Tide Tidbits - November 1, 2008

Tide can't forget Nov. 17, 2007
A lot of programs circle playing dates on a calendar, looking ahead to the game that can define your season. Not many circle dates in the past, but Alabama coach Nick Saban wants his team to remember what happened on Nov. 17, 2007. "He's never going to let that go," said Alabama linebacker Cory Reamer. "That was a big mistake by us. He's never going to let that happen again, let us go in there unprepared." Posters around the complex are "a constant reminder of mistakes that we had last year that you can't make if you want to be a good football."

November slide on Tide's mind
Small steps equate to larger ones. By winning its first eight games, Alabama has used such an approach. But now it's November again, and the second-ranked Crimson Tide heads back out of conference with claims of not being focused on winning big for Bowl Championship Series beauty as much as actually winning. Recent history proves that approach is wise.

Alabama hopes to avenge last year's Sun Belt loss
he posters still decorate the Alabama locker room. Players aren't sure if they will ever come down. When Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban ordered the making of laminated reminders showing last year's 21-14 loss to Louisiana-Monroe, he wanted the lesson to be long-lasting. That way, players won't forget the humbling events that derailed 2007, especially with No.2 Alabama (8-0) heading into today's 2 p.m. homecoming game against ULM's fellow Sun Belt Conference member, Arkansas State (4-3).

Major Applewhite: "I'm really happy for everyone there"
In case you're curious, Texas running backs coach Major Applewhite is keeping an eye on the success of his former program. I'm really happy for everyone there, the coaches, fans and especially all of the guys," Applewhite said. "They're on a great run and it would be hard to not be keeping up with how they're doing. They're having a lot of success and I wish them the best of luck the rest of the year."

Roll Tide!