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Alabama v. Tulane
September 6, 2008
Final Notes: Alabama Tops Tulane
Some game notes from tonight's 20-6 Alabama win over Tulane:
Junior return man and cornerback Javier Arenas returned his fourth career punt for a touchdown in the first quarter, when he took a 33-yard punt 87 yards to the house to put Alabama up 6-0. The return was the fifth-longest in school history.
Chris Rogers' blocked punt return for touchdown was Alabama's first since Marcel Stamps returned one 14 yards for a score against Western Carolina on September 18, 2004.
Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson, despite throwing for just 73 yards on the night, passed former quarterback Brodie Croyle for most career plays at the University of Alabama. Wilson entered the game tied with Croyle with 1,052 career plays and surpassed him on the opening snap.
True freshman linebacker Courtney Upshaw and kicker Corey Smith became the 10th and 11th Alabama true freshmen this season to see game action. Upshaw joins Julio Jones (WR), Mark Ingram (RB), BJ Scott (WR), Chris Jackson (WR), Dont'a Hightower (LB), Chris Jordan (LB), Mark Barron (DB), Marcel Dareus (DL) and Robby Green (DB).
Final Score: Alabama 20, Tulane 6
Alabama has defeated Tulane tonight 20-6. The Crimson Tide scored 13 points in the first quarter, all on special teams. Junior Javier Arenas ran back a punt for an 87-yard touchdown, and junior Roy Upchurch blocked a punt, which was returned 17 yards for a touchdown by Chris Rogers. In the second half, freshman Mark Ingram gave Alabama its final points of the night on a 15-yard touchdown run.
The win takes Alabama to 2-0 on the season, while Tulane drops to 0-1.
Alabama returns to action next week against Western Kentucky. The Crimson Tide and Hilltoppers will kick off at 6:07 p.m. and the game is available on a pay-per-view basis.
Alabama Drains Clock, Punts it Away -- 9:08 p.m.
Tulane just got the ball back thanks to an Alabama punt, but the Crimson Tide were able to drain the clock down to under two minutes. The Green Wave will now take over on their own 13, trailing 20-6 with 1:45 left in the game.
Tulane Converts, But Tide Takes Over -- 9:04 p.m.
After converting the previous fourth down, a pass completion just gave Tulane a first-and-10 at the Alabama 29, before Tide linebacker Cory Reamer sacked quarterback Kevin Moore for a seven-yard loss. An incomplete pass set up the Green Wave with another fourth down, and the Alabama defense provided enough pressure on the quarterback to force a lob pass that was batted down. With 3:38 left, the Alabama offense will now take over on its own 31-yard line.
Tide Defense Faces Crucial Fourth Down -- 8:56 p.m.
Tulane is driving again, now across the 50 and into Alabama territory. The Green Wave just called a time out and will face a fourth-and-1 at the Alabama 47-yard line, with 6:16 left in the game.
Tulane Gets the Ball Back -- 8:49 p.m.
Alabama was able to pick up a first down, but the Tulane defense just forced another Tide punt. With 9:28 left in the game, the Green Wave take over now at their own 30-yard line. Alabama leads 20-6.
Tide Defense Holds Tulane to a Field Goal -- 8:43 p.m.
Facing a first-and-goal at the 4-yard line, the Alabama defense held Tulane out of the end zone, forcing a 21-yard field goal. With 11:47 left in the game, Alabama leads Tulane 20-6.
Tulane Driving Into Alabama Territory -- 8:38 p.m.
After receiving the Alabama kickoff, Tulane has driven the ball all the way to the Alabama 4, where it now faces first-and-goal. With 12:33 left in the game, Alabama still leads 20-3.
Ingram Puts it in the Endzone -- 8:28 p.m.
Freshman tailback Mark Ingram just capped Alabama's 77-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown run around left tackle. Ingram provided a spark for the Alabama offense on its last drive, breaking a pair of long runs before the 15-yard run to the end zone to end the third quarter. Leigh Tiffin, absent for most of the game, converted Alabama's extra point to give the Tide a 20-3 lead heading to the fourth quarter.
Tide Ground Game Finding Rhythm -- 8:24 p.m.
After struggling for most of the game, the Alabama running game is finding its rhythm a bit here in the final minutes of the third quarter. Alabama has driven the ball from its own 23 down to the Tulane 31, thanks largely to long runs by Mark Ingram and John Parker Wilson.
Alabama Defense Holds Again -- 8:16 p.m.
After a turnover gave Tulane the ball on the Alabama 31-yard line, the Tide defense held again, forcing a field goal attempt from the Green Wave, which was unsuccessful. The Tide offense will now take over at the 23-yard line, leading 13-3 with 4:41 left in the third quarter.
Tulane Takes Over in Alabama Territory -- 8:14 p.m.
Alabama tailback Glen Coffee just broke a long run for the Crimson Tide, but fumbled on the 31-yard line. Tulane recovered and will take over with 6:31 left in the third quarter.
Alabama and Tulane Trading Punts -- 8:09 p.m.
