I don't know why this didn't dawn on me sooner, but I've noticed a trend occurring as it relates to the timing of our Championship seasons. Maybe it's just mere coincidence, but if you think about it, maybe it's not.
People can, and have, blame(d) this year's loss on a freshman QB. And I'd say that's only about 10-15% of a possible reason. Could he have made better throws? Sure. Could his receivers also have made some otherwise easy 3rd down catches that hit them right between their jersey numbers? Absolutely.
With our brand of football that plays to ball security on offense and stifling defense, games are won and lost in the trenches. While our D-line has been nothing short of stellar for several seasons, our OL play has been suspect. And I don't think that really has much to do with position coaching as some might. Hear me out on this.
Outside of 2009, what has been the constant variable for every one of our championship years? A really good O-line anchored by an EXPERIENCED center. With 2009 being the exception, that unit was probably the most cohesive unit, with something to prove, that we've seen under Saban.
But every other championship season? An experienced center. 2011 (Vlachos, sr.), 2012 (Jones, sr).
And last season, Ryan Kelly... you guessed it, a senior.
While Bozeman graded out very well this year, we obviously struggled with cohesion. Not his fault really, because he did a very admirable job.
But making the right line checks in a split second, recognizing what the D front 7 is doing, effectively communicating that to the other 4 hosses on either side of you... that aspect of the job is obviously made much easier with experience. And Bozeman received a TON of it this year. And he didn't even really know it was his job till week 1 of the season.
I really feel that Bozeman confidently taking command of the unit next year will pay off HUGELY. His improvement in that one area is an even bigger key to ultimate success than Jalen's improvement as a passer.
People can, and have, blame(d) this year's loss on a freshman QB. And I'd say that's only about 10-15% of a possible reason. Could he have made better throws? Sure. Could his receivers also have made some otherwise easy 3rd down catches that hit them right between their jersey numbers? Absolutely.
With our brand of football that plays to ball security on offense and stifling defense, games are won and lost in the trenches. While our D-line has been nothing short of stellar for several seasons, our OL play has been suspect. And I don't think that really has much to do with position coaching as some might. Hear me out on this.
Outside of 2009, what has been the constant variable for every one of our championship years? A really good O-line anchored by an EXPERIENCED center. With 2009 being the exception, that unit was probably the most cohesive unit, with something to prove, that we've seen under Saban.
But every other championship season? An experienced center. 2011 (Vlachos, sr.), 2012 (Jones, sr).
And last season, Ryan Kelly... you guessed it, a senior.
While Bozeman graded out very well this year, we obviously struggled with cohesion. Not his fault really, because he did a very admirable job.
But making the right line checks in a split second, recognizing what the D front 7 is doing, effectively communicating that to the other 4 hosses on either side of you... that aspect of the job is obviously made much easier with experience. And Bozeman received a TON of it this year. And he didn't even really know it was his job till week 1 of the season.
I really feel that Bozeman confidently taking command of the unit next year will pay off HUGELY. His improvement in that one area is an even bigger key to ultimate success than Jalen's improvement as a passer.
