TCY - Roll Tide, Roll!

[like a dog]

Long time lurker here, who just dug TCY up. I intend on attempting a dynasty report for the first time as a way of immersing myself more deeply in the game. I don't see myself constructing an entire periphary world as some members do and intend to keep the reports focused on the fortunes of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Some relevant house keeping details:

All-Star difficulty
Include Suspensions
Bowl System
Nothing Randomized
Solecismic Eight in Hawaii

Now lets meet the Tide!

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Head Coach - Adam Wright

I prefer a balanced, professional style offence with an emphasis on power running and the intermediate and deep passing games. Think of the traditional West Coast offence as employed by Don Coryell and, particularly, Ernie Zampese and Norv Turner with the 90's Cowboys.

On defence, I prefer an attacking 3-4 scheme that utilizes multiple blitz packages to keep an offence off balance. Think the Parcells' Giants of the 1980s and the Greg Williams' defenses of recent vintage.

Coaching Staff

Syndicate Coordinator - Mickey Downs
This guy is horrible, and will be here for just one year, be assured.

Defensive Coordinator - Nicky Heft
An intersting coordinator. Is an excellent play caller and deals with players very well, but his players have a disturbing tendency towards injury. Is up and down in his developmental skills. I'll have to see how debilitating his poor injury rating is.

Offensive Coordinator - Tommy Adams
Brilliant playcaller is also superb at developing QBs, but lacks in every other area. I hope that he has an impact on my young QBs before getting his walking papers.

Scouting Staff

Actually fairly good all around, highlighted by a talented Head Scout (SE). Only problem is that he is very old and will probably have to be replaced in the next couple of years.

On to the offense!

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Player # Pos Elig Current Estimate Future Estimate


QB

Tilton, Norbert* 18 QB Sr 83 97
Beals, Kelly 1 QB Jr 66 66
Gardner, Josh 10 QB Fr 23 95
Calvert, David 2 QB Fr 21 86
O'Neill, Matt 8 QB* So* 13 54

It is all about Norbert Tilton here. The kid is a superstar who excels in every aspect of the game and has future NFL franchise QB written all over him.
'Bama could seriously contend for the National Championship with him behind center. Kenny Beals is a great backup who should step in next year for a season
as a starter. The future is Josh Gardener, who has Tilton like potential. Him and Calvert get a redshirt, with the non-descript O'Neill getting clipboard
duties for this season.

Recruiting Needs: None. With Beals slated to be the starter next year and Gardener and Calvert looking good for the future, 'Bama appears to be set at
QB for next season.

RB

Gatas, Roger* 25 RB Sr 79 79
Cochrane, Myron 26 RB So 58 82
Sherman, Lawrence 39 RB Jr* 58 71
Tubbs, Jimmy 47 RB Sr* 48 59
Brennan, K.C. 33 RB* Fr 38 62
Shelton, Jorge 28 RB* Fr 29 68

Roger Gatas has the look of the effective hammer to provide balance for Norbert Tilton's aerial assault. A load at 6'2''/230, the talented, well-rounded
Gatas looks like a real workhorse (100 endurance). He will be the focus of the 'Bama run game. His backup will be Lawerence Sherman, whom my excellent rated
scout thinks is a lot better then I do. With Gatas getting the bulk of the load, Sherman should only need to get 4-6 carries in a game and he is fine in that role.
The third stringer is the solid but unspectacular Jimmy Tubbs. The future at RB is Myron Cochrane, who looks like he will be a stud. He will get a red shirt,
but if Gatas goes down long term he will be inserted into the starting role. Two non-descript walk ons get the shirt as well.

Recruiting Needs: A HB to replace Gatas on the depth chart and to develop behind Cochrane would be nice.

FB

Arnold, Blake 44 FB Sr 82 95
Walton, Bernard 43 FB Sr 75 84
Brennan, Rico 34 FB Sr 67 71
Humphries, Derek 36 FB So* 30 93

Blake Arnold is the complete package at fullback: runner, receiver, and blocker. At 6'0''/250 he brings the thunder and will get a few looks in the running game
in addition to his short yardage duties. Walton and Bernard are not as well rounded as Arnold, but are great blockers. They will get red shirts, but if something
happens to Arnold they will be thurst into action. Humphries will serve as the backup this year. He has great potential.

