018 ER 20, 2 PTEMB DAY, SE THURSDAY,THURS SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

CW / Hannah Saad SAFETIES 3 Thursday, September 20, 2018

CW / Hannah Saad EDITORIAL STAFF editor-in-chief Jake Stevens IRV SMITH JR. 5 [email protected] managing editor Arielle Lipan digital editor Jared Earl production editor Rebecca Griesbach visuals editor Shana Oshinskie chief copy editor Chandler Gory opinions editor Cassie Kuhn [email protected] news editor Camille Studebaker [email protected] culture editor Irene Richardson [email protected] sports editor Cody Estremera [email protected]

CW / Hannah Saad photo editor Emma Junck multimedia editor David Jones lead page designer Savannah Bullard PLAYERS TO WATCH 7 social media editor Michaela Hancock ADVERTISING STAFF ad representatives Emma Pyne Rayven Lane Abigail Wolfe Gabbie Waller Tricia Ownby Camille Hoffman creative services Alexis Craft Grace Bryant Nataleigh Dang

CW / Hannah Saad GAMEDAY 2018 PAGE 3 Thompson and McKinney lock down safety

on defense. He makes sure he and McK- what everybody else is saying on who BY CODY ESTREMERA inney are working well together in the is leading, if the offense is leading or SPORTS EDITOR back line. the defense is leading. We don’t care “Me and DT, we always communi- about that.” oming into the season, Alabama’s cate,” McKinney said. “We always talk to The secondary also has three in- Cdefense was extremely inexperi- X is a guy that is each other about being on the same page terceptions returned for a touchdown enced. The spots with the least starting very imporant to and making [sure] everybody else is on this year, which is tied for the most in experience were the two safety spots. the same page. I feel like it’s getting bet- the country. Deionte Thompson and Xavier McKin- secondary. He’s ter each and every week. We’re trying “It’s really exciting when anybody gets ney had just two starts between them, to make that a big emphasis on commu- a pick-six. I feel like it helps the team as both of which were from Thompson in a leader. nicating more and better so the defense far as when we’re trying to get momen- playoff games last year. can be as a unit and we can make sure tum in the game, and it helps us build as Now with three games under their everybody is on the same page.” a team and get better as a team.” belt, Thompson and McKinney have DEIONTE THOMPSON Alabama’s secondary is usually played big roles in the defense, not just thought of as the defense’s weak link, in the secondary. mores playing a key role for the Crimson but none more than this year. Three Opposing team “I think both those guys have played Tide. He has 12 tackles, which is tied for games into the season, the secondary well this year for us,” coach Nick Saban third on the team, a tackle for loss and has been stout just like in years past. passing effi ciency said. “I think they’re both playing with a an interception, which he returned 30 Teams are completing just 43.8 per- Stat: 91.83 lot of confi dence. I think they have better yards for a touchdown against Ole Miss. cent of their passes and have thrown fi ve knowledge and understanding. They’ve “He has matured a lot,” Thompson interceptions against the Crimson Tide. Ranking: 7th in the country now gained a little bit of experience in said. “X is a guyyyp that is very important Defensive backs have also broken up 23 three games. I’m pleased with the prog- to our secondary.ry. He’s a leader. HeHe passes this season. Defensive touchdowns ress that they’ve made, and they’ve got gets the calls across the board “We like winning. We’re just to continue to build on that.” to everybody. Me and him do focused on winning and get- Stat: 3 Thompson leads the team in tackles a good job communicating,mmunicating, ting better as a team. They Ranking: Tied for (16) and interceptions (two). and I’m proud of the prog- make us better. We make “He has great range in the back end,” ress that he’s making.” them better, so that’s kind fi rst in the country Saban said after the win over Ole Miss. Communicationtion is ex- of what we do in prac- “He’s very instinctive. Football is really tremely importantrtant in all tice, and we don’t too Interceptions important to him. He does a great job parts of football,ll, but most much worry about of preparing every week. Really proud crucial in the secondary. Stat: 5 of the progress he’s made as a player Now in his redshirtdshirt junior Ranking: Tied for 12th in throughout his career here.” season, Thompsonpson is one the country McKinney has been one of the sopho- of the key communicatorsommunicators

PLAYMAKER – Deionte Thompson leads the Alabama defense in tackles and interceptions. CW / Hannah Saad PAGE 4 GAMEDAY 2018 Texas A&M’s and Alabama’s 2018 cumulative stats

