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Alabama Weekly
October 7th, 1998 -- Issue #12 --
Volume #1
AW Web Site: http://TideFans.com
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Ole Miss Preview
written by Jess Nicholas
This week's game is pivotal for the Crimson Tide. Alabama comes in to
this one having nearly knocked off #8 Florida, and needs to continue
playing at the high emotional level they displayed last Saturday. Ole
Miss is 4-1, but the last two wins (over SMU and South Carolina) have
looked shaky. The team that loses this game can count themselves out of
the SEC West Division race.
OFFENSE
Both teams play with the same philosophy: Spread the field and force the
defense to defend the entire thing. Both teams have inexperienced
quarterbacks, a shaky offensive line, and good talent at the skill
positions.
QUARTERBACK
Alabama will start redshirt freshman Andrew Zow against the Rebels. Zow
was 12-of-26 for 180+ yards in just over a half of football against a
good Florida Gator defense. He seems to be a shade more mobile than
Phillips and isn't afraid to let loose a long pass or two in hopes of a
receiver making a play. Zow is very similar to former East Carolina
great
and current Cincinnati Bengal Jeff Blake. Ole Miss, meanwhile, will send
out sophomore Romaro Miller. Miller is a terrific athlete who went
13-of-20 for 242 yards last week in a late win over South Carolina. For
the season, Miller is already 91-of-165 for 1,168 yards, but with only
four touchdowns, and he has thrown as many interceptions. Zow may one
day
be a better QB, but not at this moment. Advantage: Mississippi
RUNNING BACKS
Alabama hasn't utilized Shaun Alexander as much the last two weeks, but
there is not disputing his talent. Fullback Dustin McClintock rushed for
Bama's only touchdown against Florida and is a vicious blocker. The Rebs
counter with the two-headed monster of Joe Gunn and Deuce McAllister.
Gunn is the team's leading rusher, with 68 yards against USC and 339 for
the season. McAllister hasn't quite lived up to billing, rushing 68
times
for 245 yards on the year, less than four yards per carry. Fullback Tony
Cannion is a better runner than blocker, and gets the ball around five
times a game. Advantage: Alabama
WIDE RECEIVERS
Alabama will welcome the return of Michael Vaughn, who returns from a
one-game suspension for disciplinary reasons. Senior Calvin Hall had a
very good game against Florida, and freshman Eric Locke stepped up in
Vaughn's absence. While Alabama is deep and has talent, Ole Miss
counters
with three of the best receivers in the conference. Grant Heard is a
load, netting 90 yards against USC and 295 on the year. Rufus French is
the nation's best tight end, an able blocker and excellent receiver.
Cory
Peterson was shut down against the Gamecocks, but stil has 19 catches
for
277 yards on the year. Alabama is deeper, but Ole Miss has better
starters. Advantage: Mississippi
OFFENSIVE LINE
Alabama's offensive line is in a state of flux. The Tide linemen
dominated in the BYU and Vanderbilt games, then got waxed against
Arkansas and Florida. Guard Griff Redmill is banged up, but still played
the entire game against the Gators. Ole Miss boasts the SEC's best
center, Matt Luke, but has lost super guard Terrance Metcalf for the
year
with an injury. Metcalf will likely be replaced by one of two freshmen,
John McGarvey or John Keith. This one is basically a tossup, but the
presence of Luke gives the Rebels a slight edge. Advantage: Mississippi
DEFENSE
The Tide had its best showing in years against Florida last Saturday,
while the Rebels defense has been shaky to say the least. Alabama is
deeper and has more talent, while the Rebels will have to play over
their
heads to stop the Tide offense.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Alabama's line stepped up their play against Florida, leaning especially
on the talents of Kenny Smith and Kindal Moorehead. The Tide will
alternate between a 3-3-1 and 4-3 alignment for the balance of the
season. The Tide boasts talented pass rushers (Smith, Moorehead,
Waggoner, Knight) and strong run stoppers (Carter, Stennis, K.White).
Ole
Miss has good depth, but they have yet to get a consistent effort from
their front group. Advantage: Alabama
LINEBACKERS
Alabama's Trevis Smith gets better each week, and Travis Carroll, while
playing hurt, still proved to be a tremendous force against the Gators.
