2009 Week 7

By the end of the 1st quarter, Alabama already had 1 interception, both of their fumbles were returned for touchdowns, and they were down 24-3. Between quarters, Coach Perry gathered all of his players around him on the sideline and yelled six words: "No more mistakes! Play to WIN!" When the Tide marched back on the field, they had already forgotten the 1st quarter. They shut them out in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and only allowed 1 TD in the 4th that came off a fumble return for a TD when Grant was stripped amongst a group of players.

With Mark Ingram out, Roy Upchurch carried the load (148 yds 3 TD). The player that shined the most was Heisman hopeful Julio Jones who helped lead the comeback with 2 TD receptions towards the end of the half.

The defense had a great day only allowing 76 yards thanks to big plays behind the line of scrimmage (9 TFL, 3 Sacks). But Bama could have used some big turnovers from their defense to help surge them past South Carolina. This was the 2nd game this season that the Tide hasn't forced a turnover.

Next week...The Vols come to town. Alabama's hated rival will be coming in off a bye week. Even with the bye, Tennessee is still limping in due to some serious injuries to key offensive players. Gerald Jones is out for the season and Jonathon Crompton is still nursing his dislocated elbow. Without those two players, players like defensive linemen Terrence Cody and Lorenzo Washington or linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Rolando McClain will be licking their chops...