I typically do a GBU after each game, and for the last 2 games (MSU & GSU) I haven't been able to for a variety of reasons. I won't this week because the emotional termoil that comes from losing to Auburn is such that regardless of what one says, he/she will be wrong. When Bama loses to Auburn, there is always 2 crowds: Crowd 1 wants blood for failure, and Crowd 2 wants Crowd 1 to shut up and pretend the loss never happened.
So, in lieu of the GBU, this week, is more random thoughts about things as is for Alabama Football.
Reality Bites
When it gets down to it, we all oversold the talent level and coaching depth that Bama had. From spring on to Friday's debacle, the truth is that this team has underachieved the hype level, and possibly overachieved the realistic bar that should have been set when the season was starting.
The truth is that this team has a lot of jimmy's and joes but not many that get the Xs and Os. That's why you see the same OL failures regardless of who they plop in, that's why you see the same breakdowns in the zone coverage each week, that's why you see the same missed opportunities each week, and why the defense always seems to let the opponent live in the second half. They just don't know football beyond a talent overcoming knowledge level. There isn't a Rolando McClain, that craps more football knowledge than most on the team have, to lead them. There isn't a Mike Johnson to pick up the slack when others fail. There isn't a Javy Arenas to tackle clean on the edges and read the play pre snap. We all believed that the names we had heard about each year would be enough to overcome a lot of odds on defense, and the glaring issues up front on offense. The truth is that while the names are there, the game isn't there to follow it. We all believed that guys like Ingram, Square, Hightower, and other injured players would be fine. They weren't. It was painfully obvious with Ingram and Hightower that they were gutting it out. It also has become painfully obvious that there wasn't a sense of urgency as before. More players are thinking about Sundays than they are playing in the Championship.
Fans scapegoated Greg McElroy for a lot of things about the offense. You notice the fans have started to dull down that complaint after AJ McCarron- the heir apparent- continues to live in the Saban woodshed. The truth is the offense is more of a victim of poor coaching and an unwillingness to change than the talent or packages used. The wrinkles of 09 were now more of the same this year. The Wildcat was tamed so often that it is now painful to watch. The first half of the Auburn game was open and attacked the defense. The second half was tight and conservative and took all the air out of the Tide offense. The players didn't change from half to half, but the coaching philosophy did. That's what is wrong with the offense. The philosophy is not geared to win games like USCar, LSU, and AU.
The coaching is near non-existent on offense when it gets down to it. Many of you have lauded Coach Pendry, but if you see what they look like now that it is 80% his players and really 100% his coached players, the offensive line is just not gritty and tough enough to win in the SEC. The passive, and often exposed offensive line resembles much of what his lines did at Houston when David Carr was being ruined. Players like Warmack, Carpenter, and Steen are getting beaten by "lesser" recruits because those guys are getting coached to win, Bama's guys are getting by on talent.....well those that have it do. During the Shula years, I tired of hearing what great recruiters some coaches were and that they were too valuable to lose. I said then as I do now, what good is recruiting if you can't coach what you get? That's where Bama is in so many positions. With the defensive line just not making a dent in any team, it left me to wonder, where's all this stud/beast/monster talent they've recruited? It is there, but it has plateaued as well because the coaching was getting a pass thanks to veterans and a 400 pound nose guard that bought in. Davis has really not produced on his end of the process when you watch players like Luther Davis and Darrington Sentimore look the same today as they did in the spring. The linebackers are getting good coaching from Sunseri, but they were better when the OLBs were getting coaching from a dedicated coach. Watching Chavis Williams get exposed as the teams got better was hard on the eyes and heart. Watching Jerrell Harris just play at all just is hard to watch really.
And there is where the reality bites deepest. The names like BJ Scott, Jerrell Harris, Tyler Love, the countless names of DBs no longer on the team, JuCo's like Brandon Lewis that cannot break the 3 deep, Kendall Kelly, Nick Fanuzzi, Star Jackson, and on and on that were just studs, beasts, monsters, or whatever the hell you call them these days but not a one has the intangibles like toughness, desire, or knowledge to contribute and really for those still on the team don't look like they will contribute ever. Physically, they look the part. They look good in their uni's, they run fast, and have all the weight room stats, but on the field, they are inferior. They can't catch, block, or follow the play. That's where coaching starts. It starts in the recruiting process. It should be weeded out before they sign the LOI, and while it isn't perfect and Saban is probably better than most. However, the gaps are showing itself again. Poor DB and DL recruiting has started to rear its head. Suspensions happen and attrition happens, but losing a Robbie Green should not have hurt as bad as it did. Losses like Alfy Hill, for now, shouldn't hurt as bad as it did, but it did when Upshaw was gimpy.
