Trent Richardson's solo dominance offers Tide hope for repeat title - Andy Staples - SI.com
Richardson is a prime example of why so many poll voters think Alabama can repeat as national champion, in spite of losing most of its defense. The Tide faced Penn State without Ingram and defensive end Marcell Dareus, who finished a two-game suspension for accepting improper benefits from an agent. Without perhaps their best players on offense and defense, respectively, the Crimson Tide crushed a top-20 team.
Warning: Tide set to get better | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal
Richardson said he welcomes Ingram's return. In the first two games, Ingram has been the first on the field, attired in his No. 22 game jersey and crimson warmup pants, to congratulate players after touchdowns."Mark is anxious to get back. I can't wait until Mark gets back, because with him we're going to be a way better team," said Richardson, after rushing for 144 yards on 22 carries, one touchdown, and producing 207 all-purpose yards against Penn State.
No. 1 Bama about to reload with absent stars - College football- nbcsports.msnbc.com
"It will be helpful to get Marcell Dareus back on defense, but I think we just need more players to contribute, especially on defense where there are more young guys who just need to take advantage of the opportunity," Saban said.
With Dareus back, Tide defense gets an extra boost | TideSports.com
“He’s handled the suspension well and I think that he learned his lessons,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said Saturday after the game. “He definitely made poor choices and decisions, poor choices and decisions have consequences, and he’s suffered through his consequences.
“He’s worked hard and I think he’ll make a significant contribution when he comes back.”
Why not a neutral site? 'This game belongs here,' Duke coach says of Tide's visit to Durham | al.com
"They wanted what's best for our program, and the best thing for our program is to play the big games in our stadium," Cutcliffe said. "A lot of things have changed here, but this is kind of an outward statement of that they have changed.
"It's not just that we're playing here. This game belongs here, and there will be others coming in the future like it. It's fun to be a part of. We want big-time college football at Duke."
Notes: Cutcliffe knows Alabama fans won't be hard to recognize | al.com
"When they start arriving early on Thursday to sightsee around town and be in the area, folks just don't need to be too surprised. ... They'll be all over on our campus on Friday, walking around, checking things out, getting their own scouting report. It'll create a nice atmosphere in that regard."
SEC Week Two: Gamecocks, Crimson Tide Rise To Occasion - Blogcritics Sports
Alabama's offense is a juggernaut.
They can line up with two tight ends and pound it. They can go five wide and sling it down the field. They can convert the short field. They can drive it 90+ yards. The backup running back (forced into a starting role due to injury) gets his own highlight special on GameDay. There's very little the Crimson Tide's offense can't do and do well. Now the defense is more opportunistic than punishing like it was in 2009 but it's hard to imagine a team with the defense to stack up against what Alabama puts on the field. Penn State keyed on everything Alabama wanted to do last week and was unable to stop any of it.