Beating the SEC

[Jerry]

Chill with the "they wasn't ready to play or didn't wanna be there" talk. All the pregame talk from Bama players are that they gonna prove that their are the best team I'm the country. Now, all of a sudden they didn't wanna be there? Get the F outta here with that.

Really the pregame talk from Bama wasn't Oklahoma sucks, we're just going to show up and kill them? I never said they didn't want to be there, so don't put words in my mouth. I'm guessing that Alabama was more worried about an undefeated ND in the CG last year than a 2 loss Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.

 

[T Town Tommy]

For Saban's defense to work against the spread he has to have lock down corners who can man up. He didn't have that this year like years past with Dre and Dee. Belue was the closest he had and he was hurt much of the season. For whatever reason, Saban has missed on some corners the last few years.

But to think the way of the future is to go to the spread hurry up to win championships... I will disagree till the day I die. Defense still wins championships. Always has... always will. Good lock down corners, coupled with great ILBs, and a front that can stop the run first will win more titles than any spread offense. Hopefully some of the DBs in this current recruiting class can come in and make a difference. We shall see.

 

[ScooterIrish]

Like Emcee said, OU beat 'Bama on offense, not on defense. With the spread and the tempo and the accuracy of their QB (they couldn't run for squat). They did get enough pressure on McCarron to force a few uncharacteristic mistakes. And then they capitalized on them. But for much of the game Alabama was moving the ball at will. I didn't see anything last night that'd make me rethink Notre Dame's basic approach to defense. It just made me look forward to a more aggressive and capable offense next year.

I think people are selling short to OU defense. They had 7 sacks didn't they? 7! There was a reason McCarron threw those INTs.

 

[T Town Tommy]

So what happened to this big bad SEC?

Iowa hung with lsu, IOWA!!!!
Nebraska and Wisconsin had good games, with one winning .
Duke should've beat Texas a&m. Hard to overcome blown calls

Then you have Bama losing. So how many media hype top 10 sec teams will we have in the preseason poll?

Bama, Auburn, and S Carolina will be there. And should. Maybe one or two more as well.

As far as what happenned... the SEC is having such an awful bowl season. LMAO

They are still going to finish with yet another winning bowl record. To think they are still not the best conference is amazing. And all those young players running around on the field for the SEC will be another year older and better come next season. Can't wait.

 

[T Town Tommy]

I think people are selling short to OU defense. They had 7 sacks didn't they? 7! There was a reason McCarron threw those INTs.

Smartest think Stoops has done on defense was to change his scheme this season. They aren't where they need to be but they are well on their way.

 

[ScooterIrish]

Bama, Auburn, and S Carolina will be there. And should. Maybe one or two more as well.

As far as what happenned... the SEC is having such an awful bowl season. LMAO

They are still going to finish with yet another winning bowl record. To think they are still not the best conference is amazing. And all those young players running around on the field for the SEC will be another year older and better come next season. Can't wait.

Best conference? Sure because of depth (though the SEC might have the easiest bowl schedule - Iowa? Duke? Rice? Yawn). A step above all other teams like in the years past? Not even close. The SEC is no longer THE conference with the only elite talent. That myth is dead.

 

[irishog77]

I think people are selling short to OU defense. They had 7 sacks didn't they? 7! There was a reason McCarron threw those INTs.

This.

And their front got consistent pressure on AJ all game long on top of that. True, Alabama had a lot of yards (and even points), but a lot of those came on big plays. I know at least 3 of their TD's covered more than 40 yards, right? But AJ faced a lot of 2nd and 3rd and long or gad to simply throw the ball away multiple times. And on the other side, I thought Alabama didn't do a great job pressuring Knight. They were able to stuff the run, but weren't able to get to Knight a lot.

 

[NCND]

Really the pregame talk from Bama wasn't Oklahoma sucks, we're just going to show up and kill them? I never said they didn't want to be there, so don't put words in my mouth. I'm guessing that Alabama was more worried about an undefeated ND in the CG last year than a 2 loss Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.

Point is: the didn't wanna be there excuse is not valid. They played OU not Utah.

