This is the game I was concerned about back in July and August. I'll briefly explain why... Bama would be coming off 4 straight tough games... little did I know how tough since I personally didn't think Vandy, Mizzou, and Tennessee would be as good as they are. But, I figured the Tennessee game would take a physical and emotional toll, as that rivalry has again become volatile. Then traveling to play what I thought would be a better South Carolina team felt very, very trappy. Their Shula saddled offensive staff aside, they still have one of the more dynamic and higher potential QB's in CFB and some solid defensive pieces, especially in the backfield. EDGE Dylan Stewart is a problem, but he might not be 100% (hip injury). Bryan Thomas Jr on the other side is also an impact guy. 2 months ago, all that added up to a bit of a concern, for me at least.
But, a good bit has changed... most significantly being that LaNorris Sellers has been held back by Shula's offense, something I factored in yet still underestimated. And while Bama is a beat up and tired team right now, this last game before the looming 2nd bye week is falling into place nicely as far as Bama is concerned. Obviously, the Tide has to show up. If they treat this game like FSU, they'll get FSU type results. But if Bama treats it like the previous 4 SEC contests, they will be fine.
One area Bama has struggled in is stopping the run of defense, specifically, they've given up too many explosive plays on the ground. Maybe this game is what the good doctor ordered... South Carolina ranks last in the league in total offense and rushing offense (just under 3 YPC). They also rank at or near the bottom of the SEC in scoring offense, passing offense, explosive plays, 3rd down conversions, sacks allowed, TFL allowed, and red zone conversions. So in short, this shapes up much better on paper now than it did in my mind weeks ago. This is a great opportunity for Bama to go in there and enforce their will defensively. This UA team still hasn't created an identity yet, IMO. They've shown flashes of one on both sides of the ball, but they haven't claimed one, yet. Now is the time to do such.
South Carolina's defense has been much more capable, and more in line with what I think most expected South Carolina to be this season. But I don't see them holding up well for 60 minutes against Ty Simpson and this offense if Bama's defense keeps Sellers off the field for most of the game. Bottom line, Bama has a good chance at their 5th SEC win in a row, and can do so by stepping on South Carolina's throat if they come out ready to play. That bye week is dangling like a sweet treat in the distance, but I want watch this team to feast on some poultry first.
But, a good bit has changed... most significantly being that LaNorris Sellers has been held back by Shula's offense, something I factored in yet still underestimated. And while Bama is a beat up and tired team right now, this last game before the looming 2nd bye week is falling into place nicely as far as Bama is concerned. Obviously, the Tide has to show up. If they treat this game like FSU, they'll get FSU type results. But if Bama treats it like the previous 4 SEC contests, they will be fine.
One area Bama has struggled in is stopping the run of defense, specifically, they've given up too many explosive plays on the ground. Maybe this game is what the good doctor ordered... South Carolina ranks last in the league in total offense and rushing offense (just under 3 YPC). They also rank at or near the bottom of the SEC in scoring offense, passing offense, explosive plays, 3rd down conversions, sacks allowed, TFL allowed, and red zone conversions. So in short, this shapes up much better on paper now than it did in my mind weeks ago. This is a great opportunity for Bama to go in there and enforce their will defensively. This UA team still hasn't created an identity yet, IMO. They've shown flashes of one on both sides of the ball, but they haven't claimed one, yet. Now is the time to do such.
South Carolina's defense has been much more capable, and more in line with what I think most expected South Carolina to be this season. But I don't see them holding up well for 60 minutes against Ty Simpson and this offense if Bama's defense keeps Sellers off the field for most of the game. Bottom line, Bama has a good chance at their 5th SEC win in a row, and can do so by stepping on South Carolina's throat if they come out ready to play. That bye week is dangling like a sweet treat in the distance, but I want watch this team to feast on some poultry first.
