ALABAMA (6-0, 3-0) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA (5-1, 2-1) 10.17.09 TIME: 6:45 p.m. TV: ESPN

Never Satisfied

Nick Saban has made it his creed, and the Crimson Tide has followed him. Avoiding complacency is no longer a problem at Alabama.

Also inside: • Etched in stone: 1964 • Position Matchups 2009 Schedule

Date Opponent Result 9/05/09 Virginia Tech W 34-24

9/12/09 Florida International W 40-14

9/19/09 North Texas W 53-7

9/26/09 Arkansas W 35-7

10/03/09 Kentucky W 38-20

10/10/09 Ole Miss W 22-3

Date Opponent Location GameDay Publish Date 10/17/09 South Carolina Tuscaloosa 10/16/09

10/24/09 Tennessee Tuscaloosa 10/23/09

11/07/09 LSU Tuscaloosa 11/06/09

11/14/09 Mississippi State Starkville, Miss. 11/12/09

11/21/09 UT Chattanooga Tuscaloosa 11/20/09

11/27/09 Auburn Auburn 11/24/09 ON THE INSIDE GameDay 2009 • October 16 1 Stat of the week Alabama has not lost a Homecoming game in eight years. The last loss came in 2001 against LSU, as and the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 35-21 to ruin Homecoming. 4 | NEVER SATISFIED Alabama’s attention to the little GAME INFORMATION things has played a huge part Alabama • Field: Bryant-Denny in bringing the program back to Stadium national prominence. Crimson • Place: Tuscaloosa By Jason Galloway CW | Jerrod Seaton Tide (6-0) • Time: 6:45 p.m. vs. • TV: ESPN USC • Radio: 1420 AM (Eli Gold, 3 | PLAYSTATION SIMULATION 8 | BUY OR SELL Gamecocks play-by-play; Phil Savage, color It wasn’t pretty, but the Crimson What’s the best one-loss team in (5-1) analyst; Barry Krauss, sideline Tide found a way to upend South the country? Which teams have reporter) Carolina, improving Alabama’s the best chance to finish 2009 record to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in the unbeaten? We discuss the hot SEC on the simulated season. questions in this week’s Buy or Sell. GAMEDAY STAFF By Will Nevin • Jason Galloway, GameDay editor • Spencer White, assistant GameDay editor 9 | ETCHED IN STONE 13 | POSITION MATCHUPS • Amanda Peterson, editor-in-chief • Will Nevin, managing editor This week’s Etched in Stone takes South Carolina comes into • Brandee Easter, design editor a look at the most acclaimed player Saturday’s game with a No. 22 • Emily Johnson, assistant design editor in the history of the Alabama pro- ranking, but how do they really • Aaron Gertler, graphics editor gram and the season that defined match up against the Tide for this • Jerrod Seaton, photo editor his legacy in Crimson Tide lore. Homecoming game? • Katie Bennett, assistant photo editor By Spencer White Cover photo: Katie Bennett

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Jason Galloway Spencer White Cyrus Ntakirutinka Aaron Gertler Amanda Peterson Will Nevin Drew Gunn GameDay editor Asst. GameDay editor Senior sports reporter Graphics editor CW editor CW managing editor Advertising manager #22 South Carolina at #2 Bama #8 Cincinnati at #21 USF #20 Oklahoma vs #3 Texas #11 Iowa at Wisconsin #6 USC at #25 Notre Dame Texas Tech at #15 Nebraska #4 Va. Tech at #19 Ga. Tech Season record 26-16 26-16 26-16 24-18 25-17 26-16 25-17

UA students AP POLL COACHESʼ POLL the talk about their student expectations for 1. Florida (50) 1. Florida (53) the upcoming 2. Alabama (10) 2. Texas (1) Crimson Tide SECTION 3. Texas 3. Alabama (5) game. 4. Virginia Tech 4. Virginia Tech CW | Tori Gordon 5. Boise State 5. USC Chudy Azuogu Laura Kathryn Freshman Murphy 6. USC 6. Boise State Biology Sophomore Special education 7. Ohio State 7. Ohio Stae “The South Carolina game “Weʼre going 8. Cincinnati 8. TCU will be another to win.” 9. Miami 9. Cincinnati opponent to prepare 10. LSU 10. LSU ourselves for a national cham- 11. Iowa 11. Miami pionship.” 12. TCU 12. Iowa Shelby Whitten Drew Fithian 13. Oregon 13. Penn State Freshman Freshman Elementary educa- 14. Penn State 14. Oklahoma State tion “South 15. Nebraska 15. Kansas “Itʼll be a great Carolina is homecoming good, but we 16. Oklahoma State 16. Oregon win.” are better. 17. Kansas 17. Nebraska Defense wins champion- 18. BYU 18. Oklahoma ships.” 19. 19. BYU

