All Things Alabama

[phork]

Frankly any opponent less than a power 5 should be docked to the tune of half a game. Credit should not be given to beating teams that Alabamas practice squad could still beat handily. (And not just Bama but other schools).
Talking heads suggest NDs current SOS (because of teams falling off) is going to be a problem in regards to playoff opportunities. Why don't they ever talk about Bamas? The Citadel? Really?
ND, UCLA and USC are the only teams that don't play FCS or lower teams.

 

[NDMIA]

As one of those season ticket holders you mentioned, I despise the neutral site games and can't wait for the upcoming home and home series that's coming in the future. I, like many Bama fans, are upset at the lack of quality OOC opponents coming the Bryant Denny every year. I get no joy out of watching Bama beat a nobody and have given away my tickets for the last 3-4 years to less fortunate people so they can go to these games.

As far as everything else, it isn't Bama's responsibility to back up to any teams - especially SEC teams. It's their responsibility to catch up.

I totally agree that Bama has absolutely no responsibility to anyone in the SEC to get anyone better. The conference schedule doesn’t matter. Tennessee is a historically good program, Texas A&M has unlimited cash so they should be better, and Arkansas was good under Petrino before he went bike riding. The issue I would have is to punish the conference as a whole for being weaker in a given year. The PAC-12 and Big 12 have been punished for having a weak conference before and seen their teams on the sidelines when the playoffs roll around. At the end of the year if it’s 11-2 Bama (I don’t think they’ll lose, but just an example) vs an 11-1 Notre Dame and ND finishes with a Top 25 SOS and Bama is 40th then it would be a shame to see Bama get in over them but it would probably happen. I think it’s important to value strength of schedule incredibly highly at the end of the year when tie breakers come into play between teams because who you are beating and playing week in and week out is a big deal.

 

[T Town Tommy]

I totally agree that Bama has absolutely no responsibility to anyone in the SEC to get anyone better. The conference schedule doesn’t matter. Tennessee is a historically good program, Texas A&M has unlimited cash so they should be better, and Arkansas was good under Petrino before he went bike riding. The issue I would have is to punish the conference as a whole for being weaker in a given year. The PAC-12 and Big 12 have been punished for having a weak conference before and seen their teams on the sidelines when the playoffs roll around. At the end of the year if it’s 11-2 Bama (I don’t think they’ll lose, but just an example) vs an 11-1 Notre Dame and ND finishes with a Top 25 SOS and Bama is 40th then it would be a shame to see Bama get in over them but it would probably happen. I think it’s important to value strength of schedule incredibly highly at the end of the year when tie breakers come into play between teams because who you are beating and playing week in and week out is a big deal.

I don't care for SOS as a measureable as it has plenty of flaws. I thought going in to this year that Bama would have to run the schedule in order to get in due to their OOC schedule being laughable and Louisville being down as compared to previous years. A lot of football left to play and a lot of teams at the top will lose by virtue of playing each other. But in the example you give, I would think ND would get the nod from the committee over Bama most every time.

 

[Irish#1]

As one of those season ticket holders you mentioned, I despise the neutral site games and can't wait for the upcoming home and home series that's coming in the future. I, like many Bama fans, are upset at the lack of quality OOC opponents coming the Bryant Denny every year. I get no joy out of watching Bama beat a nobody and have given away my tickets for the last 3-4 years to less fortunate people so they can go to these games.

As far as everything else, it isn't Bama's responsibility to back up to any teams - especially SEC teams. It's their responsibility to catch up.

Bama can't control the SEC teams. It's the Georgia Central State @ Macon and Southern Alaska U schools you mentioned. Neutral sites games suck.

 

[Irish YJ]

From Bama's perspective, it aint broke, so why fix it.....
It's raining money, and people line up.
And they keep winning NCs.

 

[Wingman Ray]

From Bama's perspective, it aint broke, so why fix it.....
It's raining money, and people line up.
And they keep winning NCs.

This.

At the end of the day, Bama keeps winning the big games when they happen.

Is part of that due to the year in year out weak OOC schedule coupled with an up and down SEC? Definitely. But what do you do?

Only way to fix that is to go to an NCAA created schedule model much like how pro football does it. If you when the superbowl, get ready for a tough schedule the next year (or at least that is the way they used to do it).

I dont buy the whole we-have-to-make-the-schedules-so-far-in-advance thing in CFB because time and time again when someone drops, teams always fill the open dates. Have your conference schedule and the rest is decided by a committee set up to do just that.

 

[Irish YJ]

This.

At the end of the day, Bama keeps winning the big games when they happen.

Is part of that due to the year in year out weak OOC schedule coupled with an up and down SEC? Definitely. But what do you do?

