The Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive staff earned an honor this week. Here is the official release from the University of Alabama:
Offensive Coaching Staff Honored
TUSCALOOSA – The Alabama offensive coaching staff was honored as one of the nation’s top staff’s during the first week of the 2009 college football season, according to the FootballScoop Game Changing Coaches.
The FootballScoop recognized offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, associate head coach and running backs coach Burton Burns, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Joe Pendry, wide receivers coach Curt Cignetti, tight ends coach Bobby Williams and graduate assistant Mike Groh after the Tide’s impressive 34-24 win over No. 7 Virginia Tech last Saturday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
“The Alabama staff overcame many obstacles with a new quarterback going against one of the most-respected defensive coaches in the county in Bud Foster,†the website said in its weekly release.
Alabama’s offense piled up 34 points and 498 yards, the fourth-highest total under head coach Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide offense also held the ball for 37:02, with junior quarterback Greg McElroy and sophomore running back Mark Ingram leading the way.
McElroy completed 15-of-30 passes for 230 yards and one touchdown in his first collegiate start. He was 9 for 12 for 136 yards and one touchdown in the second half. Ingram ran 26 times for a career-best 150 and one touchdown and added three receptions for 35 yards and another 18-yard score. He finished with a career-high 185 all-purpose yards and accounted for 99 yards and two scores in the decisive fourth quarter.