When Coach Saban puts the challenge out to fans to be loud, to summarize in PG format, there is only one thing to do. You send the RLB 3 down to step up for the crowd. Yeah, we'd been there if he'd said sit your asses at home and leave the stadium empty. I'll say this, things have changed a bit when you go to a game from when I first went 25 years ago, but I digress....
The Good...
The fans got loud for a change
Bryant Denny has a habit of sounding more like a Country Club bar than a football stadium at times. Season ticket holders will balk and say they yell and blah blah blah blah blah, but we've all sat at home and can confess, when the stadium is loud, you know it, when it is not, you know it too. I really wish that it could be that noisy and up tempo each home game. We'll see if the mold is broken or if it was a special guest appearance by the fans. It was colder than a well digger's ass, but I didn't give a shit either.
Defense keeps things in check
The biggest winner of the night was Bama's defense, again, because they pretty well clogged up and shut down Mississippi State for all but about 3 series. On those three, one was the TD, the other two stalled out thanks to MSU's lack of execution. The rest of the game the defense really flexed its muscle for the national television audience. They aren't flashy, and they aren't like the 92 or any host of the 70s defenses, but they can win games like all those did. The biggest thing this defense does is they move well to the ball. Sitting in the stands, you could see all the safeties and linebackers flow to the play and not get frozen on their assignments. In the past, the defenders would stick to their assignment even if the play had already been put in motion and their guy wasn't the play. Rashad Johnson and Rolando McClain are a big part of this, as well as the growth of Hightower, of course ridding themselves of Marcus Carter didn't hurt matters because Woodall and the others really hunt the ball every play.
Special Teams
It isn't normal for them to be here, but against MSU, they did have their best game of the year. Taking out Arenas's touchdowns, which were great but you can't use that to evaluate because it won't happen every week, the key was keeping Pegues bottled up as well as possible. The punts were high and kept things in play, the field goal kicking was straight (hallelujah!), and the coverage units had minimal mistakes (Prince Hall's nub arm tackle was it). For once, the special teams led the way and didn't keep the game in play for the opponent.
Sightings
There was a Darius Hanks sighting or three, and the Internets will buzz about him again, there was a Griffin sighting, and he'll be there with Darrah on the Internets, and we saw a whole host of backups doing some mop up work. That's always good because you can see what a player has in actual game situations and not just on A Day. I thought most mentioned and participated looked good. Boswell has real big potential at RT, Vlachos did fine with the center/quarterback exchange and the shotgun snaps were okay, you could tell he was excited to play. Griffin is a nice north south runner that may get more looks if Upchurch and Grant have issues.
Arenas time
The MSU game reminded me a lot of the Tulane game. The offense was under performing and the defense was getting left out on the field a bit too much, but Arenas generated the offense for them. It isn't a great plan to live on, but when it works, it works. The thing that I notice is when Arenas has a return, he's usually got Marquis Johnson leading him to the seam. Both returns had Johnson at convoy running him to the gap and in the past few weeks where Arenas has struggled, he's been on his own. I don't necessarily think Johnson lead blocking was the difference, but it seemed to help Arenas calm down and not press as much to see another player make the gap and him follow suit. I do think that Arenas knew his leash was short and the returnman role was not his in stone. Sometimes, that will motivate you more than anything else is knowing you can lose your job.
Bobby Greenwood
Some folks want Zo Washington to start, some want Dareus, some want Santa Claus or whomever. That's just the way fans are, they always want the backup to be the man. See Bobby Greenwood. Here's the guy who was a big splash as a freshman, but then had a sophomore slump, played out of position his junior year, and this summer everyone was going to beat him out. You could roll out the post logs across the Internets to find nobody wanted him to start long if at all, because he had underperformed. Well, thankfully, football is played on the field still and not in the minds of some. The big things for Greenwood aren't surprising as far as why he's stepped up. One, he's back at rush end where he needed to be all along. He, like Gilberry before him, are not guys that can play inside the tackle because their frames and style aren't made for that. Second, he's a senior and he knows this is it, his name and mark will be remembered for the 12-14 games he plays this year. So, when you see him playing all out, it isn't a surprise, it is just getting the right guy in the right spot.
The Bad...
