I’ve avoided writing much about basketball this season, and I’ll continue as long as possible. I loved watching basketball when Wimp Sanderson was the coach, and Alabama was winning SEC titles and making the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.
Everyone wants Mark Gottfried to be successful. But it would be an understatement to say most of us are wondering if he will ever have long term success here.
Applewhite Rumors:
Could Major Applewhite head to Texas as an assistant? Possibly, writes a columnist for the Austin American-Stateman.
However, here is the key line from this report:
One Texas source described reports of his return as inaccurate and said Applewhite would not return as co-offensive coordinator. I believe him. I do not think that is in the plans. Greg Davis will remain as offensive coordinator, but he is an Applewhite confidante and has been for a long time.
I also find it doubtful Applewhite would leave for anything other than a head coaching position. Applewhite was contacted twice by Houston regarding its head coaching opening.
Rumors in Texas have had Applewhite “unhappy†in Tuscaloosa working for a dictator.
If that were the case, wouldn’t it make the most sense for him to heavily pursue openings?
If Applewhite were to bolt, it is less likely he’d be fed up with Saban than with people calling his home late at night following a loss.
Saban Year in Review:


The Crimson White provides a summary of 2007—the year that was Saban.
Cecil Hurt provides a statistical breakdown on the 2007 Alabama team.
Recruiting:
As we start talking about recruiting, let’s begin with the two recruits who are on campus. Kicker Corey Smith and receiver Chris Jackson have enrolled and will be ready for Spring Practice.
The players hope it gives them an advantage heading into the fall, possibly even being able to contribute as freshmen, writes the Birmingham News.
Julio Jones visit schedule appears to be the same with Oklahoma looming on Jan. 25. Is this the biggest worry? The chatter in Oklahoma certainly would indicate that, but there is a confidence among many recruiting observers that won’t happen. I suppose we’ll just have to wait to really know. Recruiting is worse than political primaries.