Alabama means team

Looks like they're staying focused as a unit and ready to get to work...

Crimson Tide players voted to travel as a team to bowl site in California

The late date of the BCS national championship game presents several logistical challenges for a team fortunate enough to reach it.

For instance, Alabama's Jan. 7 game against Texas falls after the university was set to begin spring classes. That means all players -- included those who've already graduated -- must enroll for another semester, even if they plan to withdraw at a later date.

Perhaps the most interesting decision for the Crimson Tide in recent days was whether the team would travel individually or separately to California.

NCAA rules specify that players can receive a set dollar amount for individual travel to bowl sites, and players then can pocket the remaining cash. Nearly all teams do this, as Alabama did for the Independence Bowl in 2007 and the Sugar Bowl last season.

But the late date of this year's game presented a problem in that most teams break for the holidays and then meet at the bowl site. Alabama could not do that unless it arrived very early for the BCS title game.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban left the decision on travel this time to his captains -- linebacker Rolando McClain, left guard Mike Johnson and cornerback Javier Arenas -- and the entire team. Encouraged by those captains, a UA official said, the Crimson Tide unanimously voted to forego the stipend and travel as a team Jan. 1 to the Los Angeles area.

The decision made things easier on the team in many ways, since practices can continue in Tuscaloosa after Christmas break and the Crimson Tide can also avoid the type of delays that can come with traveling individually across the country.