Alabama Weekly
July 14, 1999
July 14, 1999 -- Issue 12 -- Volume 2
AW Web Site: http://TideFans.com
HELLO BAMANATION CITIZENS!! Welcome to Alabama Weekly!
Give us some feedback as to how you like the Alabama Weekly, what
features you'd like to see, what features you don't like, or to just let
us know you're out there and reading each week. Thanks for subscribing
and we'll see you next week with some new features.
Enjoy this week's issue as we preview
Arkansas and Mississippi State and give you a "TideFans Guide to
Nashville."
ROLL TIDE!
TideFans Trip Updates
Staff Reports
Alabama Weekly
As you may know, we have a trip deal setup for Tide Fans traveling to
the Florida game in Gainesville. We also have priced a chartered
motorcoach making stops in Nashville, Athens, Birmingham, and
Montgomery...the price will be about $79.00 per person (transportation
only). For more information or to reserve your seat, please contact Cook
Travel via email: Slewis@companet.net
The hotels in Gainesville require a 2
night stay. Request the rooms via an email to: Slewis@companet.net
(indicate you want the TideFans package). Cook Travel will respond ASAP
and confirm via email.
Here are the summary details for the
Florida package (for more detailed information, visit http://TideFans.com):
FLORIDA GAME-Gainesville, FL
(Hotel) Econo-Lodge on Campus, close to stadium, rates are
$90/night for 2 people, $5 each additional person up to 4 per room. We
have a limited number rooms at this location, so it's first come first
serve. If we have more that want the package, we have blocked some rooms
for overflow at the Comfort Inn in Ochala which is 20 miles away. Rates
there are $100/night for 2 with a $40 deposit. Delta Airlines has given
us a great deal that will benefit TideFans all over the country. They
will give us a 10% discount off the lowest regional airfare! Tickets to
the game are NOT included. Buy'em when you get there or buy'em from a
friend! DEADLINE IS AUGUST 1!!
UCLA PACKAGE
We are also working really hard on finalizing a UCLA trip
package. We have received an overwhelming response to our initial
request for those interested to email us. We will send out an email with
details as soon as we get more information. Meanwhile, if you haven't
already done so, email us at: UCLA-trip@tidefans.com if you want more
info when it is available.
VANDY PARTY
In addition to the trips above, we're planning a TideFans party
in Nashville at the NASCAR Cafe before the Vandy game. Details are
coming in next week's Alabama Weekly.
If you are interested in any of these
events, please let us know! party-trips@tidefans.com
***
Arkansas Razorbacks
Team Overview
by Jess Nicholas
Recruiting Editor
Returning Offensive Starters: 5 (SE, FL,TE, RT, QB)
Returning Defensive Starters: 6 (RE, RLB, LLB, BAN, RCB, FS)
Returning Specialists: 1 (P)
Projected Overall Record: 7-4 (UA, OM, UT, LSU)
Projected SEC Record: 4-4 (UA, OM, UT, LSU)
Projected SEC West Record: 2-3 (UA, OM, LSU)
Ratings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
Quarterbacks: Av Defensive Line: Fr
Running backs: Vg Linebackers: Vg
Wide Receivers: Ex Defensive Backs: Av
Offensive Line: Fr Special Teams: Pr
Arkansas, arising like either a mighty phoenix or a cagey possum,
depending on your preference, caught everyone off-guard last year in the
SEC, nearly winning the SEC West and coming one heart-breaking play away
from a possible undefeated season. This year, Arkansas returns many of
the stars that helped them to the top, but they lose a ton of linemen
and their special teams are in turmoil. Can Houston Nutt pull off
another miracle?
OFFENSE
Same old same old here, with quarterback Clint Stoerner back for another
turn at quarterback. He'll be tossing to the conference's best receiving
corps, and has depth at running back behind him. The big question: Can
the Hogs find a decent offensive line?
QUARTERBACKS
Clint Stoerner has experience. When things are going right
around him, he can be deadly. He's not, however, good enough to beat you
throwing the ball only. Stoerner is at his best when his running game is
clicking, which allows him to use the play-action pass to his advantage.
Still, it was his mistake on such a play that basically cost Arkansas
the western division last year and may have cost them much more. There
is plenty of depth, but is it good? Freshman Robby Hampton unexpectedly
beat out two more experienced players (Chadd Jones and Grant Sumner) as
well as top signee Gary Brashears for the backup job.
