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@coachingsearch: How do you beat Alabama? Study: Common factors in Nick Saban's last 7 losses. http://t.co/PChVFRoFdh
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How do you beat Alabama?
Over the last five seasons, the Crimson Tide has achieved a 61-7 overall record while winning three BCS National Championships.
Despite the loss of nine NFL draftees in late April, Alabama remains the unquestioned team to beat in college football.
It's one thing to prepare a terrific game plan; it's another thing to out-execute Alabama.
To beat Alabama, it's far beyond X's and O's. It's paramount to match or exceed the intangibles that Nick Saban develops with his team. Numerous head coaches over the years have said the Alabama defense 'is never out of place.' Nothing comes easy, so you better come strapped with toughness, resiliency, and a high level of concentration and determination.
Which opponents in 2013 can upset the Crimson Tide?
The schedule shapes up as follows: Virginia Tech (Atlanta), at Texas A&M, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Georgia State, at Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, at Mississippi State, Chattanooga, at Auburn.
Today, let's take a look at the common factors between Alabama's seven losses over the last five years:
1. None of the seven opponents lost the turnover margin.
2. 5 of 7 opponents scored touchdowns at least 60% of red zone opportunities. In our study earlier this month, we showed you that Alabama's defense has allowed 32 touchdowns in 77 red zone opportunitites over the last three years. Thus, opponents have scored touchdowns just 42% of the time in the red zone against the Crimson Tide, which ranks #1 nationally in this area of the last three years.
3. Besides LSU in 2010, each opponent defense played well in the red zone against the Alabama offense. For example, South Carolina's defense allowed just one touchdown in four red zone opportunities against the Alabama offense.
4. 6 of 7 opponents ran the football at least 60% of total offensive snaps. Yes, quarterback scrambles count as rushes at the end of the day, but the point is that you've got to remain patient with your running game. Utah was able to defeat Alabama by running the ball just 37% of snaps, but here's the rest of the run percentages: LSU 71% run, LSU 69% run, Auburn 67% run, Florida 66% run, South Carolina 65% run, Texas A&M 60% run.
5. 4 of 7 opponents substantially outplayed Alabama on 3rd down.
6. In all seven losses, the Crimson Tide failed to end with 140 net yards rushing. Only once (against Florida) did Alabama average 4 yards per rush, thus you better bring your run defense to party. Missed tackles are devastating against the Tide.
More...
How do you beat Alabama?
Over the last five seasons, the Crimson Tide has achieved a 61-7 overall record while winning three BCS National Championships.
Despite the loss of nine NFL draftees in late April, Alabama remains the unquestioned team to beat in college football.
It's one thing to prepare a terrific game plan; it's another thing to out-execute Alabama.
To beat Alabama, it's far beyond X's and O's. It's paramount to match or exceed the intangibles that Nick Saban develops with his team. Numerous head coaches over the years have said the Alabama defense 'is never out of place.' Nothing comes easy, so you better come strapped with toughness, resiliency, and a high level of concentration and determination.
Which opponents in 2013 can upset the Crimson Tide?
The schedule shapes up as follows: Virginia Tech (Atlanta), at Texas A&M, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Georgia State, at Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, at Mississippi State, Chattanooga, at Auburn.
Today, let's take a look at the common factors between Alabama's seven losses over the last five years:
1. None of the seven opponents lost the turnover margin.
2. 5 of 7 opponents scored touchdowns at least 60% of red zone opportunities. In our study earlier this month, we showed you that Alabama's defense has allowed 32 touchdowns in 77 red zone opportunitites over the last three years. Thus, opponents have scored touchdowns just 42% of the time in the red zone against the Crimson Tide, which ranks #1 nationally in this area of the last three years.
3. Besides LSU in 2010, each opponent defense played well in the red zone against the Alabama offense. For example, South Carolina's defense allowed just one touchdown in four red zone opportunities against the Alabama offense.
4. 6 of 7 opponents ran the football at least 60% of total offensive snaps. Yes, quarterback scrambles count as rushes at the end of the day, but the point is that you've got to remain patient with your running game. Utah was able to defeat Alabama by running the ball just 37% of snaps, but here's the rest of the run percentages: LSU 71% run, LSU 69% run, Auburn 67% run, Florida 66% run, South Carolina 65% run, Texas A&M 60% run.
5. 4 of 7 opponents substantially outplayed Alabama on 3rd down.
6. In all seven losses, the Crimson Tide failed to end with 140 net yards rushing. Only once (against Florida) did Alabama average 4 yards per rush, thus you better bring your run defense to party. Missed tackles are devastating against the Tide.
