Alabama's Germie Bernard: We 'Shut That Weak-Ass Jump Song Down' vs. Wisconsin
Sep 14, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 7: Germie Bernard #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a big play during the first half against the South Florida Bulls at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard wasn't fazed by Wisconsin's home tradition during a lopsided 42-10 win by the Crimson Tide on Saturday.
"We was ready to just shut that weak-ass jump song down," Bernard said, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.
Following the third quarter at Badgers home games, fans erupt and leave their feet as the House of Pain classic "Jump Around" is blasted throughout the stadium. With Alabama leading by 25 points entering the fourth quarter on Saturday, Crimson Tide players joined in on the celebration.
The song was released in 1992 and became a staple of Wisconsin home games during the 1998 season (h/t John Leuzzi of the Tuscaloosa News). It was first played over the loudspeakers during a homecoming win over Purdue in Oct. 1998, as the Badgers took down the Boilermakers 31-24.
Bernard finished as the team's second-leading receiver against Wisconsin on Saturday, hauling in three of his four targets for 55 yards. This included a 26-yard touchdown grab that gave Alabama a 21-3 edge just before halftime.
Bernard has improved his production in each game to begin his 2024 campaign and now has eight catches for 125 yards on the season as a whole.
The Crimson Tide offense was dominant against Wisconsin, outgaining the Badgers 407-290. Quarterback Jalen Milroe continued his hot start to the 2024 season, finishing 12-of-17 for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Milroe also added 75 yards and two more scores on the ground.
The Badgers dropped their first game of the season after defeating Western Michigan and South Dakota to open the year. Meanwhile, the Tide stayed unbeaten following blowout wins over Western Kentucky and South Florida.
Bernard and the rest of Alabama's offense will have their work cut out for them in the team's next matchup, a highly anticipated clash with No. 1 Georgia on Sept. 28.
Jalen Milroe Earns Heisman Praise, Ryan Williams Shines as Alabama Crushes Wisconsin
Sep 14, 2024
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 14: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball in the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Star quarterback Jalen Milroe and phenomenal freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams put on a show Saturday in the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide's 42-10 road win over the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
As has often been the case since last season, Milroe was the star of the show for Bama on Saturday thanks to his dual-threat ability, going 12-of-17 for 196 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, while also rushing for 75 yards and two scores.
Milroe got the job done primarily with the deep ball and his legs, and he garnered plenty of Heisman Trophy hype on social media as a result:
After falling behind 3-0, Milroe got Alabama on the board in the closing seconds of the first quarter with a perfectly placed, 31-yard pass to Williams, who was open after burning the Wisconsin cornerback:
Williams, who is the youngest player in FBS at years of age after reclassifying to the recruiting class of 2024, continued the storybook start to his college football career against the Badgers.
After scoring a total of three touchdowns in Alabama's first two games against Western Kentucky and South Florida, the speedster finished Saturday's contest with four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Williams is already one of the most exciting players in college football just three games into his career, and fans heaped praise on him on social media for coming through with another huge performance Saturday:
Ryan Williams aka Hollywood gone run by everybody and I mean everybody.
After Alabama got its first touchdown against Wisconsin, the floodgates seemed to open, as Milroe ran for a three-yard score early in the second quarter:
Jalen Milroe is just too fast 🔥@AlabamaFTBL adds on another TD in Madison 💪
Wisconsin missed a field goal with just 33 seconds remaining in the half, and Milroe made the Badgers pay in a big way, as he found Williams for a 47-yard gain and then threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Germie Bernard, giving the Tide a 17-second touchdown drive to enter halftime up 21-3:
Bama opened the second half with a 34-yard touchdown run by Jam Miller to extend the lead to 28-3. Wisconsin answered with a touchdown and forced an Alabama punt, but just when it looked like the Badgers had seized some momentum, the Crimson Tide put them away.
Alabama forced and recovered a Cade Yacamelli fumble late in the third, and Milroe cashed in on the opportunity with his second rushing touchdown and fourth total touchdown of the game:
While the Alabama offense was humming under head coach Kalen DeBoer on Saturday, the defense played a significant role in the win as well.
Bama held Wisconsin to 290 total yards and forced two turnovers, while also allowing just three conversions on 14 third-down attempts.
In fairness to the Badgers, they lost starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke on the first series of the game, as he went down with what appeared to be a non-contact knee injury while running.
