Alabama lights up traditional stogies after beating Tennessee (PHOTOS)

Call it close, but yes cigar.

It's a tradition, when Alabama beats Tennessee, cigars are smoked. And on Saturday, those stogies were lit after the Crimson Tide eked out a 19-14 win over the Volunteers in Tuscaloosa.

After two touchdowns from running back Derrick Henry, the Heisman candidate celebrated quite appropriately with his coach Nick Saban:

While the PC Police will find so much wrong with these pictures, you have to love that Alabama don't give a lick.

One last time to spark the cigars with lil bro #BPsiPhi #FlyHighMyGuy #HeyVols #WeJustBeatTheHellOutOfYou pic.twitter.com/FFBFf1OJng

— John Fulton (@_Elvis_Freshley) October 24, 2015

The host team preserved their lead after the Vols fumbled with little over a minute left in the contest:

This left Peyton Manning, who was watching the game on the sideline of his alma mater, with what looks like well ... smoke in his eyes.

Nick Saban advises Blake Sims to be 'Cool Hand Luke' before SEC championship game (VIDEO)

Nick Saban had a little advice for his quarterback Blake Sims before Saturday's SEC Championship Game against Missouri: "Be Cool Hand Luke."

It was a reference to the classic 1968 Paul Newman film, Cool hand Luke, but, unfortunately for Saban, Luke was considered cool way before the 22-year-old QB's was even born and the coach had to explain who he was.

So what we've got here (spit) is a failure to communicate.

Saban

A video posted by Michael (@mshamtbl) on Dec 12, 2014 at 1:20pm PST

Saban probably should have picked a more contemporary movie but the fact that Sims hasn’t seen the film might work in his favor because, sadly, Luke dies at the end.

LSU player 'pantsed' Alabama opponent during pileup (GIF)

During Saturday night's SEC game between LSU and Alabama, Tigers tight end Logan Stokes apparently found a crack in the Crimson Tide's defense.

Next up, swirlies in the locker room.

Oklahoma players broke ESPN set after Sugar Bowl win (GIF)

The Crimson Tide wasn't the only thing Oklahoma busted up at the Sugar Bowl on Thursday night. Right after their stunning 45-31 upset of two-time defending BCS champion Alabama, several Sooners took down an ESPN stage. The players, still in uniform and pads, stormed ESPN's post-game set at the Superdome while their coach, Bob Stoops, and quarterback, Trevor Knight, were being interviewed.

The ESPN stage couldn't handle the weight of all the joyous players and collapsed a few feet during the live broadcast. 

But it still looks like it'll take more than a near disaster to keep 76-year-old Lou Holtz from spouting his old time wisdom.

Longhorns are still college football's most valuable team: Report

Texas may be south of the Top-25 when it comes to the college football pollsters, but for the fifth straight year, the 8-and-4 Longhorns are still number one with the accountants.

The Longhorns football team is now worth $139 million, almost 20% more than any other team in the country, according to Forbes Magazine.

Texas has been college football’s most valuable team since 2009, when it took over the top-spot from  Notre Dame with a value of $119 million. The team’s unprecedented value is built on the back of the nation’s most dedicated fan base, which has helped Texas lead all schools in merchandise sales, secure the most lucrative school-specific TV deal and become the only college football team in history to cross $100 million in revenue, which the Longhorns have done for the last two seasons.

College football’s second-most valuable team in 2013 is Notre Dame, which rebounded to $117 million after suffering a down year. The 14% surge in value is mostly tied to the Fighting Irish “hosting” an additional home game (which was played in Chicago’s Soldier Field), providing support to academic programming that’s unmatched by any team in college football and qualifying for the BCS National Championship, which netted the school a unique $6.2 million payout.

Alabama has risen from sixth to third this year, with the Crimson Tide’s value up 15% to $110 million. It’s the first time an SEC team has cracked the top three since Georgia held the No. 3 spot in 2007. Alabama’s rise stems not only from the financial rewards of dominating on the field, where the Crimson Tide have won three of the last four BCS National Championships, but also the one-time payout it received for playing Michigan in a season-opening game at AT&T Stadium last year.

To determine college football’s most valuable teams, Forbes considers each team’s value to its athletic department, its university’s academic endeavors, its conference and its school’s local economy. Athletic value consists of football profit that is directed toward supporting non-revenue sports, like softball or gymnastics, while a team’s value to academics consists of money that supports football scholarships or other non-athletic programming, like faculty support, non-athletic scholarships or a library fund. Conference value consists of revenue generated for other conference teams by participating in a bowl game, and a team’s value to its local community consists of the direct spending injected by fans visiting the area on days of the team’s home games.

