FSSouth:
Welcome everyone! Izzy Gould will be joining us shortly to answer all of your BCS Championship questions surrounding Alabama.
FSSouth:
Send in your questions and we'll get started shortly.
Comment From Tyler
Is there any chance of Dee Hart seeing the field?
Izzy Gould:
Just got back from Alabama's first practice in New Orleans. Big media contingent on hand for the 15-minute viewing.
Izzy Gould:
Dee Hart continues to wear a black non-contact jersey. He looks strong and sharp during practice. The only game he has dressed for was the Nov. 5 LSU game. I would never say never when it comes to a game with a national title on the line. That said, Alabama would have to be convinced he could offer something that would put the Crimson Tide in position to win.
Comment From Wes
Is there anything wrong with Trent's right arm or wrist?
Izzy Gould:
Trent Richardson has a wrap around his right wrist, which covers part of his hand. He's been wearing it for quite a while now. If nothing was wrong with his wrist I doubt he would be wearing it. He carries the ball in that hand, and he hasn't given us any reason to believe it's a major concern. Of course, Trent keeps things close to the vest. He wore a protective boot all last season, and his foot never seemed to be an issue during games.
Comment From Mike
Any new information on Menzie and Milliner's leg wraps? Did they look slowed?
Izzy Gould:
I just wrote about this in my practice report, which also has photos. You can go to al.com/alabamafootball to find it. Menzie was limping between plays during the dime drills. Both practiced during the media viewing. It's something new, and worth keeping an eye on entering the game.
Comment From Brad
With LSU's biggest weakness on defense being the linebackers do you see Williams and Smelly have a big game?
Izzy Gould:
I think the development of Brad Smelley into a key option on third-down conversions is a real threat to LSU. He had just one catch for 8 yards in the Nov. 5 game. He's cool, confident and his mellow demeanor is one reason he has played so poised. I know LSU's all over it in terms of preparation, but Smelley is one more significant variable that could result in a different outcome.
Comment From NoDawgInThisFight
Can Alabama ride Richardson or will McCarron have to make more plays in this game?
Izzy Gould:
Every team that faces Alabama keys on Trent Richardson. You have to, he's the Doak Walker Award winner and was a Heisman Trophy finalist. But it will be up to AJ McCarron to take advantage of LSU's defense when it zones in on Richardson, and Eddie Lacy, too. Lacy could be another factor considering his foot appears to be healing, and he continues to participate in practice drills he once skipped to give his injury some rest.
Comment From Steven
Any word on Duron Carter lately?
Izzy Gould:
Duron Carter did not make the trip, which was expected considering he did not work out with the team through bowl preparation. Nothing new to report, but he is still on the team at this point.
Comment From Goalline Stand
Hey Izzy. What is the energy level of the Bama team? Does everyone look focused and ready?
Izzy Gould:
I've never interviewed any of the players as early as we did this morning, which was 9 a.m. Honestly, they looked tired at that hour. Not going to speculate as to why (we know that's what messages boards are for), but I wouldn't read too much into it. I'm sure they will get more fiery as the week wears on. Practice had a strong pace to it. I think the guys were excited to practice in the Superdome.
Comment From Darren
Seems like Alabama has a lot of little injuries that have cropped up between the AU game and the BCSNCG. Is that accurate?
Izzy Gould:
Actually, a lot of the injuries have healed. But there's no question this team is showing the wear-and-tear of a physical season. They had essentially three weeks to heal leading to bowl practice. Now they just need to suck it up for one more game. The only way a guy would sit at this point is if it was a serious injury. I say if they are at practice, they can play.
Comment From Alex
Do you think the gameplan will include passing up the middle of the field more than it did the first time?
Izzy Gould:
It all depends what the defense is showing. But Alabama seems to prefer to play to the outside, at least that's my observation. They haven't invited me into meetings for the gameplan!
Comment From Goalline Stand
Izzy. Did Shelley and Foster look good kicking practice field goals? If so, how long were the attempts?
Izzy Gould:
Unfortunately, we don't get to watch them kick field goals. If that was happening I missed it. Sorry. But AJ McCarron said earlier he has seen Cade Foster launch a 52-yarder in practice before. That was in reference to my question regarding the sack he took in overtime. More on that tomorrow. But it sounds like most of the players are trying to say supportive words to pump up the confidence of the kickers.
Comment From Sheldon
Gut feeling: Where does Landon Collins commit tonight?
Izzy Gould:
I was asked about this on Twitter last night. My sources say he will commit to Alabama. Sounds like he's already told Alabama, but will announce during at the game. We'll see. I don't spend a lot of time chasing recruiting news because my primary role is to cover the current football team. That's an interesting job in itself. But I trust my sources.
