Crimson Red Sports

Again, first let me say congrats to the players and coaches on the victory and a great game plan.

Offense:  Again the Offense did what they wanted to do.  If they wanted to run they ran, throw they threw.  It seems that the coaches are feeling more comfortable with AJ as he seems to have more checks concerning play calling.   They may be giving him a couple of plays in the huddle and he selects the one to run.  Apparently the coaches, when watching film, like to attack the defensive right side since Bama ran the ball left more than normal.  Bama ran for 404 yards and most of it was to the left.  
(1)   MM pointed out a corner blitz and there was no adjustment on the play.  The running back was hit for a loss.
(2)   Bama may have gotten away with a flinch by CW on the 2nd TD run by TR.
(3)   I don’t see why Bama ran the wide rec hitch screen with 2 on 2 twice.  I could have been 3 on 2 in favor of the D once, but the view was not wide enough.
(4)   Second half opening drives/3rd quarter was great.  First drive 74 yard and 2nd drive was 92 yards.  
(5)   On the first drive Bama ran a nice crossing/pick route for the tight end which turned into a 34 yard gain.  
(6)   It seems Bama needs to change up their RB screen.  Teams seem to be sitting on it this week and last.  
(7)   Again I wish PS had gotten in the game earlier.  The reason I say this is that with the score being so out of reach, PS really doesn’t get a chance to run the offense.  In other words, if Bama throws more they are maligned for running up the score.  If the team just can’t stop the run with back up linemen so be it.
(8)   If my stats are correct, Bama threw the ball 13 times on first down and 9 were completed.  Only 2 of the throws used play action.  
(9)   Offensive penalties hurt, sort of, but I will discuss that in penalties.

QB:  AJ did a good job.  I think he checked down to rec’s better in this game then he did in others.  He threw many good/catchable balls.  I also believe he moved his feet better when pressured.  He had no ball batted down in the game.  On the deep ball, it looked like he may have put a little too much air under it and probably could have thrown it inside a little more.  PS as I said should have been in the game earlier, 3rd quarter in my opinion when Bama was up 38 to 7, or even after the turnover and Bama having a short field.   I know he got some experience, but no real chance to run the offense working in some passes.

RB:  They all ran the ball well and made yards after contact.  The 76 yard run by TR was great.  I am not sure, but this play look to be going right, but he saw the backside rusher and went left.  I say it was supposed to go right because of the pulling lineman.  JF came in and ran very well and it was a smart decision to not play EL if not needed.  JF had a hell of a stiff arm on the TD run in the 3rd quarter.  

REC:  The rec’s seem to be developing nicely.  Seven different rec’s caught passes as did TR.  They also blocked well.  I did not notice any confusion on where to line up.  They, as the announcer pointed out, blocked well down field.  I did notice for the first time, a rec pointing out a corner that may have been blitzing.  Also, MW had a nice game.  He had a drop early in the year, but hasn’t had one since.  Truly there has not been many what I call real drops by rec’s this year.

OL:  The OL had a good game.  I know there were no sacks, unless you count the grounding by AJ.  He was rarely, if ever, hit.   They opened up some holes for the running backs and there were very few negative plays.  DJF did get beat twice in the first quarter, but played better as the game went on.  Early in the year, I thought CW was a bit lazy, but he has come on since the first game.  He has very good feet and is the OL that is used to pull most of the time.   It was good to see the backup OL get into the game and Bama still move the ball.  

Defense:  After the first drive the D started to play.  This has happen the last 3 games, Ark, UF, and OM where Bama has given up TD’s on the first drive to start a game.  The first drive was 73 yards and OM had a total of 68 yards the rest of the game.  
(1)   The rushers got up the field too much and opened up running lanes for the QB.  What I am say here is they went past the QB too many times.  
(2)   The D had 7 series where OM was 3 and out or less.  They had 5 three and outs with one resulting in an int.  They had 1 one and out with a fumble recovery.
(3)   Apparently CU was suspended for the 1st quarter since he didn’t play in the first quarter.  You could see what he means to the pass rush.  I wonder why DH was not also suspended.  
(4)   Bama again played assignment football.  I think it was RL who was outside and played off the block and help make the tackle.  A great example of how to use your hands and get off a block while keeping outside leverage.
(5)   The goal line stand was huge.  The thing that really stood out was on the 4th down play where MB is walked up in a weak side LB position.  Did you see how he filled the hole with DH to help make the stop?   It also looked like MB was  held on the play before.  

DL:  The stunts are looking better.  What I see here is better separation and getting up the field.  They don’t seem to be running into each other like they did earlier in the year.  I really like the pursuit of the DL on plays that go outside or even the short passes that are completed.  A number of players are making plays here.  

