All Things Alabama

[Defense]

Yep the mobile QB has beat us. It is the one thing that is the hardest to prepare for on D.

But we have shut down a lot of them as well.
Only got one shot at Cam, but all the rest we beat at least one time, still pending on JFF.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

I posted that on Bama board and got lit up. Most said the QB's I listed weren't "dual-threat." I couldn't really characterize Jefferson or Garcia either way. I feel like they were really mobile at one time, but later on the stats didn't show it.

 

[Defense]

They were all dual threat.

 

[tider4653]

Just wanted to stop by and say congrats on your undefeted season, the world of college football is only better with ND back in the hunt for the title.
Look forward to talking about the upcoming title game.

The next month is going to be fun!

RTR!

 

[ARALOU]

Yep the mobile QB has beat us. It is the one thing that is the hardest to prepare for on D.

But we have shut down a lot of them as well.
Only got one shot at Cam, but all the rest we beat at least one time, still pending on JFF.

Ingram fumbles and kicks the ball through the end zone as Alabama is about to go up 31 to 7, I think. If he scores, the rout is on. Somehow Cam leads them back. He did the same thing against Georgia too. He was clearly a man among boys that year. Deserved the Heisman and they were clearly #1 imo. That Bama game should have been different but it didnt turn out that way. Thats the thing about college football. Emotion and momentum can change in a heartbeat. Games can get out of control also. I didnt think S. Carolina was 40 points better than Ga either.

 

[Redelefant]

RealLynch

RealLynch

i'm new here, and by my name you can see where my heart is. I played at Bama in the mid and late 60's, and never had the honor of playing against ND. Will be an honor to butt heads with y'all once again. Two most storied names in football, and most certainly the college side.

We do look forward to the challenge!!! I think we're bout evenly matched. Our secondary has flaws, as well as y'all's...we basically play the same defensive sets...y'all have faster speed rushers from the outside (which I think might work in our favor), but, your LB's just as good as ours.

I look forward to the game, and in much good spirit, may the best team win...no injuries of career ending type...no luck of the oblong bouncing ball...and from the opening bell...we both come out swinging . Y'all most welcome to come down to our forums, and i'm sure there will be a few dumb-azzes, but We know who we are, Y'all know who y'all are.

If the NC game is anything like the SEC Championship game, then I'm glad I'm toooooo old to participate anymore. That one was a game for the ages. Hope the upcoming one will be as well. GOOD LUCK Irish...Redelefant

 

[Grahambo]

i'm new here, and by my name you can see where my heart is. I played at Bama in the mid and late 60's, and never had the honor of playing against ND. Will be an honor to butt heads with y'all once again. Two most storied names in football, and most certainly the college side.

We do look forward to the challenge!!! I think we're bout evenly matched. Our secondary has flaws, as well as y'all's...we basically play the same defensive sets...y'all have faster speed rushers from the outside (which I think might work in our favor), but, your LB's just as good as ours.

I look forward to the game, and in much good spirit, may the best team win...no injuries of career ending type...no luck of the oblong bouncing ball...and from the opening bell...we both come out swinging . Y'all most welcome to come down to our forums, and i'm sure there will be a few dumb-azzes, but We know who we are, Y'all know who y'all are.

If the NC game is anything like the SEC Championship game, then I'm glad I'm toooooo old to participate anymore. That one was a game for the ages. Hope the upcoming one will be as well. GOOD LUCK Irish...Redelefant

Am I the only one that read this with a southern accent in my head?

 

[Grahambo]

From Auburn:

 

[Riddickulous]

Saban camera loving? He hates the camera with a passion, he would be in heaven if he didnt have to deal with the press. That is the reason he comes off as an ******* all the time. That and stupid reporters asking dumb questions.

I had a professor who worked for the football team at Michigan State as a grad student when Saban was there. He said Saban was the meanest person he'd ever met. Just a complete and utter *******.

So refreshing to have tide fans come and discuss instead of dropping crap about how their titles are legit and ours aren't and just flt out causing stuff...

cheers and good luck

This.

 

[koonja]

Tide fans, I have only watched your UG game. What running QBs have you faced this year? What about last year if you can recall?

 

[Black Irish]

Am I the only one that read this with a southern accent in my head?

Not only that, but my coffee suddenly started to taste like sweet tea for a sip or two.

 

[ROLLtide]

Tide fans, I have only watched your UG game. What running QBs have you faced this year? What about last year if you can recall?

Denard Robinson
Johnny Manziel
Bo Wallace from Ole Miss

Last year Jordan Jefferson and LSU beat us at home, but we beat him badly in the BCSCG.
He wasn't that good anyway, it's was more LSUs defense that made them good.

