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David Pollack ponders Alabama’s offensive approach: ‘Is Nick [Saban] going to go back into his shell?’

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David Pollack ponders Alabama’s offensive approach: ‘Is Nick [Saban] going to go back into his shell?’


David Pollack is fascinated by how No. 4 Alabama will conduct its offense this season now that quarterback Bryce Young is in the NFL. Many are predicting or expecting head coach Nick Saban to revert to his old-school style on offense.

However, the analyst can’t envision the icon figure turning the clock on back in 2023.

Pollack told ESPN’s Greg McElroy on “Always College Football” that it’s realistic to expect a ground and pound attack in this day and age of the sport.

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“If they lean more on their defense and more on their run game they’re going to have put less on the quarterback’s shoulders. How can Alabama regain what they had 10 years ago?” Pollack said. “Maybe that murder-ball as opposed to a little bit more spread, a little bit more airing it out the last couple of years.”


Pollack wistfully remembers the days of smash mouth football but says the sport has evolved beyond it.

“Is Nick going to go back into his shell and play that kind of ball? I think ball has changed so much,” Pollack said. “I don’t think you can…I would love to tell you, you can win with defense and you can win with the run game. I don’t think so.”

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However, Pollack is a major advocate of new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who he praises for his schemes and leadership.

“After watching Tommy Rees the last couple of years, I love that cat,” Pollack said. “I think he is really, really good. I think he brings an edge and a mentality to them. That dude don’t play around.”

Pollack is particularly bullish on Jalen Milroe in Reese’s offense if he gets the nod at quarterback.

“You think about Milroe in that offense and what he could do with his unbelievable freakish running ability,” Pollack said. “I find it hard to believe that’s what Nick will go back to but Rees does a great job of pre-snap motion and flooding zones. Unbelievable job of just understanding what defenses are in and using it against them.”

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When reflecting on last season, Pollack notes a lot of Alabama’s success on offense hinged on the otherworldly talent of Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

“I was disappointed in their offensive line a year ago. I didn’t think they were very good…” Pollack said. “People didn’t understand how good Bryce Young was because he carried that offense at times. I was so disappointed in the structure.”

Alabama kicks off the regular season with a home matchup vs. Middle Tennessee on Sept. 2.





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Alabama

2025 Alabama Hi-Q academic competition kicks off

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2025 Alabama Hi-Q academic competition kicks off


MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – The first match of the 2025 Alabama Hi-Q season kicked off today.

The academic quiz competition for high school students with categories such as mathematics, history, physics and fine art and more.

Mobile County public and private schools compete in teams of eight to 10 students. At the end of the 15 contests, the top three teams win cash awards for their schools. Individual awards are given out, as well.

FOX10’s Lenise Ligon was invited to be the quizmaster, maintaining the tradition of fox10’s involvement. Bob Grip was quizmaster for 38 years.

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Students from Mary G. Montgomery High School, Blount High School, Theodore High School, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Satsuma High School and Barton Academy For Advanced World Studies competed in today’s event.

Blount got the win for the first match. There’s a challenge though and the win could go to MGM

St. Paul’s won the second match.

The competition ends in March when the overall winner is declared.

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Ole Miss vs. Alabama Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Tuesday, Jan. 14

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Ole Miss vs. Alabama Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Tuesday, Jan. 14


Alabama extended its winning streak to eight games on Saturday by beating Texas A&M on the road but will face another tough out on Tuesday when Ole Miss comes to Tuscaloosa. 

The Rebels have been much improved in 2024 as Chris Beard continues to turn this program around and will look to score a signature win to propel the team to the NCAA Tournament by winning on the road as a big underdog. Ole Miss has been capable on both sides of the floor, will it be able to keep close to the Crimson Tide? 

Here’s our betting preview. 

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Moneyline

Total: 153.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Ole Miss

Sean Pedulla: The Virginia Tech transfer has provided some necessary floor spacing for the Rebels, shooting 40% from deep as the team has been able to take a big jump offensively. While his defense leaves some to be desired, he has proven he can hang on the floor with his sound playmaking, ball handling, and shooting. 

Alabama

Mark Sears: Sears hasn’t been able to replicate his scorching 2023, but he remains a high-value player on an elite offense for the Crimson Tide. Sears is averaging 19 points with more than four assists per game but is off of one of his best games of the season in which he closed out Texas A&M on the road with 27 points. 

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Ole Miss will face its first top-20 team in terms of KenPom’s adjusted efficiency rating, so there could be a bit of a setback for what has been an impressive season to date for the Rebels. However, I believe the offense can put points on the board against Alabama’s defense that plays drop coverage, and turns opponents over at a bottom 60 rate in the country. 

The Rebels are a capable offense that has a bevy of players that can create off the dribble and attack Alabama in the paint, so I believe the visitors will be able to score at a healthy rate in this game. 

On the other end, Alabama may be able to tee off from the perimeter against Ole Miss’ no-middle defense that lends itself to players open from beyond the arc. Further, if Sears can win in isolation sets, the rim should be easy pickings for the Crimson Tide to score at will.

In an up-tempo affair, I think both offenses rule the day and this game goes over the total. 

PICK: OVER 153.5

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.



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No. 21 Ole Miss visits Sears and No. 4 Alabama

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No. 21 Ole Miss visits Sears and No. 4 Alabama


Associated Press

Ole Miss Rebels (14-2, 3-0 SEC) at Alabama Crimson Tide (14-2, 3-0 SEC)

Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST

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BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Crimson Tide -11; over/under is 164

BOTTOM LINE: No. 4 Alabama hosts No. 21 Ole Miss after Mark Sears scored 27 points in Alabama’s 94-88 win against the Texas A&M Aggies.

The Crimson Tide are 7-0 in home games. Alabama ranks fourth in the SEC with 39.1 points per game in the paint led by Labaron Philon averaging 7.3.

The Rebels are 3-0 against SEC opponents. Ole Miss ranks sixth in the SEC with 16.0 assists per game led by Jaylen Murray averaging 4.1.

Alabama averages 10.3 made 3-pointers per game, 3.1 more made shots than the 7.2 per game Ole Miss gives up. Ole Miss has shot at a 45.4% clip from the field this season, 4.6 percentage points above the 40.8% shooting opponents of Alabama have averaged.

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The matchup Tuesday is the first meeting this season between the two teams in conference play.

TOP PERFORMERS: Sears is averaging 19.1 points and 4.5 assists for the Crimson Tide.

Sean Pedulla is scoring 14.1 points per game with 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Rebels.

LAST 10 GAMES: Crimson Tide: 9-1, averaging 92.5 points, 41.1 rebounds, 17.5 assists, 7.7 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 78.8 points per game.

Rebels: 8-2, averaging 76.4 points, 30.9 rebounds, 16.1 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.4 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.




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