Alabama vs. Tulane notes

Jon Johnson
Media General News Service
Published: September 6, 2008

Off to the races
Javier Arenas ran into the record books in the first half for Alabama as he had 141 yards on four punt returns in the first two quarters, going past the previous punt return mark of 122 yards in a game held by Harry Gilmer in 1947 against Georgia. Arenas’ first punt return of the game went for 87 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter. It marked the fourth punt return for a TD for Arenas, tying him with David Palmer (1991-92) for most in school history.

Arenas finished with 147 yards in punt returns on five tries.

Arenas was injured on his first punt return of the second half when Jordan Ellis blasted him on a hard tackle. Freshman Julio Jones took over the punt returning duties following Arenas’ injury.
Block that punt
Roy Upchurch blocked a Tulane punt late in the first quarter and Chris Rogers scooped the ball up and ran it in 17 yards for a touchdown to give Alabama a 13-0 lead. The last time the Tide returned a blocked punt for a score was in 2004 by Marcel Stamps for 14 yards against Western Carolina.
Upshaw plays
True freshman linebacker Courtney Upshaw of Eufaula saw his first action of the season and became the 10th true freshman to play for Bama over the first two games.
First TD
True freshman running back Mark Ingram got his first career TD on a 15-yard run to end the third quarter. In the 77-yard scoring drive, Ingram had 38 yards on five carries. For the game, he gained a team-high 63 yards on 11 carries.
Big night
Linebacker Rolando McClain recorded 15 tackles — nine solo and six assists — to lead Alabama. Dont’a Hightower followed with 10 tackles — five solo and five assists.
Missed kicks
Freshman Corey Smith, called on to kick the Tide’s second extra point following an injury to Leigh Tiffin, was off the mark. Tiffin was knocked hard to the ground on the Tide’s first kickoff. Later in the first half, Smith missed a 37-yard field goal attempt when it hit off one of the uprights.
First half shutdown
Alabama was held to 0 net yards rushing in the first half on 12 attempts, thanks in part to John Parker Wilson being sacked four times for 29 yards in losses. The Tide passing game didn’t fare much better with only 38 yards in the first two quarters.
Injury update
Andre Smith, Alabama’s preseason All-America candidate at left tackle, did not dress for the game after he suffered a sprained right knee in the second half of the Clemson game.

It snapped a 27-game streak. He had started every game at left tackle since he arrived as a true freshman in 2006. Mike Johnson moved to left tackle from left guard and David Ross got his first start at left guard.

Backup wide receiver Earl Alexander also sat out the game due to a sprained ankle. Nikita Stover started in his place. Senior receiver Will Oakley, who missed training camp rehabbing a stress fracture, has rejoined the team and did dress out.

Against Tulane, kicker Leigh Tiffin was injured on a first half kickoff while being blocked, offensive guard Marlon Davis pulled a hamstring and Javier Arenas was injured returning the first punt of the second half after a hard tackle. Tiffin returned to kick the extra point when Alabama scored on the final play of the third quarter. Arenas took a hit to the head and didn’t return.
 
Best of the Day
Best return: Javier Arenas returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown following Tulane’s first punt of the game.

Best block: Roy Upchurch breaking through to block a Tulane punt.

Best timeout: Alabama called a timeout right before Tulane kicker Ross Thevenot got off a 23-yard field goal attempt right before halftime. After the timeout, the Tulane kicker missed.

Worst of the Day
Worst debut: Freshman Corey Smith got off to a rough start in his kicking debut, missing an extra point and a 37-yard field goal try while filling in for an injured Leigh Tiffin.

Worst protection: John Parker Wilson was dropped behind the line of scrimmage three times in the first half.

Worst production: Alabama had 0 net yards rushing in the first half and 38 yards in passing yards.