No one knew Tyler was going to get hurt in the ULM game. So, we're going to set that aspect aside. Quite frankly, as I've said here on numerous occasions before this game, Alabama was going to win that game regardless.
Now, looking at this situation in Fayetteville realistically.
Their offensive line play has been poor all season—a fact that was resoundingly proven in our game. Their offensive line coach, and the players, and the scheme was the same when Petrino was there. It would have been the same IF he was there this past weekend.
Tyler was banged up a lot the first few games of the season because of what I just mentioned. That would have happened IF Petrino was still there.
Their defense has been poor over the last four seasons. They did have a new DC and a new defensive assistant coach for this season. It would have been the same IF Petrino was still there.
IF Petrino was still there what would have changed this season?
They probably wouldn't have lost to ULM, but it was the defense that gave up those points in the fourth quarter.
They probably wouldn't have been shutout by Bama.
They would still be looking at an 0-1 SEC record and all the hype of being national title contenders would be out the window.
Now, last but not least...a quick story.
I remember a team that finished the season ranked #3 in the final polls. I remember that team was considered a favorite to contend for the national championship. I remember a coach having an affair. I remember that coach lying about the affair only to admit it later on. I remember that coach losing respect from his own staff and losing the respect of a lot of the players on the team because of that incident.
I remember the 2000 season with Alabama dropping out of the polls very quickly to start that season.
What we all don't know?
Even if Jeff Long had decided to keep Petrino would he have maintained the respect level he had with his staff and players?
Right now, as their 2012 season looks eerily like our 2000 season, I don't know if it would be better with Petrino than it has been without him.
NOW, onto FAU and what I consider to be the "Greatest Unknown about our contest this weekend."
Now, looking at this situation in Fayetteville realistically.
Their offensive line play has been poor all season—a fact that was resoundingly proven in our game. Their offensive line coach, and the players, and the scheme was the same when Petrino was there. It would have been the same IF he was there this past weekend.
Tyler was banged up a lot the first few games of the season because of what I just mentioned. That would have happened IF Petrino was still there.
Their defense has been poor over the last four seasons. They did have a new DC and a new defensive assistant coach for this season. It would have been the same IF Petrino was still there.
IF Petrino was still there what would have changed this season?
They probably wouldn't have lost to ULM, but it was the defense that gave up those points in the fourth quarter.
They probably wouldn't have been shutout by Bama.
They would still be looking at an 0-1 SEC record and all the hype of being national title contenders would be out the window.
Now, last but not least...a quick story.
I remember a team that finished the season ranked #3 in the final polls. I remember that team was considered a favorite to contend for the national championship. I remember a coach having an affair. I remember that coach lying about the affair only to admit it later on. I remember that coach losing respect from his own staff and losing the respect of a lot of the players on the team because of that incident.
I remember the 2000 season with Alabama dropping out of the polls very quickly to start that season.
What we all don't know?
Even if Jeff Long had decided to keep Petrino would he have maintained the respect level he had with his staff and players?
Right now, as their 2012 season looks eerily like our 2000 season, I don't know if it would be better with Petrino than it has been without him.
NOW, onto FAU and what I consider to be the "Greatest Unknown about our contest this weekend."
