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Saban’s previous , Jim McElwain, returns to Bryant-Denny to face his former head coach. FriendTheCrimsonWhite us FOLLOW US@thecrimsonwhite

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Last week’s perfect picks: Pick against our sports experts at: cw.ua.edu/pickem Phillip Braswell, sophomore, chemical engineering Brett Hunter, senior, metallurgical engineering AP Poll Coaches Poll 1. Alabama (59) 1. Alabama (61) 2. Oregon (1) 2. Oregon (1) 3. Clemson 3. Ohio State 4. Ohio State 4. Clemson TheTh Bama Gamblers 5. Stanford 5. Stanford 6. LSU 6. Louisville Friday 7. Louisville 7. LSU The Bama Gamblers noo coverccoo er 8. Florida State 8. Florida State 21+ till 11. $2 Bud Light Platinums 9. Georgia 9. Texas A&M & $4 Vegas Bombs all night 10. Texas A&M 10. Georgia 11. Oklahoma State 11. Oklahoma State Saturday 12. South Carolina 12. Oklahoma Open at Noon, free hamburgers & 13. UCLA 13. South Carolina hotdog cookout at 2pm, $1 off all 14. Oklahoma 14. Michigan drinks & beer till 6 pm 15. Michigan 15. UCLA DJ Silence after the game 16. Miami (FL) 16. Northwestern 17. Washington 17. Miami (FL) 18. Northwestern 18. Florida 19. Florida 19. Baylor 20. Baylor 20. Washington 21. Ole Miss 21. Notre Dame 22. Notre Dame 22. Ole Miss 23. Arizona State 23. Arizona State 24. Wisconsin 24. Michigan State 25. Texas Tech 25. Frenso State jupiterbar.com

02 09/20/2013 GAMEDAY From UA to Colorado State, McElwain has experience with the best coaches football has to offer. On this return trip to Tuscaloosa, McElwain once again is meeting with his old head coach Saban – but this time as an opposing force.

By Billy Whyte

csurams.com

ffensive play-calling is in a lot reacting. Too much improvising, though, stifl ed the two-headed running attack of of ways a cross between orches- and the performance becomes sloppy and Mark Ingram and , and trating an opera and performing unpredictable. In essence, offensive play- the offense couldn’t get anything going. a comedy stand-up routine. Leg- calling is a balancing act between what With no running game and an early 14-0 endary head coach Bill Walsh you can and can’t prepare for. defi cit, McElwain turned to coined the term “scripting” for how to run Few were able to orchestrate this bal- Greg McElroy, who most saw as the weak an offense, as the fewer decisions made ance as well as Colorado State head coach link of the offense. But even with limited during the game and the less left up to Jim McElwain during his time as Ala- play-calling options with the running game instincts, the better. But when the script bama’s offensive coordinator. Against Au- not working, McElwain and McElroy were isn’t working, play-callers have to adapt burn in 2009 in the last game of the regular able to deliver, with McElroy completing and improvise on the fl y based on how the season, Alabama’s undefeated season was his fi nal seven passes and McElwain or- defense, or essentially their audience, is on the brink of ending as the Tigers had chestrating a seven-minute, game-winning