Johnny Manziel is unique though, it's like someone put Drew Brees and Michael Vick in a blender and came out with this guy.

Worry about his running too much, and he is a very capable passer, lay back defending the pass, and he runs all over the place.

 

[Old Man Mike]

A few redundant comments:

1). Alabama scores a fair number of points if the runners do not go down when we arrive for the tackle --- i.e. yards-after-contact is probably the key to the entire defense. Despite how good their O-Line is, we WILL arrive quickly on the scene. Georgia was a bunch of wimps at the point of contact. We have never been so far. Our only spectacular tackle whiff all year was due to Matthias playing with a broken wrist. Their runners are powerful. We have put down powerful runners already this season with little YAC. What will happen in this game? Let's play it and find out.

2). I can only hope that Saban underrates our linebackers like some opposing fans do. Their opinions are understandable, even though in error. There is no reason why they should know how good Spond and Shembo are, and how solid the Fox/Calabreese chimaera has been. And they have no reason to know how big these guys are. But I know better --- Saban has already mentioned the linebackers and not as if they are "Te'o and the other guys". He knows that it's going to be a true test and it's likely that a lot is riding on how well McCarron plays.

3). Notre Dame's offense will depend almost entirely on Everett having a good game. Alabama's secondary and linebacking speed will probably prevent a big gasher running play, like we've surprised so many opponents with to date. Still, they are understandably underrating the simmering dynamite that all three of our running backs and several of our receivers bring to the field. There is no reason for them to understand that Notre Dame's lack of consistent big numbers from any one player is due not simply to Kelly's need to be a little conservative with a rookie QB, but even moreso with his philosophy of distributing the offense in unpredictable ways, while still going with the hot runner.

4). I REALLY hope that Saban underrates Tyler Eifert like some fans seem to. Anyone looking just at stat sheets might do that. But Eifert is a monstrous threat and all the pro scouts know it. From the second game of the season onwards, opposing DCs have had to scheme to double Eifert and force the young QB to go elsewhere. Even then it doesn't always work, as we know. Eifert is a defense-warper. He gets things a little out-of-balance --- the only way to survive him. But, I have already heard Saban mention "the tight end", so he knows too.

Everett and McCarron are the keys. Fans from both sides are almost certainly far too ignorant to accurately assess the opponent's true strength. McCarron is the vet --- one would think that he'd show up. Everett is the dazzler --- if he shows up, too, it just might be the difference. If Golson avoids rush [and he can], and gets lanes-of-sight to throw through, I believe that nobody in the country realizes what a bunch of jocks Eifert, TJJones, Daniels, Toma, Riddick, CBreezy, and Niklas are. People think that we have a mediocre receiving core... I'll bet Saban doesn't agree.

People believe that because we don't run up a lot of points that this offense is mediocre. Well, we'll see, of course, but there is a much more relevant factor. It is Diaco's defensive philosophy. Diaco protects against the big play and counts on one of two things happening: a]. the opponent doesn't have the discipline and precision to maintain a many-play drive, or b]. once they get to the red zone, he doesn't have to protect as much field, and the great front seven makes life very difficult for every offense faced so far. The relevance of this to offense is that ND almost always has a long field that it must negotiate. A sack or a 15-yarder in there somewhere stops the drive. We usually get in the endzone more than "they" kick field goals, and it's a win so far. Kelly tolerates this defensive theory because the front seven warrants it. If they can limit Alabama to no long plays and mainly field goals, it will be the same story that we've seen this season... score just enough to win.

 

[koonja]

Who is barret jones?

Joe Schad‏@schadjoe

Barrett Jones still on crutches here in NYC; says he will be ready to practice after a few weeks and will play in BCS title game

 

[clashmore_mike]

Center, was an all American tackle last year, will probably win Remington this year.

 

[koonja]

Center, was an all American tackle last year, will probably win Remington this year.

Anyone know his injury? If he's on crutches, and a few weeks from practicing, could it keep him out?

 

[Buck Mulligan]

I guess to me, the question is: If ND can stop Bama's running game and make McCarron beat us, can he do it? And I don't mean by occasionally throwing deep like he did vs. Georgia - because we haven't let that happen much either - but consistently making short/medium passes to move the chains.
That's what we give, and so far no one we've played has been good enough to beat us that way.
Of course, if it turns out ND can't stop Bama's running game, the question is largely moot.

^^^^This is the game within the game, and also whether or nor Golson can have a career day. There has been a consistent theme in all of Alabama's losses since 2008....outstanding QB play from our opponent....

2008.....Tebow & Brian Johnson (Utah)
2010... Garcia, Cam Newton, and I have to give credit to both LSU's QBs
2011... We prepared for J. Lee, but Jefferson curved balled us with the option
2012...Johnny Manziel

And if you look at our close wins this year....Mettenberger and Murray both had great games.