Yes, Virginia, there are problems internally. Nothing as cancerous as what Auburn has, nothing as severe as what Georgia or UT or the Shula years were like, but problems. They are stale, and the voices are stale. They need new ideas from new voices that get new buy in. That is why Coach Willis was so good for the team. He had a new view of things from a style that beat the spread. Saban listened to Willis often and his coaching of OLBs was very very good. His loss was big this year because they needed him more than before. However, with a little soul searching, and a few new faces internally that can bring some new intensity to the process, next year can be a good year.....
Reality Rules....
While things may seem bleak, and some of the feelings I have may be emotionally driven, there is a good chance that with tweaks, next year has promise. While the QB is a question mark, and really whomever it is between AJ and Sims, they are going to be on a short leash, but the line should be better with a focus on grit. The QB will have Trent Richardson, the spinning Eddie Lacy, and possibly Crowell or another player to be named to carry the load. With a renewed focus on smash mouth football, and drubbing defenses instead of dink and dunk, they can be dominating on offense again. They will still have Hanks, maybe Maze, Norwood, and a host of young talent that hopefully will be ready.
On defense, a year of growth from Square will only improve him as he is playing better than Dareus right now. Getting Williams at NT will do wonders since Murphy is about as imposing to defenders as all you can eat buffets are to OLs these days. Getting Mosley yet more coaching and PT will improve his game. Getting Nico healthy will help his game a lot. He's played so well in spite of things really, that when 100%, he should resemble the player of 09 v. 2.1. Finding a Sam and Jack will be a challenge, but the Jack should be covered. If Hightower returns, and he should, he would be better suited there now. Mosley and Johnson can cover the ground now and know what they are doing. Hightower is at his best going north and south and attacking the QB now than he is at playing in space. The secondary can't be much worse than it was at times this year. Millner and Kirkpatrick will be a year more experienced, and Menzie will be healthy. With Menzie healthy, he should beat out Millner or flip with him. Fulton hopefully will play some. Green's return will be big as he and either Lester or Barron (doubtful) will be experienced in the deep cover. Getting some fresh blood like Dix and others will give them some options too.
There is a lot of ifs and buts in the future, and with that always comes that damn * that seems to follow any prediction. However, it is this simple- if Bama gets back to tough, gritty play on both sides of the ball and gets away from the passive aggressive style they've allowed to take over this year, they will win more games than this year. If they continue to play stylish yet without real substance, these types of years where the quality wins are fewer than the process should allow will continue.
Why message boards are fun, but dangerous....
I know, the boards are where fans brood, and who am I to deny their place in the world? I would say that the only bet I haven't seen at this point is a trade of spouses or a poke in the pokesack with one. I love stupid. I'll bet you 5000 dollars......, I'll bet you 1000 dollars...... that stuff is comical because you aren't going to pay up, either side, it is just conjecture. The fighting and foolishness is fun to me. However, I've learned over time that folks take this shit serious. Folks, if you read it on a message board, it ain't gospel, it is opinion.
See Camgate. There was another shoe to drop for weeks. Have you heard the thud? I haven't. Sure, it stinks like shit, looks like shit, probably is covered in it, but that doesn't matter today does it? Really? The truth is that there are way too many people talking out of their poopmaker about the subject and using all this mystery and cloak and dagger reference to mask that they don't know jack, but can make it entertaining. For the record, I don't know a whole lot of firm subject matter on it other than what some folks in ATL have told. Nothing earth shattering or stuff that wasn't already said. So, why don't I mask it and make it sound like I'm In Like Flynn? Because I don't have time to sit and keep a lie going each and every freakin day. Really, message boards are fun, and there is sometimes truth in the drumbeat, but so many folks now wanna be the next Walls that they press and get pissy when you call bull.
If you wanna history lesson, the GBU was originated a decade ago to balance against the bull that posters put out there. Funny how after 3 coaches, 4 if you count Price, an SEC Championship, a National Championship, and so much more, the same ol fan bull stays true.........
