šŸˆ Spring camp 2015: Tide through second of three scrimmages

-No QB stats? Interesting. Hopefully some info leaks out.

-I'm going to believe every ounce of Bo Scar hype until he doesn't look the part

-Glad JK is doing his thing. He is a game changer

-Run blocking must be pretty darn good... We never know how these scrimmages are framed, but the raw numbers are impressive
 
-No QB stats? Interesting. Hopefully some info leaks out.
Since the conclusion of the scrimmage yesterday, I've talked with four people who attended the scrimmage. All four opinions on who gets the job and who is best suited for the future were different. Two had the same starter, but different backups (Cornwell vs Hurts.)

I'm laughing at myself a bit when thinking about how this is playing out. In '14 I wasn't too keen on Blake taking the reigns but I had to weigh that against what Kiffin did with his QB's at USC and UT. I know I said it a million times that season ... "I don't like Kiffin's mouth, but I can't argue against the results he's had."

2014 = lesson beginning to be learned.

2015 brought a different story. I still didn't care for the side of Kiff we'd seen so often in the past, but I was more comfortable with his attitude—essentially muzzled by Saban. No one could argue with the results, again.

2016? I know I've said it before but I've no problems repeating myself. I've got no worries. None.

Some info has "leaked out," but it's not a breaking news type of report. The team is sitting where they were two weeks ago; CB, DC, BB, and JH. I'm looking around the conference and from my perspective we're looking at roughly 20% of the the SEC teams with a QB situation that's more stable than Bama's—largely due to returning starters, not potential
 
Since the conclusion of the scrimmage yesterday, I've talked with four people who attended the scrimmage. All four opinions on who gets the job and who is best suited for the future were different. Two had the same starter, but different backups (Cornwell vs Hurts.)

I'm laughing at myself a bit when thinking about how this is playing out. In '14 I wasn't too keen on Blake taking the reigns but I had to weigh that against what Kiffin did with his QB's at USC and UT. I know I said it a million times that season ... "I don't like Kiffin's mouth, but I can't argue against the results he's had."

2014 = lesson beginning to be learned.

2015 brought a different story. I still didn't care for the side of Kiff we'd seen so often in the past, but I was more comfortable with his attitude—essentially muzzled by Saban. No one could argue with the results, again.

2016? I know I've said it before but I've no problems repeating myself. I've got no worries. None.

Some info has "leaked out," but it's not a breaking news type of report. The team is sitting where they were two weeks ago; CB, DC, BB, and JH. I'm looking around the conference and from my perspective we're looking at roughly 20% of the the SEC teams with a QB situation that's more stable than Bama's—largely due to returning starters, not potential.
This is the type of post that make this site great...more of this, less high school pissing contests please
 
Since the conclusion of the scrimmage yesterday, I've talked with four people who attended the scrimmage. All four opinions on who gets the job and who is best suited for the future were different. Two had the same starter, but different backups (Cornwell vs Hurts.)

I'm laughing at myself a bit when thinking about how this is playing out. In '14 I wasn't too keen on Blake taking the reigns but I had to weigh that against what Kiffin did with his QB's at USC and UT. I know I said it a million times that season ... "I don't like Kiffin's mouth, but I can't argue against the results he's had."

2014 = lesson beginning to be learned.

2015 brought a different story. I still didn't care for the side of Kiff we'd seen so often in the past, but I was more comfortable with his attitude—essentially muzzled by Saban. No one could argue with the results, again.

2016? I know I've said it before but I've no problems repeating myself. I've got no worries. None.

Some info has "leaked out," but it's not a breaking news type of report. The team is sitting where they were two weeks ago; CB, DC, BB, and JH. I'm looking around the conference and from my perspective we're looking at roughly 20% of the the SEC teams with a QB situation that's more stable than Bama's—largely due to returning starters, not potential

I've been saying it, watch out for Hurts. I think he is going to jump some folks and see some time. Now I have very limited reference, but the words spoken about him from the start and his high school video have me thinking he may be what most were wanting to see from Barnett last year.
 
Since the conclusion of the scrimmage yesterday, I've talked with four people who attended the scrimmage. All four opinions on who gets the job and who is best suited for the future were different. Two had the same starter, but different backups (Cornwell vs Hurts.)

I'm laughing at myself a bit when thinking about how this is playing out. In '14 I wasn't too keen on Blake taking the reigns but I had to weigh that against what Kiffin did with his QB's at USC and UT. I know I said it a million times that season ... "I don't like Kiffin's mouth, but I can't argue against the results he's had."

