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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 Kelly Ward
Alabama softball falls in regular-season finale

Alabama softball falls in regular-season finale

Kelly Ward May 8, 2016

Someone has to lose on senior day. Someone’s seniors have to go home with a loss on the last regular-season game of the season. Despite putting together a rally in the bottom of the seventh, No. 4 Alabama...

Softball hosts No. 15 Georgia for final season series

Softball hosts No. 15 Georgia for final season series

Kelly Ward May 6, 2016

While thousands of students walk across a stage in Coleman Coliseum during graduation on Friday and Saturday, No. 4 Alabama softball will take on No. 15 Georgia in a three-game series. Four players on...

Don't wait on a storm to show what you can be

Sean Landry April 27, 2016

I wasn’t in Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011. My brother was, somewhere in one of the new dorms (Riverside West, I think?), so I remember the anxiety of watching what happened that day from far away. I remember...

WATCH: The Million Dollar Band's tribute to Tuscaloosa after the April 27, 2011 tornado

WATCH: The Million Dollar Band's tribute to Tuscaloosa after the April 27, 2011 tornado

Sean Landry April 27, 2016

Reflecting on a nation's mourning after 9/11, Dr. Karl Paulnack of the Boston Conservatory of music wrote, "Music is a basic need of human survival. Music is one of the ways we make sense of our lives,...

Softball takes series behind early home runs in 3-0 win over Kentucky

Softball takes series behind early home runs in 3-0 win over Kentucky

Kelly Ward April 24, 2016

No. 4 Alabama softball’s three- and four-hole hitters won’t say they’re competing with each other. Both senior first baseman Leona Lafaele and freshman catcher Reagan Dykes hit a home run in Alabama’s...

Dare drives in 4 as softball evens Kentucky series with 7-1 win

Dare drives in 4 as softball evens Kentucky series with 7-1 win

Kelly Ward April 23, 2016

Chandler Dare went 2 for 4 with four RBIs as No. 4 Alabama softball beat No. 11 Kentucky 7-1 to even the series. The junior utility player singled in two runs in the bottom of the fourth and another two...

No. 4 Alabama softball's rally falls short in 3-2 loss to No. 11 Kentucky

Kelly Ward April 22, 2016

One more hit. That’s all Alabama needed: one more hit.With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Alabama drew a walk followed by a single and error. Senior centerfielder Haylie McCleney came up a walk...

Softball preps for No. 11 Kentucky

Softball preps for No. 11 Kentucky

Kelly Ward April 21, 2016

Senior infielder Leona Lafaele isn’t have much trouble seeing the ball. In her first at-bat Wednesday night, she crushed a two-run home run just fair in No. 4 Alabama softball’s 4-2 win over South...

Softball heads to College Station for top-20 matchup

Softball heads to College Station for top-20 matchup

Kelly Ward April 14, 2016

Chandler Dare has never played softball in College Station, Texas. The last time Alabama played Texas A&M in Texas, it was 2013, and Dare was still in high school at American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa.“We’re...

​Two outs, so what: Softball comes in clutch at the plate

​Two outs, so what: Softball comes in clutch at the plate

Kelly Ward April 11, 2016

Marisa Runyon jogged out after hitting the ball and watched it sail past the foul pole in right field. She was hoping it was fair. It was, just crossing left of No. 4 Alabama softball’s sign with “two...

No. 4 Alabama sweeps Mississippi State behind timely hitting

No. 4 Alabama sweeps Mississippi State behind timely hitting

Kelly Ward April 10, 2016

Marisa Runyon was in a slump. She hadn’t hit the ball against an SEC opponent since the first game of the Florida series. With the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning Sunday, Runyon hit a...

Osorio picks up 1st SEC win in Alabama's 8-0 rout of Mississippi State

Osorio picks up 1st SEC win in Alabama's 8-0 rout of Mississippi State

Kelly Ward April 9, 2016

Sydney Booker drove in five runs in No. 4 Alabama softball’s 8-0 mercy-rule win over Mississippi State. The sophomore transfer went 2-4 with an RBI single and a three-run home run in the win. It was...

