Tide Coaches Select Seven From WKU Game

Seven Alabama players earned player of the week honors from Bama's coaching staff following the Crimson Tide’s 41-7 victory over Western Kentucky University, Coach Nick Saban announced Monday.

Each week the Alabama coaching staff selects one or more players from the previous game to honor on offense, defense and special teams.

Senior center Antoine Caldwell, junior left tackle Andre Smith and junior tailback Glen Coffee were recognized as the offensive players of the week after the coaching staff graded film from Saturday. Caldwell and Smith keyed a dominating performance by the Crimson Tide offensive line as UA piled up 557 totally yards, including 281 on the ground. The offensive line didn’t allow a sack and Alabama had 30 first downs, going 9-of-14 on third downs. UA ranks ninth nationally in that category. Coffee led the running game with 97 yards on 11 carries and had a career-long rush of 51 yards. Coffee is the team’s leading rusher and is sixth in the SEC with an average of 80.7 yards per game.

On the other side of the ball, junior defensive backs Javier Arenas and Justin Woodall earned top production honors. Arenas had seven tackles (four solo) and recorded his first career sack. He also returned a pair of punts for 38 yards in the victory. Woodall was credited with five tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and one interception. Alabama held WKU to 158 total yards and 3-of-12 on third downs. UA is now first nationally in rushing defense (42.7 ypg), ninth in scoring defense (7.7 ppg) and 13th in total defense (221.3 ypg).

On special teams, junior Chris Rogers and freshman Courtney Upshaw were recognized. Rogers had three tackles on special teams (kickoff). This is his second time on the special teams’ list as he returned a block punt for a touchdown against Tulane. Upshaw totaled six tackles on Saturday and also had a tackle for loss and a QB hurry from his linebacker position. Four of his six tackles were on the kickoff coverage team. He is one of 15 true freshmen to play this season for the Crimson Tide.

Four Alabama players have earned player of the week honors from the coaches multiple times: Coffee (Clemson & WKU), Arenas (Tulane & WKU), Rogers (Tulane & WKU) and Rolando McClain (Clemson & Tulane).

Meanwhile, the Southeastern Conference named its players of the week and Crimson Tide wide receiver Julio Jones was named freshman of the week. He had five pass receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown.