HELLO BAMANATION CITIZENS!! Welcome again to Alabama Weekly!

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This week we bring you the South Carolina Preview, a preliminary Depth Chart, SEC West preview, Birmingham City/Trip Preview, and more. Look for our next issue on Thursday, August 26th.

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Tidefans Florida Trip/Vandy Party/UCLA Trip Update
Staff Reports

FLORIDA TRIP

The deadline is nearing to reserve your hotel rooms for the Florida game. September 5th will be the last day for you to reserve rooms at the Econo-Lodge in Gainesville. We still have a dozen rooms available for Tidefans. If you are interested, or need more information, you can get all you need to know by clicking on the "trip links" on the right at the TideFans.com homepage.

We appreciate the response from all of you Tidefans in the Sunshine State. As of Monday, these loyal fans reserved every other room in Gainesville.

VANDY PARTY

We continue to receive reservations for the Tidefans Party at the Nascar Cafe on Friday Sept. 3 at 7p.m. We can accept about a dozen additional reservations for this event. If you plan to attend and have not confirmed your reservation with us, please drop us an e-mail at jim@tidefans.com, the deadline is August 29th. We have reserved the Driver's Lounge which only seats 50 people thus space is limited. We have some great things planned for this event and have scheduled a surprise guest speaker.

UCLA TRIP

The travel agents are continuing to negotiate deals with the airlines, hotels, etc. for the UCLA trip next season. At this time they have negotiations with a couple of hotels near the beach. We should get final word on this sometime in the near future. As for the airlines, if we can get around 200 people to fly out of the same airport, there is a great chance we can charter our own plane. If you are interested in the UCLA trip please e-mail us at UCLA.Trip@TideFans.com

We are working on a payment plan for this trip to make it more affordable for everyone.

NOTE:

To those of you with a motorhome that plan to attend the Houston game: We need a place for Tidefans to stop by and chew the fat with each other. If you don't mind some of your fellow Tidefans stopping by before the game please e-mail me at jim@tidefans.com.

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South Carolina: Team Overview

By Jess Nicholas
Editor-at-Large

Returning Offensive Starters: 4 (WR, TE, RG, RT)
Returning Defensive Starters: 7 (RDE, RDT, RLB, MLB, LLB, FS, SS)
Returning Specialists: 2 (PK, P)

Projected Overall Record: 3-8 (NCST, UGA, MSU, OM, UK, ARK, UT, UF)
Projected SEC Record: 1-7 (UGA, MSU, OM, UK, ARK, UT, UF)
Projected SEC East Record: 1-4 (UGA, UK, UT, UF)

Ratings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
Quarterbacks: Fr Defensive Line: Fr
Running backs: Av Linebackers: Av
Wide Receivers: Vg Defensive Backs: Av
Offensive Line: Fr Special Teams: Vg

The South Carolina Gamecocks could be one of the biggest surprises this season. It all depends on how much weight you give to the arrival of head coach Lou Holtz, who, depending on who you talk to, will either work a miracle in Columbia or is the most overrated coach in recent college history. Either way, Holtz will have his work cut out for him, as former coach Brad Scott left the cupboard nearly bare.

OFFENSE

Brad Scott never could make up his mind whether he wanted an all-out passing attack or a grind-it-out ground game. Holtz has always tended to favor the latter, as he believes in simply overpowering the opposition. He’ll have to do it with a threadbare offensive line and an unimpressive quarterback. Holtz will, however, have some of the best wide receivers anywhere around.

QUARTERBACKS

Phil Petty came out of spring drills as the number one guy and will likely start the season that way. Petty should aim for "steady," because spectacular does not apply. Petty’s greatest asset is that he knows his limitations and works within them. His arm is not especially strong, but he makes up for that in decision-making and touch. He won’t outrun the fastest linebackers, but he isn’t a slug-footed piece of driftwood, either. The fact that he played in ten games last season should help more than anything. Petty’s stats (55-for-112, 642 yards, 7 TD, 5 INT) hint at, at the very least, stability. Sophomore Kyle Crabb will attempt to hold off intriguing redshirt freshman Keith Matkins for the backup spot. Matkins should be able to shake off his inconsistencies and eventually challenge Petty for time.

