🏈 Can we win out with 4 linebackers done?

When Hamilton went out I saw no drop off. And Hand or no Hand that is a stout front line. Williams, Ray, Buggs have and can play winning football. KH has been here and better than we talk about. Dylan Moses will get reps in the nickel.

When teams have threaten our defense in the past, our offense has always responded, see Clemson and Ole Miss, and frankly, we weren't threatened that way Saturday. When we went to the dark side and joined the hurry up, RPO, dual threat world, we put our offense on the QB. It's mostly up to Jalen to get us back to the promise land and just like Watson and Newton, that may be more than enough.
 
I'm no where near as optimistic today as I was going into the weekend. The reality is the depth chart in the middle right now looks like this:

Holcombe
Evans, Moses

First of all, it's important to clarify one point here. The OP asks if Bama can win out of four linebackers done. The reality is Bama has lost five. The loss of Wilson has more impact than most are considering. With the number of packages he was involved with he's technically had a starting role this season.

This season is following the same script we've seen for years. The game against LSU has its cost--this year with more injuries. We'll see some scoff at the idea that Mississippi State can give Bama a game. The can and very likely will. Ok, Mercer...but then we're looking at the Tide facing one of the better Auburn teams we've seen in a few years. Then...SECCG, and IF a few things fall their way a semi and possibly a final. That's a hell of a road for a team to take especially considering how these Bama teams feature a strong linebacking corps (specifically against the run.)

Back to the depth chart...

One thing about Rashaan is I don't see him being back to 100% game shape. I'm not making a comparison to guys like Myles Garrett here but it's clear to me that he contributes in spurts--they're not getting consistent play from Evans without spelling him several times in a game. '

Let's throw another wrench in the mix: Holcombe and his health. It's impossible for anyone, including Holcombe, to say how he's going to be week to week. It's just one of the side effects of dealing with a disease like Diabetes.

So, who are we left with? A group of guys that haven't "broken through" yet in Davis and McMillon. Mosely can play inside so there's some depth and experience there.

Do they look at taking Anderson and using him with the linebackers? Does Benton lose his shirt?

I'm guessing those who just read that aren't feeling optimistic either. Hopefully, we'll get some good news today.

One thing for sure...the defense could definitely use a guy like Lewis back in the lineup for a pass rush threat.

No, two things for sure. This Bama team is going to be facing some really good defenses in the next few weeks and they can ill afford to sputter on offense like they did Saturday. That'll cost Bama a game, maybe even two.
 
TerryP said:
I'm no where near as optimistic today as I was going into the weekend. The reality is the depth chart in the middle right now looks like this:

Holcombe
Evans, Moses

First of all, it's important to clarify one point here. The OP asks if Bama can win out of four linebackers done. The reality is Bama has lost five. The loss of Wilson has more impact than most are considering. With the number of packages he was involved with he's technically had a starting role this season.

This season is following the same script we've seen for years. The game against LSU has its cost--this year with more injuries. We'll see some scoff at the idea that Mississippi State can give Bama a game. The can and very likely will. Ok, Mercer...but then we're looking at the Tide facing one of the better Auburn teams we've seen in a few years. Then...SECCG, and IF a few things fall their way a semi and possibly a final. That's a hell of a road for a team to take especially considering how these Bama teams feature a strong linebacking corps (specifically against the run.)

Back to the depth chart...

One thing about Rashaan is I don't see him being back to 100% game shape. I'm not making a comparison to guys like Myles Garrett here but it's clear to me that he contributes in spurts--they're not getting consistent play from Evans without spelling him several times in a game. '

Let's throw another wrench in the mix: Holcombe and his health. It's impossible for anyone, including Holcombe, to say how he's going to be week to week. It's just one of the side effects of dealing with a disease like Diabetes.

So, who are we left with? A group of guys that haven't "broken through" yet in Davis and McMillon. Mosely can play inside so there's some depth and experience there.

Do they look at taking Anderson and using him with the linebackers? Does Benton lose his shirt?

I'm guessing those who just read that aren't feeling optimistic either. Hopefully, we'll get some good news today.

One thing for sure...the defense could definitely use a guy like Lewis back in the lineup for a pass rush threat.

No, two things for sure. This Bama team is going to be facing some really good defenses in the next few weeks and they can ill afford to sputter on offense like they did Saturday. That'll cost Bama a game, maybe even two.
Click to expand...




With Saban predicting Wilson's absence between 4 to 6 weeks, it is at least more about holding down the fort until the playoffs.


And Miller has been reported on the practice field, anyone seeing this?
 
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So, auburn must get past Georgia in order for the IB to be for the SEC West, right? If they lose to Georgia, and we beat MSU, does that clinch the West for us? Because that would give auburn 2 SEC losses.
 
While the injuries are obviously a huge concern, something else that is bothering me is the team morale. I may not even be using the right word there, but the whole game against LSU just had this weird vibe. The guys looked uninspired. Now, of course, that's just my take.
 
The injuries are overcome able....the player...
Its the depth...if somebody runs 80-90 plays on us...or another LB goes down...
Might get tougher...for sure...
But til we get a confirmation the sky is falling...Nick will have it figured out...
Most teams..yea...end of the world...but with Bama s recruiting....the 2 s and 3s are fine..
State will give us a tussal first half....
BUt they dont have the O to match up nor the D to shut JH and company down...
.....take Bama and give the points.....
 
RollTideRandy said:
Where the heck is Ben Davis? Was he that overrated?
Click to expand...
-- Ben Davis was wearing his own No. 1 jersey for the first time in a while. The redshirt freshman linebacker, who has yet to play in 2017, has been working with the scout team. But with no opponent this week, Davis didn't have to impersonate anyone to help prepare his teammates. It should be noted that Davis was working with the inside linebackers. Usually, he's with the outside linebackers.
Updated Oct 24; Posted Oct 24
Click to expand...
Alabama practice report: Updates on Ben Davis, Josh Jacobs, Da'Shawn Hand
Alabama practice report: Updates on Ben Davis, Josh Jacobs, Da'Shawn Hand
 
The 2 guys who've been getting the most extra run at OLB are Mosley and McMillon. While I didn't watch the LSU game that close I did see McMillon get blown off the line a few times... One time looked confused on where to set up. He's a big ass body though, if he can just clog the run on his side that would be cool.

With all due respect to Mosley who probably wasn't expected to contribute outside of S/T's... I haven't seen him flash once in terms of making a special play. On the field a lot though so clearly he's our best option... It is what it is.

Does anyone know what position Moses was playing when he was in on the 2 sacks? Was he at Jack/Sam or was he blitzing from MLB? Seems like he's been moved around some so it's hard to keep up.

What happened to Allen?! I thought i saw him play a few snaps vs LSU but not much. Jennings has been a rock for the most part though, damn I hope he stays healthy.
 
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There was a time (anywhere from 1995-2007) where we were just one injury away from watching our season go to shit. While these injuries are bad news, I just don't see this being anything like it was in the past. Examples would be 2004 and the immediate loss of Brodie or 2005 and the loss of Prothro. It goes without saying, but those were FAR different times. If absolute worst came to worst, then couldn't we just go out there and play to outscore everyone? Not saying that that would just automatically work, but it's a fallback nonetheless. There is just too much talent and too good of coaching at Bama these days for us to just suddenly start looking like a Mike Shula team.
 

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