Local sports news outlets here are reporting that Bryce is backing off his commitment to Miami given that his recruiting contact is moving on.

I caught the tail end of a local radio talk whereon Bryce and his "advisor" were guests.  The kid is miffed and is reconsidering his commitment to Miami and is actively pursuing other schools.  I think he just needs a big hug from a big time school.

Bryce was named player of the year at the recent U. S. Army bowl game in Texas.

I called our recruiting office in Tuscaloosa to make darn sure they were aware.  An Auburn coach plus one other SEC coach watched the NC championship game at Bryce's house last night.  A Tennessee coach missed a flight and didn't make it in time for the game.  Unless he is playing for Bama, I wouldn't want to see Bryce in the SEC. 

Having Bryce would substantially soften Coffee's leaving for the NFL.  Don't know if our staff is interested or not. 

Alabama was playing Nebraska in the first night time version of the Orange Bowl.  Coach Bryant, when asked how he would possibly beat the huge players of No. 1 ranked Nebraska Cornhusters who sported 4 or 5 All American players, the Bear answered "...we will 'out quick'em' ".  On the opening play, Ray Perkins ran straight down the right sideline and Steve Sloan hit him with a 40 yard or so pass and the rout was on.  Stars were falling on the Orange Bowl and Alabama fell on Nebraska(paraphrased from the next day's sports headlines).  We ran circles around Nebraska........... which brings us to last night's Sugar Bowl. 

That was what happened to our beloved Crimson Tide last night in the Sugar Bowl.  The Utes were so quick that we couldn't catch up.  Yea, we may have had a hangover from the SEC Championship game but even with Andre, me thinks we would have gone down.  It hurts like hell but that seems to be the logical outcome. 

We need more depth at almost every position.  And we must acquire more speed and athleticism in our defensive backfield.  At this juncture, I fear that Ole Miss will represent our division in Atlanta next year. 

It will take a month for me to recover from my depression.

Roll Tide.

An nice article through this link:  http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=884733

As you may recall Derrick died in an auto accident several years ago.  I will never forget when he got the opportunity to sub for Cornelius Bennet (can't remember which game but it was biggie).  Derrick was so hyped up to hit someone that when the opposing back stepped out of bounds (some 4 or 5 feet), Derrick blasted him.  He got the penalty of course but Stallings was laughing as he chewed on Derrick as he returned to the bench after the play. 

I have his KC jersey that he autographed with a closing "Roll Tide" exclamation. It is framed in my Bama room (read bar).

Will be staying about 1 mile due east of the Georgia Dome.  Would appreciate any suggestions for good Friday night watering hole for Bama fans.  Also any suggestion for a good steak house and/or barbecue joint within walking distance or a short taxi ride wud be appreciated.

Man, am I looking forward to this game trip.  Haven't seen our guys play in person since we whupped Woody Hayes in the Sugar Bowl.  Yes, I am of that era which is why I don't do too well chattering on these blogs.  But while a student, I did get to shake hands with the ole Bear, Namath, Stabler and a few others. 

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Go to http://coachoftheyear.com/ vote all ya'll.  Georgia Tech's coach has pulled ahead of our man to be first in the polling. 

Was it not lovely to see our guys crush the Auburn bunch and wipe that smirk off of Tuberville's face?  It was especially neat to the see the "Now its 7....Losses" posters on the big screen. 

See you in Atlanta next Saturday afternoon.  I'll be there with my son in Row 2 on the 35 yard line.  It will be great to hear the pads pop just like in the old days at Legion Field.  I am confident that Bama will give a very good accounting of themselves.  Roll Tide!!!

Go to www.coachoftheyear.com to vote for Nickie.  After all, he has tied last years' record already.  Vote now!!  I will continue to drivel on as this site requires the post to be at least 75 words long before it will publish it.  This reminds me of English Composition wherein you were required to write a theme paper of at least X number or words or X number of pages long(in which case you would write (in long hand) with very big big letters and spaces between the words.  I will attempt to post this again and see if I have met the 75 word minimum for posting.  do you think I have driveled on long enough.  Well, I will punch the "submit" button now and see if this theme qualifies.  Go to the above website and vote now ya'll. 

What happened to Jimmie Johns?  The last I knew he was attempting to convert to linebacker.   Has he faded from the Tide team?    The guy was Mr. Football in Mississippi his senior year in high school.  It is criminal that we can't use him somewhere on the team.  He is one heck of an athlete.  If he is gone, is he going to another school?  I live in the midwest and have difficulty keepintg up with individuals on the team.