Chris's Blog - Monday November 3rd PDF Print E-mail
Sunday, 02 November 2008 22:15

7:50 p.m. CST - A change on Rocky Top...

I would have written about Phil Fulmer's firing earlier, but I was too busy dancing a jig all afternoon.

Actually, I'd much prefer to see him stick around and get his fanny kicked by Alabama, and the rest of the SEC, a bit longer.

I doubt seriously that any of us enjoyed seeing him get canned as much as his former coach and boss Johnny Majors. The former Vols head coach was stabbed in the back by Fulmer years ago, and has never hidden his feelings about him.

I'll never forget meeting Majors for the first time. It was at a golf tournament in Mobile, and I was wearing an Alabama shirt. I introduced myself as being a member of the broadcast crew for the Crimson Tide Sports Network. About 15 seconds after introducing myself, Majors went into an expletive-laced rant about Fulmer, asking how in the world the Tide could have allowed him to get the upper hand.

It was hysterical.

I talked to a friend in Knoxville today (yes, I do have a couple of them there). He told me that Majors was scheduled to speak to the Knoxville Quarterback Club in a couple of weeks, but that the former Heisman runner-up showed up today as a guest - which never happens. When asked his thoughts on Fulmer's dismissal, Majors refused to "comment on anything that has to do the coach who followed me at Tennessee."

Beautiful. He still won't call him by name.

8:05 a.m. CST - Football and Hoops on a Monday...

Have fun at work today, Bama fans. Smile big. Gloat. Enjoy.

As I wrote yesterday, you deserve to enjoy being ranked No. 1 in the country. Obviously, it could be a one week visit to the top of the BCS Standings, but for now, the Tide's on top and you have every right to enjoy the journey - no matter how long or brief it may be.

Looking at the first basketball scrimmage... 

I took the family to Coleman Coliseum yesterday to see the Alabama men's basketball team in its first scrimmage of the year. One question: Who was that wearing Mikhail Torrance's uniform? The junior from Eight Mile, AL pured in 27 points, dishing out nine assists, and grabbing five rebounds, and only turning the ball over twice in 36 minutes of work.

For those of you that think it was a fluke, I'm told he has been the Tide's top scorer in every scrimmage so far. I have no clue if that will continue, but it's nice to see Torrance have success early. Hopefully that will carry over to real games.

Among the other observances, this team will indeed push the basketball this year. Yet, when they do go to a half-court offense, they will still be able to score. JaMychal Green heads a group of post players who I believe, collectively, will make up for the loss of Richard Hendrix.

Also, this team will be MUCH better from the free throw line. Collectively, the two squads shot 84% from the free throw line. Torrance and Green were both 8-of-8 from the stripe.

I said a week ago that I tink we're going to enjoy watching this team. Sunday's scrimmage just re-inforced that belief. The next chance to see the Tide in action will be Thursday night at 7. Bama will host Faulkner in exhibition play.
 

Chris's Picks for Today

Alabama upsets No. 23 Mississippi State
Gentry Estes, Mobile Press-Register
This time, Tide doesn't fade in the second half
Don Kausler Jr. -- The Birmingham News
Alabama upsets No. 23 Mississippi State 62-57
The Associated Press
What does the next decade hold?
Mark Schlabach/ESPN.com
Saban secures his place in Alabama history
Tony Barnhart/AJC
Looking ahead: For ‘10, UA faces depleted defense
Chase Goodbread/Tidesports.com

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