Alabama: The Good, The Bad

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

Originally Posted by ChiRish

Definitely agree. Of course, we'll have to deal with a nearly month-long, vomit inducing, cringe-worthy nonsense of how overrated ND is from the pundits and fanbases we've discussed ad nauseum around these parts, but the key for me is that the players will too. I saw numerous tweets from ND players welcoming the hate. They use it, take it in, and spin it into their already deep, dense motivation and team unity that they already have.

That's not to think that Bama isn't good. They surely are. They run the ball extremely well and seem to handle their business in an undeniably professional way. They'll be ready to go, and they will play physical for 60 minutes. That, for me, is the toughest matchup - 60 minutes of tough, physical battles in the trenches.

But ND has had those battles all year. That's why I don't understand the ignorance/arrogance and hate towards this Irish team. We've gone through several games just like the one Bama just won, where the team lays it all out there, fights hard and physical the entire time, and relies on their defense to pull it out. It is in those times that team brotherhood is formed, and that is one category where we have Alabama owned.

I know Bama is experienced in these matters, but I love our leadership. I also feel like their offensive strengths (physical, pro-style running game) play to our defensive strengths. Our linebackers will have their hands full, on top of the D line, but I really think that we match up much better with Alabama than we did with Georgia.

That said - f*ck Bama and their SEC identity arrogance. They spent 60 minutes battling in one of the better games of the year, and they celebrate by holding up SEC signs? That's just flat out embarrassing. I hope we come in and give them a punch in the mouth that they, their fanbase, and much of the national media seems to think we're completely incapable of giving.

This.
I completely agree. Go Irish!

[OrlaNDomer]

1) They allowed more points to Georgia than we did to Oklahoma and USC combined (Who both have better offenses than Georgia). Their defense is very beatable. Move the pocket and let Everett make plays.
2) Outside of the game winning touchdown pass McCarron didn't impress me at all. He looks to leave the pocket way too early and often.
3) Their running backs and offensive line are legit. Will be the most important matchup of the game. Bama Oline+RBs vs ND front 7.

I believe ND can and will win if they play solid football.

[BGIF]

Originally Posted by ndfi78

No way the SEC office will suspend Dial, they have to much SEC PRIDE!!!!!1!11!!!

The SEC will suspend him. Bank on it.





He'll have to sit out Christmas Eve and not open presents until Christmas Day.

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

He should be suspended for that hit, but I don't think he will be. The SEC wants to win the national championship. They won't take any chances.

[IrishLax]

If our DL can handle their OL... we've got a chance. Can our corners cover Amari Cooper 1v1? They held their own against Lee and Woods....

I'll state the obvious though... if we can't stop the run, our entire defensive strategy falls apart and we could be in for a 28+ point beatdown.

If our D holds up... let's be serious, there was nothing impressive about Alabama's defense today. I don't think our WRs we able to consistently make plays, but Eifert could dominate the middle of the field. Improvement in our red zone efficiency and our OL showing up are necessary. This game is winnable if Alabama comes out and plays super crappy like how they did today... but with multiple weeks to prep? I don't know... wish we were playing the game next weekend.

[arrowryan]

Originally Posted by IrishLax

If our DL can handle their OL... we've got a chance. Can our corners cover Amari Cooper 1v1? They held their own against Lee and Woods....

I'll state the obvious though... if we can't stop the run, our entire defensive strategy falls apart and we could be in for a 28+ point beatdown.

If our D holds up... let's be serious, there was nothing impressive about Alabama's defense today. I don't think our WRs we able to consistently make plays, but Eifert could dominate the middle of the field. Improvement in our red zone efficiency and our OL showing up are necessary. This game is winnable if Alabama comes out and plays super crappy like how they did today... but with multiple weeks to prep? I don't know... wish we were playing the game next weekend.

I think there will be safety help over the top against Cooper. He is really there only receiving threat

[BGIF]

Did UGA have LBs?


Yes, I saw them before the snap but after the snap ... gone.

UGA had 5 men on the LOS but routinely Bama had the center and an OT take out the LBs BEFORE the RB got to the LOS. Other times I saw a Bama back break through a slim hole and there was nobody at the next level. DBs made the stop 8-15 yds downfield. Other times Bama's OLine open holes an 18 wheeler could have gotten through.

I was impressed with UA's OLine but underwhelmed by UGA's backers.


UGA had the 67th Rush Defense at 163 yds/game. By comparison:

56 Michigan 156
57 Southern Cal 156
60 Navy 160
67 UGA 167
72 Wake Forest 166
73 Nebraska 166
81 Purdue 180
86 Oklahoma 187