Mark Smith Sarah Fowler 20. Oklahoma 20. Georgia Tech Junior Freshman Finance Accounting 21. South Florida 21. South Florida 22. South Carolina 22. South Carolina “Roll Tide.” “I think the Tide 23. Houston 23. Houston will roll all over South 24. Utah 24. Missouri Carolina.” 25. Notre Dame 25. Notre Dame PS3 SIMULATION GameDay 2009 • October 16 3 PS3 SAYS | ALABAMA 25, SOUTH CAROLINA 17 SIMULATION STATISTICS

BY WILL NEVIN Managing Editor Alabama • Passing: Greg McElroy, 10-of-19, 81 The South Carolina Gamecocks came to yds, 1 rushing TD Tuscaloosa with an average to maybe above- average defense. The Tide, however, made it • Rushing: Terry Grant, 10 rushes, 58 look like the second coming of the Pittsburgh yds, 1 TD Steelers’ Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s as Bama put up only 188 yards of total offense • Receiving: Mike McCoy, 4 recep- while still managing to find a way to win in a tions, 21 yds 25-17 brutal slugfest. Alabama, or perhaps the officials, opened • Top Defensive Performer: Rolando the scoring 50 seconds into the game when the NCAA 2010 screenshot McClain, 5 tackles Gamecocks were called for holding in the end makes a leaping catch in Alabamaʼs zone, resulting in a safety and two points for 25-17 simulated victory. the Tide. Bama continued the scoring in the second quarter when Baron Huber bounced ing , but Alabama would miss the South Carolina around right end for a 2-yard touchdown run. two-point conversion to take a 22-10 lead. The Terry Grant, subbing for an injured Mark Gamecocks answered back with a Stephen • Passing: Stephen Garcia, 18-of-24, Ingram, scored the Tide’s second touchdown Garcia touchdown pass to wideout Kevin 160 yds, 1 TD on a 13-yard run to stretch Alabama’s lead to White to close to within five at 22-17. Alabama, 16-0. As time expired in the half, Gamecock however, snuffed out the hopes of an upset by • Rushing: Eric Baker, 11 rushes, 31 kicker Spencer Lanning got the visitors on recovering the ensuing onside kick, and Leigh yds, 1 TD the board with a 40-yard field goal, cutting the Tiffin would close the scoring with a booming Tide’s lead to 16-3. 54-yard field goal. • Receiving: Weslye Saunders, 4 South Carolina got closer to closing the gap Despite the victory, the Tide was outgained receptions, 34 yds with a 1-yard touchdown run by halfback Eric in total offense (212 yards to 188 yards) and first Baker, leaving the Gamecocks down 16-10. The downs (South Carolina’s nine to Bama’s seven). • Top Defensive Performer: Eric Tide responded in the fourth quarter as quar- With the win, Alabama improves to 6-1 (4-0) Norwood, 9 tackles terback Greg McElroy scrambled for a - on the simulated season. Alabama runs out onto the fi eld before its game against Kentucky two weeks ago. The Crimson Tideʼs last few games have been prime examples of Alabamaʼs ability to take every team on its schedule seriously. CW | Jerrod Seaton GameDay 2009 • October 16 5 No David for this GOLIATH Ever since Alabama lost a horrid game to Louisiana-Monroe in 2007, the Crimson Tide has taken no one for granted. That weekly sense of urgency has been at the core of Alabama’s surge back to ’s elite.

