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Kenyan Drakek proves hhis offensiveff prowess as one hlffhhalf of the Crimson Tide’s running back double team FriendTheCrimsonWhite us FOLLOW US@thecrimsonwhite

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EDITORIAL True freshman A’Shawn Robinson editor-in-chief Mazie Bryant makes his mark in the Crimson [email protected] 04 Tide defensive line magazine editor Matt Ford magazine creative director David Walton managing editor Lauren Ferguson production editor Katherine Owen visuals editor Anna Waters online editor Mackenzie Brown news editor Mark Hammontree culture editor Abbey Crain sports editor Marc Torrence opinion editor John Brinkerhoff Gaining Ground chief copy editor Larsen Lien Sophomore running back Kenyan video editor Daniel Roth Drake proves his offensive photo editor Austin Bigoney 06 prowess alongside leading back community managers Brielle Appelbaum T.J. Yeldon, continuing the Lauren Robertson Crimson Tide’s tradition of a dominant running back tandem ADVERTISING advertising manager Tori Hall 251.751.1781 [email protected] territory manager Chloe Ledet 205.886.3512 [email protected] special projects manager Taylor Shutt Running Game Faceoff 904.504.3306 [email protected] Razorbacks’ traditional offensive creative services manager Hillary McDaniel game plan comes head to head 334.315.6068 10 with the Crimson Tide account executives Ali Lemmond William Whitlock Kathryn Tanner Camille Dishongh Kennan Madden Julia Kate Mace Katie Schlumper 1 Alabama 5 Florida State 6 LSU 24 Auburn UCLA 11 South Carolina 22 Florida vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. Arkansas 3 Clemson Ole Miss 7 Texas A&M 13 Stanford Tennessee 14 Missouri Marc Torrence sports editor 65.7% (23/35) Charlie Potter assistant sports editor 74.2% (26/35) Kevin Connell sports reporter 71.4% (25/35) Billy Whyte sports reporter 82.8% (29/35) Nick Sellers sports reporter 82.8% (29/35)

Last week’s perfect picks: Pick against our sports experts at: cw.ua.edu/pickem Jacob Davis, sophomore, mechanical engineering Matt Ernst, year and major not listed AP Poll Coaches Poll 1. Alabama (55) 1. Alabama (58) 2. Oregon (5) 2. Oregon (3) 3. Clemson 3. Ohio State 4. Ohio State 4. Clemson (1) 5. Florida State 5. Florida State 6. LSU 6. Louisville 7. Texas A&M 7. Texas A&M 8. Louisville 8. LSU 9. UCLA 9. South Carolina 10. Miami (FL) 10. UCLA 11. South Carolina 11. Miami (FL) Mr. Tee’s BBQ 12. Baylor 12. Baylor 13. Stanford 13. Stanford Covered Patio 14. Missouri 14. Missouri 15. Georgia 15. Texas Tech Beers and 16. Texas Tech 16. Georgia 17. Fresno State 17. Oklahoma State Minis To-Go! 18. Oklahoma 18. Oklahoma 19. Virginia Tech 19. Fresno State Frozen Drinks 20. Washington 20. Virginia Tech 21. Oklahoma State 21. Nebraska 22. Florida 22. Florida 509 Red Drew Avenue (Behind Egans) 23. Northern Illinois 23. Northern Illinois 24. Auburn 24. Michigan Follow us on Twitter: @TheRedShedBar 25. Wisconsin 25. Washington