Recruting Needs: A young blocker to develop behind a veteran group.

TE

Aschbacher, Darren* 85 TE Sr 63 63
George, Blaine 81 TE Sr* 51 63
Edwards, Alan 93 TE Fr 36 53
Straight, Bert 84 TE* So* 26 79
Matijacic, Dwayne 92 TE* Fr 15 67

Aschbacher is a great in line blocker with above average receiving skills who will get the starting nod. His blocking could really free Gatas and Arnold up
for some nice gains on the ground. George Blaine is a solid blocker who excels going over the middle. He will be the backup. Bert Straight is an underdeveloped
walk on, who appears to have great potential. He will be the third stringer. Both Edwards and Matijacic appear to have a future and will be red shirted.

Recruting Needs: A young guy to develop to replace Aschbacher.

WR

Newton, Brenden* 89 WR Jr 86 86
Downs, Carlton* 5 WR Sr 72 72
Lyle, David 9 WR So 61 96
Hulbert, Daniel 82 WR Sr 60 60
Wray, Junior 80 WR So 50 91
Ruth, Xavier 83 WR So 44 75
Farrington, Skip 7 WR* Fr 28 72
Chapman, Dustin 4 WR* So* 21 74

Brenden Newton and Carlton Downs are the best duo of wide receivers in college football. Newton is the more talented of the two, and is dynamic in every aspect
of the game. Downs is actually a better big play threat, but is not the possesion receiver that Newton is. Hulbert is dynamic for a third receiver, and is especially
good at making tough catches over the middle. I think Lyle is very much overated by my scout who is awful with wideouts, and he gets a red shirt, along with the
talented Wray and Farrington. Chapman, who has good upside is the fourth wideout, while the sub-par Ruth rounds out the corps.

Recruting Needs: A young wideout to develop to make up for the impending loss of Downs and Hulbert.

C

Strickland, Chuck 59 C Sr 59 59
Pollack, Kent 55 C Jr* 36 92
Abrams, Gus 56 C So* 20 60

Strickland is a solid starter who is a better run blocker then pass blocker. He will get the start in his senior season. Pollack is a solid backup who will slide
into the starting role next season. Abrams has some upside.

Recruiting Needs: If possible, a third center would be nice since I like to keep three on the depth chart.

G

Olevao, Bob 75 G Jr 53 57
Clinton, Andre 62 G* Fr 20 69
Clements, Ernest 67 G* So* 12 52
Mahoney, Daryl 66 G Fr 12 72
Geiger, Bruce 61 G* So* 5 84

Olevao, who looks better then he is rated, looks like a rock at one guard. All the other young guys look to have upside but little development
Mahoney, who has the best looking upside and best current skills gets a scholarship and the start at RG. This look to be by far the weakest position
on offense. Clinton, the other frosh, gets a red shirt, while Clements and Geiger are interchangable as backups.

Recruiting Needs: None. The young guys just need to develop.

T

Mathis, Bobby* 78 T Sr 77 77
Hurley, Arnold 77 T Jr 72 72
Stegeman, Kevin* 64 T Sr* 67 69
Sanford, Vince 63 T Sr 64 64
Crouch, Dave 60 T* Jr* 27 81

Bobby Mathis and Kevin Stegman look like studs at T. Mathis, more of a finesse player, will play next to Olevao on the left side, while the mauler Stegman,
who is the team's best lineman, will play next to the inexperienced Mahoney on the right. Hurley, another good looking tackle, gets a red shirt. Sanford,
is a very good, experienced backup, while Crouch looks like a future starter.

Recruiting Needs: We are losing two good senior players to graduation, so a tackle is a must. Two would be preferable.

Next, the defense!

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DE

Fiala, Andrew* 91 DE Sr* 75 100
Sadowski, Jermaine* 90 DE Jr 61 81
Shea, Byron 71 DE Sr* 55 89
Ross, Jeffrey 95 DE Sr 52 92
Kaye, Brian 94 DE Sr* 44 77
Gerhardt, Gus 74 DE* So* 25 100

A veteran group led by solid starters Fiala and Sadowski. Fiala in particular could be a force. Shea is an excellent pass rusher who will see plenty of time in
nickel packages. Shea and Kaye are solid all around backups. Gerhardt shows potential, but won't see much time behind this veteran group.

