Crimson Red Sports

Kicking game sucks with a capital "S"..can;t get KO's into the end zone, missed 2 FG's...punting not worth spit.

I am not a nervous nellie, but this team worries me at this point...OL STILL not giving 100%, DL getting a little winded...Maybe it's just the competition, but I think not..We have too many thigns to get right before the big games.

I just don't see the meanness, the desire to "make their *sses quit"..makes me think of last year's team..they may be readng and BELIEVING their own press clippings!

We lose a fumble, can't get one, can't get an interception, and this from a team like NT..????

I fear we are in for a rude awakening some time soon.  We AIN"T played nobody!

Hmmm, heavy dosages of valium is highly recommended.  ;)

My only comforting words are, "Coach Saban is more concerned about these issues than you, bamalum67."  And he's in a position to get it fixed.

Thanks for your concern; we'll get back with you.  Personally, I think the glass is 80% full, and I'm going to enjoy the ride as long as it lasts.

And I think they sacked our quarterback four times. Pretty bad when you're playing a joke team.

Foster is doing exactly what he supposed to on KOs.  We're golden on FGs under 35.  Settle down.

Yeah, we were doing that OL-shuttle among positions, like we did against Kent State.  Clearly that's a work in progress.

I don't know but I think the SEC "D" lines could be a problem for AJ. The 4th Qtr. the O-line opened up some holes for TR to run through. Those runs were proof if they will block he can go 70 or 80 yds in a hurry. Arkansas is going to be a big test. Our teams are usually measured by this game every year. RTR!

Barrett Jones played everywhere except right guard. He may have played right guard but I did not see him. This was a practice/work game. Alabama worked on passing, running, and special teams with different personnel. Almost all recieivers, running backs, QBs, O and D linemen, kickers,and linebackers played early in the game. This is truly a way to build the teams confidence and improve at all positions.  

At the end of game the defense got to work on goal line stops. Just what they had practiced all week. Team's not a well oiled machine just yet, but there is positive indications we are headed that way. This was a strictly business attitude displayed by the team towards a opponent that was hard to get up for.

We will know alot more after we take care of Arkansas, which I fully expect we will win.

+1 ^^^This^^^  :clap:

Hey great report. I agree that we will beat Arkansas but it will be very close like 1 to 4 points. RTR!

THIS!

To alum67 and old tider... I'm from your era ('69 grad) and I hear you.  This team scares me (but so did '66 undefeated team.)  Next two games (Arky & FL) will pretty much define our season.  If we can somehow win those two games, we can make it through to LSU and then we'll see how much this team has improved.

But for now, with these QBs and this OL, this team scares me.

I agree the shuffle makes everybody nervous except CNS I guess. He has to know something we don't or he would quit doing it. Maybe it's done to throw off coaches or to get strength to keep fresh legs on the Line. RTR!

Kick offs were high and deep allowing the coverage to stop the return, most were inside the 20.  Not sure what you were watching.

It did suck to miss the two FG's, but that is uncommon for Shelley.

He is building depth on the OL and every other position in case we need it later in the year.  This tells me that he is not really concerned about the short term and he thinks our starting players have got things covered.  He wants to get some depth at every position, which indicates to me that he thinks the biggest potential problem we might have is a key injury down the stretch during crunch time.  If that were to happen, how much better is it going to be that these guys have already played several games with this "shuffle"?  We don't want the injury game to be the first time that Jones plays at center, for example.  But think about it, CNS would not be worried about having a backup center IF he thought the first string center needed to work on some things, now would he?  The same goes for all of the other positions.  After 3 games it is clear that he is trying to build depth right now.  You don't worry about the 2nd string so much when you think the 1st string has issues to work on.  If the 1st string has issues, you get those resolved first and just pray you don't have an injury.  Building this kind of depth is a luxury only afforded to teams who are in good shape on 1st string.