Can Golson perform at the same level and extend drives? Not that ND has to score on every possession, but can he consistently move the chains on 3rd and long (which has been a frustrating issue the past few games for Bama's D)? I have see tremendous improvement from Golson down the stretch....does the long layoff help or hurt his progression?

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

^^^^This is the game within the game, and also whether or nor Golson can have a career day. There has been a consistent theme in all of Alabama's losses since 2008....outstanding QB play from our opponent....

2008.....Tebow & Brian Johnson (Utah)
2010... Garcia, Cam Newton, and I have to give credit to both LSU's QBs
2011... We prepared for J. Lee, but Jefferson curved balled us with the option
2012...Johnny Manziel

And if you look at our close wins this year....Mettenberger and Murray both had great games.

Can Golson perform at the same level and extend drives? Not that ND has to score on every possession, but can he consistently move the chains on 3rd and long (which has been a frustrating issue the past few games for Bama's D)? I have see tremendous improvement from Golson down the stretch....does the long layoff help or hurt his progression?

This is big here. I don't know how this will work. The guys pretty much had a week and a half off. I think waiting a bit to hit it hard is helpful, and will allow the guys to peak in practices at the right time, especially if we are trying new things.

I haven't been able to figure this out. Has 'Bama played a team ranked high in time of possession? Our game is really to control the ball and have long scoring drives (I think we are in first in scoring drives above 5 minutes). Has 'bama played anyone capable of doing this?

 

[Grahambo]

Anyone know his injury? If he's on crutches, and a few weeks from practicing, could it keep him out?

He said he will play so I'll take his word. Assuming its a sprain maybe. He will be one of the first OL taken in the draft this year.

 

[koonja]

He said he will play so I'll take his word. Assuming its a sprain maybe. He will be one of the first OL taken in the draft this year.

A lot of players think they're going to play but end up healing slower than they think. The fact that he's in crutches and won't be practicing for 3 weeks is not good for Alabama. If we knew the injury we'd know more.

 

[Irish#1]

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.

Here's what it all boils down to. Their O-line wearing down our D with the run game. They are suspect against the pass rush, but are definiely the best running team we will have faced. We will have to keep rotating our guys to keep them fresher for the second half. The game within the game will be Nix and their All World center Jones. If Nix demands a double team we'll be in good shape. If Jones can have a stalemate with Nix, then they will be able to run the ball.

 

[Irish#1]

A few redundant comments:

1). Alabama scores a fair number of points if the runners do not go down when we arrive for the tackle --- i.e. yards-after-contact is probably the key to the entire defense. Despite how good their O-Line is, we WILL arrive quickly on the scene. Georgia was a bunch of wimps at the point of contact. We have never been so far. Our only spectacular tackle whiff all year was due to Matthias playing with a broken wrist. Their runners are powerful. We have put down powerful runners already this season with little YAC. What will happen in this game? Let's play it and find out.

2). I can only hope that Saban underrates our linebackers like some opposing fans do. Their opinions are understandable, even though in error. There is no reason why they should know how good Spond and Shembo are, and how solid the Fox/Calabreese chimaera has been. And they have no reason to know how big these guys are. But I know better --- Saban has already mentioned the linebackers and not as if they are "Te'o and the other guys". He knows that it's going to be a true test and it's likely that a lot is riding on how well McCarron plays.

3). Notre Dame's offense will depend almost entirely on Everett having a good game. Alabama's secondary and linebacking speed will probably prevent a big gasher running play, like we've surprised so many opponents with to date. Still, they are understandably underrating the simmering dynamite that all three of our running backs and several of our receivers bring to the field. There is no reason for them to understand that Notre Dame's lack of consistent big numbers from any one player is due not simply to Kelly's need to be a little conservative with a rookie QB, but even moreso with his philosophy of distributing the offense in unpredictable ways, while still going with the hot runner.

4). I REALLY hope that Saban underrates Tyler Eifert like some fans seem to. Anyone looking just at stat sheets might do that. But Eifert is a monstrous threat and all the pro scouts know it. From the second game of the season onwards, opposing DCs have had to scheme to double Eifert and force the young QB to go elsewhere. Even then it doesn't always work, as we know. Eifert is a defense-warper. He gets things a little out-of-balance --- the only way to survive him. But, I have already heard Saban mention "the tight end", so he knows too.