Offensive Line play
I don't know who the end was that played against Andre Smith was, but the guy probably upped his stock because he whipped Smith a good bit of the night. MSU is physical, no questioning that, and they know how to play, but then there is the fact that this defense is bottom feeding in the SEC. This is the defense that gave up 500 yards and a slew of points to Georgia Tech, 400 to LSU, and so on. There wasn't a valid excuse as to why the OL could not get things done. Don't try the crowding the box routine, that doesn't explain why Wilson got flushed out seemingly all game long, nor should you say that the DL was that good, they weren't. It was just a bad night for the OL, no sugar coating about it.
The stadium couldn't swallow McCoy fast enough
I don't know if he'll be benched or put in a lower role. I do know that the staff's patience with him is worn thin. McCoy is just one of those guys that looks good in practice, but when the lights and the roar of the crowd hits him, he wilts. Call it the Zeke Knight complex, he always was great in practice and then in the game he couldn't catch crabs at a crab shack. He isn't alone, but he is the starter on the WR core and he could stand to have a game that justifies him being that player. If you need proof of what I'm saying, why do you think they are courting every big name WR prospect? It isn't depth, they're hunting playmakers and Bama is way short at WR in playmakers. That includes Gibson, Maze, McCoy, and the rest.
The Ugly...
Post Game show
I am starting to see why fans at other schools say Bama fans are whiners. Bama gets a win over a MSU program that really was a big boulder off its back. They are 1 game away from a perfect regular season. What do fans want to talk about on the radio? Florida. Geez. I guess the Iron Bowl needs to be canceled and just let Bama have a 1-0 win. I doubt UGA would tell you they are easy this morning. What's worse is that the calls weren't about that game but more about complaining about "respect" and how they should beat Florida. I did get amused that nobody wanted to ask Stewart a question, it is a waste of time because he's useless, but really how many times can you ask Tyler Watts about that game when Auburn, your most hated rival, the team that has beaten Alabama 6 straight, the team that stands between you and destiny, etal. is right there ahead of you? Just curious because I haven't even started looking at Florida yet.
One big empty patch in the stadium
Kinda like a hideous mole on an otherwise hot chick, it pissed me off. Going off rumor and assumptions, I'm guessing it was the "block" of the frat in question. Now, there may be valid issues involved in it, but that's not real important if your frat/sorority is built on school spirit and involvement. You suck it up and deal with the politics Monday thru Friday, but on Saturday when America watches Alabama, you better see a united Damn front. I guess things have changed since I went to school because the frats usually dealt with the business internally and the school and athletic programs never really had to deal with much or knew about it. Greek justice used to be swift and unmerciful, that must be antiquated like looking for the ball, and going to the game to watch the game.
Random Thoughts
Gameday has changed a lot over 25 years. I enjoyed the Walk of Champions and the entire atmosphere that brings to the game. The players seem to enjoy the moment too, which is key. I do hope that they keep it special and not just a thing you do before the game. Don't think that happens, ask Clemson how cheap the walk is now. Dabo had to make it special again since he took over because some didn't even follow the ritual, they just went on down in waves, not as a team, and it left a lot to be desired by fans' expectations. The one thing that bothered me, and maybe it was just where I was, was the number of roaming around fans there were. Like I said, it might have just been where I was, but it seemed like I was having to reorganize and move to let people in and out most of the night. My family and I were entertained by the drunk in U4 that decided to show us his ass crack and dance. He summarily pissed off the guy under the rail that he was grinding on and was escorted out. Drunks were nothing new to BDS, but they used to be contained to their seats and didn't roam as much. I guess when you add seats, you add to the atmosphere? One other thought, when they add another 10,000 seats, they'll have to develop a bypass or more lanes for 59/20 because it took 3 hours to get to Birmingham. I hope that is in the works down there because it is a real problem for a road system that is already in poor shape.
Now, about Florida. I took a second to think on them and after watching the highlights of them v. USCar, I can understand why the media thinks they can beat Bama. I think anyone who says they can't is probably the only people in the conversation not keeping it real. Instead of the reasons why Bama could lose, I'll tell you how you beat Florida. (Cutting out the typical givens like not turning it over, playing mistake free, etc.)
First, you better be ready to pressure them. You can't zone out Tebow and the option game. You have to force them to pitch or run the play faster by pressuring off the ends. If your DE's can do it, then you can leave the LBs off in space to corral the play. If you have to send the linebackers, you will have to do it with the faster options and it will need to come through the ends and not up the gaps in the line because the option moves away from the gaps and puts those blitzers out of position fast. They also tend to tip their hand faster and give the QB a chance to check out of the play or make his decision on the hand off. So, you must go off the ends and clog the middle with your down linemen. The middle shouldn't be an issue with Cody and Chapman and Dareus there, but the outside might cause a problem because Arenas or Sharrief can't bring down Tebow alone.
