Jan 7 | BCS National Championship | Alabama

[IrishSteelhead]

Its gonna be a long wait till Jan 7th. Lots of football talk about the game. Lots of time for Saban to plan his two play offense. Run the ball up the middle about 20 times then run a play action. Rinse. Repeat.

Lots of time for more Bama trolls to stop by for "good discussion" that turns into them insulting our team and fanbase with passive aggressive swipes and outright flames. Damn this is fun. Feels good to know people in Alabama are waiting 20 minutes to dial up to the Internet just to come here.

 

[cyrano]

Well IMHO this game is a "Can Notre Dame" they're not 10 point dogs

Have we discussed how Vegas sets a line and determines a spread? It's not based solely on who some experts "think" will win the game. It's about getting a certain amount of action on each side of the bet. As a result, public perception is incorporated into the odds.

For this reason, I don't think anyone is surprised that the line favors Alabama. Alabama has been a dominate force in football for the past few years. It's easy for people to think that trend will continue (along with the trend of SEC dominance). People also expect another trend to continue, ND wilting in bowl games "they have no business being in."

Objective means of evaluating teams may or may not be better. FEI rates ND more highly than Alabama, as do many computers. FEI can be very predictive, but it fails to look at match-ups and intangible factors.

To me, it seems obvious that Alabama will be ready to play and will play well. ND is much more of an unknown since we haven't been on this stage in so long. However, I really do believe ND will be ready to play. The underdog role certainly suits this team and they've played that role quite well multiple times this season. The contest will come down to the same things that always decide games between well matched football teams: big plays and turnovers.

 

[kmoose]

Have we discussed how Vegas sets a line and determines a spread? It's not based solely on who some experts "think" will win the game. It's about getting a certain amount of action on each side of the bet. As a result, public perception is incorporated into the odds.

^truth. The Vegas odds are NOT set to predict who will win the game, or even the likelihood of one team winning. The gambling odds are set to try to get an even amount of money bet on both sides of the wager. THAT'S how the houses make the most money. Things like injuries can effect the line, but only because a key injury can push all of the money to one side or another.

 

[RyCo1983]

.....Feels good to know people in Alabama are waiting 20 minutes to dial up to the Internet just to come here.

I almost spit out some soda.
Thanks!

 

[ChiRish]

Lots of time for more Bama trolls to stop by for "good discussion" that turns into them insulting our team and fanbase with passive aggressive swipes and outright flames. Damn this is fun. Feels good to know people in Alabama are waiting 20 minutes to dial up to the Internet just to come here.

Haha well played. Hilarious.

 

[ChiRish]

Wow.

AJ McCarron's Chest Tattoo Is More Wonderful Than Ever : Outkick The Coverage

 

[TidePride]

Lots of time for more Bama trolls to stop by for "good discussion" that turns into them insulting our team and fanbase with passive aggressive swipes and outright flames. Damn this is fun. Feels good to know people in Alabama are waiting 20 minutes to dial up to the Internet just to come here.

Kinda like the shot you just took right? I came here to see what Irish fans thought about this matchup and discuss it. I have respect for Notre Dame and have already stated you have a good team but I'm also honest enough not to **** in your boots and tell you it's raining.

 

[phork]

Well IMHO this game is a "Can Notre Dame" they're not 10 point dogs because they can win by playing their game. I think Notre Dame has a good team but it's a team of 30-40 quality guys because Kelly hasn't been there long enough to recruit a team that can match Bama's depth. I believe it will be the war you're talking about just a short lived one or until the 2's and 3's come in.


Bama is an SEC team that hasn't recruited outside the top 2-3 in 5 years and CBK may get the Irish there one day right now they're not.

We were 10 point dogs to Oklahoma as well. How'd that work out for them? Bama is not this unbeatable juggernaut that can beat poor NFL teams. They have been beaten, in their own house, and have been tested. ND will do both. I love that everyone in the world is still disrespecting ND. The hornets nest is kicked. Get ready.

