Tide Tidbits - November 7, 2008

With Saban, No. 1 'Bama writing new chapter in storied program
NCAA probations, coaching changes, scandals, losing seasons. Alabama has rebounded every time, never going more than three seasons without 10 wins since Bear stepped down after the 1982 season. "We hold ourselves to a higher standard," Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson said this week. "With a coach like that you pretty much have to jump on board," center Antoine Caldwell said. "We had to fall in line with it. It's about winning and getting it right." Every day. All the time. If not, someone else will. Alabama doesn't stay down for long.

Tradition evolves at Alabama
Mike Johnson still remembers his recruiting trip to Alabama, which came with a heavy emphasis on - who else? - the Bear. He drove down Paul W. Bryant Drive. He walked around Bryant-Denny Stadium. He received a tour of the Bryant Museum, where they keep a replica of the late coach's office, all the championship trophies, the shiny rings - even a crystal duplicate of the Bear's famous houndstooth hat, twirling under glass with an imposing sign that says, "Do No Touch." "Here in Alabama, we don't have any pro sports teams," said quarterback John Parker Wilson, whose mother was a Crimson Tide cheerleader. "You either pull for Alabama or you pull for Auburn. It really draws the state together."

Quick start is key for LSU
Starting fast in the showdown against the top-ranked Crimson Tide (9-0, 5-0 SEC) on Saturday has been the focus of No. 15 LSU (6-2, 3-2) all week. And it should be since the Tigers have made a penchant this season of burying themselves early in the big games. "I didn't know that, but that's very impressive," LSU senior center Brett Helms said when presented the numbers associated with Alabama's amazing streak of running from the front. "We've got to find a way to come out and start strong. Obviously, they've done a good job of keeping teams from doing that." "Good job" might be an understatement.

LSU defensive end Kirston Pittman praises former coach Nick Saban
"He's just a really good motivator and a great coach," Pittman said of Saban, who will lead his top-ranked Alabama squad (9-0, 5-0 SEC) into Baton Rouge on Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. showdown with No. 15 LSU (6-2, 3-2). "He really did a good job of getting the best out of his players. Just a great man."

Roll Tide!