Virginia Tech Rewind
Well, where do I start? Even though this was an Alabama win, the game was still difficult to watch for a second (and third) time. One of the most frustrating first 3 quarters of football I can remember. We had out-gained Va Tech 3 to 1 and were still losing. This is what they call Beamer Ball – Win by any means necessary. Whereas last year we were the ones letting opponents beat themselves, Va Tech was returning the favor.
The Good
- Our running backs are some of the best I have EVER seen at picking up blitzers. Roy had one miscue there in the 3rd quarter, but other than that, our RB’s know what they are doing – Kudos to Burton Burns who I personally feel, is one of the better running backs coaches in America. Two things Burton will not stand for out of his running backs – fumbling and non-physical play.
- Defense, Defense, Defense. We are bigger, faster, and stronger than any Alabama team I can remember. McClain and Hightower are NFL ready linebackers now. I know Coach Sal said those two are better than anybody he had on the Panthers. Coach Sal is not known for a lot of compliments. If we do not turn the ball over this year, teams are going to be frustrated trying to get to the 50.
- Very impressed with Kareem Jackson. Had his guy blanketed all night which leads me into….
- Pass Rush – Much improved from last year. I know Va Tech had to replace 3 starters on the OL, but we had guys flying from everywhere. I guarantee you if you ask “T-Mobile,” he would say he has never been pressured like that since the LSU game 2 years ago when they got pummeled (with a bunch of Saban players).
- No mention by the announcers, but what a tackle Rod Woodson made on the opening kickoff. That guy is a missile. I knew he was strong, but did not know he had that kind of straight line speed. He continually beat everyone down on kickoff coverage.
- McElroy is a mature, smart QB. No shocker here. He will NOT get us beat, which is very important on a Saban-coached team. You can have all the playmaking ability in the world, but if you make stupid mistakes, you will not play QB for CNS.
- Love a back who gets better as the game goes along and we have that in Ingram. Have not seen a back for us like him since Dennis Riddle, who was an absolute warrior.
- PJ Fitzgerald – Improved leaps and bounds since last year. Great punts all night with good hangtime.
The Bad
- Our kickoff coverage was atrocious again. It continues to be feast or famine – We either make a stop inside the 20 or the opposing returner ends up on our side of the 50. The late hit on Chris Jordan was a horrible call.
- Barrett Jones – Yes, I know it was his first start, but do not believe he graded out that well. On the other hand, this D we were playing was not chopped liver, either. Va Tech and UNC will be the top 2 defenses in the ACC this year. The good news is he obviously got a little better as the game went along.
- Drew Davis. Was disappointed after watching his performance. The DE from Va Tech (Worilds) beat him like a rented mule. The bright side – I am not sure Davis will face a better DE this year.
The Ugly
- Ro’s 2 unsportsmanlike penalties are the obvious choice. Sergio Render was blocking him high and, after he had already cussed Marquis Johnson out for blowing a coverage on the previous play, this apparently set him off. The shame of the whole situation was Lorenzo Washington making a great play. Not only did he close down on T-Mobile, but he batted the pitch as well. Ro is a stand up guy. He made a mistake and he knows it. Batting the referee’s hands away after the play may have been his worst mistake and he was VERY lucky not to get tossed. I can assure you of this – just like in practice, Ro does not make the same mistake twice and you will never see an outburst from him like this ever again.
- Tied for the above was Marquis Johnson’s blown coverage on the wheel route. In watching the tape, Saban was questioning Barron, but Kirby was all over Marquis and he was right. Despite what you have seen or heard, it was Johnson’s responsibility to go with the back.
The 4th quarter was a thing of beauty – We really asserted control both offensively and defensively with our size and athleticism. If it were not for the BS call on Jordan, we may win by 17.
Ingram has a bruised knee, which may take some time to heal. He would be questionable for our game against FIU this weekend. No ligament damage, but it is a bad bruise and we have the luxury of resting him and letting the other backs get the bulk of the carries.
Coming next - Tennessee review
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The pass rush in the 4th quarter was a thing of beauty. I still wanna see more out of them earlier in games. Maybe I'm too demanding. Sounded like Coach Saban wanted more consistent pressure though, too, judging from his last two pressers.
ReplyDeleteThe development & continued improvement of that element of our defense may be the difference in winning the National Championship or falling to UF yet again in the SECCG.
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ReplyDeleteLook, I have no certain knowledge of the coverage called, but it would be largely Barron's responsibility regardless of who was supposed to cover the wheel. Mark is supposed to make sure the secondary is on the same page before the snap. He is accountable for the lapse too even if MJ was supposed to cover it. It's a team game and not one player is solely accountable for the mistake. Still, pointless to argue the point now. The mistake is gone, only the lesson remains. If you think MJ and MB don't both have a lesson left over from that play you, sir, do not inspire my confidence in your knowledge of football.
ReplyDeleteLove the blog Walls! Great job. Why is Progressive advertising on a Nationwide blog..hahhaa.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, why do Alabama fans love to give credit to Saban for all of LSU's successes?? I hate Miles more than anyone but he still needs to be given credit for coaching his players. Its rediculous!!
With his own players at LSU he went 8-4, 10-3, 8-5, NC, 9-3.
Great points! All of them. Didn't read Mark's post?
ReplyDeleteRolltide5446: I am quite aware that in your typical defense it is always the safety's responsibility to cover the wheel route - that is Football 101. However, in our defensive set on THAT PLAY, it was MJ's responsibility to cover the back out of the backfield. He just so happened to run a wheel route. Again, we can agree to disagree, but that is not just my opinion.
Bucky - LOL regarding NW - When they start sponsoring me, then we can talk :)
I give credit to Miles. A lot of Bama fans don't. On the other hand, I do not think he is a great football coach. I do believe he is better than average, though.
I will disagree with you comparing Saban's record to Miles' record. Saban took over a mess left behind by Gerry Dinardo. Miles took over a team that's last 4 signing classes all ranked in the top 5.
However, bad coaches do not win national championships so you have to give Miles credit. He also did a fine job at OK State. I definitely think that he is a good college head coach. Until we beat him with regularity, you will never hear me say anything derogatory about his ability.
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ReplyDeleteWalls, that post was largely directed at Mark, and I guess it hit home since he deleted his remark soonafter. I know you know football. Been reading you on BOL for years. I never said Barron was supposed to cover the wheel that play, just that he would still be accountable regardless. While it sure looked to me like MJ had that assignment, MB has the responsibility of making sure everyone runs the same coverage. Thus, he owns part of the resulting lesson. Again, we can agree to disagree, but that is not just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIf you caught Mark's original post above mine, what I said would have made a lot more sense. Guess it came off as me attacking you without that context. Unfortunate. If you missed what he said, then you are better off for it. Roll Tide, brother.
Rolltide5446 - I didn't catch Mark's post. Sounds like I am glad I didn't :)
ReplyDeleteRoll Tide to you brother. Sounds like you know your football as well. Your posts are always welcome here, whether you agree or disagree with me. The more football minds, the better!
Roll Tide