Alabama

What does history indicate for first-year Alabama football coaches in Tennessee rivalry?

Published

48 mins ago

October 16, 2024

What does history indicate for first-year Alabama football coaches in Tennessee rivalry?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Nearly 35 years later, Martin Houston remembers the “chaos” during the third week in October 1990. The Crimson Tide started that season 0-3 under first-year coach Gene Stallings but reeled off wins over Vanderbilt and Southwestern Louisiana before their trip to Neyland Stadium to face No. 3 Tennessee. Very few people expected Alabama to win. Still, the pressure was at an inflection point.

“People were calling for Stallings’ head,” said Houston, Alabama’s starting fullback from 1989-1992. “If that was in 2024, it would have been just as bad or worse than (the scrutiny) now, but it was bad then even without social media.

“Back then, and I don’t know if they still do it as much now, we had these loudspeakers and listened to Rocky Top all week. It was kind of chaotic, but it forced us to focus.”

What stood out most to Houston about the week leading up to the game was the confidence the team had despite its record. It felt like it wasn’t playing to its potential, so there was no intimidation factor.

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What transpired on Oct. 20, 1990, was one of the most iconic games in this series, and it’s one of several notable Alabama coaching debuts in this rivalry.

The score was tied at 6 with 1:35 remaining when Stacy Harrison blocked Tennessee kicker Greg Harris’ 50-yard field goal attempt. The ball bounced to the Tennessee 37-yard line, setting up the game-winning field goal attempt by Alabama kicker Philip Doyle three plays later. Alabama won 9-6 in what’s considered one of the biggest upsets in series history.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer will face Tennessee for the first time on Saturday. (Butch Dill / Imagn Images)

“We knew that that was a turning point for the Tide,” Houston said. “Even though we ended up losing two more games that year, it kind of set the foundation for the next recruiting class. The next year where we only lost one game and then (1992) we won it all. So that was definitely a turning point where we knew that we could be good under Coach Stallings.”

As things change, they stay the same in this rivalry. Tuesday was Alabama’s first on-field practice day ahead of Saturday’s matchup between the No. 7 Tide and No. 8 Vols. Both teams are 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the SEC.

“Rocky Top” blared through every corner of the facility starting at 6 a.m.

“Everywhere — the weight room, training room,” defensive lineman Tim Smith said. “They tried to play it in the locker room, but we turned that off.”

The turnover within Alabama’s program since its last trip to Neyland in 2022 is another layer to this game. It’s an introduction for coaches like Kalen DeBoer and Kane Wommack and players like Ryan Williams, Domani Jackson and more. This time last year, Nick Saban offered the perfect perspective to contextualize the rivalry’s importance.

“There are stadiums named after the people that have made this rivalry what it is,” he said.

Those people, Paul “Bear” Bryant (.696) and General Robert Neyland (.684) had near identical winning percentages in this rivalry. Alabama leads the all-time series (59-39-7), and first-year Tide coaches hold a record of 8-8-1. The largest margin of victory: 51-0 by J.W.H. Pollard (1906). The largest loss: 25-0 by Frank Thomas (1931).

There only have been six times in history where there’s been a different winner in three straight seasons, most recently 2021-23.

Like 1990, this year’s edition finds Alabama at somewhat of a crossroads. This year’s team is in a much better position record- and rankings-wise, but pressure has started to build since a loss to Vanderbilt and a scare against South Carolina. A loss would put Alabama’s College Football Playoff hopes in serious jeopardy, but a win, like the one in 1990, could be a launching point.

“When we beat Tennessee, it flipped the script,” Houston said. “I think the same thing (this Saturday). Beat Tennessee and the script will flip once again for DeBoer and the haters, naysayers, crazy callers, etc., will be pacified.”

The story of this rivalry cannot be told without the memorable moments produced by first-time Alabama coaches. Another chapter will be written on Saturday. What is expected? If history is any indication: chaos.

