🏈 Thoughts From This Past Weekend

[BamaMD]

1. I finally had a chance to watch the game and we didn't play as bad as it seemed. Miss State has a future NFL QB running the show and he definitely brought his A game against BAMA. Miss State definitely had a good game plan and executed it well.

2. Yes, Holcombe looked bad, but so did Davis and Hand. Both consistently lost leverage and got pushed back. Buggs was definitely a bright spot.

3. Just curious to know if Daboll is working with Dan Werner. He ran a very similar and prolific offense at Ole Miss when he had the talent. We have the talent.

4. Hurts has progressed, but still locks on to Ridley. This could be detrimental as we venture forward and the competition stiffens.

5. The offensive line, well it is what it is. Hopefully the guys will continue to gel as a unit.

6. Tony Brown always seems to be a step too late. I wonder if he would have been more effective at safety? Really makes you miss Jackson and Baron.

7. Tempo. I haven't seen one team stop us on offense when we run tempo.

8. Return teams must improve.

Overall, the effort wasn't great, but not horrible. We got punch in the face and yet, we found a way to get the win. These are the types of games we learn from as a team, coaching staff and fan base. RTR.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Monday morning QB'ing

Five Takeaways Following Alabama’s 31-24 Win Over Mississippi State

1. There is no question that Alabama was hit in the mouth Saturday by Mississippi State. The Bulldogs had an excellent game plan to attack the middle of the field and took advantage of Alabama missing Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson at linebacker. While controlling the game tempo the Bulldogs racked up 172-yards on the ground rushing which is near twice the amount that Alabama has given up as a team per game this season. Aeris Williams ran the football 22 times for 98-yards and Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, who proved to be a problem all game long, ran for 81-yards and was 13 of 24 passing for 158-yards. If you’re going to beat or have a shot at beating Alabama you need the following: A solid run game or at least a game plan to expose Alabama’s now soft middle of the field, take the Crimson Tide out of Bryant Denny Stadium, and three, control the time of possession. Mississippi State held the football for 38:56 compared to Alabama’s 21:04.

2. The play of Jalen Hurts was marvelous, to say the least. I have not seen a cooler under pressure quarterback in a long time at the college level, his demeanor and poise are really incredible and you saw this when Alabama trailed 7-0, 14-7, 21-17, 24-17, until Hurts led the team on the game-winning scoring drive with just 25 seconds left in the game. Time after time Mississippi State brought the house and while Hurts was sacked five times on the night, he stood in the pocket at times and connected on some big third downs and that key 4th and five when the game was truly on the line to keep the sticks going. On the evening, Hurts was 10 of 19 passing for 242-yards with a touchdown and ran for 19 rushes for 40-yards and another score. He played exceptionally and to think he’s just a sophomore and is 23-1 as a starter at Alabama.

3. Alabama linebackers Keith Holcombe and Dylan Moses struggled on the evening. Holcombe, who was solid during the beginning of the season, had a tough time making plays and missed quite a few tackles on the evening against Mississippi State. Moses, a true freshman, at times looked lost and was out of position to make plays. These two are obviously in a tough position being thrown into a high-pressure situation against a team gunning for both of them, so that is an area Nick Saban and Jeremy Pruitt will focus on this week against Mercer. The play by Rashaan Evans and Anfernee Jennings, however, was solid and Evans’ play, once again continues to scream NFL talent.

4. Over the last few games, it seems that Anthony Averett has been getting beat straight up. If LSU or Mississippi State had a more efficient quarterback, Alabama could be given up big plays. Jordan Thomas, a big bodied receiver for the Bulldogs, seemed to have his way with Averett on the night despite having just one reception for 24-yards.

5. Josh Jacobs really helped spur the offense in the second half. He came out running possessed and looked the best he’s looked all year. Jacobs finished with six carries for 36-yards and really helped Alabama gain some offensive momentum. Then, Alabama’s Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough picked things up. Scarbrough had a run for 13-yards, Harris who would finish with 93-yards off 8-carries reeled off a 48-yard run and would score a touchdown on a 14-yard run in the 4th quarter. The depth of the running backs is still key for Alabama and proved to be a quiet difference maker in Alabama’s latest victory.