Littlejohn remains undefeated in SEC play as Alabama beats Mississippi State 7-1

Littlejohn remains undefeated in SEC play as Alabama beats Mississippi State 7-1

Kelly Ward April 8, 2016

Sydney Littlejohn has her role down. She didn’t need her best performance--she allowed seven hits and a run--but it was enough in No. 4 Alabama softball’s 7-1 win over Mississippi State on Friday...

Sky's the limit: Osorio brings calm, steady presence to the circle

Sky's the limit: Osorio brings calm, steady presence to the circle

Kelly Ward April 7, 2016

With the bases loaded and one out, down 1-0 at South Alabama last spring, Alabama coach Patrick Murphy called on an unknown, freshman pitcher to work out of the jam.It was the first game of the season....

Alabama softball wins 1,000th in program history

Alabama softball wins 1,000th in program history

Kelly Ward April 5, 2016

Twenty years after the program started, Alabama softball notched its 1,000th win. It only needed five innings to do it in the 14-0 win over Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday. Alabama averages more than...

Alabama softball blanks Florida 3-0 to take series in Gainesville

Alabama softball blanks Florida 3-0 to take series in Gainesville

Kelly Ward April 3, 2016

On Friday, No. 6 Alabama softball leaned on junior right-hander Sydney Littlejohn to deliver. She did. On Sunday, the team needed her again. She pitched seven shutout innings in the 3-0 win to beat No....

Alabama drops game 2 of series with Florida 3-2

Kelly Ward April 2, 2016

No. 6 Alabama softball fell 3-2 to No. 1 Florida in Gainesville on Saturday.Alabama (30-7, 4-4 SEC) had six hits in the loss. Freshman catcher Reagan Dykes drove in both runs with a two-run home run. Six...

No. 6 Alabama softball hands No. 1 Florida its first home loss

No. 6 Alabama softball hands No. 1 Florida its first home loss

Kelly Ward April 1, 2016

Friday was a good day to be named Sydney. Junior right-hander Sydney Littlejohn (13-2) controlled the game while sophomore transfer Sydney Booker gave her some needed defensive support at shortstop in...

UPDATED: Alabama point guard, forward announce transfers (w/ Avery Johnson quotes)

UPDATED: Alabama point guard, forward announce transfers (w/ Avery Johnson quotes)

Sean Landry March 30, 2016

After two seasons, point guard Justin Coleman's career at Alabama is ending in transfer, he tweeted Wednesday.First off I wanna thank God, the University of Alabama, fans and coaches. But Coach Johnson...

No. 6 Alabama softball takes series with 16-2 win over No. 16 Missouri

No. 6 Alabama softball takes series with 16-2 win over No. 16 Missouri

Kelly Ward March 28, 2016

No. 6 Alabama softball found a weakness in No. 16 Missouri’s game and had a day with it. The first three Alabama batters reached on first-pitch bunt singles. Then came the walks in the 16-2 mercy-rule...

No. 6 Alabama softball splits doubleheader with No. 16 Missouri

No. 6 Alabama softball splits doubleheader with No. 16 Missouri

Kelly Ward March 26, 2016

After dropping the first game of its doubleheader against No. 16 Missouri on Saturday 7-3, No. 6 Alabama softball bounced back to a 9-1 mercy-rule win to even the series. Junior Marisa “Home” Runyon...

Battle on former UA player passing: "The Crimson Tide lost a true warrior today"

Battle on former UA player passing: “The Crimson Tide lost a true warrior today”

Sean Landry March 24, 2016

Alabama athletic director Bill Battle issued a statement in the wake of former Alabama player Kevin Turner's death after a long battle with ALS on Thursday. "The Crimson Tide family lost a true warrior...

Out of left field: Dare leads on and off diamond

Out of left field: Dare leads on and off diamond

Kelly Ward March 24, 2016

It’s not unusual to find Chandler Dare at Rhoads Stadium taking ground balls in the infield when the team’s not there or spending time in the batting cages attached to the clubhouse before practice...

