Rumors abound as bowls near for Tide and Tigers
Published 10:54 pm Friday, December 16, 2005
Fans love bowl games for the chance to visit a flashy tourist city such as Orlando, Miami or Pasadena.
Players enjoy bowl games for the chance to be play against another top team from around the country in front of a nationally televised audience following week-long festivities.
Coaches, on the other hand, could care less about the extra frills that go along with bowl week. Instead, they enjoy the extra month of practice time that many teams are left without.
The extra practice time gives injured players time to heal, younger players more time to practice and coaches an extra month to decide position and philosophy changes for the following season.
Well, here is a look at the rumors floating around Internet boards and coaching circles about what’s going on in Tuscaloosa and Auburn leading up to its trips to Dallas and Orlando, respectively.
Alabama
Coaching — After the Crimson Tide’s offense flopped following the Tyrone Prothro injury, many Alabama fans questioned offensive coordinator Dave Rader.
Others questioned Mike Shula’s playcalling and offensive line coach Bob Connelly’s teaching methods.
But word on the street seems to lean toward no drastic changes in the offensive coaching staff.
Shula is an extremely loyal boss, who sticks by his coaching staff and their philosophies (the Bama nation wanted Joe Kines’ head after the 2003 season).
Connelly is considered one of the top recruiting assistant coaches in the nation and should not be ridiculed because his offensive line lacked age and experience.
People tend to forget, Alabama started three freshman on the O-line and right tackle Kyle Tatum was in only his second season at the position after starting off as a defensive lineman.
Rader is nothing more than Shula’s eyes in the sky during a game and doesn’t call the plays. All offensive play calls begin with and go through Shula.
I don’t think the coaching staff envisioned in their wildest imaginations how bad the offense would be without Prothro.
DJ Hall showed potential, but fellow wide receivers Keith Brown, Ezekiel Knight and Matt Caddell were plagued with brick hands and poor route running.
Alabama needs to hope Brown can regain the brief glimpse of big play ability he showed early in the season and carry it over for all of 2006.
Former top-prep standout and Hartselle native, Nikita Stover, reports to the Capstone this summer after a stint in junior college. The physical playmaker should start alongside Hall, unless Prothro’s recovery allows him back before next season.
Position Changes — Many rumors are swirling around Tuscaloosa of which players will be moving where.
One of the hottest rumors appears to be Cullman native Justin Britt to offensive line at guard or center.
If not for shoulder surgery following the Auburn game, Britt may be practicing at his new position right now.
Depending on how fast Britt recovers, he may be starting on the O-line during the 2006 campaign.
After suffering a poor season at wide receiver, rumors seem to point toward Knight playing linebacker next season. A nice-sized athlete, Knight possesses the skills to play the other side of the ball and with the loss of Demeco Ryans and Freddie Roach, playing time is available.
With both safeties in Charlie Peprah and Roman Harper leaving due to graduation, both deep spots will be open.
Some people seem to think super-sophomore Simeon Castille may move to free safety.
Auburn
Coaching — With so much success over the past few seasons, head coach Tommy Tuberville doesn’t have to worry about firing assistants anymore to save his job, but rather talk them into not taking head coaching jobs elsewhere.
Offensive coordinator Al Borges is one of the hottest names on the coaching scene and is receiving interest from all over the country.
Lately, he has been linked to the San Diego State head coaching job.
But don’t look for Borges to be going anywhere at least until after the 2006 season. From what I hear, his family loves life on the Plains and he is building himself a fine resume while teaching NFL superstars Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown.
He also seems to be creating future pro stars in Kenny Irons and Brandon Cox.
Offensive line coach Hugh Nall was linked to the Georgia Southern job, but appears to have turned down the offer.
Nall has done an excellent job working with the Tigers’ line and turned it into one of the top front five in the nation.
Position Changes — All appears to be quiet on the position swap scene down on the Plains.
Auburn has done a solid job of building depth at nearly every position and has had the luxury to redshirt many of its top recruits.
The main competition going on during practice will be younger players fighting for starting spots at linebacker and offensive line.