All Things Alabama

[TidePride]

ND's DL depth after it's first wave isn't great, I'd say it's good. That's honestly my only worry about this game. If Alabama wins, it will be because the first line of DL becomes fatigued late in the game and there's a huge talent drop off when you get to our 2nd string DL.

That was my deciding factor in this game I was raked over the coals for in another thread. Notre Dame has a good team of 30-40 quality players that's not an insult this is only CBK third year I'm sure soon he'll have the Irish loaded but.... right now the dropoff from starter to backup is huge this will show up in the trenches.

Notre Dame hasn't seen a team with an Oline or RB's like this what Bama does isn't a scheme they lineup hit you in the mouth until you wear down.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Notre Dame hasn't seen a team with an Oline or RB's like this what Bama does isn't a scheme they lineup hit you in the mouth until you wear down.

Yes, we have. That's exactly what Stanford does.

 

[IrishLion]

Of course Bama wants to hit you in the mouth and wear you down...

But Bama also hasn't seen a run defense like ND's. I understand the depth/talent drop-off argument, but fatigue isn't going to be a huge issue if ND can prevent Bama from getting big chunks on first down.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Notre Dame hasn't seen a team with an Oline or RB's like this what Bama does isn't a scheme they lineup hit you in the mouth until you wear down.

I still don't understand when people say this. Here are the TOP 50 RB's\QB's ND has faced, won the battle, and held them to their lowest rushing yards.

Rushing Yards Leaders - All Players
RK PLAYER TEAM ATT YDS YDS/A LONG TD

6 Le'Veon Bell, RB MSU 350 1648 4.7 40 11

14 Stepfan Taylor, RB STAN 302 1442 4.8 59 12

35 Denard Robinson, QB MICH 154 1166 7.6 79 7

42 Ray Graham, RB PITT 222 1042 4.7 78 11


GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!!

Diz

 

[Rocket's Rocket Fan]

I still don't understand when people say this. Here are the TOP 50 RB's\QB's ND has faced, won the battle, and held them to their lowest rushing yards.

Rushing Yards Leaders - All Players
RK PLAYER TEAM ATT YDS YDS/A LONG TD

6 Le'Veon Bell, RB MSU 350 1648 4.7 40 11

14 Stepfan Taylor, RB STAN 302 1442 4.8 59 12

35 Denard Robinson, QB MICH 154 1166 7.6 79 7

42 Ray Graham, RB PITT 222 1042 4.7 78 11


GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!!

Diz

But none of them play in the SEC so they clearly are not that good!

 

[TidePride]

But none of them play in the SEC so they clearly are not that good!

Clearly. I mean you're using players from Michigan, Michigan State, and Pitt to compare against an SEC team. I don't want to get in that argument the SEC has more than proven themselves and I don't think anyone here wants to talk about common opponents of Bama and Notre Dame.

Notre Dame hasn't played anyone with the Oline and ground game Bama has not even close.

 

[TidePride]

I still don't understand when people say this. Here are the TOP 50 RB's\QB's ND has faced, won the battle, and held them to their lowest rushing yards.

Rushing Yards Leaders - All Players
RK PLAYER TEAM ATT YDS YDS/A LONG TD

6 Le'Veon Bell, RB MSU 350 1648 4.7 40 11

14 Stepfan Taylor, RB STAN 302 1442 4.8 59 12

35 Denard Robinson, QB MICH 154 1166 7.6 79 7

42 Ray Graham, RB PITT 222 1042 4.7 78 11


GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!!

Diz

Numbers are only as good as the competition you face. I could go find how many yards Denard had against Bama this year or even Mississippi State in last years bowl. Just because the RB at Wisconsin has huge numbers doesn't mean he's anywhere near the best running back in the country. I can probably name five better than Ball easily.

 

[NDinFL]

Numbers are only as good as the competition you face. I could go find how many yards Denard had against Bama this year or even Mississippi State in last years bowl. Just because the RB at Wisconsin has huge numbers doesn't mean he's anywhere near the best running back in the country. I can probably name five better than Ball easily.

Just like those powerhouses Western Kentucky, Western Carolina, Florida Atlantic, and woefull Arkansas?
this argument works both ways, bud

 

[Dizzyphil]

Numbers are only as good as the competition you face. I could go find how many yards Denard had against Bama this year or even Mississippi State in last years bowl. Just because the RB at Wisconsin has huge numbers doesn't mean he's anywhere near the best running back in the country. I can probably name five better than Ball easily.

