Crimson Tide Continues Capital One Bowl Practice

 

Alabama continues preperation for the Spartans. Photo courtesy of the UA SID.

 

ALABAMA FOOTBALL PRACTICE REPORT

By UA SID

The Alabama football team practiced for just over two hours at Dr. Phillips High School Tuesday as they continued to prepare for their January 1st matchup with Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl. The Crimson Tide hit the practice fields at 11:15 a.m. and worked out in full pads. Temperatures were a little warmer on Tuesday, reaching 50 degrees by the end of practice, but more importantly the winds were calmer than they were on Monday.

ORLANDO, Fla. –

After visiting the Disney properties yesterday, the team had the opportunity to go to Universal Studios following practice. The Tide will have light practices on Wednesday and Thursday, and then take a team photo and hold a walk-thru Friday afternoon at the Citrus Bowl.

While talking with news media following practice, senior quarterback Greg McElroy reflected on the realization that this game will mark the end of his college football career while also sharing some thoughts on the team’s bowl week experience to this point.

"You're not really mentioned among the great Alabama teams unless you win 10 games so I think that's a definite point of focus for us," McElroy said. "We've had a great week of practice and we're just looking forward to finishing strong. It's been bittersweet. I am just trying to savor every last moment with my teammates and spend as much time with them as I can, whether that is at the players’ lounge or walking around Disney World...things like that is what I will miss.

"That team mantra, that team aspect is something that is often overlooked. So much of it gets focused on the game, but it’s the guys that you will miss the most. So I am looking forward to these last opportunities to spend with them, and then wish them well in whatever they will do. We had a good time yesterday, and I'm looking forward to having some fun later today at Universal. There's been a lot to do and I am just enjoying it, but we're also focused on getting ready for the game and looking forward to playing well."

On Thursday after practice, head coach Nick Saban and select players will participate in a Capital One Bowl Pep Rally at Pointe Orlando. Alabama is on at 5 p.m. (EST) and Michigan State follows at 5:45 p.m. Both UA and MSU bands and cheerleaders are scheduled to attend as well. Coach Saban’s radio show will be held later that evening (7-9 p.m.) in the atrium of the Renaissance Orlando Resort and is open to the public.

The Capital One Bowl is set for a 1 p.m. (EST) kickoff and will be carried by ESPN with Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge and Holly Rowe calling the action.