02 10/18/2013 GAMEDAY No. 5 Florida State No. 9 UCLA at No.13 at No. 3 Clemson Stanford Memorial Stadium – Clemson, S.C., 7 p.m. CST, ABC Stanford Stadium – Stanford, Calif., 2:30 p.m. CST, ABC/ESPN2 In the past two seasons, this has been a After receiving a damaging blow to its na- matchup between two high-profile teams. tional championship hopes last week against This year will be no different with both teams currently un- unranked Utah, the Cardinal must avoid any lingering hang- defeated. But unlike in the previous two games, which were over against a steadily rising UCLA team, led by an emerg- split 1-1, this one holds serious national championship impli- ing star in sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley, to keep cations. Both teams are two of the more balanced teams in all its BCS hopes alive. Though Stanford will have its hands of , ranking in the top 15 in total offense and full against the Bruins’ high-powered offense, the Cardinal top 20 in total defense, respectively, but the winner will like- should be aided by playing at home, where it has lost at only ly be decided by the man under center. Both Florida State’s twice since 2009. Jameis Winston and Clemson’s Tajh Boyd sit near the top in the Heisman race standings. No. 11 South Carolina No. 6 LSU at Ole Miss at Tennessee Vaught – Hemingway Stadium - Oxford, Miss., 6 p.m. CST, ESPN Neyland Stadium – Knoxville, Tenn., 11 a.m. CST, ESPN Three weeks ago, Ole Miss was possibly the hot- Tennessee is on a 19-game losing streak against ranked test topic in college football. Now three straight opponents, but it gets yet another opportunity to end that losses later, including a near upset against Texas mark against South Carolina. The Volunteers came close two A&M, the Rebels are just looking to stay afloat in weeks ago but ultimately fell short in a 34-31 heartbreaker in the competitive SEC West. Up next is LSU, which, despite its overtime against Georgia. On the other side, South Carolina loss to Georgia three weeks ago, finds itself quietly waiting in may have finally hit its stride this season, following its 52-7 the wings at No. 6 in the nation. The Rebels must find a way beatdown of Arkansas last week. The matchup to watch will to contain dynamic junior wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and be Gamecocks defensive end , though his , who have combined for 1,407 receiving yards numbers have disappointed many, against Tennessee’s stout and 13 so far this season. offensive line.

No. 24 Auburn at No. 7 No. 22 Florida at No. 14 Texas A&M Missouri Kyle Field – College Station, Texas, 2:30 p.m. CST, CBS Faurot Field – Columbia, Mo., 11:21 a.m. CST, SEC TV Johnny Manziel has been Johnny Football for There might not be a more surprising team in all the right reasons as of late. The reigning Heisman Trophy the country this year than Missouri, which sits at a perfect winner came back from an early injury scare to lead the Ag- 6-0 just one year after being a punchline in the SEC. But while gies to a thrilling come-from-behind win late in the fourth the Tigers have impressed in 2013, they now must rely on the quarter at Ole Miss last week. This week, he faces another arm of redshirt freshman quarterback Maty Mauk, who is tough task against an upstart Auburn team, making its first expected to fill in for injured starter James Franklin for the top 25 appearance since 2011. With both teams ranking in the next three to five weeks. His first significant snaps as a Tiger top 30 in total offense, expect a close, high-scoring shootout. will come against the nation’s No. 3-rated defense.

10/18/2013 GAMEDAY 03 UNSTOPPABLE True freshman A’Shawn Robinson makes his mark in the Crimson Tide defensive line By Charlie Potter | Assistant Sports Editor

CW | Austin Bigoney

pplying pressure to opposing sacks, nearly half of the Crimson Tide’s consistent since the kickoff of the season quarterbacks is something the 10 total sacks. opener. Alabama defense has had trou- “He’s fi t a need for us, and he’s done a “Him playing the blocks like he does ble with in recent years. But the nice job of working hard to improve,” Sa- and getting off of them, he’s got a really Aplay of true freshman defensive lineman ban said. “I think some of the older play- good motor,” DePriest said. “He runs to A’Shawn Robinson has sparked the Crim- ers on the team have enhanced his de- the ball every time. Coach [Chris] Rumph son Tide’s defensive front, especially velopment with their leadership and the stays on him about that.” against the Kentucky Wildcats. example that they’ve set and how they’ve Robinson is a big body on the defensive “He’s a big, powerful guy who does a sort of adopted him and helped him to front, and his size made him a highly cov- really good job of pushing the pocket in continue to improve.” eted recruit from Fort Worth, Texas. He the middle, and that’s something that we At 6 feet 4 inches and 320 pounds, Rob- was sought after as both an offensive and really need,” head coach said. inson has the ability not only to clog run- defensive tackle and was committed to Robinson recorded two sacks in Ala- ning lanes, but also to punish quarter- Texas before changing his mind and sign- bama’s 48-7 victory over Kentucky and backs inside and outside of the pocket. ing with The University of Alabama as a played a pivotal role in holding the Wild- Junior linebacker Trey DePriest has defensive lineman. cat offense to 170 total yards. admired Robinson’s hustle in his fi rst “What we saw in him was a very On the season, he has compiled four year with the team and said he has been big, athletic guy that had tremendous

04 10/18/2013 GAMEDAY I think he’s played

“ better each and every week as he’s

gained confi dence in what’s expected “ of him and what his assignments are and plays faster.

