🏈 So, since we've done the Eastern division, how are you calling the West this season?

[TerryP]

1) Bama
2) LSU -
3) Auburn
4) Arkansas
5) MSU
6t) A&M
6t) Ole Miss.

Yes, I'm picking Bama and it's with a lot of thought. I have my reasons why I think we'll beat LSU this year.

You're on the clock.

 

[THROWITDEEP]

Can't see how you are picking Auburn 3rd? Too many questions with them. Of course I would switch Arkansas and Auburn, but that's just me.

 

[JoshB]

1) Bama - I think its gonna be a dog fight once again with us and LSWho, Im not sold on mettenberger and i think this team is just as hungry to prove 2010 wont happen again as they were to avenge what happened in 2010 in 2011.
2) LSU - Loaded on defense yet again, solid O-Line, good backs, i think they'll have a few problems out Wide and the QB is a ?
3) Arkansas - All the drama is really going to hurt them and all that talent lost at WR is gonna hurt Wilson big time. Defense will be improved but still wont be good enough to get em over the hurdle. Knile Davis is gonna be a big part of the equation, if he is back to old form it could be big for them but that ankle has got to be just about done.
4) Auburn - Im damn near to the point of putting MSU here but Auburn does have alot of talent just alot of YOUNG talent. Dyer will be missed, QB play will be improved if Frazier is as good as advertised. Defense will struggle but will be better.
5) MSU - Would not be shocked to see them overtake Auburn at all, QB play has to get better tho. Defense will be solid, two of the better corners in the league.
6) A&M - No Tannehil, new QB will struggle but does have one of the best Receivers in Swope to rely on. They're going to find the SEC defenses are alot different then those Big XII defenses and no more 600 yards a week. Defense is still very poor.
7) Ole Miss - Aw the bottom of the barrel has arrived, not good and I dont see it getting any better. Who was the moron that voted them to win the SEC? *facepalm*

 

[TerryP]

Can't see how you are picking Auburn 3rd? Too many questions with them. Of course I would switch Arkansas and Auburn, but that's just me.

Losses:

Auburn: LSU, Bama, and UGA
Arkansas: LSU, Bama, UofSC, and Auburn.

The reason I'm saying UArk loses to Auburn is all about how the schedule works out. It's just like I mentioned on your forum Chris. You guys are looking at Bama, Rutgers, @ A&M, and then @ Auburn. That will be your sixth game in a row.

Auburn, coming off a bye week, playing at home and the only "real" opponent they'll face in the month before your game is LSU two weeks prior. I believe their front seven—all returning starters—will be tough on your offensive line. While they don't have a QB of note, and I do see it as a closer game than most but in the end Auburn wins out.

 

[TerryP]

Can't see how you are picking Auburn 3rd? Too many questions with them. Of course I would switch Arkansas and Auburn, but that's just me.

BTW, that means you're agreeing with me on everything else?

 

[UAgrad93]

1. BAMA- AJ will lead the way, Eddie will go for 1,200 yds, and the young receivers will put on a show. Defense will continue to do what they do! DOMINATE!! BAMA plays SO MANY on defense that you could honestly say that we start 20-25 on that side of the ball.
2. LSwho- Not sold on Mettenburger. Still think there is some turmoil in Tigerland after the beatdown in NOLA.
3. Arky- The turmoil from the spring will hurt more than some think. Petrino was the "play-caller". Heck of a qb and talented rb back from injury. D still struggles.
4. MSU- The dogs finally beat someone other than Ole Piss in the division.
5. Barn- QB is a huge question mark! No Dyer to tote the mail, leaving it to 175lbs of scat back. Good front 7, not alot of depth.
6. A&M- Sumlin will find out really quick that the SEC "ain't the C-USA"!
7. Ole Piss- Freeze has got all sorts of problems to try and repair.

 

[THROWITDEEP]

Losses:

Auburn: LSU, Bama, and UGA
Arkansas: LSU, Bama, UofSC, and Auburn.

The reason I'm saying UArk loses to Auburn is all about how the schedule works out. It's just like I mentioned on your forum Chris. You guys are looking at Bama, Rutgers, @ A&M, and then @ Auburn. That will be your sixth game in a row.

