All Things Alabama

[NorthDakota]

IDK about all that lol.

Bama has a pretty easy schedule. @TAMU mid season is their toughest game. They have formal byes before @TAMU and LSU, and an informal bye before @Auburn. TAMU has a tough schedule, so even if they managed to beat Bama, they'd likely be on the outside looking in with a couple losses. Clemson's toughest game is TAMU as well, but they get them at home. After that, it's SC at the end of the season. I don't see them losing either one.

Bama might look weak to start, but they'll come together. Even at one loss they'll get the nod IMO. Clemson has one big game, and would probably get the nod too with one loss.

With the ACC being a mediocre conference...Clemson is basically set up to use the season to get ready for the playoffs as well. At least Alabama is stuck playing 1-3 good football teams every year. Clemson only plays one every few years when ND is on the schedule, lmao.

 

[loomis41973]

The mass exodus from bama does not play well. Something sour going on in Tuscaloosa.

Clemson has a better road with a weak conference, but with the losses on defense they will need to outscore everyone....very doable but an injury to TL or ETN would likely derail a trip to the final game.

 

[dublinirish]

The mass exodus from bama does not play well. Something sour going on in Tuscaloosa.

Clemson has a better road with a weak conference, but with the losses on defense they will need to outscore everyone....very doable but an injury to TL or ETN would likely derail a trip to the final game.

anyone read that athletic article? Seems like Dan Enos ghosted Saban and just packed up and left in the night haha

 

[PANDFAN]

anyone read that athletic article? Seems like Dan Enos ghosted Saban and just packed up and left in the night haha

i read an article not that one, but basically enos said he never did that and was upfront

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

i read an article not that one, but basically enos said he never did that and was upfront

Did Enos say he was personally up front with Saban or the AD? I only saw a tweet which was very non-specific about what he did or did not do.

 

[Irishize]

Bama & Clemson will be fine & likely to secure a spot in the CFP again next season. Go look at Bama under Saban after he ended the season w/ a loss. They bounce back quite well...usually w/ a CFP trophy.

 

[Irish#1]

Bama & Clemson will be fine & likely to secure a spot in the CFP again next season. Go look at Bama under Saban after he ended the season w/ a loss. They bounce back quite well...usually w/ a CFP trophy.

Agree.......anyone that thinks the loss to Clemson is the beginning of the end is kidding themselves.

 

[NDMIA]

With losing 4 assistants out of his 10 man staff this season and losing the national championship, Saban has still been able to pull in the best recruiting class in the country by far and arguably one of the greatest recruiting classes of all time. Bama is going nowhere because their talent is just too strong. On top of that, I think at DC they might actually upgrade with a new hire over Tosh Lupoi who was a strong recruiter, but debatably good schemer on defense and playcaller. On top of that he's probably bringing the best of the best because Nick Saban is very shrewd in his hiring practices. Kyle Flood, the first new hire, brings 21 seasons of working with offensive lines, brings head coaching experience (Saban loves him some former head coaches), and was the OL coach for, by far the most successful decade of Rutgers football in their 149 year history as a college program. I think Butch Jones will take over as RB or WR coach and he's a former head coach and a really really good recruiter (Especially at Tennessee). Lance Taylor's name is being floated around as the potential new WR coach and he brings with him a stint at the Carolina Panthers as their WR coach and was probably the best recruiter on Stanford's coaching staff for his 3 year stay. Lastly, I'm sure Nick Saban's OC job will be handled by one of the best of the best. Alabama is in a great position to return to the college football playoffs and their schedule sets up well for them (@ Texas A&M, LSU, @ Auburn are the toughest).

 

[Bishop2b5]

Bama hired Sal Sunseri today as an assistant. Sunseri was formerly the LB coach at Bama, DC at Tennessee, and DL coach at Florida last year. Not clear yet what role he'll have at Bama. His son Vinnie, a former Bama and NFL DB, was hired earlier this week as a grad assistant.