Softball wins 8-0 in 5 innings over Alcorn State

Kelly Ward March 22, 2016

Three freshmen led the way for No. 6 Alabama softball in its 8-0 mercy-rule win over Alcorn State on Tuesday.Merris Schroder went 1-3 with a two-run single in the first inning. Reagan Dykes went 2-3 with...

Obasohan after terror attacks in native Belgium: "I'll keep preaching love"

Obasohan after terror attacks in native Belgium: “I'll keep preaching love”

Sean Landry March 22, 2016

When Alabama basketball’s senior captain, Retin Obasohan, awoke to news of terrorist attacks in his native Belgium, he couldn’t help but start visualizing. Here was the terminal at Brussels International...

Softball drops series finale 8-1 to LSU

Kelly Ward March 13, 2016

BATON ROUGE, La. — Alabama needed its ace, and for a while it had her. It needed some hits and solid defense. Those were harder to come by. In the series’ rubber match with No. 4 LSU, the No. 6 Crimson...

Softball beats LSU 10-3 after Turner exits game with arm injury

Softball beats LSU 10-3 after Turner exits game with arm injury

Kelly Ward March 12, 2016

BATON ROUGE, La. — For the first time in two years, No. 6 Alabama doesn’t have its starting second baseman.Demi Turner, who went 1-3 on the night, was caught stealing second for the third out of a...

Hawks fly together: Softball family supports each other on and off field

Hawks fly together: Softball family supports each other on and off field

Kelly Ward March 10, 2016

Andrea Hawkins has two families. They don’t often intersect, and when they do, it’s in the spring during softball season.In October, when Hawkins was with her family in Bay City, Texas, after her father...

Softball blanks Samford in midweek matchup

Kelly Ward March 8, 2016

Six batters were enough.  After No. 6 Alabama softball’s first six batters didn’t get on, coach Patrick Murphy had enough. The next four batters reached base and scored. The next inning the team...

No. 6 Alabama softball hosts Samford on SEC Network

Kelly Ward March 8, 2016

Before Alabama softball starts SEC play, it will get a small taste of what’s to come with Samford coming into town. Samford’s head coach Mandy Burford played for Alabama from 2004-07. Assistant coaches...

Osorio strikes out 16 in 5-0 win over ULM

Kelly Ward March 6, 2016

Alexis Osorio wasn’t perfect, but she didn’t need to be. She pitched 5 1/3 innings hitless before allowing a single. She walked one, hit one and struck out 16 in No. 4 Alabama softball’s 5-0 win...

Softball splits day 2 of Easton Crimson Classic

Kelly Ward March 5, 2016

With the bases loaded and a two-run deficit, Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy called on Marisa Runyon to get a hit. She didn’t, but she did everything she could to score, eventually working a walk...

No. 4 Alabama softball extends winning streak to 17

No. 4 Alabama softball extends winning streak to 17

Kelly Ward March 4, 2016

Last weekend, No. 4 Alabama softball needed a walk-off to win its first game of the tournament. On Friday night, the Crimson Tide avoided the drama and took two games by way of the mercy rule, first an...

No. 4 Alabama softball hosts Easton Crimson Classic

Kelly Ward March 4, 2016

After Sunday’s 6-5 comeback win over No. 16 Tennessee, Alabama coach Patrick Murphy wasn’t happy with the team’s adjustment to the new pitcher.“That was the thing we didn’t do very good against...

Alabama softball takes on Jacksonville State in midweek matchup

Alabama softball takes on Jacksonville State in midweek matchup

Kelly Ward March 2, 2016

Sunday wasn’t right-hander Alexis Osorio’s best game. The sophomore pitched seven innings, gave up nine hits and allowed five runs. She also struck out nine en route to her fifth win of the season...

Letter from the editor: An apology

Sean Landry February 29, 2016

The Crimson White recently published a feature about Lillian Roth, a candidate for SGA president, both in print and online, as part of our traditional coverage of the SGA executive races. This depiction...

Letter from the Editor: Why we endorse

Sean Landry February 29, 2016

A responsible and free press is instrumental in the preservation of a democracy. The freedom of the press is enshrined in the first amendment because the framers knew without a watchdog press, a ‘Fourth...