 

[palinurus]

They gave up over 500 yards of total offense and 31 points, despite having 4 TOs (Not counting the muffed kick at the end.). Those are not good numbers. 130 of the 500 was on the ground but i would argue that number would be much higher if Alabama wasn't playing from behind most of the night, nothing to do with Oklahoma's D.

ND got down big early and played right into Alabama's hand. OK was able to get out in front and make Alabama play a style they are not used to, which frankly they still did damn well.

All good points, plus the Oky QB was phenomenal. That was near as well as a college quarterback can play. I wouldn't bury Alabama or the SEC quite yet.

 

[Irish#1]

For Saban's defense to work against the spread he has to have lock down corners who can man up. He didn't have that this year like years past with Dre and Dee. Belue was the closest he had and he was hurt much of the season. For whatever reason, Saban has missed on some corners the last few years.

But to think the way of the future is to go to the spread hurry up to win championships... I will disagree till the day I die. Defense still wins championships. Always has... always will. Good lock down corners, coupled with great ILBs, and a front that can stop the run first will win more titles than any spread offense. Hopefully some of the DBs in this current recruiting class can come in and make a difference. We shall see.

I'm with you. A great D has been the cornerstone of championships from day 1.

Bama, Auburn, and S Carolina will be there. And should. Maybe one or two more as well.

As far as what happenned... the SEC is having such an awful bowl season. LMAO

They are still going to finish with yet another winning bowl record. To think they are still not the best conference is amazing. And all those young players running around on the field for the SEC will be another year older and better come next season. Can't wait.

I can tell you're a little upset by the loss. Don't worry Bama will be back in the hunt next year.

 

[Jerry]

Point is: the didn't wanna be there excuse is not valid. They played OU not Utah.

My point isn't really about them not wanting to be there and more a lack of focus and respect for the opponent. Maybe you don't think there is a difference, either way it was just speculation as I said. Maybe Alabama was really focused and ready and just got beat??

 

[ACamp1900]

Yeah, they just got beat... I still think they are better than Auburn, and were just flat in that game, but not this one, OU just showed the country they deserve a lot more respect than they get.

 

[Emcee77]

Yeah, they just got beat... I still think they are better than Auburn, and were just flat in that game, but not this one, OU just showed the country they deserve a lot more respect than they get.

I agree, this is a game where you just have to take your hat off to the winning team. Bama was its normal physical self. OU just has some enormously quick skill players such as Saunders and Shepard and Clay, Knight did a masterful job distributing the ball and Heupel called a GREAT game. (We should fucking hire that dude, no joke. I'd take him as our OC in a heartbeat -- not that a former NC winning QB at OU under Stoops would be interested in leaving Stoops's staff, lol.) OU will be tough for anyone to beat if they play like that.

 

[Jerry]

Best conference? Sure because of depth (though the SEC might have the easiest bowl schedule - Iowa? Duke? Rice? Yawn). A step above all other teams like in the years past? Not even close. The SEC is no longer THE conference with the only elite talent. That myth is dead.

That's why when SEC fans brag about Bowl record or BCS record you really need to look at the individual games, because a lot of the wins aren't that impressive. Their Championship game record is outstanding, no question, although you can credit that to 2 or 3 teams. But the fact that they miss out on the Pac12 and Big10 #1 team is pretty convenient. Also the SEC has been huge favorites in a lot of these games and they don't exactly crush teams like you would think.

 

[Wild Bill]

For Saban's defense to work against the spread he has to have lock down corners who can man up. He didn't have that this year like years past with Dre and Dee. Belue was the closest he had and he was hurt much of the season. For whatever reason, Saban has missed on some corners the last few years.

But to think the way of the future is to go to the spread hurry up to win championships... I will disagree till the day I die. Defense still wins championships. Always has... always will. Good lock down corners, coupled with great ILBs, and a front that can stop the run first will win more titles than any spread offense. Hopefully some of the DBs in this current recruiting class can come in and make a difference. We shall see.

Do they exist? Seems like it's more important to have a defensive line that can get to the qb quick. The rules heavily favor receivers. You can have great corners and receivers will still get open if QBs have time to make it through their progressions.

 

[IrishLax]

This was akin to the Utah game. Didn't take the Sooners seriously (I wouldn't have either) and didn't know what to do when they didn't back down. Both games Alabama uncharacteristically turned the ball over numerous times.

