler acquitted on DUI charge
A Robertsdale city judge acquitted former Alabama and NFL quarterback Ken Stabler of a drunk driving charge following a three-hour trial Wednesday night. Judge James Sweet said Robertsdale did not prove Stabler had been drunk when he was arrested on June 8. The former football star refused a breath test after he was stopped at 12:32 a.m. on Alabama 59.

Roll Tide!