Posts Tagged ‘Alabama’
Bama, BCS, & Broncos, Nov 8 Edition
Broncos
Had a bye week. So no humiliating loss this week.
Watched the Chiefs gift wrap the win for Oakland. Pretty bizarre to watch them make all those mistakes they hadn’t made all year in one half. And in more bad news, Chargers look like they are awake now.
Bama
What a painful loss. It’s always hard to win in Death Valley but the 24-21 score hides four huge realities that Alabama fans better swallow.
First, Les Miles coached to win the game, Nick Saban coached to not lose. Les Miles emptied the playbook, took risks, put more on his players to deliver the win. Saban didn’t. Instead of showing up to dominate and beat the snot out of LSU, Alabama showed up and acted like ‘let’s just try to escape here with a win.’ You don’t escape Death Valley. Show up to play hard or don’t show up at all.
Second, Alabama’s offensive line this year is a smaller, less aggressive, less physical version of the line last year. Last year when Alabama would get in a tight game, it was hand the ball to 22 and let’s pound the ball down the field. This year’s version likes to pass way to much. There is no plan B with this team. If the passing game sputters there is no commitment to the running game.
Third, the defensive line play of Alabama this year has been atrocious. The secondary was what everyone thought was going to be the problem this year for the Tide. It hasn’t. They’ve had some mistakes but with no pressure getting to the quarterbacks, they’ve been asked to cover guys for 4 and 5 seconds. That’s unheard of on the pro level, let alone college. The defensive line does not get pressure on the QB and it does not stuff the run without help from the linebackers. And when a defense has to use it’s LB to blitz to stop the run and get pressure, it makes the secondary that much more vulnerable.
Fourth, the Alabama defense is clueless how to stop a 2-minute offense. When an offense picks up the pace on them, forces them to stay at the line of scrimmage – bad things happen for Alabama. And guess who runs this type of offense better than anyone in the country right now?
By losing the game, Alabama lost a lot. There is no shot at defending the national title. They more than likely lost the chance at a BCS bowl as well. There is little to no chance at an SEC title. Those are some huge stakes for a 3 point game.
The bigger question will be their mental state in the next 3 games. Will they quit? When the Tide lost in the SEC championship 2 years ago, they rolled over against Utah in the Sugar Bowl. It was an ugly moment for Tide fans everywhere. We’ll see how they respond to this. While this year’s goals are gone, the Tide aren’t going anyway. There is plenty of talent coming back for 2011 to try again. They just need to finish strong this year.
BCS
Can’t really complain about the rankings to much. Oregon and Auburn still look like the best two teams in the country. TCU had a huge win over Utah – and yes it was impressive. But do that every week or 3 or 4 times a year, and then you can complain about being number 3.
That’s all for now. Been a rough year football wise.
Alabama 2010 Prediction
It feels like football in Topeka and that is a great thing. Nothing better than wearing shorts and Keens in 60 degree weather. Can’t wait for the first frost!!
And so my annual prediction of the season for the Crimson Tide. This year’s schedule looks brutal and while I think they can repeat as national champions, I doubt they will be undefeated. To the schedule…
09/04/10 vs. San Jose State
I guess they needed the huge payout or ‘Bama wanted a scrimmage. Should roll here.
09/11/10 vs. Penn State
It’s a home game so that is a huge advantage for the Tide. The Tide is more talented than Penn State but … it’s Penn State. They have a habit of playing down and up to the level of their competitor.
This is also the National Championship of All-Time College Uniforms. Both of these looks are awesome and any athlete would be proud to wear either one of these unis.
Pick: Tide
09/18/10 at Duke
Thank God it’s not basketball. Another W.
09/25/10 at Arkansas
And here is where the road gets rocky. It’s AT Arkansas, then Florida, then AT SC. Not an easy 3 game stretch. Alabama always seems to get the upper hand on the Hogs since Saban has been around. Mallet will be better but he doesn’t play defense.
The Tide in another nail-biter.
10/02/10 vs. Florida
Tide could lose this game — but I’m betting no because they’ll be at home and all hyped up. Another close game but no Tebow. He’s wearing another shade of orange and blue.
10/09/10 at South Carolina
This is one of the two games I think ‘Bama will go into flat and have a let down. The other one is the LSU game. Both on the road, both coming off big rival games, both home teams coming off a bye. Just spells ambush for the Tide. I’m picking the Tide to win this one…not as confident going into Death Valley.
10/16/10 vs. Mississippi
Ole Miss could be in for a long year – injuries, NCAA issues, and the always present Houston Nutt discovering another way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Tide wins.
10/23/10 at Tennessee
Another win. Knoxville is one of the coolest stadiums in the world though.
