Crimson Red Sports

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by Chechem (International CRS Reporter)

Sure, Saban did a better job of coaching during the game than Petrino, his players were better prepared before the game, and the players executed well.  But the most glaring aspect that distinguished Alabama from Arkansas on Saturday was the talent on the field for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama's consecutive years of success in recruiting became clear on both offense and defense.  And it included 5-star play from many of the young athletes, who finally had their chance to shine.

I was proud of Hightower, who lay sprawled on the field 2 years ago against Arkansas, then faced a full year of rehab.  Yesterday he crushed the vaunted Arky offense.

Dre had his best game, slamming receivers and RBs with crushing tackles, and hanging with potential receivers like a tick on a rock.

Mark Barron smashed the runs and crushed the receivers.

Trent was THE MAN we knew he could be yesterday, shedding tacklers and dragging players down the field.

Lacy powered over the D-line of Arkansas, using his spin move sparingly, and showing he can shine in big games too.

Maze was amazing, all day.  Hanks had a big 3rd-down catch.  Jesse came through with a big day.  Barrett Jones opened holes and took their best shot (a punch to the chin along the sidelines - no flag).

Bottom line: all of those recruits we expected to be good are as good as advertised.  This team is loaded with stars, and the offensive and defensive strategies employed elevate their talents and let them shine.

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Well said, Chech! I got goose bumps!  #+

(International CRS Reporter)   :dunno:  but I like the sound of it   :clap:

This game was one of those season changing games to me. So much has been said that Bama would win another national championship but I had not seen that kind of play from them. There was tons of improvement needed on the offensive side of the football but I hadn't really been sold on the defense either. I saw a total team effort yesterday, improvement in all areas.

What I saw that really impressed me with the defense was the way the players communicated with each other, I had not seen that in the earlier games. This is a must if they are to reach their goal. Their tackeling skills are so much improved over last year.

I was proud of the OL, they still need more consistency, but they did a much better job yesterday. If I had a dissapointment from them, it was the inability to score when they were on the 6 inch line with first and goal. I don't put all the blame on the line for this, the backfiled looked very disorganized as well.

The special teams continue to do a good job, especially the kick team with their coverage, we haven't seen a long return yet.

This team is working it's way toward being very special, but it will take the continued improvement from all them in each game, whether it's an LSU or a Georgia State.

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/Chechem_2008/CRSCat.jpg)

Cat and I were correspondents from overseas this past summer.  I just took the liberty to designate myself ... well.. :-[

very good piece Chech   :clap:   
I have to admit , they surprised me a bit yesterday the way they played
your story sums it up quite nicely

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Well said Chechem.  I've been watching Bama defenses since 1959 and this one is up there with the best of them.  OL better but no excuse for not getting in from the 1-yd line.  I'll put some of the blame on play calling though.  Gotta believe we could seal off the edge for TR to blast through on the edge.

+5 as usual for making the front page.  But I am going to start giving another +10 as a bonus when it is original content. (+15 total)

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I am certain that most of the people on here could write better articles than half the junk that is printed in some of the papers.

Golly, thanks much.  It seemed that nobody was pointing out the obvious discrepancy between quality of players on the two teams, so I thought I'd point it out.  I'm sure others could pen this information better than me, so please encourage all of them to contribute daily.

 #+ Checem, had to bravo you on that one. Between you and hscoach we got a great perspective on the game. Exactly what we need. I right now thing LSU is the best team in the Nation. When we meet them if we get past everybody else it will be a War. My compliments. RTR!