Another feature I want to start adding to this blog as I evolve it into a serious journalistic output is a "Five Facts" section after every Alabama game. These will usually end up being some epiphanies I have uncovered from the game itself or from some other facet related to the ongoing season. So here goes with my Five Facts from the Tennessee game:
1) Alabama is improving as the season goes on
This should be a no-brainer for any other school, but for Alabama fans it's just a blessed sigh of relief. It's easy to say after the fact that maybe Tennessee isn't that good, but the simple truth is, Alabama went out last Saturday and defeated a rival with superior talent in a dominating fashion. A rival that had, in fact, demolished a team Alabama had lost to earlier in the season (Tennessee beat Georgia 35-14 two weeks ago). If Saturday is any indication, no longer will Tide fans be subjected to a promising start only to fade away to mediocrity by the arrival of November.
2) Saban isn't content with $4 million per year
Quick. Name the last Alabama coach you saw go as nuts as Saban did at the end of the first half on Saturday. If it takes you more than the last three coaches, that's a good sign. Don't see it as some coincidence that an obviously infuriated Saban took his team into halftime, likely gave them a wholesale ass-chewing, then came out and held a potent Tennessee offense to no points in the second half. This man will not sit on his laurels; he wants to win every game because he has the fire of a champion.
3) Saban is starting to trust Applewhite's offensive playcalling.
Calling a draw on third and goal from the eight yard line is not a Pendry move. That was Major's call. And it worked to perfection. It's just a small example, but it shows that maybe the players arent' the only ones becoming more comfortable with the offensive system.
4) The Fourth Quarter Program really, really, works.
Think fast; which team this year has beaten Alabama in the fourth quarter? The only one that comes to mind is Houston, and Alabama still won that game. The results, however, seem to indicate the Houston game was an anomaly. So far this season, Alabama has scored 77 points in the fourth quarter through eight games. To give you something to compare it to, the 2006 Alabama squad put up 79 points THE ENTIRE SEASON in the fourth quarter. If you don't believe, especially on the offensive side, our mental and physical conditioning has improved dramatically, you aren't really paying attention.
5) This team CAN beat LSU
Preseason, this game was marked down as an almost universally sure defeat for Alabama. However, no one expected Nick Saban to work as quickly as he did. Alabama is perched, as we near the start of November, in one of the last places we expected them to be; tied for first in the SEC West. Only three more victories keep Nick Saban from achieving what was deemed impossible to do in his first season; take the Crimson Tide to Atlanta. The next obstacle in that path is that monstrosity of talent, depth, and athleticism that Saban himself built; the Bengal Tigers of LSU. The 28-14 tally of last year didn't indicate how much LSU really dominated that game. Nick Saban has made it abundantly clear this year his teams will not be dominated. Alabama's two losses have come by a combined 10 points, or less than the 15 point deficit Alabama had against Florida last year. It will not be easy. A perfect game will need to be played, and LSU will have to make some dumb decisions, but in this year of the upset, can anyone really count Alabama out? Only November 3rd can tell us for sure. One thing you can be sure of, however, is that Saint Nick will have the boys ready to play. So come on, Les Miles, bring it on. But I can tell you one thing; our defensive line won't let you go five-for-five on fourth down conversions.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
S & E Breakdown: The Third Saturday in October
Loathing is the only word that comes to mind when I think about the feelings shared between the faithful of Alabama and Tennessee. These teams hate each other in an almost farcical fashion, which means the emotional aspect of this week's game is more crucial than any Alabama has played this year. However, the impartial journalist must still give proper credit to the numbers these teams have produced this season as well. So without further banter, here is my Statistical and Emotional breakdown of the fall classic known as the Third Saturday in October
Statistical:
Looking at the defensive strengths, or lack of said strengths, of these two teams, no one should be expecting the 6-3 or 16-13 scores we have seen the last two years. Tennessee checks into this game with the 11th ranked defense in the SEC, while Alabama is holding at the 9th ranked defense in conference. But to be fair to the Volunteers, their stats may be padded by the 59 they gave up to Florida in Gainesville and the 45 they gave up to Cal in Berkeley. Most likely you are looking at two teams with roughly the same defensive production; Bama is allowing around 25 per SEC game, and so is Tennessee. Add into the mix both teams ability to break off big plays and this game has every indication of being a barn-burner. Eric Ainge is going to attempt to nickel and dime his way down the field with curls and quick slants, and Alabama is going to stick to the offensive balance which has placed it around the middle of the SEC in offensive production. Each team is going to heavily depend on defensive line play, but for separate purposes; Alabama will hope to pressure Ainge into making bad throws, and Tennessee will attempt to shut down the trio of Grant, Coffee, and Upchurch to force John Parker Wilson into beating them. If neither team proves to be successful in this endeavor, look for the last team with the ball to win. If they do, special teams will once again play a crucial role in an Alabama victory. If Javier Arenas can maximize the opportunities Tennessee's outstanding punter Britt Colquitt can provide to him, a Tide victory seems much more likely. The fact that Alabama will need more big plays than Tennessee does not bode well from a talent standpoint.
