McClain is one of eight semifinalist for the Lott Impact Trophy. (Photo courtesy of Unv. Alabama Athletic Dept.)

Contributed
(Nov. 12, 2009)

TUSCALOOSA – Third-ranked Alabama practiced for two hours in full pads Wednesday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility as preparations continue for Saturday’s SEC road game at Mississippi State.

“I think when you reach this point in the season, it’s kind of ending one season and starting another, it’s all about what you want to accomplish and how committed are you to it and what does it mean to you so you can continue to do the things you need to do, both individually and collectively as a team,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said after Wednesday’s practice. “The things you can do better individually as a player to help your unit and the team, as well as things we need to do as a team to continue to improve and get better, so we can play better football in this last quarter of the season or whatever you want to call it.

“Mississippi State is a very good team, a very challenging team, a very different kind of offense to prepare for. Our players are working hard on it, but we have a ways to go. They are very aggressive and play hard on defense. This is a good team and they’ve really played well this year and are very much improved and have done a really good job. I am pleased with the way our players have worked.”

Alabama and Mississippi State will kick off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, from Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field in Starkville, Miss.  The game will be nationally televised by ESPN with Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge and Erin Andrews describing the action.  The game will also be aired on the Crimson Tide Sports Network with Eli Gold, Phil Savage and Barry Krauss calling the action. 

McClain semifinalist for Lott Trophy

Alabama junior linebacker Rolando McClain in one of eight semifinalists for the 2009 Lott Impact Trophy, the Pacific Club Impact Foundation announced Wednesday.

The award, which is named for NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, is presented to college football’s defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.  The award is presented to the player who best exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.  The winning school will receive $25,000 for their general scholarship fund.  Former Alabama linebacker and current Houston Texans standout DeMeco Ryans won the award in 2006.

McClain joins safety Eric Berry (Tennessee), safety Taylor Mays (USC), defensive tackle Ndaumkong Suh (Nebraska), defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma), defensive end Sam Acho (Texas), defensive end Jerry Hughes (TCU) and defensive end Eric Norwood (South Carolina) as this year’s semifinalists.

“I congratulate Rolando for being a semifinalist for the Lott Trophy,” Saban said.  “I think it’s great that our players are getting national recognition.  I think part of that is the success of the team and how they’ve contributed to the success of the team. He has done a fantastic job for us all year.”

The Decatur, Ala., native anchors an Alabama defense that leads the SEC and ranks second nationally in rushing defense (68.2 ypg) this season. The Tide ranks second in the SEC in total defense (242.2 ypg), scoring defense (12.7 ppg) and pass efficiency defense (90.43 rating).  Alabama also ranks in the top six nationally in those defensive categories.

Saban salutes military

Saban acknowledged the work of the men and women who have served, and are currently serving, in the United States Military as the country observed Veterans Day on Wednesday.

“I know it is Veterans Day today,” Saban said. “I’d like to send out a special thanks to all the people out there who have done so much, men and women, serving our country and protecting our freedom.  We have a wonderful place to live and I can’t thank them enough and they don’t know how much we appreciate that, more than they know.”

Caldwell visits practice

 Former Alabama and Robert E. Lee center Antoine Caldwell attended practice on Wednesday afternoon as the Houston Texans are enjoying a bye in the NFL this week.

“It was great to have Antoine Caldwell here today to visit practice,” Saban said after practice.

Caldwell was a four-year starter at center from 2005-08 and played in 48 games for the Crimson Tide. He started all 14 games last season, helping Alabama to the SEC Western Division championship with a 12-0 regular season record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl..