Alabama News

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DraftKings promo code offers $150 bonus for Penn State vs. Boise State CFP Quarterfinal

The first semifinal berth in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff will be determined on New Year’s Eve when Boise State takes on Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl. Make your end-of-year celebration sweeter by signing up with today’s DraftKings promo code (no code required) to claim a $150 sportsbook bonus for tonight’s game and more college football postseason matchups.

DraftKings promo code at a glance

DraftKings promo code: How to claim $150 in bonus bets

DraftKings delivers a can’t-miss welcome offer for many new users across the country. For others, there is a little work to do, but it’s still a great opportunity.

If you’re a new user in Washington D.C., Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oregon, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Virginia or Vermont, you can earn a $150 bonus when you place a $5 wager and win.

In all other states where DraftKings is available, you get the $150 bonus no matter what after placing your first $5 wager. It’s an awesome offer no matter how you slice it. Follow these steps to claim it.

1. Click our DraftKings promo code to access the registration page.
2. Fill in the required fields. If you register using our link, you will not need a promo code.
3. Choose a deposit method and make your first deposit of at least $5.
4. Place a $5 wager on the Fiesta Bowl or any other sporting event.

When you receive the $150 bonus, it will come as six $25 bonus bets. These bonus bets can be used on any sporting event, but they must be used within seven days of receipt, or they will expire.

Remember, if you are in one of the states mentioned above, you must win your first bet to earn the bonus. The good news is, there are no odds restrictions so you don’t have to take a chance on a close point spread. You can pick a heavy favorite on the moneyline or another wager with strong odds.

DraftKings Sportsbook existing user promos

The DraftKings welcome offer is not the end of the fun available at DraftKings. Here are some of the ongoing promotions available now. Check the promos tab daily to see what you can get.

• No Sweat Bets: If your wager loses, you’ll receive a bonus bet to try again on another game.
• Odds boosts: Get enhanced odds on select betting markets.
• Jackpot pools: Make your picks for free and play for jackpots that increase daily.

How to use your DraftKings bonus bets for Penn State vs. Boise State

If you’re in a state where you have to win your first bet to claim the $150 DraftKings bonus, why not place your first $5 wager on the Penn State moneyline?

The Nittany Lions are 11.5-point favorites, and their moneyline odds are -470 at DraftKings. A $5 wager brings a potential profit of $1.06, but it’s worth it because you have a better chance of earning the $150 bonus. You could bet $5 on Penn State -11.5 and profit $4.62, but is the difference worth it when an additional $150 bonus is on the line?

You could even wait until the next CFP quarterfinal game on Wednesday afternoon when Texas takes on Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. The Longhorns are -500 moneyline favorites over the Sun Devils.

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What Tyler Booker said about his NFL Draft decision after Alabama loss to Michigan

Alabama football captain Tyler Booker has a decision to make.

Stay for another season with the Crimson Tide or declare for the NFL Draft?

He was asked for the latest on his decision Tuesday after Alabama lost to Michigan 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

“I’m not really worried about that right now,” Booker said. “I’m just really enjoying this time with my teammates. I’m going to enjoy some time with my family. So, I’m not really too worried about that right now.”

Booker has been with the Crimson Tide for three seasons, so he is eligible for the NFL Draft. But he could also return for another season as he has remaining eligibility.

It would be surprising if he stays for another season, though. Booker is ESPN’s top-ranked guard right now. He started all but one game at left guard.

Players have until Jan. 15 to declare for the draft. They can remove their name through Jan. 18.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

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Alabama fans sound off on whether Jalen Milroe should return for another year

Alabama fans sounded off Tuesday on Jalen Milroe’s future in Tuscaloosa after the Crimson Tide fell to Michigan 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa.

Michigan’s defense sacked Jalen Milroe, a red-shirt junior, five times and forced three turnovers by the Alabama quarterback.

Milroe lost two fumbles and threw an interception on three of Alabama’s first four drives. The fourth possession ended badly, too, with Milroe being sacked for an 11-yard loss at the Crimson Tide 44 on fourth-and-4.