04 09/20/2013 GAMEDAY Auburn West Virginia vs. No. 6 LSU vs. Maryland Tiger Stadium - Baton Rouge, La., M&T Bank Stadium - Baltimore, Md., 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN 2:30 p.m. CT, ESPNU The SEC is home to current No. 1-ranked and two-time defending This game will ultimately be decided by one team’s ability to slow national champion Alabama, but at the moment it may be the Tigers down the high-powered offense of the other, but the offense in ques- of LSU, not the Crimson Tide, that have been the most complete tion is not West Virginia’s. A year after fi elding the second-worst total team so far in 2013. LSU, as usual, has a top-10 defense and a strong offense in all of college football, Maryland has jumped all the way up running game that should give fi rst-year Auburn quarterback Nick to the 10th in that category, led by dual-threat quarterback C.J. Brown Marshall and his defense its fair share of troubles in Death Valley. The during their 3-0 start. But while Maryland’s offense has signifi cantly added dimension of drastically improved quarterback play from Zach improved, so has West Virginia’s defense, which has yielded just 13.3 Mettenberger, who currently leads the SEC passing effi ciency, only points per game after giving up 38.1 points last season. The Mountain- adds to the tough task Auburn faces in playing LSU. eers have won in their last seven meetings against the Terrapins. No. 23 Arizona State Utah vs. No. 5 Stanford vs. BYU Stanford Stadium - Stanford, Calif., LaVell Edwards Stadium - Provo, Utah, 6 p.m. CT, FOX 9:15 p.m. CT, ESPN2 Both teams are off to a 2-0 start heading into this po- After a two-week hiatus, BYU returns to the fi eld to host Utah in the tential Pac-12 Championship Game preview. Stanford is again proving fi nal Holy War for at least three years. BYU has a strong running to be a well-rounded team with effi cient and emerging leader Kevin game that compiled 550 rushing yards in its last game against Texas, Hogan at quarterback, but Arizona State is looking like much of the but Utah is equally good against the run, limiting teams to under 100 same under second-year starting quarterback Taylor Kelly. Stanford yards on the ground per game. The player to watch, though, will be has lost only once at home in the past three seasons combined, but ex- Utah quarterback Travis Wilson, who leads the Utes in both passing pect the Sun Devils to make it a competitive game. An Arizona State and rushing. Due to the circumstances surrounding it, a close, hard- win could both make the Sun Devils the favorites in the Pac-12 South fought battle should be expected for this game. and signifi cantly damage Stanford’s championship hopes with Oregon being in its division. Tennessee Michigan State vs. No. 19 Florida vs. No. 22 Notre Dame Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - Gainesville, Fla., Notre Dame Stadium - Notre Dame, Ind., 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS 2:30 p.m. CT, NBC Traditionally a rivalry between two top SEC schools, this year’s Flor- Though Notre Dame isn’t the national championship contender it was ida-Tennessee game enters with more question marks than we’ve a year ago, it’s still a ranked team that has the capability to win a lot of grown accustomed to. Dating back to last season’s Sugar Bowl loss, football games. On offense, Fighting Irish quarterback Tommy Rees Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel has turned the ball over 10 times, and DeVaris Daniels are gradually becoming one of the with three coming in the Gators’ 21-16 loss to Miami two weeks top quarterback-receiver tandems in the country. That said, they will ago. The keys to the game for Florida will be to get into a rhythm have their hands full against the No. 1-ranked Michigan State defense on offense and limit turnovers against a Tennessee defense that is led by defensive lineman Shilique Calhoun, who has two sacks and second nationally in interceptions with seven through three games. three defensive touchdowns this season. The Spartans should have Conversely, Tennessee will need to keep the Florida offense in check Notre Dame on upset alert come game time. after showing signs of weakness in a 59-14 loss at Oregon last week, where the Volunteers gave up nearly 700 yards of total offense.