November 29, 2010
November 7, 2010
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly- LSU
After 2 weeks off due to travel requirements (I was in Little Rock and Atlanta after the Ole Miss and UT games), the GBU returns....and not to the best of times.....I'm switching it up because there are some things that I'd rather put up front than the good parts and the bad parts because I think we all know the deal there.
Random Thoughts....
Kenny Bell won't be saved by his bell or his dumb mouth.....
Really, here's a guy who can't beat out anyone and is more or less a tackle dummy these days (specialist), but he feels like he can jump up and toss his teammates under? I know how this gets cured and he keeps his spot and it isn't an apology. He tried that on his page, but was called out on his weak answer (wasn't bout the team apparently....). He'll be asked to run over the middle and get de-strapped on an in route. When nobody helps him up, he'll know he's been setup and you move on, stay quiet, and work your way from the bottom up. When he is attritioned, and the odds are better than running Republican in the south that he's gone, he'll just be another mouthy, lazy Louisiana player gone.
Enough with the "If we play X...."
I love how there is always a cast of fans that believe that an unknown, untested player is always better than the starter and after each loss it is an opportunity to say such. The only QB not mentioned to be better to start is Thomas Darrah. The interesting twist is next year, if AJ doesn't throw for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns each Saturday, do you turn on him?
I get that some get mad that McElroy isn't a gun slinger and has flaws in his game. I see them too. I also see him playing with a lot of effort and doesn't take plays and games off like some do. I would be more apt to read about players who aren't playing to their capacities and not be as irked as I am to see someone complain when a guy is playing up to his level and is making plays. McElroy will never beat this team, he won't win the game each and every week, but in the LSU game, he put the defense in a position to give him the chance. The defense, as has been a theme for a while, didn't step up. If folks want to find a focal point for their anger, look at the defense. The defense has yet to play a complete game since conference play started. I keep reading stupid comments from a guy named "Luciano" who says the team is rebelling against GMac....that's so dumb. I keep reading how this team would be better with AJ....again dumb. I had one real man of genius tell me that if Saban had pulled Greg early in the year (when and why?) and gotten AJ in earlier, they would have won Saturday.....again, dumb.
The offense has issues. I won't deny that. However, the play calling and offensive line play are where the issues start and continue to hamper things. It is hard to say which is causing more problems because the execution up front or lack thereof is making possible good plays go bad, and the playcalling has no identity to it. In the last 2 years, this team was a downhill running team, and they made their mark with power football. This year, I can't tell you what they are because it changes by the series. One series, they run strong, the next they play out of the gun, the next they throw 3 times and go out, then they run, then they mix it up, and so on. There is no balance or methodology to what the game plan is/was/has been. I keep saying it and it keeps going on, but you have 2 Heisman caliber guys in the backfield, but yet they don't get fed regularly and cannot get a rhythm going. If Bama wants to be a pass heavy team, that's fine, be that. If Bama wants to be a run heavy team, that's fine, be that. If Bama wants to mix it up and do both, that's fine, be that. Just don't be a team that has no purpose like they were Saturday and have been several times over. Personally, I like Bama's offense more when they go north south with Ingram and Richardson and mix some play action passes. Sitting in the gun and trying to execute from it hasn't been as fruitful. Of course, everything skunks the Wildcat in execution and productivity now. In the end, LSU had given up 21 or more points to UF and AU. AU's high end O only got 24 off this defense. Bama got enough points on a really good D, they just didn't get enough help.
The Defense is where my ire and concern really lies though. 9 games in and they still can't play zone, still can't tackle, still can't get in position, and now cannot pressure or create plays against a bad team. Here's the facts on the ground, LSU's offense was horrible going in, their QBs had been subpar all year. Jordan Jefferson had not thrown a TD since their opener and had 8 INTs including 7 in the last 7 games. He really is one of the worst QBs in the conference. You wouldn't know it from the game would you? Jarrett Lee is a guy we all know. He has not been much better. He did have a nice game against the Gators, but his game against Auburn was Lee's par game. Did either look weak or confused? No. Did Stephen Garcia? No. Why? Saban and Smart have become stale and scared in the play calling. The good game plan in the first half went away and was lethargic and predictable in the 2nd half.
