Tide shows mixed signals in scrimmage

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama’s second scrimmage Friday enabled coach Nick Saban to divide his team into two categories.

“We’ve got guys that are being relentless competitors, that probably embrace the struggle, every day, of spring practice,” Saban said after a 130-play session before the Crimson Tide broke for Easter weekend.

“Then we have another group of guys that are probably enduring the struggle ... just trying to get by. Not mentally tough enough to sort of stick with the grind.”

Saban didn’t say how many players fit in the first category, but made it clear there are more of them on the defensive side of the ball.

On a windy day at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the defense dominated early, Saban said.

“I thought we started off very slow offensively, but as things wore on, we did a better job,” Saban said. “I think the first defense was very good except for a play
here and a play there. A lot of guys have a lot of experience, and a lot of guys are playing with a lot of confidence.”

The wind made throwing the football difficult, and several factors contributed to a tough day for the running game.

Saban said wind does far more to hamper a passing game than rain.

“And it was very windy today,” he said.

Quarterback Greg McElroy, who drew praise from the coach, was 12-for-26 for 128 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The touchdowns came on
a 13-yard pass to Julio Jones and an 18-yard strike to Mike McCoy.

Star Jackson and Thomas Darrah are competing now for the No. 2 quarterback slot. Jackson was 5-for-12 passing for 12 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown
pass to Preston Dial. Darrah was 9-for-18 passing for 91 yards and an interception.

The Alabama defense had three interceptions. Tyrone King returned one of those 24 yards for a touchdown. Safeties Justin Woodall and Robby Green had the
other picks.

Saban sounded more concerned with the ground attack.

“We didn’t run the ball very well today,” Saban said.

Roy Upchurch and Mark Ingram, the two most experienced returning backs, again wore black (no contact) jerseys and missed the scrimmage.

“It would help us if we had our backs, but I think it’s a combination of limited experience at running back — there were some holes at times that we didn’t hit
and we missed — as well as some inconsistencies in the offensive line,” Saban said. He then added, “And a pretty good run defense, for the most part.”

Ivan Matchett was the leading rusher with seven carries for 43 yards and a 2-yard touchdown run, but Saban rolled his eyes and said that statistics are
deceptive.

“Matchett made one probably 30-yard run or 40-yard run against the 3s when we were going 3s against 3s,” the coach said. “Now, I know we’ll have headlines
in the paper because he was the leading rusher that he’ll be the next Heisman Trophy winner and all that, but ...”

Terry Grant rushed 16 times for just two yards. Demetrius Goode, Jeramie Griffin and Jermaine Preyear combined for 20 more attempts and 21 yards. To do
the math, the five backs combined for 66 yards on 43 carries.

Defensive stats from the closed scrimmage also showed there were 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

Call it growing pains for an offensive line that must replace three starters — and All-Americans Andre Smith at left tackle and Antoine Caldwell at center.

“The good thing is that they’re challenged every day by a pretty experienced group on defense, so that probably helps in their development,” Saban said.

The coach made something else very clear: The defense isn’t going to take it easy on them.

“Well, we are not limiting what we’re doing,” Saban said. “We’re trying to progress. ... And I think every cycle that we go through, the offseason program, spring
practice, summer conditioning, fall camp, we’re going to see that evolve and improve, and it’s going to be important that we do that.”

Fanney returns: Outside linebacker Brandon Fanney returned from his suspension this week and scrimmaged for the first time this spring on Friday.

“We put him on the threes and he’s worked his way back up,” Saban said. “He did play a little bit today, both with the 3s, the 2s and a couple plays, some
situations, with the first unit.

“I think you can tell he’s not quite in as good a shape as the rest of the guys, but you can also tell that he has a lot of experience and understands how to play
his position and that he could be a contributor. But that’s only going to happen if he does what he’s supposed to do relative to how he represents the
organization on and off the field. ... So if it’s important to him, I think he’ll be able to get it done.”

Injury update: Saban said the Tide got through the scrimmage in good health with the exception of Luther Davis, who sprained an ankle.

“I don’t really think it’s serious, but we won’t know for a little while,” Saban said.

Other “men in black” withheld from the scrimmage were running backs Mark Ingram and Roy Upchurch, receiver Earl Alexander and senior guard Mike
Johnson, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury.

The coach said Johnson’s absence could be hindering continuity on the young offensive line.

“We’ve got to be able to play with confidence and consistency in what we’re doing, and I think having a more experienced player besides you probably
enhances that,” Saban said. “I think continuity is probably most important in the offensive line, because of how they play together.”

Practice change: Saban said Alabama will practice on Tuesday and Thursday next week instead of Monday and Wednesday. It allows a bit more time for
Easter and will give more of a recovery day Monday.