All Things Alabama

[Crimsongulf]

We'll see who has the "chest" to manage this game.

Tis why we tee it up.

 

[BGIF]

This is the game we all should have wanted. Got to beat the best to be the best.

Excuse me, "Got to beat the best of the REST.

The Best of the Best qualified for the NCG a week before anyone else.

 

[Rocky2820]

This is the game we all should have wanted. Got to beat the best to be the best.

Ric Flair, anyone? Whooooooooooooo!!!

 

[NOLAIrish]

We're about to find out just how good Louis Nix is. He's never faced anyone on par with Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones. If he can hold his ground against those two, I don't think there's any way McCarron beats us. If not, we're in trouble.

I'm kind of amazed by the reactions I heard on the town tonight. Bama fans have been nothing but friendly -- "Look forward to seeing y'all in January," "Welcome back," "Love you guys, this is gonna be a fun game," etc. -- whereas every other SEC fan has done nothing but crow about how we're going to get "curb-stomped" (for my money, the most disgusting, classless phrase in sports) or shouldn't even be in the championship game because of our "cherry-picked schedule" and lack of a championship game. The rest of the conference seems to be developing an inferiority complex. I'll never pull for Saban, but, in terms of SEC-SEC matchups, I've gotta admit that Bama fans are starting to convert me.

 

[koonja]

I feel like were Rocky and Bama is Drago.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

We're about to find out just how good Louis Nix is. He's never faced anyone on par with Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones. If he can hold his ground against those two, I don't think there's any way McCarron beats us. If not, we're in trouble.

I'm kind of amazed by the reactions I heard on the town tonight. Bama fans have been nothing but friendly -- "Look forward to seeing y'all in January," "Welcome back," "Love you guys, this is gonna be a fun game," etc. -- whereas every other SEC fan has done nothing but crow about how we're going to get "curb-stomped" (for my money, the most disgusting, classless phrase in sports) or shouldn't even be in the championship game because of our "cherry-picked schedule" and lack of a championship game. The rest of the conference seems to be developing an inferiority complex. I'll never pull for Saban, but, in terms of SEC-SEC matchups, I've gotta admit that Bama fans are starting to convert me.

Texas A&M fans have actually been the worst. It's like they are overcompensating for being the new guys. It's embarrassing.

 

[STLDomer]

We're about to find out just how good Louis Nix is. He's never faced anyone on par with Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones. If he can hold his ground against those two, I don't think there's any way McCarron beats us. If not, we're in trouble.

I'm kind of amazed by the reactions I heard on the town tonight. Bama fans have been nothing but friendly -- "Look forward to seeing y'all in January," "Welcome back," "Love you guys, this is gonna be a fun game," etc. -- whereas every other SEC fan has done nothing but crow about how we're going to get "curb-stomped" (for my money, the most disgusting, classless phrase in sports) or shouldn't even be in the championship game because of our "cherry-picked schedule" and lack of a championship game. The rest of the conference seems to be developing an inferiority complex. I'll never pull for Saban, but, in terms of SEC-SEC matchups, I've gotta admit that Bama fans are starting to convert me.

Andy Staples tweeted a similar thing:

“@Andy_Staples: Disbelief pouring in after my "ND can compete with Bama tweet" about equal to what came in after last week's "UGA can compete w/ Bama" tweet”

“@Andy_Staples: What's funny is, just like last week, Bama fans are the most realistic about the matchup. They know their team well.”

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

Excue me, "Got to beat the best of the REST.

The Best of the Best qualified for the NCG a week before anyone else.

True story....

Don't feed the animals, folks.

We are ND...and they aren't.

 

[NDinFL]

We're about to find out just how good Louis Nix is. He's never faced anyone on par with Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones. If he can hold his ground against those two, I don't think there's any way McCarron beats us. If not, we're in trouble.