TEXAS A&M OFFENSE ALABAMA DEFENSENSE

44.33 9.33 POINTS PER GAME

97 47 FIRST DOWNS

855 304 RUSHING YARDS

6.2 3.2 YARDS PER RUSH ATTEMPT

9.16 5.38 YARDS PER PASS ATTEMPT

311.33 201 PASSING YARDS PER GAME

SLUGFEST– Texas A&M comes into 74Tuscaloosa with one of the best off enses in the country. CW / Hannah Saad PASSING TOUCHDOWNS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 8 ALABAMA SINCE 1894 ALUMNI 3 OUR VIEW 4 SOCCER 8 Two UA graduates created The CW Editorial Board argues Riley Mattingly steps up to fi ll the University’s fi rst group for mutual respect between an unfamiliar role after her recognizing LGBTQ+ alumni students and professors teammate’s injury STAR STRUCK

UA students experience 'NASA at a discount' during Public Nights SEE PAGE 6

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EDITORIAL STAFF editor-in-chief Jake Stevens [email protected] managing editor Arielle Lipan digital editor Jared Earl production editor Rebecca Griesbach visuals editor Shana Oshinskie chief copy editor Chandler Gory WHAT’S INSIDE FIND US: opinions editor Cassie Kuhn [email protected] ONLINE news editor Camille Studebaker NEWS Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. raised [email protected] over $1 million in a campaign to support cw.ua.edu culture editor Irene Richardson [email protected] historically black colleges and universities, sports editor Cody Estremera [email protected] many of which continue to benefi t UA students and alumni. FACEBOOK photo editor Emma Junck The Crimson White multimedia editor David Jones 5 lead page designer Savannah Bullard social media editor Michaela Hancock CULTURE Gallalee Hall opens its rooftop observatory to students and the Tuscaloosa TWITTER ADVERTISING STAFF @TheCrimsonWhite ad representatives Emma Pyne community on Public Nights, where stargazers Rayven Lane Abigail Wolfe can look at space’s wonders through their Gabbie Waller choice of three telescopes. Tricia Ownby INSTAGRAM creative services Alexis Craft 6 Grace Bryant @thecrimsonwhite Nataleigh Dang EVENTS THIS WEEK The Crimson Whit is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students.The University of Alabama cannot infl uence editorial decisions and SEPT. 20 SEPT. 21 SEPT. 21 SEPT. 21 SEPT. 22 editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the offi cial opinions of the University. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 3:30 - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Advertising offi ces of The Crimson White are in room 1014, Student Media Building, 414 Campus Drive East. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Flu shots Study Abroad Free map International Football Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. 101 giveaway Coff ee Hour game The Crimson White, USPS #138020, Copyright © 2017 by the Crimson White is published twice weekly, Mondays and Thursdays, August through April when classes are in session by The University of Alabama, Student Media, WHERE North Lawn WHERE 135 B.B. WHERE Third fl oor, WHERE 121 B.B. WHERE Bryant- 414 Campus Drive East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Business Hall Comer Hall Farrah Hall Comer Hall Denny Stadium and Editorial Offi ces: Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, Accounting and Circulation Offi ces: Student Media, Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, Call 205-348-7257 to DETAILS The DETAILS Come to a DETAILS The Map DETAILS Free DETAILS Cheer on subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Tuscaloosa, Al 35401. College of brief informational Library is giving coff ee, tea and the Crimson Tide POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson Community Health session about how away maps for free. snacks are available football team as they White, Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Sciences is off ering to study abroad. for students as take on the No. 22 students, faculty and they mingle at Texas A&M Aggies. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2018 by The Crimson staff free fl u shots. International Coff ee White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and Hour, which is “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright hosted every Friday. laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White. Editor | Camille Studebaker [email protected] news September 20, 2018 3 Graduates start LGBTQ Alumni Association

Alabama graduates created an alumni association to advocate on behalf of current students and to establish a network of LGBTQ+ graduates and allies.