 

[Circa]

With losing 4 assistants out of his 10 man staff this season and losing the national championship, Saban has still been able to pull in the best recruiting class in the country by far and arguably one of the greatest recruiting classes of all time. Bama is going nowhere because their talent is just too strong. On top of that, I think at DC they might actually upgrade with a new hire over Tosh Lupoi who was a strong recruiter, but debatably good schemer on defense and playcaller. On top of that he's probably bringing the best of the best because Nick Saban is very shrewd in his hiring practices. Kyle Flood, the first new hire, brings 21 seasons of working with offensive lines, brings head coaching experience (Saban loves him some former head coaches), and was the OL coach for, by far the most successful decade of Rutgers football in their 149 year history as a college program. I think Butch Jones will take over as RB or WR coach and he's a former head coach and a really really good recruiter (Especially at Tennessee). Lance Taylor's name is being floated around as the potential new WR coach and he brings with him a stint at the Carolina Panthers as their WR coach and was probably the best recruiter on Stanford's coaching staff for his 3 year stay. Lastly, I'm sure Nick Saban's OC job will be handled by one of the best of the best. Alabama is in a great position to return to the college football playoffs and their schedule sets up well for them (@ Texas A&M, LSU, @ Auburn are the toughest).

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/Mg2mANiAy5ZeM" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/unbreakable-kimmy-schmidt-uks-uksedit-Mg2mANiAy5ZeM">via GIPHY</a></p>

Hard reading bud,...

 

[irishff1014]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SOURCE: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissState?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissState</a> Run Game Coordinator/RB coach Charles Huff has accepted a job on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alabama?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alabama</a> staff, per me and <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfortuna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MattFortuna</a>. He’ll join a rebuilt Crimson Tide group that includes new OC Steve Sarkisian and OL coach Kyle Flood. <a href="https://t.co/tvAdiBkSZE">https://t.co/tvAdiBkSZE</a></p>— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/1087104323987812352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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[Sea Turtle]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SOURCE: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissState?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissState</a> Run Game Coordinator/RB coach Charles Huff has accepted a job on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alabama?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alabama</a> staff, per me and <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfortuna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MattFortuna</a>. He’ll join a rebuilt Crimson Tide group that includes new OC Steve Sarkisian and OL coach Kyle Flood. <a href="https://t.co/tvAdiBkSZE">https://t.co/tvAdiBkSZE</a></p>— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB/status/1087104323987812352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Saban will get whoever he wants and the school will pay whatever it takes.

If not, Saban will have the school presidents job.

 

[Legacy]

Article on Bama recruiting ending with scholarship numbers for the 2019 class.
Alabama Recruiting Update: Crootin Mysteries

NUMBERS
If you have read this far (thank you), you are probably wondering “wait a minute. Alabama has 24 commits! How can they add ALL these guys?”

24 signed + 4 committed unsigned = 28

Word is Alabama will take all three of Byron Young, Ish Sopsher and Nathan Pickering if they commit = 31.

Bama needs a tight end and might just take Ealy to keep him away from Clemson = 33.

They could take both To’oto’o AND Heimuli but will definitely take at least one = 35.

This is one of those moments where you have to trust in the Process®. Saban appears to have everything completely in his control to bring together possibly the greatest Alabama recruiting class ever. Don’t be surprised if this Crimson Tide class hits the big 3-0 or goes over.

Hold onto your Houndstooth hats. It’s about to get crazy up in here.

Of the four Verbal Commits - Byron Young (SDE) and Kris Bogle (WDE) - have taken all five OVs. Soft Commit - Christian Williams - will have taken three OVs with other schools in Jan and Feb. Kellen Robinson, RB, has not taken any OVs to other schools.

At this point, Bama has sixty-five scholarship players returning. 65+35=100

CBs FWIW - Pickering (Ms St commit and fav), Ealy (Clemson), Sopsher (LSU), Heimuli (Wash), Bogle (Miami), To'oto'o (Alabama), Young (toss up - Ole Miss, Ms St, Ala), Williams (Ala). Brett Seither, TE, who may be backup plan if Ealy signs with Clemson, has recently visited Ala and Ga with CB favoring TCU.

Alabama's 2019 Class has fifteen early enrollees, nine who have signed LOIs, with the four verbal commits. Counting twenty-four who have signed, four could count towards the Class of 2018, which would leave room for five more for the Class of 2019 if Bama can get to eighty-five with further attrition.

 

[Irish#1]

Article on Bama recruiting ending with scholarship numbers for the 2019 class.
Alabama Recruiting Update: Crootin Mysteries



Of the four Verbal Commits - Byron Young (SDE) and Kris Bogle (WDE) - have taken all five OVs. Soft Commit - Christian Wilkins - will have taken three OVs with other schools in Jan and Feb. Kellen Robinson, RB, has not taken any OVs to other schools.

At this point, Bama has sixty-five scholarship players returning. 65+35=100

They'll send the kids to Alabama JC and pay their tuition to keep them. Bagmen for Nick never get any rest.

