As a matter of full disclosure, I did not watch this game. Since 2001 I have only not been able to watch, listen, or go to live exactly 3 games - UTEP in 2001, 2006 Vandy (and that was a computer issue), and then this afternoon. But I watched the GameCast, and got updates as best I could, so this update will be done as best as is possible.
Despite what the 35-7 final score might indicate, Alabama was quite sluggish in this game punting on all three first quarter possessions. Different story in the second quarter though with back to back scoring drives. Alabama was driving down the field well before Trent Richardson broke four tackles and busted 52 yards for the first touchdown. Then, after forcing an Arkansas punt, we had "The Play." Wildcat snap to Ingram, Jet Sweep handoff to Terry Grant, Pitch Back to normal QB Greg McElroy, and a bomb to Julio Jones down the middle of the field. But after that play, two more first half punts, followed by a 3rd quarter punt before the 80 yard TD strike to Marquis Maze.By the end of the game however, Bama just simply out talented the Hogs and ended up dominating in the end.
While I love the big play, it doesn't actually show what your team is capable of, and that is what happened to Alabama this afternoon. Sure they look great, but if you have to rely on trick plays, broken tackles, and missed tackles, it isn't a formula for long term success. While I'm happy with the win for sure, I'm not happy with the way we got to it done on offense; at least not early in the game. Now defense! There is another story. Outside of MAYBE Florida there is not a better defense in the nation than Alabama. The injury to Donta Hightower could hurt the defense, but there will be someone who can step into that role for sure. It will just be a matter of who.
But a 35-7 win can't be all bad. Greg McElroy had a career game(17-24 291 yards 3 touchdowns). That kid just keeps getting better and better and may find his name on the Heisman Trophy list by the end of the season. The emergence of Trent Richardson continues, Julio Jones caught his first touchdown since the Georgia game last season, and the defense looks simply amazing. Once again the Tide racked up over 400 yards of offense. Penalties are a slight problem with another 7 today however. Alabama has a very strong case to be named #1 in the nation and will likely get some votes in the poll this week. I still think #3 is the proper spot for Alabama behind Florida and Texas however.Next up for Alabama, a morning tilt vs. Kentucky on the road next weekend. I will be there sampling the local fare and watching what I hope will be a major, dominating, Alabama victory.
You're giving way too little credit to our offense. Of course it's going to take a few possessions early to work our the defense. We can't expect to come out and dominate on offense right away against an SEC-caliber team.
ReplyDeleteWe have a great QB, the best running core in the nation by far, one I'd the best receivers in the country, and an o-line that is growing up in front of us. Our offense is fine, and combined with our defense makes us a pretty fiersome opponent.
I actually found our offense fairly impressive as well. Sure, I was disappointed with the running game but I like to see that when one aspect of our offense is struggling, we can really pick up the slack.
ReplyDeleteI was particularly impressed with the defense, which held Arkansas to the same number of points as North Texas a week ago, and had the esteemed Arkansas QB running for his life all game. Arenas was particularly effective on defense, and I think our only potential problems there are the absence of Hightower and the stupidity of Marquis Johnson.
Special teams did better than previous weeks, but it's pretty frustrating to see penalties take away huge returns. I think if we can reduce penalties and get just a little more in sync on offense, we have a real shot at both playing and beating Florida.
Its not that I think we played badly, but when you rely on the big play, it means you aren't dominating. Games are won on the line of scrimmage, and if we can't do that against Arkansas, we might have some tough games ahead of us against the likes of LSU and even possibly Tennessee in the coming weeks. Hopefully it is just a one game problem that will get fixed and we will be ready to go next week.
ReplyDeleteWe have the best stable of running backs in the nation, this much is true. But we just have to make sure they get going on a week to week basis. Its great to have a guy who can turn a 2 yard gain into a 52 yard touchdown, but you really win by guys churning out 5-6 yards a carry on a regular basis.
McElroy is a star however. First SEC road start this weekend. I know its only Kentucky but it will be his first true road test in a nearly completely hostile environment.
I also think that, justly or unjustly, comparisons will be made between Florida's and Alabama's performances against Kentucky. Like you said, its only Kentucky, but as Ole Miss (and almost LSU) found out, no SEC game should be taken lightly.
ReplyDeleteThe good thing is, I'm seeing improvement in each game Alabama plays, and I think that reflects some excellent coaching on both ends of the ball. I think our rushing issues and penalties will be worked on during the week, and a road game against Kentucky will help prepare McElroy for the environment he'll have to face the following week in Oxford.
I have to agree.. your not giving the offense enough credit,"Big" plays are a huge part of any good program, although I know its not the only thing that matters its still important to execute a big or trick play at will, look at the Gators. As far as McElroy goes OUTSTANDING and fun to watch will only get better as we get into the BIG games of the SEC. RTR
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog enjoy reading it keep it up
The Gators don't rely on the big play - they get them but don't rely on them. In this one particular game, we relied on them too much. You dominate teams at the line of scrimmage getting 5-6 yards a chunk on the ground. May be boring to watch, but it's how you beat teams in this game. Then, when the defense is dead tired, you beat them with the big play late!
ReplyDelete