You are certainly correct on this statement. Just like Lacy only having 92 rushing yards the entire game against the 38th rushing defense in the country (aTm). You got me there buddy.

I stand corrected

GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!

Diz

 

[Rocket's Rocket Fan]

Clearly. I mean you're using players from Michigan, Michigan State, and Pitt to compare against an SEC team. I don't want to get in that argument the SEC has more than proven themselves and I don't think anyone here wants to talk about common opponents of Bama and Notre Dame.

Notre Dame hasn't played anyone with the Oline and ground game Bama has not even close.

Sorry italics on this site means sarcasm. I agree with you that Bama will be the best OLine we play all year.

 

[woolybug25]

Clearly. I mean you're using players from Michigan, Michigan State, and Pitt to compare against an SEC team. I don't want to get in that argument the SEC has more than proven themselves and I don't think anyone here wants to talk about common opponents of Bama and Notre Dame.

Notre Dame hasn't played anyone with the Oline and ground game Bama has not even close.

As an SEC fan, you probably dont watch anything outside of the SEC. If you think Stanford isn't a serious oline, then you simply haven't watched them.

While, like the rest of the rational world, would admit that Bama is the best overall line we have faced. They are not leaps and bounds better than Stanford, but better.

Lewan from Michigan is a better lineman than anyone on Bama's roster. The NFL draft will attest to that this year.

 

[irishtrain]

What I'm going to say will raise some eyebrows and certainly case a stir with the alabama crowd. To me the soft spot if you will is their QB. Now he may make me look like an #$@ and throw 3 td's and 300 yards but to me its their softest spot. They bascilly run you into the ground and then let him go deep with hopes of connecting. They have nice speed and talent at reciever to do that. They will run well-how well falls on the shoulders of Irish run defense-but they will get their 200 yds. This game for me keeps coming back to Golson. Man o man its unfair to put it on him but he must play a high level game to win. Notre Dame to the surprise of many will run the ball almost as well as alabama. Thats going to shock some sec crazies. No matter the outcome the sec nut balls will say 'yep Notre Dame is big athletic and much better than we thought'.

 

[TidePride]

You are certainly correct on this statement. Just like Lacy only having 92 rushing yards the entire game against the 38th rushing defense in the country (aTm). You got me there buddy.

I stand corrected

GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!

Diz

You do know Lacy isn't the only running back Alabama uses right? You're in denial if you believe the SEC doesn't have the best defensive teams in the country and that's really not even debatable.

So beating Stanford is the win Notre Dame is hanging your hat on? Not the overrated Oklahoma or USC with a first time starter at QB maybe the Wolverines Bama boat raced earlier in the year? Stanfords ground game is comparable to Alabama....you have to be joking

 

[Dizzyphil]

You do know Lacy isn't the only running back Alabama uses right? You're in denial if you believe the SEC doesn't have the best defensive teams in the country and that's really not even debatable.

So beating Stanford is the win Notre Dame is hanging your hat on? Not the overrated Oklahoma or USC with a first time starter at QB maybe the Wolverines Bama boat raced earlier in the year? Stanfords ground game is comparable to Alabama....you have to be joking

First, I never said anything about Stanford... Just listed their RB in a list. Secondly, of the top 10 defenses in the country, ND has faced 2 of them - alabama only 1. In the top 10, 3 are in the SEC, in the top 20, 5 are in the SEC... and I know alabama has Yeldon who totaled 29 yards against aTm.

And I am not in denial, I never said the SEC did not have good defenses in the country. You are simply putting words in my mouth. And I do not rate the teams in the NCAA; well-trained sports analysts do.

GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!

Diz

 

[phork]

You do know Lacy isn't the only running back Alabama uses right? You're in denial if you believe the SEC doesn't have the best defensive teams in the country and that's really not even debatable.

So beating Stanford is the win Notre Dame is hanging your hat on? Not the overrated Oklahoma or USC with a first time starter at QB maybe the Wolverines Bama boat raced earlier in the year? Stanfords ground game is comparable to Alabama....you have to be joking

Which game is it that Bama hangs their hat on? An over-rated Georgia team? A 2 loss LSU team? I guess you could say Florida, oh wait you didn't play them. I know I know, TexasA&M, oh right. About that. Ya'll sure made W. Kentucky and W. Carolina earn that paycheck.

As for best defensive teams? There are 6 in the top25 of Scoring Defense. Of course we all know who is first.

 

[TidePride]

Which game is it that Bama hangs their hat on? An over-rated Georgia team? A 2 loss LSU team? I guess you could say Florida, oh wait you didn't play them. I know I know, TexasA&M, oh right. About that. Ya'll sure made W. Kentucky and W. Carolina earn that paycheck.