RUNNING BACKS
Starting tailback Chrys Chukwuma is a load, and has enough
experience under his belt to be a force. He can be fumble-prone, but his
talent is undeniable. There are plenty of other backs around to provide
him some rest, including senior Mike Jenkins, sophomore Alvin Ray, and
signee Cedric Cobbs. The question, though, is can they replace Madre
Hill, arguably the emotional leader of the offense? At fullback, Eric
Branch, Nathan Norman, and Marvin Caston are all gunning for the
position. None are particularly inspiring, but the Hogs should be able
to find a serviceable blocker among them.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Fortunately for Clint Stoerner, he has receivers that can make
him look like an all-star. Anthony Lucas could be the best in the
conference, while Michael Williams never seems to be noticed until he's
scampering into your end zone. Hubert Loudermilk, Emanuel Smith, and
Michael Snowden are all dangerous, and the Hogs added to their
embarrassment of riches when they signed JUCO superstar Eddie
"Boo" Williams. If that wasn't enough, tight end Joe Dean
Davenport is far and away the best in the conference. He is athletic,
tough, and most importantly, six-foot-seven. Safeties can't guard him,
and linebackers have a tough time keeping up. He's also an evil blocker.
The only question there is depth, as freshman Marcellus Poydras needs to
be counted on for at least 10 snaps a game to give Davenport proper
rest.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Uh-oh. It's a good thing that three-year letterman Bobby
Williams is back at right tackle, because the rest of this group can't
be distinguished without a program. The only other "name"
player, aspiring left tackle Gary Hobbs, won't be with the team at last
word. That leaves the coaches to pick through a bunch of underclassmen
to find the right mix. Shannon Money has left guard nailed down, and
Kenny Sandlin will most likely be the center. Jeremiah Washburn will
either start at right guard or be a swing substitute for most of the
line. Curtis Sanders, transfer John Geitner, and Brett Shockley will
fill the left tackle position and compete at right guard. Depth is
almost nil.
DEFENSE
While the offense boasts some impressive weapons, it will be the defense
that determines whether this team sinks or floats. Gone are C.J. McLain
and Zach Painter, two of the emotional leaders of this unit. What
remains is a collection of solid players starting alongside green
rookies.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Junior Randy Garner is the only returning starter, and that
could spell trouble. D.J. Cooper is a solid inside tackle, but noseguard
Chris Brooks and end Carlos Hall are going to need more seasoning. Hall
could be poised for a breakout year, however. Sacha Lancaster, along
with freshman Raymond House, are going to be counted on for more than
just relief off the bench. Two more freshmen, Ezekiel Davis and Jermaine
Brooks, will join sophomore Curt Davis in providing depth in the middle.
Inexperience will hurt the Hogs early; the question is how fast they can
adapt to SEC play.
LINEBACKERS
The Razorbacks employ just two true linebackers, opting instead to go
with three safeties. The two positions that do see the field are both
filled by three-lettered seniors. J.J. Jones and Jamel Harris, both
dangerous and experienced, need little help to do their jobs well.
Still, they get that help in the form of Quenton Caver, who plays as
much or more than starter Jones. Sophomore Derrick Johnson and senior
Delancey Kent also provide good depth. This is probably the strength of
the defense.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Talk about a mixed bag. On one hand, you get free safety Kenoy Kennedy
and bandit Jeromy Flowers, while on the other hand, there is
inexperienced cornerback Harold Harris and no depth. Flowers and
Kennedy, both seniors, are feared throughout the conference, and
roverback Ontraia Moss is no slouch. The second team reads like a who's
who of "Who?", with Jeremiah Harper, D'Andre Berry, Ken
Hamlin, Corey Harris, and Joe Bailey all trying to provide depth for
Harold Harris and the feared David Barnett. The starters are mostly
top-flight, but the lack of depth could haunt Arkansas over the length
the season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Nothing. Arkansas ranked at or near the bottom in kickoff and punt
returns last year, and the kicking game itself will likely be in the
hands of two total newcomers. Tony Dodson leads a cast of thousands at
placekicker, while senior punter Chris Akin was bad enough in the spring
to allow the position to be classified as wide-open in the fall. Junior
Grant Pruitt could take that job from Akin. It's safe to say the Hogs
better stick it in the endzones when they have the chance.
OVERALL
If Arkansas had the offensive line and kicker from last year's team,
they could be contending for more than just a conference championship.
However, graduation is an inevitable element in the college game, and it
means this version of the Razorbacks will need a lot of luck,
particularly concerning injuries, if they are to remain competitive.
This team is hard to figure-it looks all-world in some aspects, but in
others, trouble. Arkansas could finish anywhere from 6-5 to 9-2, but 7-4
sounds like the most likely number.