Auburn, coming off a bye week, playing at home and the only "real" opponent they'll face in the month before your game is LSU two weeks prior. I believe their front seven—all returning starters—will be tough on your offensive line. While they don't have a QB of note, and I do see it as a closer game than most but in the end Auburn wins out.

Ahh....I remember the thread now Terry. You are right, that does line up strange. Well, I love you brother, but I hope you are wrong!

 

[THROWITDEEP]

BTW, that means you're agreeing with me on everything else?

That is correct.

inkbiggrin:

However, the jury is still out on your LSU game. It's gonna be tough. Specially if the Honey Badger is cooking steaks that day!

 

[bamaraider]

1. Bama- upsets LSU in Death Valley. You look around and you hear LSU fans you would think all they have to do is show up and they win.
2. LSU
3. Arkansas
4. Miss State
5. Auburn
6. Is a toss up between Ole Miss and A&M (have a good feeling about Ole Miss's coach for some reason..)

 

[LBS]

I can't form an arguement that supports my heart which wants to believe that we will win this year in Baton Rouge. LSU has a great number of flaws, but a ton of talent...enough talent as long as they don't shoot themselves in the foot. That loss in New Orleans was epic by any standard, but even more so considering that it was LSU in Lousiana. The arguement that I can't counter is that the Tigers will have every reason to be epically focused. If LSU, with that talent, in Baton Rouge does not blink they win. That is what I see it coming down to. I don't think they blink this time.

 

[CrimsonVette]

I can't form an arguement that supports my heart which wants to believe that we will win this year in Baton Rouge. LSU has a great number of flaws, but a ton of talent...enough talent as long as they don't shoot themselves in the foot. That loss in New Orleans was epic by any standard, but even more so considering that it was LSU in Lousiana. The arguement that I can't counter is that the Tigers will have every reason to be epically focused. If LSU, with that talent, in Baton Rouge does not blink they win. That is what I see it coming down to. I don't think they blink this time.

These are the very reasons I see as part of why Bama betas them. They have all the pressure of that beatdown and having to avenge it. I think the hat feels a lot of pressure to beat CNS and will crack under that pressure along with his team. And, as psoted already, all may not be well in tiger land. I don't know this to be true but there has been mention of it.

I'm not saying we go in there and blow them out again, I fully expect a hard game but I just believe our guys will get the job done.

1. Bama
2. LSU
3. Ark
4. barn
5. Miss St
6. A/M
7. Ol'e Miss

 

[TerryP]

I can't form an arguement that supports my heart which wants to believe that we will win this year in Baton Rouge. LSU has a great number of flaws, but a ton of talent...enough talent as long as they don't shoot themselves in the foot. That loss in New Orleans was epic by any standard, but even more so considering that it was LSU in Lousiana. The arguement that I can't counter is that the Tigers will have every reason to be epically focused. If LSU, with that talent, in Baton Rouge does not blink they win. That is what I see it coming down to. I don't think they blink this time.

When have we seen LSU epically focused?

Here's a few thoughts on this game, brief albeit, that should give you an indication on why I'm thinking this way right now.

Earlier in the thread Bird37 mentions their QB being a question mark. To that, I disagree. Mettenberger is what he is: strong armed kid who is a pocket passer. What's LSU track record when they've had a QB that was based out of the pocket?

In our games, 2007 was the only LSU win with a true pocket passer. And even then, there was every chance in the book to have won that game. It was Saban's first year and I don't think you'll disagree it was a year of learning. In 2008 and 2009 they were limited to a pocket passer as well. The games weren't blow outs by any means but they weren't able to rely on a single threat out of that position to catch our defense off guard.

When they've had a legit dual threat coming out of the QB position we've been beaten. Mett doesn't supply that threat.

LSU didn't blink in January. They were blind. Using Louisiana and the game being played in Baton Rouge carries little weight with me. People consider it as a tough place to play. I consider it as a loud place to play. Fact is, they carry one of the smallest home field advantage margins in college football. (granted, a lot of that is due to wins on the road as well) A crowd being loud has its effect on offensive play when it is disrupting communication. That's negated considering the experience in our offensive line and backfield.

Focus? Like Mathieu? Like Miles? Right now, I'm hoping they continue to think about Jan. and have that revenge on their minds. Revenge as a motivator doesn't trump one play at a time, take care of your responsibility, follow your assignments. In fact, it's a crap hand to play.

