Crimson Red Sports

For all of you that didn't get to make it to Bryant Denny last evening, you really missed another LSU/Alabama football classic. I know, most folks these days had rather watch it from home on tv, it is easier and a lot less expensive. For all of us though that did make it to the game, we would have to argue with you about being at the game itself rather than watching it at home on tv because it was really a classic that will be remembered for quite some time. You can't simulate the crowd atmosphere at home like it really is in the stadium.

Bama has been pretty much beaten down by most of the sports analyst this year except for a few of the so called Bama Homers that have a little Crimson blood in their veins. Going into the game last evening, the majority of the experts thought Bama might have a chance with their defense being what it is but still figured LSU would win the game because of hearalded LSU running back Leonard Fournette. Matter of fact some said the Heisman committee could go ahead and give the Heisman Trophy to Fournette after the game because he would dominate the Bama defense as he has done to all the other teams LSU has played this year. Bama was also told that their offense with Coker at QB and the offensive line that couldn't block, was not much of a match for the LSU defense. Bama won a big game against Tennessee last week and something big happened, they pulled out a last minute win that most folks didn't think could ever happen due to the suspected offense. I felt after that game the Tennessee win could and would be the spark that lights a big fire under this team which seemed like all was needed anyway because there is plenty of talent on the team.

That takes us to last night, which Bama team would show up? It didn't take long to find out as Bama came out of the starting gate like American Pharoah, the renowned race horse that won the elusive Triple Crown not long ago. The offensive line blocked really well, the kicking game was excellent, and the defense played like national champions. Sometimes a team can start well but end the game not playing so well but that wasn't the case with Bama yesterday and I think there was a part of the game that kept all that enthusiasm on Bama's side, Derrick Henry. I think the analysts drew the battle line between Bama and LSU with all the brag and talk about how good Fournette is for the last month. All the talk was about Fournette's success this year and how he could and should run through Bama's defense and receive the Heisman Trophy after the game. I think talk woke a sleeping giant known as the Bama defense and a running back named Derrick Henry. Bama couldn't have gotten any better locker room material than the Fournette love affair with the media and there are some very happy players and fans today.

In any case, Alabama has played two good games back to back and that sets the stage for their drive for another National Championship. Most coaches prefer for their team to gradually get better with each game of their schedule and peak at the end of the season and this seems to be just what is happening for Bama. Can they win another National Championship? You bet they can but it will take performances like the Tennesse and LSU games and a lot of desire and dedication moving forward.

Bama has two tough games remaining on their regular season, Mississippi State and Auburn, to make it to the SEC Championship and they are both road games, something that Bama has handled very good this year. Maybe we can hire some of the sports media to break out some more locker room material for those two games to keep the momentum going for the team. There's a lot at stake in the next few weeks for the team as they have played up to their goal for their season after the bad loss to Ole Miss earlier in the year. They were given a reprieve of that loss yesterday with the much needed loss by Ole Miss to Arkansas. Everything about the team moving forward is how well does the team do on and off the practice field to keep that keen edge that they have now. They don't need any unwanted distractions such as injuries and suspensions happening anytime soon which I'm sure worries the heck out of the coaches. Hopefully enough maturity has happened during the season with the players that will eliminate any disciplinary issues and  injuries are something is totally uncontrolled, we just need to be a little lucky there.

Easy grasshopper, you know analysts are wrong a lot because they operate in an echo chamber. They listen to each other so much they get lost in the woods. They were all mesmerized by Fournette.  The whole world is not against Alabama (are they)? Besides, Vegas picked Bama. 


:tinfoil:

Great post, J! We watched a team last night that "Made their a$$ quit". Near the end of the 3rd quarter, LSU's defense was gassed. Every player had their hands on their hips and were sucking air. We need a performance like that this next week, but it won't be easy. The media is already labeling it a "letdown" game for Bama. It historically has been, but we usually prevail. We do however, have to keep focused because Prescott is still a very good QB and we can't ignore his skills.

I do think that this team is on a mission, though, and even if it's not pretty, I would expect us to win.

I would guess that Bama is the most disliked school in the NCAA due to their success. Most everyone wants to see Bama lose. I use the word hate only in a competitive manner.

Thanks J.  Always good to get an eyewitness account of the game, and I'd never trade TV for a stadium experience.  I just live too far away.

Among the happiest folks in America last night at about 1030pm CT were the brave souls on the selection committee who had the guts to put Bama #4 last week.  Talk about vindication...

It's no wonder LSU's D was tired: Bama possessed the ball for 39:27 including the last 9:00 of the game, and ran 79 plays.  This not only wore out their D but also kept our D fresh in the 4th qtr; and they will be in good shape for MSU.

There seems to be good leadership on this team and I don't think those guys will let any letdown symptoms linger in practice.  Too many guys remember the Sugar Bowl last year.

All of us were talking about this over lunch yesterday. We agree with you. Ragland and Henry would appear to be the leaders of the team, each with a different style.

Good post J.

:clap:

Yes we were and you can add Ryan Kelly as well. There are others but these three seem to be the more visible ones. You know, that was quite a conversation that we had over lunch Saturday. Good stuff, including the food. ;)

Every time we went to a restaurant, we solved the world's problems.  :clap:

 :lol:

Excellent post, Jamos.  Thanks again for the hospitality.

good one Jamos  :clap:

all I have to say about the game is .... Whoa ! 

(http://image.cdn.ispot.tv/ad/7q1o/geico-ancient-pyramids-large-7.jpg)

And Nick Sabans. That's why they played so well Saturday night, we had a couple of days to get him a game plan and it worked pretty darn good I would say. ;)