The different between the two is that Utah punched Alabama in the mouth early, and then held on. Oklahoma didn't jump out to a huge lead, they just battled them hard from start to finish making plays when they needed to make plays. Alabama played almost like a Notre Dame last night... outgaining Oklahoma and hanging in the game, but just making so many mistakes that it could not be overcome.

Either way... shocked to see that result. Absolutely shocked.

 

[phork]

Bama just wanted to share victories. Its lonely at the top.

 

[IrishLax]

Do they exist? Seems like it's more important to have a defensive line that can get to the qb quick. The rules heavily favor receivers. You can have great corners and receivers will still get open if QBs have time to make it through their progressions.

Dennard for MSU, no idea if this will actually happen but probably Peppers before he is done with college... there aren't many, but there are some.

Tell you what... you can probably count on one hand the number of times KeiVarae Russell got beat this year 1v1. Jackson? Dozens of times. What if you have two Russells?

 

[woolybug25]

Dennard for MSU, no idea if this will actually happen but probably Peppers before he is done with college... there aren't many, but there are some.

Tell you what... you can probably count on one hand the number of times KeiVarae Russell got beat this year 1v1. Jackson? Dozens of times. What if you have two Russells?

Not to mention, KR was targeted almost every single game. Which made zero sense, since he was our best cover corner.

 

[chubler]

The answer to beating Nick Saban appears to be run a high powered spread no huddle offense. I don't know that anyone could ever consistently beat Saban by trying to out muscle Alabama. It just won't happen.

As it is, the Alabama way is a dying breed. "Smashmouth" football is on the outs. The legal issues that stem from brain trauma related to football activities coupled with new rules that favor the offense over the defense every year mean that high scoring and fast pasted offense is here to stay. Smart teams will adjust accordingly and find a way to thrive.

Not exactly in line with the most recent discussion here but I think this is dead wrong. "Smashmouth Football" will remain and possible become even more advantageous in the next 10-15 years, IMO, as defenses become smaller and quicker to better defend the 5-wide spread proliferation. When everyone's small and fast, you can run right over them.

Unless, like OU did, they get up 2+ scores on you and make you play their game. OU dictated to Bama, and IMO that's why they won.

 

[GATTACA!]

I think people are selling short to OU defense. They had 7 sacks didn't they? 7! There was a reason McCarron threw those INTs.

You can't underestimate how much of a difference playing ahead by multiple scores makes. OK was selling out hard on their pass rush because they knew Alabama wasn't running to preserve clock. How many times was striker flying around the edge, he wasn't containing that edge at all.

 

[DomeX2 eNVy]

Here are my un-audited facts about the '13 season so far for the SEC (3 bowl games to go):

Looking at out of conference play (how you can truly judge a conference):

Overall: 52-11 82.5%
vs FCS: 13-1 92.9%
vs FBS: 39-10 79.6%
vs FBS > .5: 21-9 70.0%
vs AQ: 15-9 62.5%
vs AQ > .5: 10-8 55.6%

Overall, this is pretty impressive, with 10 bowl teams that are 5-2 so far. But is clearly isn't dominant when it comes to playing top level teams. If it wasn't for Georgia's lucky overtime win against Ga Tech, they would only be 50% wins against AQ schools with a winning record.

I don't know how this stacks up to others, but I personally think the Pac 12 is as good.

I don't like the SEC or what it stands for, but they do play good football and it's fun to watch. The one thing that is so annoying is the 'Auburn is awesome' talk. Last year, ND was 'lucky' to be in the championship game - and there is truth to that; but they are no where near as lucky as Auburn has been.

The Pittsburgh missed field goal and defensive stops were more normal than the Hail Mary defensive deflection against Georgia. The Stanford OT win and goal line stand was less lucky than returning a missed field goal 100+ yards - but I haven't heard much about how Auburn doesn't belong in the BCS CG because they got lucky. Pisses me off. . . Rant over!

 

[ScooterIrish]

You can't underestimate how much of a difference playing ahead by multiple scores makes. OK was selling out hard on their pass rush because they knew Alabama wasn't running to preserve clock. How many times was striker flying around the edge, he wasn't containing that edge at all.

