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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

All content by Billy Whyte

Alabama-Auburn: The greatest rivalry in college football

Billy Whyte November 25, 2013

In most states when a child is born, the room is filled with pink or blue balloons and other items, depending on the gender of the child. In Alabama, the balloons are either crimson and white or blue and...

The long-standing rivalry of Alabama Crimson Tide vs. LSU Tigers

Billy Whyte November 6, 2013

In a past life, long before Nick Saban became the overlord and foreman powering the indomitable machine that is Alabama football, he was the head coach of LSU. He even won a national championship there...

Rivalry affected by Vols lack of success, Tennesse improving

Billy Whyte October 23, 2013

At some point during 2008, the Tennessee football team became mediocre. And not just that season, a 5-7 finish that resulted in national championship-winning head coach Phillip Fulmer being fired, but...

Players’ collegiate success does not automatically translate to NFL

Billy Whyte October 9, 2013

As a Trent Richardson fantasy owner, I can’t say I’ve been happy with the way he has performed this year in the NFL. Last year’s No. 3 overall pick for the Cleveland Browns, Richardson has since...

Defense silences Rebel yell

Billy Whyte September 29, 2013

The Crimson Tide left College Station, Texas, two weeks ago with many questions for its usually dominant defense after allowing 42 points and 628 yards – the most yards given up in the 119-year history...

Read between the lines

Billy Whyte September 26, 2013

Down 23-17 midway through the third quarter, Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace scans the middle of the Texas defense. Texas is in a basic Cover 2 man-to-man defense out of its nickel package countering the...

Crimson Tide has edge over Aggies

Billy Whyte September 11, 2013

There are a lot of concerns over how Alabama will play against Texas A&M this weekend following what some would call a “lackluster performance” by Alabama standards against Virginia Tech. But while...

In 1960s, Bryant 'kept the ship steady'

In 1960s, Bryant ‘kept the ship steady’

Billy Whyte September 11, 2013

Back in the mid-1950s when Paul “Bear” Bryant was the head coach at Texas A&M, he tried unsuccessfully to integrate the football team. Bryant was told by an A&M official that they would be the last...

March Madness missing truly dominant frontrunners

Billy Whyte March 17, 2013

Ah, March Madness. With apologies to Christmas, this really is the most wonderful time of the year. I love the NFL Playoffs and the SEC college football conference game schedule, but nothing can match...

Stop overreacting about NFL Combine, Alabama basketball NCAA tournament hopes

Billy Whyte February 28, 2013

Around this time of year, with the NFL Draft and March Madness looming, sports fans and sports media start to overreact to everything that happens. In particular, we are too focused on the NFL Combine...

Two paths to NCAA tournament left for Tide

Billy Whyte February 13, 2013

Bracketologist Joe Lunardi from ESPN currently does not have Alabama making the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The Crimson Tide is also not listed in his first four out or his next four out. Why is...

Crimson Tide’s freshmen ready to start, make impact

Billy Whyte February 12, 2013

Outfielder Taylor Dugas was a three-time All-SEC and one-time All-American that was a constant force for the University of Alabama baseball team during the last four years, including leading the team last...

Extra experience should benefit team

Billy Whyte February 11, 2013

Two I’s were ultimately the downfall of The University of Alabama baseball team’s pitching staff last year: injuries and inexperience. Four freshman – Justin Kamplain, Jon Keller, Spencer Turnbull...

Coping with the 49ers loss

Billy Whyte February 5, 2013

At one point during the power outage of the Super Bowl in the second half, I was openly willing to sell my soul to whatever demon or god would take it in return for a 49ers comeback victory. There were...

Baltimore Ravens Upshaw and Cody form Saban’s Super Bowl connection

Billy Whyte January 31, 2013

For NFL fans, the Super Bowl represents an emotional roller coaster of a season culminating in one final game. For those who don’t have any rooting interest in the 49ers or Ravens, or don’t care much...