I expect that we are going to maul Arkansas.  I know that they have been pointing to this game since last year, and I was very concerned about that before the season started.  To them, this is the game that transitions them from an also ran to a national championship contender.  They have been getting ready for us since spring practice.  It won't matter.  NOBODY will score any significant points on our D.  NOBODY.  This is not Auburn or Miss State where the plan is to ignore the defensive side of the ball and just try to beat somebody 52 to 49 with an onside kick with less than a minute to go.  They will be lucky to get in the 20's on our D.  They gave up 28 to Troy.  Yes, that Troy.  3 TDs scored by Troy's offense and 1 pick 6 by their D.  Troy gained 457 yards to 454 for Arkansas.  They may be another one of those over hyped teams that only worries about offense, in which case they will be clobbered.

I am not the least bit concerned about Arkansas.  Can we lose?  Absolutely.  But I think the more likely outcome is a victory with a score something like 31-20.

Very logical post SC but I think your score is off. I see the score more 40-10. With all the passing I think Ark will do I think we will get 1 if not 2 pick 6'es. Just a gut feeling the only thing that will back it up is the box score Saturday night.

I figure we will get some pick 6's too.  It was very hard, but I was able to resist the urge to give my usual score prediction of 98-0.

Well, you boys can post those scores in this week's pick 'em.  I'd be happy enough with 17-16; not thrilled, but we just need to win.  This weekend's games have shown how easy it is for a top-24 team to lose.  I think LSU and Oklahoma will lose a regular-season game.  Care to guess who will beat LSU?

A fact that some of you should keep in mind is that the average KO return is the 28 yard line. Those real high kicks make teams bring it out and risk fumbling, when the returner gets leveled with a NFL classic knock down hit. They'd be better off to fair catch the KO or take a knee. LOL

Now let me get off this thread before someone sees me.

I will post my score in this weeks pick'em. ;D  Bama will beat LSU

SC 98-0 would be great but CNS will show class and give the backups more experience about the middle of the 3rd qtr.

I sure hope it is Alabama but I hope we don't lose one game during the season because Boise is going undefeated. RTR!

Platoon ball is a thing of the past. Bama is shuffling guys in and out, early and often, depending on situational needs. HTH

Yeah I realize that. I'm talking along the lines of the backups backups/walk ons.

You are absolutely right about the KO coverage.  We are outstanding in this area for the first time under Saban.  I meant to post this before:  We will get a fumble recovery on a KO soon because of a big hit.  Write it down.

Cody needs some Red Bull to help his leg out. I wish he could get some height on them balls at least if he is going to go 39 yds only. RTR!

On a positive note, if we need him to pooch it inside the 5 he is the man.  :D

I only want to see him on the sidelines. That's not a knock on him. I just prefer TD's over punting.

#+

Well now that is one I agree with for sure. We are going to have to pick up the speed if we keep him on the sidelines though. RTR!

Ok, OK, I really don't need the valium..I am a realist, and I just do not see the DOMINANCE on the field from a defense that EVERYONE says is the best yet at BAMA and tops in the nation..nor do I see the dominance from an OL and RB's..one of whom is a HT candidate..

Some of you say CNS is holding back trying not to show too much..really?  Did any of you see his red faced sidelines tirade last night?  

I might concede that the staff is trying to check out 2nd and 3rd level players and to develop them and what better chance to do so than in games like this.  But then how do you explain the times the "ones" were in there and we failed to push short yardage for a 1st down, or to score in the red zone?

And you tell me that missing 2 40 yard FG's is not common for our kicker?  As far as I am concerned he was 0-2 at 40 yds last night. I gotta say there WILL be a game or two where we will need a 43 yarder to close the win..right now, I can't trust him to produce.

WRT the kick-offs, if we don't put it into the end zone, yeah, we MIGHT make a big hit for a fumble and recover..then again, we MIGHT just overrun the runner and let him loose for a big gainer, even a TD.  Might, Might, Might, If If If. Maybe Maybe Maybe. I say put it in the end zone and remove any doubt!

Hey, I am BAMA born and BAMA bred, got crimson blood..but I want to see see dominance from a no 2 in the nation team!