Recruiting Needs: One, preferably two recruits are needed to supplement this veteran group.

DT

Conley, Harry* 98 DT Sr* 68 68
Cash, Neil 73 DT So* 34 94
Packard, Shannon 97 DT So* 26 65
Klug, Barry 79 DT* Fr 24 77

Conley is a perfect fit for a 3-4 nose tackle, a big, mean run stuffer. Cash and Packard are still raw, but show a lot of potential and will back Conley up
as the nose. Klug also shows promise and will get a redshirt.

Recruting Needs: Another big run stuffer would be nice, but not neccesary.

ILB

Sybrowski, George* 52 ILB Sr 52 52
Peters, Ike 53 ILB* So 37 79
Briggs, Rickey 99 ILB* Jr* 29 71
Waldroup, Desmond 51 ILB Fr 26 72
Shoemaker, Johnnie* 42 ILB Fr 12 82

George Sybrowsk is a solid 3-4 MLB who is best when stuffing the run. He will be paired with Johnnie Shoemaker, whose tremendous potential pushes him past the
limited Ike Peters and into the starting lineup. Both Briggs and Waldroup show potential.

Recruiting Needs: This would be a good place for a transfer, but if not another recruit will be needed to replace Sybrowski.

OLB

Terrell, Deron* 50 OLB Sr 63 68
Edwards, Dean 58 OLB So 49 75
Logan, Levon 96 OLB Jr 48 85
Laliberte, Freddie* 54 OLB So 45 86
Hartman, Jackie 57 OLB* Jr 43 72

Terrell is the star of this group. He is a force against the run and as a pass rusher and will man the strong side. Laliberte is already a solid player and has
superstar potential. He is very well rounded and will man the weakside. Logan is a good backup, as is Hartman. Edwards is getting the redshirt.

Recruiting Needs: One, or maybe even two recruits are needed to infuse some youth into a veteran unit.

CB

Odom, Sammy 49 CB Sr 77 91
Weber, Quentin 46 CB Jr 60 68
Strong, Dustin 45 CB So 56 90
Buckley, Marcus 32 CB Jr 51 92
Hopkins, Jim 40 CB So* 38 92
Turner, Tyrone 22 CB* Fr 29 51

Odom is the epitome of the shutdown corner. He should consistently be able to take away half the field, and is strong against the run as well. Weber is a very good
#2 corner who could easily be a #1. Strong has Odom like potential and is getting a redshirt. Buckley is a great nickel back with great potential as well. Hopkins
is raw but has potential. Turner looks to be just a guy.

Recruiting Needs: A recruit to replace Odom and add some youth.

S

Colton, Seth 37 S Jr 64 100
Monpoto, Chad 48 S Jr 46 72
Dowdell, Donovan 35 S Fr 25 67
Terry, Andre 41 S* Jr 34 60
Ferguson, Desmond 24 S* Fr 25 82

Colton is a heavy hitter who lays the wood against the run and is also effective in coverage. He will be joined by the solid and developing Monopoto. The raw but talented Dowdell and Fergueson will be red shirted. Terry is a solid backup.

Recruiting Needs: A recruit is needed for an infusion of youth to a veteran unit.

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P

Robinson, Eric 19 P Jr 68 86
Tyler, Zack 12 P Sr 61 84

Robinson is better, but to not waste Tyler he is getting a redshirt. Thus the solid Tyler is Bama's starting punter.

Recruting needs: A youngster to groom behind Robinson.

K

Strzelczyk, Dexter 15 K Sr 83 83
Rasmussen, Herb 17 K* So* 22 65

Strzelczyk should be rock solid in the kicking game. He should also change field position with his monster kickoffs.

Recruiting needs: A youngster to groom behind/challenge Rasmussen.

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Recruting - Week #1

The following players have been targeted by the Tide:

Offense

A.J. Bridges, 10th RB (Fort Wayne, AL) - 5'9''/195, 66+

Comments: Top recruit in AL automatically gets an offer.