09/20/2013 GAMEDAY 03 drive to close out the game 26-21. Alabama what they do,” McElwain said. “How the peo- next up on McElwain’s plate, it may seem like would then go on to win its fi rst national ple in the parking lots handle whatever their an intimidating course for most teams to pre- championship since 1992. job is or the people who handle the gameday pare for. But McElwain has made sure that has nothing but praise for how operations. It is the best and they take pride the team won’t be coming into Tuscaloosa McElwain orchestrates a game. in what they do. What I’m getting at is to not with any fear. “Players really responded well to him. He allow mediocrity in anything. It doesn’t mat- “The only reason you should be scared is was very energetic and enthusiastic, up- ter what it is. That’s what I’m excited for a lot if you’re not sure,” McElwain said. “There’s beat,” Saban said. “Very bright guy. Does a of people to see.” no reason to not be sure about what lot of formation variations that put a lot of It’s easy to see how much infl uence you’re doing. It comes down to your guys in a lot of different spots, which makes his time at Alabama has on McEl- preparation.” it diffi cult for the defense to adjust. wain and his approach at Colorado Senior cornerback Shaq Bell “I have as much respect for Jim McElwain State. He compared the way Saban echoed his coach’s sentiments. as a coach as anybody that’s ever worked for handles recruiting to the way a For- “There has to be no doubt,” Bell me.” tune 500 company runs a business. said. “You can’t go in there scared, McElwain was hired as the head coach of “There lies the difference be- because if one person plays scared Colorado State in large part because of his tween the program we’re going to then that could mess up illustrious tenure at Alabama. During his see and lot of other programs,” the whole game. Ev- four-year tenure as the offensive coordinator McElwain said. “There is no erybody has to fo- for Alabama from 2008-11, McElwain over- play off; there is no play off in cus in on what saw two national championship offenses and practice. You’re either get- they’re sup- ting better or you’re get- posed to ting worse; there’s no do. Just go staying the same. If I out there take days off or plays and have off what does that say fun and There is no playoff about who I am and compete.” what kind of charac- Colorado State ... You’re ter I have? Character is will be complet- something that happens ing its pilgrimage either getting when no one is looking. A Saturday in what lot of time guys take plays off most expect to because they’re in the middle be a blowout for better or you’re of it and they think, ‘Oh I’m not Alabama. But going to get caught for this, I’m regardless of getting worse; going to catch a little breather.’ expectations, That defi nes a lot about the guy.” you can plan on And then McElwain will bring McElwain to there’s no staying up the fact the game is taking be out there, place on the 21st night of Septem- script in hand, the same. ber, which is the name of his favor- orchestrat- ite Earth Wind and Fire song, and ing Colorado you see how personality comes State toward- into the job and the messages be- swhat might Alabama’s lone Heisman winner in Mark In- tween the McElwain and Saban be another gram. If Saban is the sultan of his kingdom are easily distinguished. McEl- grand work and defensive coordinator is the wain really credits his infl uences of art by the crown prince and heir, then McElwain is the as a “cafeteria effect”. illustrious top advisor, looking forward to bringing his “You take a little bit here and play-caller. team back to the temple he helped build. there and put a meal together,” McEl- “It’s really strange with the coaches that wain said. “Obviously recently being are there, the people in the organization as [at Alabama], the latest, some of that well,” McElwain said. “I fi nd myself looking is the freshest, but the one thing that at the wrong side of the fi lm sometimes. I’m I do know is that I cannot be Nick Sa- excited for our opportunity and the organi- ban, nor can I be Pat Hill or John L. zation’s opportunity to go see the ‘Mecca,’ to Smith or Dick Zornes or Cliff Hysell or see what it’s all about.” Art Shell or whoever it may have been. It’s not just seeing the “Mecca” itself, but I can’t be that guy; I have to be myself. the process and mentality that comes with it What I have tried to do is import and im- that McElwain is most excited for his players part a lot of the things that we did there and the Colorado State organization to see. and have done some other places. Hope- “When you go through that stadium and fully, I put my own personality on it as to see how immaculate everything is, how the who I am and what we’re all about.” people who take the tickets take pride in And with a return to the Crimson Tide csurams.com

09/20/2013 GAMEDAY 05 past his injury and start the season strong. fully recovered because he adds versatility to By Danielle Walker | Staff Reporter “The coaches kept pushing me and just tell- the offense. ing me, ‘Run, run, do what you do, you’re play- “We’re able to use him and do certain things After ending his junior season early with ing scared,’” Fowler said. “They kept pushing with our offense that you can’t do if you don’t a knee injury, , or “The Nudie me, and I was just like, ‘Man, I’m tired of hear- have him. He does a great job at running back, Bus,” is back and ready to take on the rest of ing this. I just want to go out here and play fullback and tight end. He can play so many po- the season full speed. and get them off of me and show them I’m not sitions,” McCarron said. “He helps us kind of Fowler said in his fi rst game after his inju- scared.’” expand the fi eld and create some mismatches, ry against Virginia Tech that he was nervous Fowler wasn’t afraid. His knee felt great and which helps us a bunch as an offense.” about how his knee would fair during the game. he showed his coaches and college football fans Tight end Brian Vogler agreed that Fowler is “The fi rst game, I was scared,” Fowler said. that “The Nudie Bus” was back and not afraid. a versatile offensive player. “I thought my knee was going to give out on In the fourth quarter of the Texas A&M “It’s got to be tough on defenses to work me, but this game, it’s whatever, just go out game, quaterback AJ McCarron was able around because he is so versatile and can hit there and ball.” to connect with Fowler in the end zone for a you so many ways,” Vogler said. Head coach Nick Saban agreed that Fowler 5-yard touchdown pass. Fowler was wide open. This week in Alabama’s matchup against seemed apprehensive during his fi rst game When asked about what it’s like to be in a Colorado Sate, Fowler said he is looking to back on the fi eld. position where he has to catch the ball, Fowler build upon last week’s positive game and show “I thought the fi rst game he was a little tenta- said he agreed that the pressure is on. his former offensive coordinator and now CSU tive coming off his injury,” Saban said. “I think “Yeah it’s kind of hard. You’ve got to focus head coach Jim McElwain his improvements. during the bye week, he sort of gained some in,” he said. “If you take your eyes off the ball Fowler said McElwain would be the one that confi dence.” and you miss, it could be deadly for you. The would encourage him to step up to the plate After Saturday’s performance in College Sta- quarterback says, ‘I ain’t throwing him the ball when other running backs were down. tion, Texas, Fowler appeared to be playing full no more. I don’t care if you’re butt-naked wide “It’s going to be great. It’s going to be real speed. open.’ I ain’t going to mess up my chances, not fun seeing coach Mac,” Fowler said. “He was In the practices leading up to Texas A&M, with AJ.” one of the guys that believed in me when he Fowler said his coaches pushed him to move Fowler’s teammates said they are glad he is was here.”