 

[Irish#1]

Nick stockpiling more coaches in non-field positions as it looks like he's hiring Mike Stoops.

https://www.si.com/college-football...-coaching-staff-analyst-after-oklahoma-firing

 

[GBdomer]

Nick stockpiling more coaches in non-field positions as it looks like he's hiring Mike Stoops.

https://www.si.com/college-football...-coaching-staff-analyst-after-oklahoma-firing

I always really respect Saban for doing stuff like this. Giving guys a second chance or even a 3rd by helping them re jolt their coaching careers.

 

[Valpodoc85]

Isn’t stoops being considered for an on field?

 

[Irish#1]

Isn’t stoops being considered for an on field?

Not according to the article. It's supposed to be an analyst position. Maybe Saban knows he is losing someone in the not too distant future and is getting Stoops on board to fill that position when it opens?

 

[dublinirish]

2020 4* QB Carson Beck decommitted from Alabama

Florida, Miami, Alabama, Georgia Tech are in play

 

[Big23Head]

DB Christian Williams and DE Khris Bogle both flipped from Bama to other teams

 

[NDMIA]

DB Christian Williams and DE Khris Bogle both flipped from Bama to other teams

For some guys, it was a great financial tactic to wait until NSD. Teams are more desperate. Jaquaze Sorrells might make himself a rich man this afternoon if Alabama doesn’t beat out LSU on their bidding war for Ishmael Sopsher. George Pickens pulled in some serious thousands to go to Georgia instead of Auburn, LSU, Miami, and Tennessee. Kid masterfully played up his ebay website in the month of January and early February. Khris Bogle going to UF doesn’t surprise me cause they had the whole month of January to get their money bags counted and Tosh Lupoi left for the NFL so their payment plan got screwed up. Christian Williams was probably like Tate Martell and enjoyed his time at LIV nightclub with Manny the Man!

 

[Legacy]

S&P+ breakdown of Alabama football’s 2019 non-conference schedule

Non-Conference:
Duke (No. 65) — The Crimson Tide opens the season with Duke. Not a marquee game, but not shameful one either. The ‘Devils under Cutcliffe are a consistent 7-to-8-win bowl team, and sometimes even mess around and win 9 or 10. Besides, these two programs share a lot of history. If you’re new, or missed it, or just want to revisit it, check out Kleph’s piece here on the Tide-Blue Devil connection.

New Mexico State (No. 121) — Not a good game, Bob. This will be the worst team Alabama faces all season. But, be prepared to defend this stinker on the schedule. Nearly everyone has this kind of bodybag game: Wisconsin and Miami play No. 122 Central Michigan; Kansas State and Notre Dame play No. 123 Bowling Green; Illinois plays No. 124 Akron; Texas and Baylor and Wake play No. 125 Rice; BYU and Northwestern play No. 126 UMass; Nebraska plays No. 127 South Alabama; Texas A&M and Baylor play No. 128 UTSA; Indiana and Illinois play no. 129 UConn; Texas Tech plays No. 130 UTEP — and those are just the games against teams worse than the one on Alabama’s slate. BIG 10 AIN’T PLAYED NOBODY, PAWWWWL.

Southern Miss (No. 74) — This is another game against a middle-of-the road team. But, I suspect it will look better at the end of the year than the beginning (think Arkansas State last season or Fresno State in 2017). Southern Miss will compete for the C-USA crown in a very crowded Western Division (North Texas, UAB, La. Tech), or at least will be a bowl team. Besides, as I discussed in an Historical about five years ago, this is a long-time intersectional rivalry that at times has outpaced even conference rivalries in terms of heat and upsets. This is the closest thing to an honorary SEC member the conference has.

Western Carolina (NR) — Never mind. The NMSU game will, in fact, not be the worst one on a weaker non-conference schedule. WCU is not ranked in the S&P+, but you kind of shudder to see where they would fall...last season the Catamounts were 204th in the Sagarin ratings. But, again, the annual FCS game serves a purpose far above and beyond being a 12th game on the schedule. I will defend playing it every single year for many reasons too. Still, you do wish this were against a quality FCS foe, a distinction WCU doesn’t possess.

2019 non-conference schedule is weaker than future ones.

