The Alabama football team hit the practice field for the first of its 15 practices leading up to the BCS National Championship Game on January 7. The practice, in shells, was held inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility due to 40 degree weather in Tuscaloosa.

Here's what you need to know:

There were no unexpected players in black jerseys. Otherwise the team's health looks to be in great shape. Having two weeks off from practice tends to help guys heal some of the minor bumps and bruises that come with playing a 13 game schedule. That looked to be the case, as no one seemed to be bother by any type of lingering muscle pull or muscle strain - including Terry Grant who has been absent for the last five games.

All players are academically eligible for the upcoming game, though the lateness of the game will require all of them to register for the spring semester. Those players that will be finishing their careers in Pasadena might not actually attend school during the spring semester, though they must register for classes.

Starting right tackle Drew Davis missed the practice due to illness. Coach Saban indicated that he hoped Drew would be back at practice tomorrow, but as with any illness, it'll be day-to-day. Drew is a sixth year senior, so him missing a couple of days shouldn't be a major concern. Alfred McCullough took the first team reps at right tackle in his place.

Dont'a Hightower also missed the practice due to illness, though he will not play in the game due to his recovery from knee surgery.

Coach Saban talked in his post practice media conference about the team using the first few workouts to concentrate on fundamentals. He indicated that the first few would be similar to the first few practices of fall or spring camp. So don't expect a lot of relevatory things to come out of the practices leading up to Christmas break.

He did indicate that the practice was very upbeat and high tempo, and that the team got a lot out of the practice.

That's pretty much what you want to hear in a situation like this.

Some other matters of interest...

Five Bama players accepted invitations to the Senior Bowl - Terrence Cody, Leigh Tiffin, Javier Arenas, Mike Johnson, and Colin Peek.

Alabama's schedule for the BCS Championship game:

December 19-23 - practice in Tuscaloosa

December 24-26 - off for Christmas break

December 27-31 - practice in Tuscaloosa

January 1 - travel to southern California

January 2-6 - practice in California

January 7 - beat Texas

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