 

[NYMIKE6]

If i remember correctly the last time Sports analyst started talking about a "college team beating a NFL team" happened in 06 and that was USC... I'd like to see history repeat itself.
Think the Irish are going to make the Tide change like a polar shift.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

I think this game comes down to a couple things...1) Can Notre Dame be balanced enough to keep Bama on their heels? 2) Can Notre Dame keep Bama's ground game to minimal carries for 4qrts?

Since Saban has been coaching at Bama the only teams that have beat them are well balanced spread teams that keep them guessing. I don't think they've given up maybe 5-6 100yrd rushers in 5 years Notre Dame will have to throw to win.

I know Notre Dame has a good front 7 but how good is the 2-3 deep? Because those guys won't last 4qrts against Bama's offensive line and those bruising running backs. That is Bama's game and it's no secret pound you into submission then when a team stacks the box throw it over their head with play action. Notre Dames bench will have to play great to win.


I see this game being a slugfest until midway of the 3rd or beginning the 4th then quality depth will take over. Now it may sound like I don't respect the Irish that's not so.... I believe Notre Dame is a good team I just don't think they have the depth to last with a heavyweight like Bama 4qrts.

Bama 27
Notre Dame 13

I can understand, being a Bama' fan, how you came to this conclusion but I strongly disagree with your prediction.

I believe Notre Dame is a good team I just don't think they have the depth to last with a heavyweight like Bama 4qrts.

We didn't keep our opponents to 2 rushing TD's all year by waning defensively in the 4th quarter.. You guys were impressive in that dept as well, giving up 3, with "heavyweight depth".

The quality teams you played (LSU, aTm, Georgia) all went toe to toe with you for all 4 quarters. Les Miles lost that game for LSU and aTm just flat out beat you. Georgia's less than stellar run defense did crumble late in the game and yet they still found themselves in position to win with seconds left.

We are not Georgia. Notre Dame is better conditioned, coached and ultimately more talented on both lines of scrimmage.

Ask yourself this question and you will truly know the outcome of this game. Can AJ carry your team to a victory using his arm without the luxury of play action?

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Kinda like the shot you just took right? I came here to see what Irish fans thought about this matchup and discuss it. I have respect for Notre Dame and have already stated you have a good team but I'm also honest enough not to **** in your boots and tell you it's raining.

You are a guest, and I am a regular. I will be here long after the game, you won't.

Like the assistant coach in Hoosiers:

"Look, mister, there's two kinds of dumb. One: guy that gets naked and runs out in the snow and barks at the moon, and, two: guy who does the same thing in my living room. First one don't matter, the second one you're kinda forced to deal with."

 

[NYMIKE6]

Ask yourself this question and you will truly know the outcome of this game. Can AJ carry your team to a victory using his arm without the luxury of play action?[/QUOTE]

The only play action i'd like is with Aj's mom breasts...

 

[Irish4Life09]

Guy came into work today completely decked out in Bama gear. We had a nice conversation and he gave us complete props and said he honestly sees it like we do. We be a VERY good game, and mid-level scoring...something like 21-20.Very nice, respectful fan.

 

[dshans]

... Alabama has been a dominate force in football for the past few years.

Not to pick on you, cyrano (that's a nose joke – get it?) but the word you want is dominant. I've just seen this misuse quite a bit lately. "Dominating" would also work.

"Dominate" is a verb, "dominant" is a noun or an adjective.

Forgive me and carry on.

 

[cyrano]

.

 

[NDFan4Life]

Something interesting I discovered on my homepage:

Bowl Game Cheat Sheet - Road Runner

Some excerpts:

Players to Watch

Louis Nix III, NG (ND) – If you want to know how it's possible that Notre Dame's opponents netted -28 yards in 24 goal-to-go rushing attempts, look no further than the man they call Irish chocolate. Notre Dame Nosegaurd Louis Nix III has been utterly immovable in the middle this year, but the Crimson Tide's O-line is the best in the country. If they can manage to do what no one else has and put big Nix on his heels, they'll probably win the game, but that is far easier said than done.