Van Dyke returned to the sidelines later on crutches, leaving backup Braedyn Locke to lead the Wisconsin offense for the remainder of the day.
While Locke saw some extended action at times last season, throwing for 777 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, he couldn't get much going against the stacked Alabama defense, going 13-of-26 for 125 yards with one touchdown and no picks.
The optics of Van Dyke's injury suggest 2-1 Wisconsin will have to move forward with Locke as the starter for the foreseeable future, so it may prove to be a positive for him that he was tested by the Tide.
Wisconsin has a bye next week before going on the road to face No. 11 USC on Sept. 28, while 3-0 Alabama will also be idle ahead of a titanic home clash with SEC rival and No. 1-ranked team Georgia on Sept. 28.
Jalen Milroe, No. 4 Alabama Beat USF as 17-Year-Old Ryan Williams Thrills CFB Fans
Sep 8, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 7: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide breaks loose for a long run during the first half against the South Florida Bulls at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
Though it struggled early, No. 4 Alabama walked away with a win against South Florida 42-16 on Saturday.
The final score was not the whole story in the Crimson Tide's second game of the season. The Bulls made things difficult for Alabama all night, trailing by just one score heading into halftime and making it a 14-13 game heading into the fourth quarter.
The Crimson Tide figured things out in the fourth quarter though, piling on four touchdowns to make the score much more lopsided.
Early-season Heisman hopeful Jalen Milroe finished with 194 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns—not his best game but enough to walk away with a win. Saturday was more about the run game for Alabama as junior running back Jamarion Miller recorded 140 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.
It was also another solid game from freshman receiver Ryan Williams, who had 68 receiving yards and a touchdown on four receptions to follow up his 139-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 1.
While Williams' early performances have been impressive, his age makes it even more mind-blowing as he's only 17 years old. As Alabama improved to 2-0, fans continued to praise the young phenom.
After Nick Saban retired over the offseason, Alabama understandably lost a handful of big commits. Luckily for the Tide, Williams decided to keep his commitment and he's already making fans for life in Tuscaloosa.
Of course, the standard at Alabama is winning championships, so the 17-year-old still has a ways to go before he can earn legend status. In the meantime, he's off to an outstanding start.
Video: Nick Saban Unveils 'Saban Field' Sign at Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium
Sep 7, 2024
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 07: Former College Football Coach Nick Saban walks on to the field before a college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas Longhorns at Michigan Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
Nick Saban's name has been immortalized at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The former Crimson Tide coach unveiled a sign that reads "Saban Field" in front of the stadium, which comes after the University decided to dedicate the playing field at the stadium to the 17-year head coach.
"This is a great honor to have the field named after the legacy that we've been able to create here," Saban told fans, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).
"But I want this legacy to represent every player who played, who worked hard, every coach who helped those players develop, our administration who set a foundation where we had a chance to be successful."
Saban won six National Championships with Alabama and made the program the gold standard in college football. He retired following the 2023 season after leading the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff for the seventh time.
Saban will also receive an on-field recognition during halftime of the Crimson Tide's game against South Florida.
He coached 235 games for the program, leading Alabama to a 206-29 overall record. He is the second-winningest head coach in Crimson Tide history, with Paul "Bear" Bryant being the only coach with more wins.
Saban finished his overall collegiate coaching career with a 297-71-7 record, which puts him sixth all-time. He won seven total national championships and his Alabama teams were the dominant force of the four-team playoff era.
As the sport continues to evolve, Saban's presence will always remain with the Alabama program when they descend on "Saban Field."
Video: Derrick Henry, Former Alabama Players Honor Nick Saban on 'College GameDay'
Sep 7, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry was one of several former University of Alabama players to congratulate former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban on Saturday for a major honor the school bestowed upon him.
Henry, former New Orleans Saints and Ravens running back Mark Ingram, former New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower and former St. Louis Rams offensive lineman Barrett Jones all sent in videos in celebration of the University of Alabama rechristening the Bryant-Denny Stadium field as Saban Field:
“You’re the goat. … Not only did you make me a better player, you made me a better person as well.”
Derrick Henry and former Alabama players thank Coach Saban and congratulate him on the debut of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TRVsKGR3UV
In the video package, which aired on ESPN College GameDay, Henry called Saban "the GOAT," and said the coach made him both a better player and a better person.
Saban retired from coaching at the conclusion of the 2024 season after leading the Crimson Tide to enormous success during his 17-year tenure.