out surveys to other University BY JESSA REID BOLLING graduates across the country in June. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR They received over 200 responses. “We’re so excited about it,” Thomas said. “We’ve had a phenomenal fter hearing his friends talking response so far. We’re really proud Aabout their university’s of what we’re doing.” LGBTQ+ alumni groups, Will The new LGBTQ Alumni Thomas wondered why his alma Association began its membership mater, The University of Alabama, drive on Sept. 14 and has already did not have one. gained the attention of alumni So, he decided to change that. interested in becoming members. Thomas said the University has been very helpful in the process of starting the new alumni association, and he hopes this will help make ALLIES – Current students who identify as LGBTQ+ can access the UA Safe Zone Resource Center, which provides community support and connects them to inclusive resources. LGBTQ+ alumni feel recognized CW / Lexi Link Most every school by their alma mater and provide a network where current LGBTQ+ students, alumni, faculty and staff,” student organization, said it is has an LGBTQ+ students can voice their concerns and that the University wants “all necessary to have a community chapter, and we to alumni who can advocate on of our alumni to have a positive of alumni to advocate for current their behalf. relationship with the University in students in ways that they cannot don’t want to “I think a lot of LGBTQ+ people ways they find beneficial.” Building do themselves. appear as the racist, have a complicated relationship a strong relationship between the with Alabama, the state, and also University and its LGBTQ+ alumni homophobic state the University itself,” Thomas said. is a vital part of what the group is “I think the need for our community seeking to accomplish, Thomas said. that many people is to kind of build bridges, “Alma mater in Latin means have in their minds. build networks and connections ‘nourishing mother,’ and I would say I think the need for across us internally and between the if you surveyed most queer people LGBTQ+ community and our allies. while they’re at Alabama or also in our community is to But it’ll also push the University retrospect, they probably wouldn’t kind of build bridges, WALT JAMES and our alumni to make it known say that they felt nourished or that we’re here and we’re one big encouraged about that part of their build networks Alabama family.” life and experience,” Thomas said. and connections Thomas, a UA alumnus currently Chris Bryant, assistant director “So we really want to provide some living in Washington, D.C., began of media relations, said in an of those resources and push UA across us internally working with fellow UA alumnus email, alumni groups “provide to be more of a place that’s really and between the Chase Sanders to create a group a professional and educational welcoming to everybody.” for LGBTQ+ alumni by sending network and offer support for Walt James, chairman of the LGBTQ+ community Tuscaloosa chapter of the LGBTQ and our allies. Alumni Association, said seeing the MORE INFORMATION group form is something he would have never thought possible during his time at the University in the late WILL THOMAS According to a 2017 study by GLAAD (Gay 1970s and early ‘80s. and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation): “It was all completely hidden “Students don’t have the ability when I was a student,” James said. to bargain and work with the of millennials (ages 18 to 34) “There was nobody that I knew that administration,” Wilson said. was anywhere near out. It was just a “The alumni association will be 20% identify as LGBTQ+ different world back then.” able to have those conversations James said he is excited to see and convey what students need, what the group is able to provide hopefully leading to positive of millennials identify as transgender for students in the future and that change on campus.” 12% or gender nonconforming having groups specifically for Individual memberships cost LGBTQ+ students and alumni is $25 and provide membership from an important part in making their Sept. 1, 2018 to Aug. 31, 2019. There of millennials are more likely to be presence on campus known and is also a founding member option having their voices heard. where an additional payment of $25 63% allies to the LGBTQ+ community “I think it will help give awareness will be split between UA Safe Zone, that we are a part of the population,” UA’s LGBTQ+ resource center and James said. “Most every school a scholarship endowment. Founding of Generation Xers are more likely to has an LGBTQ+ chapter, and we members will receive a certificate of 53% be allies to the LGBTQ+ community don’t want to appear as the racist, appreciation from both the LGBTQ homophobic state that many people Alumni Association and the National have in their minds.” Alumni Association. Membership of Baby Boomers are more likely to Kendell Wilson, president of is open to all LGBTQ+ identifying 51% be allies to the LGBTQ+ community Spectrum, the University’s LGBTQ+ persons as well as their allies. opinions 4 September 20, 2018

TWITTERTWIT- REACTIONSTER

Do you think it’s okay to work on other assignments or browse the internet on your laptop during class?

