Keon Ambrose-Hylton, one of the top prep basketball prospects out of Canada, became Alabama’s first commitment in the Class of 2020 when he picked the Crimson Tide ahead of North Carolina State and others.
It took Alabama a little while to break through with the 2020 basketball recruiting class. When the Crimson Tide finally did strike Sunday, the new member of their class resonated.
Four-star forward Keon Ambrose-Hylton, one of the top prospects in Canada at Toronto’s Andrews Osborne Academy, committed to Alabama from among a final five that also included North Carolina State, USC, Arkansas and Dayton. The Tide stuck out from that list because of the commitment they made to recruiting Ambrose-Hylton and building a genuine relationship with him, per the guard.
“Coach Bryan [Hodgson] is a great guy,” Ambrose-Hylton told 247Sports. “When he first came to the gym he was looking at Charles [Bediako] and then he saw me play and offered me immediately. Since then it’s been a real relationship.”
“They’ve been to a lot of my games and I enjoyed my visit with them. I enjoy the coaching staff a lot, hanging out laughing and not just about basketball, I just have a great time being there.”
Another key factor that drew Ambrose-Hylton to Alabama? His hopeful transition to guard in college. While the Canadian currently plays predominantly as a power forward, he said the Crimson Tide coaching staff presented him with a plan to transition his skills into a more guard-focused package.
Success there could pave the way to the next level, which made Ambrose-Hylton’s decision far easier.
“They said how they see my game thoroughly and see my numbers and think they can develop me into a guard,” Ambrose-Hylton told 247Sports. “They really love the way I play. Their playing style really fits me and what I can become.”
It was reported last night that Alabama’s star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, would be transported from Birmingham to Houston in order to undergo surgery on his hip. Tagovailoa suffered a dislocated hip as well as a posterior wall fracture, an injury …
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It was reported last night that Alabama’s star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, would be transported from Birmingham to Houston in order to undergo surgery on his hip.
Tagovailoa suffered a dislocated hip as well as a posterior wall fracture, an injury that will sit him out for the rest of the 2019 college football season and possibly more.
The University of Alabama released a statement from Dr. Lyle Cain, the doctor who performed the procedure, on Monday following Tagovailoa’s surgery.
As Dr. Cain said in the statement, Tagovailoa will spend the next few days in Houston before returning to Tuscaloosa to begin the rehabilitation process.
This has been an expedited process, as the injury took place Saturday afternoon and he is now already on his way to recovering.
Roll Tide Wire will post any and all updates on Tagovailoa’s recovery process, as well as any news surrounding this topic.
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had successful surgery to repair a scary hip injury that will end his 2019 season
A terrible situation for one of the nation’s top prospects continues to bring positive developments.
After suffering a scary, season-ending hip injury in Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa appears to be in a best-case scenario.
The Crimson Tide’s star player underwent successful hip surgery in Houston on Monday morning, and an official statement from the school says that Tagovailoa’s prognosis is “excellent,” and that a full recovery is expected (via Fox 6’s Kelvin Reynolds):
University of Alabama Athletic Department issues statement Tua Tagovailoa surgery pic.twitter.com/x1UvDmJYtQ
Widely regarded as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Tagovailoa will miss the rest of the 2019 season. Though he still has eligibility remaining and could return to Alabama for the 2020 season, most expect him to declare for the 2020 draft.
Tagovailoa was tackled awkwardly by multiple MSU defenders in the second quarter Saturday, with many questioning why Tagovailoa was still in the game, considering the Tide were up 35-7 at the time. He was just weeks removed from surgery to repair an ankle injury.
Tagovailoa’s draft stock and long-term prognosis appear to be in good shape following this news, and here’s hoping he indeed makes a complete recovery and can return to full strength both on and off the field.