I don't have as many issues with a player like CJ Mosley because he's trying hard and learning on the job. I do have a problem when I see guys with experience that aren't playing hard or with focus. After 9 games, and a bye week, the defense should not be dealing with poor tackling nor should you be seeing blown assignments like it has had. Millner is a freshman, and I give him that discount, but he's played enough downs because they can't get off the field....anyways, he's got enough time and practice to know his zone assignment. Each week, he gets bassackwards with that and that play is usually a damaging one. Each week, someone in the secondary has a blown assignment and gives up a big play. Each week, the linebackers suck inside too quick and expose the backside and give up a big play. Each week, you see the opposing offense wanting it more than Bama's defense. That part bothers me more than anything. The difference is more than vocal leaders on defense. The difference is that last year, they made plays and got turnovers, sacks, and 3 and outs. Those things put the offense in better spots and created more scoring opportunities. This year, they aren't doing any of those things often and it forces this offense to execute more 80 plus yard drives.
Really folks, if you want to complain, complain about the defense. Fussing because someone is not a vocal leader is just a hard on grudge. Vocal leaders are born, they aren't coached. Vocal leaders have to be recruited. Bama has recruited a lot of names and a lot of potential, but I think we are starting to see that they have the bill of goods but have not received nearly the appraised value from it.
OFFENSE
The Good....
Julio's catch
He can't make the easy ones every time, but he makes the tough ones every time. When he gets in the endzone and extends his body, it is about as automatic as it gets.
Ingram looking like the Ingram of old
I thought Ingram played his best game since Duke or ARK. He was shifting, cutting, and using the blocks the way he did last year. There was one play where he stopped on a dime, made 2 guys miss, and got an extra 5 yards. The reason you won't remember this much is because the staff iced him in the second half. In any case, it was a good start for the 2nd half run, and really they need him to start demanding the ball and getting the ball. He makes great things happen when he does.
McElroy doing as much as he can
I can sense some of you grinding your molars just reading that. Piss off. Given how poorly the line played, and how many drops were committed by the TEs and WRs, he had a really solid game. He did his part in all honesty. His passes were good as a whole, and he only missed on a handful. The interception was on Dial, McElroy will carry it on his stats, but Dial flat out muffed it. The fumble was a bang bang play that was on the OL, but he'll carry that stat too. He missed Maze by about 2 inches on a go route, but that happens. His TD pass to Jones was one that he doesn't make last year or 4 weeks ago. I know there are those who want to detract from what Greg means and has done for this team, but he plays tough, plays smart, and does enough to win the game.
The Bad...
Playcalling.
As mentioned earlier, you have to have an identity. This staff has yet to find one for them. McElwain got p'wned by Chavis, and Saban has continued to stay neutral as each week the same plays are called that are now stale. They are gonna have to open up the playbook or gear it down and grind it out with a power run attack. This fruit basket turnover philosophy just doesn't work.
The Ugly....
Offensive line play just flat out stinks
I get so tired of seeing the whiff. Vlachos has really really really regressed. His preseason injury has him out of shape and when you watch him play, he just looks like a guy who isn't in game shape, even for a lineman. What's worse, they let a guy who is not even 300 lbs look like a bulldozer against them. Warmack couldn't contain any of his assignments. Jones contained but didn't budge them. Carpenter is just happy to be there, and I'll be happy when he's matriculated. McCullough pass blocks ok, but is too small to push the right side in the run block. For weeks, they have let McElroy take hits that he didn't need to take. The fumble Saturday was another in the long line of poor communication and fundamentals up front. I don't know how many times this year it has happened, but there sure have been a lot of sacks that occur because the guards double down instead of covering their space. Warmack is a habitual offender of that. Fluker can't get back fast enough, but next year can't either in a lot of positions up front.......
DEFENSE
The Good....
First half effort
I thought that the defense answered the bell early. They got put in a tough spot after the INT, but held to a field goal. After a horrible punt, they held to a 3 and out. The entire first half, they kept LSU off balance and made them look more like the offense that we had watched week in and week out. They had 3 3 and outs in the first half and held the Tigers to a field goal. All in all, going into the half, I thought things were in good shape. Sadly, the defense never came out of the tunnel after the half.