2 home runs lead softball to 8-0 win over Troy

2 home runs lead softball to 8-0 win over Troy

Kelly Ward February 24, 2016

The last time Peyton Grantham hit a home run in Rhoads Stadium it was the 2014 Super Regional against Nebraska. The 12-inning game went into the early hours of the morning before Grantham ended it on a...

Patrick Murphy gets 900th win at Alabama with 10-5 win over Maryland

Kelly Ward February 21, 2016

Less than two years since he earned his 800th win as head coach of Alabama, Patrick Murphy reached the next milestone.No. 5 Alabama softball's 10-5 win over Maryland on Sunday was his 900th win at Alabama....

Softball wins 2 to open Panther Invitational

Kelly Ward February 19, 2016

No. 5 Alabama softball won its fifth and sixth straight games to open the Panther Invitational on Friday. The Crimson Tide downed Miami (Ohio) 10-2 in six innings before eking out a 1-0 win over Maryland...

Pitchers ready for three-day tournament after combining for no-hitter

Pitchers ready for three-day tournament after combining for no-hitter

Kelly Ward February 19, 2016

There’s a subtle shift in the mood in a dugout, in a crowd, when the unspeakable is happening. The air is different. There’s a cautiousness that pervades a normally casual, friendly environment. No...

SGA senate to hear block seating constitutional amendment

Sean Landry February 16, 2016

SGA President Elliot Spillers will introduce a constitutional amendment to revise the block seating process at tonight's senate meeting.The bill, obtained by The Crimson White, would codify a 'board of...

Softball heads to Birmingham to face UAB

Kelly Ward February 16, 2016

Alabama wasn’t a softball state 20 years ago. Rhoads Stadium was a dream. The University of Alabama wasn’t even playing fast pitch. Now, two teams in the top five are from Alabama (Alabama and Auburn)....

Softball ends weekend with 10-2 mercy-rule win over Liberty

Kelly Ward February 14, 2016

Sydney Littlejohn didn't need to go the distance to get the win. Her four innings were enough in No. 5 Alabama softball's 10-2 win over Liberty.Littlejohn (1-1) allowed two runs on four hits and struck...

Softball improves to 3-1 on season with 2 wins on Saturday

Softball improves to 3-1 on season with 2 wins on Saturday

Kelly Ward February 13, 2016

No. 5 Alabama softball took both games on Saturday after dropping the Friday nightcap. The Crimson Tide beat Rutgers 6-0 before edging out No. 19 James Madison 2-1 on a walk-off single.In the first game,...

Softball splits opening day

Softball splits opening day

Kelly Ward February 12, 2016

For the sixth straight year, Alabama softball opened its season with a win. After downing Fordham 9-1 in five innings, No. 5 Alabama dropped its next game, a 8-1 decision to No. 17 UCF in the UCF Classic.In...

Softball starts season with Orlando tournament

Softball starts season with Orlando tournament

Kelly Ward February 11, 2016

Haylie McCleney has the best view in Rhoads Stadium. From her perch in center field, the senior can see everything on the field. She spies pitches and batters’ tendencies. She knows how the ball moves...

I’m still here, despite my own best efforts

Kelly Ward February 8, 2016

Adults with a Serious Mental Illness | HealthGroveEight days before my 21st birthday, I had no intention of celebrating it. I had no plans, no list of alcohol I could buy, no intention of seeing anyone.To...

We Are Done, UA to open diversity center today

We Are Done, UA to open diversity center today

Sean Landry February 1, 2016

Just two months after its initial presentation of demands, the We Are Done movement, with the University of Alabama administration, is on the verge of opening the Intercultural Diversity Center, a student-staffed...

WATCH: Avery Johnson, Shannon Hale and Arthur Edwards preview basketball at South Carolina

WATCH: Avery Johnson, Shannon Hale and Arthur Edwards preview basketball at South Carolina

Sean Landry January 30, 2016

The University of Alabama basketball team travels to take on South Carolina today. Coach Avery Johnson, forward Shannon Hale and guard Arthur Edwards spoke to the media before the game.NOTES:Alabama spent...