***
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Team Overview
by Jess Nicholas
Recruiting Editor
Returning Offensive Starters: 2 (QB, LT)
Returning Defensive Starters: 7 (LE, LT, RT, LLB, LCB, RCB, SS)
Returning Specialists: 1 (P)
Projected Overall Record: 7-4 (OSU, LSU, UA, ARK)
Projected SEC Record: 5-3 (LSU, UA, ARK)
Projected SEC West Record: 2-3 (LSU, UA, ARK)
Ratings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
Quarterbacks: Fr Defensive Line: Vg
Running backs: Vg Linebackers: Vg
Wide Receivers: Fr Defensive Backs: Vg
Offensive Line: Vg Special Teams: Av
Mississippi State came out of nowhere to win a tightly-contested SEC
Western Division in 1998, owing largely to the easiest record in the
SEC. The Bulldogs benefit from that same easy schedule in 1999, but will
it be enough to send the Bullies flying back into first place?
Mississippi State must make up for huge losses on the offensive side of
the ball and their kicker is untested, but wily Jackie Sherrill is still
managing the controls and that makes up for a lot.
OFFENSE
Remember the following phrase: Walker at Right Guard, 4 yard gain.
You'll be hearing it a lot this year. Dispite rumors that the Bulldogs
will try to open up their offense, their best bet is to stay on the
ground where they're very dangerous. Talent deficiencies at quarterback
and wide receiver coupled with a mammoth offensive line means the path
of least resistance lies between the tackles and on sure footing.
QUARTERBACKS
Following this upcoming season, Wayne Madkin should go on tour as a
magician. The sleight-of-hand tricks he used last year to keep the
quarterback job would make Houdini proud. While he proved himself as a
leader, Madkin simply doesn't have the talent of a star quarterback, and
if the preseason stories of more passing are true, Madkin probably won't
be able to deliver. He has good mobility, but only a pop-gun arm that
resulted in a sub-50% completion rate and nearly as many interceptions
(9) as touchdowns (11). There is experience among the backups, but the
coaches would just as soon not have that experience make the field. Matt
Wyatt will play-as a pooch punter that is-but fellow reserve Rob Morgan
probably won't. Bulldog fans are in a tizzy about incoming freshman
Kevin Fant, but a redshirt year would do wonders for the prospect. By
all accounts, he should get it.
RUNNING BACKS
The graduation of James Johnson left a gaping hole at tailback for
exactly one month. Then the Bulldogs signed Dontae Walker, ranked as the
#5 prospect in the Southeast by NARCAS. Walker already has a
professional's build, and glides along the field not unlike former
Alabama star Sherman Williams. Walker should be able to beat out the
talented, but fairly inexperienced trio of Chris Rainey, Justin
Griffith, and Dicenzo Miller. Rainey does all things well but nothing
spectacular. Griffith is mindful of Johnson in build, but is probably
not quite as quick to the hole. Miller has good speed and size and will
probably present the stiffest challenge.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Kelvin Love was a godsend to Jackie Sherrill last year, coming in from
junior college, moving from quarterback to receiver, and succeeding
immediately. However, Love was at his best when he was the second or
third receiver in the set. Now, he will be the featured guy, and it
remains to be seen whether he can handle that. Matt Butler and Harold
Lindsey are the two guys gunning for the other slot, with Lorenzo
Armstead also in the mix. The rest are a group of no-names, and it's
more than just a safe bet that either one of two signees, Keshun Fudge
(if eligible) and Terrell Grindle will eventually end up as the other
starter. The coaches are holding their breath on this position,
especially if they plan to up the number of pass plays. As for tight
ends, though, the major issue is health. If Terrence McCaskey stays
healthy, there will be no problems. If C.J. Sirmones, the likely backup,
is forced into action, Mississippi State could be in trouble. Sirmones
is on the light side, but will probably one day develop into a good
receiver.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Gad, they're big. They're ALWAYS big. Big, big, big. The average weight
of this line is somewhere approaching "Buick." While size
isn't an issue, however, experience and mobility are. The
appropriately-named Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack is the lone
returning starter in this bunch and the only other returning offensive
starter besides QB Madkin. Wesley Shivers will start at right tackle,
opposite Womack. Right guard Michael Fair is very underrated, but center
Paul Mooney and left guard Kenric Fairchild are largely (pun intended)
unknowns. While Tron Thomas is currently listed as a backup, it would be
no surprise to see himself start at guard before year's end. Depth
everywhere else is a major issue, however, with only junior guard Matt
McRae having any meaningful experience. Perhaps the biggest (pun
intended again) question, however, is how this line will respond to pass
blocking.