The debut of a healthy 4some of Upshaw, Dareus, Square, and Hightower
It has taken 8 games and a bye to see the healthy foursome, or as healthy as it will be this year, but they looked good when they used them up front on nickel situations. Of course, the bigger thing here is that when they put Donta up and put his hand down, they have to have good play from Johnson and Mosley. They played as well as could be asked.
The Bad....
No 3 and outs in the 2nd half....
When you just don't stop an opposing team, you don't win games. Bama had LSU pinned down, but did not stop LSU once in the 2nd half. Say what you want about the offense, but Bama's defense did not get off the field on their own. They also gave up a score or a score opportunity each drive in the 2nd half. LSU scored 21 points and missed a FG in the 2nd half. That's just too many points and too much moving up and down the field going on. The same team that just looked good as anyone for the first 30 minutes, was MIA the entire second half.
Mark Barron picked the wrong week to have his worst game of his career
The two biggest plays by LSU were both moments where Barron was out of position. The Randle TD romp was a really telling play. Barron gets out of position and doesn't really try to catch him or take an angle to try. To his credit, he did hustle to stop Shepherd later on, but he flat out didn't try on that play. If it had only been that play, it maybe wouldn't have been so bad, but the 4th and 1 reverse was another out of position moment. Will folks remember him for this game? No. They'll remember the MSU game. I wish that player was appearing at this point. Hopefully, in film study, they ride him and it makes him play pissed.
The Ugly...
Letting another subpar offense look spectacular
I'm not going to beat the horse any more today, but when you let the 3 worst QBs in the conference look awesome, well, it isn't just a "played the best game of their life" moment, it is a "coached the worst game again of my life" moment for Smart and Saban. Really, the defensive issues are as much coaching as they are player issues. The thing that really starts to irritate me about things is that Saban spends a lot of time talking about being results oriented and all that bull. At some point, the coaches need to just say that they got beat in a coaching duel. Saban got his process processed by a grass eatin wild eyed guy, and he's got another humbling in a few weeks if he doesn't start getting things turned around on defense. As great as Saban is, and as great as he is at creating defensive mismatches, this year hasn't been one of those years. It has looked more like the LSU team after their championship.
Random Thoughts....
Kenny Bell won't be saved by his bell or his dumb mouth.....
Kenny Bell ...bck n ttown already no it ain’t nun 2 do cuz dis ttown so I’m bout 2 shower n watch tv..sn: not even mad cuz its gne b more if da favoritism keeps up take it how ya wanna....kb7First, I get that when one is young and such, dumb things are said, it is a given and I'm not innocent of that. However, there are two things here that just piss me off. One, if you are going to complain, do it in an intelligent tone. That shit needs Beaver's mom to step to the back of the plane and decipher for me. Second, you never, EVER, say things like this during the season. EVER. Bell is a loser and his career at Alabama is over before it started. Keeping him on the team only rewards selfish, undisciplined, and cancerous behavior.
Really, here's a guy who can't beat out anyone and is more or less a tackle dummy these days (specialist), but he feels like he can jump up and toss his teammates under? I know how this gets cured and he keeps his spot and it isn't an apology. He tried that on his page, but was called out on his weak answer (wasn't bout the team apparently....). He'll be asked to run over the middle and get de-strapped on an in route. When nobody helps him up, he'll know he's been setup and you move on, stay quiet, and work your way from the bottom up. When he is attritioned, and the odds are better than running Republican in the south that he's gone, he'll just be another mouthy, lazy Louisiana player gone.
Enough with the "If we play X...."
I love how there is always a cast of fans that believe that an unknown, untested player is always better than the starter and after each loss it is an opportunity to say such. The only QB not mentioned to be better to start is Thomas Darrah. The interesting twist is next year, if AJ doesn't throw for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns each Saturday, do you turn on him?
I get that some get mad that McElroy isn't a gun slinger and has flaws in his game. I see them too. I also see him playing with a lot of effort and doesn't take plays and games off like some do. I would be more apt to read about players who aren't playing to their capacities and not be as irked as I am to see someone complain when a guy is playing up to his level and is making plays. McElroy will never beat this team, he won't win the game each and every week, but in the LSU game, he put the defense in a position to give him the chance. The defense, as has been a theme for a while, didn't step up. If folks want to find a focal point for their anger, look at the defense. The defense has yet to play a complete game since conference play started. I keep reading stupid comments from a guy named "Luciano" who says the team is rebelling against GMac....that's so dumb. I keep reading how this team would be better with AJ....again dumb. I had one real man of genius tell me that if Saban had pulled Greg early in the year (when and why?) and gotten AJ in earlier, they would have won Saturday.....again, dumb.
