Milliner named Bednarik Player of the Week

Junior cornerback Dee Milliner continues to be recognized for his success on the field in the Tide’s season opener against Michigan. The talented cornerback was chosen as the Chuck Bednarik Award Player of the Week by the Maxwell Football Club.

Milliner recorded five tackles, four pass break ups and an interception that he returned to the 17-yard line, setting up an Alabama touchdown. Michigan cornerback Denard Robinson attempted to pick on Milliner throughout the game, but Dee stood tall every time he was tested.

“Dee Milliner is a very good player for us. He started for three years and has lots of experience. He’s been a good leader for us and set a good example,” head coach Nick Saban said following the Tide’s 41-14 victory against Michigan. “We flip flopped corners. He played into the boundary. Deion played into the field. He adjusted to that. He’ll do whatever we need him to do as a team.

“We got beat a couple times on double moves really, really hard double moves. We beat them once on one. But they made two big plays on us and that’s something that we need to do a better job of in the future. But Dee is an outstanding player for us and hopefully will continue to play well throughout the year”

Earlier this week, the Milliner was named the Walter Camp Foundation National Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Wolverines. In addition, the Southeastern Conference also recognized Milliner as the SEC Defensive Player of the week

Alabama soccer ready to take on Maryland, looking to improve to 6-0-0

The Alabama soccer team has gotten off to one of the hottest starts in school history. The Tide, sitting comfortably with a 5-0-0 record, will take on the Maryland Terrapins (3-1-1) on Thursday evening at the Alabama Soccer Stadium. First kick is set for 7 p.m.

The Tide used a 12-goal weekend in games against South Alabama and Mercer to propel itself to its best start in fifth-year head coach Todd Bramble’s time in Tuscaloosa. Freshman Katie Bourgeois scored four goals against South Alabama to pace the Tide on its way to a 9-0 victory last Friday. The freshman now has six goals in five matches during her first season of collegiate play.

On Sunday, the Tide continued its torrid play as it returned him to Tuscaloosa to take on Mercer. Paced by sophomore Pia Rijsdijk’s two goals, the Tide came out with the 3-0 victory and turned its sights to Thursday’s matchup against Maryland.

The Terrapins, under first-year head coach Jonathan Morgan, head into Thursday’s game after a successful weekend of victories against George Mason and Towson.

Maryland is the Tide’s final non-conference opponent before conference play opens next weekend against Tennessee in Knoxville.