Local Sports
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.
- Local Sports
-
-
TALKIN' PREPS: Playoff-bound Aggies keep moving in the right direction
FAIRVIEW — Outside the home locker room at Fairview High, the celebration was loud enough that you almost thought you were part of the team.
-
RECLASS SHAKES UP AREA
No one at West Point High was surprised when the Alabama High School Athletic Association released its reclassification numbers for the 2010-12 school years.
West Point’s return to Class 4A was short-lived. When the ’10 football season begins next fall, the Warriors will be playing in Class 5A, Region 6 alongside Cullman, Hartselle and Walker.
-
PREP BASKETBALL: Cullman uses late push to beat Clay-Chalkville
CULLMAN — Morgan Smith didn’t deliver a freshman performance in her second varsity basketball game.
-
TALKIN' PREPS: Skipper goes from unknown to asset
Remember when Dylan Skipper was an unproven quarterback? How about when he was the glaring preseason question hanging over Cullman High’s offense?
-
JUCO MEN'S BASKETBALL: Farmer, Jones lift Lions to win in season opener
HANCEVILLE — Wallace State’s L.A. Farmer finished with 22 points and seven rebounds and Devon Jones added 13 points off the bench to lift the Lions past Northeast Mississippi 65-60 in the season opener for both teams Monday at Tom Drake Coliseum.
-
PREP FOOTBALL: Bearcats have sights set on another deep playoff run
Ben Moore will be in an unfamiliar position when the postseason begins Friday. He’ll be watching from the Cullman High sideline.
-
PREP FOOTBALL: Aggies ride early lead to win over Raiders
FAIRVIEW — For the final five minutes of their final regular-season home game in purple and gold, Fairview High’s seniors were exactly where they wanted to be.
-
PREP FOOTBALL: Bearcats beat elements, Bears
DECATUR — It was simply a matter of time before the heavy rain was going to arrive. But when it did, the Cullman Bearcats were unphased.
-
PREP FOOTBALL ROUNDUP: Warriors grab county win
-
PREP VOLLEYBALL: Ol' Blue heads to Addison
PELHAM — Nothing against the city of Pelham, but Pam Wilkins was ready to hightail it back up Interstate 65 with a shiny blue trophy in tow.
And the sooner the better.
Trailing late in game three of the Class 2A state championship match after taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series, the Addison High volleyball coach called a timeout to give her team a challenge.
Or maybe just a friendly suggestion. Whatever it was, it worked.
- More Local Sports Headlines
-
TALKIN' PREPS: Playoff-bound Aggies keep moving in the right direction