The Longhorns are still number two in Lone Star State football though. The Dallas Cowboys dwarf their college rivals with a value of an estimated $2.3 billion.

Following Texas, Notre Dame and Alabama, says Forbes, are LSU, Michigan, Florida, Oklahoma, Georgia, Ohio State and Nebraska.

What did A-Rod say to Yankees fan AJ McCarron in phone call? (VIDEO)

We can admit Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron has a few things in common with Alex Rodriguez. They are both are top athletes in their own right, have smokin' hot girlfriends and profess great love for New York Yankees. Okay, maybe not-so-much A-Rod on that last similarity as of late.

Still, what did the troubled Yankees star say to the Crimson Tide quarterback in a phone call right before last Saturday's loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl game?

In the video below from Al.com's Andrew Gribble, McCarron talks about his Bronx Bombers fandom and the A-Rod phone call: It turns out the third baseman wanted to reach out to the QB first.

"[Girardi] showed [the Yankees] the video of me and [center Barrett Jones] pushing each other before last season and told them that's the passion they need within their club again," McCarron said.

Click on the video below to hear what else the Heisman Trophy finalist had to say.

AJ the fan has been smothered in pinstripes this season. Earlier, the Alabama team received a visit from manager Joe Girardi, McCarron met shortstop Derek Jeter last month and now he has that phone chat with Rodriguez for his mental scrapbook.

Too bad A-Rod's pep talk didn't work. Alabama suffered a historic defeat on Chris Davis' 109-yard return for the winning score.

Alabama fan starts petition asking for Iron Bowl overtime

It's hard for Alabama fans to come to the realization that Saturday's shocking loss to Auburn is already in the books.

A Crimson Tide supporter started an online petition asking the NCAA for an Iron Bowl do-over, arguing against all proof to the contrary that Auburn's Chris Davis stepped out of bounds when he ran back a missed field goal more than 100 yards with no time left on the clock to give the Tigers a 34-28 win.

Ignoring the video evidence, Tracy C. from Hoover, Ala., insists in a change.org petition that "Davis was clearly out of bounds" and that "the refs needs to be punished for not even reviewing the play because it wasn't even close."

The only way to get things right, Tracy C. argues, is for both teams to return to the field and play an overtime, where the game's true winner will emerge victorious.

"I know how impossible that sounds and how much trouble it will be BUT sometimes you have to make wrongs RIGHT."

The petition, which is now closed, has gotten support from over 700 other 'Bama fans who refuse to accept that their team lost on the unbelievable play.

Auburn campus becomes TP wonderland after Iron Bowl victory (VIDEO)

That's not a snow-covered Auburn campus you see in this video, but a toilet paper wonderland after fans celebrated the Tigers heart-stopping victory over Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

A White Christmas comes early to Lee County.

Gary Danielson implies LSU's Zach Mettenberger is an ass for premature celebration (GIF)

When LSU fullback J.C. Copeland was just a step away from barreling into the end zone in the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday night, Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger raised his arms in celebration. While Mettenberger assumed it was a touchdown, Alabama linebacker Tana Patrick knocked the ball from Copeland's arm before he crossed the plane. Alabama defensive back Landon Collins recovered the ball and LSU came up empty on its first trip int the red zone.

CBS announcers Gary Danielson and Verne Lundquist seemed to know what happens when someone assumes something — and it has to do with ass, you and me.

"I know you're not supposed to assume things but Zach Mettenberger assumed a touchdown on this one," Danielson said during a replay of the turnover. "Verne, you know that word can be broken apart."

"Mmmmm-hmm," replied Lundquist." Nicely put. That was very subtle."

AJ McCarron gets victory peck from 'girlfriend' Katherine Webb (VIDEO)

After Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron led the Crimson Tide to a shutout victory against Ole Miss on Saturday, his rumored ex-girlfriend, the Carl's Jr. hamburger model — and Brent Musburger muse —  Katherine Webb, was on hand to congratulate him with a kiss — make that more of a peck — on the cheek.

Webb was seen planting a nice but somewhat awkward congratulatory smooch on McCarron's cheek after the quarterback took a victory jog over to his parents.

After he kissed mom and dad first, McCarron turned to get a quick one from Webb and got the kind of congratulatory pucker he would sooner expect from an LSU fan.

The couple reportedly dated for a year, but as they rose to fame the relationship apparently fell by the wayside.