CW | Austin Bigoney -Nick Saban potential,” Saban said. “A very good “Getting pressure up front really The Crimson Tide has not had a de- football player in high school. A very helps [the secondary] out,” junior safe- fensive lineman make this much noise good basketball player, an all-around ty said. “When the quar- in the backfield since athlete. … We’re very pleased with the terback can’t see you, isn’t standing recorded six sacks in 2009. Dareus is way he’s developed. I think he’s played still, then that really helps you out in now a member of the and better each and every week as he’s coverage because they don’t get a clean was the third pick in the first round of gained confidence in what’s expected of pass.” the 2011 NFL Draft. him and what his assignments are and Robinson has stepped in and not only Junior defensive lineman Pagan said plays faster.” provided depth but also a push along Robinson is following the same path He leads the team in sacks as well as the defensive line. He and fellow fresh- as Dareus. tackles for loss, with five thus far. man have seen exten- “He’s a great player,” Pagan said. “He’s His ability to wreak havoc in the back- sive playing time alongside experienced big and strong and fast. He’s going to be field has led to success for the entire players like , in the NFL down the road. He’s a great Crimson Tide defense. and Brandon Ivory. kid, and I am excited for his future.”

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10/18/2013 GAMEDAY 05 hen Alabama departed for the Kentucky Wildcats, stands as his ca- and relatively early commitment bur- four-hour trip to Atlanta to reer best statistically and first 100- ied the hype around the Cobb County Wtake on Virginia Tech in late yard game. Drake carried the ball prospect, leading to more attention August, coach Nick Saban opted to early and often, coming full circle and for SEC backs Todd Gurley and Keith bring a motley crew of five running cementing his place in the Crimson Marshall for Georgia and current Tex- backs. Tide offense. as A&M Aggie Trey Williams. T.J. Yeldon was, of course, among Full circle, that is, to his ground- “You didn’t have to be a rocket scien- the group. Two others were coming and-pound days playing for Hillgrove tist to figure out that Kenyan was an back from season-ending injuries, and High School in Powder Springs, Ga., a elite prospect,” Carvell said. “You just the remaining couple had not one col- school no farther from Atlanta than an don’t see many kids that big that can legiate snap between them. AJ McCarron flea flicker to DeAndrew move that fast. The only reason there Left out was the default No. 3 rusher White. wasn’t more recruiting buzz around from 2012, . Despite that Drake first caught the eye of Atlanta Kenyan is because he committed ear- presumptive role from the Crimson Journal-Constitution college football ly and stuck to his word, rather than Tide’s latest national championship recruiting reporter Michael Carvell on holding out to be a drama queen like season after which leading rusher Ed- a big stage, something Drake is now fa- some of the other kids.” die Lacy left for the NFL, Drake had miliar with at Alabama. Drake kept his word even after the been jumped by those five running “Drake had his signature game as top running back in that class, Yeldon, backs on the depth chart and was re- a junior in the state playoffs, rushing flipped his commitment from Auburn signed to wearing a scout team jersey for 172 yards and two touchdowns in to Alabama in early January 2012. the week leading up to Virginia Tech. a monumental upset over Camden Both made their way to Tuscaloosa There were whispers Drake had been County, the two-time defending state for the 2012 season, and while Yeldon permanently demoted due to attitude champions,” Carvell said. “There was paved the way for a major role with a and skill issues, but just as quickly as a ridiculous amount of future D1 play- monster performance in the spring A- the second-year back can scamper for ers on the field that night, including Day game, Drake was soon to show up. a 50-yard against Ole Miss two UGA players, JJ Green and Brice It only took him two carries. in Bryant-Denny Stadium, Drake de- Ramsey. Drake was clearly the best In garbage time against Western Ken- cisively eliminated those rumors by player on the field that night.” tucky, Alabama’s second game of the scoring in every Southeastern Confer- Shortly after his junior season, season, Drake took a fourth-quarter ence game thus far this season. Drake committed to Alabama over carry and bolted 32 yards for a touch- His latest performance, a two-touch- Georgia Tech and Georgia, despite be- down. His lone touch previous to that down, 106-yard effort against the ing a lifelong fan of the latter. His quiet was a two-yarder against Michigan.