Key matchup: UA secondary vs. Eric Ainge and UT receivers.
Sure tackling in this game is crucial. Ainge has the accuracy and arm strength to punish Alabama on short routes. Simeon Castille and Kareem Jackson must lock down the Tennessee wideouts on the curls, slants, and outs, and prevent them from slipping out of tackles. Marcus Carter and Rashad Johnson, on the other hand, must play solid deep coverage, and make Eric Ainge pay for trying to throw a deep route. If Rashad Johnson can add to his SEC-leading four interceptions on the season tomorrow, Alabama will stand a better than average chance of coming away with the victory.
Statistical Edge: Tennessee
Emotional:
It's time for Nick Saban to earn his four million per year. The Board of Trustees gave him the largest salary in the NCAA to win games like this. For twelve years Alabama has been bullied around and cast down by the likes of Philip Fulmer and the Orange Nation. A victory here and Saban will send a clear message to the rest of the SEC; 'Bama ain't dead yet. Look for Alabama, stirred by a hungry and maniacal crowd, to come out as pumped as anyone has seen since the Gators came to T-town in 2005. From a Tennessee standpoint, Phil Fulmer has to show that his Georgia victory was no fluke, and he is still the man in charge in Knoxville. UT will not come out flat, and if they do, they don't deserve to win anyways. This game is about hatred, and it will be very apparent about ten seconds into Tennessee's first drive.
Emotional Edge: Alabama
Final Thoughts and Prediction:
As a student, I have never been to a home game I more eagerly anticipated. The 11:30 kickoff, while a burden to some, is a boon to me. The students will be fresh and ready to scream their heads off, giving Alabama the 12th man it will need to pull off the victory. Look for the scoreboard to be lit up, and for some 'Bama magic, in a revived offense, to get the Tide rolling for the brunt of their second half schedule.
Alabama 38, Tennessee 35
Statistical:
Looking at the defensive strengths, or lack of said strengths, of these two teams, no one should be expecting the 6-3 or 16-13 scores we have seen the last two years. Tennessee checks into this game with the 11th ranked defense in the SEC, while Alabama is holding at the 9th ranked defense in conference. But to be fair to the Volunteers, their stats may be padded by the 59 they gave up to Florida in Gainesville and the 45 they gave up to Cal in Berkeley. Most likely you are looking at two teams with roughly the same defensive production; Bama is allowing around 25 per SEC game, and so is Tennessee. Add into the mix both teams ability to break off big plays and this game has every indication of being a barn-burner. Eric Ainge is going to attempt to nickel and dime his way down the field with curls and quick slants, and Alabama is going to stick to the offensive balance which has placed it around the middle of the SEC in offensive production. Each team is going to heavily depend on defensive line play, but for separate purposes; Alabama will hope to pressure Ainge into making bad throws, and Tennessee will attempt to shut down the trio of Grant, Coffee, and Upchurch to force John Parker Wilson into beating them. If neither team proves to be successful in this endeavor, look for the last team with the ball to win. If they do, special teams will once again play a crucial role in an Alabama victory. If Javier Arenas can maximize the opportunities Tennessee's outstanding punter Britt Colquitt can provide to him, a Tide victory seems much more likely. The fact that Alabama will need more big plays than Tennessee does not bode well from a talent standpoint.
Key matchup: UA secondary vs. Eric Ainge and UT receivers.
Sure tackling in this game is crucial. Ainge has the accuracy and arm strength to punish Alabama on short routes. Simeon Castille and Kareem Jackson must lock down the Tennessee wideouts on the curls, slants, and outs, and prevent them from slipping out of tackles. Marcus Carter and Rashad Johnson, on the other hand, must play solid deep coverage, and make Eric Ainge pay for trying to throw a deep route. If Rashad Johnson can add to his SEC-leading four interceptions on the season tomorrow, Alabama will stand a better than average chance of coming away with the victory.
Statistical Edge: Tennessee
Emotional:
It's time for Nick Saban to earn his four million per year. The Board of Trustees gave him the largest salary in the NCAA to win games like this. For twelve years Alabama has been bullied around and cast down by the likes of Philip Fulmer and the Orange Nation. A victory here and Saban will send a clear message to the rest of the SEC; 'Bama ain't dead yet. Look for Alabama, stirred by a hungry and maniacal crowd, to come out as pumped as anyone has seen since the Gators came to T-town in 2005. From a Tennessee standpoint, Phil Fulmer has to show that his Georgia victory was no fluke, and he is still the man in charge in Knoxville. UT will not come out flat, and if they do, they don't deserve to win anyways. This game is about hatred, and it will be very apparent about ten seconds into Tennessee's first drive.
Emotional Edge: Alabama
Final Thoughts and Prediction:
As a student, I have never been to a home game I more eagerly anticipated. The 11:30 kickoff, while a burden to some, is a boon to me. The students will be fresh and ready to scream their heads off, giving Alabama the 12th man it will need to pull off the victory. Look for the scoreboard to be lit up, and for some 'Bama magic, in a revived offense, to get the Tide rolling for the brunt of their second half schedule.
Alabama 38, Tennessee 35
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Two Wills, One Mind
It's only Wednesday, but even now, you can see the approaching storm.
The clouds are rolling, and slowly but surely, they are headed for Tuscaloosa. Every year, we see it coming, and every year, we despise it. We despise their creamsicle orange hue, we can't stand that annoying ditty they relentlessly sing, we can't stand the man who marshals the forces of a state that has always hated us, and who we have always reviled in turn. It's the third Saturday in October, and Tennessee is coming to town.
For almost a century, the Tide and the Vols have locked themselves in gridiron battle. The wars they have waged have every bit of the passion seen in the siege of Troy, upon the fields of Waterloo, and on the rolling seas of the Pacific. Blood and death is replaced by heartache and triumph. Names like Neyland and Bryant have been immortalized by the plunder of this victory. There is no contest, save that upon the Plains of Auburn, which carries the weight of this annual matchup. And this 2007 campaign could be the greatest of them all.
For fifteen years, the Alabama faithful have been plagued by the dominance of the man they crucify Fat Phil. He has defeated the Tide both on the field and off it, leading the Volunteers to victory, while condemning the 'Bama nation to five years of darkness and doubt. It is only now, in desperation and in prayer, that Alabama has searched, and found, the man they hope to lead us back to the days of Glory. For Nick Saban, this is his moment. This is his time to stand up, to gain favor in the eyes of those who believe in his process. This is where he earns that power which has been given to him.
This year's rendition of this old tune we know so well carries the weight of two programs on its shoulders. For Alabama, here is presented a chance to regain their pride, to know that their leader will not wither in the sight of our enemy. For Tennessee, Fulmer must go to high noon, in the land which hates him, to face the new gun in town. All he has built, all he has worked for, all that he knows and loves about the state of his manhood, is on the line. The pieces are set, and the match is ready to begin.
It's going to be one wild storm.
The clouds are rolling, and slowly but surely, they are headed for Tuscaloosa. Every year, we see it coming, and every year, we despise it. We despise their creamsicle orange hue, we can't stand that annoying ditty they relentlessly sing, we can't stand the man who marshals the forces of a state that has always hated us, and who we have always reviled in turn. It's the third Saturday in October, and Tennessee is coming to town.
For almost a century, the Tide and the Vols have locked themselves in gridiron battle. The wars they have waged have every bit of the passion seen in the siege of Troy, upon the fields of Waterloo, and on the rolling seas of the Pacific. Blood and death is replaced by heartache and triumph. Names like Neyland and Bryant have been immortalized by the plunder of this victory. There is no contest, save that upon the Plains of Auburn, which carries the weight of this annual matchup. And this 2007 campaign could be the greatest of them all.