The Tide is also starting to get meaningful contributions from Steve
Stanley and Chris Horne. Ole Miss has three starters with good
experience
(Walt Hill, Armegis Spearman, Al Rice), but depth is shaky. Superfrosh
Eddie Strong could see a great deal of work. Advantage: Alabama
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Alabama's backfield played as well as could be expected against Steve
Spurrier's high-powered offense, and with the exception of the Arkansas
game, has been superb. Ole Miss, however, has had problems, as their
backs have proved neither able to shut down even mediocre passing
attacks
or provide stop support for the run. Alabama might be without the
services of reserve safety Warren Foust this week, but it shouldn't
matter. Advantage: Alabama
SPECIAL TEAMS
Alabama's Ryan Pflugner has really stepped up to the challenge at
placekicker, and while Daniel Pope had only an average week, he's still
at the top of the conference. Neither Reagan King (punter) nor Donald
Juneau (kicker) look to be in the same class yet for the Rebs. Alabama
also found a return game against Florida, and kick coverage is improving
each week. Advantage: Alabama
OVERALL
Alabama leads in five categories; Ole Miss leads in three. Ole Miss
boasts a terrific coaching staff, led by Tommy Tuberville, who has
proved
himself time and again. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring
affair, considering the potency of Ole Miss' offense and the abject
weakness of their defense. If Alabama can play with the same intensity
this week as they did against Florida, the Tide should roll to victory.
The keys to beating Ole Miss is to shut down Romaro Miller and establish
the run. If the Tide can do this, the homecoming fans will go home
happy.
I'm looking for a big victory this week, with a victory margin larger
than might be otherwise expected.
Alabama 37
Mississippi 21
--Jess Nicholas
Alabama Weekly Columnist
John David Phillips: A MAN of (the)
Word
written by Brett Young, BamaNation.com
Whether or not you have any religious convictions yourself, you have to
respect John David Phillips for his convictions. In a society that only
has convictions depending on the situation, this is especially true.
Having convictions in the situation John David found himself this past
Saturday afternoon is even more impressive. It is those convictions that
have driven him to be a warrior, both on the field and off. How many 21
or 22 year olds have the maturity to believe that the adversity they
face in life is put there to make them grow? How many 50 year olds?
John David on how his faith is effected by the demotion: "...I know
that God is teaching me something through this. I am going to sit back,
talk to him and stay in His word and figure out what it is that is the
most important thing. I didn't hear the boos. I play for an audience of
one. I play for God."
Obviously, we know about Jay Barker and his deeply held convictions, but
he was a long time starter. It seems easier to have faith when one is
achieving his or her dreams successfully. To maintain your convictions,
and even become more convicted, in the storminess of life, takes
something more than most of us have.
Cynics might accuse John David of pandering to the press and the fans to
win support, but when you listen closely to what he says, it's the same
message he's been "preaching" for all of his five years at
Alabama. "Today, I had to take on a different role. I hate to use
the word, but I became a cheerleader. My job was to keep everybody (on
the sideline) in the game and follow Coach (Stubbs)." A strong sign
of leadership and maturity for a man who has just been demoted to 2nd
string. Remember that John David began the season far in front of the
other two contenders.
John David knows his role is to lead, whether in front of 85,000, 85, or
1. "I play for an audience of one. I play for God." Leading by
cheering says more about this young man than any sportswriter, fan,
player, or coach can say.
John David, you are a winner in life and we are all cheering for you.
-- Brett Young, BamaNation.com
Alabama Weekly Co-Creator and Columnist
It's Decision Time
written by John Hinds
Will the real Alabama football team please stand up?
Or maybe a better question would be will the real Alabama coaching staff
please take charge.
It is certainly too early to tell whether Mike Dubose is going to be a
good head coach or maybe even a great one.
What we do know is Dubose has a 6-9 record after nearly a season and a
half and you never know whether the Crimson Tide will be ready for the
task at hand on any given Saturday.
Let’s take a quick look at two situations this season that need
examining. The first would have to be the lack of preparation and poor
performance against Arkansas followed by a truly great performance
against Florida.
With a 2-0 start and momentum possibly even revenge on their minds the
Tide team that took the field in Fayetteville was not prepared. Not only
did they exhibit a lack of concentration and enthusiasm on national
television with the opportunity to make a strong case for a top 20
ranking but also they had a chance to take the lead in the SEC West. We
all know the disastrous results.
One week later the team that took the field in Tuscaloosa reverted back
to the form they showed in the Brigham Young and Vanderbilt games. The
Tide was not only toe-to-toe with one of the giants of the SEC they had
a legitimate shot at winning the game.