Years of disappointment turn to excitement in preparation for Super Bowl Sunday

Billy Whyte January 31, 2013

When I was less than a year old, my parents bought me a Joe Montana doll. Joe Montana was a four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and is considered by many to be the greatest...

Inconsistent play begs questions about Alabama making NCAA tournament

Billy Whyte January 28, 2013

Last year, fans praised head coach Anthony Grant and the Alabama men’s basketball team for making the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2006. After a strong start to this season, the Crimson Tide...

Running diary of the NFC Championship Game from a San Francisco 49ers fan

Billy Whyte January 22, 2013

It took only five minutes into the NFC Championship Game for me to realize how hard it is to watch Julio Jones play against you. I had told my dad minutes before entering the Georgia Dome how weird it...

Key unknown players heading into next season

Billy Whyte January 17, 2013

Only minutes after Alabama had won their third national championship in four years (a fact I never get tired of saying), a new hashtag began to flood my Twitter feed: #roadto16. Call it excitement, call...

In a BCS era designed to prevent dynasties, Tide’s dynasty very impressive

Billy Whyte January 15, 2013

During my freshman year, after the Crimson Tide had won its second national championship in three years, my friends and I would joke about how great it would be if Alabama won a national championship every...

Saban raises concerns about playoff system

Billy Whyte November 29, 2012

In a lot of ways, the current BCS system is atrocious. While it may work out for the national championship game this year, in giving the SEC champion a bout against Notre Dame, it still remains an inconclusive...

Life after Chizik: glancing through Auburn’s candidates for head coach job

Billy Whyte November 27, 2012

It is a glorious time here at the Capstone. Not only is our much-cherished Crimson Tide one win away from returning to the national championship game and having a chance at defending its title, but we’ve...

I am thankful for the Baylor Bears, ‘kicking gods,’ ‘fumbling gods,’ our fans

Billy Whyte November 20, 2012

As I woke up on Sunday morning, after my morning prayers to the great “Bear” in the sky, I realized I had much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving after an emotional and turbulent weekend of college...

Alabama back on track after shutout of Western Carolina

Billy Whyte November 17, 2012

A 21-0 lead in the first quarter, 300 rushing yards on the ground, and a record-setting day for A.J. McCarron: It was back to business as usual for Alabama, as the No. 4 Crimson Tide was able to bounce...

Time for Tide to refocus, re-motivate

Billy Whyte November 16, 2012

For the Alabama Crimson Tide this week, it’s not about what the team has done so far this season, the team’s diminishing national championship hopes, or even Western Carolina this Saturday. The focus...

An open letter to Lane Kiffin, USC Trojans; help keep the SEC’s streak alive

Billy Whyte November 15, 2012

Dear Lane Kiffin,   I know it’s been a while since you’ve last heard from us. Last time we saw you back in 2009, your Volunteers would have ended our chance at an undefeated season if it weren’t...

Texas A&M’s no-huddle offense creates chance for Tide to showcase practice

Billy Whyte November 9, 2012

Nick Saban shocked the football world when he announced his disdain for the no-huddle offense, citing the huge advantage it gives and the added injury risk it creates for players. After a month of backlash,...

Alabama beats Stillman 76-68 in exhibition

Alabama beats Stillman 76-68 in exhibition

Billy Whyte November 7, 2012

After a sloppy start to a game where the Alabama men’s basketball team found themselves trailing at halftime, the Crimson Tide went on cruise control in the second half to beat Stillman 76-68 in its...

Men’s basketball opens season Tuesday with exhibition

Billy Whyte November 6, 2012

One year ago the Alabama men’s basketball team was a preseason top-20 team with potential SEC Championship aspirations. After last year’s season of off-the-court incidents, subsequent suspensions and...

Jesse Williams clears the way for Tide offense

Jesse Williams clears the way for Tide offense

Billy Whyte October 23, 2012

Senior defensive lineman Jesse Williams has grabbed headlines this season, anchoring the defensive line for the Alabama defense just a year removed from playing defensive end. But while his play at nose...

