🏈 How will we play, you think?

[Hoos4Tide]

In the bowl game, after the emotional and stunning loss to the Barn and an overall fairly disappointing season, how do you think Bama will play? Will it be a "finish strong" type thing or a "why are we here" game like in '08 against Utah?

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

In the bowl game, after the emotional and stunning loss to the Barn and an overall fairly disappointing season, how do you think Bama will play? Will it be a "finish strong" type thing or a "why are we here" game like in '08 against Utah?

I think the team answered that when they went out and beat MSU soundly following the loss to LSU (and more specifically the loss of the chance to return to the BCS Championship). The Sugar Bowl loss to Utah, like you alluded to, was in very large part due to the fact that none of the players wanted to be there. The SECCG was for the national title that year, just as it was last year. I'm betting those guys would like to have that 10th win for the 3rd season in a row too.

 

[bamatommy]

Porter, I agree with you. I think our guys will come out hungry and motivated. There is no guarantee they will win, of course. But I think they'll play one of their best games of they year. I'm sure they are all glad the Iron Bowl won't be the last game of the year.

 

[LBS]

Ten wins means something in these parts. (BAMA has more 10-Wins seasons than any other school.) Already disappointing is some folks eyes, I suspect that every player will fall into one of two groups; those who seek to join the 10-Win club, and those who seek to avoid NOT being in the 10-Win club. Positive or Negative motivation, regardless, I suspect that there is motivation there for everyone.

Further, Bowl prep is a time when many of the up-n-coming get extra reps. They get their best shot to position themselves well in the coach's eyes going into spring ball. A freshman 3* who doesn't expect to play until his Junior or Senior year may not be on fire to do well, but a 4-5* who is expects to play early will absolutlely be on fire.

All this goes to say, starters have something to play for...and if they don't there will be young ones who will be pushing them. I expect good things.

 

[foshman]

In the bowl game, after the emotional and stunning loss to the Barn and an overall fairly disappointing season, how do you think Bama will play? Will it be a "finish strong" type thing or a "why are we here" game like in '08 against Utah?

I would be shocked if Saban doesn't use that game as an example to motivate this team. Given his message to teh team, and media, all year long about the importance of just showing up and doing your job without regard to wins and losses I would be even more shocked if Alabama doesn't blow out MSU or A&M.