Houston offense creates a challenge for Tide

TUSCALOOSA | The Houston Cougars aren’t your run-of-the-mill homecoming opponent.

That’s the assessment of University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban. Houston will visit Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday for the Crimson Tide’s 87th homecoming.

While Alabama holds a 9-0 all-time edge in the series with Houston, winning 37-10 in 1999 in the most recent meeting, the Cougars are a program on the rise under fifth-year head coach Art Briles. Houston won 10 games last season for the first time sine 1990, claiming the Conference USA championship, and has made three bowl appearances in Briles’ four previous seasons.

Houston is 2-2, but Saban points out that the Cougars had two untimely turnovers in scoring territory in a 48-27 loss at Oregon and missed field goals on their last two possessions in a 37-35 loss to East Carolina last weekend.

Houston’s offense will present a serious challenge to the Tide defense. The Cougars rank 15th nationally in total offense at 483.5 yards per game and are in the top 25 in rushing offense, passing offense and passing efficiency. Houston’s 33.5 points per game ranks 33rd in scoring average.

“They’re one of those teams you can never take lightly,” Alabama senior defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry said. “You expect to win homecoming, but with a team like Houston you have to be prepared.”

Saban called Houston’s offensive approach “a little different, a little unconventional,” mixing elements of the spread offense with option plays, usually out of a shotgun formation. The Cougars’ speed at receiver and passing ability makes the option runs harder to defend.

“It taxes you in terms of you’re spread out here, how are we going to get enough guys in here to stop the run,” Saban said.

Greenwood questionable

for Houston game

Defensive lineman Bobby Greenwood is questionable for Saturday’s game against Houston after sustaining an ankle injury last weekend against Florida State.

Saban said medical tests showed no major problems, but the junior from Prattville’s status won’t be known for sure until later in the week.

“It’s a pretty good sprain, a pretty good bruise,” Saban said.

Sophomore Brandon Deaderick, who made a career-best four tackles against FSU, is Greenwood’s backup.

Saban said noseguard Brian Motley, a freshman who was expected to start before injuring his ankle in practice just days before the Tide’s season opener against Western Carolina, got through his first game action against Florida State and should be able to contribute more in coming weeks. Saban would like to have the top five players on the defensive front healthy at the same time.

“As soon as we get Motley back we lose Bobby Greenwood,” Saban said, “and depth at that position has been critical for us all year.”

Tight end Travis McCall and wideout Keith Brown are expected to play.

“Both have head injuries that they’ve both cleared up and should be OK,” Saban said.

Bart Starr to serve

as parade grand marshal

Two-time Super Bowl most valuable player Bart Starr will serve as grand marshal for the 2007 UA Homecoming Parade, which will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Starr was a four-year letterman at Alabama before joining the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League in 1956. He played in the NFL for 15 years, leading the Packers to victory in Super Bowl I in 1967 and again in Super Bowl II a year later. Starr also served as Green Bay’s head coach from 1975-83.

The Montgomery native was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

Five players recognized

by coaching staff

Offensive lineman Justin Britt was one of five players recognized as Alabama’s players of the week as selected by the UA coaching staff.

Britt, a senior from Cullman, was the only player selected on offense. The left guard made his 17th straight start in last weekend’s loss to Florida State.

Safety Rashad Johnson, a junior from Sulligent, and linebacker Ezekial Knight, a junior from Wedowee, were recognized on defense. Johnson made six tackles against FSU, with Knight tying for the team high with nine stops. He had one sack and two tackles for loss.

On special teams, freshman Kareem Jackson of Fork Union and senior Demarcus Waldrop of Pinson were selected. Jackson had eight tackles, including one for loss.

Reach Tommy Deas at tommy.deas@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0224.