DEFENSE
The talent is here, and more importantly,
so is Defensive Coordinator Joe Lee Dunn. The combination of experience
at each group coupled with Dunn's prowess makes Mississippi State lethal
on this side of the ball. Expect the Bulldogs to rely heavily on their
defense while the offense grows up.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Bulldogs are one of the few teams left employing the antiquated 5-2
defensive front. While another linebacker is preferable for most
coaches, the 5-2 set allows the Bulldogs to get seniors Kevin Sluder and
Cornell Menafee both charging in from the right side at once. Menafee, a
strong pass rusher, and the run-stuffing Sluder compliment hard-nosed
tackle John Hilliard well. Talented Alvin McKinley assumes the starting
noseguard position, while fleet Conner Stephens will start at left end.
Depth could be an issue, though, with Dorsett Davis probably the best of
the bunch. Exactly what the Bulldogs have here remains to be seen,
although their reputation for developing defensive line depth is
legendary. Nathan Jackson, Ellis Wyms, and JUCO transfer Toby Golliday
will be the ones most used.
LINEBACKERS
Do you know Barrin Simpson? If you don't, you soon will. Barring injury,
Simpson should play himself into all-SEC honors and get drafted into the
pros. Simpson combines field-general status with serious talent, equally
adept at stopping the run, covering receivers, and rushing the passer.
Jamaal Dinkins will be the other starter, and he compliments Simpson
well. The only question, again, is depth and experience behind these
two. Paul Hunter, Nick Floyd, and Barris Grant are the candidates. Only
time will tell whether they can hack it.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Depending on who you talk to, this is either the best unit in the
conference or one of the most overrated. We'll go with the
"good" opinion here, as Mississippi State boasts
cover-meisters Robert Bean and Kendall Roberson at cornerback and
hard-hitting Tim Nelson at strong safety. The only question is how
converted tailback Edward "Pig" Prather will handle free
safety. Prather is a good athlete and very fast, but must learn the
ropes of the position. Ashley Cooper, Shawn Byrdsong, Kenzaki Jones, and
incoming signee Fred Smoot will provide much-more-than-adequate depth.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Bulldogs boast the two-headed punting juggernaut of Jeff Walker and
Matt Wyatt. Walker can boom kicks with the best of them, but lacks
touch. That's when Sherrill calls on backup quarterback Matt Wyatt, an
accomplished pooch-punter who is a threat to throw when on the field.
The big question is how to replace departed placekicker Brian Hazelwood.
Transfer Scott Westerfield has the inside track on the job, and the
Bulldogs are hoping he'll be able to adjust to division-I pressure. If
he can't, or if he is injured, MSU is in for some serious trouble.
Walker is the backup kicker, and while he possesses excellent leg
strength, isn't the world's most accurate placekicker.
OVERALL
They say defense wins championships. If true, that gives Mississippi
State an excellent chance to repeat as Western Division titleists.
Judging from the talent on defense and the lack of experience and
identity on offense, there should be a lot of 13-10 games this year in
Starkville. Even considering the questions of experience with this team,
it may be one of their better chances at Atlanta for a few years.
Mississippi State will lose eight senior defensive starters next year,
as well as four important senior reserves. That will surely be weighing
on the mind of Jackie Sherrill as he plays down the stretch this season,
but there is one thing in his favor. As long as the Bulldogs play the
schedule they do, they will be a threat to win the division year in and
year out.
***
TideFans Trip
Report--Nashville
by Chris DePew
Football Editor
Editor's Note: Chris DePew's significant travels throughout the
Southeastern Conference cities while following the Crimson Tide give him
a unique perspective and insight into what's hot and what's not in the
varying towns. Chris will share the particulars of each city and game as
we go through the season. Save these reports and carry them with you as
you go from game to game or watch/listen at home.
GAME
Vanderbilt
September 4
11:30 a.m.
SITE
Vanderbilt Stadium
BROADCAST
The flagship radio station for Vanderbilt football is WSM 650-AM, which
can be picked up all over Middle Tennessee. For those who arrive in
Nashville, but are forced to catch the game on TV, Jefferson-Pilot has
the broadcast, which can be seen locally on WSMV-TV Channel 4.
DIRECTIONS
From Alabama--Take I-65 north into Nashville. Follow I-65 to the I-440
interchange. Take I-440 west towards Memphis. Go to exit 1, West End
Avenue. Turn right at the light and follow West End Avenue for approx.