*Derek Favre, 26th RB (Eagle Lake, FL) - 5'11''/190, 77+

Comments: A big bruiser of a back who seems to fit 'Bama's power running game well.

Neil Joyner, 9th FB (Fort Worth, TX) - 6'1''/218, 78

Comments: Big guy who excels at run blocking.

Randall Garcia, 4th TE (Saint Albans, VT) - 6'4''/242, 81

Comments: Big guy who looks like a threat in the passing game.

*Tim Kimble, 11th WR (Westerville, OH) - 5'11''/172, 80

Comments: Big play guy with ridicolous numbers (25 ypc). Drawback is poor attitude and intelligence.

*Kelvin Goldsmith, 3rd C (Charleston, SC) - 6'1''/268, 84+

Comments: Big time offensive line prospect with the consistency I am looking for.

*Daryl Dafoe, 12th T (Lugoff, SC) - 6'4''/281, 71+

Comments: Huge road grader projects as a future RT.

Luke Shapiro, 54th T (Herber City, UT) - 6'7''/289, 84

Comments: Huge but raw player has tremendous potential.

Bert Dillon, 63rd T (Carnegie, PA) - 6'3''/250, 79

Comments: Undersized player may need a year to grow, but has talent.

Defense

Steven Gerhardt, 7th DE (New Orleans, LA) - 6'3''/242, 99--

Comments: Solid run stuffer with big frame to grow into a 3-4 end.

Deron Marvin, 5th DT (Broomfield, CO) - 6'0''/245, 96

Comments: Run stuffer with room to grow into the NT position

George Bronson, 23rd ILB (Imperial Beach, CA) - 6'2''/204, 88

Comments: Run stuffer with room to grow into a force.

Ray McCord, 11 OLB (Amerhest, VA) - 6'0''/200, 100-

Comments: Young pass rusher with tremendous potential. Should be a good fit on the weakside.

Billy Joe Crawford, 35 CB (Mobile, AL) - 5'11''/170, 91--

Comments: Local product excels in man coverage.

Burt Whitman, 12 S (La Mesa, CA) - 6'1''/190, 75

Comments: Has the looks of a good centerfielder.

Special Teams

Rusty Owens, 10th P (Naperville, Illinois) - 6'1''/194, 80

Comments: Big guy with a big leg.

Pete Dodge, 29th K (Letts, IA) - 6'0''/185, 68

Comments: Accurate kicker.

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Week #1 Preview

South Florida at #12 Alabama (-25)

As the spread would indicate, South Florida is far outmatched against the powerful Tide. The Bulls are weakest in the trench which does not bode well against Roger Gatas and the powerful 'Bama running game. Look for the Alabama to start with the run and then open it up with the playaction pass. 'Bama should win big.

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Week #1 - Beatdown in Tuscolousa

South Florida 3 at #12 Alabama 63

Alabama took care of business in it's first game of the year, throttling the University of South Florida Bulls 63-3. The game was never in doubt and ended with the second and third stringers mopping up. Coach Adam Wright's downfield offense was on full display as Alabama threw for 416 yards on only 19 completions on 25 attempts. This dynamic passing game was complemented by a strong running game which netted 140 yards on the day. Alabama's defense also overwhelmed the overmatched Bulls, holding them to only 180 yards on the day.

Said Coach Wright, "I think we played well, asides from those two interceptions by Norbert, I think we played real well."

The game ball on offense went to Roger Gatas who rushed for 97 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 20 carries. On defense, Coach Wright gave the game ball to Albert Fiala who had 6 tackles and a team leading 3 sacks.