For fifteen years, the Alabama faithful have been plagued by the dominance of the man they crucify Fat Phil. He has defeated the Tide both on the field and off it, leading the Volunteers to victory, while condemning the 'Bama nation to five years of darkness and doubt. It is only now, in desperation and in prayer, that Alabama has searched, and found, the man they hope to lead us back to the days of Glory. For Nick Saban, this is his moment. This is his time to stand up, to gain favor in the eyes of those who believe in his process. This is where he earns that power which has been given to him.
This year's rendition of this old tune we know so well carries the weight of two programs on its shoulders. For Alabama, here is presented a chance to regain their pride, to know that their leader will not wither in the sight of our enemy. For Tennessee, Fulmer must go to high noon, in the land which hates him, to face the new gun in town. All he has built, all he has worked for, all that he knows and loves about the state of his manhood, is on the line. The pieces are set, and the match is ready to begin.
It's going to be one wild storm.
Friday, October 12, 2007
UA-UM S & E breakdown
Hello faithful(if any) readers. I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post, but I've been very busy with both school and football related matters. Since my last article, we've had a 1-2 skid to what seemed, in all indications, to be a season Alabama could surprise all expectations. Of course, this being the year of college football it is, a proverbial season of upsets and surprise teams, Alabama's surprise didn't quite last after the Bulldogs came to town and the Seminoles won in Jacksonville. There is still, however, a lot to play for, and 9-3 is still a distinct, if remote, possibility for Nick Saban's rookie Alabama squad. Therefore, without further rabbling, I will present the Statistical and Emotional breakdown of the Alabama-Ole Miss game.
Statisical
Alabama's offense, in many facets, has been one of night and day. A unit that showed flashes of brilliance against Arkansas and Houston has also mailed in some terrible games, namely Florida State and, well, Houston. In most cases, the first team that figures out that they can stack the box and force John Parker Wilson to throw, seems to have the magic touch to stop 'Bama's production. Quite an amazing coincidence. Having reached their midway point, there is enough game film for even a slightly sub-par coach and a bottom-ranked defense to understand that stopping Alabama's running game will give your offense a solid chance to win. Unfortunately for Alabama, Ole Miss presents that problem. Ed Orgeron, a former defensive line coach at Southern Cal, is especially sure to understand that facet. Once again, it appears that John Parker Wilson will have to show us how good he really is. On the good side, this will be about the easiest chance he will get. Ole Miss ranks dead last in the SEC in both rush and pass defense. What's worse for rebel fans is that the numbers don't even indicate how bad the defense is. The Ole Miss secondary gave up almost 350 yards passing to a 2-3 Memphis team. Georgia rolled up over 300 yards rushing to go along with four rushing touchdowns in the second half alone. For Alabama to get back in a winning groove, it is simply imperative for John Parker to step up and be the field general he showed Alabama fans in his record-breaking season of 2006. He's not the most talented, and he doesn't have to be. He just have to give a very talented, but occasionally unfocused, receiving corps a chance. That means he doesn't need to miss those five yard out routes, or get happy feet and roll out of a developed pocket. He just needs to manage and keep the ball safe, especially in the second half. A big part of that will depend on how on the duo of Glen Coffee and Terry Grant are in Oxford tomorrow.
On the offensive side for Ole Miss, their biggest and most pleasant surprise has been the incredible play of Seth Adams. The walk-on quarterback has far exceeded what any fan could have imagined for him when Brent Schauffer was assumed the starter preseason. He's a big part of what has kept the rebel passing offense in the top half of the SEC rankings. On the other hand, their rushing attack, like most of the rest of the Ole Miss program, ranks dead last in the SEC. Look for Seth Adams to throw the ball early and often. If Alabama pulls a Florida and doesn't come ready for the passing attack, their chances of winning are much worse than Florida's were, as Alabama doesn't have the same caliber of play-makers. Statistically, for Alabama to win, they must control the tempo of the game and stop the big passing plays, something the defense has managed to do very well, with some painful exceptions. Against a team like Ole Miss, the exceptions should be few and far between.
Statistical Edge: Alabama
Emotional:
Emotionally, this game is solely about John Parker Wilson. This is easily the worst defense he will face for the rest of the season. It is crucial not only to this game, but for the rest of the season, that he perform admirably. That's a lot of pressure, but if anyone can handle it, it's Wilson. He played for Rush Propst, the king of profanity, at Hoover, easily the best program in the state of Alabama, and he's been the starting quarterback for Alabama, also known as the blazing inferno, for over a year. John Parker needs to step up, and play like he knows he can. If he comes to play tomorrow, Ole Miss is in trouble.