Here are some notable moments through the years:

1901: Alabama 6, Tennessee 6

Fittingly, the first game between these programs ended with a tie and a field storming in Birmingham, Ala. It ended early when fans rushed onto the field after a controversial offsides call, and umpires were unable to clear out the crowd. J.L. Broug scored for Tennessee and A. W. Stewart scored for Alabama.

1958: Tennessee 14, Alabama 7

Bear Bryant’s debut ended sourly behind five fumbles (three recovered by Tennessee) in a narrow defeat. Bryant went on to coach the most games of anyone in this series: 25 with a record of 16-7-2.

1983: Tennessee 41, Alabama 34

Ray Perkins’ debut saw one of the most improbable losses for Alabama as a 27-17 third-quarter lead turned into a 41-34 upset. Of any Alabama coach who has beaten Tennessee at least once, Perkins has the lowest winning percentage (.250).

1987: Alabama 41, Tennessee 22

Like Stallings, Bill Curry’s first Alabama team finished 7-5, but it included an emphatic win over No. 8 Tennessee, which finished the season 10-2-1. The win set off a run of prosperity for Alabama in this series as it won seven consecutive games. Freshman Jeff Dunn threw for 229 yards that day, including a 90-yard touchdown that set a program record.

Curry finished 3-0 vs. Tennessee in his Alabama career. He’s one of four Alabama coaches who never lost to the Volunteers and the only one to do so after World War I.

1990: Alabama 9, Tennessee 6

One of the iconic moments in this rivalry’s history and Alabama’s program history. The irony is that the Alabama players didn’t think they’d lose but weren’t sure about a win either.

“We didn’t feel necessarily like they were going to make that field goal,” Houston said. “But we were not thinking that we were going to make it out of there with a win if that makes sense. We thought in the worst-case scenario, it’s going to end in a tie. But we blocked the kick, lined up for ours, and the rest is history.”

1997: Tennessee 38, Alabama 21

Mike DuBose’s debut was the final game of the series played in Birmingham and the start of a downward trend for Alabama in this series. Future NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning led the Volunteers to victory, and DuBose finished his tenure as one of three coaches to never beat Tennessee in multiple tries (0-4).

Mike Shula went 0-4 against Tennessee. (G. N. Lowrance / Getty Images)

2003: Tennessee 51, Alabama 43 (5 OT)

Mike Shula, like DuBose, never beat Tennessee (0-4), but his debut was a classic. No. 22 Tennessee and unranked Alabama played the longest game in the rivalry’s history — nearly five hours and five overtimes. Eventually, Tennessee made just a few more plays to win.

But what happened a few years later turned this rivalry on its head.

2007: Alabama 41, Tennessee 17

Welcome, Coach Saban. Alabama was far from the greatest dynasty in modern history at that point. Still, Saban, John Parker Wilson’s career-high 363 yards and three touchdowns and D.J. Hall’s then-program record 13 catches for 185 yards led Alabama to an upset of No. 20 Tennessee and the most lopsided win in the series since 1986.

Alabama had lost 10 of 12 to Tennessee before that Saturday, but then the Tide reeled off 15 consecutive wins, the longest streak in the history of the series. Tennessee spoiled Saban’s perfect record with an epic 52-49 win at Neyland Stadium in 2022, culminating in the goalposts being taken down.

Alabama hasn’t been back to Knoxville since, setting the stage for another exciting, high-stakes matchup. History indicates that success follows the victor.

(Top photos of Nick Saban, left, and Gene Stallings: Andy Lyons / Getty Images, Jamie Squire / Allsport)

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Alabama

Get ready for ‘super intense’ defense from Alabama basketball this season

Published

8 hours ago

October 15, 2024

Press Room

Get ready for ‘super intense’ defense from Alabama basketball this season

Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats gave a blunt message to anyone who was interested in his assistant coach opening.

“Everybody we interviewed, just basically told them, ‘if you can’t coach a top-5 defense in the country, don’t bother applying or talking to me,” Oats said Tuesday.

