Think back for a moment, if you will. Think back to the middle of last week, where all was right in Tuscaloosa and all was, well, on edge in Auburn.
Crimson Tide fans were confident about their team taking care of business in the Iron Bowl and once again watching their beloved head coach lead Bama into the College Football Playoffs. Auburn fans were hoping for the best — after all, the Iron Bowl was at Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Tigers were facing an Alabama team with a back-up quarterback. Still, many of the Auburn faithful had their head coach in mind — a coach, they thought, who could be a goner if he lost to the Tide.
Fast forward to today … whoa!
The coach they call “The GOAT” has been taking heat from national pundits, while Gus Malzahn is off the hot seat and relishing in the fact that he has beaten Nick Saban two of the last three years. Malzahn should be proud, as he’s the only active coach in the SEC who has beaten Saban more than once — in fact, Malzahn is 3-4 overall against the Alabama coach. (more…)
I am a creature of habit, and I’m all out sorts.
You see, prior to the beginning of every year, I mark the first Saturday of December on my calendar. For 10 of the last 11 years, I have traveled to Atlanta to cover the SEC Championship football game. For me and most of you, it’s been almost automatic: plan on watching the Crimson Tide or the Auburn Tigers play an eastern division team for — most often — a spot in the BCS Championship Game or, over the last several years, the College Football Playoff.
This week, however, my brain is frazzled; for only the second time since 2008, a team other than Alabama or Auburn will appear in the big game.
What’s a super fan who roots for Alabama and Auburn this time of year do now? I think this Saturday I may be buying a Christmas tree. (more…)
Are you a University of Alabama football fan who may be feeling a bit down in the dumps after Saturday’s Iron Bowl? Before you answer that question, let me introduce you to Jason Sanders of Utica, MS; in a family chock full of LSU fans, Jason absolutely loves his Crimson Tide — he’s been rooting for Bama since he was a tyke (it seems some of his teachers, big Bama fans, had an effect on him).
This past Saturday, Jason was a bundle of nerves. Every time Auburn scored, Jason would drop his head. Every time Bama scored, he would release his pent up energy by rolling around the house and then back in front of the TV before yelling, “Praise the Lord.” And when the final seconds of the game came and went, the teenager with Cerebral Palsy looked at his dad, Dana Sanders, and said, “Well, I guess that’s it … now what’s next?”
You see, for all of his 14 years, Jason Sanders has lived by the words, “What’s next?” (more…)
Dear Pat,
We hope you don’t mind if we take a few minutes to tell you how much you mean to us. In the coming days, I know that many will be speaking about your class and your courage, and we’re honored to be among them.
When we heard the news, our heart sank. It was early Sunday morning when you closed your eyes and went to the Lord. And while we know that you must be busy getting reacquainted with old coaches, friends and family members in your new home, we want to remind you what you meant to us here on earth.
It’s hard to believe that is was fifty years ago that you starred in football, basketball and baseball at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham. We always knew that you had big things ahead — and you took your special talents to Auburn, a college you picked over Alabama, Notre Dame and many others.
We always knew that while you were setting records at Auburn, your heart melted when that young lady named Jean Hicks was in your presence. And you knew that Jean was special — that’s why the two of you were married halfway through college. (more…)
The colors orange and blue make his blood pressure rise. The words “War Eagle” make him queasy. And an Iron Bowl win by the Tigers make him question his reason for living.
Why? He’s a former University of Alabama center who played for Bill Curry and Gene Stallings. He’s a two-time All-SEC lineman, and he’s one of the most beloved Crimson Tide football players in the program’s history.
Yet the love of his life — the woman who gave him a son — the kind, smart, funny person whom he has called his wife since 2001 is… yes … an Auburn grad!
We’ve all heard of Tide and Tigers’ “mixed marriages,” as Alabama and Auburn fans often show the world that such a partnership can work. But a former Bama star football player marrying an Aubie? Oh, the horror! How did this come to be? This the story of Roger Shultz and his wife Paige: two down-to-earth, normal folks who every day remind us that love can win, even over the most heated rivalry in all of college sports. (more…)
It’s a heartwarming story that will bring tears to your eyes, and I bring it to you just in time for Thanksgiving. Chris Stewart is back home after spending nearly four months in a Birmingham hospital.
Chris, a University of Alabama Athletics Department play-by-play announcer who calls men’s basketball, Crimson Tide football and baseball (he also hosts the Nick Saban TV show) is feeling blessed to be alive — and now, Chris and his wife, Christy, have agreed to share their story with you: It’s a story of faith, hope and resilience. (more…)
I want to bring you a story that you have never heard — a beautiful story sent to me by Jeff Cantrell, the Ramsay High School softball coach. It’s the story of a Homewood High School star athlete, a star athlete who made a real difference.