Tide suffers letdown against South Carolina

Billy Whyte October 21, 2012

Only two days removed from the biggest win in Alabama soccer history, the Crimson Tide fell 1-0 on an own-goal at home against South Carolina. Entering the game, the Tide had just snapped a four-game...

Tide suffers heartbreaking loss to #14 Mizzou

Billy Whyte October 14, 2012

For the second straight game, the Alabama women’s soccer team allowed a goal in the final two minutes to fall to No. 14 Missouri, 2-1. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Crimson Tide, who outplayed...

Freshman midfielder adjusts to U.S.

Freshman midfielder adjusts to U.S.

Billy Whyte October 1, 2012

When freshman soccer midfielder Merel Van Dongen wakes up in the morning, she begins her day by speaking in Dutch. It’s not because she means to, but because after years of living in the Netherlands...

Women’s team set to start four-game SEC road trip

Billy Whyte September 25, 2012

Following an uncharacteristic performance against Ole Miss, the Alabama women’s soccer team will look to get back on track as they face Vanderbilt this weekend to start off a four-game Southeastern Conference...

Tide loses to Ole Miss in women's soccer

Tide loses to Ole Miss in women’s soccer

Billy Whyte September 23, 2012

A grueling soccer match on Sunday came down to a pair of penalty kicks as the Ole Miss women’s soccer team made its penalty kick and the Alabama team fell 1-0. The loss drops the Crimson Tide to 6-3-1...

Tide soccer team ready for conference play

Billy Whyte September 12, 2012

After a heartbreaking loss against Maryland to close out nonconference play, the 5-1 Alabama women’s soccer team will look to bounce back strong at No. 22 Tennessee in their first conference game of...

Tide faces its toughest test yet against Maryland

Billy Whyte September 5, 2012

The University of Alabama’s women’s soccer team, off to its best start in program history at 5-0, will look to finish with a perfect non-conference slate against Maryland on Thursday. Maryland will...

Fall television season will offer shows worth watching

Billy Whyte September 5, 2012

It’s always exciting when Fall rolls around the calendar each year; the weather gets cooler, Alabama starts its annual domination at football, and a new batch of exciting, mostly terrible, television...

Bama's Bourgeois balances soccer and student life

Bama’s Bourgeois balances soccer and student life

Billy Whyte September 4, 2012

Freshman soccer forward Katie Bourgeois is obsessed with Yogurt Mountain and proud of the fact she can wiggle her ears. Her role model is French soccer player Zinedine Zidane, who is famous for headbutting...

Offense leads the way in 3-0 win over Mercer

Offense leads the way in 3-0 win over Mercer

Billy Whyte September 4, 2012

The Alabama women’s soccer team continued its hot start to the season by defeating Mercer 3-0 to improve to 5-0 on Sunday. The Crimson Tide is usually considered a second half team, having scored only...

Crimson Tide dominates in 4-0 win over UAB

Crimson Tide dominates in 4-0 win over UAB

Billy Whyte August 26, 2012

After scoring only three goals on 45 shots in their first two games, the Alabama women’s soccer team offense finally caught fire in a 4-0 win over UAB to improve to 3-0 on the season. “It was an important...

Former Tide linebacker takes a swing at mixed martial arts

Former Tide linebacker takes a swing at mixed martial arts

Billy Whyte August 23, 2012

To most Alabama fans, former Crimson Tide linebacker Eryk Anders is best remembered for his explosive pass rushing ability and his game-clinching forced fumble in the 2009 BCS Championship game. Anders...

Emmy nominations fail to recognize year’s best TV shows

Billy Whyte July 31, 2012

Every year, the Emmy nominations are a mixed bag. They do a wonderful job honoring the most praiseworthy in television in some categories, while routinely screwing up the most obviously deserving nominations...