Gerald C. Fraas @GeraldFraas I check the Crimson

CW / Aneshia Turner White Twitter feed COLUMN | OUR VIEW during class. Use technology respectfully in class it comes to their education. Engaging comes up that forces a student BY CW EDITORIAL BOARD in distracting behavior while you’re to leave class. Nick Privitera in class doesn’t only distract you – it Additionally, policies that place @privitera_nick distracts others around you. Focusing outright bans on the use of laptops aptops and tablets have become on a monotonous lecture at 8 a.m. or earbuds in class can direct Lan unquestioned fixture in is already a trying task. Don’t make it unwanted attention to students with It’s only okay if Jeff today’s college classrooms. These any harder on your peers by catching disabilities who are required to use devices function to assist us with note- up on your favorite Netflix Original technology during class. Professors Sessions is teaching taking and staying organized, but during class. must refrain from enacting policies they don’t come without drawbacks. that exert control over the classroom the class on how Unfortunately, this professed when those policies come at the purpose for use of laptops in class expense of the comfort and privacy of is often a far cry from what really certain students. to not be Attorney happens in a university lecture hall. Engaging in Even the most organized and According to Inside Higher Ed, over responsible of us occasionally have General!!!! 90 percent of students use technology distracting behavior to deal with something that could not in class for noneducational purposes. while you’re in class have been predicted. Life happens, We’re all guilty of occasionally and professors would do well to getting distracted by a text or an doesn’t only distract respect the students whom they bailey email when we should be engaging you – it distracts seek respect from. in a discussion or taking notes When we use it the right way, @baileynmc during a lecture, and this alone is not others around you. technology has the potential to help a pressing issue. us consume and organize information i think not in seminar However, when students work more efficiently. However, even a few on assignments from other classes, students misusing their devices in pop in earbuds to watch a baseball class can harm their overall learning classes but sometimes game or have the audacity to answer It’s also worth noting that professors environment. On the other hand, a phone call while sitting in class, tend to be passionate about what despite indications that students do lecture halls be boring misuse of technology can become both they’re teaching. After all, most of them not always use class time well, it’s disrespectful to your professor and devoted the better part of a decade to still the responsibility of professors and one might learn distracting to your fellow classmates. learning about their subject. Even if to treat students with respect. As college students, we all have a a particular class isn’t as riveting to Ultimately, we need both awareness more from googling responsibility to be mindful of how we you as it is to your instructor, sitting in and respect to create the productive, use technology during class. front of them while blatantly knocking learning-conducive environments Even if the University’s exorbitant out unrelated tasks is impolite at best. college classrooms ought to have. the topic tuition rates aren’t enough to Similarly, professors need to respect convince you to pay attention in class, their students. Professors owe it to Our View represents the consensus at least consider other students who their students to be reasonable and of the CW Editorial Board. want to get their money’s worth when accommodating when something