"Yes (they've broken up)," Webb's mother, Leslie Webb, recently told RadarOnline.

"Katherine’s just trying to stay real busy."

Another source told the gossip site that they could just be on a "break" for now.

Speaking to The New York Daily News, the former Miss Alabama gushed about her love of football season in an interview about her sexy new Carl's Jr. and Hardees ad campaign.

"I'm so excited about football season," she said. "I just love watching it. It gives me something to look forward during the fall. I'm pretty close with Auburn and Alabama."

Sounds like Alabama is in the friendzone now.

Spikeball players videobomb David Pollack during PTI interview

During ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" Friday, a couple of Texas A&M students videobombed ESPN analyst David Pollack — during his interview with hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon — with a game of Spikeball.

While talking about A&M's Johnny Manziel's chances against the Alabama defense, two guys set up the mini-trampoline behind Pollack and proceeded to bounce the ball back and forth.

The backyard sport —which has been called "volleyball's distant cousin" is played on grass, sand or just about any surface but, with spikeball, you bounce the ball off the net first.

I had never heard of the game until the PTI videobomb, but found out it's pretty popular on beaches and college campuses.

Alabama high school football coaches fight after game (VIDEO)

Everyone knows they take their football pretty seriously in Alabama but these two gridiron coaches took their passion to another level Friday night.

The two rival high school coaches skipped the post-game handshakes for a knockdown fistfight after a close game in Jaspar, Alabama. The midfield slugfest went on as police, players and other coaches struggled to separate the two men.

The fight followed a hard-fought game between Cullman and Walker high schools. Video of the rumble shows Cullman assistant Matt Hopper jaw briefly with Walker coach John Holladay as other coaches try to herd players off the field. Holladay cracks Hopper with a big right hand, and the fight is on.

Both men tumbled to the turf as cops, players and coaches rushed in.

Hopper came out bloodied, with his shirt ripped and an ugly purple knot swelling below his left eye.

He continued to shout after the coaches were separated, and police officers had to take him down a second time when he suddenly lunged forward.

Cullman had just beaten Walker, 13-10, on a 6-yard run with 18 seconds left in the game, the Daily Mountain Eagle reported.

The game, marred by 20 penalties, was an especially bitter defeat for Walker after an official’s mix-up cost the team possession of the ball late in the second half.

Hopper took the worst of the fight that followed, but he might end up better off than his opponent. His bosses in the school district told the Cullman Times he wouldn’t face any disciplinary action.

School board President Suzanne Harbin said, "I understand there is no need to reprimand our coaches and players, that they acted with class and dignity during the situation."

"Our duty at this point is to document the facts surrounding this incident," Jasper police Chief Connie Rowe said. "We will be taking statements and reviewing video and photographs that may have captured the incident."

The Alabama High School Athletic Association has launched its own investigation.

Great way to set an example for the kids.

Brent Musburger introduced America to Jenn Sterger too

Call Brent Musburger what you will — a football analyst calling it like it is or lecherous old man saying too much — but last Monday wasn't the first time he turned a college-age beauty into a television sensation.

While Katherine Webb, the girlfriend of Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, was featured on television screens during the Crimson Tide's rout of Notre Dame, the long-time college football play-by-play announcer blurted out, "Wow, I'm telling you, quarterbacks : You get all the good-looking women. What a beautiful woman. Wow!"  The eight second camera shot turned her into an overnight star.

Now a seven-year old video clip has surfaced where Musburger has the same reaction to another group of young co-eds — featuring a spirited Florida State fan named Jenn Sterger.

Sterger — the little seen TV host and probably most famous for being the former New York Jets reporter involved in the Brett Favre privates picture scandal  — and her sexy pals had Musburger panting over them while calling a Florida State-Miami game in 2005.

The long-time announcer was less specific about the sexy Sterger, who was wearing a red bikini top, Daisy Dukes cutoffs and a cowboy hat, but made his point.

"Fifteen hundred red-blooded Americans just decided to apply to Florida State," he said when the camera focused on the dancing co-eds.



Say what you will about Musburger's enthusiasm for the ladies, but he does know what's important to the recruits.

Alabama BCS Trophy's first stop — a Walmart store

A Tuscaloosa Walmart will be adding a little Waterford® Crystal to its inventory this Friday when The Coaches' Trophy, which was awarded to Alabama on Monday night as the 2012 national college football champions, will make its public debut.

The exact Coaches' Trophy, which was awarded on the field to Alabama as the convincing winner of the Discover BCS National Championship in Miami, will kick off a weekend tour of the state at Walmart store #715 in the hometown of the university.