And:

Discover BCS National Championship, Alabama vs. Notre Dame, January 7, 8:30pm ET, ESPN

If you'd sat down with NCAA officials at the start of the year, and asked them to hand-pick a national championship game, they'd have settled on this one inside of five minutes. It's north vs. south, the nation's top O-line vs. the nation's top D-line, waking up the echoes vs. keeping the tide rolling; simply put, it's good ol' fashioned football. For all the high-profile BCS failures over the years, they certainly got this one right.

As for what will ensue on the gridiron, this game will be trench warfare at its finest. Bama's O-line will do its best to budge an un-budge-able ND D-line, while the Irish will try to halt what's been an unstoppable rushing attack for The Tide (ask Georgia) and to break what's been an unbreakable winning streak for the SEC (six straight national championships). Though Bama is the safe pick here, it's hard to put the echoes to bed once they've awoken.

Pick: Notre Dame

 

[KPENN]

Michael Langston ‏@MichaelWarchant
Per @AndrewJBone late last night Alabama DB coach Jeremy Pruitt expected to be named #FSU DC.

 

[dshans]

... While we're having fun with grammar...

When separating two independent clauses, don't use a comma. This is known as a comma splice. Instead, you should use a semicolon or a period.

"Dominate" is a verb; "dominant" is a noun or an adjective.

P.S. Yes I looked for something to be picky about in your post, just to give you a hard time.

Right you are. Excuse me while I get started on my penance of five Our Fathers and ten Hail Marys. Maybe I'll throw in a Stations of the Cross in an attempt to stay ahead of the curve.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

We were 10 point dogs to Oklahoma as well. How'd that work out for them? Bama is not this unbeatable juggernaut that can beat poor NFL teams. They have been beaten, in their own house, and have been tested. ND will do both. I love that everyone in the world is still disrespecting ND. The hornets nest is kicked. Get ready.

This. x1000!

If this year has taught us anything, it's that we ain't skeered of anybody!
Wouldn't want it any other way!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Quote:
Originally Posted by cyrano
... While we're having fun with grammar...

When separating two independent clauses, don't use a comma. This is known as a comma splice. Instead, you should use a semicolon or a period.

"Dominate" is a verb; "dominant" is a noun or an adjective.

P.S. Yes I looked for something to be picky about in your post, just to give you a hard time.

Right you are. Excuse me while I get started on my penance of five Our Fathers and ten Hail Marys. Maybe I'll throw in a Stations of the Cross in an attempt to stay ahead of the curve.

Oh shoot! I just checked with a friend of mine or should I say "freind of mine" who has a PhD and is capable of speaking, reading and writing in about five of these, (languages), and they said either a semi-colon or a coma is acceptable in modern English. One is more to affect; where the other has more of an effect on the statement. There. It's all good.

Back to the game. The thing I am hearing is that people talk about the superior depth on Alabama's team. I may agree with superior talent. But I don't see superior depth. I think ND can play between fifty-five and sixty without dropping the play level. And I am currious to find out what others think of the conditioning level of the two teams. How that will play a factor in the game.

 

[returnofthemack]

Oh shoot! I just checked with a friend of mine or should I say "freind of mine" who has a PhD and is capable of speaking, reading and writing in about five of these, (languages), and they said either a semi-colon or a coma is acceptable in modern English. One is more to affect; where the other has more of an effect on the statement. There. It's all good.

Back to the game. The thing I am hearing is that people talk about the superior depth on Alabama's team. I may agree with superior talent. But I don't see superior depth. I think ND can play between fifty-five and sixty without dropping the play level. And I am currious to find out what others think of the conditioning level of the two teams. How that will play a factor in the game.