EDITORIAL BOARD WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Jake Stevens editor-in-chief Rebecca Griesbach production editor Send submissions to [email protected]. Submissions The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all Arielle Lipan managing editor Shana Oshinskie visuals editor must include the author’s name, year, major and guest columns and letters to the editor. The opinions OPINIONS Jared Earl digital editor Chandler Gory chief copy editor daytime phone number. Phone numbers are for contained on this page do not represent the editorial Cassie Kuhn opinions editor verification and will not be published. position of The Crimson White Media Group. news September 20, 2018 5 AKA raises $1 million in one day for HBCUs Alpha Kappa Alpha’s new international president, BY AMANDA LE Glenda Glover, also serves as university president of CONTRIBUTING WRITER Tennessee State University, an HBCU. “HBCUs are struggling financially, enduring questions regarding their relevance and many have declining o Imani Daffin, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national enrollment,” Glover said in a press release. “Our Tcampaign to raise $1 million in one day is a institutions need our help. This will not be the generation progressive way to support historically black colleges and that loses HBCUs – not on our watch.” universities (HBCUs). It is a campaign she could benefit Robbie Washington, president of Tuscaloosa’s graduate from, as she plans on attending an HBCU after her time at chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Eta Xi Omega, said she The University of Alabama. believes the goal of raising $1 million is highly achievable. “I think sometimes graduates and undergraduate students particularly think $1 million sounds like a lot, but it just demonstrates that if we all work together and have this common concern and support that it could be #AKA1MILLION1DAY – Alpha Kappa Alpha’s national campaign raised over $1 million in one day to support done,” Washington said. “We stamp our brand on the idea historically black colleges and universities. CW / Nick Stellon Our institutions need our of financially supporting each HBCU campus so we can help students stay in school.” André R. Denham, president of the Black Faculty help. This will not be the Amber Scales, the University of Alabama’s and Staff Association, said he believes other sororities generation that loses undergraduate Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter president and fraternities will recognize Alpha Kappa Alpha’s and a senior majoring in public relations and theater, philanthropic efforts. HBCUs – not on our watch. said she was proud to participate in the campaign. “Any time an organization decides to take on a “Both of my parents attended HBCUs, so without philanthropic effort, that’s a good thing, especially an them being educated in that way, I wouldn’t have the organization like the AKAs,” Denham said. “And if GLENDA GLOVER opportunity to choose to go to The University of Alabama,” you know about the history of HBCUs, you know that Scales said. “I think they’re just a backbone of not only they play an important role in African-American “These ladies used their resources to achieve and of the black community but the educational community communities when it comes to educating African- pursue good,” said Daffin, a senior majoring in public in America. Education is so important to everyone. It’s American students. HBCUs were where these relations and history. “I plan on attending Thurgood such a privilege.” organizations like AKA came out of, so it’s great to see Marshall School of Law in Houston after I graduate. It’s The University’s undergraduate chapter, Theta organizations like this that are giving back and trying to where my grandparents and dad went to school, so it is Sigma, also partnered with Stillman College, an HBCU help those that are coming up behind them.” really special to me.” in Tuscaloosa. Scales said she received an update on the campaign, The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. campaign took Members and alumnae of Alpha Kappa Alpha at the and though she does not know the exact amount of money place Monday, Sept. 17. The historical-service sorority University posted on social media platforms with the the women raised, Alpha Kappa Alpha did reach its launched the campaign in order to raise funds for HBCUs. hashtag “#AKA1Million1Day.” goal, raising over $1 million. culture 6 September 20, 2018 Crowd gathers on Gallalee roof for stargazing Fifteen minutes into the event, there BY LEAH GOGGINS were people lining the observatory STAFF REPORTER steps and wrapped around one side of the roof. Irwin estimated nearly 200 people attended the event, adding that tudents, professors and he had never seen so large a crowd at a STuscaloosa families gathered on Public Night before. the Gallalee Hall roof for a public tele- “The roof was packed,” said Codey scope viewing Friday night. Neises, a freshman majoring in aero- Four planets and the moon were on space engineering. “Everyone seemed display at the Gallalee Hall observatory, to be enjoying themselves. There was drawing a larger-than-typical crowd. a great atmosphere and a lot of parents Attendees ascended the metal stair- with kids. The kids were so happy to see case leading to the domed observatory, the planets.” where hosting-professor Jimmy Irwin It wasn’t only children who were was standing by to answer questions excited about what they saw through and manage the University’s 16-inch the telescope. Several UA students telescope. Throughout the evening, described viewing the planets as some- viewers had a chance to take a look at thing they have always wanted to do. Venus, Saturn, Mars or Jupiter. Two “I have never seen anything like it,” said Logan Long, a freshman majoring smaller telescopes on the main roof PUBLIC NIGHTS – Monthly astronomy viewings allow students to learn with the were pointed at the moon. in computer science and management surrounding Tuscaloosa community. CW / Austin Bigoney “This is the closest I will get to NASA information systems. “This was my at a discount,” said Jasmine James, first time looking through a telescope James said, describing her view of Mars astronomers on campus. Public Nights, a junior majoring in photography that big.” from the observatory’s telescope. Irwin said, have been occurring since and history. Student reactions were largely posi- James added that she had always had the Halley’s Comet viewing in 1986, James explained that, despite tive, with a few already gearing up an interest in astrology, and the Public which won’t happen again until 2061. her inexperience with the technical to attend the next event. Long said Night stood out to her for that reason. Public Nights are held by the details of astronomy, the Public Nights he would definitely come again, add- James mentioned she was already Astronomy Group within the depart- event was interesting and acces- ing the moon viewing was his favorite excited to come back. ment of physics & astronomy. The sible. James left after one look in the part of the evening. But the moon was Irwin later explained that the large next Public Night will be held Oct. 5 telescope with plans to come back in far from the only memorable viewing. crowd is a perfect example of why on the Gallalee Hall rooftop. Hosted an hour. James described Mars, a particularly the department hosts Public Nights. by Murray Silverstone, a professor in “It’s too hot to wait in that line, but I striking sight. The department is able to satisfy the the department of physics & astron- did see Mars, and that made me happy,” “First there’s the void, a clear black public’s love for astronomy by offering omy, the event will focus on Mars James said. nothingness, and then a fiery red orb,” free telescope viewings and hosting and Saturn.

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Contact us to apply! @thecrimsonwhite Julie Salter - [email protected] Creative Services - [email protected] sports 8 September 20, 2018 Mattingly makes mid-season position shift

STEPPING UP– Riley Mattingly has After Chloe Maize’s injury,ry, freshmafreshmann RRileyiley MMattinglyattingly fi llledled started nine of Alabama’s 10 games the void at unfamiliar rightight midfi eeld.ld. SShehe hhasas eexcelledxcelled this season. CW / Hannah Saad in the six games since takingaking over ththee sspot.pot.