Only way to fix that is to go to an NCAA created schedule model much like how pro football does it. If you when the superbowl, get ready for a tough schedule the next year (or at least that is the way they used to do it).

I dont buy the whole we-have-to-make-the-schedules-so-far-in-advance thing in CFB because time and time again when someone drops, teams always fill the open dates. Have your conference schedule and the rest is decided by a committee set up to do just that.

NCAA should limit FCS scheduling to one plain and simple. And mandate it happen in the first two weeks. Maybe only allow for 6 home games.

 

[IrishLax]

Roll Tide, y'all!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No not worry about Patt. They luck and play bad teams. Nd aint good too but play Patt and seek a ficture. Both play they badness to see who can throw beets better <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rolltide?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rolltide</a></p>— Horace (@LargeElyphants) <a href="https://twitter.com/LargeElyphants/status/1050375693677289473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[anarin]

Roll Tide, y'all!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No not worry about Patt. They luck and play bad teams. Nd aint good too but play Patt and seek a ficture. Both play they badness to see who can throw beets better <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rolltide?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rolltide</a></p>— Horace (@LargeElyphants) <a href="https://twitter.com/LargeElyphants/status/1050375693677289473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is a spoof twitter account yes? I'm seriously confused right now lol

 

[Irishize]

NCAA should limit FCS scheduling to one plain and simple. And mandate it happen in the first two weeks. Maybe only allow for 6 home games.

I’m all for eliminating the ability to schedule an FCS team. As a compromise, if they insist on one per season then it should be mandated that it be in the opener & not be allowed to count towards bowl eligibility.

That said, I don’t blame Saban one bit for strategically scheduling until someone changes the rules. The other P5 conferences crying about Bama’s schedule need someone to remind them that no one has a gun to their head when it comes to their own OOC scheduling.

Clemson has followed suit joining Bama, Auburn & UGA in scheduling an FCS opponent in mid-November before their rivlary game. I don’t recall any of those teams being punished for that when CFP voting commenced. It’s smart. It’s a glorified scrimmage that allows the starters rest & time to get healthy while getting the back-ups some game reps.

I assume the goal is to win a NC so instead of bitching about Saban scheduling tomato cans in mid-November, teams need to follow suit & fight fire w/ fire.

 

[Legacy]

The Bama scholarship situation

The Bama scholarship situation

Recruiting 2019...

Alabama Recruiting Update & News: ONE WEEK Til Signing Day

Alabama has twenty-four hard commits with fourteen listed as early enrollees. They had two scholarships that can count towards last year's class. Technically, they can have twenty-seven scholarships for 2019. Three left? Ten players run out of eligibility. Grayshirts? Blueshirts? Attrition to current class (rumors are Paul Tyson could be looking) So, it's all about eighty-five.

We can start off with 75 after those losing eligibility. Add twenty-seven for the class with the two scholarships counting to the '18 class. Subtract three probable exits to the NFL (below). That's ninety-nine.

Possible Attrition to the NFL:

Probable NFL Exits (3)
- Quinnen Willaims – Williams is a first-round lock, probably a top-five pick. It makes no sense for Q to remain in school.
- Jonah Williams – The other Williams is probably at least a top-ten pick and should make the move.
- Deionte Thompson – A solid first round pick who is expected to also make the move to the NFL.

Possible NFL Exits (7)
- Mack Wilson – Mack is projected late first round or second round. His recent tweets suggest he is leaning to another season with the Crimson Tide.
- Raekwon Davis – Kwon could be a late first round pick or drop lower. His NFL draft grade will be important.
- Irv Smith – Smith may be projected as a second or third round pick. In his case, the question will be can he improve his draft chances by another college season.
- Terrell Lewis – Given his injury history, Terrell will be faced with a business decision. Having missed so much college ball, he may want to return but doing so may not be worth risk of another injury.
- Anfernee Jennings – Leaving or returning for another Tide season will likely come down to his draft grade.
- Josh Jacobs – Josh will likely get a second or third round draft grade. He should have a great NFL career. He will also be faced with a business decision.
- Trevon Diggs – Trevon is in a similar situation to Terrell Lewis. Is the injury risk in another Crimson Tide season worth possibly enhancing his draft status.

Bama is still 'crutin'

QUICK RUNDOWN
Below are the prospects that Alabama appears to still be recruiting. (EE = Early Enrollee. ESP = signing during the ESP but not enrolling early. NSD = signing Feb 6.)