RELATED: SEC Network’s Jordan Rodgers says Milroe should return

He finished the game 16-of-32 passing for 192 yards and a touchdown.

Here is a sampling of what fans think the quarterback should do about next year:

“With as much respect as possible. Enter the draft. He will benefit more from being in the League.” – Anthony Mcleod

“YES! As a RB, not QB. Needs to learn how to hold a ball first, then discuss being a starter on field. – Ryan Smith

“No. Great kid and performed well under Saban. Needs to move on and let a QB who understands Deboer better.” – Mark Burdsall

“No. Move on to NFL and continue to learn/grow there. I don’t think he’ll do himself or Bama any good if he returns.” – Toni Lavis Tenters

“Lord no. He needs to declare for the NFL and enjoy the bench for a couple of years and then start the autograph circuit. You can’t blame the coach when the quarterback can’t see the field.” – Lee King

“Good and impressive young man. Appreciate him so much but he is not the right fit for DeBoer and this offensive scheme. So inconsistent this season. Whatever he decides I wish him well whether it is NFL or another CFB program.” – Don Page

“Hopefully not we need a change even if it’s just for a different team energy and different offensive game plan.” – Richard Allen Self

“No. Nothing against him. He’s a great athlete and a great person. But he’s just not a quarterback. I think would excel at tight end or running back.” – Richard Bradford

“He has been a great advocate for The University of Alabama, a leader on/off the field. Stayed with the program whenever he could’ve left whenever Coach DeBoer took over. But as far as returning for 2025, no he should not return.” – Holli Short

“If Jalen Milroe comes back, I think we’ll lose some receivers. They were pretty upset that none of them caught a touchdown pass, and the only touchdowns were caught by a tight end. The receivers were open, but the quarterback just didn’t see them.” – Edward Bishop

“Hell no not with the kind of fans who have been hating in him. He deserves better than that.” – Misty Graham

“He’s a quality young man, and I respect him as a person. But please Jesus, don’t let him come back.” – Jeffery Wilson

“Yes. So long as he doesn’t play football.” – Jess Roberson

“Unfortunately, no.” – Donavon Kinnie

“Yes of course.” – Justin Myrick

“Transfer would be better for his team and build his stock, or go ahead to NFL. Great young man.” – Hugh Cayson

“It’s not all on him. Yes..ball protection leaves a lot to be desired…turnover prone. But that line in front of him is awful as well. Tough decision, because I can’t see him going in the first round at this point.” – Johnny Johnson Jr.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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‘Tough one’: Alabama football players react to how 2024 season went

Captain Tyler Booker had to think a second how to answer the question.

How will he remember the 2024 Alabama football season?

“It was a tough one,” Booker said to begin his answer.

The Crimson Tide finished 9-4. It had highs like beating Georgia at home and LSU on the road to go with lows such as losing to Oklahoma late in the regular season and to Michigan 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

“I am very appreciative for the season,” Booker said. “I won’t forget it. I know it didn’t go the way that we wanted, but I feel like everybody is going to grow from it.”

Alabama didn’t make the College Football Playoff and failed to win 10 games for the first time since 2007. It also didn’t win the SEC. All of those things were among the Crimson Tide’s goals going into the season.

“There’s a lot of could’ve and what ifs,” defensive tackle Tim Keenan III said. “We have been inconsistent in certain areas and we need to do a better job with that. I’m glad that we did overcome the things we overcame. We just have to do a better job with that.”

Inconsistency marred Alabama’s season. It’s what cost it a playoff spot and even the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Crimson Tide flashed the ability to compete with the best. But it also showed an inability to always play at a high level no matter the opponent.

Still, Alabama can’t go back and change that. The season’s done. So multiple players expressed a grateful big-picture look at the season to go with their frustration about shortcomings and losses.

