Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads called Tez Doolittle, “The jewel of the season.”

TUSCALOOSA — Before Javier Arenas stole the show with two game-changing punt returns, Rashad Johnson gave Alabama’s special teams the edge over Mississippi State on Saturday night.

Freshman running back Mark Ingram rushed for a team-high 78 yards on 13 carries, including a 40-yard run that was his longest of the season.

All it took was a few electronic steel drum beats.

It was the first thing out of his mouth Tuesday during his weekly press conference.

The entire West Coast will still be a couple hours from lunch time when Georgia and Auburn kick off today at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick sounds like fictitious Mafia don Michael Corleone when discussing today’s 6:45 p.m.  game against Mississippi State.

Running backs coach Eddie Gran has rotated his three tailbacks in and out over the past four games with far from desirable results.

TUSCALOOSA — Sitting atop the national polls with a 10-0 record isn’t exactly the time for reflection, but Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson didn’t hesitate when asked the biggest difference from last season to this.

The knot in Auburn’s stomach isn’t going anywhere, coach Tommy Tuberville said.

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama freshman sensation Julio Jones had his best game last Saturday against LSU.