Alabama softball ranked No. 5 in preseason poll

Kelly Ward January 26, 2016

Alabama softball is ranked No. 5 in both the USA Today/NFCA and ESPN.com/USA Softball preseason polls.The Crimson Tide received a first-place vote in each of the polls. In the coaches poll, Alabama is...

GAMEDAY: Special teams wins championship

GAMEDAY: Special teams wins championship

Kelly Ward January 22, 2016

For much of the season, Alabama’s defense was heralded as the second coming of the 2009 championship team. It was the best in the country. Teams couldn’t run the ball against it, and its passing games...

GAMEDAY: The drive that saved Alabama's season

GAMEDAY: The drive that saved Alabama's season

Sean Landry January 21, 2016

Championship seasons are fragile. They are balanced on the response to a dozen pivotal moments – a football that bounces off a receiver’s helmet here, a game-saving drive there.The 2015 national champion...

Donning a new shade a of red

Donning a new shade a of red

Kelly Ward January 14, 2016

GLENDALE, Ariz. — By now, Kirby Smart has traded in crimson for red and black. The former defensive coordinator for Alabama officially took over as the head coach of Georgia after a 45-40 win over Clemson...

Special teams wins the day in national title game

Special teams wins the day in national title game

Kelly Ward January 13, 2016

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The ball only had to go 10 yards.Ten players had to be behind Adam Griffith before he chipped the ball. If any one of them was ahead of the ball, there would’ve been a flag: offsides.Defensive...

Defense gets big stops when needed

Defense gets big stops when needed

Kelly Ward January 13, 2016

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Bend, don’t break. It’s not the Alabama way, with defenses stifling teams at the line of scrimmage and blanketing receivers in coverage. That was the Crimson Tide defense against...

Heroes: Tide gets contributions from all sides in national championship win

Sean Landry January 13, 2016

GLENDALE, Ariz. – There were no heroes in The University of Alabama’s 45-40 win over Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. There was no one player to crown in history...

"Alabama does:" Crimson Tide brings home 16th championship

“Alabama does:” Crimson Tide brings home 16th championship

Kelly Ward January 12, 2016

By Kelly Ward | Digital Managing EditorGLENDALE, Ariz. — At some point, the confetti will be cleared from the field and the cigar smoke scrubbed from the locker room. For now, the confetti litters University...

Alabama defeats Clemson 45-40 in the CFP Championship

Alabama defeats Clemson 45-40 in the CFP Championship

Kelly Ward January 12, 2016

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Alabama won the CFP Championship by a score of 45-40 on Jan. 11, 2016 in front of a crowd of 75,765.Derrick Henry struck first with a 50-yard score. It was his 20th consecutive game...

Stop telling Cyrus Jones to turn his head

Stop telling Cyrus Jones to turn his head

Sean Landry January 10, 2016

Cyrus Jones has heard you screaming at him to turn his head in pass coverage. He has heard the anguished cries of Alabama fans after yet another pass interference flag flies. He knows what some of you...

Clemson speed “concerns” Kirby Smart

Sean Landry January 10, 2016

Clemson's offense goes fast. By adjusted pace, it ranks ninth in the nation. It rarely substitutes, frequently quick-snaps and almost never huddles. It aims to go faster than you can imagine, and it will...

Saban, Swinney focus on developing players for life after football

Saban, Swinney focus on developing players for life after football

Kelly Ward January 10, 2016

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Freshmen walk on to Alabama’s campus with big eyes and big stomachs. College is a place to grow and blossom.The freshmen who enter into the Mal Moore Athletic Facility to begin...

Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney do not like NFL draft grades

Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney do not like NFL draft grades

Sean Landry January 10, 2016

It started innocently enough. Dabo Swinney, head coach of a Clemson roster flush with NFL prospects, was asked about how his team has dealt with the specter of early declarations and draft evaluations,...

Alabama's 'selfless' attitude aided Playoff run

Alabama's 'selfless' attitude aided Playoff run

Kelly Ward January 10, 2016

PHOENIX — All Dillon Lee did was secure the shutout. His one-handed interception late in the 38-0 rout of No. 3 Michigan State in the College Football Playoff semifinal kept the Spartans from a late...

One Last Time: Seniors aim to finish right in final game

One Last Time: Seniors aim to finish right in final game

Kelly Ward January 10, 2016

PHOENIX — No, it hasn’t hit him yet. It might not hit him until he puts his helmet on in the tunnel or walks out to the sideline. It might not hit him until the confetti comes down - win or lose -...

Tom Herman visit helped Alabama defense improve

Tom Herman visit helped Alabama defense improve

Sean Landry January 9, 2016

You may not remember this, but Tom Herman's Ohio State offense tore apart Kirby Smart's Alabama defense about a year ago. The Buckeyes went for 256 yards through the air, 281 on the ground, and went 10-18...

Alabama basketball wants to spoil grand opening of Pavilion at Ole Miss

Alabama basketball wants to spoil grand opening of Pavilion at Ole Miss

Sean Landry January 7, 2016

The University of Alabama basketball team has already exceeded many pundits’ expectations. After a 9-3 record in non-conference play, including wins over then-ranked opponents Wichita State and Notre...

Deshaun Watson poses problem for Alabama defense

Kelly Ward January 6, 2016

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson is a force of nature. A little over a year after injuring a ligament in his knee and undergoing surgery to repair it, he finished third in the Heisman vote and is a...

Saban talks preparation before CFP title game

Saban talks preparation before CFP title game

Kelly Ward January 6, 2016

Two days before No. 2 Alabama flies out to Phoenix for the College Football Playoff national championship game, coach Nick Saban held his final press conference in Tuscaloosa.He stressed the importance...

Resolution: Crimson Tide ends 2015 with dominant playoff win

Resolution: Crimson Tide ends 2015 with dominant playoff win

Kelly Ward January 1, 2016

ARLINGTON, Texas — The dry erase board in the Alabama locker room had four times listed on the dry erase board. Three were for warmups. The fourth had kickoff for the Crimson Tide against Michigan State...

Finish It: Crimson Tide determined to finish 2015 the right way

Finish It: Crimson Tide determined to finish 2015 the right way

Kelly Ward December 31, 2015

DALLAS — Nine hours from the familiarity of Tuscaloosa is a sprawling metropolis–more of a collection of a dozen cities than one. The drive west on I-20 is long, often boring, seemingly never-ending.For...

Saban pleased with preparation going into CFP Semifinal matchup with Michigan State

Saban pleased with preparation going into CFP Semifinal matchup with Michigan State

Kelly Ward December 30, 2015

DALLAS — The two teams meeting in the Cotton Bowl on Thursday haven’t played in three weeks. Both Alabama and Michigan State won their respective conference championship games and endured more than...

Fundamental: Comparing the Cotton Bowl teams

Fundamental: Comparing the Cotton Bowl teams

Kelly Ward December 30, 2015

DALLAS — Michigan State isn’t flashy. It doesn’t do neat little tricks and run a hurry-up like other teams. It’s fundamentally sound in all phases of the game and dares you to beat it.Alabama will...

Who follows Coker? 2016 quarterback battle taking shape

Who follows Coker? 2016 quarterback battle taking shape

Sean Landry December 30, 2015

When offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said he would 'love to be back' in Tuscaloosa next season, he pointed to the impending third consecutive quarterback battle as one of many elements piquing his interest....

Coker could be answer to Michigan State front

Coker could be answer to Michigan State front

Sean Landry December 30, 2015

DALLAS–At this stage, Derrick Henry is the furthest thing from a secret weapon. He's more like a siege engine, a war hammer, a battering ram that will inevitably break through the line.The Spartans of...

Saban: Focus, playing with edge key before CFP Semifinal

Saban: Focus, playing with edge key before CFP Semifinal

Kelly Ward December 30, 2015

DALLAS — Michigan State hasn’t won a national title since 1966. It’s two wins away from taking home the hardware.A national title would mean everything to the Spartans.Just ask Alabama coach Nick...