06 09/20/2013 GAMEDAY A LOOK AT THE RAMS NATION FROM ITS OWN SPORTS EDITOR By Kevin Connell Crimson White: Defensively, Alabama The Crimson White spoke to Alabama fans remember Rams head showed some potential coach Jim McElwain as the Tide’s for- signs of weakness in the The Rocky Mountain Collegian mer offensive coordinator. In your opin- secondary against Texas ion, how’s the program coming along A&M. Who should they look sports editor Quentin Sickafoose now in year two under him? out for from the Rams’ receiving corps? in Fort Collins, Colo., to get his Quentin SSickaffoose: CSU’s receiving corps has It’s a process rebuilding a collegiate experienced much more take on second-year head coach football program. , the variety recently. Instead of Colorado State football head coach being forced to rely on one prior to McElwain, posted a 3-9 record or two of their key wide Jim McElwain, Colorado State’s in all three of his final seasons at CSU. receivers, the tight ends are begin- McElwain was able to improve the ning to become factors for the Rams. season thus far and the Rams’ Rams’ record to 4-8 in just his first year. At tight end, Crockett Gillmore led the Despite the minor improvement record- Rams in receiving yardage against Cal strengths heading into their visit wise, the players agree that the program Poly, while tight end Kivon Cartwright is running more fluidly with McElwain also filled the void in week three. The to Bryant-Denny Stadium. as head coach. CSU tight ends caught a significantly

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09/20/2013 GAMEDAY 07

larger amount of passes in their game last weekend, giving quarterback more targets on the field. Despite“ the minor A total of 16 starters return from both sides of the ball improvement record-wise, the from a year ago. Where does this team’s biggest strength players agree that the lie? program is running more CSU’s biggest strength has to be the multiple options it fluidly with McElwain as head has at each position. There are a few who are listed as coach. questionable for the game at Alabama, but the Rams still have athletes who can step up ” at any time. Before the season got underway, the starting quarterback What’s your final score and position remained a race between why? three different guys up until the commencement of the first game. CSU also had three different run- My prediction for a final score ning backs get 10 or more touch- would be somewhere around es last Saturday. Defensively, 42-10 in favor of Alabama. The safety Trent Matthews, line- Crimson Tide are coming off of backer Shaquil Barrett and cor- last week’s huge game at No. nerback Shaq Bell have all been 6 Texas A&M, and there’s a known to produce key plays reason why they’re the two-time defend- when needed. Barrett earned ing national champions. CSU might be able Mountain West special teams to produce something in the later part of player of the week honors the game once the Alabama starters exit after coming up with two the game, and if the Rams’ offense can blocked field goals against get kicker Jared Roberts within field goal Cal Poly. range, he should be able to convert. Image courtesy of The Rocky Mountain Collegian

08 09/20/2013 GAMEDAY