I'm kind of amazed by the reactions I heard on the town tonight. Bama fans have been nothing but friendly -- "Look forward to seeing y'all in January," "Welcome back," "Love you guys, this is gonna be a fun game," etc. -- whereas every other SEC fan has done nothing but crow about how we're going to get "curb-stomped" (for my money, the most disgusting, classless phrase in sports) or shouldn't even be in the championship game because of our "cherry-picked schedule" and lack of a championship game. The rest of the conference seems to be developing an inferiority complex. I'll never pull for Saban, but, in terms of SEC-SEC matchups, I've gotta admit that Bama fans are starting to convert me.

I've never understood their whole incestual conference love.

LSU/Bama is a rivalry, you root against your rival. Period.

It's like a comforting consolation prize to some of those SEC baffoons

"Well, we got beat, but we're stil in the ESSS EEEE CEEEE"

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

I'm nervous already.

 

[Riddickulous]

Texas A&M fans have actually been the worst. It's like they are overcompensating for being the new guys. It's embarrassing.

They are unbearable. I lurk on one board and every other thread is bashing Manti or speculation over how badly Bama will destroy us in the NCG.

 

[NOLAIrish]

Texas A&M fans have actually been the worst. It's like they are overcompensating for being the new guys. It's embarrassing.

I don't run into many of them in New Orleans, thankfully. I primarily catch heat from LSU, UGA and Auburn (!) fans. I usually catch the ND games at an Irish pub down here, so we're usually safe there, but my lady friend is a Bama fan, so have to move to a more SEC-oriented bar for those, and I usually have at least 2-3 idiots throwing abuse my way by the end of the night. A few weeks ago, an LSU fan kept shouting down the bar how much he hates everything ND stands for and I made the mistake of chiming in with, "What is it about us, exactly, that you can't stand? The proper education or the commitment to ethics and social justice?" Went over so well the bartender offered to cover my tab to get us out of there before the place exploded. Whoops.

EDIT:

I've never understood their whole incestual conference love.

LSU/Bama is a rivalry, you root against your rival. Period.

It's like a comforting consolation prize to some of those SEC baffoons

"Well, we got beat, but we're stil in the ESSS EEEE CEEEE"

Hah, this is another one that nearly me in trouble. A couple of guys were pumping SEC superiority and I made a comment about how I hadn't seen so much cousin-kissing since accidentally stumbling into a family reunion in Tuscaloosa. Thankfully, I made that comment at the ND-friendly pub. This season has really destroyed my filter.

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

I don't run into many of them in New Orleans, thankfully. I primarily catch heat from LSU, UGA and Auburn (!) fans. I usually catch the ND games at an Irish pub down here, so we're usually safe there, but my lady friend is a Bama fan, so have to move to a more SEC-oriented bar for those, and I usually have at least 2-3 idiots throwing abuse my way by the end of the night. A few weeks ago, an LSU fan kept shouting down the bar how much he hates everything ND stands for and I made the mistake of chiming in with, "What is it about us, exactly, that you can't stand? The proper education or the commitment to ethics and social justice?" Went over so well the bartender offered to cover my tab to get us out of there before the place exploded. Whoops.

It would have been worth the price of admission alone to stay and hear what the hayseed came up with. Drinks+apps=60 dollars.... Waiting for SEC fans to give a logical, well thought out response while dribbling chaw down their chin=Priceless

 

[IrishAlum1997]

They are unbearable. I lurk on one board and every other thread is bashing Manti or speculation over how badly Bama will destroy us in the NCG.

Yes, Aggie is unbearable. I had an A&M alum walk up to me for no other reason than to tell me he was going to root for Alabama or Georgia to beat us. When I inquired as to why, his response was, "SEC." Like they have been in the conference for 20 years. Absolutely irrational.

They have been "little brother" in this state for a long, long time. 4 months ago they were crapping their pants wondering what they got themselves into. Let's see how they look when the SEC gets an offseason to prepare for them. Color me skeptical.

 

[BurningRiver]

I've worn my Notre Dame tie to school every day since the Navy game. Every day idiots see it and tell me how we have no chance against the SEC, and I respond with silence. Ignorant comments don't deserve answers.

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

I've worn my Notre Dame tie to school every day since the Navy game. Every day idiots see it and tell me how we have no chance against the SEC, and I respond with silence. Ignorant comments don't deserve answers.