Sure you could say that they were playing at home. One could argue that
the team was embarrassed by the week before and needed to perform at the
level they showed against the Gators. But one could also make a strong
case for the fact that from week to week the coaching staff needs to
step up and have, yes a young and yes a thin squad, ready to play at a
consistent level.
Which brings us to the second point and that of course is the
quarterback situation. Any Alabama fan would be hard pressed to find
fault with Andrew Zow’s 12 of 26 for 185 yard performance against
Florida. One would also be foolish to disagree with Dubose decision to
replace John David Phillips with Zow.
The question that remains is why did it take two spring and two fall
practices and a season and a half to figure out that Zow not Phillips
was the better quarterback? Whose decision was it to start Phillips
ahead of Zow and oh yes, what about Tyler Watts?
Inexperience could explain the Phillips-Zow situation. Phillips has been
in the program longer and has had more of an opportunity to get his feet
under him. But Zow stepped off the bench Saturday and on his first
series led Bama to its first points. On his last series he took the Tide
to the Gators 34-yard line before throwing an interception with nine
seconds showing on the clock.
There was a tremendous amount of pressure on Phillips Saturday. Pressure
from the Florida defense but also pressure from the Alabama coaching
staff. Phillips, a senior who dreamed his whole life of starting at
quarterback for the Tide, knew one slip up like in the Arkansas game and
he would be on the bench for the rest of the season. His worst nightmare
has come true.
Now with Zow entrenched as the starting quarterback the only question is
does Watts get a chance to start this season or should he be redshirted.
We know that Dubose has made a commitment to playing younger players
this season. Witness the fact that Eric Locke, Freddie Milons and Reggie
Myles all saw increased playing time against Florida.
Quarterbacks coach Charlie Stubbs says the only thing holding Watts back
is his army strength. Dubose says his biggest concern is the speed of
the game and Watts ability to adjust to that speed. If that’s the case
it’s decision time in Tuscaloosa.
I say give Watts his shot. There is no better time than the homecoming
game of his freshman year. Let’s really make a statement about the
youth movement and put the past behind us.
Will the coaches please step up and make the right decision?
-- John Hinds
Alabama Weekly Columnist
So Close...
written by J P
After a disappointing game against Arkansas last week, most Bama fans
expected a huge blow out when the Florida Gators came to town, including
myself, but that just didn't happen. Sure Alabama lost the game and at
the University of Alabama there are no such things as moral victories,
but Bama played with heart and probably deserved to win the game.
The Florida Gators came into Saturday's game with a big win over a very
good Kentucky team, scoring many points. Alabama had been blown out by
Arkansas the previous week. The making for an embarrassing loss for the
Tide was set. Alabama's defensive unit had something to say about that
though as they came out an had their best performance by far this
season. The intensity level of the defensive was much better than last,
and it should only allowing one of the best offenses in the country to
one touchdown. The Tide defense came up with big play after big play,
stopping the Gators on the goal line 5 times forcing 2 fumbles, an
interception and 2 field goals. When it looked like Florida was going to
put the game away the Bama defense buckled down and made the needed
plays.
The offensive woes continued, much due to the defensive performance by
Florida. Jevon Kearse, Johnny Rutledge and the rest of Florida's
outstanding line backing crew along with Ed Chester and Reggie McGrew
were in the Bama backfield all day. If anyone doubted the coaching
ability of Bob Stoops coming into the game, those doubts were put to
rest Saturday. This Florida defense is a very well coached team. Stoops'
defense, blitzed and threw many different looks at the Tide, confusing
them into many first half mistakes and sacks.
Credit the Tide coaching staff though, after a very rough first half,
they made some adjustments at half time that allowed Andrew Zow more
time to throw the ball. The offensive line and Dustin "Big
Red" McClintock did a better job of picking up the blitz in the
second half. Zow was able to stay in the pocket and find the open
receiver. Although Bama really never got anything going at least they
were moving forward.
With the score 16-10, Florida with just seconds left on the clock, Bama
stopped the Gators on a forth and short play. Zow a redshirt freshman,
in is first true game, was expected to march the Tide 70 yards to a game
winning touchdown with no time outs and only seconds remaining, and he
almost did.
After a first down penalty, Andrew delivered a bomb to Calvin Hall who
if hit in stride would have scored. Hall had to come back to the ball
and fell down at about the 30 yard line of Florida. With 19 seconds to
go Zow had to hurry is team to the line to spike the ball and set up the
next play, right? Wrong. Zow got the signs mixed up and tried to throw a
quick side-line pass, the pass was thrown to far and pick of ending
Alabama's comeback.