Recap of Marquee Injuries This Season For Alabama

Joshua Jacobs - Hamstring (Missed first two games)

Christian Miller - Torn Biceps against Florida State

Terrell Lewis - Torn ligament in elbow against Florida State

Rashaan Evans - Groin injury against Florida State (missed two games)

Anfernee Jennings - Ankle injury against Florida State (missed two games)

Miller Forristall - ACL against Colorado State

Da'Shawn Hand - MCL Strain against Ole Miss (missed three games)

Mack Wilson - Broken foot against LSU

Shaun Dion Hamilton - Fractured kneecap against LSU

Ross Pierschbacher - High ankle sprain (Will miss Mercer)

Key Quote From Saban’s Press Conference

“We’ve had more games missed by starters than I’ve ever been coaching. Not just at Alabama. So it’s difficult and does it have an effect? I think it does have an effect and it has a trickle-down effect, but the other guys are getting opportunities now and the thing we have to focus on is what do we have to have them do to execute and be able to get better.”

Post Game Stats on Alabama Football

SEC STREAK: With tonight’s 31-24 win at Mississippi State, Alabama has now won 22 consecutive SEC regular season contests (not including SEC Championship Games) dating back to a 38-10 win at Georgia on Oct. 3, 2015, the second-longest streak in school history. Alabama’s last loss was a 43-37 defeat by Ole Miss on Sept. 19, 2015. Alabama won a school record 27 consecutive SEC games from 1976-80.

JONES SETS CAREER HIGHS IN TACKLES: Alabama senior defensive back Hootie Jones finished with a career-high 10 tackles against Mississippi State tonight. Jones’ previous career best was six stops, which he had posted twice, most recently against Tennessee on Oct. 21.

RIDLEY’S SEVENTH CAREER 100-YARD RECEIVING GAME: Calvin Ridley’s five catches for 171 yards marked the seventh time in his career the junior has topped 100 yards receiving, which ranks No. 4 all-time at Alabama. Julio Jones (2008-10) is third on the UA career list with eight 100-yard games.

HURTS’ CAREER TOUCHDOWN RESPONSIBILITY: Jalen Hurts’ one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and his 26-yard touchdown pass to freshman DeVonta Smith moved his career touchdown responsibility total to 55. The sophomore remains in third place on the UA career list behind second-place John Parker Wilson (2005-08) who had 58 scores. Hurts has thrown 34 career touchdown passes and rushed for 21 career scores in 25 games.

HURTS NOW NINTH ON UA CAREER PASSING YARDS LIST: With 242 passing yards in tonight’s game, sophomore Jalen Hurts moved into ninth place on the Alabama career passing yards list with 4,428 yards in 25 career games. Freddie Kitchens (1993-97) is eighth with 4,668 yards.

Hendo’s College Football Top Six

1. Alabama 10-0 - Take on Mercer at home this weekend, then hit the road to take on Auburn

2. Miami 9-0 - Take on Virginia, then Pittsburgh on the road, then play Clemson in the ACC Championship.

3. Clemson 9-1 - Take on Citadel this weekend, then travel to South Carolina, then take on Miami in the ACC Championship.

4. Oklahoma 9-1 - Take on Kansas on the road, then host West Virginia

5. Wisconsin 10-0 - Host Michigan this weekend, then travel to face Minnesota, then play in the Big Ten Championship game.

6. Auburn 8-2 - Host LA-Monroe this weekend, then host Alabama

Early Look At Mercer

Mercer is 5-5 on the season and is coming off a 35-33 win over Western Carolina last weekend. On the season they are led by Kaelan Riley who has passed for 165 of 269 for 1,986-yards with a 13 to 7 touchdown to interception ratio. Their leading rusher is Tee Mitchell who has rushed for 569-yards.

Hendo - Henderson: Monday Morning Quarterback | BamaInsider.com

 

[Bamabww]

A couple of thoughts my son and I have talked about since the game:
The return of the jet sweep that featured Jacobs was a welcome sight for me. The fact is that motion created a lot of openings for our inside running game. I wondered why Najee didn't get in the game but thinking back, JJ and DH had the mojo and we didn't go any deeper.

We know there are other designed packages that Daboll has stored up just waiting on the right time to use them. Some of what Kiffin used to do with all of the wide stuff (lateral passes, jet sweeps, and fake jet sweeps to set up the inside run) etc. We'll see those quick passes out to Ridley like we used to do down the road. We'll do that more in our next "big" game to spread out the defense.

Only use 'em if you need 'em type of packages / plays.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Is Bo hurt?

 

[jdpas29]

He looked like it late in the game. I noticed him limping after a play and I don't think I saw him after that.

Would like to see Jacobs and Harris split duties if Bo isn't 100% against the Barn. Hopefully they are all fresh and ready.

 

[94 Grad]

4. Hurts has progressed, but still locks on to Ridley. This could be detrimental as we venture forward and the competition stiffens.