 

[NDMIA]

Nick Saban - HC - 67yrs old
Steve Sarkisian - OC/QB - 44yrs old
Charles Huff - RB - 35yrs old
Holmon Wiggins - WR - 40yrs old
Jeff Banks - TE/ST - 43yrs old
Kyle Flood - OL - 48yrs old
Brian Baker - DL - 56yrs old
Pete Golding - DC/LB - 35yrs old
Sal Sunseri - LB - 59yrs old
Karl Scott - DB - 34yrs old
Charles Kelly - DB - 51yrs old

Butch Jones - Analyst - 51yrs old
Mike Stoops - Analyst - 57yrs old
Major Applewhite - Analyst - 40yrs old

Just as a btw, Saban formally announced his new staff a few days ago. It is pretty damn impressive from it's experience perspective to the recruiting prowess of many of these dudes. The analysts aren't too terrible either on top of the 60+ other staffers working for the football team.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Major Applewhite has been hired by Bama as an analyst, making him the newest resident of Saban's home for unwed mothers. Applewhite was the OC at Bama during Saban's first season here in '07, but wasn't quite ready for the job and wasn't retained on staff for '08. He was recently fired as HC at the University of Houston.

 

[irishknight35]

New Bama Analyst: Bear Bryant's brain infused with a Mech Bot.

-Mech Bot Bryant is designed and programmed to be Bama's run the damn ball game coordinator and also to destroy Robocop on sight.

 

[NDMIA]

Major Applewhite has been hired by Bama as an analyst, making him the newest resident of Saban's home for unwed mothers. Applewhite was the OC at Bama during Saban's first season here in '07, but wasn't quite ready for the job and wasn't retained on staff for '08. He was recently fired as HC at the University of Houston.

The crazy thing is that Bama had 13 analysts on staff last year. In total, they had 65 people working in the football offices. 11 coaches, 4 grad assistants, 5 s&c coaches, 13 analysts, 16 in football ops, 8 trainer/equipment/nutrition people, and an 8 person staff working on football marketing/campus outreach. That is not even to mention the student managers, trainers, and helpers that they have on game days, during training camp, and in other facets. It is really really impressive.

 

[Bishop2b5]

The crazy thing is that Bama had 13 analysts on staff last year. In total, they had 65 people working in the football offices. 11 coaches, 4 grad assistants, 5 s&c coaches, 13 analysts, 16 in football ops, 8 trainer/equipment/nutrition people, and an 8 person staff working on football marketing/campus outreach. That is not even to mention the student managers, trainers, and helpers that they have on game days, during training camp, and in other facets. It is really really impressive.

The way staffs have changed over the years is amazing. I read something just this week about former Auburn coach Shug Jordan. In his first few years at Auburn he was not only the football coach, but the baseball and basketball coach too. Colleges often only had 6-10 coaches for the entire athletic department. Saban's got that many analysts now just looking for tells in how each OL gets into his stance.

 

[Legacy]

Player movement at Bama is picking up. Overall, the Class of 2019 added 27 players and all qualified. Bama is currently at 85 scholarship players with three players in the Transfer Portal - Xavian Marks, (WR), Mike Bernier (P, w/o to schol) and Scott Meyer (LS). Meyer is still practicing with the team. Ben Davis, OLB, who is buried on the depth chart and is held out of spring due to shin splints, is still on the roster. Kyrik McDonald transferred to Cincy. Seven players entered the draft early. Seventeen scholarship players graduated with two of those with eligibility are graduate transfers elsewhere. Two other scholarship players were former walkons who earned scholarships for 2018. No recruits were grayshirts or blueshirts. No players retired for medical reasons as of this time.

Three players were disciplined prior to the Playoff with expected suspensions to last four games into the 2019 season. Saban has not announced the length of those suspensions, but the speculation is six games.

Was Meyer's scholarship pulled?
Will Ben Davis retire?
Will any of the disciplined players leave?

 

[irishtrain]

Nick Saban - HC - 67yrs old
Steve Sarkisian - OC/QB - 44yrs old
Charles Huff - RB - 35yrs old
Holmon Wiggins - WR - 40yrs old
Jeff Banks - TE/ST - 43yrs old
Kyle Flood - OL - 48yrs old
Brian Baker - DL - 56yrs old
Pete Golding - DC/LB - 35yrs old
Sal Sunseri - LB - 59yrs old
Karl Scott - DB - 34yrs old
Charles Kelly - DB - 51yrs old

Butch Jones - Analyst - 51yrs old
Mike Stoops - Analyst - 57yrs old
Major Applewhite - Analyst - 40yrs old

Just as a btw, Saban formally announced his new staff a few days ago. It is pretty damn impressive from it's experience perspective to the recruiting prowess of many of these dudes. The analysts aren't too terrible either on top of the 60+ other staffers working for the football team.

That's crazy laughable hope they have enough coaches this year

 

[Bishop2b5]

That's crazy laughable hope they have enough coaches this year

Typical staff size for a major program. ND's is about the same size.
https://und.com/coaches.aspx?path=football