Alabama went a remarkable 201-29 under Saban, winning six national championships and producing four Heisman Trophy winners in Ingram, Henry, wide receiver DeVonta Smith and quarterback Bryce Young.
The Tide also produced a ton of NFL talent while Saban was at the helm, and the legendary coach heralded the program's success in that regard on Saturday.
Saban said there are currently 61 Alabama players on NFL rosters, and they have signed contracts totaling $1.1 billion.
Bear Bryant has long been considered the standard at Alabama in terms of head football coaches, and while Saban didn't quite reach the 232 coaching wins Bryant had at Bama, Saban had 17 fewer losses and the same number of national titles.
When Saban took over at Alabama, the Tide were coming off a 6-7 season and hadn't won a national championship since 1992, but he left the program in far better shape than he found it.
Alabama is once again among the unquestioned elite programs in college football, and new head coach Kalen DeBoer already has a team capable of challenging for a national title in his first season.
Saban's impact on Alabama football is undeniable and it is only fitting that his name will forever be attached to the iconic venue at which the Crimson Tide play.
Alabama Alums Cross $1B in NFL Contracts During 2024 Offseason After Surtain II Deal
Sep 4, 2024
DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 18: Pat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos high fives a fan against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Empower Field At Mile High on August 18, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
After Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II received a four-year, $96 million contract extension on Wednesday, the Alabama football program celebrated a monumental accomplishment.
The Crimson Tide took to social media to announce that Alabama alums have made over $1 billion in NFL contracts this offseason:
Alabama is already the premier football program in the nation, but the success of former Crimson Tide players at the professional level should only further boost the chances of landing top recruits.
Of course, it took numerous players to surpass the $1 billion mark, but Surtain was among the select few to make a major impact toward exceeding that figure.
Some of the other notable deals for Alabama alums this offseason include Tua Tagovailoa's $212 million extension with the Miami Dolphins, Calvin Ridley's $92 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, Jaylen Waddle's $85 million extension with the Dolphins and DeVonta Smith's $75 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles. Also, Landon Dickerson and Christian Barmore both agreed to $84 million extensions with the Eagles and New England Patriots, respectively.
Surtain's $96 million extension includes $77.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. His annual average of $24 million surpasses those of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. ($21.025 million) and Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander ($21 million).
It can be expected that rising stars like Jameson Williams and Terrion Arnold will join their fellow Alabama alums in receiving huge paydays in the future.
Jalen Milroe, No. 5 Alabama Impress CFB Fans in Kalen DeBoer's Debut with Win vs. WKU
Sep 1, 2024
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: QB Jalen Milroe (4) of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs the ball in overtime of the Alabama Crimson Tide game versus the Michigan Wolverines CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game on January, 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Alabama Crimson Tide are showing now signs of a regression.
In the first game of the Kalen DeBoer era, the Crimson Tide remained mighty with a 63-0 blowout over Western Kentucky.
It was the first Alabama game without Nick Saban since 2006 but the team still looked like a well-oiled machine. The Crimson Tide put up 21 points in each of the first two quarters and added 14 in the third before taking their foot off the gas in the final frame.
Ryan Williams, a 17-year-old freshman wide receiver, was the star of the day, making two catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Fans shared delight in the freshman's efficient day.
17-YEAR OLD Ryan Williams’ first 2 catches of his CFB career:
While the Alabama operation looks a little different in 2024, the culture of the program is clearly still in place with Milroe under center and DeBoer on the sideline.
The Crimson Tide will face a non-Power Conference opponent once again in Week 2 when they head to Raymond James Stadium to take on the USF Bulls. That game will take place Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. ET.
Ryan Williams Stuns Alabama Fans with 2 TDs in 1st Half vs. WKU; WR Is 17 Years Old
Sep 1, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 2: A general view of an Alabama logo painted on the field prior to the SEC Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Alabama's 17-year-old wide receiver Ryan Williams caught two touchdown passes in the first half of his Crimson Tide debut.
Williams recorded a total of 139 yards on the two catches, which marked the first of his college career.
17-YEAR OLD Ryan Williams’ first 2 catches of his CFB career:
Williams, a five-star prospect, reclassified to the 2024 class from the 2025 class in order to join Alabama this season.
Williams' first touchdown catch came on an 84-yard pass from Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The freshman was able to find separation from WKU defenders and run up the right side of the field to put Alabama ahead by 21 points.
