Tide Tidbits - November 22, 2008

BamaFootball4Life One Year Anniversary
BamaFootball4Life celebrates its first birthday today. Like the Crimson Tide, much has changed over the last year. Click here for a history of BamaFootball4Life.

Sporting News: Iron Bowl again has national title implications
The bitter rivalry hasn't often been played for high stakes in the past 15 years. It's only the second time since 1992 that the Iron Bowl could affect the national championship. The Auburn Tigers headed into the 2004 Iron Bowl unbeaten, loaded with NFL-caliber talent and locked in a wide-open national championship race. They had to rally for a victory against a struggling Alabama team, fell to No. 3 in the polls and were denied a national title shot.

McCall earns worth as Tide blocker
To gauge Alabama tight end Travis McCall’s value to the Crimson Tide, don’t check the receiving statistics. The senior from Prattville has caught just six passes for 43 yards this season. No, if you’re into stats, check the Crimson Tide’s rushing yardage. Alabama averages 198 yards per game. “Travis is probably the most underrated guy on our offense because of he way he blocks,” senior quarterback John Parker Wilson said. “He blocks like an offensive lineman. He can get out and catch and do everything. Travis is a huge part of our offense.”

Alabama's Nick Saban happy for former assistant Will Muschamp
Saban chimed in on Muschamp's hire during this morning's SEC teleconference. "First of all, I'm always pleased and happy that somebody who has done an outstanding job for you has the opportunity, because that's why they do an outstanding job," Saban said. "They're driven to try to improve themselves, get better, be a head coach. It always makes me feel real good that one of the guys that you worked with and did a good job for you has an opportunity to be a head coach, especially in a very good situation in a good program. I think it's great for Will and his family. He's probably one of the best assistant coaches I ever had the opportunity to work with. We're very, very pleased and happy for him."'

Roll Tide!