RUNNING BACKS

There is some talent here. Fullback Antoine Nesmith looks like a potential force at some point in his career, while tailbacks Boo Williams and Nate Gary should be able to make up for the loss of Troy Hambrick to a suspension due to academics. His fate is still uncertain. Jonathan Martin will backup Nesmith at fullback, while talented signee Derek Watson is also in the mix at tailback. Fellow signees Andrew Pinnock, a load at 6-0 250-plus, and Ryan Brewer could get early looks.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The starting duo of Jermale Kelly and Kerry Hood is as good as any in the conference. The issue is depth, of which South Carolina has very little. Brian Scott, Ben Flemming and Carlos Spikes will do battle for the reserve positions, and signee Brian Elam should play. Trevon Matthews, a very underrated tight end, returns and will be be backed up by fellow senior Jim Levandusky. That gives Holtz some options while he waits for signee Jason Capers to develop.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This group is hard to figure. Two years ago, Brad Scott recruited an entire line and redshirted them all. That move is starting to pay off, as South Carolina will field three sophomore starters along the line. The right side returns intact with Melvin Paige at tackle and Philip Jones at guard. Kevin Rivers will start at left guard next to the only player with a load of experience, three-year letterman Trey Pennington, who was until recently a tight end. JUCO transfer Tim Bell, who could be a real find, has displaced Scott Browne, who saw the bulk of the action at center last year. Jason Cox, Cedric Williams, and Dennis Thomas will be the top reserve guards, while Kevin Johnson and Jim Pietrzak will backup at tackle. The Gamecocks landed some good talent during recruiting headlined by C.J. Frye. Holtz would probably like to redshirt the whole bunch a la Scott, but one or two might have to play.

DEFENSE

Mostly young, but there are some members of this unit that have been around a while. The linebacking corps has the potential to do some good things, and the secondary should be okay. Still, USC must come up with an effective pass rush, and the depth along the front seven is not nearly what it should be. The offense must help their brethren out.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Sophomores Kalimba Edwards and John Stamper were good enough to knock three-year lettermen Matt Marsters back to second team and John Abraham to linebacker. Edwards has a particularly interesting upside, with major-league speed off the corner. Edwards is slight, however, weighing in at less than 230 pounds. Dennis Quinn, who has the potential to be all-conference at some point, is a redshirt freshman who will see plenty of action. At tackle, senior Cecil Caldwell is a warrior who, if weighing a bit more, could probably play at the next level. Junior college transfer Cleveland Pinkney was highly touted out of high school, and will likely settle in at the other tackle. Larrell Johnson, Anthony Overstreet, and Cedric Williams are also around to provide depth. JUCO transfer Willie Sams and signee Joe Don Jordan could also play early.

LINEBACKERS

The move of John Abraham from the defensive line gives South Carolina a premier pass rusher. Abraham is lightning-fast, but has no coverage experience, which could hinder him. Corey Atkins will start at the other outside position, giving South Carolina a potent duo of outside backers. The middle will be manned by sophomore Kenneth Harney and junior Andre Offing, both of whom can play the game well. The question mark is depth at the outside positions, as Marco Hutchinson and Shannon Wadley will fill the bill. There are few others around, however, so injuries, which decimated the defensive backfield last year, are a big concern to the linebacker coaches this time around. Sophomore Darian Hutcherson and signees Rod Thomas and Pat Fleming could get looks.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

If free safety Arturo Freeman has recovered from knee surgery, he could be the best in the conference and one of the best in the country. Strong safety Ray Green is a force as well. The problems come at cornerback, where the injury to Andre Goodman puts the position is jeopardy. Goodman may or may not return this season, and if he does, he figures to be slowed somewhat. As of now, Sheldon Brown, Kevin House, and Rashad Faison are the names to remember, with Keith Knag also being in the mix. Willie Offord and O’Rondai Cox will be the reserve safeties. Signees Tim Yarn could get an early look somewhere.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Steve Florio, if recovered from injury, will be a big asset at placekicker. The Gamecocks need Florio to be healthy, because they missed every field goal they attempted after game three last year. Courtney Leavitt, forced into action because of Florio’s injury, will return to his punting position, where he is one of the best. In addition, Boo Williams is a fine kick returner, which gives South Carolina at least one area where they can be counted on to win games.