“It’s“It’s likelikee rightrigghtt backbaca k BY JOHNATHAN ANDERSONN and rightright forwardforwaarrd at STAFF REPORTER the samesame time,time, soso it’siti ’s a lotlot ofof pickingpipickinng youryouru moments,moments, knowingknowiwing whenwhhen toto staystay babbackck and whenwhenn toto gogo forward,”forward,” MattinglyMattiingn lyl idway through the regularegular said. “It’s“It’s definitelyddefinitetelyy a lotloto toto learn,leearn,n andandd season, days away from diving M definitelydefinitely a lotlott moremoro e I needneede toto learn.”leara n..” headlong into the heart of SECC play, HartHart remainedremmaiinneed coconfidentnffidene t inin hhisis Alabama soccer sits at 6-3-1, ridingding a decision.decision. DespiteDDesppitte herher unfamiliar-unfamimiliara - 1-0 win on the road Sunday againstgainst ity withwith thethhe position,possiti ion, MMattinglyattiinglyy DePaul University. possessedpossessed thetht e necessaryneecec sss arry qualitiesquallititiei s Over the course of the season, coach requiredrequired toto fulfillfulffili l thethe position:pop sitionon: Wes Hart has continually shown judgement,judgement, poisepoiisee andandn a wholewholele lotloto the depth and potential of hiss side. of stamina.staminaa. Alabama has displayed a fluid, airtightirtight “Being“Being onon thethe rightrir ght side,siided , WesWeWes [Hart][Harart] defense and an often overwhelmingelming tells us toto attackattackk andandn gogo downdod wwnn thethee endendnd attack, netting 22 times in a five-game-game line, butbut sheshe bringsbrrini gsg somethingsomo etthhingn else,”else,e ” stretch while only conceding twice.ce. senior defenderdeffeendeer ElEElenaene a ZaZZangngg ssaid.aiaid.d ““SheShS e brings thethe ballballl insideinnsis ded andandd isn’tisnn’t asas fast-faf st- paced, butbut I thinkthinkk reallyreaeally helpsheh lpps usu whenwhehen we wantwant too keepkeep poppossessionosssese sionon aandnnd bbee possession-oriented.”possessionn-oorienentetedd.” MattinglyMattinglly hashah s startedsttarteted ninninenen ggamesames We knew when this season,season, averagingaveerar gig ngn 59.7599.7 minutesmiminunutetes we were getting per contest.contest. TheThee freshmanfreeshs maan hashahas beenbeb enn thethe manufacturermanufaactc ururerer ofof a numbernunumbmberer ofof Riley Mattingly, we CrimsonCrimson TideTidee chanceschah ncn es inin theththe attack,aattttaackk, were getting a veryy collectingcollecting threethrreeee assistsassistst toto stsstartarrt thethe season.season. good player, a veryy “She’s“Sh ’ goingg i g tot growg so muchh over versatile player the next three years, but she’s definite- ly starting off her freshman year awe- at that. some,” Zang said. Grateful for the success and minutes she has earned thus far, Mattingly said she remains fully aware of the talent that WES HART surrounds her and the effort it takes to retain her position. Most notably, however, Hart has shown time and time again his willing- ness to play freshmen for big minutes and key moments in every match – a trust that has seen some of his newer faces already making big plays for the She’s going to grow program. Players such as Kat Rogers have taken their opportunities in so much over the stride, scoring big goals and assert- next three years, ing themselves as go-to playmakers in Hart’s plans going forward. but she’s definitely Another such player, Riley Mattingly starting off her from Flower Mound, Texas, has done the same. freshman year “We knew when we were getting awesome. Riley, we were getting a very good player, a very versatile player at that,” Hart said. “She’s super super composed on the ball, clever, just a good ELENA ZANG soccer player.” Mattingly, an attacking midfielder “It’s really cool to be able to come in throughout high school and club soc- and feel like I’m helping the team out,” cer, was called on to fill in when sopho- Mattingly said. “But we’ve got a lot of more forward Chloe Maize went down good players in the team, so it’s definite- for the season with an ACL injury. The ly a battle every practice to get time.” eager attacking talent was then thrust Mattingly will look to continue her into a role largely unfamiliar to her. top run of form when Alabama retakes Tasked with right midfield, Mattingly the field on the road Sept. 20 against was in charge of not only providing Vanderbilt. SEC soccer will return width for Alabama offensively, but to Tuscaloosa on Sept. 23 when the dropping back to solidify the Crimson Crimson Tide hosts Arkansas. Tide back line. PAGE 5 GAMEDAY 2018 Tight end Irv Smith Jr. develops all-around skills