“For all of us, we had short and long-term goals,” quarterback Jalen Milroe said. “One thing that is certain is the commitment level and that we stayed grounded throughout the whole process. That is what I take away more than anything: How much I love being around the guys that we had in the locker room and the coaching staff, everything involved with it.”

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

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New Year’s Day 2025: What’s open, what’s closed on Jan. 1? Walmart, Starbucks, banks, restaurants

It’s out with the old and in with the new as we welcome 2025.

Since it’s a federal holiday, government offices are closed Jan. 1 and mail will not run. Banks are closed but many retailers opt to stay open on New Year’s Day.

Here’s a look at what’s open and what’s closed on New Year’s Day:

• Federal offices and courts – Closed
• State and municipal offices and courts – Closed
• U.S. Post Office- Closed. Mail will not run on Wednesday except for Priority Mail Express
• Banks – Closed
• New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq – Closed
• UPS – Closed except for UPS Express Critival
• Fed Ex – Closed except for Custom Critical Services
• Starbucks – Open but hours will vary

Grocery stores

• Aldi – Closed New Year’s Day
• Costco  – Closed New Year’s Day
• Dollar General – Open 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Kroger – Open, hours may vary
• Publix – Open but will close early. Some stores will close at 7 p.m., others at 8 p.m.
• Sam’s Club – Closed
• Sprout’s – Open 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Target – Open regular hours 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Trader Joe’s – Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Walmart – Open regular hours, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. in most locations
• Whole Foods – Opening at 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Drug stores

Drug stores Walgreens and CVS will be open but hours will vary. Check ahead.

Retailers

Most retailers are open on New Year’s Day though many will have holiday schedules. Here’s a look at some retailers that are open New Year’s Day:

• Bass Pro Shops – 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., varies by store
• Best Buy – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Hobby Lobby – 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Home Depot – 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Kohl’s – 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Lowe’s – 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

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What Alabama football players said about coaching staff after 2024 season

Alabama football’s 2024 season ended in disappointment Tuesday. The Crimson Tide never led against a Michigan team that was missing several starters, losing the ReliaQuest Bowl 19-13 in Tampa.

The game snapped Alabama’s streak of 10-win seasons that dated back to the 2008 season. Kalen DeBoer’s first season in charge after Nick Saban’s retirement ended 9-4.

After the game, Crimson Tide players said they continued to have full faith in the coaching staff.

“It’s a bright future ahead,” UA quarterback Jalen Milroe said. “Because, people understand what needs to be done so that we can be the best version of ourselves. The standard that is here, the standard that is set. And we have a lot of great dues in the locker room that are hungry, that want to get better and looking to uphold the standard.

We also have to look at who is within the building, which is (Josh Chapman), Denzel (Devall), Ha-Ha (Clinton-Dix), these are guys that have won national championships. Chap was the first era of coach Saban being implemented into the system, so we have guys that understand what the standard is within the building.”

Milroe also praised offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, who took his share of criticism from Crimson Tide fans throughout the season.

“He’s been one of the best coaches I’ve been around,” Milroe said. “And on a personal level, just being around him, he’s always bringing a smile to my face. There’s never a dull moment. He’s always uplifting. He always has my back. He’s always, constantly trying to push me each and every day so I can be the best version of myself.”

Milroe has an NFL decision ahead of him. Defensive lineman Tim Smith is completely out of eligibility.

Speaking after the game, Smith also expressed confidence in the program moving forward. He said the coaches who came in did a solid job building relationships with the players already in the program, helping ease the transition.

“Nothing was strange or anything like that,” Smith said. “They knew us and we were comfortable with them.”

Smith also made a point echoed by his fellow defensive lineman Tim Keenan: Alabama’s players help maintain the standard build during the Saban years. Keenan, who said he hadn’t made a decision as to whether he’d be back for the Crimson Tide, said he kept up confidence in DeBoer as well.

He explained his decision to stick around through the coaching change.

“I love the state of Alabama,” Keenan, a Birmingham native, said. “It’s my home. So why not give this guy a shot? I prayed about it. If God gave him the job, who am I to say no? I got full faith in God and so I had full faith in him, full trust in coach DeBoer.”