OVERALL

It’s going to be a tough road to travel, there is no doubt. Anything 4-7 or better will signify a job well done by the Gamecocks’ coaching staff. If South Carolina finishes with a winning record, Holtz should be SEC coach of the year. South Carolina will have to establish a ground game early and find a way to take the pressure off Phil Petty. If they can score around 24 points a game and keep their defense off the field enough, they could surprise some people. Holtz is no fool. He knows what works, how to condition his players, how to lead, and how to recruit. His first class was good considering the circumstances. While this won’t be South Carolina’s year, there is at least light at the end of the tunnel—and it is no longer a train.

***

SEC West Rankings
By David Ozment

Staff Writer

The Western Division isn’t as easy to dissect as their Eastern counterparts. While the East has a clear upper and lower class structure, the West has a middle class streak 4 ½ teams wide. The separation between the top 4 teams is so small that any of them could potentially win the West. Additionally, I even saw one publication rank my #5 Western Division competitor in the National top 20. But enough with the conjecture, here’s how it’s gonna play out…

Few would question that Alabama is beginning to put things back together. Three consecutive top 10 recruiting classes have begun to restock the shelves and thus have Bama faithful poised for great things. For starters, look for Bama to return to the SEC Championship stage for the first time in 3 years. Although youth still dominates this Bama roster, the Tide still manages to return 15 starters. However, expect a talented bunch on incoming freshmen and a crop of seasoned red shirts to push for quality playing time.

The strength of this edition of the Crimson Tide will be the DL, as it should be. The DL returns in tact, but all returnees will not start. Fresh legs should always be available and opposing backs should take notice. Watch for Cornelius Griffen, Kindal Moorehead, Kenny Smith, and Shawn Draper to shut down opposing teams. Sticking with the defensive theme, the LBs have been a weak link but look for them to jell early. MLB is among the last positions that I’m worried about, even sans Travis Carroll. Canary Knight should fill the middle with house-mover Marvin Constant backing up. Future All-America candidate Darius Gilbert will man an outside spot with headhunter Miguel Merritt manning the opposite side.

The DBs are solid but just young enough to illicit concern. CB Reggie Myles is a future All-SEC candidate and he looked brilliant once he earned the starting job as a freshman last year. The graduation of Fernando Bryant at the other Corner opens the door for JUCO transfer Milo Lewis. Milo had the good fortune of finishing JUCO in December, which allowed him to enroll at Bama in January and participate in spring drills. He quickly earned the top spot and gained quality practice time in March. SS Tony Dixon has a nose for the ball and always seems to be around it. However, he could use a little work on helping support the running game.

On the offensive side of the ball the Tide appears almost as ready to compete. Andrew Zow is the returning QB but may be pushed for playing time by redshirt freshman Tyler Watts. The entire O-line returns intact and a bevy of mules retire their redshirts this season. Additionally, at least 2 of 4 incoming O-line freshmen may not be kept off the field. The line will of course be busting holes for RB Shaun Alexander. A dark-horse Heisman candidate, Alexander will determine the ebb of the Tide with his running ability. Shaun is big enough at 205lb to pound his way in tough situations but shifty enough to break a long one at any time and the liquidity of his running style belies his speed. Freddie Milons should emerge as the feature receiver with the unscheduled departure of malcontent Eric Locke. Vets Tim Bowens and Shamari Buchanan should also fair well as pass catchers. Look for incoming freshmen WRs Antonio Carter and Leonard Fulgham to start catching passes before they exit I-20 on their way to fall drills.

Schedule Notes: Only top Western team to play both Florida and Tennessee.

Bottom Line: Tide has their work cut out for them but talent to take next step is in place.

New HC David Cutcliffe inherits a stocked ball club. While Trubleville may have done some questionable deeds when he left before the Rebel’s bowl game last year (most notably lying profusely about even leaving and stealing HS recruiting tapes from Ole Miss) one thing he did not do is leave a sinking ship. In fact, if he had it all to do over again I’m not sure he would have left this team.