After the game as I walked to the car from Bryant Denny I expected to
hear the same loud Florida fans that I have heard in previous losses to
Florida, instead I saw a look of disappointment on the quiet faces of
the Gators. The only thing I heard out of their mouth was "good
game." That is a true sign of how well Bama played.
I felt mad and proud of this teams performance. Mad because of the last
play. But, proud and pleased with the teams overall performance. Bama
played with intensity and heart against Florida, something that had been
missing the previous week. The key is can Bama continue to play with the
same level of heart and intensity next week and throughout the season.
-- J P
Alabama Weekly Editor
New Starting QB, Andrew Zow
written by J P
After a poor first half performance from Bama starter John David
Phillips, redshirt freshman Andrew Zow was thrown into one of Alabama's
most important games, against not only one of the best football teams in
the SEC, but the country, and asked to do something that JD couldn't do
move the team forward, and he did.
The Florida defensive unit man-handled John David Phillips, sacking him
many times and forcing a fumble that led to a Florida field goal.
Phillips seemed to be tense, uncomfortable and not confident. He seemed
to be scared to throw the ball and wasn't reading the defense well at
all. Andrew Zow was put in the game to see if he could help calm JD
down. After a series from Zow in which the Tide moved the ball, thanks
to the athletic abilities of Andrew, to scramble around and make things
happen. When Phillips returned he was sacked and the Tide went three and
out again.
Finally Coach DuBose realized that this was not John David's day and
commented to playing Zow the remainder of the game. Zow made very few
mistakes and made things happen. Andrew throws the long ball very well
and has a strong arm. Zow went 12 for 26 for 185 yards, with an
interception.
Coach DuBose announced after the game the Zow would start against Ole
Miss this week. Taking nothing away from John David Phillips, JD is a
great person and plays with a lot of heart, but I feel Zow can and will
lead us to a good rest of the season.
-- J P
Alabama Weekly Editor
SEC Preview 10/10
written by: Jess Nicholas
Here's a look at the SEC games for this week. If you're wondering, I've
been 14-6 (.700) so far in predictions; I didn't do this column the
first
two weeks of the season. Here we go:
LOUISIANA STATE AT FLORIDA
The Gators are coming off a nail-biter at Alabama that was closer than
it
should have been. LSU once again lost one it shouldn't have, dropping a
28-27 game at home to Georgia. Both teams will be hungry and looking to
improve. Florida Head Coach Steve Spurrier says he will scrap the QB
rotation plan in favor of a single starter, probably Doug Johnson. That
should help the continuity. Florida is also looking to avenge their loss
in this game last year in Baton Rouge. They should do it.
Florida 30
LSU 21
TENNESSEE AT GEORGIA
Tennessee nearly got knocked off by a floundering Auburn team in
Jordan-Hare Saturday, while Georgia was busy playing over their heads
and
beating a very good LSU team on the road. If Tennessee approaches the
Bulldogs the same way they did the Tigers, they won't be ranked #4 any
longer. Georgia has become the darling pick in the East now, but they
are
still led by a true freshman (albeit a 21-year old true freshman)
quarterback and will be playing a team with a tougher defense than
anyone
imagined. Tennessee's Jamal Lewis was banged up in the Auburn game, and
Georgia is looking to avenge a whipping sustained in Knoxville in 1997.
So what happens? I pick the upset...
Tennessee 19
Georgia 17
SOUTH CAROLINA AT KENTUCKY
Kentucky still hasn't beaten a Div-I team with an eventual winning
record. South Carolina once again snatched defeat from the jaws of
victory against Ole Miss. Kentucky has confidence in their offense and
will be hungry. South Carolina has little confidence in anything and
will
be panicked. The Wildcats will continue their march for a bowl bid.
Kentucky 41
South Carolina 26
WESTERN MICHIGAN AT VANDERBILT
I know very little about Western Michigan, other than they are one of
those teams SEC schools schedule when they need a victory. Vanderbilt
desparately needs a victory. They should get it, but nothing's going the
way Coach Woody Widenhoffer wanted it to this year.
Vanderbilt 27
Western Michigan 19
MISSISSIPPI AT ALABAMA
See our extended preview!
