Kareem Jackson News

After a two week hiatus, the Crimson Tide was back in full pads on Saturday. Monday was day three.

Tailback Mark Ingram walks down a hallway at Alabama's football complex, passing the school's first Heisman Trophy on display and a framed, oversized Sports Illustrated cover with his picture.

Alabama fans are enthusiastic about the top-ranked Crimson Tide's participation in the BCS national championship gme in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan.

Tide rookie Dre Kirkpatrick was widely considered to be the top college recruit in the state last year .

Each week, after their Thursday practice, the Alabama players meet in the locker room, and head coach Nick Saban asks a question.

Kareem Jackson hoped to avoid much of the hype, but admittedly, it's tough to ignore.

Alabama said it would be ready for trick plays today against Auburn. Ready or not, Auburn has scored first.

On the first play Saturday night, Mississippi State threw deep to a receiver being covered by Alabama cornerback Marquis Johnson.

When Mississippi State's final end-zone target of Alabama cornerback Marquis Johnson ended in his hands, the Crimson Tide fans drowned out any last cowbells Saturday with a redemptive ring of their own.

Three-and-in was the story of the day. Three-and-out is the story of the season.

Alabama coach Nick Saban can downplay its meaning and dismiss its relevance. The reality of the rivalry between No.

Nick Saban and his staff have gotten plenty of credit for their recruitment of high school prospects the last two years, but they have been equally efficient in their evaluation and recruitment of junior college players.

When: 2:30 p.m. today Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa Records: UA UT Line: Alabama by 16 On the air: TV -- CBS Radio -- WXFX-FM 95.1 FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY 1 Under Nick Saban, the Crim son Tide has put together 15 games where its leading rusher had 100 yards or more, recording a 14-1 record in those games.

Moments after the seventh start of his collegiate career, Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy's mind wandered back to a game in seventh grade.

TUSCALOOSA -- The last time South Carolina visited Alabama, the Crimson Tide was struggling to rebound from a rare losing season.

On his way to running for a Bryant-Denny Stadium-record 246 yards, Alabama running back Mark Ingram breaks away from South Carolina free safety Chris Culliver and linebacker Josh Dickerson in the second quarter of the Crimson Tide's 20-6 homecoming victory.

He's one of the most successful coaches in SEC history, but much of the flair and hype that marked Steve Spurrier's heyday occurred before current Alabama football players were paying close attention to college football.

Three seasons ago, the voters didn't want it. One Game of the Century was enough.

TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama has traditionally turned down television for its homecoming game to keep it in the afternoon time slot, making this weekend's game against South Carolina the first-ever night homecoming contest for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama's Justin Woodall and Kareem Jackson deflect a pass away from Mississippi's Shay Hodge, center, during the first half of their football game Saturday.