Men’s golf team has extraordinary volunteer efforts amidst upcoming NCAA Regionals

Billy Whyte April 26, 2012

With conference championships having just ended, most golf teams were preparing for the NCAA Regionals coming up in a couple weeks.  But for the Alabama men’s golf team, NCAA Regionals were the least...

Tide gains momentum for next series

Tide gains momentum for next series

Billy Whyte April 24, 2012

In its first meeting against Samford earlier this season, the Crimson Tide had to overcome a four-run deficit to edge out the win. In the rematch, the Tide got an early lead and held on to win 5-4. The...

Summer TV shows to keep an eye out for

Summer TV shows to keep an eye out for

Billy Whyte April 18, 2012

It’s that time of the year again when everything the last couple of months have built up to is about to come to a close in a packed-full period of spring finals. No, I am not talking about college finals,...

Tide looks to get one last tune-up at Auburn

Tide looks to get one last tune-up at Auburn

Billy Whyte April 17, 2012

With only two events left until the SEC Championships, the Alabama track and field team looks to continue to build up momentum toward the end of the season at the Auburn War Eagle Invitational this weekend....

From the cradle to the court

From the cradle to the court

Billy Whyte April 9, 2012

While growing up in Ogden, Utah, it didn’t take long for Mary Anne Macfarlane to figure out what she wanted to do when she was older. Macfarlane’s father played and coached college tennis at Utah State,...

Alabama cruises past Vols at home, opens NCAA door

Billy Whyte April 8, 2012

The Alabama men’s tennis team dominated in a win over No. 19 Tennessee at home Sunday, 6-1, earning its first win over a top-20 team this season. The win moves Alabama to 8-13 overall and 2-10 in Southeastern...

FOX’s ‘New Girl’ is a pleasant surprise

Billy Whyte April 4, 2012

All right, I give up. I surrender. I tried, but after months of fighting it, I realized I can’t keep pretending anymore. I love “New Girl.” I really did try to dislike the show, too. When I first...

Tide looks to rebound against Gamecocks, Gators

Tide looks to rebound against Gamecocks, Gators

Billy Whyte March 28, 2012

The Alabama men’s tennis team will travel to Columbia, S.C., tomorrow to take on the No. 40 South Carolina Gamecocks. Alabama will resume play Sunday when it travels to Gainesville, Fla., to take on...

Tide looks to keep up momentum in Alabama Relays

Billy Whyte March 25, 2012

Coming off a strong showing in the Bull’s Invitational, the Alabama track and field team will try to keep its momentum rolling in the Alabama Relays this weekend. The Crimson Tide finished the Bull’s...

‘South Park’ great as ever entering sixteenth season

‘South Park’ great as ever entering sixteenth season

Billy Whyte March 21, 2012

“South Park” has always been a hard show for the public to fully diagnose and appreciate. Even in the midst of its 16th season, from an outward appearance, “South Park” just appears to be a crudely...

Tide looks to bounce back in SEC home opener

Tide looks to bounce back in SEC home opener

Billy Whyte March 8, 2012

After losing their first two SEC matches, the Alabama men’s tennis team looks to bounce back strong this Friday in their SEC home opener against the No. 17 LSU Tigers. A rain delay Friday forced the...

‘Awake’ an original, must watch new show with an unbelievable premise

‘Awake’ an original, must watch new show with an unbelievable premise

Billy Whyte March 8, 2012

A word of advice for everyone: Set aside every Thursday night at 9 p.m. for the rest of the spring semester. Seriously, leave the time slot open. Make no other plans. Because that’s when you are going...

McIlquham has team ready for NCAA meet

Billy Whyte February 28, 2012

Alabama swimming and diving coach Eric McIlquham has led his team to multiple top-25 finishes and broken numerous records during his nine-year tenure. With the team coming off a strong performance at the...

‘Community’ coming back, everyone should watch

Billy Whyte February 27, 2012

Yes! Finally! Halleluiah! These are all things I may have yelled in my economics class when I found out that the fantastic meta-comedy “Community” was finally being put back on air. After the remaining...