Second, when the spread goes to pass mode, you still must pressure. However, a zone blitz is highly effective because the speed that Florida brings is going to make it hard for Bama defenders to keep up step by step. It also can fool the QB into seeing something that isn't really there because he won't see a lineman or linebacker sliding back into the flat.
Third, on offense, you can't let a deficit get to you. If you are down 10 or more to them, early, you can't abandon the basics of who you are. I see teams do this a lot with Florida and Texas Tech. It is a true statement that their offenses are their best defense because they change the game in a hurry at times. Staying to what you do best is going to be the best way to survive and win. Bama can't go into a pass on all downs mode and expect to win. Bama must establish the run and run between the tackles because Florida's speed is going to force it middle. Running straight ahead neutralizes the speed and gives you some chances to pop the backers and safeties in the jaw. That usually slows them down after about 5 or 6 good licks. Running to the outside only plays into the Gators strength and gives them momentum.
Last, you cannot let the speed get to you. Yes, they are fast. Yes, they can turn a 2 yard play into a long touchdown. Yes, they are that good on both sides of the ball. However, if you play sound and play how you have played all season, that speed will stay in front of you. You beat speed by keeping it in front of you and not chasing after it. Alabama can't out race Florida, I don't think anyone will say so. They can use their power and speed to force Florida to react faster than they'd like and force the play to move in front of the defenders more. I don't think you can rush either safety and survive Florida because Tebow has a big enough arm to throw one deep under pressure. The pressure must force the play into the teeth of the defense to create turnover or short yardage results. Pressuring just to flush Tebow isn't enough because he's good on the run. Also, on short yardage plays, Tebow will go left, stack the left side, keep man coverage on the TE's and WR in their jumbo package for the jump pass.
Buy/Sell/Hold
Anyone feel stupid for bad mouthing Javi now?
Sell. One, fussing about his lack of concentration to fair catch, hold the ball, not put the offense behind the 10, etc. is valid. Two, if that is bad mouthing, you need to spend a week in practice somewhere, that's soft compared to what coaches yell on an average day.
Fire Gottfried!
Hold. But not long, I think the time and patience thing is short this year. He is really out of excuses and a loss to Mercer which is about as big as UAB or Birmingham Southern is embarrassing. I think the results will be needed soon or else Mal will have to actually do something for a change. Of course, putting Mal on a coach hunt is like putting a two peckered tomcat in a room full of cats in heat.
The offweek will be good for all.
BUY. The players look worn down right now and the pressure of the BCS and SEC are starting to take their toll. LSU and MSU came loaded for bear and put their best foot forward, and there is nothing telling me Auburn and Florida won't either. This week will be good to get Cody, Upchurch, and some others the rest time to get them back to as close to 100% as a player can be during the season. The thing to remember is that when you are an active player, you are always going to be hurt, every team is hurting by now, but there is a big difference in hurting and being injured. Teams with a lot of injuries tend to fail down the stretch, teams that are hurt can overcome and win.
Jeramie Griffin will be a big contributor in the future.
Sell. Griffin can contribute, but I knew sitting in the stand that fans would start hyping him up on here and on the other sites. The problem isn't him or his capacity, it is the players in front of him. Next fall, Coffee and Upchurch return for their senior year, Ingram will be a sophomore, and Trent Richardson should be contributing to the rotation too. They are all just better options on the field. It isn't anything bad and when you start signing top end players, these things happen. It is good for the team, good for fans, but kinda sucks when you are good but not good enough. I do see him in a jumbo type situation or a receiving fullback role maybe, but at tailback, I don't see him in a big role without injury problems. Yes I left out Grant because...
Terry Grant will still be around next year.
Hold. If he wants to play and has aspirations to the NFL or whatever, it won't be at Alabama outside of return team roles. If he wants to get an education and be able to say he played at a top school, he has that covered as is. Grant hasn't played well when he's played, and the excuses can flow as to why, but it is what it is. So, does he stay or transfer? Hard to say without knowing his mind. I won't be surprised either way. Like mentioned above, when you start getting top end players, the next tier often gets left out and that's bad for some but good for more.
No comments:
Post a Comment