08 10/18/2013 GAMEDAY CW | Austin Bigoney

Accumulating 281 yards and fi ve touch- with Ole Miss, Drake’s 99 yards and 50- Ryan Kelly out and freshman Grant Hill downs the rest of the season, Drake car- yard score helped Yeldon’s 121 yards and pushing for more playing time. ried a good bit of momentum with him one touchdown dominate the trenches “Those guys, I don’t really have to pay into 2013. Many wanted to see whether for Alabama and help the then-sputter- attention to those guys’ dynamic and or not he was a one-trick pony – if he ing and inconsistent Crimson Tide of- what they do,” left guard Arie Kouand- could rely on more than his speed to foil fense gain a much-needed identity. jio said. “They’re very solid in what they defenders. The relative consistency Alabama is do. I know whoever is back there is going “He was extremely fast and had a to do their best, and I’m going to do the good one-cut, meaning he could plant same.” one foot in the ground, cut to the other Veteran right guard Anthony Steen side and he’d be gone,” Keith Niebuhr, agreed. national college football recruiting You didn’t have to be a “[Offensive line] coach Mario [Cris- reporter for 247Sports, said of his tobal] tells us if we get 200 yards rushing, prep days. “He’s an upright runner, rocket scientist to fi gure out he’s happy,” Steen said. “If he’s happy, meaning he’s tall and pretty lean, but I’m happy.” that leaves the knees exposed, and the that Kenyan was an elite Drake will continue to sit behind Yel- question then becomes whether or not don, as is the understood agreement – that player can take the hard hitting of prospect. You just don’t see the misfortune of being in the same re- the SEC.” cruiting class, perhaps. It is a telling sign, Though Drake had to wait one game many kids that big that can however, that when Saban speaks on the sitting at home and one bye week to dis- running game’s potential, he addresses it prove such notions, he pounced at the move that fast. as a tandem. fi rst opportunity, contributing 50 yards “We’re pleased with both of those guys, and one touchdown off seven carries –Michael Carvell but I don’t think one of them has played against Texas A&M in College Station. their best game, either, in terms of what The next week, when the Crimson Tide their capabilities are,” Saban said. offense turned in a sluggish start against Already equaling his touchdown total Colorado State, Drake scored on his only enjoying on offense with regards to the from the entirety of last season through carry of the game, a three-yard gash on run game, in no small part due to Drake, just fi ve games in 2013 and surpassing fourth down to spark the Tide’s scoring has helped ease concerns about the the total yardage with 298, Drake has efforts. Crimson Tide’s young offensive line, a plenty of time to reach that markedly The next week, a pivotal SEC matchup unit still fi nding its groove with center lofty ceiling.

10/18/2013 GAMEDAY 09 By Billy Whyte | Staff Reporter

CW | Austin Bigoney

ith innovative offenses the running game has been as efficient To show how strong the running game changing the landscape as ever, with the Razorbacks averag- has been, South Carolina held Arkan- of college football, the ing 216.3 rushing yards a game. sas to only 7 points last weekend, yet W SEC – a traditionally The old-school scheme itself is the Arkansas was still able to rush for 218 defense heavy conference – has seen key to Bielema’s team’s exemplary yards. The key to stopping the Razor- its own transformation into more of- ground success. The pro-style offense backs is not about stopping as much as fensive-oriented teams with spread- is famously known for Ace and I-form containing their two-headed running based, up-tempo style attacks. But sets. The Ace is a one-back set with attack. while Alabama has faced off against the two to three receivers lined out wide Another beneficiary to this scheme likes of Kevin Sumlin’s “Air Raid” at- and one to two tight ends on the line. is the offensive line play. Bielema has tack at Texas A&M and Hugh Freeze’s The I-form is more famously known historically been great at developing devilishly variable-filled, read-option for its “T-Shape” look, with the quar- offensive linemen, having had six line- offense, the Crimson Tide defense will terback under center and a fullback men drafted during his seven years at be facing an offensive scheme import- and running back in line behind him. Wisconsin, including three first-round ed straight from the North Saturday What Bielema likes to do is have a lot picks. Senior center Travis Swanson is against Arkansas: a traditional pro- of “heavy” sets with extra tight ends, already well on his way and has been style offense. linemen and H-backs on the line to on multiple midseason All-American While Arkansas has been known for create a power man-to-man blocking lists this year, but senior tackle Nate trickery under Houston Nutt and four- scheme. The overall theme: Run the Garner and senior guard Robert Fel- wide receiver spreads under Bobby ball down its opponent’s throat. ton have also been very good in what Petrino, first-year head coach Bret Collins has been the main beneficiary has been a dominant right side for Ar- Bielema has brought to Arkasnas a of this scheme change with 720 rushing kansas this year. ground-and-pound attitude that is on yards, the second highest total in the Saturday’s game is one of those rare its way into turning freshman running SEC. However, even second-string run- times where you will see two teams back Alex Collins into a household ning back Jonathan Williams has also who line up under center a lot and name. Bielema, who won three straight had success with 564 rushing yards so rely on power running to move the ball Big Ten titles at Wisconsin before go- far this season, the sixth highest total down the field. The question of wheth- ing to Arkansas, has famously molded in the SEC and only 5 yards fewer than er this will lead to success for Bielema many great runners, including PJ Hill, Alabama’s leading rusher T.J. Yeldon. at Arkansas is still up in the air, but, John Clay and all-time FBS touchdown Comparatively, the leading receiver for the next couple of years, expect to leader Monte Ball. While the outcomes for Arkansas, Javontee Herndon, only hear a lot about the successful run- haven’t been the same as at Wisconsin, has 288 yards receiving on the season. ning game from Fayetteville.