The $30,000, 45-pound (the crystal football itself weighs 8 lbs.) trophy will make a few stops around the state before being put on permanent display on the school campus.

Crimson Tide fans will be able to get a free on-line photo taken with the cherished crystal and probably pick a few souvenir T-shirts at the store.

Saban uses video of Mariano Rivera to inspire 'Bama team

Mariano Rivera may pick up a save tonight without even jogging out from the bullpen if Alabama captures the BCS National Championship with a victory over Notre Dame.

It wouldn't go down in the record books as career save No. 609, but could play a small part in the history of Alabama football, nonetheless.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban said he had his players watch a video of the New York Yankees closer to help them get a grasp of the importance of focusing on the task at hand.

"We just watched a video of Mariano Rivera, and he talked about how he struggled at some time in his career because he was trying  to be a perfectionist," Saban said on Sunday.  "And that when he's in the bullpen, he sees the crowd, he hears the crowd, he knows sometimes that he's getting a lot of positive self-gratification for what he does and sometimes getting a lot of negative self gratification...

"But when he runs out and they hand him the ball, he's got one focus.  He's not worried about the crowd, he's not worried about any of the external factors.  One focus: 'Three outs, how am I going to get three outs?'"

Saban has coached in big games before and wanted to inspire his young Crimson Tide players with a tape of the Yankees great — who has seen more than his share of big moments over an illustrious career.

"You could say, well, that's nothing," said Saban about how focus affects the outcome of a game.  "Well, believe me, being around young people, being in games like this, that's something, and it's something big."

Nick Saban got write-in votes for president

Come November every four years, Alabama fans might care more about a national championship than the national debt. But at least one person thinks Nick Saban could probably handle both the sidelines and the Oval Office.

That loyal 'Bama supporter cast their write-in vote for Saban and Alabama men's golf coach Jay Sewell for president Tuesday and posted a picture of it on Twitter.  There are reports that this wasn't the only vote the head coach of the current No. 1 college team in the country received either.

It probably wasn't the best way or time to show your loyalty to a team or coach but isn't that what the blank space is for?

Saban's accomplishments in Tuscaloosa are well known — two national titles for the Crimson Tide in six seasons — but Sewell's credentials as a running mate are solid if not as glorified.  Sort of a quieter version of Joe Biden.

The Alabama golf coach does have a couple of SEC Golf Coach of the Year awards on his mantle and his team was runner-up for the national championship last year.

If the head coach is ever swayed by a Tide movement for his candidacy in 2016, it would be hard to imagine Saban carrying the states of Florida or Louisiana or the intense coach kissing a lot of babies.

President Saban. Imagine our national defense.

Trent Richardson takes cancer survivor to high school prom

Alabama running back Trent Richardson donned a white tux, rented a limo and made a 17-year old girl's dream come true by taking her to her senior prom.  This was no ordinary date since Courtney Alvis is a cancer survivor and had never met the player before Saturday's date.

Alvis' uncle took a chance that Alabama's biggest sports star would even consider escorting his niece to the Hueytown (Ala) high school prom, but Richardson came through in white and pink colors.

Richardson— who did not attend his own prom— said going to the dance with Alvis was a no-brainer since his mother was a cancer survivor herself.

"I did it out of my heart," said the 20-year old Richardson.  "I am lucky to be here with Courtney."


Alvis— who began chemotherapy a year ago and is now undergoing maintenance— was concerned about her appearance and prepared to stay home on the big night before her uncle took charge and contacted the university.

It should be a pretty busy time for the couple.  Alvis has graduation coming up and Richardson is expected to be the first running back selected in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Alabama Fan Charged With Sexual Battery On Drunk LSU Fan

An Alabama football fan was arrested after New Orleans cops said he was video-taped allegedly sexually abusing a half-passed out LSU fan shortly after the recent BCS Championship game.


New Orleans police charged Brian Downing, 32, of Smiths Station, Ala. with sexual battery and obscenity for being recorded on a video tape putting his genitals and simulating a sexual act on a "heavily inebriated" man.

Downing turned himself in on Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The four-minute video— which was first posted on an Alabama football fan site and went viral this week— was filmed outside a restaurant on Bourbon Street in New Orleans shortly after Alabama destroyed LSU, 21-0, for the national title.

,

Police said they began investigating the incident Jan. 15 after being told about the increasingly popular viral video.

Downing was fired from his job after he was identified in the video and released on a $10,000 bond.

They say people go a little crazy down in the French quarter, but I say this Downing guy is just nuts.