The offense has issues. I won't deny that. However, the play calling and offensive line play are where the issues start and continue to hamper things. It is hard to say which is causing more problems because the execution up front or lack thereof is making possible good plays go bad, and the playcalling has no identity to it. In the last 2 years, this team was a downhill running team, and they made their mark with power football. This year, I can't tell you what they are because it changes by the series. One series, they run strong, the next they play out of the gun, the next they throw 3 times and go out, then they run, then they mix it up, and so on. There is no balance or methodology to what the game plan is/was/has been. I keep saying it and it keeps going on, but you have 2 Heisman caliber guys in the backfield, but yet they don't get fed regularly and cannot get a rhythm going. If Bama wants to be a pass heavy team, that's fine, be that. If Bama wants to be a run heavy team, that's fine, be that. If Bama wants to mix it up and do both, that's fine, be that. Just don't be a team that has no purpose like they were Saturday and have been several times over. Personally, I like Bama's offense more when they go north south with Ingram and Richardson and mix some play action passes. Sitting in the gun and trying to execute from it hasn't been as fruitful. Of course, everything skunks the Wildcat in execution and productivity now. In the end, LSU had given up 21 or more points to UF and AU. AU's high end O only got 24 off this defense. Bama got enough points on a really good D, they just didn't get enough help.
The Defense is where my ire and concern really lies though. 9 games in and they still can't play zone, still can't tackle, still can't get in position, and now cannot pressure or create plays against a bad team. Here's the facts on the ground, LSU's offense was horrible going in, their QBs had been subpar all year. Jordan Jefferson had not thrown a TD since their opener and had 8 INTs including 7 in the last 7 games. He really is one of the worst QBs in the conference. You wouldn't know it from the game would you? Jarrett Lee is a guy we all know. He has not been much better. He did have a nice game against the Gators, but his game against Auburn was Lee's par game. Did either look weak or confused? No. Did Stephen Garcia? No. Why? Saban and Smart have become stale and scared in the play calling. The good game plan in the first half went away and was lethargic and predictable in the 2nd half.
I don't have as many issues with a player like CJ Mosley because he's trying hard and learning on the job. I do have a problem when I see guys with experience that aren't playing hard or with focus. After 9 games, and a bye week, the defense should not be dealing with poor tackling nor should you be seeing blown assignments like it has had. Millner is a freshman, and I give him that discount, but he's played enough downs because they can't get off the field....anyways, he's got enough time and practice to know his zone assignment. Each week, he gets bassackwards with that and that play is usually a damaging one. Each week, someone in the secondary has a blown assignment and gives up a big play. Each week, the linebackers suck inside too quick and expose the backside and give up a big play. Each week, you see the opposing offense wanting it more than Bama's defense. That part bothers me more than anything. The difference is more than vocal leaders on defense. The difference is that last year, they made plays and got turnovers, sacks, and 3 and outs. Those things put the offense in better spots and created more scoring opportunities. This year, they aren't doing any of those things often and it forces this offense to execute more 80 plus yard drives.
Really folks, if you want to complain, complain about the defense. Fussing because someone is not a vocal leader is just a hard on grudge. Vocal leaders are born, they aren't coached. Vocal leaders have to be recruited. Bama has recruited a lot of names and a lot of potential, but I think we are starting to see that they have the bill of goods but have not received nearly the appraised value from it.
OFFENSE
The Good....
Julio's catch
He can't make the easy ones every time, but he makes the tough ones every time. When he gets in the endzone and extends his body, it is about as automatic as it gets.
Ingram looking like the Ingram of old
I thought Ingram played his best game since Duke or ARK. He was shifting, cutting, and using the blocks the way he did last year. There was one play where he stopped on a dime, made 2 guys miss, and got an extra 5 yards. The reason you won't remember this much is because the staff iced him in the second half. In any case, it was a good start for the 2nd half run, and really they need him to start demanding the ball and getting the ball. He makes great things happen when he does.
