Alabama holds final BCS practice for 2012 - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Alabama football team practiced for the last time in the 2012 calendar year. The Crimson Tide continued to implement the game plan for Notre Dame in a two hour practice in shells in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility, Saturday afternoon.

"We finished up our second block of practice today and I am very pleased with how our players have responded throughout this preparation we have had," Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. "We have had a lot of good practices and a lot of players improving and getting back to where we want them to be."

The team will have Sunday and Monday off before returning to preparations on Tuesday, Jan. 1. Alabama will also practice on the morning of Jan. 2, before departing for Miami that afternoon.

Source:  www.rolltide.com

Practice Notes:

*Barrett Jones remains on stationary bike

Alabama center Barrett Jones continued to ride the stationary bike during Saturday's BCS practice. Jones is still recovering from a sprained foot he sustained against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game earlier this month.

Redshirt freshman Ryan Kelly (No. 70) has been taking first-team reps at center while Jones rehabs his foot.

*Injured Kenny Bell begins running

Alabama receiver Kenny Bell continues to recover from a broken left leg he suffered in the Iron Bowl in November. He was seen doing some light running during Saturday's practice. Bell is not expected to play in the BCS title game.

*D.J. Fluker posts Facebook comment about the game

Junior offensive tackle D.J. Fluker posted a passionate comment on Facebook today about Alabama's upcoming matchup with Notre Dame.

Fluker's comment:

"It been a long road. This year and in couple of days. The blood sweat and tears will be worth it. The tone has been set. To play in the biggest game of them all. I can't wait my soul on fire for greatness. Rage in my heart success running in my blood. Match my intensity#BadDude"

For more Alabama football stories, videos and pictures, visit Alabama's Road to the BCS Championship page.