By Cecil Hurt Sports Editor September 29, 2003
TUSCALOOSA | People who say that University of Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle can really sling it were literally correct on Sunday.
The Tide sophomore had his left arm in a sling after suffering a shoulder separation in the first half of Saturday night’s 34-31 overtime loss to Arkansas.
“It was stiff and tight this morning," Croyle said. “I’ve just got to take it day-by-day and get it back where it needs to be. If it’s up to me, then I’m there [for Saturday’s Georgia game] no matter what. I’m planning on playing."
Croyle, who was wearing a brace, suffered the injury on a hit by Arkansas linebacker Tony Bua late in the first half.
“[The shoulder] came out on the hit," Croyle said. “It was already out when I hit the ground. It was the same one that was hurt in the South Florida game, but this was the first time it has stayed out."
Croyle changed braces on the shoulder at halftime and returned to the game.
“It limits you a little," he said.
Tide head coach Mike Shula said that Croyle’s chances of playing would depend on his status for the Tide’s practices Tuesday and Wednesday. Back-up Spencer Pennington got the majority of repetitions at the brief Sunday practice and will continue to get increased practice time this week.
“Hopefully, Brodie will play," Shula said. “Brodie is tough, but we will be talking with the trainers and doctors to make sure he can’t hurt it worse."
Shula was less optimistic about the chances for two defensive standouts to return in time for Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. CBS game at Georgia.
“I’d say Antwan (Odom) and Derrick (Pope) are going to be tough calls this week," Shula said. “I don’t know how much they are going to practice this week. If I had to guess about those three guys, I’d say Brodie will play and I’m not sure about the other two."
Both Odom and Pope suffered ankle sprains late in the game against Arkansas. Shula said many of the Tide defenders had “bumps and bruises" after playing 88 snaps against the Razorbacks.
Shula also said that defensive tackle Taylor Britt did not play against the Razorbacks “for disciplinary reasons."
“Taylor is currently suspended," Shula said. “He is still a member of the team."
DeMeco Ryans’ performance Saturday was overshadowed by the dramatic Arkansas victory, but the sophomore linebacker from Bessemer entered the Alabama record books as coaches’ film revealed that he had 25 total tackles in the game (24 on defense and one on special teams.)
“He’s one of our most talented players on defense, and he is only going to get better," Shula said. “He has good size and good speed. I don’t think he realizes yet just how special he can be."
Ryans said it was “great" to set the record, but added that it lost some luster because of the eventual outcome.
“It still hurts to lose that game," he said after Sunday’s practice. “We were all trying to win.
“Making tackles is just instinctive. You use your eyes and fly to the ball. That’s what being a linebacker is all about."
The previous Alabama record of 24 tackles was shared by Mike Hall (Clemson, 1968) and Wayne Davis (Texas A&M, 1985). Lee Roy Jordan had 31 tackles against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl on January 1, 1963, but bowl records are not included with regular-season performances in UA statistics.
PLAYERS OF The Week, as selected by the Tide staff, were center J.B. Closner (offense), Ryans (defense) and Lance Taylor (special teams.)
Cecil Hurt can be reached at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.tidesports.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030929/NEWS/309290358/1011
Roll Tide! Rick
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