Alabama will open the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Florida State.

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2 wounded in southwest Birmingham shooting; suspect in custody

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Watch Illinois coach Bret Bielema taunt South Carolina’s Shane Beamer, who has to be held back

Tempers flared during the second half of Tuesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, during which South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer had to be held back after being taunted by Illinois counterpart Bret Bielema.

Bielema came across the field late in the third quarter to see about an injured player, and held out both arms to mimic the officials’ “substitution” signal as he was walking back to the Illini sideline. That set off Beamer, who had been complaining all game about Illinois’ tactics — including allegedly faking injuries — to slow down the Gamecocks’ hurry-up offense.

The South Carolina coach was visibly upset, and had to be held back by staff members. Bielema was later caught on camera delivering a sly smirk.

Here’s video:

There were no further fireworks during the post-game handshake, and Bielema dodged a question about his altercation with Beamer in his post-game interview on ESPN.

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Kalen DeBoer reflects on Jalen Milroe’s 2024 season with Alabama football

Jalen Milroe didn’t have his best game to close out the 2024 season and possibly his Alabama football career. Far from it.

Milroe completed 16 of 32 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan. He also ran 16 times for seven yards, but that accounts for sack yardage. Milroe also had two fumbles the Wolverines recovered in the first quarter.

Milroe couldn’t push the offense to a score late when it needed one. As a result, Alabama fell 19-13 to the Wolverines on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

After the game, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer was asked to reflect on the season Milroe had, how he grew and how he handled being the face of the program.

“Well I think everyone would probably share the same feeling I have, is that the guy always speaks about the team,” DeBoer said. “He always speaks about his teammates. It’s not about him. He leads that way every day in our program. When you’re the quarterback of any football team, the eyes are always on you, especially when you’re at Alabama, and you’re going through some ups and downs once in a while in the course of a season. It takes on a heavy burden sometimes. He’s just steady. He stays the course.”

DeBoer saw fight in Milroe and an ability to move forward even when he made mistakes. That showed Tuesday when Milroe led the offense to 10 points in the second quarter after the disastrous start.

“I thought that’s one area where he’s really improved, especially in the last half of the season,” DeBoer said. “I think our guys appreciate that in him. I think that they have taken that on as a team, too in always trying to move forward, even when we’re not perfect.”

Milroe finished the season with 16 passing touchdowns, 20 rushing touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.

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Why didn’t Alabama football use running backs more in Michigan loss?

Alabama football’s offense struggled to gain any foothold against Michigan, costing the Crimson Tide in Tuesday’s ReliaQuest Bowl. The Crimson Tide fell 19-13, in a game it had every chance to win, even late.

UA quarterback Jalen Milroe completed 16 of his 32 passing attempts for 192 yards. Other than one 41-yard run, he had trouble finding room on the ground too, finishing with 94 yards, adjusted to remove sacks.

Still, Alabama’s running backs only got 12 total carries. After the game, Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer explained why Alabama didn’t try to get them more involved.

“I think that (Michigan is) one of the top five rushing defenses,” DeBoer said. “I know that there’s personnel on both teams that were different, maybe from what you’d see in the regular season, both us and them, but I think there was certainly part of our game plan to where we felt we needed to spit the ball out and get the ball in the right guys’ hands.”

DeBoer went on to say that the Crimson Tide didn’t execute during the game like it had during the practices leading up to the bowl. The loss snapped a streak of 10-win seasons for Alabama, which dated back to 2008, ending the year 9-4.

Among the running backs, Jam Miller led the way, with 10 carries for 27 yards. Richard Young also ran the ball for six yards on two attempts.

“There were some runs that I think Jam at the end of the game poured up in there, at the end of the first half,” DeBoer said. “I really thought he did a nice job getting us out from behind our own end zone there, so he ran hard. I think just having a little bit of a balance was important for us in this game, just because of, kind of, who they were and a little bit of what we felt we could do to attack them.”

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