Alabama had enough defensive woes a season ago that Oats didn’t want it to happen again. So he hired defensive guru Brian Adams, a long-time NBA assistant.

The Crimson Tide had the No. 2 offense in the country in 2023-24, per KenPom. But its defense finished No. 111. That was a far cry from the No. 3 defense the season prior to go with the No. 20 offense.

“Our defense is going to be markedly improved from last year, due in part to him, due in part to, again, roster,” Oats said. “Roster is more important than the coaches, but we do have to have a coach that knows what he’s doing, and I think he’s doing a great job.”

When Oats references players helping improve the defense, Clifford Omoruyi sits at the top of the list; The Rutgers transfer is expected to provide the rim protection Alabama didn’t really have a season ago.

“Maybe best shot blocker in the country,” Oats said. “Chris Youngblood, ultimate competitor. Houston Mallette, long, athletic defensive guy. The freshmen, Derrion Reid, super versatile. Aiden Sherrell, rim protector. Labaron Philon has been maybe our best two-way guard every day in practice.”

Combine that group with Adams, and the defense has a chance for drastic improvement. Adams has already received praise from Alabama players, specifically Latrell Wrightsell Jr.

“Super intense,” Wrightsell said.

Part of Adams’ job has been changing mindsets and how players view defense at Alabama. Adams has changed the way the Crimson Tide practices, too.

“We normally used to go for offensive scores, now it‘s, who can get the most stops?” Wrightsell said. “He’s definitely brought an intensity into that.”

Time will tell how that translates into intensity on the floor, starting when Alabama begins its season Monday, Nov. 4 at Coleman Coliseum against UNC Asheville.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

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Alabama

Growth in Alabama’s auto supply chain accelerates with major investments – Alabama News Center

Published

16 hours ago

October 15, 2024

Press Room

Growth in Alabama’s auto supply chain accelerates with major investments – Alabama News Center

Alabama’s automotive industry continues its impressive expansion, with new growth projects and investments from key automotive suppliers adding momentum to the sector.

Over the last few years, the state’s auto manufacturing sector has attracted more than $5 billion in new capital investment, generating around 8,500 job commitments in projects tracked by the Alabama Department of Commerce between 2020 and 2023.

“These investments are a testament to Alabama’s strength as a leading player in the global automotive supply chain,” said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “We’ve built a business-friendly environment where automotive suppliers, large and small, can grow and thrive.

“This growth is creating quality jobs and solidifying Alabama’s standing as a top location for advanced manufacturing in the U.S.”

The most recent development came this month when Mobis broke ground on a $52 million, 460,000-square-foot expansion in Montgomery aimed at enhancing its aftermarket parts operations for Hyundai’s and Kia’s dealer networks across the nation.

Mobis broke ground on a $52 million, 460,000-square-foot expansion in Montgomery aimed at enhancing its aftermarket parts operations for Hyundai’s and Kia’s dealer networks. The project will create 27 jobs. (Montgomery Chamber)

The new facility will create 27 additional jobs with an average wage of more than $28 per hour, further strengthening Montgomery’s status as a critical hub for the automotive industry. Learn about Hyundai’s Montgomery plant.

Mobis has invested $475 million in Montgomery since 2002, when it launched operations there, and the company has more than 1,500 employees at the growing site.

“Investment by existing industries is the highest compliment we can receive, and Mobis has demonstrated its commitment by reinvesting in this facility,” said Anna Buckalew, president and CEO of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. “Over the past 20 years, partnerships and relationships have been the foundation of our success.

“Connecting and supporting our existing industries ensures they continue to grow and thrive,” she said.

In addition to Mobis, other automotive suppliers have also announced substantial projects across the state. In Opelika, Daewon America recently committed to a $46.2 million expansion that will add 100 jobs at its facility in the Northeast Industrial Park.

