Alabama Monday Practice Report

CRIMSON TIDE CONTINUES PREP FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOWDOWN WITH MICHIGAN STATE

   ARLINGTON, Texas – The No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide put in another elongated practice session with more than two hours in full pads at AT&T Stadium.
   Intensity continued to build and focus continued to sharpen as the Crimson Tide ready for its College Football Playoff Semifinal clash at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against the No. 3 Michigan State Spartans (12-1, 8-1 Big Ten) three days away.
   “I feel pretty good (about today’s practice), said LB Reggie Ragland. “Guys were flying around, being in the right position to get better today, so overall it was good.”
   The Tide (12-1, 8-1 SEC) has been more than good following the loss to Ole Miss, reeling off 10 straight wins, most in convincing fashion, including the 29-15 victory over Florida just over three weeks ago in the SEC Championship Game.
   “Guys are really chomping at the bit and trying to get right to play in this game,” said Ragland. “The closer the game gets guys are really ready to play. It’s been almost a month since we have played so guys want to get those jitters out.”
   After practice, Alabama took an opportunity to get away from its Classic preparation for a visit to the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. The team then retired back to its headquarters hotel for the remainder of the day. On Tuesday, the Tide has another busy day on tap with its official Media Day in the morning prior to its third practice at AT&T Stadium.
   The Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic celebrates its 80th anniversary on New Year’s Eve while hosting its first College Football Playoff Semifinal. Airtime on ESPN is set for 7 p.m. CST, with kickoff slated for 7:10 p.m.
- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Communications