As for best defensive teams? There are 6 in the top25 of Scoring Defense. Of course we all know who is first.

Honestly Georgia and LSU were good wins both teams I think Notre Dame would be the underdog against just like you are Alabama and more than likely Florida too. Have you even looked at the Michigan game our common opponent?

Total defense just like offense is the only stat that matters. Notre Dame hasn't played a team anywhere as good as Bama on defense.

 

[woolybug25]

Honestly Georgia and LSU were good wins both teams I think Notre Dame would be the underdog against just like you are Alabama and more than likely Florida too. Have you even looked at the Michigan game our common opponent?

Total defense just like offense is the only stat that matters. Notre Dame hasn't played a team anywhere as good as Bama on defense.

I'm not even going to bother with responding to your comments because your SEC blinders would never let you see anything but what you want to see.

But I will say this. Don't forget where you are at. You are a guest here, homie. You are wearing out your welcome.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

You do know Lacy isn't the only running back Alabama uses right? You're in denial if you believe the SEC doesn't have the best defensive teams in the country and that's really not even debatable.

So beating Stanford is the win Notre Dame is hanging your hat on? Not the overrated Oklahoma or USC with a first time starter at QB maybe the Wolverines Bama boat raced earlier in the year? Stanfords ground game is comparable to Alabama....you have to be joking

Oh, does that include the BigXII defense that handled you in it's first year of the SEC? Of course Oklahoma is overrated... After we beat them at home where stoops was 76-4.

If you think you're going to come in here and decide what's debatable, you sir are the one in denial.

Bama is a top tier team with a fantastic oline and athletes all over the field, no doubt. You are a finished product. The bama that stepped on the field against Michigan will be the same bama that comes out 1/7. ND has been a work in progress all season. That's why your fan base keeps hanging on the Pitt game and byu as to why we will get crushed. You only see what you want to see. There is no point in arguing about the Irish's progressions and improvements, you will see first hand.

It's funny how your message boards like to whine about our "holier than thou" attitudes... Any fan base that follows a team that has a string of success is insufferable, look in the mirror. We had ours a while ago and that's when everyone grew to hate us. News flash, everyone hates you too. You so easily forget pre-Saban.

Do yourself a favor and leave on a good note. I can already tell, by your increasing attitude that you are the type that will eventually run back to tidefans and brag about getting banned at IE. I've seen the handful of them over there already.

Enjoy the game. ND 26 Bama 23

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Total defense just like offense is the only stat that matters. Notre Dame hasn't played a team anywhere as good as Bama on defense.

ND has played, and beaten, two teams with better defenses than 'Bamas: Stanford and Michigan State.

ND has played, and beaten, a much better offense than 'Bama's: Oklahoma.

ND has played, and beaten, three of the top offensive teams in the country: Oklahoma, Michigan and USC. 'Bama also played three, but only managed to beat two of them: aTm, UGA and Michigan.

Behold the magic of opponent-adjusted stats. The SEC isn't nearly as good as you think it is.

 

[phork]

Honestly Georgia and LSU were good wins both teams I think Notre Dame would be the underdog against just like you are Alabama and more than likely Florida too. Have you even looked at the Michigan game our common opponent?

Total defense just like offense is the only stat that matters. Notre Dame hasn't played a team anywhere as good as Bama on defense.

BYU and Michigan St would beg to differ. ND gave up 10 TDs all year, almost half of what Bama gave up. When you actually use statistics, things become less cluttered.

 

[007depthchart]

ND has played, and beaten, two teams with better defenses than 'Bamas: Stanford and Michigan State.

ND has played, and beaten, a much better offense than 'Bama's: Oklahoma.

ND has played, and beaten, three of the top offensive teams in the country: Oklahoma, Michigan and USC. 'Bama also played three, but only managed to beat two of them: aTm, UGA and Michigan.

Behold the magic of opponent-adjusted stats. The SEC isn't nearly as good as you think it is.

You'll be proven wrong after game.

 

[gcashwell]

BYU and Michigan St would beg to differ. ND gave up 10 TDs all year, almost half of what Bama gave up. When you actually use statistics, things become less cluttered.

To me, the beauty of college sports is that stats don't matter. We have no real idea who has faced the better opponents. There simply aren't enough common opponents to determine that. It will have to be settled on the field.