McElroy doing as much as he can
I can sense some of you grinding your molars just reading that. Piss off. Given how poorly the line played, and how many drops were committed by the TEs and WRs, he had a really solid game. He did his part in all honesty. His passes were good as a whole, and he only missed on a handful. The interception was on Dial, McElroy will carry it on his stats, but Dial flat out muffed it. The fumble was a bang bang play that was on the OL, but he'll carry that stat too. He missed Maze by about 2 inches on a go route, but that happens. His TD pass to Jones was one that he doesn't make last year or 4 weeks ago. I know there are those who want to detract from what Greg means and has done for this team, but he plays tough, plays smart, and does enough to win the game.
The Bad...
Playcalling.
As mentioned earlier, you have to have an identity. This staff has yet to find one for them. McElwain got p'wned by Chavis, and Saban has continued to stay neutral as each week the same plays are called that are now stale. They are gonna have to open up the playbook or gear it down and grind it out with a power run attack. This fruit basket turnover philosophy just doesn't work.
The Ugly....
Offensive line play just flat out stinks
I get so tired of seeing the whiff. Vlachos has really really really regressed. His preseason injury has him out of shape and when you watch him play, he just looks like a guy who isn't in game shape, even for a lineman. What's worse, they let a guy who is not even 300 lbs look like a bulldozer against them. Warmack couldn't contain any of his assignments. Jones contained but didn't budge them. Carpenter is just happy to be there, and I'll be happy when he's matriculated. McCullough pass blocks ok, but is too small to push the right side in the run block. For weeks, they have let McElroy take hits that he didn't need to take. The fumble Saturday was another in the long line of poor communication and fundamentals up front. I don't know how many times this year it has happened, but there sure have been a lot of sacks that occur because the guards double down instead of covering their space. Warmack is a habitual offender of that. Fluker can't get back fast enough, but next year can't either in a lot of positions up front.......
DEFENSE
The Good....
First half effort
I thought that the defense answered the bell early. They got put in a tough spot after the INT, but held to a field goal. After a horrible punt, they held to a 3 and out. The entire first half, they kept LSU off balance and made them look more like the offense that we had watched week in and week out. They had 3 3 and outs in the first half and held the Tigers to a field goal. All in all, going into the half, I thought things were in good shape. Sadly, the defense never came out of the tunnel after the half.
The debut of a healthy 4some of Upshaw, Dareus, Square, and Hightower
It has taken 8 games and a bye to see the healthy foursome, or as healthy as it will be this year, but they looked good when they used them up front on nickel situations. Of course, the bigger thing here is that when they put Donta up and put his hand down, they have to have good play from Johnson and Mosley. They played as well as could be asked.
The Bad....
No 3 and outs in the 2nd half....
When you just don't stop an opposing team, you don't win games. Bama had LSU pinned down, but did not stop LSU once in the 2nd half. Say what you want about the offense, but Bama's defense did not get off the field on their own. They also gave up a score or a score opportunity each drive in the 2nd half. LSU scored 21 points and missed a FG in the 2nd half. That's just too many points and too much moving up and down the field going on. The same team that just looked good as anyone for the first 30 minutes, was MIA the entire second half.
Mark Barron picked the wrong week to have his worst game of his career
The two biggest plays by LSU were both moments where Barron was out of position. The Randle TD romp was a really telling play. Barron gets out of position and doesn't really try to catch him or take an angle to try. To his credit, he did hustle to stop Shepherd later on, but he flat out didn't try on that play. If it had only been that play, it maybe wouldn't have been so bad, but the 4th and 1 reverse was another out of position moment. Will folks remember him for this game? No. They'll remember the MSU game. I wish that player was appearing at this point. Hopefully, in film study, they ride him and it makes him play pissed.
The Ugly...
Letting another subpar offense look spectacular
I'm not going to beat the horse any more today, but when you let the 3 worst QBs in the conference look awesome, well, it isn't just a "played the best game of their life" moment, it is a "coached the worst game again of my life" moment for Smart and Saban. Really, the defensive issues are as much coaching as they are player issues. The thing that really starts to irritate me about things is that Saban spends a lot of time talking about being results oriented and all that bull. At some point, the coaches need to just say that they got beat in a coaching duel. Saban got his process processed by a grass eatin wild eyed guy, and he's got another humbling in a few weeks if he doesn't start getting things turned around on defense. As great as Saban is, and as great as he is at creating defensive mismatches, this year hasn't been one of those years. It has looked more like the LSU team after their championship.
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