Alabama vs. Arkansas: Post Game Analysis

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.

Alabama vs. North Texas: Post Game Analysis

Bama looked fantastic in nearly all facets of the game in this contest.  After a first play "fumble," the offense scored on its next six straight possessions including a 95 yard drive after the turnover.  The defense gave up just 7 first downs all game and really only two bad plays.  One, a third and long where the North Texas QB rolled out right and completed a great pass into triple coverage.  Special teams did alright as well.  The only long kick return given up was called back on a holding penalty, but there were two missed PATs.  Arenas as always looked great in the return game.

Greg McElroy looked nothing short of fantastic.  13/15 176 yards 2 TDs and most importantly, Zero INTs.  He also added a rushing TD and a long third down run for a first down.  With G-Mac at the helm, I don't see a way BAMA can lose all regular season.

The running game was fantastic as always.  Mark Ingram led the way with 8 carries for 91 yards with a touchdown.  Freshman Trent Richardson carried 11 times for 87 yard and a touchdown.  But the most carries goes to regular third teamer and former starter Terry Grant with 19 carries for 79 yards and 2 scores.  The offensive line is starting to gel as a unit.  BAMA running the stretch play to either side is like watching poetry in motion.

The difference between this season and last season is depth.  Last season, when a player went down with injury, we didn't have anyone to fill in.  This season, a parade prep-high school all american goes down with injury, and we've got a pair waiting in the wings to follow.  Next season, it is likely we will have 3, THREE Elite 11 quarterbacks on the roster ---- and all of them will be sitting on the bench.  Star Jackson, AJ McCarron, and Phillip Sims will all be behind Greg McElroy.  What a great problem to have.  And at running back, Grant and Goode are both 4 star players, and never mind third string five star runner Trent Richardson.


Grades:
Offense:  A
Defense: A- (would have been A+ if it wasn't for the lone touchdown)
Special Teams:  B+

Next up for Alabama is Arkansas with Michigan transfer Ryan Mallet leading the Razorback offense.  Get a good look at the Razorbacks tonight against Georgia on ESPN at 6:45 CST.