Saban, Dantonio discuss working together at Michigan State

Saban, Dantonio discuss working together at Michigan State

Kelly Ward December 30, 2015

DALLAS — Mark Dantonio joked and Nick Saban smiled.Dantonio thinks Saban is funny too, although he can’t remember any specific instances of hilarity.“We're talking about 15 years in the past,”...

Alabama front seven takes on pack mentality

Alabama front seven takes on pack mentality

Kelly Ward December 29, 2015

DALLAS — Anchored by players like A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama’s defensive line is intimidating enough that defensive coordinator Kirby Smart joked that the line was the reason he stayed at Alabama through...

Players weigh in on strength coach Scott Cochran

Players weigh in on strength coach Scott Cochran

Sean Landry December 29, 2015

Well-known Alabama strength coach Scott Cochran announced his intent to stay at the University earlier this month. The move was praised by fans who feared losing the popular and energetic sideline figure...

Here comes the General: Ragland commands Alabama's defense

Here comes the General: Ragland commands Alabama's defense

Kelly Ward December 29, 2015

DALLAS — On the field, Reggie Ragland surveys with an experienced eye. He commands the defense. Alabama's defense relies on the veteran linebacker to call out what adjustments it needs to make. He...

Michigan State quarterback, co-offensive coordinator break down Alabama defense

Michigan State quarterback, co-offensive coordinator break down Alabama defense

Kelly Ward December 28, 2015

DALLAS — It’s hard to miss A’Shawn Robinson or Jarran Reed walking around. Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook certainly didn’t as he passed by the Alabama defensive linemen on his way into...

Even Alabama's offense changes with the times

Even Alabama's offense changes with the times

Kelly Ward December 27, 2015

DALLAS — Before offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin came to Alabama after the 2013 season, people didn’t use no-huddle to describe the Crimson Tide offense. Hurry-up wasn’t even in the conversation.Now...

Lane Kiffin talks his second season, "The Process," future at Alabama

Lane Kiffin talks his second season, “The Process,” future at Alabama

Sean Landry December 27, 2015

When Alabama hired Lane Kiffin to take over as offensive coordinator, pearls were clutched in a then-unseen volume. Here was a botched head coach who left flaming mattresses in his wake after leaving...

Kenyan Drake talks injuries, mistaken identity

Kenyan Drake talks injuries, mistaken identity

Kelly Ward December 27, 2015

DALLAS — Before Kenyan Drake broke his arm on a kickoff return at Mississippi State, he was hurt. Cracked rib against Ole Miss, sprained ankle, concussion after LSU and contusions among some of the pains.“It’s...

Michigan State defensive end talks Saban, stopping Derrick Henry

Michigan State defensive end talks Saban, stopping Derrick Henry

Kelly Ward December 27, 2015

DALLAS — Shilique Calhoun is happier about the way 2015 is ending than how it started. Don’t get the Michigan State defensive end wrong–he enjoyed beating Baylor in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, but...

One year later: Alabama football has a different mentality for 2nd CFP appearance

One year later: Alabama football has a different mentality for 2nd CFP appearance

Sean Landry December 26, 2015

One year ago, the Alabama football team was favored to win the inaugural College Football Playoff. Stacked with future NFL draft picks, the No. 1 overall seed was expected to handle Ohio State in the semifinal...

Nick Saban reflects on playing Santa Claus as Alabama turns focus to MSU

Nick Saban reflects on playing Santa Claus as Alabama turns focus to MSU

Kelly Ward December 26, 2015

DALLAS — The day after Christmas, Alabama football was back to work, this time 600 miles west of Tuscaloosa.Alabama coach Nick Saban said he enjoyed the time he spent with his family over the holiday....

Saban updates on Kenyan Drake's status, early bowl preparation

Saban updates on Kenyan Drake's status, early bowl preparation

Sean Landry December 26, 2015

Much has been made of the sheer volume of Heisman trophy-winner Derrick Henry's carries in his last two performances. Against Auburn and Florida, Henry ran the ball a combined 90 times for 460 total yards....

