Crimson Tide Holds First of Two Friday Practices
12/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 17, 2010
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama football team hit the field for two hours in full pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in the opening session of Friday's two-a-day.
The double practice will be the Tide's only one in preparation for its New Year's Day game against No. 7 Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
After being forced indoors because of rain for Thursday's bowl prep opener, the Tide was able to return outdoors and continued to work on fundamentals.
"These first four days we kind of do like we are starting camp all over again and try to work on a lot of fundamentals," head coach Nick Saban said. "We've been off a little longer this year than last year so I think it's important to develop timing, tackling, blocking, protection, and timing in the passing game between quarterbacks and receivers. It goes quickly, but it comes back quickly when you haven't been off that long."
With just over two weeks remaining until the Tide squares off with the Spartans, players are anxious to get back on the playing field and end the season on a positive note.
"The motivation for this team is to come in and finally get that 60-minute game, from start to finish" junior linebacker Courtney Upshaw said following Friday's first practice. "We want to bounce back from the Auburn game and go out on a good note with a 10-win season."
The Tide will return to the practice field on Saturday and close the week with another session on Sunday.
