Crimson Red Sports

This is what you would call a plain vanilla spring game.  Very little motion on the offensive side of the ball and very little blitzing by the defense. 

QB’S:  They both threw some nice deep balls. I also saw a couple of behind the rec throws especially on the shorter routes.  It is like they are guiding the short throws instead of letting them go.  They both got away with a couple of throws that could/should have been picked.  Jones looked more nervous in his beginning reps but seem to settle down later.  It is a lot easier to throw the ball down field when the coverages don’t change very much and the D is no blitzing and stunting.  You could really tell a difference in the QB play when the D did start some blitzing.

RB’S:  They are loaded here.  I really like the patience of Harris, but then he burst to the opening or into contact.  It also looks like Harris can be a valuable rec coming out of the backfield.

REC’S:  Again they are loaded in this area.  Ridley, Foster. Jeudy, and Smith stood out to me. 

OL:  It is very hard to tell much about them. You really don’t know how well they can play when you must handle twist and stunts from a defensive front.  They have to be a lot more communication in the OL when the previous happens.

DL:  Plenty of numbers here and the QB’s got the ball out pretty quick in the begging.  Even with the vanilla fronts they did, along with the LB’s have at least 8 sacks.  They really didn’t give up and huge runs except for the scramble by Hurts.

LB’S:  Miller showed a good burst and looks like he could be a force coming off the edge.   Hall made a big play on the interception.

DB’S:   Lot of new faces.  People seemed to be concerned with this group, but understand they will be helped when the D front is allowed to come with the different stunt and blitz packages.  They did seem to be in position most of the times and only a couple of perfect throws made them look worse than they were.  They did close fast on most of the receptions.  They were also unlucky a couple of times when the rec’s caught a couple of tipped passes.

Overall, I think they are going to be in pretty good shape for the upcoming year. 

I'm confused about your DB comments. This group has the most experienced players returning on the defense. Guys like Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison, Hootie Jones, Anthony Averett, and Tony Brown. You think Saban has learned a lesson about needing to blitz the QB instead of giving him time to pass, like DeShaun Watson was able to late in the game?



 :dunno:   :think:    :wave:

The D-Line is my biggest concern. Will we be able to run stop and/or rush the passer? Payne and Hand are solid, but who are the other 4-5 guys we can depend on? Got any ideas?

There were guys like Wallace and a couple others that were in the secondary that didn't play as much last year.  Looking at both teams you would have 2 corners, 2 safeties and even more if you are in nickel or dime packages.  This is what I mean by new faces.  As far as Clemson, they had a game plan where the QB got rid of the ball very quick and used blitz beaters.  They were able, and satisfied, taking the 5 yard pass and keeping control of the ball. 

I agree about Davis but I don't know much about Q. Williams who is a freshman. I hope more players can step up and contribute.



 :dog:

Tide A-Day crowd:  74,000

Barn Spring Game & Goat-Milking Contest Crowd:  46,000



 :lol3:

The mighty Vols had  a massive crowd of 36,000.

First, it didn't look like 74,000.  Red Elephant and I thought it looked more like 50,000.  Almost nobody in upper deck; sparse in endzone and sunny (hot) areas.  But I'll take 74,000.

Coach, did you watch Tua during throws?  I had binoculars on him, and (unfortunately) I seldom saw him look at anyone except his primary target.  It's VERY early in his development, and he has the skills, but he is well behind Hurts in field experience.  By fall it could be interesting, but right now it looks like Hurts has improved enough to keep his job.  Just hope Tua stays if he doesn't start this year!!

 :unsure:

Hey Leewillie, I thought about you this weekend and was hoping that I'd run into you.  Hope you are well.  Did you make it down for this?

I saw him look off his targets a few times at least. That pass over the middle to the tight end who was all alone was a secondary receiver, but I'm sure you're right that he locked on a few times when he shouldn't have.

I earlier stated that I hoped Tua red-shirted to get the most playing time down the road that he could. I don't see that happening now. He's too talented and will definitely be seeing some playing time this year.

Wow! Butch Jones is in gigantic trouble. There is zero excitement for the program with that crowd.

I agree, Tua should see the field this year.  It will help him develop, and I suspect the odds of his staying at Bama beyond his required time look slim.

I saw him check down a couple of times.  However if they were playing the press coverage he probably took the shot.

Thanks, coach!

Hey HSCOACH,

I like what i saw from Levi Wallace. he had at least two good pass break ups. I wonder if he will get more playing time. He has come a long way.

After seeing your all reports, I still wonder about our kicking game? Is the FG kicking good or no? RTR!

I think there was only two made FG's and at least 3 that missed.  There was one kickoff that went out the back of the end zone and hit the top of the rail that separates the fans from the playing field.  I've never seen a kickoff go that far.

I think he will.  I thought he did ok when he played last year.  You know they have to replace Jackson and Humphreys.  You have Tony Brown, Minkah Fitzpatrick(safety or Corner), Hootie Jones, Ronnie Harrison,  and Anthony Averett. Those could be used in a nickel package but you will need someone else for the dime package.

According to the announcers, the kicker will be on campus at the end of the summer.  Scott is ok, but now sure of his distance.

No, that pass to #81 is the one you mean, I think.  Red Elephant and I watched the replay at home.  Tua followed him only the entire time.

I didn't have binoculars and was a long way away, but it looked to me like Tua looked to his left first, before hitting #81 over the middle. I haven't seen the replay yet.

The announcers identified him as a secondary receiver (when is the TE the #1 target?), but I don't think you can tell from the TV coverage where Tua was looking.   ???

I still haven't seen Jalen complete a 5-yd pass.  Maybe there was one, and I missed it.

Hey, do you think CNS wanted him throwing short to not give anything away? RTR!