Milroe then connected again with Williams in the final minutes of the half. After the catch the wide receiver broke a tackle in order to complete the touchdown.
According to the depth chart released by head coach Kalen DeBoer ahead of the season opener, Williams entered the game as a backup to third-year receiver Kendrick Law.
After Milroe ran for a touchdown and Law caught another, Williams got the opportunity to record his first career catch by the end of the first quarter to bring the Crimson Tide to the end zone for a third time.
Williams recorded more than 4,600 all-purpose yards for 65 touchdowns in his last two high school seasons in Saraland, Alabama, per 247Sports.
The 17-year-old's ability to translate that success to the college game will only further raise expectations for DeBoer in his first year as head coach. Even after the departure of longtime head coach Nick Saban, Alabama could chase a double-digit win total and trip to the College Football Playoff next spring.
Report: Alabama's Kadyn Proctor Suffers Injury in Warmups Before Opener vs. WKU
Aug 31, 2024
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: OL Kadyn Proctor (74) of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during the Alabama Crimson Tide game versus the Michigan Wolverines CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game on January, 1, 2024, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Alabama starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor suffered what appeared to be a left arm injury during warmups before Saturday's season opener against Western Kentucky, 247Sports' Mike Rodak reported.
Proctor watched kickoff from the sideline, where he was wearing street clothes and appeared to have his arm in a sling, per Rodak.
Kadyn Proctor has his left arm in an apparent sling on the sideline. It's covered by his shirt, but he's holding it over his body. In street clothes now after beginning pregame warmups in uniform at first-team LT but leaving with his injury before the end of warmups.
Elijah Pritchett, who was originally warming up as Alabama's second-unit right tackle, started in Proctor's place, per Rodak.
Proctor was heading into his second season with Alabama after starting all 13 games for the Crimson Tide in 2023.
He recorded 20 knockdown blocks on 743 snaps as a freshman, according to Alabama.
Proctor was originally part of the wave of Alabama players who entered the transfer portal following the retirement of longtime head coach Nick Saban.
He transferred to Iowa in January, only to later decide to re-enter the portal and return to Alabama in April.
"He was a guy that was gonna play a significant role in the program, and to lose him and now get him back, that's a big deal for us," head coach Kalen DeBoer said in May, per WVUA 23's Theodore Fernandez.
After Proctor's return, Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus ranked the Crimson Tide's offensive line as the best unit in the country heading into the 2023-24 season.
With Proctor set to flank an interior manned by Tyler Booker, Parker Brailsford and Jaeden Roberts, the OL was expected to be a strength heading into Jalen Milroe's second season as starting quarterback.
Wilkin Formby, who won the starting right tackle job for the season opener after competing with Pritchett in camp, joined Pritchett in the starting lineup on Saturday.
If Proctor is forced to miss time with the apparent injury, it looks like Alabama could turn to Pritchett and Formby to start in his absence.
Pritchett played in all 13 games as a redshirt sophomore last season, while Formby made three appearances for the Crimson Tide in 2023. Both made the first starts of their college careers against WKU.
Video: Nick Saban Says He Got 1,000 Phone Calls When Alabama Made CFP over FSU
Aug 24, 2024
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 07: Nick Saban is seen prior to WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) on February 7, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty)
Retired former Alabama head coach and new College Gameday analyst Nick Saban said Saturday morning that he took heat when Florida State missed out on the College Football Playoffs last season despite being undefeated.
"I just want Kirk [Herbstreit] to know, I got a thousand phone calls when we got the Playoff. He didn't have anything to do with them not getting in the Playoff, and I didn't either, but we both got hammered," he said. "I'm glad we got in, and they probably should have gotten in too, but at least we won't have that situation this year."
"I'm glad we got in, and they probably should have got in too."
The CFB Committee found themselves in an impossible position last offseason, with six viable contenders four the four playoff berths. Undefeated Michigan got in without drama, leaving the undefeated Seminoles, a trio of one-loss major conference champions in Washington, Texas and Alabama and a Georgia team that spent most of its season at No. 1 but suffered its lone loss against the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game.
Ultimately, the committee left out Florida State—which was without quarterback Jordan Travis and had floundered offensively down the stretch, despite remaining undefeated—and Georgia. Alabama lost an overtime thriller against Michigan in the CFP semifinals, and the Wolverines went on to win the title.
This year, the format will expand to 12 teams, hopefully avoiding the sort of mess that left a pair of deserving teams out of the dance.