10 10/18/2013 GAMEDAY A LOOK AT THE RAZORBACK NATION FROM ITS OWN SPORTS EDITOR

The Crimson White spoke The Crimson White: trying to compete, though. Bielema said The Razorbacks are in the midst of a at halftime of the Florida game that the to Arkansas Traveler difficult stretch in their schedule, which team had lost its confidence and they includes a 52-7 loss to South Carolina haven’t found it yet. The offense looked Sports Editor Haley last week. What’s the team morale like really good on the first drive against right now, especially as they head into a South Carolina, but as soon as it started Markle in Fayetteville, showdown against the No. 1 team in the to get rough, they got frustrated, and it Ark., to get her take on nation? snowballed. Haley Markle: What’s the optimism like Arkansas’ current state, Not having a bye until week nine is defi- surrounding first-year head its offensive playmakers nitely taking its toll on this team, espe- coach Bret Bielema? The re- cially since it was struggling with depth sults have been much of the and how the team can limit issues when the season began. At Rut- same compared to last year’s 4-8 season, gers, against Texas A&M and for a lot but is there a belief that the program is the Alabama offense of the Florida game, they were at least moving in the right direction? National Championships

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10/18/2013 GAMEDAY 11 more of his own recruiting classes. That Williams have managed to put together said, the honeymoon is defi nitely over. some decent performances. It seems that Fans weren’t as forgiving after the loss to Collins is always a shoestring away from South Carolina as they had been earlier in turning a fi ve- or six-yard gain into a big the season. play.

Brandon Allen has struggled Alabama amassed 668 yards in recent outings for the Ra- of total offense against Ken- zorbacks. Is he still the guy tucky last week. How can the at quarterback, or is there Arkansas defense slow down any creeping doubt about his status as the Alabama’s balanced offensive attack? starter moving forward? The Hogs have been pretty As much as some fans would bad on defense all season. like for there to be a change, They have been better at Brandon Allen is still the guy. stopping the run. The best Bielema was asked about it chance Arkansas will have to keep the again Monday, and he made it clear that game close is if they can keep the running he believes Allen gives his team the best game in check and hope for mistakes from chance to win. McCarron, and both of those things are tall orders. Alex Collins and Jonathan Prediction: 48-7 Alabama. Honestly, I’m Photo courtesy of Arkansas Traveler Williams look to be as good as having a hard time not picking a more just about any running back one-sided score. I think Bielema will have I think most fans are optimis- duo in the country. What kind the team ready to play and make a state- tic about where Bielema is of challenges do they pose for Alabama? ment going into the bye week, and they trying to take the program. will probably start strong like they did They seem to understand The bright spot for Razor- against South Carolina. However, I fully that the athletes just aren’t there for the back fans has been that even expect Alabama to control every aspect of Razorbacks to be really competitive in when they have almost no the game, and I’m not sure Arkansas can this conference, and they are withholding passing game to take some fi ght through that mentally to make it a judgment until he puts together a couple of the pressure off of them, Collins and competitive game.

12 10/18/2013 GAMEDAY