With all of your complaining you remind me of someone that was on the old TS forum, could it be??   ???  :)

It's not complaining, it's pointing out obvious areas of worry, instead of pumping sunshine. Read hscoach's stuff, he's seeing the same problems some of the posters are mentioning. Once again, TR was held up by a very inferior team until they were completely worn down and allowed long runs by EL & TR. Teams like LSU, Arkansas, & Florida aren't going to wear down like that. We were playing a team that was 3-9 in the Sun Belt Conference last year and 0-2 this year and has an absolutely awful defense.

 :dog:

I expected exactly what I saw, a sub par performance agaimst a less than sub par team.

I don't deny that there are some areas where we need to improve.  It may or may not cost us a game down the road, that remains to be seen.  The 2009 offense went missing the whole month of October and yet we still finished 14-0.  The 92 defense carried the team the whole year and we finished 13-0.

If you are hoping for us to field a perfect team, you will always be disappointed.  Luckily the other side is not going to field a perfect team either.  But even with some flaws, we can still win a lot of games, maybe even all of them.  If it happens, it won't be the first time an Alabama team with some flaws won the national championship.  So I will take it week by week and enjoy the ride as long as it lasts.

How many of you guys worried yourself for nothing over the Penn State loss that never materialized?  Where we perfect that game?  Of course not, but neither where they.  Does this mean we will win all of our games this year?  Of course not, but I like our chances and I am thankful that it is football season, Alabama is undefeated (so far), and certain other schools are in for a long and miserable season.

AMEN!! Anybody that expected Bama to look any different than what they looked Saturday hasn't been following Bama football for very long.. Those type games are no more than a pay to see scrimmage.

Gee Whiz, I am not trying to complain..I am simply seeing things as they are and they do worry me some..only because like everyone else, I WANT to see BAMA win every game, I BELIEVE we can win every game, I get so worked up during the big games, the close games,just like everyone of you..it is NOT just a game..I know its not life and death, but @#$! it! it's close!

Please accept my "concerns" as just that..not complaints..I am BAMA thru and thru win or lose,
Just not drinking the "koolaid"....yet.

And I do also realize that as much as I may be "concerned", CNS is far more so, and he has the means to make all things better..I think he has spoiled us.

 :shake: :lol: :rofl:

Let's see: we're 3rd in the nation and have outscored the opposition 116-17. If we give the Hogs a good roasting, I'll be convinced.

Bwaaaaaaa! Imagine that conversation betweeen Mandell and CNS:

"Okay Coach, we're stalled on the 20. Want me to pooch?"

CNS, "Naw. Give it all you've got. Oughta be just right".

Bless their hearts.

:lol:

#+

Not to worry.  Here is where we are.

Some people contribute to a forum to be part of the winning team.

Some join to strut their knowledge.

Some join to build up false credibility with "inside knowledge" (usually the 12-year-old kids on Mom's computer.

Some like to predict, then say "told you so".

We're all like Ole Yeller; mutts.  Welcome, Mutts.

Especially when she does her hair, Mom's pretty.

Usually when I see a post like yours, nothing but the negatives of the team, the first thing I think of is that the poster is a troll from another school and we all know how we feel about trolls. I'm not trying to slam you in any way unless you are a troll and you say you are not. I just struggle with some folks that only see the negatives and never any of the positives of the team. Sorry if I offended you. Roll Tide!! 

SHHH!!! He might hear you!

^^^ I posted last night on the barn board and didn't slam them as bad as 67.

Too funny!  :rofl:

Asking the O-line to block better and protect the QB better is not exactly asking for perfection. Yes, the 1992 team had many offensive problems, but their D was much better than this D in my opinion. Plus, we didn't face anyone in the SEC near as good as this years LSU, Arkansas, South Carolina, and maybe Florida. Also, we could have gotten very lucky, and I prefer we win based on our performance instead of waiting for lady luck to drop from the sky. I just don't understand why so many of my fellow posters get aggravated when someone is merely pointing out the facts. How fast we forget last year, when almost everyone was predicting 13-1 or 14-0 on this board and ignoring the fact we had lost 10 defensive starters, as if that was no big deal. Just saying.