I am hoping for a different outcome than most everybody here, but believe me, 95% of Alabama fans admittedly have no idea what is going to happen. The respect for ND is there. Do we believe the SEC is by far the best conference? Yes. Do we know that AL can be beaten? Yes.

Only a fool would bet money on this game.

Edit: also, thanks for not running me off because of who I root for. I came to learn about ND and share info about UA.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

You'll be proven wrong after game.

Most of the post you quoted is objective statistical evidence. Can't really be "wrong".

'Bama is rightfully favored in the title game; virtually everyone here concedes that they're the gold standard in CFB. But if you buy into this crap about ND having seen nothing like 'Bama's defense or offense, then you're in for a rude awakening.

We've beaten teams with comparable (or better) offenses and defenses this year. We haven't played a team as deep or complete as 'Bama, but we aren't gonna be blown away on either side of the ball.

 

[goldandblue]

I think the one thing Bama fans forget is that when we played Michigan, our offense was stagnant. Bama is a great team it will be a challenge for us as it would be anyone but we are a better team then we were when we played Michigan if all you want to talk ish about is our common opponent.

 

[TidePride]

ND has played, and beaten, two teams with better defenses than 'Bamas: Stanford and Michigan State.

Please tell me you are being sarcastic or joking?!?!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Please tell me you are being sarcastic or joking?!?!

It's objective statistical data. FEI is a drive-based measure of efficiency. Defensive performance is adjusted according to the quality of the offenses faced, etc. If you disagree with it, you're welcome to critique the methodology behind it, but save us the hand-waving.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

I don't know about anyone else but when I hear the "look at the common opponent" argument with scUM, I just shut down and know arguing is pointless.

 

[chicago51]

Listening to comments board made on the SEC.

I don't think anyone would deny the SEC is a great conference but is top heavy. That being said it is top heavy. UK, UT, Vandy, and Auburn are awful. Ole Miss is okay, Mississippi State has an inflated record. Yes UGA, UF, SC, LSU, A&M, and Bama are great teams. Big 12 though had 9 of 10 teams bowl eligible so to the SEC is far and the way the best is debatable. The only exception being our friend Charlie Weis at Kansas.

 

[NDohio]

Listening to comments board made on the SEC.

I don't think anyone would deny the SEC is a great conference but is top heavy. That being said it is top heavy. UK, UT, Vandy, and Auburn are awful. Ole Miss is okay, Mississippi State has an inflated record. Yes UGA, UF, SC, LSU, A&M, and Bama are great teams. Big 12 though had 9 of 10 teams bowl eligible so to the SEC is far and the way the best is debatable. The only exception being our friend Charlie Weis at Kansas.

Mostly, I agree. I think you are actually overrating both SC and GA though.

Georgia wins the SEC East but their schedule was horrible. Their only good win was Florida and that was one of the ugliest games I have ever seen.

SC talks a lot of smack(I live just outside Columbia and hear it all day everyday), but can someone tell me why they think they are so great? What has SC done to be categorized as a great team?

And it's really funny to me that a middle of the road Big 12 team in aTm comes into the SEC and all of a sudden they are a great team! Really? According to the SEC folks, the Big 12 plays in the shadow of the SEC. If the SEC is all that, aTm should not have been able to compete. They should have been the 8th best team in the conference.


I cannot wait for 1/7/13. Everyday that we get closer to that day, the more confidence I get in a ND victory.

 

[Bishop2b5]

What I'm going to say will raise some eyebrows and certainly case a stir with the alabama crowd. To me the soft spot if you will is their QB. Now he may make me look like an #$@ and throw 3 td's and 300 yards but to me its their softest spot. They bascilly run you into the ground and then let him go deep with hopes of connecting. They have nice speed and talent at reciever to do that. They will run well-how well falls on the shoulders of Irish run defense-but they will get their 200 yds. This game for me keeps coming back to Golson. Man o man its unfair to put it on him but he must play a high level game to win. Notre Dame to the surprise of many will run the ball almost as well as alabama. Thats going to shock some sec crazies. No matter the outcome the sec nut balls will say 'yep Notre Dame is big athletic and much better than we thought'.

McCarron's a better qb than you guys seem to think. Remember, he led the nation this season in passing efficiency (2600 yds, 26 td's, and only 3 int's). He can make all the throws and has a very strong arm. Accuracy is very good and he rarely makes a bad decision. The knock on him comes mostly from the system he plays in and what Saban asks him to do. Our O isn't built around him being a gunslinger every play. It's based on power running with him making safe throws. It's about ball control and playing error-free. Trust me, AJ can throw when he needs to.