LB:  The side to side speed and closing speed is noticeable here.  All LB’s have it.   The only negative I saw on the LB was when the blocking back got to DH on the 1st TD.  One the first play OM tried to take advantage of the LB’s quick recognition of pass and slamming the TE and releasing him on a pass.

DB:  Other than the long TD and what could have been called int on DK the DB’s played well.  It looked like the corner expected help over the top on the long pass that set up the TD.  He seems to be playing an underneath techniques because he didn’t seem to be too concerned that he was beat, just my opinion.  Over a third of OM yards came on that play.  Again they, especially DK, came up with a big hit.  
Penalties:  In a close game this could have hurt Bama.  WV was called for holding on 2 plays.  One negated a first down on about the 31 yard line going in.  Bama came away empty handed, points left on the field.  Again WV called for holding negated a TD and Bama had to settle for a FG.  The third penalty that could have cost Bama was the block in the back on the int return.  I honestly don’t remember if Bama scored on this drive.  I think they did.
 
Special teams:  I could be wrong, but a couple of times it looked like the kick off cover team was going one way and the kick the other.  It also looked like the cover team was not getting down field as fast as they were earlier in the year.  Om averaged about 25 yards per kickoff return and if you aren’t putting the ball in the end zone it equates to good field position.  CM did have a 44 yard punt with no return.  I guess this was the bright spot on special teams.

Please feel free to comment.

Good Luck and Roll Tide Roll

Great notes coach.  This team is getting better and better every week.

I made a small "trick" edit to keep point 8 from showing up as smiley with sunglasses 8).

Yes it was Robert Lester.  I saw that play too and pointed out to everyone at my house what a great job he did turning the play back inside and then getting off the block to get in on the tackle.

I loved that goal line stand.  These guys did not want to give up ANY points, even though we had the game under control with a big lead.  I also saw the hold but I didn't catch who they where holding.

You lost me?     ???

The only reason I can figure that CU did not play in the first quarter was he was suspened for kicking/kicking at a player last week.  DH also tried to kick a player last week.   That is my reasoning, not saying I am correct.

 #+ good job. hscoach you was dead on this week. I do however think right now our coverage on kick-offs stinks. They have no idea what lanes are it seems. Acouple of our better opponents would have had TD's off our coverages last night. We have to improve. RTR!

First, thank you, as always. I'm gonna watch the replay right now with your points in mind. My new "Sunday" routine.
 Hey, maybe I still need to watch the Vandy replay one more time, but I swear it looked to me like Hightower was just trying to shake the guy off his leg. Seriously.

I'll try to note the time in the game (ESPN3 replay) so we're talking about the same series of downs, but I was hollering (in the in-game thread) for a screen to EL. It seems he even held his hand up, kinda indicating to AJ which way to "lead" him. But I was thinking that having EL running N-S with a 8-9-10 yard head of steam is better than hitting a wide out running laterally for 10.
  

You could be right about DH.  Let me know what you see in the replay. 

That "surviving the script" thing got us again. I spent the first few games arguing that Bama was just playing a little "prevent" until the "DC" and others could see what they were doing. First it seemed we gave them anything "underneath". Now we move up and get beat early "over the top". I'll watch again, but I for one, am getting tired of getting embarrassed on the first defensive possession. >:(

I started reviewing the Ole Miss game. Before I forget, let me respond to you on noticing the pass interference no-call on Dre. The refs kinda made up for it with a no-call on a clothesline/lasso int on Ole Miss against Kenny Bell on Bama's 2nd possession.

Also, this is only a big deal because it was Mandells only punt but that 44 yder came at a good time off the AJ grounding call.

I really could not tell, there may have been a no call because it looked like both may have been using the hands.

One note I left off, Bama rolled up 630 yards of offense.  226 passing and 404 rushing.

??? Both were, but Dre may have been leaning in also. But the no-call with Kenny Bell--if you remember-he draped an arm around his throat-- but the timing was close.

LOL The rushing numbers got a little high when Jalston Fowler decided, on his own, that the game wasn't over yet. LOL

That is what you teach lean on them and use your body

Yea, I think he said I am making the most of this while EL is out.

http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/ap_photo/20111016/all/l5517948.jpg(http://)

(http://d.yimg.com/i/ng/sp/ap_photo/20111016/all/l5517948.jpg)

That is what the sports writers were talking about - Great stiff arm!

No flag for facemask!

I am sure you all heard the great recruiting too from MB by the announcers last night.  They ask MB why he chose Bama.  Basically he told them he would get things here from CNS and staff that he would not get at another college.  My take, they will prepare you for the next level.