 :deadhorse:


 ???

Did you see them do anything that was good?  ???

Are you referring to the O-line, the whole team, or something else?

 ???


 :D

Sorry, got called away to deal with a "deer caught in the fence".  Anyhow, I was trying to quote Stripes:



(http://unrealitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/billmurraystripes.jpg)

I can't speak for anyone else, but I am not the least bit aggravated.  You guys raise valid concerns.  I'm only saying that I will wait and see how things play out and enjoy the season, especially while we are still undefeated.

Nevermind.

Not to  :deadhorse:

Several of you guys were in school during the 60s like me.  You've seen lots of football.  I enjoy hearing all points of view (except maybe someone like dd stirring the crap).

My advice is that you should take the opportunity to ride the crest of this great time at Alabama.  It's been a long time (ever?) since we've been so successful recruiting and playing well for consecutive years.  

Bottom line: enjoy it (if you can).  Roll Tide.

Well said!!  #+

Exactly!  Remember how miserable we were in the decade prior to CNS?  We might not win the national championship every year, but we WILL be in contention for it every year for the foreseeable future.  We are bound to win multiple championships during this period.  Enjoy it while you can.  There will be down times in the future when all we can do is sit back and remember the good times.  Well, NOW is one of those good times.  Recognize that and enjoy where we are.

I stayed to the last play of the game last night just to watch the youger ones get their feet wet and enjoyed the heck out of it. 2stater did too.

This is what I'm talking about. I asked a legitimate question and the response I get is a smart-aleck putdown. The post referred to several things, including the 1992 team, our performance in the last game, the O-line, and other things. If you don't want to discuss a subject or clarify what you're talking about, maybe you shouldn't post. I enjoy discussing and/or defending a point of view, wherther mine or somebody else's. I guess some folks don't like to do that. This is why some folks won't post, because if they don't agree with everyone else, they are asked why are they complaining, compared to someone else in a negative manner, or treated like a fool when they ask a question. I just don't understand that mindset, where they act like they are being personally attacked if you say something negative about the Tide. Folks, it's a game, not life or death and no one is attacking your family or you.

My question to you was very simple, did you see them do ANYTHING that was good, is that being a smart alec?

hs coach points out both the good and the bad in his critique. No one has ever had a problem with that. But when I see someone listing just the negatives, it gives me the impression they are almost pulling for Bama to lose,-- so they can be right.

Not saying anyone did that. You'll have to examine your own post to see if you fit the bill. Most us of try to put forth the positives while reserving judgement on the weaker aspects, until they actually become problems. RTR

My sentiments exactly. Are there concerns out there? Sure, but seems to be many more positives, and as several have said, let's see it play out first before pronouncing gloom and doom. While these concerns COULD become problems (and there is nothing wrong with pointing out said concerns) try for some balance.

When someone asks you to clarify exactly what you are referring to and you respond with," Nevermind," yes, you're being a smart alec and trying to put them down and you know it. I was responding to several things in a post and I didn't know which item or part of the post you were referring to and I still don't know. Again, were you referring to everything in the post or what? I want to have a intelligent conversation with folks and share viewpoints, not be a cheerleader. The positives of the game are obvious as are the potential problems. I'm not worried about the positives, I'm worried about the possible problems. That's why I enjoy the info from hscoach, to help me understand why there might be a problem.

Why don't we just drop my part of this conversation.

I have a better idea, why don't we both just shut up about this. You're a good poster, along with most of the other folks on this site and we have spent a lot of time contributing to global warming with our hot air.

 :dog:

Whew!

When we beat the hogs, all will be forgiven!
RTR!!!!

Okay, I waited until after you guys ended your fight squabble discussion.  Glad you were both able to put it aside.

Here's a tidbit for discussion under the category of "sore points".

Can our 3-4 Defense get to the QB this week?  Last year we waited for the defensive line (and LBs) to pressure the QBs, but it never came until year's end.  This year I hope it's better.  Will this be the week that we see the QB on his butt regularly, like we see with other teams every week?

 :popcorn2:

I sense a break out game for the Monster.