Roy Upchurch expected to return Saturday

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama’s options at running back will increase this week with the expected return of Roy Upchurch, who suffered a high ankle sprain against Florida International and sat out the North Texas game.

Upchurch, who practiced Tuesday, would join Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson and Terry Grant in the backfield this weekend. All four backs have contributed big plays this season.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said it’s not easy spreading the ball around.

“We usually say we are going to have a guy carry it three or four times and the next guy is going to go in and carry it three or four times, and then maybe you have a guy that is assigned to a specific role, whether it’s third down or whatever,” Saban said when asked about the rotation.

“Sort of from that scenario, you kind of get a feel for who has the hot hand. ... It’s really evaluate them and then see who’s got the feel.”

Ingram leads the team with 297 yards in three games. Richardson has gained 215 yards, followed by Grant (150) and Upchurch (107 in two games). Upchurch has one rushing touchdown and the other three have three each.

Richardson, the touted true freshman from Pensacola, is second on the team with 29 carries.

“We’ve played him more and more in the last two games,” Saban said. “He’s had an opportunity, and I think he has taken advantage of it.”
Ingram said the deep backfield keeps everybody involved.

“You can’t go on the sideline and get your head out of the game. You have to stay in the game at all times,” said Ingram, who said he doesn’t mind sharing carries. “It’s nothing but an advantage and a headache for defenses. You always have a fresh pair of legs in the game.”

Arkansas prep: Alabama practiced for more than two hours in full pads Tuesday, taking advantage of a break in the weather and working outside for its SEC opener against Arkansas.

Jack linebacker Eryk Anders said the Razorbacks present the defense a big challenge this week.

“They are a very good offense that averages over 450 yards per game,” Anders said. “They have a nice running back duo (led by Michael Smith). They are definitely somebody we have to prepare for this week. Their offensive line is big and the best line we have faced so far. We have to find a way to get to the quarterback (Ryan Mallett) and get some pressure on him.”

Lowe honored: Alabama will honor former All-American linebacker Woodrow Lowe, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Jan. 4, this Saturday with on-field recognition at the Arkansas game.

Lowe is a three-time All-American who played at Alabama from 1972-75. The school will be given a plaque from the Hall of Fame commemorating Lowe’s achievements.

A three-time first team All-American, Lowe set an Alabama single-season record with 134 tackles his sophomore year en route to leading the Crimson Tide to the Sugar Bowl and the national title.

The 2009 class includes Pervis Atkins (New Mexico State), Tim Brown (Notre Dame), Chuck Cecil (Arizona), Ed Dyas (Auburn), Major Harris (West Virginia), Gordon Hudson (Brigham Young), William Lewis (Harvard), Ken Margerum (Stanford), Steve McMichael (Texas), Chris Spielman (Ohio State), Larry Station (Iowa), Pat Swilling (Georgia Tech), Gino Toretta (Miami, Fla.), Curt Warner (Penn State), Grant Wistrom (Nebraska) and coaches Dick MacPherson (Syracuse) and John Robinson (Southern California).

The most recent Alabama players inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame include Cornelius Bennett (2005), Billy Neighbors (2003) and Johnny Musso (2000). For a complete list, visit www.collegefootball.org.