| 07 September 2009
Alabama hit the practice field on Monday, and for the first time, had actual game mistakes to fix. While Nick Saban has made it adament that he takes Florida International as a threat, fixing the mistakes made in the Virginia Tech game will be paramount for the Tide at practice this week. As is usually the case on Monday, the Tide was in shells.
Here's what you need to know:
Bama made it through week one with no significant injuries. The only players working in black were the quarterbacks.
Unfortunately, back up quarterback Star Jackson was absent from practice with the sam "flu-like" illness that had several players out of practice last week. That's bad luck for Jackson, who might have the opportunity to see his first game action this weekend.
The big news from the practice was the fact that Terry Grant was working with the receivers. Coaches like to experiment a lot, but the guy listed as co-number two at running back working at a new position seems like more than an expirement. Given how great Roy Upchurch looked on Saturday, this could be the quickest way to get Grant on the field.
Speaking of experiments... Damion Square at jack linebacker looks like it might have been one. He was back working with the defensive ends today.
While Brandon Deaderick did play, and play fairly well on Saturday, Marcel Dareus cotinued to work with the first unit at defensive end. Deaderick will likely be worked back into the rotation slowly as he continues to heal from last Monday's gunshot to the left arm. Dareus was a beast on Saturday, and look to be seizing his opportunity.
The focus for the team this week is to remain focused. After having an entire off-season to look forward to a top ten match-up in week one, it would be very easy for the players to let down when facing a Sun Belt conference team in Florida International.
Coach Saban is a master at getting his team's attention, and I'm guessing the use of the word "Utah" will likely work wonders this week. Don't expect to see Bama let down much.
The team is expected to go in full pads tomorrow, and we'll have our report.
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