2014 = lesson beginning to be learned.

2015 brought a different story. I still didn't care for the side of Kiff we'd seen so often in the past, but I was more comfortable with his attitude—essentially muzzled by Saban. No one could argue with the results, again.

2016? I know I've said it before but I've no problems repeating myself. I've got no worries. None.

Some info has "leaked out," but it's not a breaking news type of report. The team is sitting where they were two weeks ago; CB, DC, BB, and JH. I'm looking around the conference and from my perspective we're looking at roughly 20% of the the SEC teams with a QB situation that's more stable than Bama's—largely due to returning starters, not potential

As always... Saban ball is about defense & O Line play (run game). For much of last year the QB play was dog Sh*t... But since the D kicked ass and the run game was great, it didn't matter near as much.

Blake had the best year of any QB under Saban and it wasn't good enough due to the inability of that defense to get off the field, and a very inconsistent run game.

In 2010, we had the most offensive talent we've ever had, but the OL was marred with injuries and poor play so the QB there was a lot more pressure on the QB. I think Greg Mac spend that entire season in Shotgun... It did not look right. Since we've stuck with shotgun but found ways to use the power run game efficiently.

Bototm line - Saban's best teams have had to rely less on the QB. I'm hoping that's the case this year.
 
For much of last year the QB play was dog Sh*t.

I'll readily agree on the first third of the season being bad. But, as I recall, more than once we were told (not by Bama media guys, but by national pundits/commentators) that Coker was the most accurate passer after that Ole Miss debacle.

As I recall, minus those three games, he had about 300 attempts with around 210-215 completions for roughly a 70% completion rate. His TD to INT ration was around 3:1.

I know, I know. Here comes the "jet sweep skews passing numbers" lines from the "realist." My bottom line? The ball isn't on the ground or in the defenders hands.

Bototm line - Saban's best teams have had to rely less on the QB. I'm hoping that's the case this year.

There's another little point to be made here. Teams that have heavily relied on the QB position for win totals and season success seldom match those feats the next season. Look around the conference for a minute ... LSU after Mett, Auburn after Cam, UF after Tebow ... good year, followed by the next season being a disappointment for fans.

@Killer Instinct I fully realize we haven't had that dynamic QB over these past nine years (exception of that year AJ was 30:3 TD to INT.) That conservative style, as many have chosen to describe Saban's offensive philosophy, leaves us with the Tide sporting a winning percentage of @ .900.

** FWIW, it's my belief this "quarterback controversy" we've been fed for the last few years is contrived. While we may not like the timin ig (who wouldn't want the QB decided in the spring or fall) I think we can all agree that in the end the best player won the job.

I know this is an odd analogy in that I'm reminded of elementary math. I hated long division especially when I could figure out the correct answer in a matter of seconds. (Shit, insert common core ... but, I digress.) I tend to look at the results, not how they were achieved, when judging on the field success.

Does it really matter how they get there WHEN they ARE getting there in the end?
 
Does it really matter how they get thereWHEN they ARE getting there in the end?


I happen to agree with this, especially having the hindsight looking back knowing we won a Championship, BUT, it wasn't a lot of fun not knowing which Coker would show up. I do think by the end of the year his leadership and toughness showed what we hoped to see at the beginning of the season. Guess I'm on both sides of the fence here, because I agree with both of y'all.
 
I'm not worried about the QB position at all... not even slightly....

With this year's team, I am most concerned about the shake up on the OL for pass blocking. That was a bit of a sore spot at times last year and I would love to see it shored up. Otherwise, I think we're sitting in a good spot.
 
Does it really matter how they get thereWHEN they ARE getting there in the end?


I happen to agree with this, especially having the hindsight looking back knowing we won a Championship, BUT, it wasn't a lot of fun not knowing which Coker would show up. I do think by the end of the year his leadership and toughness showed what we hoped to see at the beginning of the season. Guess I'm on both sides of the fence here, because I agree with both of y'all.

I don't recall feeling that at all about midway through the season, Coker never had one of those bad games the last half of the season.
 
First 3-4 games, I was all for letting Henry carry the damn ball EVERY play! QB play sucked hind tit! Like @TerryP pointed out though, Coker came alive and grew into one of the more consistent QBs in the nation. We started seeing more passes down the field, not necessarily 60 yard bombs but we did see those and they did connect! While I love offense, I need a QB that throws for 4,000+ yards and the team go 10-3 each season. I'm happy with 2,500-2,800 yards and our team in the discussion come the 1st of December for the CFP!
 
