🏈 Why should we expect Alabama to win?

[Tidestalker]

4. Our OL has not progressed IMO in run or pass blocking this season. Sure we do ok against some teams but once again, I ask, what did we do in the 3 games I have already mentioned? I can not put a finger on the problem since I am not at practice but I see lots of OL issues watching the game and many years coaching the OL. If you do not win the line of scrimmage, you do not run or pass the ball.

I see your point in most of this post - But the OL has been solid in run blocking. Hand offs to RB's were avg almost 7 YPC vs Auburn and Harris has been breaking off huge runs all year. It's the commitment to dominating the trenches that's another subject... Would love to see if the OL could sink or swim with a creative run game. Ultimately that would only help Jalen, IMO.

 

[TUSKtimes]

I see your point in most of this post - But the OL has been solid in run blocking. Hand offs to RB's were avg almost 7 YPC vs Auburn and Harris has been breaking off huge runs all year. It's the commitment to dominating the trenches that's another subject... Would love to see if the OL could sink or swim with a creative run game. Ultimately that would only help Jalen, IMO.

I just watched Army, one more time, basically, tell their opponent, we are going to run the football, period. Were not the least bit interested in watching the ball in the air, unless we're punting or kicking off. Instead, we promise to keep coming after your backside with a physical, relentless, rushing attack for 4 quarters. To their credit, they weren't stupid enough to come after anyone with the I formation, and they have absolutely no interest in being "balanced. " That's commitment folks. Imagine, the most hapless, flat our terrible and impossible to watch service academy for decades being the bullies on the block in this spread em out, finesse era of college football.

Did I mention, That's commitment.

 

[tide92]

If we try to "Army" Clemson, it will be run, run, run, punt over and over again. In the Army game, Army was the number 1 rushing offense going against a team whose rushing defense wasn't even in the top 25. If that was us and Clemson, then running every down might work. Our rushing offense is good, but Clemson is no San Diego St.

 

[TUSKtimes]

If we try to "Army" Clemson, it will be run, run, run, punt over and over again. In the Army game, Army was the number 1 rushing offense going against a team whose rushing defense wasn't even in the top 25. If that was us and Clemson, then running every down might work. Our rushing offense is good, but Clemson is no San Diego St.

No kidding. My point is that if you commit to what you do best, all things are possible. I don't think Army suddenly got a more superior athlete than what they had for all those losing seasons. They created a scheme and a rushing identity and made every opponent stop what they do best. In that, they only did one thing, shows how difficult that can be to get stopped. Alabama is not Army and can afford to be more balanced, but with one big similarity. Make them stop what you do best.

 

[XXL TideFan]

Wowzy Wowzy woo woo we're doomed

 

[TheChief]

 

[tide92]

No kidding. My point is that if you commit to what you do best, all things are possible. I don't think Army suddenly got a more superior athlete than what they had for all those losing seasons. They created a scheme and a rushing identity and made every opponent stop what they do best. In that, they only did one thing, shows how difficult that can be to get stopped. Alabama is not Army and can afford to be more balanced, but with one big similarity. Make them stop what you do best.

Just out of curiosity, what is it that you think we do best ? What would your game plan be on offense ?

 

[TUSKtimes]

Just out of curiosity, what is it that you think we do best ? What would your game plan be on offense ?

Just out of curiosity, why do you think that question is even necessary after 12 games of the season? It's good to have options, can you have too many? Do we get we bogged down in NFL multiplicity with a QB that has very specific strengths? Why does our running game thrive on going at the speed of light or punt?

Just a few questions I'm still wondering about after 12 games when it comes to our offensive identity. There has been a lot of discussion about our 3rd down conversion rate. The answer obviously win 1st and 2nd down and we win our share of 3rd downs.

Our recent failures have been on the offensive line as much as anyone else. If we don't come out more physical and focused as an offensive group, forget it. The X-factor on offense is Jalen's feet, so the RPO has to be central to a decent run game. Jalen needs to hit his reads better, quit running out of bounds 8 yards behind the LOS on passing plays instead of simply throwing the ball out of bounds. In other words, no hero ball and be quick and decisive in the passing game.

If we get Clemson's defense legitimately worried about that part of a dominant running game, the passing game with work for Bama well enough to create some balance. Otherwise, if we think we are going to fool them, or wow them with our multiplicity as we morph from set to set and then have to watch while Clemson plays to their strength for 4 quarters we will be a day late and a dollar short, again.

 

[BamaMD]

I don't mean to down Daboll, but hopefully he is working with Dan Werner. We need that creativity in our game plan to beat Clemson. Daboll is trying to run an offensive scheme that isn't well suited for college football. Especially without a dominate offensive line. One thing is for sure, we won't be able to run inside the tackles against Clemson. Our best bet is to exploit and confuse their secondary, thus making their coaching staff keep it simple defensively. We need some power packages/runs with 6 lineman. We have to counter all the NFL talent they have up front. Finally, Jalen has to play loose and spread the ball. Oh Sweet Baby Jesus, I miss Coker at QB.

 

[tide92]

After 12 games, I'm just not sure what our offense's identity is at this point. At times, we run the ball well and Jalen throws some good passes, but nothing seems very consistent against quality opponents. We look like superstars against the scrub teams, but against decent teams, we were exposed badly. It would be nice if Jalen could spread the ball around, but his decision making is not the best. He seems to make reads too slow and miss opportunities.

