| 10 November 2010
The Alabama football team practiced on Tuesday for the second day of prep for Mississippi State. The practice was in full pads.
Here's what you need to know:
Trent Richardson was still limited and wearing a protective brace on his left knee, but he was still cleared for contact by the doctors. It won't be a surprise if he is limited in the game Saturday, with the most likely limitation being absence from special teams. Thankfully Mark Ingram has not carried a heavy load this season, so he should be fine to take extra snaps if needed.
D.J. Fluker is beginning to make strides towards playing again. Instead of working behind Alfred McCullough at right tackle, the two split reps with the first unit. McCullough has played well with Fluker out, but Bama is a better rushing offense with Fluker at right tackle. Given the way that teams are stacking the box against the Tide, any advantage that the line can create helps.
It looks like Chris Jordan might be more injured than originally thought, as he was in a black jersey and riding a stationary bike today. The staff is still not disclosing exactly what his injury is, so we'll just have to wait for some type of announcement.
Kerry Murphy did not show limitation today, after taking some reps off on Monday. He looks good to go for Saturday, and will likely see time at end and nose guard again.
DeQuan Menzie has been healthy enough to go during both practices this week, and it looks likely that he will take back the starting star spot from Phelon Jones.
Once again the practice had good intensity, and the team seems to be responding well. Saturday's contest is a big one, simply because it is the next game on the schedule. A win against the Bulldogs means that the Tide could still have an 11-win season with victories in its final two games and bowl game. While 11 wins isn't what this group was hoping for entering the season, it's certainly a solid year. A loss on Saturday means that Bama would have to win all of its remaining games to have a 10-win season.
While Mississippi State hasn't been a world beater this season, they've played solid enough ball to land consistently within the top 25 during the second half of the season. If Bama comes out and plays flat, emotionless ball, the Bulldogs are good enough to make the Tide miserable. Thankfully the team seems to understand that, and it looks as though the guys are focused and ready.
Bama will practice again on Wednesday, and we'll have our normal report.
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