Alabama 35 Arkansas 7!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
SEC football on a Thursday
Thursday, September 24, 2009
It feels so good to have a SEC match up on a Thursday night. Check out some SEC predictions for Week 4 in the SEC from the Birmingham News. Doug Segrest is going with the trendy pick (Ole Miss), we'll see if they are for real when we show up it Oxford. Before we start scouting both Ole Miss and the Gamecocks, let's check in with our Crimson Tide.
This year, the Tide benefits from a great 2008 recruiting class. Julio Jones man-handles secondary, Mark Ingram levels linebackers, Dont'a Hightower stands up running backs, and Terrence Cody plugs up the middle. But three games into this season, we have only seen the surface of what defensive end Marcell Dareus can do. Chris Low of ESPN.com has a unique perspective on who will be the Head of the 2008 class.
PJ Fitzgerald was removed from the rankings of the nation's top 20 in individual punting. This slip is welcomed tumbled, because Fitzgerald no longer qualifies for the listing because he has not punted enough. With his dismal nine punts for the season, he averages 44.7 yards per attempt.
Flexibility and numerology
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
With our first SEC opponent looming on the horizon, we take a look at the personality of our offense. Already the Crimson Tide has amassed over 803 rushing yards in three games and four players have over 100 rushing yards. And to top that stat off, the leading receiver for the Tide, is Mark Ingram with 10 catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns. With four outstanding running backs, Coach Nick Saban has the flexibility to feel out each game and insert the running back with the "hot hand".
If you believe in numerology, 2009 would be a likely year for the Crimson Tide to win an SEC Championship, because they have been successful in 1979, 1989, and 1999. Of course, Coach Saban would tell you that is all nonsense, but this weekend's game against Arkansas will be a good indicator of our chances to perpetuate this myth.
Even though the Crimson Tide ranks second in the Nation on rush defense and third in the nation in total defense, we still have some room for improvement. One of those areas would be the turnover margin. As of right now, the Tide's margin is zero, because they gave up three turnovers and recovered three.“We have to get more takeaways,” middle linebacker Rolando McClain said. “That’s something that Coach Saban’s been harping on. We’ve done a great job of playing hard. ... But in order to be a great team, we have to get takeaways.” Hopefully the focus on turnovers will negate the prolific offensive mind of Bobby Petrino this weekend
Happy Monday! Ready for a Hog Roast?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Monday Links:
Trent Richardson, Mark Ingram, Terry Grant, Roy Upchurch, and even McElroy have created a powerful rush attack this year. We are averaging 267.7 yards per game rushing. Check here and here for more stats articles.
When will Julio Jones (bruised knee) and Roy Upchurch (ankle sprain) return? We still don't know, but Saban said they will practice today.
ESPN's Mark Schlabach thinks we are the team to beat. Read his article here. (You will need to scroll 2/3 of the way down)
Do you think Arkansas' loss to Georgia will hurt them against Bama? Read this article.
Alabama continued to spread out the pass attack against North Texas. I expect McElroy to continue to spread the love when Julio returns. Did you know that ll players recorded a reception against North Texas?
Arenas had a spectacular game against North Texas. We just need to get him in the endzone. Read here what his hometown of Tampa Bay wrote about him.
ESPN's Chris Low thinks we are right on the heels of Florida for the #1 spot in the SEC. Read his blog post here.
Has anyone noticed Mt. Cody getting some more playing time on the offense? Read more on his role in the Elephant Package.
RTR