BY JAMES OGLETREE “We have a lot of depth, and I feel good hands, and he’s a good receiver, STAFF REPORTER like we have one of the most – if not and he’s fast enough to be a threat the most – talented [tight end] groups down the field.” hree years ago this week, Irv in the country,” Smith Jr. said. “I feel Smith Jr. has always been athletic, TSmith Jr., a three-star recruit like [offensive coordinator Mike] but now his football intelligence and from New Orleans, Louisiana, told The Locksley and the quarterbacks have knowledge of the Alabama offense Times-Picayune he was “pretty locked done a great job trying to find us and have caught up, and teammates are in” on Texas A&M. A month later, he get us available to make plays.” taking notice. took his first official visit to College “He is really athletic, but I think that Station, Texas and watched the No. 9 over the years, he’s gotten especially Aggies lose 41-23 to No. 10 Alabama. good at understanding the schemes Fast forward to now. Smith Jr., a and the techniques,” said junior left promising junior tight end for the No. tackle Jonah Williams. “He’s a really 1 ranked Crimson Tide, is preparing He’s got really good dependable guy. ” to face the team he spurned in favor hands, and he’s a good Smith Jr.’s father Irvin Smith was of Alabama two weeks before national a first-round draft pick by the New signing day in 2016. receiver, and he’s fast Orleans Saints in 1993, and he played Despite his decision, Smith Jr. had tight end in the NFL for eight seasons. formed a close bond with Texas A&M enough to be a threat The elder Smith has imparted some tight end coach and special teams down the field. of his wisdom to his son, frequently coordinator Jeff Banks. After two years lauding his performance but always as SEC rivals, the two were reunited mentioning something he can work on. this past winter when Banks was hired Smith Jr. said during fall camp to the same positions at Alabama. NICK SABAN that he has been working on “I ended up taking a visit to improving his in-line blocking Alabama and fell in love with it,” Smith Jr.’s versatility makes him and the crispness of his routes. Smith Jr. said. “[Banks] got here and a chess piece for Locksley to move The better he becomes in each of he was very excited. We were back around to various spots on the field. those areas, the more valuable he together, and he would be coaching He has lined up as an H-back (a is to the offense. me. It’s awesome, honestly.” backfield position usually associated “It makes it tough on a defense if Whether it’s because of greater with blocking), a traditional tight end they don’t know what we’re going experience, Banks’ tutelage, Tua and a slot receiver. to do,” Smith Jr. said. “If I’m in the Tagovailoa’s ball distribution or some “Irv is a really good player,” coach game, they don’t know if I’m going combination of the three, Smith Jr. has Nick Saban said. “He’s played well to block or if I’m going to go out started his junior season with more this year. He does all phases of what for a pass. We do a lot of different production than ever. After hauling in we do well. He’s a good receiver. He’s schemes. It’s a read-pass option, so DEVELOP – Irv Smith 14 passes in 14 games last season, he a good off-the-ball blocker. He’s a good it’s helped me a lot and helped the JrJr.. is third on the now already has nine in three games. on-the-ball blocker. He’s got really team a lot.” team in catches. CW / Hannah Saad

FORMER ALABAMA QUARTERBACK JAY BARKER AUTOGRAPH SIGNING SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 THE SUPE STORE AT FERGUSON CENTER 12:00PM - 2:00PM PAGE 6 GAMEDAY 2018 BEHINDBEHIND ENEMYENEMY LINESLINES The Battalion’s Angel Franco previews top-25 matchup