With all this QB play stuff and the bantering about having an awesome QB....I'm reminded of an interview Finebaum did with Stallings several years ago.

Stallings stated, that if you establish the run on offense, stop the run on defense, and win the turnover margin.......you will win 70% of your ball games. Do a few things here and there, (special teams, kicking, etc) that is where you fudge that number on up a little higher.

Could it be, that Saban applies that mindset/philosophy to his QB play? Run the ball, call the right play, and give yourself an opportunity to win. By not having to rely on the QB and put the game on his shoulder all the time, we look like we have "game managers". We have heard CNS use all of his catch phrases about consistency and not making mistakes. Being a tremendous competitor, etc. I think that he is a big numbers guy from a statistical stand point. He will play the odds every time. I think in his years of coaching, he has learned what he needs to do to win, and sometimes it isn't pretty or flamboyant, but it is still a win.
 
With all this QB play stuff and the bantering about having an awesome QB....I'm reminded of an interview Finebaum did with Stallings several years ago.

Stallings stated, that if you establish the run on offense, stop the run on defense, and win the turnover margin.......you will win 70% of your ball games. Do a few things here and there, (special teams, kicking, etc) that is where you fudge that number on up a little higher.

Could it be, that Saban applies that mindset/philosophy to his QB play? Run the ball, call the right play, and give yourself an opportunity to win. By not having to rely on the QB and put the game on his shoulder all the time, we look like we have "game managers". We have heard CNS use all of his catch phrases about consistency and not making mistakes. Being a tremendous competitor, etc. I think that he is a big numbers guy from a statistical stand point. He will play the odds every time. I think in his years of coaching, he has learned what he needs to do to win, and sometimes it isn't pretty or flamboyant, but it is still a win.

No doubt.

His formula is to make the QB less important whenever possible.

The non championship seasons have come when the D and OL aren't dominating.
 
No doubt.

His formula is to make the QB less important whenever possible.

The non championship seasons have come when the D and OL aren't dominating.

I don't think I would say, "make the QB less important." I think I would go more along the lines of "put so much pressure and depend on outstanding QB play to win every game for you." I think Saban would take a 300+ yard game everyday from his QB as long as the mistakes are at a bare minimum, a la AJ in that 30TD to 3 INT season. Get us in the right play, whether it be run or pass, and execute.
 
With this year's team, I am most concerned about the shake up on the OL for pass blocking. That was a bit of a sore spot at times last year and I would love to see it shored up. Otherwise, I think we're sitting in a good spot.
From left to right:

Williams, Kirven
Warmack, Owens
Bozeman, Casher
Taylor, Brown
Womack Lashley
______

Hypothetically, out of the 60+ teams in the Power 5 conferences, how many of those teams do you think would love to have an offensive line depth chart that looked like that?

Based on what I've learned we're solid on the left side right now (assuming it's Rob, Cotton, RP.) @Tidestalker asked the other day if I'd rather see Williams shirt—in an ideal world I would. But, according to what we've seen, what I've heard, and what we've all read he's looking like the real deal even though he'll be a true frosh.

IF they start the season with CR, LC, RP, AT, and JW the running game should be better than last year as well as pass pro.

I'm still left thinking about one position; on the defensive line. They had a seven man rotation going last season and right now I'm seeing five. I'm hoping King is as good as they believe and he fills that sixth slot ... and hoping they are able to sign at least one more contributor from the JUCO / transfer ranks.

(I know Josiah Coatney arrived in T-town yesterday afternoon ... no idea if he's received an offer or if one is coming.)
 
my point wasn't regarding depth. it was in reference to cohesive play and, in particular, pass blocking. I have seen many linemen come and go at Alabama. Many who were great run blockers struggled with pass protection and vice versa.

It isn't much of a question mark with depth like this, but playing together as a group on the O-line is an art form in my observation and I have yet to see this group do it so... my verdict is out until after the first game or 4.
 
@jdpas29 My point was not to emphasize depth, but to emphasize what talent is sitting along the offensive line.

As to last years past pro, there was one sack in the loss; Nkemdiche about mid-way through the fourth. Yet, the Tide still scored on that drive.

Giving up 26 on the year makes that team average, I suppose, but I never saw it as a problem area. When the line did lose containment it normally happened with there was a guy like RN rushing—talent beats out talent the majority of the time.

Personally, I'm not worried about the line in that regard. I'll agree they need to gel like any other team or position group. I just can't see this being a weak spot considering the plethora of talent we're going to see in their WR corps.
 
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