- Kayvon Thibodeaux DE EE Committing Dec 15.
- Trey Sanders RB EE Committing Dec 19.
- Evan Neal OT EE Committing Dec 19.
- Nakobe Dean ILB EE Committing Dec 19.
- Ishmael Sopsher DT NSD Committing Feb 6.
- Darnell Wright OT NSD
- Henry To’oto’o OLB NSD Not much buzz around him. Maybe things will pick up in January?
- Khris Bogle DE NSD Committing Jan 5 at the Army All-American game.
- Deondrick Glass RB NSD Committing Jan 14. May hinge on Sanders’ decision.
- Jordan Battle S ESP Ohio State commit, probably sticks with them.
- Noa Pola-Gates CB NSD Not sure what he is waiting for. COuld he be Plan B if Battle does not sign with UA?
- Marcus Banks CB ESP - Supposedly he will sign early but wait until the Army All-American game Jan 5 to announce. He may be Plan C if Battle and NPG do not sign with UA.
- Ty Robinson DE NSD With ties to Lincoln, looks like he signs with Nebraska. Poor guy.
- Keon Zipperer TE ESP Alabama would take him but he is looking like he signs with Fla or Miami.
- Jaquaze Sorrells DT NSD Longshot if other plans fall thru.

OTHERS

- Nathan Pickering, DT - There is no reason to think he signs anywhere other than Missy State.
- Siaki Ika, DT - Alabama does not appear to be interested.
- DJ Williams, RB - This might be Plan C if Sanders does something ill-advised like sign with UGA. Also if Plan B Glass signs elsewhere

CBs favoring Sanders, Neal, Pola-Gates, and To'oto'o as additions to the Class of '19. From above it looks like they would like to add a RB, OT and CB. I imagine Thibideaux and Dean would be automatic takes.

Transfers? Pettibon, Marks, Mayden, Baker? WR? Hurts?

I'll turn it over for insight to our Bama Boys.

 

[NorthDakota]

NCAA should limit FCS scheduling to one plain and simple. And mandate it happen in the first two weeks. Maybe only allow for 6 home games.

It should be zero FCS games. But yeah, at most...one...and it should be week one or two. After that, it serves no purpose. It is intended to be a "warm up."

 

[Irish YJ]

It should be zero FCS games. But yeah, at most...one...and it should be week one or two. After that, it serves no purpose. It is intended to be a "warm up."

i have zero problem with a "scrimmage" early season. But IMO the game should not count as a win. It's simply another bye week.

 

[Irish#1]

i have zero problem with a "scrimmage" early season. But IMO the game should not count as a win. It's simply another bye week.

I'm sure scUM wishes that was the case in 2007.

 

[RECON Daddy]

Eliminating the scheduling of FCS games would financially hurt the those FCS teams. In 2013 Florida paid Georgia Southern $550k to visit the swamp. GSU not only got paid, but got a recruiting bonus by pulling the upset.

I think restrictions such as the scheduling of one per season and the FCS opponent must come from the same state or within an x mile radius.

 

[Legacy]

Scholarship Count for 2019

Scholarship Count for 2019

Alabama loses ten to graduation and takes a class of twenty-seven. Their count is at 102. Eight of the ten above possible declare for the NFL - 94. Four (Marks, Petibon, Anderson Mayden) are grad transfers and two undergrads transfer (King, Townsend) - 88.

Of the 2019 class, Bowles (OL) has not had his Official Visit and could blueshirt. Reichard (K) takes a grayshirt, opening up two more scholarships for the '19 class, if they need it. That would make five scholarships left to hand out to get to twenty-seven.

Wiggle room would involve less scholarships in '19, if less declare for the draft. Medical? Other transfers?

 

[Wingman Ray]

Eliminating the scheduling of FCS games would financially hurt the those FCS teams. In 2013 Florida paid Georgia Southern $550k to visit the swamp. GSU not only got paid, but got a recruiting bonus by pulling the upset.

I think restrictions such as the scheduling of one per season and the FCS opponent must come from the same state or within an x mile radius.

Only problem I see with that is one year, LSU (Miles coaching) scheduled three D2 Louisiana schools as the OOC teams. Wasnt even worthy to be called a scrimmage. Stood up there and talked about how proud he was to help out fellow Louisiana schools and keep Louisiana money in Louisiana. In reality, he just became 1/2 way bowl eligible and could have probably played a full team of true freshmen.

End of the day, wins should count if there is a possibility of a loss. There is no possibility for Bama to lose to Citadel.

 

[Bishop2b5]

No official word yet, but rumors are trickling out and Hurts is intimating that he may return to Bama next year for his senior season instead of transferring.

 

[NDBoiler]

No official word yet, but rumors are trickling out and Hurts is intimating that he may return to Bama next year for his senior season instead of transferring.

I’m curious as to the logic of that? Is he now thinking he can beat out Tua?