From an Ole Miss standpoint, this is their swing game. They need the momentum of beating Alabama at home to catapult their goal of a bowl game. They will bring their best shot, and Alabama has to come into town to play.
Emotional Edge: Alabama
Final Thoughts and Prediction: Alabama and Ole Miss both need this game, for varying reasons. Alabama, to show that there is still a reason to be excited about this season and not the next one, and Ole Miss to determine whether it is time to start looking in a new direction for their program. Look for Alabama to get back in their offensive groove against a porous defense, and look for both Simeon Castille and Lionel Mitchell to add to their interception totals for the season.
Prediction: Alabama 35, Ole Miss 21
Statisical
Alabama's offense, in many facets, has been one of night and day. A unit that showed flashes of brilliance against Arkansas and Houston has also mailed in some terrible games, namely Florida State and, well, Houston. In most cases, the first team that figures out that they can stack the box and force John Parker Wilson to throw, seems to have the magic touch to stop 'Bama's production. Quite an amazing coincidence. Having reached their midway point, there is enough game film for even a slightly sub-par coach and a bottom-ranked defense to understand that stopping Alabama's running game will give your offense a solid chance to win. Unfortunately for Alabama, Ole Miss presents that problem. Ed Orgeron, a former defensive line coach at Southern Cal, is especially sure to understand that facet. Once again, it appears that John Parker Wilson will have to show us how good he really is. On the good side, this will be about the easiest chance he will get. Ole Miss ranks dead last in the SEC in both rush and pass defense. What's worse for rebel fans is that the numbers don't even indicate how bad the defense is. The Ole Miss secondary gave up almost 350 yards passing to a 2-3 Memphis team. Georgia rolled up over 300 yards rushing to go along with four rushing touchdowns in the second half alone. For Alabama to get back in a winning groove, it is simply imperative for John Parker to step up and be the field general he showed Alabama fans in his record-breaking season of 2006. He's not the most talented, and he doesn't have to be. He just have to give a very talented, but occasionally unfocused, receiving corps a chance. That means he doesn't need to miss those five yard out routes, or get happy feet and roll out of a developed pocket. He just needs to manage and keep the ball safe, especially in the second half. A big part of that will depend on how on the duo of Glen Coffee and Terry Grant are in Oxford tomorrow.
On the offensive side for Ole Miss, their biggest and most pleasant surprise has been the incredible play of Seth Adams. The walk-on quarterback has far exceeded what any fan could have imagined for him when Brent Schauffer was assumed the starter preseason. He's a big part of what has kept the rebel passing offense in the top half of the SEC rankings. On the other hand, their rushing attack, like most of the rest of the Ole Miss program, ranks dead last in the SEC. Look for Seth Adams to throw the ball early and often. If Alabama pulls a Florida and doesn't come ready for the passing attack, their chances of winning are much worse than Florida's were, as Alabama doesn't have the same caliber of play-makers. Statistically, for Alabama to win, they must control the tempo of the game and stop the big passing plays, something the defense has managed to do very well, with some painful exceptions. Against a team like Ole Miss, the exceptions should be few and far between.
Statistical Edge: Alabama
Emotional:
Emotionally, this game is solely about John Parker Wilson. This is easily the worst defense he will face for the rest of the season. It is crucial not only to this game, but for the rest of the season, that he perform admirably. That's a lot of pressure, but if anyone can handle it, it's Wilson. He played for Rush Propst, the king of profanity, at Hoover, easily the best program in the state of Alabama, and he's been the starting quarterback for Alabama, also known as the blazing inferno, for over a year. John Parker needs to step up, and play like he knows he can. If he comes to play tomorrow, Ole Miss is in trouble.
From an Ole Miss standpoint, this is their swing game. They need the momentum of beating Alabama at home to catapult their goal of a bowl game. They will bring their best shot, and Alabama has to come into town to play.
Emotional Edge: Alabama
Final Thoughts and Prediction: Alabama and Ole Miss both need this game, for varying reasons. Alabama, to show that there is still a reason to be excited about this season and not the next one, and Ole Miss to determine whether it is time to start looking in a new direction for their program. Look for Alabama to get back in their offensive groove against a porous defense, and look for both Simeon Castille and Lionel Mitchell to add to their interception totals for the season.
Prediction: Alabama 35, Ole Miss 21
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)