Alabama running back Mark Ingram, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus and wide receiver Julio Jones said Friday they are leaving early to the NFL draft.
Alabama coach Nick Saban called his team's Capital One Bowl romp over Michigan State "a first-class performance from start to finish."
Dont'a Hightower didn't expect to be Rolando McClain on the field.
The forecast for Alabama's 2011 season should become significantly clearer within the next month.
Auburn's running game features a Heisman Trophy candidate, a player who broke Bo Jackson's freshman rushing record and another who leads the nation in yards per carry.
Auburn's Nick Fairley and Alabama's Marcell Dareus are agile, physical defensive linemen who can take over big games _ attributes that make NFL types salivate and quarterbacks cringe.
Cam Newton has made quite the impression on Auburn teammate Philip Lutzenkirchen.
Nick Saban didn't so much as raise his voice. The trademark scowl never made even a cameo appearance.