Former Alabama Heisman-winning running back Mark Ingram has been a very strong presence in the Baltimore Ravens backfield, and he continued to shine in the team’s 7 – 41 win over the Houston Texans. Overall, Ingram had 13 carries for 48 yards on the …
Former Alabama Heisman-winning running back Mark Ingram has been a very strong presence in the Baltimore Ravens backfield, and he continued to shine in the team’s 7 – 41 win over the Houston Texans.
Overall, Ingram had 13 carries for 48 yards on the ground, and three receptions for 37 yards and two touchdowns.
Ingram’s first touchdown of the day was this 25-yard pass that ended with a smooth celebration in the endzone.
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was greeted by familiar faces in his hospital room in Birmingham, Alabama on Sunday.
On Sunday, a day after enduring a season ending injury, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was greeted by familiar faces in his hospital room in Birmingham, Alabama.
Many of this current teammates showed up to visit him and encourage Tagovailoa, as he heads to Houston for hip surgery. It not only encouraged Tagovailoa, it also encouraged his teammates who came to see him, who saw their QB1 in sweet spirits, and a smile on his face.
Tagovailoa, who is from Hawaii, captioned his instagram posts with:
Ohana means FAMILY, and FAMILY means no one gets left behind…
This sentiment from his teammates proves that it’s more than a game. It’s a brotherhood. It’s a group of guys who come from different backgrounds, but when you have a common goal and dream, become a family. And family means no one gets left behind.
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be airlifted to Houston in order to continue seeking treatment for his hip injury, which he sustained in the Crimson Tide’s game against Mississippi State. Tagovailoa’s hip injury, which has been diagnosed as …
Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be airlifted to Houston in order to continue seeking treatment for his hip injury, which he sustained in the Crimson Tide’s game against Mississippi State.
Tagovailoa’s hip injury, which has been diagnosed as a dislocated hip with a posterior wall feature, is one of numerous injuries he has had to deal with while at Alabama.
However, this is the first one that will cost him a season, and likely a whole lot more.
"He was screaming in pain as medical training staff had to pick him up and carry him off the cart." @MollyAMcGrath said the first report is that Tua Tagovailoa suffered an injury to his right hip vs. Mississippi State. pic.twitter.com/ppMJykMq9N
Recovery time for an injury like this will be a while, and while many rule out a return to the collegiate level, it would not be a wild idea to believe he would.
“For the past 24 hours our medical team has consulted with multiple orthopedic experts across the country, who specialize in hip injuries and surgeries,” said team doctor Lyle Cain, “Based on that research, Tua is being flown to Houston tonight to be evaluated and is scheduled to have hip surgery Monday,” Cain said.
Tua Tagovailoa is being flown to Houston tonight to be evaluated and is scheduled to have hip surgery Monday, Alabama orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lyle Cain said in a statement.
As ESPN reported, this is Tagovailoa’s second surgery of the season, the first one being the tight-rope surgery to repair a high ankle sprain he suffered during Tennessee.
This surgery on his hip will be more serious and come with a much longer recovery time.
The Alabama Crimson Tide dropped from No. 4 to No. 5 in the last Amway Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports.
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Alabama managed to get a sound 35-7 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday, but that did not stop the slide from No. 4 to No. 5 in the latest Amway Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Georgia, who was already ranked ahead of the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff rankings, jumped to the No. 4 spot while there were some other slight changes to the rankings.
Minnesota dropped its first game of the season to Iowa, which caused a drop from No. 7 to No. 11
Baylor, who checked in as a top 10 team last week, only dropped to No. 13 after Oklahoma’s comeback victory on Saturday night
Auburn dropped a close one (21-14) to Georgia, and the rankings dropped them from No. 13 to No. 16 as a result
Texas A&M, who have not been in the top 25 in awhile, crawled back in at No. 24
Here is the top 25 in its entirety following Week 12 of the college football season:
1. LSU (10-0)
2. Ohio State (10-0)
3. Clemson (11-0)
4. Georgia (9-1)
5. Alabama (9-1)
6. Oregon (9-1)
7. Oklahoma (9-1)
8. Utah (9-1)
9. Penn State (9-1)
10. Florida (9-2)
11. Minnesota (9-1)
12. Michigan (8-2)
13. Baylor (9-1)
14. Wisconsin (8-2)
15. Notre Dame (8-2)
16. Auburn (7-3)
17. Cincinnati (9-1)
18. Memphis (9-1)
19. Boise State (9-1)
20. Iowa (7-3)
21. SMU (9-1)
22. Oklahoma State (7-3)
23. Appalachian State (9-1)
24. Texas A&M (7-3)
25. San Diego State (8-2)
Other teams receiving votes: Air Force, Virginia Tech, Indiana, Navy, Virginia, UL-Lafayette, Pittsburgh, USC, Louisiana Tech, Wake Forest, Temple, Kansas State
That is now six SEC teams listed in the top 25.
It’s good for Alabama that Texas A&M has made its way back into the rankings, as that is now a top 25 win that the Crimson Tide can claim.
Looking at the national College Football Playoff picture after Week 12, a few things are becoming very clear. Let’s start at the top.
This past week, all 25 teams ranked by the CFP selection committee were in action. With so many games, a trend that has been slowly developing over the year came to full fruition.
We haven’t seen many upsets at the top of the game this year. And while we have seen some matchups of Top 15 teams–mostly involving Auburn or Michigan–we have yet to really see top teams get upset, or matchups between serious contenders. (Yes, we have had a few, most notably Alabama-LSU, but there have been far fewer than in most years.) That will change over the final few weeks of the season, whether due to scheduled matchups or conference championship games.
While there haven’t been many upsets at the top of the rankings. We’ve had plenty at this bottom. This past week, three of the committee’s teams ranked 19-25 lost, plus a pretty weak display from Cincinnati, for the second time in three weeks. Don’t be surprised if the committee drops the Bearcats a little after this performance.
What that leaves us with is essentially a two-tier ranking system. And while we can subdivide each tier further, the breakdown of the tiers will be very important.
The Top 17 teams are basically locked into those spots. LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, Utah, Minnesota, Penn State, Oklahoma, Florida, Auburn, Baylor, Wisconsin, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Iowa will be the Top 17 teams from here on out. A shocking upset could knock one of these teams out, sure, and Baylor could fall out on its own by losing two of its final three games (to Texas and then again in the Big 12 Championship Game). Other than that Baylor case, though (and assuming no one does something crazy like lose to Northwestern or an FCS team), these 17 teams will be ranked the rest of the way, no matter what, and will like be the Top 17 the rest of the way.
From 18 on down, though, is anybody’s guess. We could see AAC teams stay in, though they’ve been less impressive as the season has gone on. Also, Cincinnati and Memphis still have to face each other. Appalachian State and Boise State can stay ranked by winning out, but one more loss will end any rankings the rest of the way. Maybe SMU slides back in this week.
After that, though, what’s left? What teams are we looking at to be ranked in the back section of the Top 25? Pitt, Virginia, and/or Virginia Tech could slide in, though Pitt plays Virginia Tech this week, and Virginia faces Virginia Tech next week, so only one of those three, at most, will likely be ranked by season’s end. Are we looking at Iowa State, with as impressive a four-loss resume as we’ve seen in a while?
17 teams have basically locked up their year-end rankings, with two weeks left in the regular season. The other eight spots in the Top 25, though, are entirely up for grabs. Who does this help most? Quite clearly, the Pac 12.
Where is Georgia football in Kirk Herbstreit’s top-four teams.
Kirk Herbstreit ranked college football’s top-four teams on Sunday morning, following an action-packed Saturday in the top-ten.
His rankings actually stayed the exact same, though, seeing as how none of the drama happened at the top, leaving Georgia football at No. 4 after the Dawgs beat Auburn.
I see nothing wrong with that. There was not really a scenario for Georgia to move up and it definitely did not deserve to move down either. No. 4 is a great spot for UGA.