BY JASON GALLOWAY GameDay Editor

reg McElroy sat alone in the Alabama film room Sunday evening, critiquing his performance in the Crimson Tide’s 22-3 victory over Ole Miss the day before and prepar- ing for the challenges of South Carolina’s defense. The tranquility of the room maintained itself as Mark Ingram entered to watch his own film. The sophomore running backG popped in the Ole Miss tape and immediately jumped to one specif- ic play. He watched it. Rewound it. Watched it again. Rewound it again. Over and over, he watched the same play. It was not his 36-yard touch- down run in the closing seconds of the first half, nor was it his 25-yard scamper in the third quarter that moved the Tide inside the 5-yard line. Again and again, Ingram watched the man sitting next to him get dragged down 11 yards behind the line of scrim- good on,” he said, “but when a play doesn’t work mage. Alabama had already built a 16-3 lead on because you missed your blocking assignment, it the Rebels, and Ingram ended up converting a sticks with you more than those good plays.” first down later in the series. But he had missed That is what Alabama head coach Nick a block on the play, perhaps the only thing he did Saban has addressed every week since arriving wrong in his 172-yard performance. at the Capstone — the mental strain of always “That’s the only play I’ve been thinking about,” remaining unsatisfied. Saban teaches Avoiding Ingram told McElroy. “That’s the only play that’s Complacency 101, and based on Ingram’s film ses- been bothering me. I’ve been thinking about that sion Sunday and the Tide’s 18-2 mark the last sea- play since it happened.” son and a half, his players are paying attention. Of all the plays Ingram could have remembered “You’re kind of climbing a mountain,” Saban from that game, a missed blocking assignment said. “The higher you get, the more treacher- when the game was already in control was the ous it is and the more focus you need, the more one that lingered in his mind. discipline and execution, and things are a lot “It’s always easy to look at the plays you do more critical if you make a mistake. I think our 6 October 16 • GameDay 2009 players understand that. They “When [Saban] first got here, Louisiana need to understand it.” he just said hard work’s going Monroe They didn’t always under- to lead us to where we want to players stand that. Saban’s first year be,” said linebacker Rolando celebrate at Alabama in 2007 epitomizes McClain, who was a freshman after everything the former national during the 2007 season. “We real- shocking champion preaches. A four-game ly didn’t buy into it my freshman Alabama losing streak, including a loss to year. But now, we know the hard in 2007. Louisiana-Monroe, after start- work is going to make us good, so Ever since ing the season 6-2 could not be a that’s what we do, work hard. We that upset, better illustration of the identity don’t take anything for granted.” the Tide Saban does not want his team to The Tide’s freshmen and has not have. sophomores on this year’s team taken any “[When] we lost to Louisiana- don’t have the motivation from a opponent Monroe, it definitely put us in a season like 2007, but the young- lightly. position where we didn’t want er players still understand the to overlook any team and any negative effects that season pro- AP competition that we had com- duced. ing,” said senior linebacker Cory “The older guys learned the you chapter and verse on what supposed to block, the day after Reamer. hard way,” Ingram said, “so we happened on third-and-12 in the he had 28 carries for 172 yards. The players had not bought don’t want to get punished in Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland It’s also why Saban always into Saban’s system. Veteran order to try and get refocused Browns game a long time ago praises his upcoming opponent, players on that 2007 squad, and re-motivated. We just want when we messed up and they no matter who it is, in the opening like senior defensive lineman to keep getting better each week, scored a touchdown (Saban was statement of his news conference Wallace Gilberry, said as much keep improving each week as a Cleveland’s defensive coordina- every Monday, and why much of after the season. He said the team, without having a loss.” tor in the early 1990s).” what he talked about during the young guys were just beginning Saban doesn’t need an entire In Saban’s mind, it’s the bad postgame of last week’s dominat- to buy in, and that 2008 would be season to remind himself why he plays that matter moving for- ing SEC road victory focused on much different than the pitfalls remains uptight about remaining ward, and he’s forced that mind- the Tide’s red zone inefficiency of 2007. The statements seemed consistent week in and week out. set into his players. That’s why and defensive inconsistency. pedestrian at the time because “I remember every play that Ingram kept watching an Ole But most importantly, it’s why no one knew yet the severe truth we’ve ever been beat on since Miss defender throw McElroy to Alabama is undefeated and once they had. the flood,” Saban said. “I can give the ground, the man Ingram was again a national powerhouse. BUY OR SELL GameDay 2009 • October 16 7 SPENCER WHITE VIRGINIA TECH IS THE BEST ONE-LOSS TEAM JASON GALLOWAY Assistant GameDay Editor GameDay Editor SELL BUY

