Tide Tidbits - October 30, 2008

Nick Saban understands complacency
Fears it. Wants to tackle it head on. With Alabama (8-0, 5-0) holding a two-game lead over second-place LSU (5-2, 3-2) in the SEC West with three games left in the conference schedule, Saban said he and his staff are working to ensure the Crimson Tide keep their focus. "I'm always concerned about it," Saban said. "It should be the concern of every team in the country. The No. 1 problem is complacency. "But if you play to your standard of excellence that shouldn't be a factor."

Tide linebackers a strength
Nine weeks ago one of the major areas of concern for the Alabama football team was its linebacker corps. Remember? Eight victories later, McClain and Hightower anchor the No. 2 rush defense in the country, giving up just 62.4 yards per game on the ground. Fanney leads the team with six and a half tackles for loss. Reamer, who leaves the field when the Tide goes into its nickel and dime packages, is second with four and a half tackles behind the line of scrimmage. “I think the key to all that was that Dont’a Hightower developed nicely as a freshman,” Head coach Nick Saban said this week when asked about the linebackers.

Saban hopes to have Cody back by LSU
Alabama nose tackle Terrence Cody spent part of Tuesday's practice jogging around the field, which was generally viewed as a good sign. This morning, coach Nick Saban sounded as hopefully as he has about the 365-pounder's sprained MCL in his right knee. "He's out this week for sure," Saban said. "We hope to have him back maybe next week."

LSU QB Hatch injured
After more than 24 hours of rumor, LSU confirmed Tuesday evening that sophomore quarterback Andrew Hatch suffered a leg injury against Georgia last weekend, but the school remains hopeful Hatch can play this Saturday against Tulane. After speaking with head coach Les Miles, sports information director Michael Bonnette said Hatch hurt his left leg but that trainers are trying to get Hatch, "back on the field as soon as possible and that could be this week."

Roll Tide!