West Alabama Monday Briefing
Good morning West Alabama. It is Monday, October 14, 2024.
Monday Morning Observations:
- Can the offensive line consistently block on the edge? Can they consistently give QB Jalen Milroe time to work his magic and receivers enough time to run their routes?
- Can the defensive line not play hands with the Vol offensive line and instead shed blockers and apply pressure to a very talented Vol QB Nico Iamaleava. (The Vol signal caller has shown that a hard rush, especially blitzes, is problematic for him at times.)
- Speaking of blitzes, has Tide Assistant Coach Kane Wommack noticed than blitzing can take pressure off a very young defensive backfield at times? Yes, you can live and die via the blitz but anything that can help the defensive backs is good.
- Can those young defensive backs improve each week going forward? If they don't, it is going to be a long second half of the season.
- Can Alabama as a team become more disciplined, quit the jumping offsides, holding and personal fouls that extend the other team's drives and end their own. They have done better but improvement is still needed.
- Does Kalen DeBoer and staff realize the significance of the "Third Saturday in October" and the victory cigar?
State offices, courts and most banks are closed today for the Columbus and Indigenous Peoples holiday. Many municipal and county governments do not observe the holiday in Alabama.
No arrests or further information have been released so far concerning an early Sunday morning shooting at Creekwood Village Apartments. One man is being treated for life-threatening wounds according to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit.
Read More: Victim in Critical Condition After Shooting at West Tuscaloosa Apartment
More Alabamians are on the way to assist Florida in the response to the devastation left by Hurricane Milton. An 18 member ALDOT crew from the Fayette area arrived in Florida over the weekend.
West Alabama people and organizations continue to assist hurricane victims in need:
Area organizations like former Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon’s Benevolent Way and Wings of Grace are collecting items to assist those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. You can drop your donations off at Herndon’ s office at 2728 Lurleen B Wallace Blvd and at the Wings of Grace Relief Center located at 3101 Alabama Avenue NE.
Read More: Hurricane Season Continues: What Alabamians Are Keeping an Eye On
The City of Tuscaloosa has cut the ribbon for the newly remodeled Snow Hinton Park just off McFarland Blvd. The heavily used park was closed for nearly a year to allow the $12-plus million-dollar renovation.
Tuscaloosa City Councilman John Faile believes it will add to the national reputation of this month’s Kentuck Arts Festival to be hosted there the first time and the city’s image.
The park is named after the late Snow Hinton who was a longtime mayor.
Read More: Tuscaloosa Finishes $12 Million Upgrade to Snow Hinton Park Ahead of First Kentuck Festival
61-year-old Ricky D. Rice, of Aliceville, was killed in a one vehicle crash on Franconia Road about two miles south of Carrolton City limit in Pickens County over the weekend. Troopers report Rice was not wearing a seatbelt.
Read More: Aliceville Man Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash in Pickens County
Exterior work to the Duncanville Volunteer Fire Station has been completed. Department officials hope the interior work will be completed and the station operational by Christmas. The facility will include a polling place and a new storm shelter.
Topping Sports News:
Renown sports artist Daniel Moore has announced he will commemorate freshman receiver Ryan Williams TD catch and DB Zabien’s Brown’s interception in his “Dueses Wild” print commemorating Alabama’s upset win over Georgia.
According to various Las Vegas wagering establishments, Alabama is anywhere from a 1.5 to 2.5-point favorite to beat Tennessee in Knoxville Saturday afternoon. The game kicks off at 2:30pm CDT.
Surprisingly, Alabama remainder 7th in this week's college football top 25 but the Vols dropped.
AP College Football Top 25 Poll:
- Texas
- Oregon
- Penn State
- Ohio State
- Georgia
- Miami
- Alabama
- LSU
- Iowa State
- Clemson
- Tennessee
- Notre Dame
- BYU
- Texas A&M
- Boise State
- Indiana
- Kansas State
- Ole Miss
- Missouri
- Pittsburgh
- SMU
- Illinois
- Army
- Michigan
- Navy
USA Today/Coaches Poll:
- Texas
- Oregon
- Penn State
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Miami
- Alabama
- LSU
- Clemson
- Tennessee
- Nore Dame
- Iowa State
- BYU
- Texas A&M
- Ole Miss
- Missouri
- Kansas State
- Indiana
- Boise State
- Pittsburgh
- Illinois
- Michigan
- SMU
- Army
- Nebraska
Click TuscaloosaThread.com for the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather. Better yet, download the app.
Have a magnificent Monday and Roll Tide.