Scholarship controversy update
Over the weekend, a friend pointed out that SMQ’s analysis of the scholarship situation at UA could be wrong. His analysis put UA at 64 on scholarship, and Ian Rapoport’s analysis was 66 on scholarship at the conclusion of spring drills. The discrepancy could have been created by Alabama’s two early enrollees: Corey Smith and Chris Jackson.
When you add these two it looks like Alabama could get as many as 27 or 28 from the recent signing class.
As pointed out previously, at least one signee could take a Bryant Scholarship, and thus not count against the 85 cap. Additionally, injuries on the team could mitigate any need to “cut†players. Fans are awaiting word on players like Ezekiel Knight—he may or may not play again.
The excellent AOL Fanhouse blogger Pete Holiday reminded us that these numbers are all just estimates or guesses. This probably will all work out through normal attrition.
Wilson freshman of the week
Alabama’s baseball team went 2-2 for the week. Freshman Ross Wilson of Hoover fame powered the Tide. According to UA: In four games this week, Wilson batted .308 (4-for-13) with three home runs and five RBI. He added five runs scored, four walks and compiled a 1.000 slugging percentage with 13 total bases. He was the Tide’s leading hitter in the series win over Mississippi State , going 4-for-9 (.444) with three home runs and five RBI. Wilson added five runs scored, four walks and posted a 1.444 slugging percentage with 13 total bases in the series. Wilson tied the Alabama single-game record with two home runs in the seventh inning in the series opener against MSU. He led off the inning with a solo home run off Forest Moore and capped the inning with a two-run home run off former Hoover HS teammate Greg Houston. Wilson hit a game-winning two-run home run in the seventh inning in the series finale as Alabama claimed the series with a 4-3 win.
Saban Caravan hits Mobile
The Mobile Press-Register reported: Alabama football coach Nick Saban will be in Mobile on Tuesday night to headline the inaugural stop of this year’s new UA Crimson Caravan tour.
Organized by the Red Elephant Clubs of Baldwin County and Mobile, Tuesday’s event is set for 6 p.m. at the USS Alabama Battleship. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased in advance at www.rolltide.com.
Tide golf wins SEC title
On Sunday, (Jay) Seawell orchestrated yet another first for the Crimson Tide program as Alabama swept the 2008 Southeastern Conference Championships, the Birmingham News reported.
It somehow amazes me that so many people are so concerned about this issue. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out that Saban will do fine stocking the shelves in Tuscaloosa.