Daewon’s total investment in Opelika now exceeds $164 million since it began operations in the city in 2006, according to John Sweatman, Opelika’s economic development director.

“Opelika has been an incredibly supportive home for our United States headquarters,” said Chris Cho, president of Daewon America. “We are proud to continue expanding our operations here and further strengthen our ties to the community.”

The additions at Daewon are expected to be completed in summer 2027.

Meanwhile, in Cullman, Rehau recently completed a $66 million investment to introduce a new paint line at its plant, which has created 50 new jobs. Rehau, the first automotive supplier to follow Mercedes-Benz to Alabama, now employs more than 770 people in Cullman and continues to expand its footprint in the region.

In August, Rehau marked the completion of a $66 million investment to introduce a new paint line at its Cullman plant, which has created 50 new jobs. (Hal Yeager / Governor’s Office)

“Rehau’s investment demonstrates the value of Alabama’s workforce and the supportive business environment we’ve cultivated,” said Dale Greer, director of the Cullman Economic Development Authority. “This expansion is proof of the company’s continued confidence in Cullman and Alabama as key locations for their operations.”

Alabama’s automotive industry, launched in the 1990s, has rapidly grown into a national powerhouse. As companies like Mobis, Daewon America and Rehau continue to expand their operations, the state remains a key destination for automotive manufacturing and supply chain growth.

With a strong foundation and an ever-expanding network of suppliers and manufacturers, Alabama’s auto industry shows no signs of slowing down.

This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Opelika and the Cullman Tribune supplied material for this story.

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Alabama

How to Watch South Alabama vs. Troy: Time, TV Channel, Live Stream – October 15, 2024

Published

24 hours ago

October 15, 2024

Press Room

Data Skrive

Jamaal Pritchett will lead the South Alabama Jaguars (2-4) into their game versus the Troy Trojans (1-5) at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The game between the Jaguars and Trojans will be airing on ESPN2.

Keep up with college football all season on FOX Sports.

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Learn more about the South Alabama Jaguars and the Troy Trojans.

How to Watch South Alabama vs. Troy

When: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama
Live Box Score: FOX Sports

South Alabama vs. Troy: Head to Head

Troy has beaten South Alabama two times in the past two matchups.
In those games, the Trojans have a 2-0 record ATS, while the two teams haven’t managed to go over the total.
South Alabama has put up 22 fewer points than Troy in their past two games.

South Alabama’s 2024 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Score
8/31/2024	vs. North Texas	L 52-38
9/7/2024	at Ohio	L 27-20
9/12/2024	vs. Northwestern State	W 87-10
9/19/2024	at Appalachian State	W 48-14
9/28/2024	at LSU	L 42-10
10/5/2024	at Arkansas State	L 18-16
10/15/2024	vs. Troy	–
10/26/2024	vs. Louisiana-Monroe	–
11/2/2024	vs. Georgia Southern	–
11/16/2024	at Louisiana	–
11/23/2024	at Southern Miss	–
11/29/2024	vs. Texas State	–

South Alabama 2024 Stats & Insights

South Alabama sports the 16th-best offense this season in terms of total yards (466.2 yards per game), but rank 16th-worst on the defensive side of the ball (442.3 yards allowed per game).
South Alabama sports the 38th-ranked passing offense this season (263.7 passing yards per game), and has been less effective defensively, ranking third-worst with 310.3 passing yards allowed per game.
The Jaguars rank 89th in scoring defense this season (27.2 points allowed per game), but they’ve been playing really well on the other side of the ball, ranking 22nd-best in the FBS with 36.5 points per game.
Offensively, the Jaguars rank 27th in the FBS with 202.5 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, they rank 58th in rushing yards allowed per contest (132).
South Alabama is averaging a 41.9% third-down percentage on offense this season (54th in the FBS), and is giving up a 40.5% third-down conversion rate (84th) on defense.
The Jaguars have forced nine total turnovers (42nd in the FBS) this season and have turned it over three times (sixth in the FBS) for a turnover margin of +6, the 15th-best in college football.

