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By Michael Casagrande
Correspondent
TUSCALOOSA — There’s no denying the impact Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley’s made on the SEC this fall.
His physical reputation has made him a daunting task for any offensive lineman charged with keeping him out of the backfield. Not many have succeeded since the senior leads the SEC with 18 tackles for loss this season.
With his bruising style came a label of playing with a little too much vigor and just a little longer than the rules allow. He’s knocked a few quarterbacks out of games including Georgia’s Aaron Murray, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett and LSU’s Jarrett Lee briefly.
That leaves Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy in a particularly vulnerable position in Friday’s Iron Bowl considering Alabama’s allowed the 10th most sacks in the SEC.
“I would think some of the contact’s a little unnecessary, but it’s part of the game,” McElroy said. “It’s part of it. The New York Giants knocked out a lot of quarterbacks this year, too, including [Dallas Cowboy Tony] Romo, and Jon Kitna went and took them to school last week. It’s tough to say. Each week is a different situation. Obviously, he’s a terror for QBs, but I’ve got a lot of faith in my O-line to keep me protected and keep him off my back.”
Disjointed Thanksgiving
Being the second straight year the Iron Bowl is scheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving, the Alabama football team knows the drill.
Practice Wednesday started and ended an hour earlier than normal since there were no classes held. It also allowed players who lived close to Tuscaloosa to spin home for a quick Thanksgiving dinner a day early.
Everyone else will go to dinner at either Saban’s house or one of the assistant’s.
By 12:45 Thursday afternoon, the team will be back together again to share one big feast.
Senior day
It’s easy to lose it in the shuffle, but Friday’s game will also be the last in Bryant-Denny Stadium for 18 seniors.
That includes McElroy who is one of the few remaining players from the Mike Shula era.
“It flies by. I feel like just yesterday I was taking the field for the first time in a yellow jersey with Coach Shula walking around with the loudspeaker,” McElroy said. “It’s funny how things change and how fast time goes by. Playing at Alabama and going to school at Alabama has been probably the most influential and most impactful thing that I’ve ever done in my entire life.
“Just the relationships I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned. I’m just very proud to have called this place home over the last five years. I can’t believe it’s starting to come down to the last couple of games. My days are numbered but you can’t number the memories.”
Contact Michael Casagrande at sports@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6273.