With 17 returning starters this is a team that could make some noise. QB Romaro Miller is talented enough to take this team a long way but he has yet to demonstrate such leadership on the field. RB Duece McAllister is a returning 1000 yd runner. SR receivers Grant Heard and Cory Peterson bring experience to the pass catching corps. Defense will be sound with all 3 LBs and 3 of 4 DBs returning. This team responded well to Cutcliffe when he left Tennessee before their NC game to rescue the Rebels from Tuberville’s sloppy departure (he left with his entire staff 2 weeks before Ole Miss’s bowl game). Watch out for this bunch of Rebs.

Schedule Notes: Inside track in the East: Vandy, Kentucky, and So. Carolina are their Eastern opponents.

Bottom Line: Talent is here, will it jell quickly around Cutcliffe.

First year HC Houston Nutt walked into a gift horse last year. The previous HC, Danny Ford, while experiencing some difficulty in Fayetteville, had projected 1998 as a breakout year. Fortunately he was right, unfortunately he didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy it. So this year may be a bigger test for Nutt than the last. Luckily, there remains enough talent to make a go of it.

Functional QB Clint Stoerner returns for his senior year. Although Clint excels at little, he does everything well. He’ll overtake Barry Lunney as the school’s all-time passing leader early in the year. RB Chrys Chukwuma is a bruising runner and will get the tough yards. Also look for incoming freshman Cedric Cobbs to carry the ball often. TE Joe Dean Davenport is the class of the conference at the position. Important for a team that actually uses the TE in the passing game. Hog receiving leader Anthony Lucas also returns. He’ll catch more than a few.

I can’t see the Arkansas defense as good as it was last year, but it isn’t without its share of players. An experienced LB corps and FS Kenoy Kennedy will set the pace here.

Schedule Notes: Tennessee is only tough East Division opponent.

Bottom Line: Will Razorbacks recover from last year’s meltdown?

#4 Mississippi State

Has there been a more predictable team in the SEC of late? The MS St. two step goes like this. HC Jackie Sherrill will coach himself onto the fringe of the hot seat, then he’ll load up on JUCO talent and muster a respectable season. (At least 6 JUCOs will report this fall) Last year was an up year so this year must be a… you get the drill.

Of 9 returnees, 7 are defenders, all seniors. This should buoy their standing in the West. The Bulldogs should count themselves lucky that QB Wayne Madkin is among the returnees on the O-side. Only a sophomore, Madkin has enough tools to be a serviceable field general. However, he’ll get big help from incoming freshman RB Dontae Walker. He’s a future All-SEC selection.

Even though only a handful of starters return this year, there are several seniors positioned to play. 14 of 22 starters are SRs as are 7 second teamers. That could buy Jackie another year away from the hot seat. Also, if my math is right, these seniors represent the last of the Dogs that witnessed Sherrill’s motivational bull castration a few years back.

Schedule Notes: Easy early schedule but should hit skids mid to late.

Bottom Line: Can the seniors make up for the lack of starting experience?

#5 LSU

I’m afraid to say anything about these guys. Last year they were my dark horse pick to win it all but they stumbled to a 4-7 record. If I say they’re gonna suck, then they’ll carry the West. The bottom line is that the Tigers have big talent but they really need to get their act together.

Either QB that emerges (Craig Nall or Josh Booty) should be at least as good as the departed Herb Tyler. Josh is probably the better of the 2 but he’s been out of football for several years. WRs are ready with Larry Foster and Abram Booty leading the way. "Booty to Booty for another first down" could be a popular call as the brothers begin to hook up. RB Rondell Mealey should be serviceable provided he can get the ringing sound out of his head. Mealey has experienced multiple concussions and his career was in jeopardy at one time.

The defense may just be a turnstile if DC Lou Tepper doesn’t make adjustments over last year. His Big 10 playbook didn’t quite cut it in the SEC last year. Look for incoming freshmen LB Treverance Faulk and DL Walter Young to step in immediately.

Schedule Notes: Georgia and Florida are tough East games.

Bottom Line: Will they play up to their potential or down to their potential?

#6 auburn

Here comes trouble… These Tiggers might want to think about sitting this one out. In all honesty, they may not win a single conference game and in reality, I wouldn’t guarantee the 3 non-conference games.

Sophomore Gabe Gross returns at QB but his numbers from last year weren’t good. Their best RB left the team. Their best WR went to jail and the second best WR failed out of school. However, they do have a few spare parts that are quite talented. LT Jeno James will at least keep his man off the QB and DE Leonardo Carson will have ample opportunity to make tackles. There are also a couple freshmen who could contribute, but I expect toilet paper sales to be way down in auburn town as Toomer’s Corner won’t receive quite as many festive rollings as some may like.

Schedule Notes: "How much would it cost to schedule Appalachian State 11 times?"

Bottom Line: 3 years ago Tommy Tuberville was widely proclaimed as the best coach in the SEC, he can prove it with 5 wins this year.

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Tide Could Exceed Expectations
Jess Nicholas
Editor-at-Large

Depending on your attitude toward the recent defections of Travis Carroll and Eric Locke, Alabama could finish anywhere from 4-7 to 13-0. The following statement may shock you, but I believe it to be totally true.

The defections are completely irrelevant, and here’s why:

Travis Carroll, the higher profile of the two, wasn’t going to play this year anyway. Shoulder rehabilitation had not gone as well as hoped, and by the middle of July, it was becoming fairly obvious that Canary Knight and Marvin Constant would be the go-to guys in the middle. Carroll’s departure could hurt the team in future years, but not in 1999.

As for Locke, his loss was negated by the arrival of signee Antonio Carter. Locke was going to be a good receiver. He may have been destined for stardom, but as of yet he was just a good, solid player. Locke’s receiving stats last year were undistinguished, and frankly, Sam Collins can do the same things Locke did in 1998. Locke’s loss could cause some problems in the punt return game, but Arvin Richard is serviceable and Carter has already gained the admiration of upperclassmen with his ability to be dangerous with the football.

Either way, Eric Locke and Travis Carroll would not have determined the ultimate success of the 1999 Crimson Tide. The men in the trenches will determine success, and it is here that the Tide could possibly exceed expectations.

Whatever your personal opinion of Mike DuBose is, I think agreement can be reached on one facet of his ability. He’s a straight shooter when it comes to talking about his team and its chances. The statement that has probably caused more grief for DuBose than any other was the one he made following the Music City Bowl/Disaster, when he said Alabama should strive to get to Virginia Tech’s level. Tide fans, appalled at the comparison to a Big East team that was once a Bryant whipping boy, howled in disagreement and said that Tide coaches shouldn’t even have to acknowledge Virginia Tech.

Well folks, DuBose was right. Alabama does need to get to Virginia Tech’s level, particularly in terms of strength and conditioning, team oneness, and commitment to special teams success. And then they need to pass Virginia Tech and look at a new set of goals. Virginia Tech’s successes should be commended—and copied—but the Tide should not stop there, as the Hokies are unlikely to ever be a perennial power. Failing to recognize the strengths of one’s opponent is the downfall of prideful men.

I say all that to say this: Listening to Coach DuBose over the past two years has taught me something. It has taught me to listen. When he is concerned, I am concerned. I can’t remember him ever having gone to the podium and outlining a particular fault and then not having that fault come back to haunt the Tide. However, when DuBose has predicted success, he has often been right. This quality is what has many fans becoming exciting about the upcoming season.

DuBose has been cautiously optimistic in recent interviews, but the excitement has been palpable. DuBose has talked about the team’s increasing physical strength. A recent interview found DuBose comparing the team speed of the ’99 unit with that of the 1991 team, which went 11-1. He has praised both the defensive line and the linebacking corps, which should be a team strong point for the first time in three years. When Alabama’s defense is strong, fans can expect good things—and when it comes to evaluating defenses, I’ll trust Dubose's opinion.

If DuBose is right-- if Alabama has indeed improved on the offensive and defensive lines--then the Tide’s chances at a conference title suddenly get brighter by a long shot. If it happens, it will highlight the importance of recruiting success coupled with good coaching. The first four weeks of the season should tell the story.

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Birmingham GameDay Report
By Chris Depew
Football Editor

GAMES

Houston  September 11  11:30 a.m.

Louisiana Tech, September 18, 4:00 p.m. ???(rumored but not confirmed)

SITE
Legion Field

BROADCAST
The Alabama football affiliate in the Magic City is Oldies 106.9 FM. The Houston game will air on Jefferson Pilot, broadcast locally by WTTO-TV Channel 21. The Louisiana Tech contest is scheduled for pay-per-view.

DIRECTIONS

>From Tuscaloosa--Take I-20/59 northbound to Exit 120 (Alabama 269, Ensley/20th Street.). Take the exit ramp and go straight at the first traffic light. At the second light, turn right onto Ensley Blvd. Take Ensley Blvd. to Pike Road (approx 500 yards.) Turn left onto Pike and follow for 1/3 of a mile to Bush Blvd. Turn right onto Bush Blvd. and follow it for approx 2 miles. Bush Blvd. will turn into 8th Ave W along the way. Legion Field will be on your right.

>From Montgomery--Take I-65 northbound to Exit 260A (3rd Ave N.) Turn left onto 3rd Ave and go 2 blocks to 9th Street N. Turn right onto 9th and follow for 2.5 blocks to Graymont Ave. N. Turn left on Graymont and follow for 1 mile. Legion Field is on your right.

>From Huntsville--Take I-65 southbound to Exit 260B (6th Ave N.) At the bottom of the ramp, go straight through the light onto 10th St. N. Take 10th for one block and turn right onto 5th Ave. N. Less than 100 yards later, bear right onto Graymont Ave. N. and follow for 1 mile. Legion Field is on your right.

>From Atlanta and Chattanooga--Take I-20/59 southbound to I-65. Take I-65 southbound towards Montgomery and follow directions listed above for Huntsville.

TICKETS

Available from the University of Alabama ticket office at (205)-348-6111. Tickets are likely to be available through gameday for both contests, but unless you just want to support the University, tickets will be cheap on game day. Unless you are wanting club level-50 yard line seats, don't expect to pay more than $5 apiece to scalpers, who will be plentiful. A free ticket might not be out of the question, especially if you have a cute toddler wearing crimson in tow.

TRAFFIC

Bad. There is a good possibility that neither game will sell out, so traffic to the stadium might not be a headache. Fans who arrive more than 90 minutes early for either game should find a smooth flow. Traffic exiting the game is consistently snarled, particularly headed westbound towards I-20/59 and Tuscaloosa. If you absolutely must get to T-town, try turning south at the intersection of Arkadelphia and 8th and going 2-3 blocks over to US 11, the Bessemer Super Highway. Turn right onto US 11 and follow to the interstate. Traffic towards I-65 is usually snarled all the way to the access ramps, but fine thereafter. Taking Arkadelphia back to I-20/59 is usually not advisable.

PARKING

If you can get to the stadium early enough to snag a spot at the stadium, by all means do it. Otherwise, you will likely be reduced to finding one of numerous driveways or yards where a very eager group of proprietors will direct your car in exchange for $5. Security varies greatly, and you can rest assured that you WILL be blocked in. On street parking is available free to early birds in the blocks west of the stadium, but be sure to park with other game traffic, and avoid the area if anyone looks suspicious, or demands money. For those prone to worry, or with nice cars, Birmingham-Southern College offers plenty of gated parking, albeit at $8-$10 a pop. Still, it is the best-bet security wise.

SAFETY

Legion Field sits in a poor neighborhood, although not the worst in the city, and not as bad as some of the hype surrounding it. Still, security is a concern here; particularly auto theft. Park and walk only in areas with plenty of other fans, and lock purses and excess cash in your trunk (not hatchback.) You should secure any magnets or flags that you would still like to own after the game, and try to walk as a group if at all possible. Inside, you are likely to find little hostility. Those with children should probably avoid student-guest tickets, and definitely should steer clear of seats near the fraternity sections, which are troubled by lots of alcohol related fights. Smoking is prohibited in the seated areas, but don't expect ushers to enforce this rule more than sporadically.