I don't disagree with your statement about the talent they are going to field. I do question their offensive capability when it comes to game-planning. Not only was their plan in Jan. an epic fail, they continued with the same approach for four quarters. What are they going to bring that gives them an added edge this season? Now they have a QB that can pass? LSU didn't have problems on offense in the other games they played last season. Now we're getting back intoi the first part of this post.

Two things to close:

Watch the UF game closely. If UF can find an offense, there's a good chance LSU has a loss by November.

Our defensive line is stronger than anyone is giving them credit for being. Our OL vs their DL is an even match-up right now. You'll see why I feel our DL is better than their OL by the time November rolls around, if not sooner.

 

[TerryP]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>"Leaders say let's go, not sic 'em." -- Paul W. Bryant</p>&mdash; Roll Bama Roll (@rollbamaroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/rollbamaroll/status/226507039306813440" data-datetime="2012-07-21T02:41:01+00:00">July 21, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

Our defensive line is stronger than anyone is giving them credit for being. Our OL vs their DL is an even match-up right now. You'll see why I feel our DL is better than their OL by the time November rolls around, if not sooner.

The play at the line of scrimmage is my BIGGEST line of thinking about 'Bama's success this year. You mentioned the biggest issue playing at LSU was communication--> Barret Jones had a quick side interview by ESPN (not Chris Lowe) where he said they are really focusing on communication right now b/c there is plenty of talent but they just need to focus on lining up. Considering Barrett's GPA I feel pretty good w/ him at the helm, especially by the time that game comes along. I have every reason to think we have the best OL in the nation this year & that DL will be facing them every week... they'll be ready.

Also, LB's, CB's, & Safeties typically seem to have figured it out by every November while under CNS. I feel good with them facing a pocket passer QB considering CNS biggest November gaff was the C Newton freak of nature.

Oh, I'm willing to bet our 'inexperienced' WR's are just foaming at the mouth to gang rape the honey badger again, especially considering M Claiborne is not there anymore.

 

[LBS]

When have we seen LSU epically focused?

Here's a few thoughts on this game, brief albeit, that should give you an indication on why I'm thinking this way right now.

Earlier in the thread Bird37 mentions their QB being a question mark. To that, I disagree. Mettenberger is what he is: strong armed kid who is a pocket passer. What's LSU track record when they've had a QB that was based out of the pocket?

In our games, 2007 was the only LSU win with a true pocket passer. And even then, there was every chance in the book to have won that game. It was Saban's first year and I don't think you'll disagree it was a year of learning. In 2008 and 2009 they were limited to a pocket passer as well. The games weren't blow outs by any means but they weren't able to rely on a single threat out of that position to catch our defense off guard.

When they've had a legit dual threat coming out of the QB position we've been beaten. Mett doesn't supply that threat.

LSU didn't blink in January. They were blind. Using Louisiana and the game being played in Baton Rouge carries little weight with me. People consider it as a tough place to play. I consider it as a loud place to play. Fact is, they carry one of the smallest home field advantage margins in college football. (granted, a lot of that is due to wins on the road as well) A crowd being loud has its effect on offensive play when it is disrupting communication. That's negated considering the experience in our offensive line and backfield.

Focus? Like Mathieu? Like Miles? Right now, I'm hoping they continue to think about Jan. and have that revenge on their minds. Revenge as a motivator doesn't trump one play at a time, take care of your responsibility, follow your assignments. In fact, it's a crap hand to play.

I don't disagree with your statement about the talent they are going to field. I do question their offensive capability when it comes to game-planning. Not only was their plan in Jan. an epic fail, they continued with the same approach for four quarters. What are they going to bring that gives them an added edge this season? Now they have a QB that can pass? LSU didn't have problems on offense in the other games they played last season. Now we're getting back intoi the first part of this post.

Two things to close:

Watch the UF game closely. If UF can find an offense, there's a good chance LSU has a loss by November.

Our defensive line is stronger than anyone is giving them credit for being. Our OL vs their DL is an even match-up right now. You'll see why I feel our DL is better than their OL by the time November rolls around, if not sooner.