Notable Statistics

Passing

Tilton - 13/19, 286 yds, 3 TDs/2 INTs
Beal - 6/6, 130 yds, 2 TDs

Rushing

Gatas - 20 car, 97 yds, 3 TD

Receiving

Newton - 6 cat, 100 yds, 3 TDs
Downs - 5 cat, 130 yds, 2 TDs

Defense

Fiala - 6 tkl, 3 sacks
Colton - 4 tkl, 1 INT

Blocking

Strickland - 4 KRBs, 0 Scks All
Olevao - 4 KRBs, 0 Scks All

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Week #1 Review

SEC

#8 Georgia 56 at Clemson 16
Mississippi 44 at Vanderbilt 27
#18 Oregon 42 at Mississippi State 14
Southern California 8 at #16 Auburn 38
Louisville 38 at Kentucky 15
San Jose State 0 at #7 Florida 38
Louisiana-Lafayette 7 at South Carolina 49
Louisiana-Monroe 8 at #19 LSU 44

Other Notable Games

-

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Week #2 Preview

#3 Oklahoma (1-0) at #10 Alabama (1-0) (-3)

In a battle of traditional college football powerhouses, the #3 Oklahoma Sooners travel to Tuscolousa, Alabama to face the #10 Crimson Tide.

Oklahoma is lead by senior quarterback Shannon Hanks who threw for 267 yards and 3 TDs last week. Hanks' favorite target is the talented Sammie Irish who is amongst the best QBs in the country. Oklahoma's dangerous passing attack is complemented by a powerful ground attack that depends on a deep group of backs and one of the country's best lines which is led by All-American LT Mike Palmer.

If Oklahoma's offense is good, their defense is even better. They employ an aggresive 4-3 scheme on defense that is centered around star outside backers Glenn Sims and Geoff Marshall. A deep, talented line led by DT Fred Quinn and a very talented secondary, led by preaseason All-American David Sutter complement Oklahoma's star 'backers.

Oklahoma is not team that appears to have any weaknesses to be picked out and exploited. Instead, it is going to be a match up of scheme vs. scheme and strength vs. strength. Only time will tell if Coach Wright's aggresive downfield passing scheme will be effective against Oklahoma's talented defense or if Alabama's multiple look 3-4 will be able to slow down Hanks and Oklahoma's offense.

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Recruting - Week #2

The following players have been targeted by the Tide:

RBs

A.J. Bridges, 10th RB (Fort Wayne, AL) - 5'9''/195, 66+

Comments: Top recruit in AL automatically gets an offer. More of a scat back.

Suitors: Alabama*, Auburn*, Wisconsin*, North Carolina*

Analysis: A lot of early interest from just below top prestige teams. Bridges seems to prefer academics, but the hometown adavantadge might be enough to draw him away from Wisconsin.

*Derek Favre, 26th RB (Eagle Lake, FL) - 5'11''/190, 77+

Comments: A big bruiser of a back who seems to fit 'Bama's power running game well.

Suitors: Alabama*, Wisconsin, Baylor

Analysis: Prefers prestige, so Alabama has the only offer and the best chance to land Favre. So far, so good.

FBs

Neil Joyner, 9th FB (Fort Worth, TX) - 6'1''/218, 78

Comments: Big guy who excels at run blocking.

Suitors: Alabama*

Analysis: Only offer on the table.

TEs

Randall Garcia, 4th TE (Saint Albans, VT) - 6'4''/242, 81

Comments: Big guy who looks like a threat in the passing game.

Suitors: Alabama*, Georgia*, Colorado*

Analysis: Garcia favors prestige, so Alabama and Georgia look to be neck and neck. Should be a good race.

Greg Banks, 16 TE (Richland, WA) - 6'2''/210, 78

Comments: Pass catcher serves as insurance in case we lose out on Garcia.

Suitors: Alabama, Washington State*

Analysis: The Cougars have homestate, but the difference in prestige could prove decisive.

WRs

*Tim Kimble, 11th WR (Westerville, OH) - 5'11''/172, 80

Comments: Big play guy with ridicolous numbers (25 ypc). Drawback is poor attitude and intelligence.

Suitors: Alabama*, Georgia*

Analysis: Tim prefers prestige, so it should be another good race between the Tide and the 'Dawgs.

J.C Hagglund, 24 WR (Michigan City, IN) - 6'2''/190, 85

Suitors: Alabama, Wisconsis, Hawaii

Analysis: Wisconsin could prove a challenge. I actually like Hagglund better then Kimble.

Cs

*Kelvin Goldsmith, 3rd C (Charleston, SC) - 6'1''/268, 84+

Comments: Big time offensive line prospect with the consistency I am looking for.