Sternberger also is really good at pass BY BEN STANSELL Q: What do you think Texas A&M’s protection. Rogers is huge, 6 feet, 5 ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR defense will try to do to slow down Tua inches tall and wide catch radius. He is Tagovailoa and Alabama’s dangerous one of Mond’s favorite targets. He was receiving corps? Do you expect them o. 1 Alabama will go up against out for Louisiana-Monroe, but Fisher to have more success than previous Nanother high-powered offense said he was expecting to have him teams have? on Saturday when No. 22 Texas A&M against Alabama. comes to Tuscaloosa. The Aggies lead the country with 73 plays that went for more A: I think the A&M pass rush Q: The Aggies returned most of than 10 yards. Since we at The Crimson will have to be the best it’s ever been. its defense from last year, but it is now White don’t normally cover the rest of the A&M’s front seven is good, and even coached by new defensive coordinator better when they put pressure on the SEC in depth, we caught up with Angel Mike Elko from Notre Dame. How has quarterback. Obviously, Tagovailoa is Franco, the sports editor of the Battalion, he improved the defense? as dangerous outside the pocket as he to get an in-depth look at Texas A&M. is in it throwing down the fi eld. I think adding pressure early will be the key to A: I think it’s a combination of Q: Hiring Jimbo Fisher from Florida holding Tagovailoa. A&M’s secondary Elko and strength and conditioning has its moments where it’s lights out but State was one of, if not the, biggest coach Jerry Schmidt. In past years coaching moves in college football last also allows big, explosive plays. I think the A&M defense looked exhausted they’ll have more success than other offseason. In what ways has he changed after a drive or two. Schmidt’s impact teams, but I don’t see it being much. the atmosphere and direction of the in the weight room and nutrition has program since taking over? complimented what Elko is trying Photo courtesy of Angel Franco to establish. I think Elko has overall Q: What is your score prediction made the defense tougher. Against for the game and why? Clemson, they came up big time after Q: Texas A&M running back the fumble out of the end zone for Trayveon Williams leads the SEC in the touchback. It’s only been three A: 42-35 Alabama. I think it will rushing through three games. How games, and two were non-conference be a close game much like the A&M- I expect it to critical is he to what the Aggies do on opponents. Clemson was a good Clemson game, and I think Alabama offense, and do you think he will have showing, but we won’t truly know will have the upper hand being at be a shootout similar success against Alabama? until SEC play how much of an impact home. I expect it to be a shootout between Mond Elko has made. between Mond and Tagovailoa. and Tagovailoa. A: He’s one of the most, if not the, most important parts of fi nding success against the Crimson Tide. If FRANCO A&M can get him in going at a solid ANGEL pace, other parts of the offense open up. He’s a dynamic and patient runner out of the backfi eld, but he’s also good in A: the screen game and throwing blocks. It’s been about 10 months since Getting him going early and fi nding A&M was able to hire him, and I still holes down the middle of fi eld will be don’t know how that happened. However, A&M’s key to success. Fisher has changed everything. You can feel it around Kyle Field and the facilities. He’s implemented this Q: Outside of Mond and Williams, confi dence in the team (not saying who are Texas A&M’s biggest Kevin Sumlin didn’t do that), but he playmakers on offense? just demands so much from his players. Making sure they attend class, dress the part with suits and making them so A: Tight end Jace Sternberger and much more knowledgeable about the wide receiver Kendrick Rogers. Having game. The players are buying into his a tight end on the fi eld is new for A&M. system, and you can feel the change. Adding the bigger body has paid off. GAMEDAY 2018 PAGE 7 PLAYERS TO WATCH BY JAMES BENEDETTO STAFF REPORTER ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE DL Quinnen Williams For the first three weeks of the season, Williams and Deionte Thompson STARTER - Joseph Bulovas won the kicker job after have shared Alabama’s defensive player of the week honors. In his last game, Alabama defeated Arkansas State. CW / Hannah Saad Williams had four tackles and two assists in a dominating performance against Ole Miss. Williams is second on the team in total tackles with 14, but he leads the team in tackles for loss with four. Williams needs to continue his aggression against a Texas A&M team that looked solid against No. 2 Clemson. TEXAS A&M AGGIES LB Otaro Alaka LB Mack Wilson Alaka is the leader for Texas A&M’s defense. The senior linebacker leads In his new role as signal caller for the defense, Wilson has 12 total tackles, the team with 16 tackles and is second on the team with 2.5 tackles for loss. which ties him for third on the team. In his last game, Wilson had three tackles The Houston native will need to play a big role for the Aggies if they are to and one assist. He also had one quarterback hurry and one punt block. Look come out of Tuscaloosa with a win. for Wilson to continue to grow in his leadership role and, in turn, stabilize the defensive front. RB Trayveon Williams Williams leads the SEC in rushing by 24 yards. The sophomore has 399 yards RB Damien Harris and four touchdowns this year. In his freshman year, he finished with 1,057 Harris put it all together in his last game against Ole Miss. He scored his yards, which was the first time a freshman surpassed 1,000 yards in school first touchdown of the season, answering the quick drive Ole Miss had. Harris history. Williams will have to punch through the tough Alabama line to keep led the team in average yards per carry with almost 8 yards. Last week, the the pressure off A&M’s passing game. Crimson Tide finally got the run game going. Alabama needs to continue having success in the run game in order to go 4-0. QB Kellen Mond PK Joseph Bulovas Mond is a big reason for Texas A&M’s success three games into the season. Alabama’s kicking game has been shaky three games into its season, but The sophomore is the third-leading passer in the SEC with 824 yards and has coach Nick Saban has maintained his faith in his kickers. Bulovas is the guy added six touchdowns. Mond helped the Aggies almost upset the Crimson Tide right now. He has hit three of his four kicks this year and is instrumental on last year and almost upset Clemson earlier this year. Look for Mond to have a kickoff. Look for Bulovas to give the Aggies problems on kickoffs. big game and try to beat Alabama.

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