As for Alabama staying at No. 5, I agree with that one, too. I’d leave the Tide where they are until they prove that the Tua Tagovailoa loss is going to hurt as much as we expect it to.
Tua Tagovailoa suffered a season ending injury that left everyone with one big question on their mind: Where does Alabama go from here?
On Saturday, Alabama’s star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a season ending injury that left players, coaches, and fans with one big question on their mind: Where does Alabama go from here?
After Tagovailoa suffered a high ankle sprain a little over three weeks ago during the Tennessee game, the same question was asked, but everyone knew the answer was temporary, since Tagovailoa would be returning to play two weeks later against LSU. But this time, it’s different. Although Tua is expected to make a full recovery, he’s out for the rest of the season, so this time, the answer to the question affects the rest of the season.
Nov 16, 2019; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) is carted off the field due to an injury during the second quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
It affects whether or not the Crimson Tide even has a chance to win the rest of their regular season games for a chance at the CFB Playoff. Whoever takes over as QB1 the rest of the season for Alabama won’t just be playing for one game, they’ll be playing at least two. And if Alabama makes it to the CFB playoff, they’ll be leading the Tide through the playoffs as well. So, with all that being said, let’s dive deep into the question: Who will be the new QB1 for the Crimson Tide, and where does Alabama go from here?
When Tua Tagovailoa left the Tennessee game, we saw backup quarterback Mac Jones come into the game and throw 6 completions for 72 yards. The following week against Arkansas though, Jones impressed the nation with his ability to lead the team down the field, settle into the running game, throw consistent short passes, and also throw deep bombs when needed. He finished the Arkansas game completing 18-22 passes for 235 yards and 3 TDs. Fans left the game knowing that Mac Jones was more than capable at quarterback when he was needed. But when Tagovailoa went down, everyone knew this time was different, including Mac Jones.
Jones, who will more than likely be the starting quarterback for the rest of the season, has to step up more than ever before. Tua Tagovailoa’s younger brother Taulia will lose his redshirt as he will be backup for Jones, and will probably see action during the next two games.
But it’s not just who will be the new starting quarterback that’s important to note, it’s how the offense and gameplay will change. When Jones started against Arkansas, it gave the running game a chance to develop. Najee Harris had 13 carried for 86 yards and 2TDs, while Brian Robinson Jr. finished the Arkansas game with also 13 carries for 67 yards. Alabama will have to settle into the running game more over the next two weeks.
Mac Jones will also have to shift from being just a game manager to a game changer. His role in the Arkansas game was to play safe and smart. But now, he will have to add bold to the list of adjectives. Jones will need to take big shots downfield, considering the receiving group he has around him. If Mac Jones can help the offense settle into the running game while also being smart and taking big shots downfield like he did against Arkansas when he threw a perfect 40 yard bullet to Jerry Jeudy, Alabama has a chance to finish the season the way they started.
Nov 16, 2019; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) looks to make a pass against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
So, where does Alabama go?
They go back to the basics.
The offense will work on settling into the running game, Mac Jones will work on his footwork and consistency, and he works on his ability to hit the open man downfield.
The defense will work on tackling, and not busting coverage.
Leaders on both sides of the ball will step up, show up, and show out, and make big plays.
Alabama may have lost their star quarterback, but they didn’t lose the heart, passion, and goal they’ve all shared together since the season started.
And honestly, Alabama will be playing their hearts out for two reasons. One is of course the chance at another playoff berth. But secondly, and most importantly, they’re playing for Tua. The guy who literally put his body on the line for his team. The guy who has now suffered four injuries while at Alabama. The guy who has led them this far.
Don’t count Alabama out just yet.
They aren’t stopping here.
The starting quarterback may be different for the Crimson Tide on Saturday, but the heart of this team still beats the same, and that’s what this team will rely on to win.
As Nick Saban once said,
“One thing about championship teams is that they’re resilient. No matter what is thrown at them, no matter how deep the hole, they find a way to bounce back and overcome adversity.”