DINING

Not many choices exist in the immediate Legion Field area. The biggest restaurant clusters are found off of I-459 at Exits 13 (Galleria) and 19 (US280 corridor.) and I-65 at Exit 256 Lakeshore Drive)

*Bob Sykes Barbecue-Bessemer Super Highway (Bessemer)

Located in a relatively safe, bustling part of Bessemer, Bob Sykes is perhaps the premier barbecue joint in the center of the barbecue cosmos. Good ribs, but the specialty is pulled pork, either as a sandwich or leading a plate. Sauce is divine and cooked onto the meet, as it should be in central Ala. Atmosphere is decidedly pro-Bama. If the lemon pie is available, it is mandatory for dessert. A great pre or post game stop that stays busy but usually isn't overcrowded.

*Johnny Rockets-20th Street S. @ Five Points South (Other locations in Hoover on AL 150 behind Galleria and The Summit US 280 @ I-459.)

A fun atmosphere reminiscent of a 50's diner, Johnny Rockets is known for good greasy hamburgers and very large, very good homemade shakes. Good for a quick bite after the game, and a kid-friendly place.

LODGING

This may not be as difficult to find as in the past. You can still count on paying premium rates at many hotels, especially downtown and near the Galleria. A less obvious cluster of hotels can be found at Exit 6 off of I-459 (Bessemer/Helena.) These are decently close to Legion Field (20-25 min.) and provide handy access to Tuscaloosa if you are making a side trip to campus. Also, many T-town hotels will have vacancies that would not exist for a home game there.

*Holiday Inn-Hoover I-65 Exit 252 (Montgomery Hwy.) Clean, efficient rooms at reasonable, if not dirt cheap, prices. A winding walkway behind the hotel strolls by a duck pond, making for a tranquil touch. Safe neighborhood near restaurants and the Galleria. Approx. 15-20 minutes south of the stadium.

*The Wynfrey Hotel-Riverchase Galleria Mall in Hoover. One of those "if you've got it, flaunt it" establishments that caters nicely to guests. Luxurious lobby is attached to upper floor of the largest mall in the state for those eager to shop. Several visiting alumni associations host receptions here. An elegant place, with prices to match.

***

Projected Depth Chart

OFFENSE

SE 15 Freddie Milons 80 Jason McAddley 36 Jay Stubbs

FL 8 Tim Bowens 7 Sam Collins 85 Rob Egan

LG 75 Griff Redmill 70 Jason McDonald 51 Carlos Stennis

QB 5 Andrew Zow 14 Tyler Watts 18 Luke Tucker

RB 37 Shaun Alexander 28 Shaun Bohanon 29 Ahmaad Gallaway

DEFENSE

RT 97 Cornelius Griffin 90 Jamie Carter 95 Sam Matthews

LT 88 Kenny Smith 61 Todd Whitmore 67 Kelvis White

LE 38 Shawn Draper 98 Reggie Grimes 92 Shaun Williams

MLB 57 Canary Knight 45 Marvin Constant 9 Victor Ellis

LLB 99 Darius Gilbert 31 Adam Cox ## Ross Gunnells

SS 41 Marcus Spencer 43 Gary Barnes 19 Jason Jones

LCB 23 Reggie Myles 13 Kecalf Bailey 33 Shontua Ray

P 16 Patrick Morgan 44 Lane Bearden ## Jason Kellen

***

SOUND CHECK

QUOTES FROM FANS, COACHES AND PLAYERS

"We named our permanent captains today and the most impressive thing about it was all 10 seniors received votes. That shows that our seniors are excellent leaders and our players recognize that fact. I am pleased by the response of our team recognizing the leadership of this group."--Coach Mike DuBose after Senior tailback Shaun Alexander (Florence, Ky.), senior offensive tackle Chris Samuels (Mobile), senior defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (Brundidge), senior linebacker Miguel Merritt (Hopkinsville, Ky.) and senior kicker Ryan Pflugner (Sarasota, Fla.) were elected permanent captains by their teammates on Tuesday.

"We finally got some rain and I was glad to see that. You don't normally want rain during three-a-days, but we needed badly. We need some more, too." --Coach Mike DuBose after the Capstone was the beneficiary of a rainstorm on Monday--the first time in 38 days it had received a significant rain.

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, Editor-at-Large

John Hinds, Bama in Boston

Grif Carden, Baseball / Basketball Editor

Chris Depew, Football Editor

Jim Morris, Feature Editor

David Ozment, Staff Writer

Brett Young, Managing Editor

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