🏈 Will we play the most complete games of the season in the next few weeks?

[RollTidePGH]

I just wanted to get some thoughts on this. I have a feeling that now with the SEC and National Championship pressure now gone, that our young players and heck, some of our older players will focus on simply becoming better rather than sweating over the consequences of a loss. Or being "result oriented, rather than process oriented" like CNS said.

This is still a very talented team that's suffered a couple of tough road losses. So far on defense we've seen freshman play like freshman a few times in these big games and considering the loss of leadership from last year, maybe they haven't had the on field corrections that they needed. The offense, well that's a different story; possibly they've been trying to play against an impossible standard from last year. Maybe they open up a little and start taking some chances now that there isn't any "championship" pressure.

A lot of maybes, I know, but I'm thinking that the team plays a little less tight and starts thinking a little faster out on the field, from here out, since the consequences of losing aren't so great. What do you guys think?

 

[bama29fan]

i really hope so and it's very possible

But reading some of the players recent quotes has me feeling they dont have their minds right and are not motivated.

hope i'm wrong

 

[gumboman]

Watching them play should solidify your feelings.

 

[bama29fan]

Watching them play should solidify your feelings.

Who's? mine or rolltidepgh?

 

[jdpas29]

some of the defensive players appear to be going through the motions... particularly the D-line. the secondary has no clue what is going on. Alabama will be lucky and i do mean lucky to win either the msu or auburn game.

 

[TideAlum05]

i really hope so and it's very possible

But reading some of the players recent quotes has me feeling they dont have their minds right and are not motivated.

hope i'm wrong

What are they saying?

 

[ExiledTidefan]

From the body language at the end of that LSU game, and the fact that the defense in general hasn't celebrated too much this year, they are cashing it in. And that is hard to believe, that a mostly Saban recruited, Saban coached unit is simply quitting and cashing it in for the season. MSU will eat us alive, and Auburn's liable to hang 40 on us.

Now, back to reality: There is still very much to play for. This team has very long shots of playing for the SEC title, and a BCS bowl birth. Aside from that, there is protecting the home field, which we now do not leave for the rest of the season. There is the effort that is required to accomplish personal goals, and show out for NFL scouts who may be watching. That directly impacts the players' future bank accounts...I'd take that seriously. I'd play my a$$ off if I thought someone was there who could make me very, very wealthy. The young guys are coming back next year, and there might be an open competition for some of the positions, so some fresh blood might hit the field with some enthusiasm, and make plays where the starter didn't.

Lastly: Pride. All of the money and possessions of the world cannot substitute for pride in ones' self. Pride of beating Auburn 3 straight times, and every year of ones' career (juniors and under I'm talking about.) Pride of never losing to State or Auburn as a starter. Headhunter mentality of being the ONE TEAM to stop Newton.

It's out there. We can be 10-2, or we can be 7-5.

 

[TideAlum05]

It's out there. We can be 10-2, or we can be 7-5.

We can't be 7-5.

 

[UAgrad93]

I don't think anyone has cashed it in. I think there is some frustration in some of the younger ones struggling in the prime spots. This bunch is a young bunch with only 9-10 seniors and only 5 of those contribute significantly. We are suffering some growing pains that we will have to go through. I expect these guys to play lights out at home the next 3 weeks. They seem to be alot more comfortable at home in front of the HOME crowd.

 

[ExiledTidefan]

We can't be 7-5.

We couldn't be 6-6 in 2007 with La Monroe still left on the calendar either, could we?

Ga State is not a fit enough opponent to play 15 against our 11 on every down, and be able to compete. But there is a reason why the game is actually played. if it's math your struggling with:

Currently 7-2.
Three games remaining.
Lose all three: 2+3=5.
7-5.

 

[bamadezz]

I don't think anyone has cashed it in. I think there is some frustration in some of the younger ones struggling in the prime spots. This bunch is a young bunch with only 9-10 seniors and only 5 of those contribute significantly. We are suffering some growing pains that we will have to go through. I expect these guys to play lights out at home the next 3 weeks. They seem to be alot more comfortable at home in front of the HOME crowd.

What he said.

Seriously, I couldn't agree more. These guys have looked great at times and looked awful at times. I do see some talent that is only going to get better in time.

 

[AFF]

What he said.

Seriously, I couldn't agree more. These guys have looked great at times and looked awful at times. I do see some talent that is only going to get better in time.

Agreed