2011 Season Almost Here

Another off-season hiatus is over for me.   Now it’s time to board the Crimson Express and start choogling on down to New Orleans, where this year’s BCS Championship will be played.

Ranked 2nd in both the AP and USAToday Coaches Poll, the Tide is looking strong once again in man-power.  They are missing several key players that led them to the national title two seasons ago, QB Greg McElroy, WR Julio Jones, DE Marcel Darius, and Bama’s first ever Heisman Trophy winner, RB Mark Ingram.   Those are some big shoes to fill.

Trent Richardson says no problem to filling Ingram’s shoes.  He did so for the first few weeks of last season while Ingram was out with an injury, and racked up some good yards comparable to what his predecessor did.

The signal calling duties are still up for grabs between sophomore A.J. McCarron and redshirt freshman Phillip Sims.  McCarron played sporadically in 2010 season, throwing for 389 yds and 3 TDs.  Sims is a virgin who will get his college football cherry popped on Saturday against Kent State.  But he is bound to be an MVP.  Coming from Chesapeake, VA, this guy was the starter during his four years at Oscar Smith High School with a 48-4 record.  And he didn’t go to Virginia Tech… a real MVP.  Between McCarron and Smith, the starter will be determined once they get out on the field.

Defensively, Bama will be a solid wall of elephants tough to break through.  Returning 10 starters, this is a talented defense is said to be the best in the nation.  The only question is how well the pass rush will be.

Many sports articles predict the Crimson Tide to go all the way, defeating Oklahoma in the BCS Championship game in New Orleans.  This season’s team has many similarities to the 2009 team… A new QB, talented and new starting RB and nice defense.  If the Tide can get past LSU and Arkansas, then they should have a 2nd national title under Nick Saban.  And continue the streak of SEC domination.

Bumpy Road Ahead

The Crimson Tide are well into SEC play  now.  It was a tough one when they took on then #10 Arkansas on the road.  Then it was #7 Florida at home.  Looking ahead, it will be a bumpy road full of obstacles.

Next up, they’re on the road at South Carolina.  Ranked 19th, the Cocks have a pretty decent passing game and are coming off a bye-week.

Then it’s Mississippi, who have a good rushing game and will be coming off a bye-week.

Long story short, every regular season opponent from here on has a bye week before they face Bama.  Along with South Carolina in the top 20, LSU will likely stay in the top 15 along with Auburn.  Very tough teams they are, especially when playing on the road in Death Valley.  Luckily for that LSU game, Bama will come off a bye-week.

Looking at the last game with Auburn, this one could very well be a matchup of unbeatens.  The Iron Bowl winner could very well be in the SEC Championship.

The defense needs to continue as they did against Florida, whether on the road and at home.  They got lots of experience stopping a tough team.  Continue on.  And the offensive line needs to keep opening holes for the Ingram-Richardson tandem.  Some things that shouldn’t falter for the Tide.

A+ For The D

Hey Kirby, you're smart

When we thought the Alabama defense would worry us due to having nine fresh faces starting this season, they proved us wrong against Florida.

Despite giving up over 200 passing yards from Florida QB John Brantley, the D forced four turnovers, including an interception  that C.J. Mosley returned for a 35 yard TD.  One interception was in the endzone as Brantley attempted a sissy Tebowesque jump pass at the 1-yard line on 4th down in the first quarter.  Another goal-line stand took place in the 3rd quarter when Brantley fumbled at was picked up by Courtney Upshaw.

There must be a reason Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart is named Smart.  Right before the 4th and goal on the 1 yard line in the first quarter, he was jumping up and throwing his arm forward gesturing to the defense to watch out for the jump pass.  Smart!

The Alabama offense didn’t put up big numbers, only 273 yards.  Though Mark Ingram had two rushing TDs, his numbers weren’t that great… 47 rushing yards for him.  Trent Richardson had 60.  Greg McElroy threw for only 84 yards, no TDs and no interceptions, completing 65%.  The only TD pass for the Tide came from Marquis Maze to Michael Williams for 19 yards in the second.

But with the way the defense played, the offense really wasn’t necessary.  Only two field goals for Florida and a final score of 31-3.

Up next for the Tide, at South Carolina, who had a bye week to prep for their beheading.

Tuscaloosa Animal Control Eyeing Gators.

Two top 10 opponents in a row.  That’s the way Bama likes it.  After they dominated the 2nd half for the win last week to make Arkansas to drop in the polls, a space opened for Florida to move up after whipping Kentucky.

Though Florida doesn’t have a “superhero” quarterback like they’ve had for the past few years, they are still a threat, especially against a young defense that’s still finding their strength such as Bama’s.  They need to watch out for the big plays… the long passes especially.

Bama’s offense needs to  come out striking fast, and be careful of turnovers… especially interceptions.  Florida has picked off passes 12 times this season.  McElroy had two last week against a really tough Arkansas defense.

Florida knows Bama’s strength lies in the rushing game and they will reinforce their already stingy rush defense to keep Ingram and Richardson from making big plays.

Like I always say, if Ingram can manage well over 100 yards, then they are looking good.  If over 150 yards like he’s had in each of his two games, then give them the win.

This series has been a marquee game the past two times.  One of the two teams have been ranked #1, with the lower ranked team winning and going on to claim the BCS title.  This time, the second part of that trend will not happen.

Roll Tide!

Pig Roast

Many places around the U.S. are known for their BBQ.  Memphis.  Kansas City.  And the entire state of North Carolina, where the base of the sauce differs from the East versus West part of the state.  But it’s not just the sauce that makes barbecue scrumptious, it is the pork.  And Fayetteville, AR  will have a lot of porkers to be cooked on Saturday when Alabama comes over for dinner.

