Alabama

How the Lions’ ‘Bama Boys’ are guiding an Alabama DB’s NFL path

Published

1 year ago

February 27, 2025

How the Lions’ ‘Bama Boys’ are guiding an Alabama DB’s NFL path

INDIANAPOLIS — Alabama’s Malachi Moore wasn’t shy about his respect for former college teammate Brian Branch and the rest of his fellow “Bama Boys” playing for the Detroit Lions.

Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, the 23-year-old defensive back pulled back the curtain on the bond he formed with Branch and Terrion Arnold, both of whom he stays in weekly contact with.

The two Lions defenders have been instrumental in Moore’s preparation for this year’s combine, sharing insight and experiences while also comparing and contrasting the differences between the college and NFL games.

While Moore has yet to meet with the Lions in Indianapolis, Detroit could be in the market for safety depth in this year’s draft. The Alabama defender shared he would embrace the chance to reunite with his “brothers” in Detroit’s secondary.

“It would be great to play with my guys Terrion and BB on the defensive side of the ball. We already had that great chemistry, and we come from the same lineage in college football, playing under Coach Saban,” Moore said. “So, all of us are like-minded, and we’re still brothers to this day. Like I said, our relationship is great.”

Moore said he and Branch are like “two peas in a pod,” having entered Alabama together as freshmen in 2020.

Attached at the hip since then, Moore said both players share a similar mindset, refusing to limit themselves in terms of what they can contribute to a team anywhere in the secondary.

“Whatever the team needs me to do — if you need me to be deep in the post or in the deep part of the field, I can do that. If you need me to come down, fill the box, and play the run, I can do that as well,” Moore said. “If you need me to cover down on the slot or cover speed at three, I’m comfortable doing that as well.

“I think that just comes from my experience. When I first came into school, I was a star for the first four years, and now I’ve moved to safety. So, I feel like I have an advantage in being versatile while also being comfortable doing new things. This year was my first year playing safety, and I feel like it was the best year I’ve had in college.”

Despite taking pride in his versatility, Moore said he’s at his best in man coverage, where he can utilize the instincts he developed playing star — a hybrid defensive role — in previous seasons.

That experience, he believes, sets him apart from the other safeties in this draft class when it comes to guarding opposing receivers.

“Freshman year, I was guarding Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith every day at practice, and I don’t think there are a lot of guys better than those two out there,” Moore said. “So, Alabama definitely prepared me for that.”

Another player Moore lined up against daily in practice at Alabama: Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams.

“Jamo — he’s got a different type of speed, and you see that, but seeing it every day at practice is a little different,” Moore said. “You definitely get acclimated and used to guarding people that fast, and when you get to the game and guys aren’t that fast, it makes things easier.”

Moore’s wealth of experience in multiple roles for the Crimson Tide led to him earning first-team All-SEC honors in his final season at Alabama. He recorded 70 tackles (40 solo), eight passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles (one recovered), and one sack.

Modeling his game after Jessie Bates III, Derwin James Jr., and even Branch — whom he considers his NFL comparison — Moore said he studies different players.

“(Me and Branch) were just on the phone the other day, talking about life and football, and I always ask him about little techniques that he uses or what he’s picked up in the league that’s different from college,” Moore said. “He’s always giving me little gems—definitely about man-to-man coverage, the slot, and just his physicality.”

But what about when it comes to his own playing style?

“I’m an aggressive, instinctive player. I’m a player who really takes pride in my preparation, which allows me to go out there and play fast,” Moore said. “But I’m also a great communicator. Coming into Coach Saban’s defense, especially playing star, you’re almost the quarterback of the defense, so to speak.

“So, I’m very used to talking, being loud, and communicating. And even when I moved back to safety this year, my communication was, I would say, even better.”

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Alabama

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Published

5 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”

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Alabama

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Feb. 28

Published

17 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Feb. 28

Labaron Philon’s No. 18 Alabama Crimson Tide (21-7, 11-4 SEC) hit the road to match up with Ja’Kobi Gillespie and the No. 22 Tennessee Volunteers (20-8, 10-5 SEC) at Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET.

We have more details below, including how to watch this matchup on ESPN.

Prepare for this matchup with everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s college hoops action.

Tennessee vs. Alabama: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Game time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Arena: Thompson-Boling Arena
TV Channel: ESPN
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Tennessee vs. Alabama stats and trends

Tennessee ranks 78th in the nation with 80.5 points per game so far this year. At the other end, it ranks 62nd with 69.1 points allowed per contest.
The Volunteers are thriving when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (39.9 per game) and second-best in rebounds allowed (25.9 per contest).
So far this season, Tennessee ranks 30th in college basketball in assists, averaging 17.1 per game.
With 11.8 turnovers per game, the Volunteers are 257th in the country. They force 10.7 turnovers per contest, which ranks 224th in college basketball.
This season, Tennessee is making 6.9 threes per game (271st-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34.7% (139th-ranked) from three-point land.
With a 30.2% three-point percentage allowed this season, the Volunteers are 22nd-best in the country. They rank 182nd in college basketball by giving up 7.8 three-pointers per contest.
Tennessee has taken 67.3% two-pointers and 32.7% three-pointers this year. Of the team’s buckets, 75.8% are two-pointers and 24.2% are three-pointers.

Tennessee vs. Alabama Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-4.5)
Moneyline: Tennessee (-222), Alabama (+179)
Total: 164.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 4:11 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

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Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

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Alabama

Alabama ‘Fully Aware’ of Losing Streak to Tennessee Ahead of Road Rematch

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Alabama ‘Fully Aware’ of Losing Streak to Tennessee Ahead of Road Rematch

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Losing to a rival almost always hurts more than falling to another opponent during the regular season. Years of hatred, unforgettable moments and tradition boiled up into one game, and the delivery is nowhere to be found for one team.

No. 17 Alabama has won seven straight games and is eyeing an eighth on Saturday on the road against No. 22 Tennessee. This is the second time that Crimson Tide will face the Volunteers, as Alabama lost in Tuscaloosa in January.

The loss a month ago to head coach Rick Barnes and company brought UA’s losing streak against Tennessee to five games. It’s the first time that the Tide has dropped this many games to the Vols since 1968-72 — a streak that came two years before Alabama head coach Nate Oats was born (Oct. 13, 1974). It’s why Oats is not treating Tennessee as a faceless opponent or like any other team the Tide has faced.

“Every year we’ve been here they’ve caused us issues,” Oats said during Friday’s press conference. “Our players, are fully aware that we’ve lost five in a row. They’re fully aware of what happened out there last year. I’ve taken ownership for my share of what happened up there last year.

“We’re fully aware that they beat us at home. We haven’t lost very many home games in conference, period, really since we’ve been here, and they handed us one this year.”

After falling to Florida on Feb. 1, Alabama moved down to the ninth spot in the conference standings, and the college basketball world started to question whether or not the Crimson Tide would be a threat in the postseason.

But a switch flipped after that loss, and the current winning streak has Alabama tied for the No. 2 spot in the SEC standings. Everything seems to be trending in the Tide’s direction, as there are only three games remaining on the schedule.

Oats is in his sixth year as Alabama’s head coach. Following the retirement of former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl during the offseason, Oats became the second-longest tenured coach for one team in the conference. The coach in front of him: Tennessee’s Rick Barnes, who has held his position since the 2015-16 season.

Both Alabama and Tennessee have finished conference play in the top-4 of the standings since the 2022-23 season. The Crimson Tide was the regular-season and SEC Tournament champions in both the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, while the Vols won the 2022 SEC Tournament and were the conference’s regular-season champions in 2023-24.

“So our guys know, but at the same time, we’ve got a lot of respect for how they play and what they do. We’ve got to come in with a healthy amount of respect for them, but we got to try to win this game.

“There’s a lot riding on this game. What happens in Arkansas-Florida, you’re either going to be all alone in second place if we could get a win, or you’re going to be one game out first. If you take a loss, now you’re in danger of losing a top-4 seed. They’ll be tied with us if we take a loss.”

“So there’s a lot riding on the SEC standings in this game here. They know that. They know what our struggles against Tennessee have Been as well.”