Tide Tidbits - December 21, 2008

Senior Crimson Tide tight ends have developed a close bond
At first glance, they're polar opposites. Nick Walker is the fun-lov­ing guy, the outspoken cut-up who hails from rural Pike Coun­ty and played every position as an all-state athlete at a small county school. Travis McCall is the quieter type who often wears a serious look and has always had to prove he can catch the ball after being recruited as a blocker out of Prattville High. Together, they make an al­most unbeatable combination. In another twist of the un­likely makeup, the pair will make history on Jan. 2 by play­ing in their 52nd game at Alabama.

Nick Saban dismisses similarities between Utah and Florida offenses
The similarity between offenses at Utah and Florida has been overblown, according to Alabama coach Nick Saban. "It's not really the same," Saban said. "There's some of the same concepts, but Utah is much more of a passing team." The primary difference, however, deals with Johnson and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who is much more of a running threat.

CECIL HURT: Utah not an extension of the Gators
It’s rare for any college program to remain frozen in place after a head coaching change, even if there is a smooth transition from that coach to an assistant coach. Even though Kyle Whittingham, the current Utah coach, served as an assistant to Urban Meyer before Meyer left for Florida after the 2004 season, that doesn’t automatically mean the Utes will be doing the same things offensively that the Gators did in the University of Alabama’s most recent game. “It’s not really the same,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said as he spoke to reporters on Saturday, discussing the Crimson Tide’s upcoming shift to game-plan preparation.

Injured receiver Will Oakley won't be back for Sugar Bowl
Alabama senior receiver Will Oakley will not be healthy enough to participate in the Sugar Bowl, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban confirmed today. "He's out for the season," Saban said. And that means an end to Oakley's playing career at Alabama. He's still practicing -- though restricted from contact -- right now, which likely means he's working just to make the trip to New Orleans with the team.

Utah's bid for respect
If you think Alabama's football team was overlooked at times this season, try being Utah. The Utes haven't lost a game and were never a part of the national title mix. Their best chance for respect comes Jan. 2 against the Crimson Tide. "People make a lot of assumptions at times, and I don't think a ton of people have watched us play," Utah quarterback Brian Johnson said. "We know that we're a big underdog, obviously, but at the same time, we think we're a talented enough team. We'll be ready. We're going to go out there and compete hard for 60 minutes and show up and be ready to play."

Roll Tide!