Dude.... You live in Cleveland. It's not like you live in Dixie. That story has nothing to do with anything being discussed. If it were us v. Buckturds, then I could see you having a pony in the race, but this means nothing.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

They are unbearable. I lurk on one board and every other thread is bashing Manti or speculation over how badly Bama will destroy us in the NCG.

Any sports-related board will be unbearable for the next 37 days. The SEC circlejerk along with classic ND hate is going to drive me nuts which is one reason why I will be intolerant towards literally every SEC poster who joins this board.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

Any sports-related board will be unbearable for the next 37 days. The SEC circlejerk along with classic ND hate is going to drive me nuts which is one reason why I will be intolerant towards literally every SEC poster who joins this board.

Besides bama fans, everyone secretly wants us to win. They won't admit it, but their subconscious is telling them it is the right thing to do for all of mankind.

 

[ickythump1225]

Similar yes, but not as effective. Lacy and Yeldon are good, but they aren't Montee Ball and James White good. Alabama's line is almost or about as good as that Wisconsin line. Difference is, while Ball wasn't as big as Lacy, he was just as powerful and a lot faster.

ND has faced RB's as good or better than Lacy and Yeldon (Le'Veon Bell, Stepfan Taylor, Damien Williams/Brennan Clay, Ray Graham, Curtis McNeal/Silas Redd). They also faced the best FB in college football (Trey Millard). So power running doesn't scare me at all. ND has seen it before.

Georgia couldn't handle it because they weren't coached very well on tackling. Georgia tries for the big hit and uses poor tackling mechanics, while ND wraps up and brings down the player and makes sure he's down.

That's the thing with Georgia and it always has been: they are always talented but undisciplined. They always try for the highlight reel hit or they try to strip the football. Richt lets them do all sorts of crap. They play emotional and fired up which is why they tend to be a first half team in big games.

 

[ickythump1225]

We're about to find out just how good Louis Nix is. He's never faced anyone on par with Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones. If he can hold his ground against those two, I don't think there's any way McCarron beats us. If not, we're in trouble.

I'm kind of amazed by the reactions I heard on the town tonight. Bama fans have been nothing but friendly -- "Look forward to seeing y'all in January," "Welcome back," "Love you guys, this is gonna be a fun game," etc. -- whereas every other SEC fan has done nothing but crow about how we're going to get "curb-stomped" (for my money, the most disgusting, classless phrase in sports) or shouldn't even be in the championship game because of our "cherry-picked schedule" and lack of a championship game. The rest of the conference seems to be developing an inferiority complex. I'll never pull for Saban, but, in terms of SEC-SEC matchups, I've gotta admit that Bama fans are starting to convert me.

I wish that's how it was here. All of the Alabama fans around here are like "oh it's going to be a massacre" "you guys can't hang with an SEC team" etc.

 

[IrishLax]

What gives me hope...

Alabama against really good teams:
LSU-435 yards allowed, should've lost, won thanks to bad coaching from Les Miles
Texas A&M-418 yards allowed, lost
Georgia-394 yards allowed, should've lost, won thanks to bad coaching from Mark Richt

None of those yardage totals are that high, but they sure aren't good. None of the points allowed totals are that high either (17, 29, 21)... but again, they aren't good. And these are games that weren't just close... the opposition SHOULD have won were it not for late game blunders. These are the only three games where Alabama faced a team that is currently ranked... unless we're counting Michigan, but I don't really want to count that one because of their "unique" offense. In those games Alabama gave up as many TDs (9) as Notre Dame has given up all season.

I really wanted Georgia because we could've gotten pass rush on Murray + swiss cheesed their defense, and I think this is a really bad matchup for us as it negates our strengths that have carried the team all year. But based on the 400+ YPG Alabama's D has given up against ranked opponents... I think we've got a reasonable chance if Everett shows up ready to ball.

 

[BamaLoco]

Heisman

Heisman

They are unbearable. I lurk on one board and every other thread is bashing Manti or speculation over how badly Bama will destroy us in the NCG.