3-4 miles. The stadium will be 1 block off of West End on your right,
behind the Holiday Inn.
TICKETS
If available from ticket office, must be purchased as season
tickets. Call (615)-322-GOLD for more information. This game is usually
a sellout due to the large number of Bama fans traveling north to a
small (44,000) stadium. Scalpers are suprisingly few, although more were
evident for the Music City Bowl. Face value is $30, and $40-$50 per
ticket would not be a bad value, considering the limited number of
tickets. As always, the market varies widely, and prices usually go down
at or shortly following kickoff. Ticket scalping is considered legal in
Tennessee.
TRAFFIC
Not nearly as bad as at most SEC venues. Obviously the
immediate neighborhood gets congested, but things are seldom at a
standstill for long. I-440 at West End may become briefly congested, but
otherwise interstate traffic usually runs smooth. Leaving the game
should cause little trouble with one exception. Those taking West End
further into downtown are likely to encounter delays due to the Italian
Street Fair held downtown every Labor Day Weekend.
PARKING
Free on the Vanderbilt campus, but these are not plentiful, and
many are reserved. Also, the campus roads are confusing and offer poor
access to the main parking areas. Many choose to pay $5 and pull into
Centennial Park, located just across West End Avenue. This makes for a
nice tailgating locale also.
SAFETY
Like any big city, Nashville has its share of crime, but common sense
usually can avert any mishap. The area in and around Vandy is considered
among the most prosperous and safest in Nashville. Vanderbilt fans
themselves are unlikely to be threatening, although an occasional
intoxicated student may decide to shout at you. It is always a good idea
to secure car flags, magnets, etc.
DINING
The West End/21st Avenue area near Vandy has a full selection
of chain restraunts, both fast food and more upscale. Some other
favorites of mine include..
*San Antonio Taco Company--21st
Avenue.
This Vandy student hangout is close to campus and offers tasty
Mexican food cheap. Diners write down their selections on a pad and then
hand it to the person behind the counter in exchange for a number. A
large selection of beer is available for those who partake, and hot
wings are served for those who hate Mexican.
*Demo's Steak and Spagetti--2nd Avenue at Commerce.
Located next to the popular tourist district (and near the
aforementioned Street Fair.), Demo's offers some of the best pasta
dishes in Middle Tennessee at very reasonable prices. A favorite of mine
is the spagetti sampler, which gives you three different types of sauce
for your noodles, including clam. The steaks are reportedly excellent as
well, and dinner for two (no alcohol or dessert) can easily be had for
under $30.
*Steak and Shake--TN Highway 96, just east of I-65 in Franklin
(exit 65).
A 24-hour diner in the greatest sense of the word. Juicy steakburgers
and piping hot chili served on/in real china dishes are only a prelude
to tall, thick homemade milkshakes born of real ice cream. A fun
atmosphere, but an entirely safe one. This is the closest of three
locations.
LODGING
Few hotels away from campus will jack up their rates because of a
football weekend.
*Holiday Inn Select- West End Avenue
The closest location is the Holiday Inn Select on West End Avenue. Rooms
are very nice, but expect to pay a premium, and rooms may not be
available close to game day.
*Clubhouse Suites - Broadway
For those willing to stay 4-5 miles away (and brave Street Fair
traffic), I recommend the Clubhouse Suites on Broadway. Rooms include a
full (not continental) breakfast, and are clean and spacious.
*Days Inn
A good bargan near the airport is the Days Inn near Percy Priest Lake
(Exit 216 off of I-40.) The Days Inn on Spence Lane near Murfreesboro
Road is not up to standard and should be avoided.
*Opryland Hotel
The ultimate in Nashville hotels is of course, the Opryland Hotel (Exit
12 off of Briley Parkway/Tenn. 155.) A swell place to pass time by
walking around in the lobbies, the OH is a magnificent experience, but
you will pay in terms of money ($175-$200 night is commonplace.) and
travel time (Allow 30-45 minutes to reach the stadium.)
AND THE BAMANATION SAID: "ROLL TIDE!"
If you have an article or commentary you'd like to submit for
publication, please send it to: Alabama.Weekly@TideFans.com
Newsletter published by: Brett Young and Jess Nicholas
Alabama Weekly / TideFans.com Staff:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Jess Nicholas, Recruiting Editor
John Hinds, Bama in Boston
Grif Carden, Baseball / Basketball Editor
Chris Depew, Football Editor
Jim Morris, Feature Writer
Brett Young, Managing Editor
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