Both offenses are struggling in the third quarter tonight, with Alabama and Tulane each trading punts throughout the quarter. Javier Arenas, who set an Alabama single-game record for punt return yards in the first half alone, is out of the game with an injury. Freshman Julio Jones is in for Arenas in punt returns. With 7:39 left in the quarter, the score is still 13-3 Alabama, with the Tide about to begin its next drive at the 8-yard line.
Second Half Underway -- 7:52 p.m.
Action is underway in the second half here at Bryant-Denny, with Alabama leading Tulane 13-3. Tulane will begin its opening drive at the 26-yard line.
Stallings Tribute Receives Standing Ovation -- 7:39 p.m.
The University of Alabama honored John Mark Stallings, son of former Tide coach Gene Stallings, with a video tribute during halftime of tonight's game against Tulane. John Mark, who lived for 46 years with Down syndrome, passed away Aug. 2. Stallings was a mainstay at Alabama practices and games during his father's tenure as Alabama coach, and worked for a time at the Paul W. Bryant Museum on campus. The UA football equipment room was named in his honor in a formal ceremony in 2005, and is now called the "John Mark Stallings Equipment Room." The video tribute garnered a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
Bryant Alumni Athlete: Ben W. McLeod, Jr.
At 95 years old, Ben W. McLeod Jr. is the oldest living Tide football letterman. McLeod, who entered the University in 1932 on a basketball scholarship, played on three SEC Championship-winning basketball and baseball teams, but the proudest moment of his college career came when he was a part of Alabama’s 1934 national championship football team. He graduated from the University in 1936, with eight varsity letters: three in basketball, three in baseball and two in football, despite the fact that freshmen could not letter at the time. After graduation, McLeod coached football, basketball and baseball at T.R. Miller High School in Brewton and spent his summers playing semi-pro baseball in Alabama and North Carolina. In his last two years at T.R. Miller, his football teams went undefeated. McLeod joined the Navy in 1941 and was stationed in Pensacola, Fla., where he served eight years of active service and another 20 in the Navy reserves along with being the athletic director at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. He retired from the Navy as a full commander in 1972 and still lives in Pensacola.
Bryant Alumni Athlete: George "Duke" McCain, Jr.
George “Duke” McCain, Jr. has always embodied the grit and tenacity the Crimson tradition. He came to the University on a football scholarship and played halfback under coach Red Drew, lettering 1950 and 1951. He graduated from UA in 1952 with a Commerce and Business Administration degree. McCain served for two years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force before enrolling in UA’s School of Law where he was a member of the school’s Board of Editors. He also earned a degree in taxation law from New York University School of Law and quickly gained a reputation as one of the top international tax experts in the U.S. while working in the New York City home office of Mobil Oil Corporation. He retired in 1989 while working in Houston, Texas, as a senior partner of the Deaton, Briggs and McCain law firm.
Bryant Alumni Athlete: Barbara Mack Harding
An All-American who led Alabama to its very first NCAA Championship appearance, Barbara Mack Harding has always competed at the next level. A Rhodes Scholar finalist and the inaugural winner of the Paul W. Bryant Scholar-Athlete Award, Harding used an NCAA Postgraduate scholarship to attend Georgetown University Law School where she was the editor of the law review. After earning her law degree, she worked as a prosecutor for U.S. Justice Department and as the Deputy Director of the White House Security Review. A long-standing partner with the Kirkland and Ellis law firm, she has also served as an adjunct professor and a visiting lecturer at George Washington University Law School. The inaugural winner of the Sarah Patterson Outstanding Alumni Award, She was a Southeastern Conference “Story of Character” during the Southeastern Conference’s 75th Anniversary celebration last year.
Alabama Honors Bryant Alumni-Athlete Award Winners -- 7:33 p.m.
At halftime Barbara Mack Harding, George “Duke” McCain, Jr. and Ben W. McLeod, Jr. were presented as the 2008 Paul W. Bryant Alumni-Athlete Award winners. This award honors those outstanding alumni whose accomplishments since leaving The Capstone represent excellence in the areas of character, contributions to society, professional achievement and service to their community.
Alabama Takes 13-3 Lead to the Break -- 7:31 p.m.
A pair of special teams touchdowns and a stingy defense have led Alabama to a 13-3 lead at halftime. Javier Arenas was the story in the first half, recording 141 punt return yards -- a school record -- and a touchdown.
Alabama Defense Holds -- 7:28 p.m.
With Tulane driving deep into Alabama territory, the Tide defense held and kept the Green Wave out of the end zone, forcing a 23-yard field goal attempt, which was no good. With 11 seconds to go, the score is still 13-3 Alabama.
Arenas Sets a Record -- 7:22 p.m.
Javier Arenas has set a new Alabama record tonight in his first two quarters of work. His 141 punt return yards are the most ever by an Alabama player in a single game. The record breaks Harry Gilmer's previous mark of 122 yards, set in 1947.
Arenas With Another Big Return -- 7:11 p.m.