That talk is all about the Heisman. If they expect Johnny Football to win the Heisman, then they would have to say that about Manti. But as a Bama fan, we respect the fact that Saban tells the players, fans and media that you should always respect your opponent. He has to maintain the focus and emotions of the players, and knows that the moment you think you are better and will win, that is when you will lose. We know our team, and most Bama fans, not all, respect the traditions and history of ND Football as well as our own. The nation could not have been granted a better National Championship Game than this one.

As for the rest of the SEC, because of what the SEC has accomplished in the last decade, there is a certain pride in the conference that many find hard to understand. 6 different SEC teams have been to the NCG in the BCS era and have won everytime. 4-6 SEC teams always find themselves ranked in the top 15 every year. Plus, the fanaticism is not just found at the college level. It is also found in High School football as well. I don't know about other conferences, but in the south when you are born, you inherit a team, and hundreds of thousands of fans fill every seat in every stadium each weekend in the Fall to show their support. My Dad was a Bama fan, his Dad was a Bama fan, and his Dad was as well. There is no deviating in most cases.

I look forward to the game, and look forward to hopefully sane and realistic discussions/comparisons about both of our teams.

 

[NDinL.A.]

That talk is all about the Heisman. If they expect Johnny Football to win the Heisman, then they would have to say that about Manti. But as a Bama fan, we respect the fact that Saban tells the players, fans and media that you should always respect your opponent. He has to maintain the focus and emotions of the players, and knows that the moment you think you are better and will win, that is when you will lose. We know our team, and most Bama fans, not all, respect the traditions and history of ND Football as well as our own. The nation could not have been granted a better National Championship Game than this one.

As for the rest of the SEC, because of what the SEC has accomplished in the last decade, there is a certain pride in the conference that many find hard to understand. 6 different SEC teams have been to the NCG in the BCS era and have won everytime. 4-6 SEC teams always find themselves ranked in the top 15 every year. Plus, the fanaticism is not just found at the college level. It is also found in High School football as well. I don't know about other conferences, but in the south when you are born, you inherit a team, and hundreds of thousands of fans fill every seat in every stadium each weekend in the Fall to show their support. My Dad was a Bama fan, his Dad was a Bama fan, and his Dad was as well. There is no deviating is most cases.

I look forward to the game, and look forward to hopefully sane and realistic discussions/comparisons about both of our teams.

Nice post.

As for the bolded part, like any fan base, we have our crazy posters who will talk mad nonsense and say that Bama has no chance and your secondary sucks and things like that. Ignore those guys and discuss football with the rest of us and you'll be fine.

Should be a great game!

 

[Dizzyphil]

The biggest criticism I am getting here is ND can't touch the Bama speed. Well, after watching the A&M game and the SEC championship game last night.... in all seriousness, the only speed I witnessed was the frosh wide receiver for Bama. The defense was 5-6 in the box on 30% of the plays and when Bama filled the box with 7, Georgia still got on the outside of the tackle boxes and managed a respectful 4 - 5 yards a rush. I'm really trying to understand this speed the news, ESPN, and SEC fans are talking about????

p.s. If I hear one more freaking time from another Bama fan that our schedule was weak compared to theirs, I will seriously go postal. So you Bama fans on here better not a freakin say a word about our schedule. Before you post anything think about yours first:

Western Kentucky
Florida Atlantic
Western Carolina


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

Diz

 

[koonja]

Eric Hansen‏@hansenNDInsider

In final regular-season stats, Bama 1st in run defense, 8th pass-eff def, 1st total d, 2nd scoring d; #NotreDame is 4th, 12th, 6th and 1st

 

[koonja]

Eric Hansen‏@hansenNDInsider

Final Sagarin gives nod to #NotreDame (30th) over Bama (35th) in strength of schedule. Kansas with nation's toughest schedule ...

 

[texbender]

Bama has an unbelieveable bruising run attack, and I think this game will come down to who wins that battle,,,ND Defense front seven vs. Bama OL and running backs.

 

[Praytorian]

I think we need to keep the game up tempo. Bama looked tired at the end of the A&M game.

 

[Dizzyphil]

The Bad:

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

I think it's the same story all year for ND: if the Irish can run and stop the run, they give themselves a good shot to win.