South Alabama 2024 Key Players

Name	Position	Stats
Gio Lopez	QB	1,306 YDS (63.1%) / 12 TD / 1 INT 258 RUSH YDS / 2 RUSH TD / 43 RUSH YPG
Jamaal Pritchett	WR	36 REC / 531 YDS / 6 TD / 88.5 YPG
Da’Marion Bothwell	RB	408 YDS / 6 TD / 68 YPG / 7.3 YPC 8 REC / 73 REC YDS / 0 REC TD / 12.2 REC YPG
Kentrel Bullock	RB	326 YDS / 3 TD / 54.3 YPG / 6.3 YPC 10 REC / 92 REC YDS / 0 REC TD / 15.3 REC YPG
Blayne Myrick	LB	24 TKL / 3 TFL
Tyler Thomas	DL	8 TKL / 0 TFL / 2 SACK
Jaden Voisin	DB	12 TKL / 0 TFL / 2 INT / 2 PD
Amarion Fortenberry	DB	10 TKL / 2 TFL / 1 INT / 1 PD

Troy’s 2024 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Score
8/31/2024	vs. Nevada	L 28-26
9/7/2024	at Memphis	L 38-17
9/14/2024	at Iowa	L 38-21
9/21/2024	vs. Florida A&M	W 34-12
9/28/2024	vs. Louisiana-Monroe	L 13-9
10/3/2024	vs. Texas State	L 38-17
10/15/2024	at South Alabama	–
10/26/2024	at Arkansas State	–
11/2/2024	vs. Coastal Carolina	–
11/16/2024	at Georgia Southern	–
11/23/2024	at Louisiana	–
11/30/2024	vs. Southern Miss	–

Troy 2024 Stats & Insights

Troy’s offense has been a bottom-25 unit in total offense this season, compiling 334.2 total yards per game, which ranks 25th-worst in the FBS. On defense, it ranks 86th with 380.7 total yards ceded per contest.
From an offensive perspective, Troy is putting up 202.3 passing yards per game (93rd-ranked). It ranks 46th in the FBS defensively (198.8 passing yards given up per game).
The Trojans have not been getting things done offensively, ranking 22nd-worst in the FBS with 20.7 points per game. They have been better on the other side of the ball, giving up 27.8 points per contest (94th-ranked).
The Trojans are posting 131.8 rushing yards per contest on offense this season (94th-ranked). Meanwhile, they are surrendering 181.8 rushing yards per game (107th-ranked) on defense.
Troy’s third-down defense ranks 107th in the FBS with a 44.4% third-down conversion rate given up, but it has been carried by its offense, which ranks 22nd-best by compiling a 48.1% third-down rate.
The Trojans have produced four forced turnovers (119th in the FBS) and committed four turnovers (11th in the FBS) this season for a 0 turnover margin that ranks 69th in the FBS.

Troy 2024 Key Players

Name	Position	Stats
Devonte Ross	WR	31 REC / 556 YDS / 7 TD / 92.7 YPG
Damien Taylor	RB	399 YDS / 2 TD / 66.5 YPG / 5.9 YPC 2 REC / 13 REC YDS / 1 REC TD / 2.2 REC YPG
Will Crowder	QB	547 YDS (69.8%) / 5 TD / 0 INT 63 RUSH YDS / 1 RUSH TD / 12.6 RUSH YPG
Tucker Kilcrease	QB	379 YDS (58.1%) / 3 TD / 0 INT 118 RUSH YDS / 0 RUSH TD / 19.7 RUSH YPG
Jordan Stringer	LB	33 TKL / 4 TFL / 1 SACK / 1 INT
Justin Powe	DB	30 TKL / 0 TFL / 1 INT / 1 PD
Brendan Jackson	LB	29 TKL / 4 TFL
Ian Goodly	DB	22 TKL / 0 TFL