Javier Arenas is having a big night. Another big punt return, this time a 33-yarder, just set up Alabama with the ball at the Tulane 20-yard line. The Tide offense, however, was unable to punch in the ball and kicker Corey Smith, in the game for Leigh Tiffin, hit the right upright with his field goal attempt. With 6:59 left in the half, it's still 13-3 Alabama.
Tide Offense Looking to Finish -- 7:03 p.m.
Still 13-3 here at Bryant-Denny, with 9:08 left in the second quarter. Alabama has been able to find a bit of a rhythm on offense so far in the first half, but the Tide is having a hard time finishing off drives. Another punt by P.J. Fitzgerald has Tulane starting its next drive at its own 10-yard line.
Tulane on the Board -- 6:52 p.m.
Tulane is on the scoreboard now, thanks to a 35-yard field goal after its drive stalled at the Alabama 18-yard line. With 13:07 left in the first half, Alabama leads the Green Wave 13-3.
End of the First Quarter, 13-0 Alabama -- 6:48 p.m.
A pair of special teams touchdowns has given Alabama a 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Tide got on the board first on an 87-yard punt return from Javier Arenas, then added six more with a blocked punt and return. Roy Upchurch broke through the Tulane line, and Chris Rogers ran the ball in from 17-yards out. Tulane will open the second quarter with the ball at the Alabama 29-yard line.
Special Teams Scores Again -- 6:40 p.m.
Alabama just scored its second special teams touchdown of the night, on a blocked punt and return. Junior Roy Upchurch got through the Tulane line and smothered the punt, and Chris Rogers recovered the block at the Tulane 17-yard line and ran it in for the score. Corey Smith, in the game at kicker for the Tide, was unable to convert the extra point, giving Alabama a 13-0 lead with 3:15 to go in the first quarter.
Shakeup on Tide Offensive Line -- 6:34 p.m.
A small shakeup on the Alabama offensive line as Brian Motley is in the game at left guard, with Mike Johnson shifted out to take Andre Smith's spot at left tackle. David Ross is in the game at right guard, a spot Marlon Davis held down for the Tide last week.
After finding a rhythm in the passing game on that last drive, the Tide stalled near midfield and was forced to punt for the second time so far. PJ Fitzgerald's kick landed in the end zone, and Tulane is set to start its next drive at its own 20-yard line. It's still 7-0 Alabama here, with 4:50 left to go in the first quarter.
Arenas Takes it to the House -- 6:20 p.m.
Alabama return man Javier Arenas just ran back a 33-yard Tulane punt 87 yards for his first touchdown of the year. Arenas received the ball near the right sideline and reversed field, picking up a number of key blocks before outrunning the Tulane special teams the rest of the way down the left sideline. Leigh Tiffin's extra point gives Alabama a 7-0 lead with 10:45 left to play in the first quarter.
Arenas Runs it Out -- 6:10 p.m.
First-and-10 Alabama from its own 27 after Javier Arenas fielded the Tulane kickoff in his own end zone. Alabama's first play was a toss to Glen Coffee for five yards, as we are now underway at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama Wins the Toss, Will Receive -- 6:08 p.m.
Captains for tonight's game for Alabama are seniors Antoine Caldwell, Rashad Johnson and Travis McCall. Alabama won the coin toss and elected to receive.
Flyover at Bryant-Denny -- 5:59 p.m.
Two F-16 fighter jets and a P-51 Mustang just roared over the capacity crowd at Bryant-Denny following tonight's National Anthem. With the coin toss forthcoming, we are just minutes from the Crimson Tide's home opener against Tulane.
Tide Receives National Publicity -- 5:55 p.m.
After last week's 34-10 win over Clemson, the Crimson Tide received a good bit of national publicity, including the honor of being the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Team of the Week. Additionally, Tide running back Glen Coffee was featured on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated after running for 90 yards on 17 carries. Alabama outgained the Tigers 419-188 in the game while holding the Clemson ground game to zero net yards.
Alabama Without Smith, Alexander -- 5:40 p.m.
Alabama will be without a pair of offensive players tonight, as junior left tackle Andre Smith and sophomore wide receiver Earl Alexander are both out of action with injuries. Smith suffered a sprained knee in last week's game against Clemson, and Alexander has been nursing a sprained ankle. Both players are listed as day-to-day.
In Smith's place will be junior Mike Johnson, an experienced lineman who has played both tackle and guard in his career. Taking Johnson's spot at left guard will be sophomore David Ross, earning his first start for the Crimson Tide.
Both Teams Out For Warm-Ups -- 5:23 p.m.
Just about 45 minutes from kickoff here at Bryant-Denny Stadium where No. 13 Alabama is set to face off against Tulane in the Crimson Tide's home opener, and both teams are on the field for pre-game warmups. Alabama is coming off a convincing 34-10 win over then-No. 9 Clemson, while Tulane is playing its season opener. The Green Wave were displaced to Birmingham this past week due to Hurricane Gustav, which forced an evacuation of New Orleans.