A few years ago, Ramsay faced powerful Homewood High School in a big local softball game. While the young Ramsay players fought hard, they still lost to Homewood by three runs.
As players from both teams gathered for the post-game prayer, one of the stars on the winning Homewood team stood up to address the Ramsay players. (more…)
Are you as excited as I am? Of course you are!
The 2019 Iron Bowl is only days away, and if you are like me, you are playing the big game over and over in your mind in a futile effort to determine how the game will turn out. Of course if we knew that, we’d all be rich!
One way to bolster our arguments about which team will win is to look into the numbers: The Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers rank very high in many categories in those national statistical rankings. I thought I’d throw some of those stats your way as to better educate us on the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.
Before you watch the big game, hop on board as I bring you “The Road Ahead,” Iron Bowl edition. Let’s crunch some numbers and see where these teams shake out.
Watch: (more…)
It won’t be long now!
With all due respect to Saturday’s Tide and Tigers games, the road ahead is all about the Iron Bowl — and oh, how that game looks different than it did a week ago. (more…)
His five words hit home.
Five words that could have been uttered by a Tua Tagovailoa teammate, one of Tua’s parents, an Alabama football fan and, yes, you.
“I feel bad, I’m hurting.” (more…)
He will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Alabama Crimson Tide football history, yet he came and went in a flash.
A long weekend has reminded us how fleeting joy can be — after all, “2nd and 26” was just 20 months ago. Yet, it seems that Tua Tagovailoa would be around longer. Can you believe that he was the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback for less than two seasons? Barring a return to the Capstone for his senior season (Tua is still expected to turn pro next spring despite the hip injury suffered days ago), Tua will never play another down of football for the Tide.
How many times have we heard it? You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone. (more…)
I have sad news to share with you: Our friends at The Bright Star restaurant have confirmed that longtime owner Jimmy Koikos has passed away at the age of 81.
Bob Carlton was one of the first to report Jimmy’s passing.
Jimmy, who has been fighting a cancer diagnosis for months, was born in Bessemer. For over six decades, Jimmy, together with his brother, Nicky, brought thousands of satisfied diners great food and hospitality.
A University of Alabama grad, Jimmy could count the likes of Coach Bryant, Gene Stallings, Joe Namath, Nick Saban, Sandra Bullock and hundreds of others as his good friends.
Still, Jimmy treated every one of his customers with respect and kindness, as for years he reminded us how to treat one another. (more…)
We’re just hours away! The biggest game this weekend in college football should be a wild one, as the world of the College Football Playoffs will run through Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Say what?
The Auburn Tigers are nowhere near the top four teams in the latest rankings. Yet today’s result will have a domino affect on what teams will enter the playoffs and what teams won’t. Possibly affected by this game? Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, Baylor, Oklahoma and, yes, perhaps even Auburn (the Tigers are hoping that if the dominos fall correctly, Auburn could become the first two-loss team to make the playoffs).
So then, how will it all play out this afternoon? How will the rest of the season go for Malzahn’s crew? (more…)
This is a story about tragedy and triumph, a story about loss and love.
It’s a story that perhaps hasn’t received a lot of local attention, but it’s a story that needs to be told, as it’s a story about perseverance, strength and determination. A warning: If you are not holding a tissue, find one ASAP.
As thousands of high school athletes signed college scholarships on Wednesday, the University of Alabama Athletics Department reeled in the top recruit in America. However, this signee is not a football player, but rather the top high school wheelchair basketball player in the nation — and the story of Houston’s Peter Berry is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring. (more…)
You can surely call me wacky. You can surely call me unconventional. Just don’t call me Shirley. And after perusing this column, perhaps you will call me enlightened (I can only hope). Yes, I’m telling you that there’s a chance. That chance may be slim, but there’s a chance that the Auburn Tigers could soon find themselves in the College Football Playoffs.
Now, before you send me to my doctor, give me just a few minutes to make my case — my doctor can wait.
I’m here to tell you that if Auburn wins out, the Tigers could become the first-ever two-loss team that makes the four-team playoff field.
How in the name of Aubie can that happen? Here we go: (more…)
I heard the buzz earlier this week on sports talk radio, and I sincerely thought it was a joke.
But no joke it was, as I had heard the news correctly: A talk show host was relaying information that a prominent media star was telling his national TV and radio audience that he thinks it’s time for Alabama football coach Nick Saban to retire. After a five-point loss to LSU. After going 63-5 and winning two national championships over the last five years. For Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports, this was no joke.
I heard the buzz a day later. A prominent sportswriter and broadcaster was telling his national audience that the Alabama football dynasty could be nearing an end. After a five-point loss to LSU. After winning five national championships in 10 years. To ESPN’s Ivan Maisel, this was no joke.
