Chris Stewart Sports

2:30 p.m. - Hello from Fayetteville...

I had intended to send you a couple of more blogs before now, but our hotel has been without Internet service. I'm writing you during the middle three ininngs of Alabama's Sunday game at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mick Gillispie has the call, which allows me a coupole of minutes to share a few thoughts.

Regardless of the outcome of today's game, the Crimson Tide is still, in my opinion, headed toward a very good season.

Things came very easy to this club in winning 16 of its first 17 games. But now, as the Tide has moved into SEC play, everything becomes more difficult. There is little room for error. As this team learns that, they will be fine.

There is depth and talent at all spots for this team. The five losses (at the moment) have come by a combined six runs. That's a clear indication that this team isn't far off. You hope, however, that the close losses - with four coming in succession - won't wear on this team mentally. If today's start is any indication (4-2 Bama through 4 1/2 innings) the Tide will be just fine.

Next week is a big one, though. Win or lose today, you play in-state rivals in all five games. That means, at Alabama, you will absolutely get the best effort from Jax State (Tuesday in Tuscaloosa), UAB (Wednesday at Hoover), and Auburn (three games this weekend at Sewell-Thomas).

I'll check back in later tonight or Monday, depending on when we get back on our charter flight to Tuscaloosa this evening.

Roll Tide!