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JUSTIN GRAVES: Would a Bama win really be an upset?
By Justin GravesTake a look at this week’s schedule and there’s only one game that really stands out.
Tenth-ranked Clemson versus 24th ranked Alabama at the Georgia Dome.
It’s the only Top 25 matchup this week. So when Alabama takes the field for the first time this season, all eyes will be on Nick Saban’s team.
This is the type of game Saban wants to play. The Crimson Tide coach has said it on more than one occasion.
Not only is it a high-profile game against a BCS team that’s predicted to win its conference, but it’s also being played in a town considered to be a hotbed for football talent.
Can we say recruiting tool? That’s pretty much obvious.
If Alabama plays well, this can be a great recruiting tool for Saban. But what if the Crimson Tide actually win the game?
Most experts believe that would be an upset. In fact, about the only people giving Saban’s team a chance have been known to wear Crimson-colored goggles from time to time.
On paper, Clemson appears to be the superior team.
The Tigers return all of their offensive skill players — including a pair of superstar running backs. This is also a team that has been tabbed the preseason favorite in the ACC.
That’s probably why Clemson has been picked as a five-point favorite in Las Vegas.
For a betting man, this one sounds like a no-brainer. Alabama wins outright.
That’s right. The bookies, experts and everyone else got this one wrong.
Clemson may have talent coming back at the skill positions, but the Tigers will also be playing with a completely new offensive front.
And then there’s the fact that Clemson has historically underachieved — especially when the expectations are higher than normal.
With a fifth-year senior quarterback, a veteran offensive line and some of the most talented youngsters in the country, the stars have finally aligned for Saban.
If freshman sensation Julio Jones can live up to the hype, Alabama’s only offensive question mark has been answered. And since this is the first game of the season, depth shouldn’t be a problem on defense.
This will basically be a home game for Alabama. Don’t be surprised if the Georgia Dome is covered with Crimson Saturday.
And if those fans are partying after the game, it wouldn’t be surprising, either.
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Top-ranked Bearcats feel same old blues on road in Russellville
Four turnovers. Two missed field goals. Several blown assignments.
Not many teams can survive that many miscues in the playoffs. Top-ranked Cullman found that out Friday night, getting upended 42-14 at No. 5 Russellville in the Class 5A quarterfinals. -
Top-ranked Bearcats feel same old blues on road in Russellville
Four turnovers. Two missed field goals. Several blown assignments.
Not many teams can survive that many miscues in the playoffs. Top-ranked Cullman found that out Friday night, getting upended 42-14 at No. 5 Russellville in the Class 5A quarterfinals. -
PREP BASKETBALL ROUNDUP: Eagles hold on, defeat Holly Pond in nailbiter
Late in the fourth quarter Friday night, just before a couple of big free throws, Cold Springs High girls basketball coach Tammy West pulled aside Georgia Myrex for a quick pep talk.
Except for one thing: When West placed both hands on top of her star player’s head, it looked a little more like some kind of crunch-time benediction.
Or something like that. - PREP BASKETBALL ROUNDUP: Holly Pond stays unbeaten, sets up showdown with defending champs
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CULLMAN FOOTBALL: Top-ranked Bearcats return to Russellville looking for revenge — one year later
Behold the power of three.
Heading into its Class 5A quarterfinal tonight at Russellville, Cullman High’s football team has already avenged two of its three losses from the 2008 season.
In week six, the Bearcats beat Erwin 42-16 to avenge a 25-20 loss from last season. And in week eight, Cullman downed Mountain Brook 28-13 to get revenge for last year’s 49-34 defeat.
Guess who the third target is. -
TALKIN' PREPS: Looks like more basketball parity this season
No juggernauts. No clear-cut favorites. Just a bunch of basketball teams that could beat every other team in the area.
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AUBURN FOOTBALL: Washington may be playing himself into job as kick returner
The road to success has been long for Demond Washington.
Just about as long as his big return last weekend against Georgia.
With his Auburn Tigers trailing 24-17 in the fourth quarter this past Saturday, Washington took a Bulldogs kickoff at his own 1-yard line, weaved in and out of traffic and sped all the way to the end zone for a 99-yard touchdown. -
CULLMAN FOOTBALL: Versatile Adams fills multiple roles in Cats’ offense
Connor Adams has worn several labels over the past 15 months.
Starting running back, injured reserve, H-back, Wildcat quarterback, fill-in running back — those all fit the bill.
But here’s another one Adams can claim, and it’s something a little different:
Blessed. -
PREP BASKETBALL: Raiders give Hulsey family bragging rights
Tristan Hulsey didn’t hear a congratulatory yell from his father when he made a layup to give West Point High a one-point advantage heading into halftime.
His dad had a look of disgust on his face, instead. -
PREP BASKETBALL ROUNDUP: Aggies hold on, defeat Douglas
airview High’s basketball team stayed unbeaten with a nailbiting win Tuesday night, beating Douglas 52-20.
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