This is what a single Alabama football loss has led to: Some media types going rogue, and their followers buying in.
Why is it happening? (more…)
It’s a story that you might not have heard — a story that I think is, well, awesome.
You may know that University of Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses is out for the season after suffering a knee injury before a game was even played.
Why then, was Bama’s star linebacker in uniform for the LSU game?
It’s all because of Dylan’s love for his teammates. (more…)
The end zone was but a few yards away. His eyes widened as over 100,000 fans held their breaths — after all, this was Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa not passing the football, but instead running toward paydirt.
Wasn’t the Crimson Tide signal-caller supposed to go easy on that ankle — the same ankle that was repaired just 20 days earlier by a team of surgeons from the Andrews Sports Medicine Institute? It certainly would have been understandable if Tua had chosen any option other than to scramble. But this was Tua Tagovailoa, a proud warrior who knew that an early score less than three minutes into such a monumental game would send an early message to the LSU defense. Suddenly, as Tagovailoa looked to finish off his touchdown run, he felt the football squirt out of his hands.
Something wasn’t quite right with Tua Tagovailoa in the first half of the monumental game, and it was in many ways the result of an ankle that was not quite back to 100%. When Tua later threw an interception and LSU held a 20-point halftime lead, Bama fans found their nails chewed and the name Mac Jones was trending on Twitter. (more…)
Have you started your drive to Tuscaloosa? You better get after it, as it’s going to be a wild weekend in T-Town!
As all eyes will be on the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow and President Donald Trump, I’m here to tell you that if the Crimson Tide win the game against LSU, you will have Norman and Lyle to thank.
Who are Norman and Lyle?
Take a ride with me as we head to Tuscaloosa, and I’ll introduce you to two very important people who are huge keys to Bama’s success.
Watch: (more…)
Let me take a wild guess: You have been giddy with excitement as the Alabama-LSU football game draws closer.
You have listened to the pundits, yet you remain confused about which team will walk off the field a winner. Your brain is filled with frightening thoughts: What if Tua is not 100%? What if Bama misses another field goal when it matters most? What if the president’s visit distracts the Crimson Tide players?
Never fear, a hero of the game is here to put your mind at rest!
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy knows a thing or two about winning big games, and he knows a thing or two about delivering big plays against the LSU Tigers in Bryant-Denny Stadium. (more…)
While it’s a huge weekend coming up for the Crimson Tide football team and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, it’s already been a huge week for Tua’s father.
Galu Tagovailoa told me that he reaffirmed his faith just a few days ago by taking part in the Church of the Highlands’ “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus” series.
Pastor Chris Hodges welcomed Galu, his wife (Diane) and other family members as Hodges helped make Sunday special for the Tagovailoa family and others by holding baptisms.
I appreciate Galu for allowing me to post this video (which was originally posted on Instagram by Tua), and I hope that he has a great week.
The biggest game of the college football season is now even bigger, as numerous media outlets (including Yellowhammer News) are reporting that President Donald Trump will be traveling to Tuscaloosa this weekend.
Will the president have a few moments to visit with Nick Saban before No. 2 Alabama faces No. 1 LSU?
If so, here’s what the conversation might sound like: (more…)
Ready for this weekend’s big game? Heck, the Alabama-LSU match-up is so big, President Donald Trump will attend (and he better not leave the game early…).
While there is no doubt that you want your favorite team to win, I have good news for you: The loser of the game will still have upwards of a 73% chance to make the College Football Playoffs! A one-loss Alabama or LSU team will still be in great shape to make a run to a national championship.
Do you want your team to win this weekend?
Of course, but don’t sweat it: Just sit back, relax and enjoy the match-up, and be content in knowing that even with a loss, your team may just win it all. I’m coming in hot with my take on the big game!
Watch: (more…)
He was hulking and handsome, a talented Auburn University tight end from Atlanta who was known for his great motor and his big heart. But in the early morning hours of June 29, 2014, Philip Lutzenkirchen was gone — and after making a series of bad decisions, at that.
Over five years later, Mike Lutzenkirchen is carrying on the memory of his son and saving lives along the way.
If Philip Lutzenkirchen was a hero on the football field, Mike is a hero to thousands, as he turns his resilient work ethic into good by visiting schools, companies and organizations to spread his message about the dangers of drinking and driving as well as the importance of seat belt use.
Mike’s only son was loving and kind-hearted, but he was also human — and when he climbed into a car and sat in the back seat behind a driver who was drunk, when he sat in that car without a seat belt and was legally drunk himself, he put his life in danger. It was a life that was snuffed out after a vicious crash in LaGrange, Georgia.
Mike told the Huts And Nuts podcast, “If you make a series of poor decisions in a compressed time frame, there is no discrimination.” (more…)