• Fill game no fun for Alabama
TUSCALOOSA ? I understand the "guarantee game" and the financial reasoning behind scheduling these games. But let's look at this from the perspective of a program on the cusp of a conference or possibly a national title and ask an honest question: Does Alabama really need to play UT-Chattanooga this weekend?

• Jersey gimmicks no substitute for tradition
TUSCALOOSA ? Third-ranked Alabama is bound to be tested by No. 9 LSU on Saturday. But not to fret, Crimson Tide fans.

• Tide playing Bama brand of football
TUSCALOOSA ? A fan base that takes its football seriously tends to spawn a program that approaches it much the same way.

• Alabama football notebook: Heisman hype for Ingram could hurt team
TUSCALOOSA ? Could a season without a true Heisman Trophy frontrunner produce the first winner in the history of Alabama's program?