Virginia Tech was a miracle touch- While the Hokies’ only loss is to down away from being in the dis- arguably the best squad in the cussion for the best two-loss team country, USC fell to a rather average in the country. Tech has played well Washington team. Tech also blew this season against tough competi- out Miami, who has been impressive tion, including three ranked teams enough to stay in the top 10 after in Alabama, Nebraska and Miami, the beat down, while the Trojans’ but I think, despite the Washington blow out over California looks less loss, if USC and the Hokies played impressive after the Bearcats lost today, the Trojans would win the by an even bigger margin to Oregon game. the next week. ONLY AN SEC TEAM WILL FINISH UNDEFEATED BUY BUY The four teams with the best For this to not happen, Cincinnati chances, apart from Alabama and Boise State would have to get and Florida, are Texas, Iowa, lucky by either matching up with Cincinnati and Boise State. Texas each other in a BCS bowl after finish- will lose in the BCS Championship, ing the regular season undefeated Iowa will likely lose to Ohio State or drawing an opponent in the BCS in November, Cincinnati will lose who upset someone in a conference to Virginia Tech/Miami in the championship game (like a Boston Orange Bowl, and I just don’t see College). I don’t foresee either of Boise State having the guns to those circumstances, and I think if defeat whoever loses December’s Texas wins out, the Longhorns will epic SEC Championship match up. lose to the SEC winner. Top: CW | Katie Bennett Above: MCT Campus 8 October 16 • GameDay 2009 ETCHED IN STONE | 1964

The legend of Joe Willie

BY SPENCER WHITE gious talents were legendary in powers in favor of the University of Assistant GameDay Editor the Beaver County area; Namath Maryland, but was denied admis- regularly dunked on the basketball sion due to a subpar SAT score. Beaver Falls, Pa., is a pretty court, and was offered contracts by UA head coach Bear Bryant, acting unremarkable town. six Major League Baseball teams on a tip from the Terrapins head Located 30 miles outside the city upon graduation. coach, seized advantage and con- of Pittsburgh, Beaver Falls’ tiny But his mother insisted on the vinced Namath to make the trek to population once served as one of troubled Namath receiving a col- Tuscaloosa to play for the Crimson many outlets for the heavy steel- lege education, and his best chance Tide. Bryant would later call the manufacturing area. It was a blue- to accomplish this was as a quar- signing of Namath “the best coach- collar town, and nobody who was terback for a Division-I football ing decision I ever made.” unfortunate enough to be born team. His exceptional skills at both Namath was a true superstar there was ever meant to leave. passing and running brought him of the college game. He was an But would. a great deal of attention, including unparalleled athlete for the time, Namath was the star athlete offers from the likes of Penn State, with a strong arm and quick feet of the town, excelling in football, Ohio State, Notre Dame and the that helped redefine the possibili- basketball and baseball. Even at . ties of the position. As the high school level, his prodi- Namath initially rejected these a true sophomore starter for the GameDay 2009 • October 16 9

Tide in 1962, Namath put on a mas- start of the 1965 Orange Bowl, in terful show, setting new Alabama which the Tide took on the Texas records for passing yards (1,192) Longhorns. and (13). Namath also After falling behind in the first recorded 321 rushing yards on 70 half, Namath came off the bench, carries in leading the Tide to a 10-1 with only one good knee, to put on record and a near repeat champion- an offensive show in Miami. Forced ship. to stand in the pocket and fire pass “Joe Willie,” as he became known after pass due to his immobility, around campus, quickly adapted to the All-American completed 18 of the Southern lifestyle, adopting an 37 throws for 255 yards and two accent and becoming quite popular touchdowns to pull the Tide to a with the Capstone coeds. His fun- 21-17 deficit with just a few minutes loving style, however, clashed with remaining. Bryant’s strict and disciplined style. Summoning up the last of his In 1963, after being seen drinking a willpower, Namath charged the beer at a Tuscaloosa bar (against Tide down the field, peppering the team policy), Namath was suspend- Longhorn secondary with well- ed for the final two games of his placed bullets to crimson jerseys, junior year. Namath accepted the until Alabama stood at the 1-yard suspension, respecting the rules line with one second left on the of the man who he would later say clock. “taught me the meaning of integ- The gutsy Namath, calling on rity.” his own number, took the snap Namath returned to the starting and plunged into the wall of line- role in his senior season, 1964, and man in front. Despite rising from led the Tide through an undefeat- the bottom of the pile with chalk ed regular season and the AP and on his jersey from the goal line, it Above: Joe Namath UPI national championships, then was declared by the referees that makes a leaping awarded before bowl games. More Namath did not score and the Tide throw during a remarkable was the conditions lost the game. 1964 game. under which the fearless team cap- The next day, Namath signed a Left: Namath tain completed the campaign. $400,000 dollar contract with the shakes hands with In the fourth game of the season, of the AFL. The con- sophomore receiver a 21-0 victory over North Carolina tract was the richest in sports his- Ray Perkins. Perkins State, Namath received the first tory at the time, and Namath would would go on to of what would become many knee earn every dollar of it, leading the coach the Tide in injuries. The pain was intense and burgeoning franchise to a monu- the 1980s. led to fluid buildup that required mental upset of the Baltimore Colts draining at regular intervals. The in Super Bowl III and becoming the gritty Namath would not undergo shining star of professional football. Bryant Museum surgery until the end of the season. Bryant never had any doubts, The injury worsened over the later calling Namath “the greatest induction speech to the Pro Football finally earned his degree from the course of the season, as the once athlete I ever coached.” Namath Hall of Fame at the mention of his University of Alabama in 2007, grad- nimble Namath became slowly hob- was equally touched by the mentor. uating with a bachelor’s degree in bled by the pain. Unable to perform legendary Tide coach, break- Thirty-two years after his last interdisciplinary studies at the age at his peak, he was benched for the ing down into tears during his game in a Tide uniform, Namath of 64. 10 October 16 • GameDay 2009 SEC ROUNDUP Around the Compiled by Britton Lynn conference Sports Reporter Georgia at Vanderbilt Arkansas at #1 Florida

Time: 11:21 a.m. on SEC Network Time: 2:30 p.m. on CBS Series: Georgia leads 50-18-2 Series: Florida leads 7-1 What to watch for: Georgia has won its last What to watch for: The only time Arkansas two games against Vanderbilt. Although the beat Florida was back in 1982. The Bulldogs just came off a loss to Tennessee Razorbacks better watch out for Florida’s in Knoxville, Georgia’s Brandon Boykin has defense, especially after they held LSU to been on fire. In last week’s game, he returned three points. Senior linebacker Brandon a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and had Spikes is the reigning SEC Defensive Player three tackles. But the Bulldogs’ defense has of the Week. The Gators’ defense also col- given up 37 or more points in half of their lected an for the 17th straight games this season, and their offense has game, the nation’s longest streak, and have had only four touchdowns in their last three only allowed two touchdowns all season. games. The Commodores have been strug- Arkansas comes off a big win against Auburn gling on offense, especially during an over- last week, partly because its defense started time loss to Army Saturday. The team has playing like a top unit. Razorback quarter- struggled with penalties, having received 24 back Ryan Mallett has been almost flawless in the last two games. with 13 touchdowns, 1,422 passing yards and only three .

Kentucky at Auburn UAB at Ole Miss Time: 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU Time: 6 p.m. on Fox Series: Auburn leads 24-5-1 Series: First meeting What to watch for: Auburn takes a 15-game What to watch for: Ole Miss might have lost winning streak into Saturday’s game With against Alabama last week, but the Rebels Wildcat quarterback Mike Hartline falling to have a lot of potential. Ole Miss junior safety a knee injury last week in their loss against Johnny Brown had a game-high 10 tackles, South Carolina, Kentucky backup Will Fidler seven of which were solo, against the Crimson takes over against Auburn. The Wildcats’ Tide. Rebel quarterback Jevan Snead complet- last game was close, partially because senior ed only 11 of his 34 attempts against Alabama defensive tackle Corey Peters, who won the and had four interceptions, but if he can get SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, had his act together, they should start playing an exceptional performance. Although the like the team that beat Florida last year. UAB Tigers are coming off a loss to Arkansas, they quarterback Joe Webb, on the other hand, has have been successful in moving the ball and played mediocre with six touchdowns, five scoring points against most teams they have interceptions and 644 passing yards so far this played. Auburn has season. Blazers tight end Jeffery Anderson been a major threat. He had 228 all-purpose leads UAB in receiving yards with 179 and has yards and two touchdowns against Arkansas. three touchdowns on the year.

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clothing & accessories souvenirs & books Tailgating supplies silly elephant hats big foam fingers crazy yellow hammers 12 October 16 • GameDay 2009 into players with NFL ability, and their circle, in the empty spot that under Saban’s watch, Glen Coffee remains an eternal lure to those In an age where parity is greater than ever and went from a back-up running back who seek the pressure-cooker of no game is a cupcake, Saban has created a to a starter for the San Franscisco being the most powerful man in juggernaut in an unprecedented span. 49ers. the state of Alabama. The expectations at Alabama That is what Saban has become. cupcake,“ Saban has created a Snead or Ryan Mallett. have always been high. The legacy Sure, UA Athletic Director Mal juggernaut in an unprecedented The Tide offense has become a of the men who have come before Moore and UA President Robert span. The Tide has talent and diverse and dangerous” group, with demands it. Their statues line Witt are his bosses, but that’s just depth the likes of which can only be Ingram and Richardson leading a the entrance to Bryant-Denny; jargon. At this point, Saban makes found in Gainesville and Pasadena, talented backfield and junior Greg Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, four times their combined salary, The Tide defense, always stin- McElroy showing signs of becom- and the Bear – the and it’s a safe bet that Tide fans gy, has become a feared unit of ing the next great No. 12 to play for men who carved the tradition and would make it 20 times if neces- demons, scaring the daylights out the Tide. glory of an entire state watch from sary. of SEC and single- Twelve is an interesting number their larger-than-life represen- And he would be worth every handedly ruining Heisman cam- in Tide lore. But at the rate the man tations as another pushes their penny. paigns. If you don’t believe that, from Fairmount, W. Va., is going, the birthright to new heights. They In an age where parity is great- talk to Knowshon Moreno, James new fad may become 13. And it may patiently wait for another to join er than ever and no game is a Davis, Matthew Stafford, Jevan come faster than anyone thought.

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301 HELEN KELLER BLVD 205.554.1556 CAMPUSWAYUA.COM Position Matchups Although South Carolina’s defense is no pushover, Alabama seems to take the advantage in this week’s key matchups in the Crimson Tide’s fi rst home game since week four.

ALABAMA OFFENSIVE LINE VS. SOUTH CAROLINA DEFENSIVE LINE

Alabama’s offensive line is coming off a lacklus- ter game, allowing the tenacious Ole Miss defen- sive front to reach quarterback Greg McElroy on what seemed like every dropback. The Crimson Tide’s front line must improve in protection this week against a defensive front that ranks sec- ond in the and 25th in the nation in sacks, as it would allow Alabama to better maintain balance in its offense. EDGE

CW | Jerrod Seaton MCT Campus

GREG MCELROY VS. SOUTH CAROLINA SECONDARY

After a three-game home stretch in which McElroy accumulated 708 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions, he threw for less than 150 rushing yards in each game of a two-week road stint. Back in Bryant-Denny this Saturday, McElroy must bounce back to form against the third-best passing defense in the SEC. Senior Darian Stewart leads the fairly inexperienced Gamecock defense into Tuscaloosa. EDGE

UA Athletics MCT Campus

KAREEM JACKSON VS. ALSHON JEFFERY

Alshon Jeffery stands as the Gamecocks top deep threat, turning four of his 12 catches this year into touchdowns while displaying a gaudy 16.58 yards per catch average. Alabama is likely to put Kareem Jackson on the true freshman. Jackson got his first interception of the season in a critical moment of last week’s game against Ole Miss, and the junior has started to emerge as one of the top in the SEC. EDGE

CW | Katie Bennett MCT Campus KEY PLAYERS ALABAMA S. CAROLINA Mark Ingram, RB Eric Norwood, LB

Ingram has been on a tear the last two Easily the most talented and dan- games, piling up 312 rushing yards and gerous player on the Gamecock three touchdowns. He’ll need to keep up defense, Norwood is among the best his production against the Gamecocks, linebackers in the nation, possess- who rank 54th in the nation in rushing ing great speed and excellent tack- defense and are without their starting ling form. Spurrier will depend on middle linebacker and defensive tackle Norwood to be his main pass rusher for their trip to Tuscaloosa. Ingram against the Tide, as well as the man needs to provide steady yards on the to stop any Alabama running back ground to allow Greg McElroy a chance who crosses the line of scrimmage. If to navigate his way through a tough he plays a career game on Saturday, South Carolina secondary. it could spell doom for the Tide.