 

[loomis41973]

No official word yet, but rumors are trickling out and Hurts is intimating that he may return to Bama next year for his senior season instead of transferring.

Is Tua leaving? Or the paychecks to good to pass up?

 

[NDRock]

Is Tua leaving? Or the paychecks to good to pass up?

Tua is only a true Sophomore, has one more year.

 

[loomis41973]

So it's the paycheck?

 

[Blazers46]

No official word yet, but rumors are trickling out and Hurts is intimating that he may return to Bama next year for his senior season instead of transferring.

Bama players are not as smart as I thought...

 

[Circa]

No official word yet, but rumors are trickling out and Hurts is intimating that he may return to Bama next year for his senior season instead of transferring.

This is news: Hurts Is not a QB. He needs to figure out where he fits If he Is going to the league.

 

[Irish YJ]

No official word yet, but rumors are trickling out and Hurts is intimating that he may return to Bama next year for his senior season instead of transferring.

I think him coming in and saving the day when Tua was struggling may have turned out to be a very bad thing for him....

Satan probably in his ear saying "look how you've improved, it's an open competition, and you're a competitor..."

love the loyalty and competitor in him, and generally how he's handled things. i just think it's VERY dumb to stay. great for Satan though...

 

[Bishop2b5]

I’m curious as to the logic of that? Is he now thinking he can beat out Tua?

I highly doubt it. He seems to feel a sense of obligation to fulfill his commitment, is loyal to the team, likes it at Bama, and there have probably been some promises made to involve him more next year. He may also feel that he can do as much at Bama next year to get him to the NFL as going somewhere else. After the UGA game, he's as big of a hero to fans as we've seen in many years and the outpouring of appreciation may be hard to walk away from. Nothing's definite yet, but he said a few days ago that he has never mentioned transferring... that's something the media has discussed, but never him. Word is he's enrolled in grad school. I think there's a better than even chance he doesn't transfer.

 

[Bishop2b5]

This is news. Hurts Is not a QB. He needs to figure out were he fits, If he Is going to the league.

His passing has improved dramatically, but in general, I agree with you. I still don't see him getting drafted as a QB.

 

[Irishman77]

Hurts and Wimbush stay and have awesome years as wr’s ?

 

[loomis41973]

Hurts and Wimbush stay and have awesome years as wr’s ?

Not a snowballs chance......

 

[Irish#1]

Looks like Hurts is transfering.

From ESPN....

Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts took an important step toward leaving the program as he entered his name and information into the NCAA transfer portal, a source told ESPN.

Hurts, a junior, has one year of eligibility remaining. Since he graduated in December, he could transfer and be able to play immediately.

Entering the transfer portal is a necessary step to make him available for contact by other college football programs. While sources indicate Hurts is expected to leave Alabama, entering the portal doesn't lock him into doing so.

Hurts, a former SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman, was 26-2 with two championship game appearances in his two seasons as starting quarterback. This season, sophomore Tua Tagovailoa beat him out for the starting job and ultimately finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Oklahoma's Kyler Murray.

Still, Hurts was used often this season, appearing in all but two games, which he missed while recovering from a high ankle sprain. All told, Hurts completed 51 of 70 passes for 765 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions as the backup. He also rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

During his two seasons as the starter, Hurts threw for a combined 4,861 yards, 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, to go along with 1,809 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing.

Hurts is expected to have several suitors on the transfer market.

The 6-foot-2 Houston native was silent when it came to his future throughout the postseason. Before the Capital One Orange Bowl against Oklahoma, he called the media's speculation about his future unfounded and insisted that he had never said anything about transferring.

"I've been counted out," Hurts said. "I was supposed to do this, I was supposed to do that. Even last year after the [championship] game, I was supposed to be gone. This year, I was supposed to redshirt and do all those things. But I'm here. I'm here for this team, and that's what is most important to me."

It's a good thing for Alabama that he was. When Tagovailoa injured his ankle and was forced to leave the SEC championship game with the Crimson Tide trailing Georgia by a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Hurts came off the bench to throw the game-tying touchdown and run in the game-winning TD in Alabama's 35-28 victory.

Alabama coach Nick Saban lauded Hurts' resiliency after his performance against the Bulldogs.

"I've probably never been more proud of a player than Jalen," Saban said. "It's unprecedented to have a guy that won as many games as he won -- I think 26 or something, over a two-year period, start as a freshman, only lose a couple games this whole time that he was a starter -- and then all of a sudden, he's not the quarterback.

"How do you manage that? How do you handle that? You've got to have a tremendous amount of character and class to put team first, knowing your situation is not what it used to be. And for a guy that's a great competitor, that takes a lot. It's not easy to do."