11/06/10 at LSU
In Red Stick, LA. This is an ambush game and you wouldn’t think so with Saban having coached there but it is. No one (except LSU fans) expects much out of the Bayou Tigers and that’s when they are so dangerous. My head says it’s a loss, my heart thinks it’s a loss.
11/13/10 vs. Mississippi State
Rack ‘em up. It’s a win.
11/18/10 vs. Georgia State
This is Georgia State’s first year to play football and this game could get ugly quick. Why is it on the schedule? Bill Curry, former Alabama coach is starting up this program and needs cash to get some stuff done. “Bama said — come on over. We’ll give you a big fat check along with a big fat punch in the mouth.
11/26/10 vs. Auburn
The other team in Alabama is deeper this year (24 seniors return to this squad) and they’ll be plenty motivated as they pushed Alabama to the 4th quarter last year. It’s on the plains so anything could happen. I’m going with the Tide.
Overall — an 11-1 season and a birth in the SEC championship game. A W there and it’s National Championship game all over again.
To much to hope for?
Is it 13 or 8? Is Saban Ever Happy? Will ‘Bama repeat?
Roll Tide, this one was a long time coming. I remember the ’92 championship. I watched ‘Bama roll up on the U in my in-laws house in Plano, Texas. But that’s not important right now. What is important is answering these ever important questions…
Is it 13 National Championships or 8?
Alabama claims these years as national championships – 1925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, and of course 2009. Interesting controversy given that if we had a playoff, we wouldn’t be even talking like this. Alas, we don’t so college presidents can take some of the blame for creating a culture where this kind of debate can take place.
For a LONG explanation – read here. It fleshes it all out in glorious detail.
Here’s the short version: The Official NCAA record book recognizes Alabama with seven “consensus” national championships — the six by Bryant (1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, and 1979) and Gene Stalling’s in 1992. Plus last nights, that gets you to 8. (That was for all my Auburn audience out there that has a hard time adding.) The official count of National Championships for the NCAA starts with the year 1950.
In the same record book, the NCAA looks back and lists how past football seasons would have played out using the current/past bowl system. For the 1925 and 1926 seasons, they list Alabama as the national champions. “Not official” but listed in the same book…just like college football. Take something simple, make it ridiculously complicated, don’t talk plainly about it, make money off of it, and call it wonderful.
Another independent source – the College Football Data Warehouse – adds the ’30 and ’34 season to the Alabama stash of championships.
So what about the 1941 championship? Hardest one to defend really. Alabama went 8-2, losing to eventual SEC champion Mississippi State and finished #20 in the AP poll. I have no idea how that year is a national championship. Nothing I can find really explains it. Just like I have no idea how Alabama DID NOT get the National Championship in 1966 after going undefeated for the 3rd year in a row and the pox of creation Notre Dame won it. Or the ’77 season as well. But I’m not bitter.
Good thing we have the BCS now to eliminate all future confusion and potential of that happening again, right Boise State?
Is Saban Ever Happy?
If I were the two students who donked the Gatorade bucket on Saban last night, I wouldn’t expect a lot of playing time next year. Even after the game, Saban looked like the losing coach. In the press conference, he laughed a bit when asked about the Gatorade but just a bit…and those players are still running the stairs at the Rose Bowl.
I’m guessing he is happy but more relieved. But who would know. Maybe Saban is like the Grumpy dwarf. Maybe he’s so protective of himself in the media, we’re never going to know. After the beating he took in the media after the Dolphin/Bama dance, who could blame him for basically giving the media nothing. Mack Brown on the other hand – can see why he is such a huge hit on the recruiting trail.
Will ‘Bama repeat?
Jeez, can we just enjoy this one for a bit? Sure we can. Roll Tide. Hey Texas, Hey Texas…Rammer Jammer…
But let’s just get this straight right now – McElroy did not WIN that game last night. The Alabama defense and two monster, not of this planet running backs won that game last night. The Gilbert kid from Texas played better than McElroy.
Ok, that’s not entirely true. The turnovers were bad but they weren’t all his fault. If Texas had another WR other than Jordan Shipley that could catch…be a completely different game. Well, not completely different. Bama D did what it did all year long – keep game close, punish opposing teams when they make a mistake, then ask the offense to not screw the thing up.
They can repeat if QB play improves. If it doesn’t…not sure. Arkansas – if Ryan Mallett returns – will be stacked. LSU & Auburn will be greatly improved as well as Tennessee if Kiffin can keep his players out of jail. I’d like to think yes…but that’s why they play the games.
In the meantime — Roll Tide and another dominant showing by the SEC in the BCS Championship game.
Alabama, Texas and the BCS Championship Game
I’ve waited long enough. I can’t keep my mouth shut anymore. Alabama with ROLLLLLL tonight against Texas…hopefully.
