Tide players went out in shoulder pads and sweat pants at Independence Bowl Stadium which began around 5 p.m. as the sun was setting. Reporters were allowed to watch the early portion of the workout. Alabama’s Tuesday practice is set for about 1 p.m. because both teams will share practice time at the stadium all week. The Buffaloes are expected to arrive in Shreveport on Wednesday.
There was no media interview availability for the steadfast group of reporters who present for the squad’s arrival, but both Head Coach Nick Saban and select Tide players are expected to be available to talk to the press on Wednesday.
Nick Saban told reporters last week that the football team had had a good semester academically and that he expected no one to miss the trip because of academic lapses. Four Alabama players, defensive lineman Luther Davis, linebacker Jimmy Johns, receiver Mike McCoy and running back Terry Grant, were not at the beginning of Tuesday’s practice. Alabama officials confirmed that there were four late arrivals due to travel delays.
On the injury watch list for Alabama is return man and reserve defensive back Javier Arenas, whose punt return for touchdown in the Independence Bowl last year gave Alabama a chance to win before things turned sour against Oklahoma State. Arenas was limited in practice last week, but was out of the “no-contact” black jersey for Tuesday’s practice and is expected to play Sunday.
One of the hottest new tourist attractions in the state of Louisiana is located on the left side I-20 in Monroe, Louisiana. Citizens of the Pelican State, and Tide fans driving through the city on their way to Shreveport, are reminded of Louisiana-Monroe’s 21-14 victory over Alabama courtesy of Hixon Ford dealership. The sign (pictured here) reads “TIDE ROLLED!” in large letters with the ULM logo and the score underneath.
The University is inviting Alabama fans in Shreveport to Nick Saban’s radio show on Friday night. The Charter Business Bowl Preview Show will air live on The Crimson Tide Sports Network on Friday night, December 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Central Time from Buffalo Wild Wings on The Boardwalk in Bossier City. The show will include Eli Gold, Kenny Stabler, Coach Saban and some former Alabama players.
Buffalo Wild Wings is located at 375 Boardwalk Boulevard in Bossier City, directly across the river from the Shreveport casinos district. To inquire about reservations or arrangements at Buffalo Wild Wings, call the restaurant at 318-752-3801.