Alabama football arrives in Dallas ahead of College Football Playoff semifinal

Alabama football arrives in Dallas ahead of College Football Playoff semifinal

Kelly Ward December 26, 2015

DALLAS — With the storms that made their way through Alabama on Friday, some people had trouble getting out of the state as roads were flooded from the rain.Alabama football didn’t have any issues...

Scott Cochran to remain at University of Alabama

Scott Cochran to remain at University of Alabama

Sean Landry December 14, 2015

After weeks of speculations surrounding Kirby Smart's departure to become UGA's head coach, UA Athletics announced today that fan-favorite Scott Cochran will remain at the University of Alabama as head...

Alabama PG Dazon Ingram out for season

Alabama PG Dazon Ingram out for season

Sean Landry December 10, 2015

Alabama freshman point guard Dazon Ingram is out for the season after fracturing his left foot in practice, coach Avery Johnson confirmed in a release.“I am extremely disappointed for Dazon and his...

10 Alabama players named all-SEC

Sean Landry December 8, 2015

The University of Alabama football team placed a league-leading 10 players on the Coaches all-SEC teams, the league office announced Tuesday.Seven players made first-team All-SEC, and Alabama led the...

Back-to-back: Alabama claims 2nd straight SEC title, Playoff berth

Back-to-back: Alabama claims 2nd straight SEC title, Playoff berth

Kelly Ward December 5, 2015

ATLANTA — Derrick Henry got any last minute resume fillers for his Heisman campaign he needed with 189 yards rushing in No. 2 Alabama’s 29-15 win over No. 18 Florida in the SEC Championship Game.He...

Nick Saban addresses the rumors concerning Kirby Smart's departure

Nick Saban addresses the rumors concerning Kirby Smart's departure

Kelly Ward December 3, 2015

If you have any questions about Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart’s reported hire by Georgia, you can address them to the Coca-Cola bottle on the podium in the media room in Mal Moore.Alabama...

Welcome to Atlanta: Alabama downs Auburn 29-13 in Iron Bowl

Welcome to Atlanta: Alabama downs Auburn 29-13 in Iron Bowl

Kelly Ward November 28, 2015

AUBURN — Adam Griffith couldn’t see over his line when he prepped for a 50-yard field goal with less than 30 seconds left in the first half. He couldn’t see the Auburn return man, ready to try to...

Quick Hits: Saban addresses Auburn prep, Thanksgiving before Iron Bowl

Kelly Ward November 25, 2015

In his last availability before the Iron Bowl, Alabama coach Nick Saban spent some time talking about Thanksgiving, one of his favorite holidays.“We spend a lot of time thinking about what we don’t...

Forged in fire: ​Looking ahead to the Iron Bowl

Kelly Ward November 23, 2015

Nearly a year ago, Alabama came out on top of an improbable game. Down 33-21 in the third quarter, the Crimson Tide came back for a 55-44 win.The 2014 Iron Bowl, the highest scoring in the rivalry’s...

Seniors say farewell to Bryant-Denny

Seniors say farewell to Bryant-Denny

Kelly Ward November 16, 2015

Senior Michael Nysewander remembers a time where football coach Nick Saban didn’t know his name.When he got to campus his freshman year, he was a walk-on. He set some goals for himself. The first was...

Alabama pounds its way to 31-6 win over Mississippi State

Alabama pounds its way to 31-6 win over Mississippi State

Kelly Ward November 14, 2015

STARKVILLE, Miss. — For nearly 20 minutes, No. 2 Alabama couldn’t find the end zone. On offense, it couldn’t find much of anything after a 34-yard first quarter.Then cornerback Cyrus Jones broke...

Offense shows signs of life in Avery Johnson's first collegiate win

Offense shows signs of life in Avery Johnson's first collegiate win

Sean Landry November 14, 2015

On the surface, Alabama’s shooting performance in its 77-64 win Friday night was substandard. The team finished with 51 percent shooting from the field after an 11-for-25 second half, but from three,...