Everett and McCarron are the keys. Fans from both sides are almost certainly far too ignorant to accurately assess the opponent's true strength. McCarron is the vet --- one would think that he'd show up. Everett is the dazzler --- if he shows up, too, it just might be the difference. If Golson avoids rush [and he can], and gets lanes-of-sight to throw through, I believe that nobody in the country realizes what a bunch of jocks Eifert, TJJones, Daniels, Toma, Riddick, CBreezy, and Niklas are. People think that we have a mediocre receiving core... I'll bet Saban doesn't agree.

People believe that because we don't run up a lot of points that this offense is mediocre. Well, we'll see, of course, but there is a much more relevant factor. It is Diaco's defensive philosophy. Diaco protects against the big play and counts on one of two things happening: a]. the opponent doesn't have the discipline and precision to maintain a many-play drive, or b]. once they get to the red zone, he doesn't have to protect as much field, and the great front seven makes life very difficult for every offense faced so far. The relevance of this to offense is that ND almost always has a long field that it must negotiate. A sack or a 15-yarder in there somewhere stops the drive. We usually get in the endzone more than "they" kick field goals, and it's a win so far. Kelly tolerates this defensive theory because the front seven warrants it. If they can limit Alabama to no long plays and mainly field goals, it will be the same story that we've seen this season... score just enough to win.

Vaild point about arriving at the ball quickly and tackling. We tackle, UG shoulder blocks and hopes the guy goes down.

 

[Buck Mulligan]

A lot of players think they're going to play but end up healing slower than they think. The fact that he's in crutches and won't be practicing for 3 weeks is not good for Alabama. If we knew the injury we'd know more.

He has an unidentified foot injury that he sustained in the first quarter and he played through it and played well. We don't start bowl practice for 2 weeks, and with all of the awards banquets etc, he wouldn't anyways....simply conditioning stuff going on right now.

He'll be fine...

 

[Old Man Mike]

Concerning their center, it was stated at least twice during the georgia game that the center did NOT like a powerful NT right over him, and that Saban even used certain spread formations to encourage the DC to not put a DT there. I somehow doubt that Diaco does not know this. If Nix is directly over center, he WILL require two blockers minimum.

 

[ACamp1900]

I like shifting KLM to the inside also...

 

[ROLLtide]

Concerning their center, it was stated at least twice during the georgia game that the center did NOT like a powerful NT right over him, and that Saban even used certain spread formations to encourage the DC to not put a DT there. I somehow doubt that Diaco does not know this. If Nix is directly over center, he WILL require two blockers minimum.

He actually has more problems with small quick guys, case in point, Georgia has a huge NT, we get 350 yards rushing.

 

[clashmore_jon]

He actually has more problems with small quick guys, case in point, Georgia has a huge NT, we get 350 yards rushing.

what about huge, quick guys?

 

[BGIF]

He actually has more problems with small quick guys, case in point, Georgia has a huge NT, we get 350 yards rushing.

Is there a breakdown of run playing somewhere (link)? I have no idea where most of the running plays were target but it seemed like there was greast success running off RT with the center and RT firing out and sealing off the LBs from lateral pursuit. They hit the LBs before the RB hit the LOS.

In a ESPN post game show one of the talking heads commented on the high number of plays where UA used 2 TEs. This explains how the C and RT could take out the next level so quickly without consequential TFLs.

I haven't rewatched the game but was UGA's NT a factor or did UA game plan him out of the game by running away from him and sealing him off laterally?

 

[BGIF]

Not only that, but my coffee suddenly started to taste like sweet tea for a sip or two.

Ah, down here there is no such thing as sweet tea. There's just tea and UNsweet tea.

 

[ROLLtide]

Is there a breakdown of run playing somewhere (link)? I have no idea where most of the running plays were target but it seemed like there was greast success running off RT with the center and RT firing out and sealing off the LBs from lateral pursuit. They hit the LBs before the RB hit the LOS.

In a ESPN post game show one of the talking heads commented on the high number of plays where UA used 2 TEs. This explains how the C and RT could take out the next level so quickly without consequential TFLs.

I haven't rewatched the game but was UGA's NT a factor or did UA game plan him out of the game by running away from him and sealing him off laterally?

RT Fluker is a really strong run blocker, and LG Warmack is probably the best G in the country.
C Barret Jones is a 5th year senior who has already started on two national championship teams and won the Outland trophy last year.
LT Kouandjio is the young guy of the bunch, but looks like a first round pick after next year.

This is just a great o-line, experienced and talented, 4 guys will will likely be first or second round NFL picks, you just don't see that on a college line very often.

I did notice them double up on the Georgia NT a few times and it worked, and of course running to the RT side with the TE and H back helping.

The teams that have given the running game some trouble this year are smaller quick teams that take chances and shoot the gaps, it works some times, but left them open to get burned by passing plays.

Seems like bigger, traditional defenses have been worn down by the end of the game.