There probably hasn’t been a closer match-up in the title game since the last time Texas was here against USC. In that game, Texas was considered an underdog, the pundits underestimated the impact the Texas QB would have. I think there are a lot of parallels in this game as well.
As a Tide fan – nothing was more satisfying than the dominant performance over the Gators in the SEC Championship game. Alabama dominated in every phase of the game, played their most complete game ever. It was a welcome site after eeking out a win against Auburn, needing 3 block kicks against Tennessee, and a Herculean effort from Ingram to beat South Carolina. In other words, Alabama has played close, tight games this season and their defense, special teams and Ingram has bailed them out.
Texas had a great season then laid an egg in the national spotlight against Nebraska in the Big 12 game. What was forgotten was the way they had dominated every one else the rest of the year. While Nebraska’s offense was hideous that night (and for most of the season as well) part of the reason was because of Texas’ defense.
So what to expect tonight? Expect to see Alabama’s defense do what they’ve done all year – roll up on 1st and 2nd down, putting the offense in 3rd and long so they can unleash the Frankenstein of Saban. 3rd and long is never fun for an offense but Alabama’s defense takes it to an art form. They were #3 in the nation in forcing 3 and outs. It’s just about impossible to convert 3rd down against Alabama.
Having said that if any team is equipped to battle this it is Texas. Colt McCoy may not have the urban legendness of Tebow but he is every bit as good as him. A fact I’m sure Saban has hammered into his defense. If Texas can’t get the rushing game going, it will be a long night for them.
On offense – Texas will stack the box and put the game in McElroy’s hand. Can the 1st year QB handle it? Will he perform ala Auburn/Florida game or South Carolina/Tennessee game? I’m guessing Texas will man to man in the secondary. Alabama’s WR Maze and Jones should be able to take advantage of this and they should have plenty of open looks and opportunities. The question is can McElroy get them the ball accurately, on time before getting hit?
Interesting Tidbit of Game #1 – take a look at how many Mac’s are in this game? McElroy, McCoy, McElwain, Mack Brown, McClain. What does it mean? Not sure…
Interesting Tidbit of Game #2 – I made this comment in passing, was about to blog on it, decided to google it first – found out someone had beat me to the punch. The Curse of the White Helmet. The article is worth reading but here is the short version…
Teams that have wore the white helmets this post-season have by and large gotten their clocks cleaned. Florida Gators rocked the white helmet in the SEC championship game – blown out. Oregon wore white vs. Ohio State, making OSU look dominant. Arizona changed to a white helmet for their bowl game against Nebraska. Result: Nebraska looked like Florida. Florida went back to orange helmets while Cincy rocked out new white helmets. Result: Florida beat Cincy worse than they got beat when they last wore white helmets.
Other notable white helmets:
Auburn wore white helmets and escaped with a W somehow against Northwestern.
Penn State needed a monsoon and game winning field goal to beat LSU.
Roll Tide.
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Today is Amy’s birthday.
The Broncos are 4-0.
The Rockies start the playoffs today at 1.30 against the Phillies.
The Avs are 2-0 and playing out of sight. (Don’t tell anybody I keep track of the Avs.)
Alabama is undefeated and looks like the best team in the nation.
AND my fantasy football team is first in my division, 3-1.
AND Amy didn’t totally hate her gift of a couple of cook books, an iron, and a 9×13 pan.
Just kidding on the last one. She did hate it.
Football Musings, Week 2 NFL
The Broncos handled the Browns nicely yesterday. It was nice to actually see them win a game. Actually, I didn’t get to see them win…but that’s a whole other issue.
Would you believe that the Broncos would be 2-0 and on top of the AFC West?
Yes. I did. Because I figured the Chargers would beat the Raiders and lose to Baltimore. Turner and the Chargers have a habit of blowing games they should win at the beginning of the year. The Ravens however look to be a beast of a team this year with Flacco having no sophomore slump so far. I had a hunch KC would lose to the Ravens but beat Oakland. That left Denver as 2-0 and on top of the division. It lasts one more week as Denver plays the Greatness (sarcasm). After this week — the descent begins.
Watching the Chefs implode, squander scoring opportunities, and mismanage the clock was painful on Sunday. The truth of the matter is that KC is talent poor right now. I think Todd H. and Scott Pioli will change that eventually but this is going to be just as long if not longer season for Chief fans as it is Bronco fans.
Alabama/Arkansas square off this Saturday and there will probably be ample enough trash talk for Hog fans that read this blog. Up until last year, the games were very close. I think the Hogs will make it interesting in the first half, then Bama pulls away in the second. Although I’m very proud of one of my former students – Clay – who is on the Razorback team. Roll Tide…then after this weekend Go Hogs.