Tide Tidbits - November 2, 2008

Forbes "Ingram, No. 2 Bama roll over Arkansas State, 35-0"
The Crimson Tide (9-0) turned in a dominant all-around performance to set the stage for next week's showdown at No. 15 LSU in the type of game that had been a stumbling block for recent 'Bama teams. Alabama, which can clinch the Southeastern Conference Western Division title with a win over LSU, managed its first shutout since a 17-0 win over Mississippi State on Nov. 5, 2005.

Final: Alabama 35, Arkansas State 0
It may not have been perfect, and lackluster games against nonconference opponents often aren't. But this was everything the Crimson Tide could have hoped for. The offense did enough to be happy (with 357 yards overall), the defense earned its first shutout since 2005, and there didn't appear to be any major injuries (provided Glen Coffee checks out fine).

Saban speaks at halftime...
Here is what coach Nick Saban said at halftime: "We moved the ball 90 yards for a nice touchdown," Saban said, "then we moved the ball down into the red zone and threw an interception. (On the missed field goal), it's the same as a turnover down here when we get stalled in the two-minute offense. We just need to finish a drive. We're moving the ball, but we're not finishing drives. We didn't score points when we got the ball twice down in the red area, and we missed a field goal."

At last, Alabama can shift its focus to Bayou rumble
As always, Alabama coach Nick Saban mentioned the 24-hour rule after Saturday's victory. This time, more than most, he didn't need to. "A lot of guys have already (said), 'This game is over with,'" safety Rashad Johnson said. "Everybody is looking forward to the LSU game. We know what's on the line with that game, so it's definitely already beginning to get talked about in the locker room before we walked out today."

Roll Tide!