Focus/Motivation:
Whereas being focused is not an LSU strong suit, the reason that I see this as a likelihood is the unprecedented motivation in play. If "Never Again" gains tracking for us after a humiliating loss it has to be as well for them; they lost what could have been the chance to have the most impressive season by any team ever (IMO). My previous citing of the Superdome loss was not about an advantage during the game but about the way that getting spanked in their own neighborhood stokes their fans to remind them again and again. If CLM can't get them focused now One has to include lack-of-focus as one element that can be counted on from an LSU team regardless, like quality players and drunk fans.

QB play:
(I help an hurt my assessment with these comments.)
I believe that LSU is helped more by having a good passer than they are hurt by what is lost with the differnece between Metts running ability and that of Jefferson. Let me cite AJ's ability. From the first to the second game AJ's passing skill improved, but nowhere near as much of an improvement that LSU should enjoy wiht Mett. The suttle ability to get the ball to the right receiver, but do so to that right spot, allowed AJ to be the MVP. LSU came nowhere near that with their passing game, but they could with Mett - could.

That said, I noted that LSU would field a different QB this year as a reason LSU would win (another close one). It occures to me now that we too will field a different QB. I now look for AJ to much better than he was in November, and better that in the BCS game as well. Expecting no improvement between now and November is silly on my part.

I still think LSU will take it -- (Opinion as of 21July2012. subject to change at anytime, and likely will repeatedly, but when it does I will be right then too. Just ask me. I'll tell you that its the case.inkbiggrin

 

[silvermetalflake]

The Bama / LSU game this year is a night game. Correct me if I am wrong but the Tigers are 31-0 in RS night games. And thinking back to their horrific BCSNC collapse and in contrast to this year's RS match-up, one can't help but to remember the ole' saying.... "the wolf climbing the hill is always hungrier than the wolf on top." The BCSNC this year is no greater evidence of that in terms of Bama. The problem is... this year LSU is the hungry hill-climbing wolf. Realizing that, a NC caliber game by Bama will be enough; anything less and it'll be 32 - 0 for LSU night games IMO.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

1) Bama
2) LSU
3) Arkansas
4) aubrun
5) Aggies
6) State
7) Ole Miss

 

[TidePride50]

1. Bama
2. LSU
3. Arkansas
4. MSU
5. Auburn
6. A&M
7. Ole Miss

 

[TerryP]

The Bama / LSU game this year is a night game. Correct me if I am wrong but the Tigers are 31-0 in RS night games. And thinking back to their horrific BCSNC collapse and in contrast to this year's RS match-up, one can't help but to remember the ole' saying.... "the wolf climbing the hill is always hungrier than the wolf on top." The BCSNC this year is no greater evidence of that in terms of Bama. The problem is... this year LSU is the hungry hill-climbing wolf. Realizing that, a NC caliber game by Bama will be enough; anything less and it'll be 32 - 0 for LSU night games IMO.

That's a deceiving statistic and it's not accurate as well.

On weekends where LSU is hosting a game of importance, you've got CBS jumping all over it in their selections therefore putting it as an afternoon game. The last game of importance—as in playing a team that's good that year—at night in Death Valley was against Florida in 2009. LSU lost.

Look at the teams they played last year as an example. Arkansas was a good one and they met in the afternoon. A 7-6 Florida team visited Tiger Stadium last year: 3:30PM kickoff CBS. Auburn visits LSU last year; 3:30 kickoff CBS.

 

[bamaraider]

The Bama / LSU game this year is a night game. Correct me if I am wrong but the Tigers are 31-0 in RS night games. And thinking back to their horrific BCSNC collapse and in contrast to this year's RS match-up, one can't help but to remember the ole' saying.... "the wolf climbing the hill is always hungrier than the wolf on top." The BCSNC this year is no greater evidence of that in terms of Bama. The problem is... this year LSU is the hungry hill-climbing wolf. Realizing that, a NC caliber game by Bama will be enough; anything less and it'll be 32 - 0 for LSU night games IMO.

Many of those games have been against weaker teams such as Mcnee State, Ole Miss ('10), AU ('09). I'm not saying Death Valley isn't intimidating, it certainly is the hardest venue in all of college football and one of the loudest, but against Alabama I don't see it being a factor with experiences in the National Championship and @Penn State