Our running game is 2nd to none, but I am so impressed with the poise and intelligence of AJ. He is running the offense with great efficiency and he does not make mistakes. The OL is protecting him very well and when the pressure collapses the pocket he steps up from it with confidence and delivers. I don't know if we go all the way this year, but I think this team is even better than the '09 team. The LSU game, IMO, will be our only obstacle.

2stater you may be right but after LSU the Auburn game and SECCG will be 2 hurdles we have to accomplish. The bullseye will be on our back even more so. One game at a time though to me, we have to get through without injury and penalties. RTR!

So I guess defensive backfield draft choices from Bama especially come to NFL ready for immediate impact. Pro style QB? Rate the positions for early impact in NFL, hsc!

Preacher, you're dead on right there.

People have always attended to the best schools!

I tell my children: Life is not a dress rehearsal!

I don't really know.  I have heard announcers mentioning MB as one of the top safeties this year.  I do think DH and TR will go early and possibly MB.  CU seems to be making a name for himself like MD. 

No, I mean the CNS system is best for producing what positions? CNS is a defense guy and the backs and corners seem to be his specialty on the "D" side of the ball. I guess, which positions are best prepared for the NFL under the CNS system?

When Bama looks for high school QBs they seem to first look at "Pro Style" QBs. Are the GMac-AJ type QBs in as much demand to the NFL?

Another interesting guy as far as Bama and Draft Day go will be Barrett Jones. A guy that can pretty much do it all. But the RBs are probably the position that stands out for Bama in the long run, offensively.

Sorry, yes I think the  players who have been in the Saban/Smart defense do have an edge.  All the announcers say it is an NFL style defense.  As far as QB's GMAC was in the spread at Southlake.  As far as AJ, I am not sure.  I think if a QB can make good decisions and make the "NFL" throws they have a chance.  Honestly, I never saw JPW as an NFL type QB.  I did think Brodie with his arm strength did.  So you never know. 

Yeah, maybe staying healthy was one of Brady's big issues.

But you and I are on the same Page about CNS. That a kid that has CNS visiting in his living room sees the Belichick experience and the type of teaching going on at Bama--he has to see at least a pathway to the NFL.

Sounds like you watch about as much NFL as I do.  Not much.

You are correct very little.  I will watch is an ex Bama player is on one of the teams and plays a lot.  But really, I don't care for the NFL, not enough heart by the players in my opinion.  It is all about me.

LOL. I call 'em cry baby millionaires. The reason I brought it to the front was the same that you mentioned it. The recruits all want to be millionaires too.

Well, in his defense, it wasn't, lol. The "game" had just begun - the first half was merely warm-up. The second half was so phenomenal Dad and I watched it again tonight. Who needs NFL when you've got Bama football on DVR?

Roll Tide!!!!!!

I only have seen the 1st half of the replay (BCS show came on) but here is another, if you don't mind hsc:

37:30 on the ESPN3 time stamp/ clock

2nd and 7 handoff to BATR-- he got stuffed at LOS.
But Barrett  Jones pulled (I guess I'm correct) to the rgt side and Steen pulled left so they kinda criss crossed. Steen ends up 5yds downfield without really touching anyone.

Did he simply miss a block (that would explain TR getted stopped at the LOS) or is there an offensive play that sends OL downfield to block? This drive led to Tr's 3rd score.

I will have to look and see what you are talking about.

Also, how did you all like the formant with the number instead of the paragraph form?

I liked it. It was easier to read the breakdown.

I thought it was great hscoach. RTR!

hscoach, what is your thinking on our kicking game? I have always been taught and firmly believe that the kicking game will get you beat quicker than anything (just ask Florida after Sat. night against the barners). The lack of depth on kickoffs is really the only major concern I have about Bama - they can get away with it against Ole Miss or North Texas, but it could rise up and bite them on the rear against LSU or auburn. Any ideas, besides having an open tryout with the student body? ;)

I agree the kicking game can get you beat and it can win games for you.  Looking at Cade, and I have made this reference before, he looks as if he is trying to "muscle up" on the kick which mean he loses some leg speed. He just doesn't look flexible to me like most kickers.  I equate it to a golf swing, you just don't hit the ball as well when you try to "muscle up " and hit it far.  Why not go to the pooch kick?

I see the "pooch" or even squib it along the ground. I have to believe CNS will correct our kicking game next year but I am not sure if he is worried about it this year. RTR!

That is the play I am talking about in the notes where MM points out a corner blitz.  What happened is AS pulled and was looking for the LB scrapping over the top or the DE. BJ caved the DL all the way down pass the center.  I really didn't check but they my have caught OM slanting to the wide side of the field.