Sorry man, I don't agree. Bama is stacked with talent at least two-deep. For us, we've seen what happens when Nix isn't in the game - he's an elite NT, and Kona is good, but certainly not great. Tuitt is elite, and his backups absolutely have the potential to be elite, but they are not anywhere near his level yet. Our LB corps has pretty excellent depth, not worried about that. At safety, I think Shumate is good enough where he can step in, but there would be a lot of potential for big mistakes. At corner, Josh Atkinson and Jalen can step in, but I don't think they can bring the consistency that Keivarae and Bennett are playing with. Alabama is two-deep with, at worst, 4-star recruits on their defense. They've pulled in consistent Top 5 classes for the past three or four years. We'll be there soon.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Sorry man, I don't agree. Bama is stacked with talent at least two-deep. For us, we've seen what happens when Nix isn't in the game - he's an elite NT, and Kona is good, but certainly not great. Tuitt is elite, and his backups absolutely have the potential to be elite, but they are not anywhere near his level yet. Our LB corps has pretty excellent depth, not worried about that. At safety, I think Shumate is good enough where he can step in, but there would be a lot of potential for big mistakes. At corner, Josh Atkinson and Jalen can step in, but I don't think they can bring the consistency that Keivarae and Bennett are playing with. Alabama is two-deep with, at worst, 4-star recruits on their defense. They've pulled in consistent Top 5 classes for the past three or four years. We'll be there soon.

I think we have more total battle tested players than they do, especially where we need them.

Bama doesn't have a NIX, period; rating skill levels is kind of like talking about how Te'o wouldn't start at Bama.

 

[phgreek]

I think we have more total battle tested players than they do, especially where we need them.

Bama doesn't have a NIX, period; rating skill levels is kind of like talking about how Te'o wouldn't start at Bama.

man, to hear it from SEC folks ole Dat Nguyen was, and still is better...tahehehehehe they crack me up.

anyway, if the game is close...not just on the scoreboard, but if it is obvious neither team has the upper hand in the trenches, I like ND to win...more senior leadership...more unquenched thirst for some crystal.


an aside...I saw the picture of Saban and Kelly under the Nasdaq sign, and I laughed out loud. Tell me who thought we'd be in the NCG when we closed 2011 by getting dumped by FSU. I'm just proud of this team...it takes a group to will themselves over the hump so that "winning" becomes a habit...their legacy is having had the fortitude to overcome a losing culture...I will always remember this group. Was amazing to watch.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

http://247sports.com/Article/Alabama-Mississippi-all-stars-predict-BCS-title-game-106753

 

[NDPhilly]

Alabama-Mississippi all-stars predict BCS title game

Lol Reuben Foater can't even make a pick for the NC game.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Lol Reuben Foater can't even make a pick for the NC game.

Foster is trouble. Perfect example of an incredibly talented recruit who has let immaturity and all the attention cause him to think the world revolves around him. I think it's likely he'll be a bust wherever he goes unless he changes his attitude and grows up a lot.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Alabama-Mississippi all-stars predict BCS title game

Lots of tugjobs being passed around in that article. Every "prediction" I read gets more ridiculous than the one before it.

At this rate, someone will say Bama wins by 75 or more by Jan.1 and be completely serious about it.

 

[johnnykillz]

Lots of tugjobs being passed around in that article. Every "prediction" I read gets more ridiculous than the one before it.

At this rate, someone will say Bama wins by 75 or more by Jan.1 and be completely serious about it.

I recall a guy at the Oklahoma game stating he thought they would beat us by 40 or so points.

Then he sat down on an Irish shocker.

And took it all.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I recall a guy at the Oklahoma game stating he thought they would beat us by 40 or so points.

Then he sat down on an Irish shocker.

And took it all.

Dry nonetheless. He took it dry.

 

[johnnykillz]

Dry nonetheless. He took it dry.

It was also very cold and windy.