Comment From GCS
how much do you think alabama playing in the title game 2 years ago..will carry to this game as far as preparation and attitude?
Izzy Gould:
I think it's a significant advantage. There are a lot of players on this team that know what to anticipate in terms of the chaos surrounding such a huge event. Many of the veterans say they are focused on one task - earning revenge against LSU.
Comment From Henry County Pachyderm
Is there one player, for either team, that maybe is not one of the stars but who could be a difference maker in this game?
4:03
Izzy Gould:
That's a good question. I think the two guys from Alabama are running back Eddie Lacy, and tight end Brad Smelley. Lacy has been coping with turf toe all season. He seems to be more healthy these days. His production, and carries dipped later in the season because of his limited role. But he had a big game late against Mississippi State. Smelley has been thriving as of late, and he and AJ McCarron clearly have developed a tight bond.
Comment From Michelle
Do you think there will be a split championship if the Tide wins?
Izzy Gould:
Obviously, it depends on various factors. I certainly think the possibility exists. In my opinion, it's part of the problem with the current system. I personally want to see a playoff implemented, but who am I? This bowl season has been notably boring. I don't feel compelled to watch any of the games. Honestly, only one of them matters and I'll be covering it Monday night.
Comment From John Hall
Can you tell if the Bama players have a good chip on their shoulder wanting to prove something like they did against Fla. in 2009?
Izzy Gould:
I wasn't covering the team in 2009, so I cannot compare. I did address some of this earlier in the chat.
Comment From Steve
Alabama already has 24 commits, plus Collins and some on radar. How does 28 man rule affect this situation?
Izzy Gould:
The SEC limited signees to 25 per year last summer. So there is no 28-man rule.
Comment From tgrmontanaskier
Izzy, I would love to hear the schedule for the week. Does the team have group dinners like at other bowl games? Do they do activities with LSU? ETC...
Izzy Gould:
I've seen the team schedule, and it's very structured. Every day begins with a wake-up call. Then it's everything from meals to meetings to practice. It's really a 12-hour day, and often longer for those committed to watching film on their own.
Comment From John Hall
I have heard that the players already look that they want to play now and I have heard Saban say before that it is important to not let them peak too early ? Do you feel like they are on a good pace to peak on Monday?
Izzy Gould:
Hard to say after one day with limited access. I would be better prepared to answer it tomorrow. As I said earlier, Alabama players looked tired at the 9 a.m. presser, but practice was up-tempo.
Comment From Steve
Any possibility of either Kouandjio brother playing?
Izzy Gould:
They are both in black jerseys tossing a medicine ball back-and-forth. Today was the first sighting of them in a few weeks. The last time they were on stationary bikes working on conditioning. Alabama will play its starters throughout the entire game if possible. The only way that would change is through an injury or ejection. Then you might see Barrett Jones or Alfred McCullough shift around with Anthony Steen in the mix. I expect the Kouandjio's to dress, but not to play.
Comment From Sheldon
If Bama wins this game how big is it for Saban's legacy? Are we entering the territory of all time greats or will it still be too soon?
Izzy Gould:
He already has two national titles at different schools, and this would be his second at Alabama. To Crimson Tide fans he already is legendary. Heck, he's got a statue along the Walk of Champions in front of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Covering Saban at times is surreal. He travels around the state with the type of entourage that would make the governor blush. Everywhere he goes he receive rockstar treatment. So yes, he would be considered at that point among the all-time greats. Might be anyway.
4:21
FSSouth:
Ok Izzy, it's money time. What's your prediction for The Rematch?
4:21
Izzy Gould:
Wait, we still have 9 minutes!!!!
Izzy Gould:
Joking. Alabama 13, LSU 10.
FSSouth:
Boldly predicting touchdowns?!
Comment From Alex
Roll Tide.
Comment From Rich
Having a blast following you on Twitter. We are headed to NOLA on Saturday and it can't get here fast enough. You are helping to bridge the gap - keep up the good work!
Comment From Goalline Stand
Izzy. Thank you for sending out some tweets with pics. I can't wait to get there for the BIG GAME in the BIG EASY!
Izzy Gould:
I believe Alabama will take advantage of fine-tuning its mistakes, and utilize some players that had not been factors in the last game. Simple.
FSSouth:
Izzy, thanks a lot for joining us today. Much appreciated. And a big thanks to all the readers for submitting questions. Sorry we couldn't get to all of them.
Izzy Gould:
Feel free to follow me on twitter at twitter.com/izzygould
Izzy Gould:
Your phone might lose its battery life, but you will be informed.
FSSouth:
We'll be back tomorrow at 1:30 ET for an LSU chat. Feel free to drop by and share your feelings on the Tigers. Civilized or not :)
Izzy Gould:
Thanks for having me.
Comment From John Hall:
Roll Tide