 

[Bama Guy]

I think Jalen is a little too conservative throwing the ball. I know Saban keeps the pressure on him to avoid turnovers, but we don't seem to take many chances in the passing department. Need to loosen things up a little. Jalen too quick to pull the ball and run. We also have some other receivers who are pretty good. If plays are designed for Ridley, Jalen is not the best with progressions. Design more plays where Ridley is not the primary receiver, but a decoy. I know we run some plays with this strategy, I am just making a case for doing it more often. Lastly, I am not a fan of two QBs, but I think we should put Tua in as sort of a change of pace to keep Clemson off balance. There......worth every cent you paid for my opinion.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Hell the jet sweep would be a welcomed addition to the current play calling...

Col Meyers....."Gunny, what is your assessment of the Bama offense?"
Gunny Highway...."Clusterfeck , Sir"
Col Meyers...."interesting observation Gunny. Carry on"

 

[alagator]

Col Meyers....."Gunny, what is your assessment of the Bama offense?"
Gunny Highway...."Clusterfeck , Sir"
Col Meyers...."interesting observation Gunny. Carry on"

I get that people are frustrated due to the loss to Auburn. But come on! That's taking to as far of an extreme as one can. It's like calling a sprinkle of showers a downpour.

Based on what you're saying UGA is a clusterfuck because their offense is ranked below Bama's: total offense, scoring offense, rushing offense are all below Bama.

 

[JoshB]

I get that people are frustrated due to the loss to Auburn. But come on! That's taking to as far of an extreme as one can. It's like calling a sprinkle of showers a downpour.

Based on what you're saying UGA is a clusterfuck because their offense is ranked below Bama's: total offense, scoring offense, rushing offense are all below Bama.

The offense is terrible, Jalen sucks, we dont stand a chance. That's what so many of these "fans" keep telling us, at least.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

I get that people are frustrated due to the loss to Auburn. But come on! That's taking to as far of an extreme as one can. It's like calling a sprinkle of showers a downpour.

Based on what you're saying UGA is a clusterfuck because their offense is ranked below Bama's: total offense, scoring offense, rushing offense are all below Bama.

With respect I don't get into rankings since when you play the little sisters of the poor the entire ranking BS goes out the window. What you see is when Bama plays elite teams that have the talent to stop what Bama does best then Bama can't counter effectively at what we don't do so well. Forget names at positions.....it is about execution at those levels....

 

[alagator]

With respect I don't get into rankings since when you play the little sisters of the poor the entire ranking BS goes out the window. What you see is when Bama plays elite teams that have the talent to stop what Bama does best then Bama can't counter effectively at what we don't do so well. Forget names at positions.....it is about execution at those levels....

That's no different than UGA, or Clemson. All three teams have had a somewhat easy schedule.

You're right, it's all about execution. Execution, and clusterfuck, don't belong in the same sentence. I also agree with those who have concern after seeing this team play AU. Still, a little premature to be dissing the offense so badly.

 

[TheChief]

If an execution fails, do you really get to go free?

Or do they just keep trying?

 

[TerryP]

I've thought about this thread six ways to Sunday and I'm still coming back to the same thought--it's not going to be about offense. My gut, brains, instinct...whatever you want to call it tells me this is a defensive football game.

In 2016 I was leaning in the same direction and it really was a defensive slugfest ... until we saw 40 points scored in the fourth quarter alone.

Last year when looking at the two teams it looked like another defensive contest. On paper.

Now, I'm back to where I've been the last to times Bama has faced Clemson. Honestly, O/U at 47 has under written all over it in my opinion.

 

[jdpas29]

certainly with Alabama's late struggles on offense and Clemson not having a factor like Deshaun Watson, I could see this being a lower scoring game. I'm just trying to picture Alabama dedicating to the running game, and for whatever reason, I just don't see them doing that. I think the offense will look just like it has in the last 2 SEC games which might be enough for 17-20 points at best. Not sure that beats Clemson with a good running QB that can also throw a bit. Miss St. ran over us with a few weeks back with a similar motif, and it wouldn't surprise me if Kelly was just as efficient as Fitzgerald in doing so.

The teams that challenged Clemson did so primarily through the air. Maybe that is a coincidence given that the better teams they faced were passing teams but.... we don't match up well if that is an indicator of how to win.

 

[TerryP]

Miss St. ran over us with a few weeks back with a similar motif, and it wouldn't surprise me if Kelly was just as efficient as Fitzgerald in doing so.

To be fair, when have we been able to make a judgment based on the game with Mississippi State considering it comes off the week Bama has faced LSU? We do see what kind of grit the team has that week (as evidenced by Jalen passing, btw) but it always critiquing a Tide team that's beat the heck up. That's not mentioning Bama lost two more linebackers vs LSU this season.

I'm just trying to picture Alabama dedicating to the running game, and for whatever reason, I just don't see them doing that.

I'm seeing this a lot differently that what is posted often around the 'net. People have complained about the number of carries the RB's have had this season without taking into account some of those went to Jalen.

Comparing '16 to '17 in terms of rushing attempts.

Auburn -6 (And we have to take into account the team coming from behind--it does factor in.)
MSU + 7
LSU there's a big difference. There's a big difference in LSU '16 when compared to LSU '17 in a few areas.

For the season Bama has rushed the ball more this year than last.

When it comes to the strengths of both teams, I have to give Clemson the advantage at QB and WR. I have to give it to Bama in RB's and the OL. I can see Clemson having several three and outs if they center on their strengths just as I can see Bama controlling the clock IF they play to their strengths.

But, what do I know?