Jumbo Package: Long-time ‘Bama goad, Bob Stoops, hangs ‘em up

An old nemesis hangs ‘em up

In an oddly-timed abrupt departure, Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops hung up the whistle yesterday. After 18 years, the longest-tenured coach in FBS retires with 190 wins (the most in a school history that has churned out Bud and Barry,) 10 conference titles, and a national title. To Alabama fans, more irritatingly, three of those wins are against the Crimson Tide, a team he never lost to. Red-hot offensive coordinator, Lincoln Riley takes over for Stoops.

And, tongue-in-cheek teasing about impending NCAA investigations has started too. I’m not saying that at all, but a punctuated departure is naturally going to raise questions as to why a man would end his career at 56. As Josh noted this morning, Nick Saban began his Alabama tenure at age 56. Then again, perhaps the occasionally-noted staleness in Norman arises because he’s tired of it all. Lack of motivation had a great deal to do with other legendary coaches: Bowden grew bored, Spurrier had golf to play, etc.

He leaves untouchable in Norman, to be sure. But, between unapologetically playing a lot of violent nut cases; too many big losses in too many big games; and diminishing returns in the last decade, a more mixed legacy for Stoops will emerge in the coming weeks.

His “great friend,” Nick Saban may miss Stoops, but most Alabama fan will not.

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Dark horse for playing time

Stewart has been a mentor and big brother figure for Simmons. And Simmons is now emerging as a legitimate contender for playing time entering Year 2 with the Tide while reminding at least some inside the program of his former hotel roommate.

"I see a lot of me in him," said Stewart, a first-team All-SEC selection last season.

Nice story on T.J. Simmons, a receiver that we tend to forget when mentally carving up the two-deep. Besides his size, Simmons has the work ethic and physicality to see the field in some situations.

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Speaking of playing time

Tide reserve defensive lineman, O.J. Smith, tweeted-then-announced he was leaving the university. For Smith it makes sense: He can get more playing time at a school and scheme more in line with his size (6’3” 330.) In this spread era, Saban’s recent defenses have increasingly become lighter and leaner and more in-betweener.

The days of strong, mammoth, run-stopping nose tackles are largely over in Tuscaloosa. However, there are several potential stops for a huge 3-4 NG: Michigan, having lost its entire defense, comes to mind for the three-star.

Best of luck, O.J.

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Tony Brown, still supah fast.

Brown ran a personal best yesterday, in what has been the best season of his track career. I’m sure PiperTJ will brief us on the results of Nationals when they conclude. I can’t even speak half knowledgeably on the disparate sports.

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Athlon’s “Shameful” games

Alabama and Auburn both get opprobrium for scheduling the woeful Mercer Bears for an FCS bloodbath. But, ya’ know, let’s just ignore that Alabama also plays No. 2 Florida State to open the season.

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It’s just a really slow day, folks. Sorry about that. We’ll do better to get some players arrested or something. #Offseason