Suitors: Alabama*, South Carolina*

Analysis: Kevin lists prestige as his determining factor, but the hometown Gamecocks could have a chance.

Ts

*Daryl Dafoe, 12th T (Lugoff, SC) - 6'4''/281, 71+

Comments: Huge road grader projects as a future RT.

Suitors: Alabama*, Florida*, UCLA*, Miami

Analysis: Dafoe has drawn alot of interest from some top programs. He lists prestige as his determining factor, so Miami looms on the horizon. Even now though, Florida looks tough for 'Bama to beat.

Luke Shapiro, 54th T (Herber City, UT) - 6'7''/289, 84

Comments: Huge but raw player has tremendous potential.

Suitors: Alabama

Analysis: No contacts yet for this talented, but raw prospect.

Bert Dillon, 63rd T (Carnegie, PA) - 6'3''/250, 79

Comments: Undersized player may need a year to grow, but has talent.

Suitors: Alabama, Arizona State, Oregon State, Temple

Analysis: No offers but a lot of contact from some Pac 10 teams. An offer would put 'Bama in the driver's seat.

DEs

Steven Gerhardt, 7th DE (New Orleans, LA) - 6'3''/242, 99--

Comments: Solid run stuffer with big frame to grow into a 3-4 end.

Suitors: Alabama*, LSU*, Ohio State*

Analysis: The competition is stiff for the talented Gerhardt. LSU has the home town draw and Ohio State is as big time as it gets. If 'Bama wants Gerhardt, they are in for a dog fight.

Bryce Farmer, 14 DE (Oxon Hill, MD) - 6'3''/245, 88

Comments: Big run stuffer to get another guy on the list in case Gerhardt goes elsewhere.

Suitors: Alabama, Florida*, Texas*

Analysis: Serious national attention for this Maryland product. Longshot.

DTs

Deron Marvin, 5th DT (Broomfield, CO) - 6'0''/245, 96

Comments: Run stuffer with room to grow into the NT position

Suitors: Alabama*, Ohio State, Tennessee

Analysis: 'Bama has the only offer on the table, but Ohio State and Tennessee loom. Will be a dogfight for this space eater.

Don Davison, 3 DT (Greenwich, NY) - 6'4''/260, 80

Comments: Monster run stuffer.

Suitors: Alabama, Texas*

Analysis: The Longhorns are going to be tough to beat.

ILBs

George Bronson, 23rd ILB (Imperial Beach, CA) - 6'2''/204, 88

Comments: Run stuffer with room to grow into a force.

Suitors: Alabama*

Analysis: Only suitor, and only offer.

OLBs

Ray McCord, 11 OLB (Amerhest, VA) - 6'0''/200, 100-

Comments: Young pass rusher with tremendous potential. Should be a good fit on the weakside.

Suitor: Alabama*

Analysis: Suprisingly, the only suitor thus far for the talented McCord.

CBs

Billy Joe Crawford, 35 CB (Mobile, AL) - 5'11''/170, 91--

Comments: Local product excels in man coverage.

Suitors: Alabama*, Arizona State, Oregon State

Analysis: Only offer on table for local product. Looks good.

Terrance Newson, 34 CB (Clearwater, FL) - 6'1''/183, 80-

Comments: Bigger corner scouted well.

Suitors: Alabama*, Syracuse*

Analysis: Geography and prestige seem to favor 'Bama over the Orange.

[u]Ss/U]

Burt Whitman, 12 S (La Mesa, CA) - 6'1''/190, 75

Comments: Has the looks of a good centerfielder.

Suitors: Alabama*

Analysis: Only offer for talented FS prospect.

P

Rusty Owens, 10th P (Naperville, Illinois) - 6'1''/194, 80

Comments: Big guy with a big leg.

Suitors: Alabama*, Boise State*, West Virginia*

Analysis: Owens favors prestige, so 'Bama seems to have the leg up.

K

Pete Dodge, 29th K (Letts, IA) - 6'0''/185, 68

Comments: Accurate kicker.

Suitors: Alabama*, Northwestern*

Analysis: 'Bama's prestige should provide the edge over the Wildcats.