While the Crimson Tide gears up for the big game against Tennessee on Saturday news of the Rivalry abounds. Trash talking is a normal thing, however this year it seems a lot more potent than in the past.

Many loyal tide fans blame Tennessee head coach, Phillip Fulmer for the three year probation, scholarship reduction and the bowl ban that ended last year. So, does the Tide have reason to want to tear the Vols into a million pieces? Yeah, I suppose they do. I am the first to admit that I am a true Tide fan and talk smack with the fellas at work (hey, I'm a chick and I think sometimes I know more about the sport than they do!) but for some reason I feel as this game is even bigger than the Tide's on going rivalry with Auburn. The difference is this year we have what it takes to knock some sense into Rockytop. Will it happen? I dunno, game day is another 3 days away, but I sure am looking forward to it. It will be a good and tough game, I'm betting. We have something that Tennessee doesn't have though. Loud, roaring, loyal FANS, and I can guarantee that stadium will be off the charts on the noise level. If that isn't enough to intimidate them, I don't know what is! Oh, how I wish I could be there screaming with all the other fans! (Tickets PLEASE!)

On to the News....
Tuscaloosa, AL

Unlike previous Alabama head coaches, Mike Shula downplayed the importance of Saturday's home game with Tennessee. In his Tuesday news conference, he made a few prosaic comments about the game, the history of the series and the team that has become Alabama's fiercest rival.
"We're undefeated, so they're all important," he said. "We have to get ready for a good football team. It's our seventh game. Our focus has to be on that."

Maybe he was trying to forget the orange mashed potatoes. Click here to read more.

Tyrone Prothro received a unexpected Letter..

Seventeen days after he entered the hospital to repair an open fracture of his left leg, Alabama junior Tyrone Prothro continues to recover in DCH Regional Medical Center from a leg infection.

Prothro's spirits were buoyed on Tuesday by a letter he received from President George W. Bush. Alabama head coach Mike Shula did not disclose the contents of the letter he personally delivered to his standout receiver but did describe Prothro's reaction.

"Pro was excited about the letter," Shula said. "His dad came in the room and he said, 'I've got a letter from one of my buddies.'"

Federal health regulations prevent Crimson Tide coaches or team physicians from discussing the condition of their athletes without permission from a parent. A statement released through the university noted that "further updates will be released upon their request." Prothro's extended stay in the hospital has become an issue following the surgery to insert a rod in his left leg to repair a fractured tibia and fibula. For More click here.

Special Guest
Birmingham, Alabama native, Condoleeza Rice will be attending Saturday's game against Tennessee. Reports state that security will be tightened because of her visit to the game, and that media should report to the game early for inspection by the secret service.

According the Montgomery Advertiser, only a few fans should be affected by the added security, and those using elevators on the press box side of Bryant-Denny stadium should be prepared for delays.


Demeco Ryans has been nominated for the 36th Rotary Lombardi Award!

In 44 career games, he has recorded 272 tackles, with 26 TFLs (-83) and 5 sacks (-42). He has 272 career tackles and is currently 8th all-time at Alabama and he is second among active SEC defenders with 272 career tackles.

Ryans has been honored once this year as the Southeastern Conference's Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against Arkansas on September 24 (15 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR, 1 QBP). Click here for more.

Christensen named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.

University of Alabama sophomore Jamie Christensen has been named Southeastern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week as announced by the league office.

Christensen was the hero for the Tide in their 13-10 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels. He nailed a 31-yard field goal with no time left on the clock to give the Tide the win. He also hit a career long field goal of 43 yards earlier in the game. Christensen, who also handles kickoff duties for Alabama, recorded two touchbacks on his three kickoffs. More Here.

Side Note: I was carousinging around the internet this afternoon looking for some "I hate Orange" graphics in witch I was most unsuccessful, however I did come across a article in a RockyTop newspaper where the sports writer pretty much said he thought the Vols were going to ge their butts kicked by Bama. I would have included a link, however it was one of "those" websites that only give you a snippet of the article then require you to sign up to read more.

And Last but never least, today is my little brother's birthday, and I would like to wish him the BEST day EVER!