ARKANSAS AT MEMPHIS
The Hogs just keep winning. This week, they face a Memphis team that was
thought to have a good shot at a winning record in 1998. That was before
the Tigers got trounced by a mediocre-at-best Houston squad last week.
Arkansas must be careful not to overlook Memphis, but Houston Nutt
hasn't
misprepared his team yet. Memphis Coach Rip Sherrer's job may be in
trouble.
Arkansas 38
Memphis 20
AUBURN AT MISSISSIPPI STATE
Auburn nearly pulled off the upset against Tennessee last week, and
freshman quarterback Gabe Gross played well in relief of the injured Ben
Leard. MSU was idle, coming off a spanking of South Carolina on the
road.
Auburn is down to its fifth-string center, and has lost key personnel on
the defensive line and at running back. All signs are pointing to a big
State win, but something is telling me to take the Tigers. It will take
a
monumental effort by Auburn to shut down MSU running back James Johnson,
but the Bulldogs still have major quarterback questions and Auburn seems
to play well under pressure. It's a field goal battle in Starkville.
Auburn 18
Mississippi State 16
IDLE: None.
-- Jess Nicholas
Alabama Weekly Columnist
Depth Chart for Ole Miss Game
OFFENSE
SE 83 Calvin Hall 80 Jason McAddley 84 Shamari Buchanan
WR 7 Quincy Jackson 8 Tim Bowens 33 Shontua Ray
FL 22 Michael Vaughn 15 Freddie Milons 2 Eric Locke
TE 82 Terry Jones,Jr. 85 Rhett Crutchfield 86 Joe Yount
RT 72 Will Cuthbert 63 Sage Spree 56 Kenric Lott
RG 70 Jason McDonald 68 Sam Matthews 62 Mal Waldrep
C 74 Paul Hogan 55 Brooks Brodie 57 Ty Babcock
LG 75 Griff Redmill 69 Michael Moore 71 Marico Portis
LT 60 Chris Samuels 78 Michael Barfield 77 Bart Raulston
QB 5 Andrew Zow 12 John David Phillips 14 Tyler Watts
FB 30 Dustin McClintock 21 Montoya Madden 6 Marvin Brown
RB 37 Shaun Alexander 26 Arvin Richard 31 Adam Cox
PK 42 Ryan Pflugner 32 Mark Wisniewski 11 A.J. Diaz
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DEFENSE
RT 98 Reggie Grimes 88 Kenny Smith 92 Shaun Williams
NT 97 Cornelius Griffin 67 Kelvis White 51 Carlos Stennis
LT 90 Jamie Carter 54 Kindal Moorehead 38 Shawn Draper
JCK 91 Clint Waggoner 58 Canary Knight 53 Granison Wagstaff
RLB 48 Trevis Smith 1 Chris Horne 47 Eddie Hunter
MLB 44 Travis Carroll 89 Tito Smith 59 Chris Edwards
LLB 4 Steve Stanley 10 Miguel Merritt 99 Darius Gilbert
RCB 13 Kecalf Bailey 39 Antoine Hunter 16 Chris Reier
FS 20 Kelvin Sigler 35 Owen Winston 17 Warren Foust
SS 24 Tony Dixon 41 Marcus Spencer 19 Jason Jones
LCB 25 Fernando Bryant 3 Michael Feagin 23 Reggie Myles
P 40 Daniel Pope 84 Patrick Morgan 11 A.J. Diaz
Win Two Tickets to Alabama vs. Auburn Game!
Emma Sansom High School Women's Athletic's is raffling off 2 tickets to
the ALABAMA/AUBURN game. For only a $2.00 donation you can have a chance
to win 2 Alabama--Auburn tickets to the 1998 IRON BOWL!!! To buy tickets
please send your donations to:
EMMA SANSOM HIGH SCHOOL
2210 West Meighan Boulevard
Gadsden, Alabama 35904
Attn: Coach Mims
The drawing will be November 18. 1998 -- winner will be notified by
phone. Please include your phone number or e-mail address in the letter.
-- Kristi ("LadyinRed")
http://www.LadyinRed.net
Newsletter by: JP and Brett Young
Guest Article by: None
Special Thanks to: Jess Nicholas, John Hinds and Brett Young for their
articles
PLEASE VISIT BAMANATION AND ALABAMA WEEKLY.
BamaNation: http://www.BamaNation.com
Alabama Weekly: http://come.to/ALGameDay.com
Thanks for subscribing; next newsletter October 14th, Roll Tide see ya
next week!!!;
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