Alabama Will Practice at Ford Stadium

[MrMustang1965]

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama players will take a week off for final exams before resuming workouts Friday for the Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl.

The No. 13 Crimson Tide (9-2) plays No. 18 Texas Tech (9-2) in Dallas.

Alabama players practiced for two hours Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa — the team's second workout since its 28-18 Iron Bowl loss to Auburn on Nov. 19 and its first practice in a week.

"We wanted to get at least one more practice in so the guys wouldn't be as rusty when we get going next week," coach Mike Shula said.

The time off has given Alabama players time to rest and heal, including senior quarterback Brodie Croyle, who was sacked 11 times by the Tigers.

"I'm fine," Croyle said after Saturday's practice. "I was sore for about a week after the Auburn game."

When asked what Alabama's Cotton Bowl practice schedule was, Shula joked it was "classified."

The official schedule, however, isn't a secret. Alabama will conduct a pre-bowl media day Friday, followed by a 4 p.m. practice.

The Tide will practice in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 before breaking for Christmas.

Alabama players will report to the team hotel in Dallas on Dec. 26, and will conduct their first practice at Southern Methodist University's Ford Stadium on Dec. 27.

Part of Saturday's work, though, was spent looking at Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are averaging 399.9 passing yards per game and have passed for 33 touchdowns, a stiff test for the Alabama defense — which is no slouch, either.

The Tide has given up 211.1 passing yards per game, and only 353.4 total yards per game.

[that's great raplh]

roll tide

welcome to our gem on modcingbird

[WorldStang]

whew hew.. so exciting.

[Hoop Fan]

Do we host schools like this out of the goodness of our hearts or do they pay us something for the wear and tear on our facility? They outta pay us given their obscene BSC money. Not only that, we don't owe the Cotton Bowl any favors. They will never again do any business with us or our conference.

[Pony4Life]

I believe they pay, but I'm not sure about that.

[NavyCrimson]

MAKE 'EM PAY!!

knowing us & our want-ta-be administrators, we'll just roll right over & get $%%$## again!!!

[MrMustang1965]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama defensive back Simeon Castille was ruled academically ineligible for the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 2 against Texas Tech.

Castille started every game this season and made two interceptions. Coach Mike Shula said Thursday the sophomore was ineligible under a Southeastern Conference rule.

"Everyone else should make the trip, as far as we know, right now," Shula said.

The loss of Castille could be significant against a Texas Tech team that relies on the pass. Sophomore Eric Gray and junior Jeffrey Dukes are expected to share time at defensive back in place of Castille.