I guess we will disagree because they were bring pressure well before they got the lead.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Here are my un-audited facts about the '13 season so far for the SEC (3 bowl games to go):

Looking at out of conference play (how you can truly judge a conference):

Overall: 52-11 82.5%
vs FCS: 13-1 92.9%
vs FBS: 39-10 79.6%
vs FBS > .5: 21-9 70.0%
vs AQ: 15-9 62.5%
vs AQ > .5: 10-8 55.6%

Overall, this is pretty impressive, with 10 bowl teams that are 5-2 so far. But is clearly isn't dominant when it comes to playing top level teams. If it wasn't for Georgia's lucky overtime win against Ga Tech, they would only be 50% wins against AQ schools with a winning record.

I don't know how this stacks up to others, but I personally think the Pac 12 is as good.

I don't like the SEC or what it stands for, but they do play good football and it's fun to watch. The one thing that is so annoying is the 'Auburn is awesome' talk. Last year, ND was 'lucky' to be in the championship game - and there is truth to that; but they are no where near as lucky as Auburn has been.

The Pittsburgh missed field goal and defensive stops were more normal than the Hail Mary defensive deflection against Georgia. The Stanford OT win and goal line stand was less lucky than returning a missed field goal 100+ yards - but I haven't heard much about how Auburn doesn't belong in the BCS CG because they got lucky. Pisses me off. . . Rant over!

Most SEC fans don't believe Auburn is awesome... they believe they were lucky. But they're there... and that's all that matters. And if they do beat Fla State, then they deserve the title. And unlike Notre Dame last year, I do think they have a solid shot at winning.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tree poisoner. Tea bagger. Flying female kick attacker. I don't know where this idea comes from that Alabama fans are crazy.</p>— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooForde/statuses/419186015585058816">January 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Cackalacky]

Most SEC fans don't believe Auburn is awesome... they believe they were lucky. But they're there... and that's all that matters. And if they do beat Fla State, then they deserve the title. And unlike Notre Dame last year, I do think they have a solid shot at winning.

HERETIC!

 

[Emcee77]

Most SEC fans don't believe Auburn is awesome... they believe they were lucky. But they're there... and that's all that matters. And if they do beat Fla State, then they deserve the title. And unlike Notre Dame last year, I do think they have a solid shot at winning.

Ouch Tommy.... I mean in hindsight that's right, but still ... very ouch.

Btw, as long as we are talking about the game last night, Derrick Henry should be getting some love in this thread. I had no idea he was that kind of playmaker. Honestly, during his recruitment I kind of thought Saban was bs'ing him about being a RB and was going to move him to LB. Boy was I way off about him. Alabama was able to stay in the game in the second half because Henry's big-play TDs allowed them to score quickly without having to pass, which OU was playing to prevent them from doing in the second half.

 

[Wild Bill]

Dennard for MSU, no idea if this will actually happen but probably Peppers before he is done with college... there aren't many, but there are some.

Tell you what... you can probably count on one hand the number of times KeiVarae Russell got beat this year 1v1. Jackson? Dozens of times. What if you have two Russells?

Can we move one to safety?

 

[T Town Tommy]

Ouch Tommy.... I mean in hindsight that's right, but still ... very ouch.

Btw, as long as we are talking about the game last night, Derrick Henry should be getting some love in this thread. I had no idea he was that kind of playmaker. Honestly, during his recruitment I kind of thought Saban was bs'ing him about being a RB and was going to move him to LB. Boy was I way off about him. Alabama was able to stay in the game in the second half because Henry's big-play TDs allowed them to score quickly without having to pass, which OU was playing to prevent them from doing in the second half.

Agree on Henry. With Drake in the doghouse over his antics during the Auburn game, Henry got more touches during practice. I think he has been that good all year but simply waiting his turn in line. When Drake got stupid, he got his chance. And he looks like he will be able to step up and see more carries next year for sure.

 

[T Town Tommy]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tree poisoner. Tea bagger. Flying female kick attacker. I don't know where this idea comes from that Alabama fans are crazy.</p>— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooForde/statuses/419186015585058816">January 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As he wipes his chin from under Rick Pitino's table.