Ridley is the # 1 read on most plays and Ridley is open on almost every single play... so it's a bit hard NOT to throw it his direction. What you look for is if he's looking toward his #1 read and throwing into double/triple coverage, which Hurts isn't doing... so I would say he is READING his progression correctly... my opinion.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Ridley is the # 1 read on most plays and Ridley is open on almost every single play... so it's a bit hard NOT to throw it his direction. What you look for is if he's looking toward his #1 read and throwing into double/triple coverage, which Hurts isn't doing... so I would say he is READING his progression correctly... my opinion.

This is certainly true. If you want a Bama QB staring down a single receiver, I submit 2014 Blake Sims and his near fetish with Amari Cooper. Even then, nothing any defense could do about it.

Jalen is throwing the ball down the middle and everywhere else to a variety of receivers. He has shown the utmost confidence in true freshmen receivers all season. Henry Ruggs has caught some big balls for TDs. Devonta Smith just finished off the bulldawgs for goodness sake. Irv Smith is taking it to the house and making key first downs. Running backs are catching the heck out of the ball in this offense for TDs.

Frankly, Ridley has been more ignored than explored this season.

 

[BamaFan334]

Is Bo hurt?

He was limping off the field after that one play, but the video after the game headed to the bus he looks in high spirits and was bouncing around like there was no issue.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

No doubt injuries have really held back this team. Bama lost 7 starters off last years defense and those that replace those aren't as good as those departed. Neither Tony Brown or Hootie are topshelf players but they're still pretty good. Bama is a well coached football team and that more than anything might be the reason they're still in the Hunt. Is it possible this team has actually overachieved in 2017? The Barn game is going to tell us the real deal.

 

[UAgrad93]

Ridley is the # 1 read on most plays and Ridley is open on almost every single play... so it's a bit hard NOT to throw it his direction. What you look for is if he's looking toward his #1 read and throwing into double/triple coverage, which Hurts isn't doing... so I would say he is READING his progression correctly... my opinion.

NAILED IT!!! It is hard NOT to throw it in Ridley's direction when he is the 1st read or even 2nd read when he has DBs breaking their ankles trying to stay with him. He is a special route runner!

 

[50+yeartidefan]

Also...the very slow tempo that msu used.the game drugged....
Works if u can get the lead...
Bama survived...
Ok, clemson, nd, others have not...
We stopped lsu running......state has this advantage being after lsu....

 

[kbama15]

Bama slept through 3 quarters and finally woke or got woke by almost losing it all. I think it got their attention though.

 

[94 Grad]

Frankly, Ridley has been more ignored than explored this season.

I don't know how you would come by this... he has accounted for 34% of our total completions to date this year. Last year he accounted for 27% of completions... That's a decent increase in attention. Now that's just completions... I would love to see a "targets" stat, but I don't know where to find that.

Jalen is making the correct read when he unloads to Ridley or anyone else for that matter... I have hardly ever seen him throw into double coverage this year and with Ridley being as good as he is and being the #1 read on most plays, you'd expect him to get the lion share of touches... Nothing to see here, move along.

 

[alabama mike]

Jacobs was the offensive spark we needed this past Sat. night against MSU. Hopefully, he will see more minutes.

 

[Tidestalker]

That second half was EXACTLY how the RB rotation should be used. I can't remember the last time we got good production from all 3 backs in a meaningful situation.

Obviously you have to call enough run/screen/jets to incorporate all... Which has been a problem. Using them will only make Jalen and the passing game more efficient. Seemed like a perfect mix of Harris for body blows, Jacobs for specialty plays, and Bo for the knockout.

I know Bo isn't 100%, but frankly he's the 3rd best back anyway. Use him less and he will be better for it... The others got da wigglez he doesn't. RTR

 

[TUSKtimes]

I don't know how you would come by this... he has accounted for 34% of our total completions to date this year. Last year he accounted for 27% of completions... That's a decent increase in attention. Now that's just completions... I would love to see a "targets" stat, but I don't know where to find that.

Jalen is making the correct read when he unloads to Ridley or anyone else for that matter... I have hardly ever seen him throw into double coverage this year and with Ridley being as good as he is and being the #1 read on most plays, you'd expect him to get the lion share of touches... Nothing to see here, move along.

If you had quoted everything I said about Jalen and Ridley, my comments would have covered everything you just said to me. So, what point was I really making about Jalen?

 

[94 Grad]

If you had quoted everything I said about Jalen and Ridley, my comments would have covered everything you just said to me. So, what point was I really making about Jalen?

I'm sorry, that was a formatting error. The first line of my response was to you... the 2nd line was to the board and not directed at you directly. Sorry for the confusion.