Drew Davis, RT Stephen Garcia, QB

Davis likely will be matched up against After years of uncertainty at the the Gamecocks’ stud defensive end Cliff quarterback position, it appears the Matthews, and will need to keep the Ol’ Ball Coach has finally found his talented sack master in check to allow man in sophomore Garcia. He has McElroy more time to operate in the been impressive in the early going, pocket than he received last week. With completing 61 percent of his passes South Carolina coach ’s for 1,268 yards and nine touchdowns knack for taking risks, it’s a safe bet that while only throwing three picks. South Carolina will bring a heavy and However, Alabama is getting used aggressive rush to confuse McElroy into to facing pretty good quarterbacks making poor reads, and Davis will be a after games against Ryan Mallett and crucial part of attempting to slow it down. Jevan Snead, and Garcia will look to avoid their fate Saturday. Terrance Cody, DT Cliff Matthews, DE

Cody and the rest of the Tide defensive Matthews has been South Carolina’s front did an excellent job exploiting Ole terror off the edge this season, tal- Miss’s weak offensive line last Saturday, lying seven tackles for loss and and Alabama will need a similar domi- four sacks so far in 2009. A week nating performance this week against a after facing the Rebels’ Greg Hardy, talented but inconsistent offense. Cody Matthews could provide an even will be a major part of ensuring that the stiffer test for the Tide offensive Gamecocks are forced into throwing line. If Matthews is able to get con- situations, where Stephen Garcia has sistent penetration and get a hand shown weakness under pressure, which in McElroy’s face or blow up a run the Tide defensive staff will undoubtably in the backfield, it could make for a bring should Cody plug the middle well. long Homecoming for Alabama.

OFFENSIVE STARTERS DEFENSIVE STARTERS OFFENSIVE STARTERS DEFENSIVE STARTERS LT 77 James Carpenter (Jr.) DE 95 (Sr.) LT 76 Jarriel King (Jr.) DE 98 Devin Taylor (R-Fr.) LG 78 Mike Johnson (Sr.) DT 62 Terrence Cody (Sr.) LG 74 Heath Batchelor (Jr.) DT 95 Nathan Pepper (Sr.) C 73 (So.) DE 97 (Sr.) C 57 Lemuel Jeanpierre (Sr.) DT 91 Ladi Ajiboye (Jr.) RG 75 (R-Fr.) JACK 32 (Sr.) RG 55 T.J. Johnson (R-Fr.) DE 83 Cliff Matthews (Jr.) RT 79 Drew Davis (Sr.) WILL 35 (Fr.) RT 66 Hutch Eckerson (Jr.) WLB 40 Eric Norwood (Sr.) TE 84 (Sr.) MIKE 25 Rolando McClain (Jr.) TE 88 Weslye Saunders (Jr.) MLB 41 Josh Dickerson (Jr.) HB 85 Preston Dial (Jr.) SAM 13 (Sr.) QB 5 Stephen Garcia (So.) SPUR 26 Antonio Allen (So.) QB 12 Greg McElroy (Jr.) CB 3 Kareem Jackson (Jr.) RB 31 Kenny Miles (R-Fr.) CB 5 Stephon Gilmore (Fr.) RB 22 Mark Ingram (So.) FS 27 (Sr.) FB 47 Patrick DiMarco (Jr.) SS 24 Darian Stewart (Sr.) WR 8 Julio Jones (So.) SS 4 Mark Barron (So.) WR 1 Alshon Jeffery (R-Fr.) FS 17 Chris Culliver (Jr.) WR 4 (So.) CB 28 Javier Arenas (Sr.) WR 9 More Brown (Sr.) CB 12 C.C. Whitlock (So.) SPECIAL TEAMS STARTERS SPECIAL TEAMS STARTERS K 99 (Sr.) K/P 34 Spencer Lanning (Jr.) P 7 P.J. Fitzgerald (Sr.) PR 5 Stephon Gilmore (Fr.) PR 28 Javier Arenas (Sr.) KR 17 Chris Culliver (Jr.) KR 28 Javier Arenas (Sr.) 22 Bryce Sherman ( So.) 29 Terry Grant (Jr.)