Alabama’s offense is the best I’ve seen in many years.  Ingram is back.  Their rushing game has plenty of help with Richardson and Lacy.  QB McElroy is 2nd in QB rating and has the highest passing efficiency in the nation.  The other end of his passes has Julio Jones.

Like I said most of last year, if Ingram can manage at least 100 yards rushing, the Tide should not worry.  But it will be tough.  The Arkansas D has not given up 100 yards  rushing per game so far this season.  Last week, Georgia was allowed only 53 on the ground.  Ingram and the gang will need to find weaknesses to penetrate this fortress of porkers.

This should be a good game.  I see it being very defensive, low scoring, and a close one.  Look for special teams to make the difference.  The winner of this will be licking their chops for the SEC West title.

We’re Back

Yes, we are back.  By ‘we’, I’m referring to me working on this blog once again, and Mark Ingram who is back in the Heisman race according to ESPN.

People thought Ingram couldn’t be in the stiff-armed trophy hunt after missing the first two games due to recovering from knee surgery, but he sure proved himself last Saturday when the Tide went to Durham to give the Duke Blue Devils an exorcism.  Ingram put up 151 yards of rushing and two touchdowns in a game that produced the most points Bama has seen in 19 years.

Ingram isn’t letting a two week hiatus stop him.  On his debut run of the season, Ingram made a 48 yard dash to the red zone on Bama’s first play.  On his 3rd carry, he rushed 50 yards, and topped off that drive with a one-yard touchdown rush.

This weekend the Tide faces a potential Heisman candidate, Ryan Mallett.  Mallett has thrown over 1000 yards along with 9 TDs so far in this young season.  Pretty damn good.  Facing him and his Arkansas Razorbacks will be the first real challenge for the Tide as they start SEC play.

Pig roast this Saturday at 3:30pm ET!

Tide Rolls Spartans

In front of a crowd of almost 102,000, the Alabama Crimson Tide showed off their championship swagger with a 48-3 win over the San Jose State Spartans.  With Ingram and Dareus out, I had some mild concerns about the opener.  But after the first three minutes, I figured everything is working out good.

The rushing game, which was Bama’s strength last season, remained strong.  Trent Richardson scored two TDs, and freshman runningback, Eddie Lacy, scored two as well, along with rushing 111 yards.

Passing was great.  Greg McElroy completed 13 of 15 for 218 yars and 1 TD.  Backup QB AJ McCarron threw a TD too, an amazing one armed catch in the endzone by Julio Jones.

Defense forced one interception and held the Spartans to 175 yards of total offense.  Easy, considering the Spartan’s lack of offense.  But I believe that yardage total could’ve been less if Marcel Dareus was playing.

Dareus will not be playing next week when they host Penn State.  My stomach will be churning during that one.  I will have the Tums and Maalox ready.

2010 Season Begins

Eight months is a long time.  After basking in the glory of their 13th national title, and dealing with “rogue agents”, the Crimson Tide is ready to start their 2010 season.

Did I say ready?  With Mark Ingram out, and now, Marcel Dareus out for two games due to accepting $2000 worth of goodies from the party he went to in Miami, I wonder if the Tide is ready.

Yeah, we remember the concerns Saban had a couple months ago when Dareus was caught living it up at an NFL agent sponsored event in Miami.  Well, Friday, he was declared ineligible to play for the first two games.  One of the best defensive players on the team, Dareus was the one who knocked Texas QB Colt McCoy out of the championship game .  A big hit on defense.

San Jose State, a team that went 2-10 last season, shouldn’t put much of a hurting on Alabama.   A sub-par team the Spartans are, playing in a hostile environment called Bryant-Denny Stadium, over 2000 miles from their turf; they should be no contest for Bama.

Trent Richardson will have to pull through to keep the running game at top level.  Greg McElroy will have to be smart and know when to pass and who to pass to if he wants to keep his winning streak alive.  And the D, well, they just need to find their plan.

Luckily, with a weak team like the Spartans, this will be a training exercise to prepare themselves for the next game, which will be a tough one.

Injured Ingram

The season opener starts in a few days against San Jose State and there are have been questions on whether the Tide can repeat as national champions with a young defense.  Now, another factor is Mark Ingram.

Ingram will be out definitely when the Tide hosts the Spartans Saturday.  He injured his left knee during practice Monday and underwent arthroscopic surgery  Tuesday morning.  This was a good move by trainers and officials to have the surgery done ASAP so he can be fully ready by the time SEC play comes around against Arkansas on the 25th.

Ingram may not be playable against Penn State on the 11th.  But the Tide should have limited worries in their running game.  They have Trent Richardson, who can run about as good as Ingram.

The major impact this will have is Ingram’s chance at another Heisman.  He could easily rack up well over 120 yards rushing in the opener, which would set the foundation for his repeat Heisman chances.

Head coach, Nick Saban, says his injury is not a serious thing and he should be back in no time.

Let’s hope so, and hope for a quick recovery and rehab.

At The Top For 2010

The USA Today Coaches Poll came out today, and it’s no doubt, Alabama is almost a unanimous #1.

But this means nothing to Coach Nick Saban.  He stated:

“Preseason polls are based on what you accomplished last year. I don’t think what we did last year will help us win this year.”

True, but until Hell freezes over and there is an official playoff system to decide a national champ, being 1st going into the season keeps them in contention.  It is rare for a low ranked team to claim the title with the way things are decided with voters and computers.  You would need every team above you to suck throughout the season while you shine with wins.  So lighten up, Saban.

The Tide received 55 of 59 first place votes to put them ahead of #2 Ohio State with 4 votes.   Rounding out the top five are Texas, Florida and Boise St.