Happy Monday, everyone. What a weekend:
- Men’s basketball dominated Ole Miss on the road.
- Softball swept the weekend.
- Baseball swept three at UNLV.
- Gym came up short but broke 197 in Gainesville.
- Phidarian Mathis became a father.
- Donta Hall was called up to the NBA.
Then, on Sunday, this happened.
MEGAN ABRAMS AT THE BUZZER!!
— Alabama Women’s Basketball (@AlabamaWBB) February 23, 2020
DOWN GOES No. 9 Mississippi State!!#RollTide #GritAndGratitude pic.twitter.com/Hrkak4FuZL
Unfortunately for the ladies, some early season struggles resulting in a current RPI of 80 are going to make it very difficult to earn a NCAA tournament bid. Wins in their last two games would have them at 18-11 (8-8) going into SEC tournament play, however, and if they could win another couple there, who knows? In any case, winning in Starkville was huge for them and locked up a NIT bid if nothing else.
I somehow missed this last week, but check out what NFL writer Ian Rapoport said about Mac Jones.
Just seeing this. The rest of the story should be fascinating. Also worth noting that #Bama had Tua the last few years and a potential first-rounder in Mac Jones for this year. The only way to do it. https://t.co/1rUArh7pLd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 16, 2020
Back in December, I jokingly wrote about the Heisman case for Mac Jones over Joe Burrow, and it is true that Jones put up a better passer rating than Burrow in two starts against common opponents. Mac’s 211.58 rating over four starts would be a NCAA record if maintained for a full season, and two of those games were against top ten defenses. NFL teams are more concerned about talent than college numbers, of course, and this is the first time I have seen any of the usual suspects use “first round” and “Mac Jones” in the same sentence. Guess we will find out.
It is going to be tough to keep a dynamic talent like Bryce Young off the field, but Mac Hereford clearly believes that Jones will be the man.
This picture right here says who Mac Jones is. I have thrown with him for a long time, and seen him battle through tons of adversity. He’s going to lead this Bama team to a special season next year. Mac Jones is a Warrior... pic.twitter.com/qtHhFxU6PF
— Mac Hereford (@Mac_Hereford) February 22, 2020
Now, from what I understand Mac’s nose is bleeding because he wasn’t looking when someone threw a football to him. Still, it has a little “Rocky” vibe to it. Spring practice is going to be fun this year.
Josh Bean made an interesting observation about the early signing period and transfer portal.
It’s clear the combination of the early signing period – created in 2017 – and the transfer portal has created an unintended consequence for high school prospects.
College coaches have essentially adjusted their recruiting calendars and encourage (that means demands) high school players to sign in December. Then, if there’s a clear roster need – like Alabama’s desire for immediate help at tight end – Power 5 coaches abandon high school seniors and moves to the transfer portal.
There’s probably a lot of truth to that, and it will only get worse if the universal one-time transfer waiver is passed. Since most signings are now happening in December, coaches will have time to assess the portal alongside the high school market. The very best players will always have a place, but four-star types who want a shot at one of the top programs would now have even more incentive to sign in the early period.
A couple of Alabama signees are vying for state basketball titles.
For Story, he’s trying to help Lanett win a fourth basketball state title in the last five years. The Panthers won three straight 2A championships from 2016-18, with Story playing on all of those teams. Pickens County is trying to win its first state basketball title since winning three in a row from 2010-12.
Story and Latham play pivotal roles for their teams.
Story’s athleticism is well chronicled. Saban has spoken in the past about having defensive linemen with basketball experience, and how it helps in batting down passes at the line. Perhaps that will be a strength for Jah-Marien Latham.
Nate Oats could use some depth, especially in the frontcourt. Maybe Raymond Hawkins is coming along late.
I went from 250 to 227
— raym (@raymondhawkiins) February 24, 2020
Sounds like conditioning is probably one of the main things that held Ray back this year.
Colorado settled on a replacement for Mel Tucker, and on the surface it’s pretty uninspiring.
“I’m excited to be back, it’s like coming home,” said Dorrell, who was CU’s offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach from 1995 to ‘98 and the receiver coach from 1992 to ‘93. “The thing that excited me about this job is that my experience in the past here for the most part has been very successful. We had a lot of good teams, went to a lot of good bowl games. It’s a top caliber program that has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to return it to that level.”
Dorrell coached WRs for the Miami Dolphins last year and held the title of Assistant Head Coach, but he hasn’t been in the college game since 2007 and wasn’t terribly successful back then. Good luck, Buffs.
Last, Ole Miss fans didn’t have much to cheer about Saturday night, but this was spectacular.
LEGEND! 84-year-old Mary Ann Wakefield sunk this 94-foot putt to win a new car
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 23, 2020
(via @OleMissMBB) pic.twitter.com/Rkq2GDD8yk
Her daughter jumped into the replies to say that Mary is actually 86 years old, has seven children and really needed a car.
Great stuff all the way around.
That’s about it for today. Have a great week.
Roll Tide.