Crimson Notes 11/29/10: Tide Injury Report

Outside of the obvious injury known as “heartbreak,” the Alabama Crimson Tide did sustain several injuries on Friday afternoon against the Auburn Tigers.

The most evident injury involved Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy. In the closing stages of the game McElroy was sacked and slammed to the Bryant-Denny turf which caused a concussion.

McElroy is on the road to recovery and will be in good health for the bowl game, but the injury was certainly a scary moment for Tide fans.

On the flipside, Tide safety Mark Barron sustained an injury view fans were able to detect.

Barron suffered a torn pectoral muscle while attempting to strip the football from the hands of wide receiver Emory Blake on the initial Auburn touchdown.

Blake juggled the football and in the process of trying to dislodge the ball from Blake’s hands…Barron was injured.



Unfortunately for Alabama, the injury to Barron would later cost the Tide on the scoreboard.

In the third quarter of play Cameron Newton connected with Terrell Zachery for a 70-yard touchdown. Due to the injury, (inability to lift his arm) Barron was forced to stop and wait for Zachery to make the catch, rather than making an actual play on the football.

The Tide safety is scheduled to have an MRI in order to assess the damage.

In a similar fashion to Greg McElroy, both Darius Hanks and Julio Jones were injured during the latter stages of the game.

Hanks suffered bruised ribs, while Jones sustained a bruised knee on a kickoff return.

Jones was able to return to the field for the final series of the game, but the Tide leading receiver stood alone while McElroy and Hanks remained sidelined.

Season Tickets

Guest post by Terrell House

Since moving to Pittsburgh a few years ago, I have slowly been learning all that the city offers. There are museums, amusement parks, aviaries, science centers, and so many other things a person can do. There are so many stores that offer unique items and the restaurants are just amazing. It wasn't until last year that I started to become a true Pittsburgher by following the Penguins. They had just fired their coach mid-season and a new unknown coach was coming in to save the day. Not only did he do that, he also took them to the playoffs. The team was on fire, and the fans were in a frenzy.

People who showed no interest in hockey suddenly became interested. That is how I fell into it. The news stories started getting longer, so I finally tuned into a game one night on my Satellite TV. One thing I can say is it is definitely an addictive game. Those guys have to be in incredible physical shape to take the brutal hits they take and still be able to play. I'd be in bed for a week if I was hit even half as hard by someone. I really enjoy the game now and I have even submitted a request to have season tickets. There is a waiting list for it, so almost 4,000 people are in front of me on it. That's okay though, I am patient.

Teflon Tigers: Auburn, Newton Defeat Alabama

The dream season will continue for the Auburn Tigers as once again they proved that no deficit is too much to overcome.

Cameron Newton threw three touchdowns and ran for another as the Auburn Tigers stormed back from a 24-0 deficit to claim the 75th “Iron Bowl”…28-27.

At this stage in the season it appears the only thing that can stop Auburn…is the NCAA committee on infractions. When all is said and done the Tigers may not be “Teflon,” but from a football standpoint…Auburn can’t be matched.

Call it talent, call it luck or call it a combination of both, the Auburn Tigers are on the verge of a national championship.

In respect to the “Iron Bowl”…Alabama had the perfect scheme on both sides of the ball…for the initial half.

The Crimson Tide stormed out of the gate and took a 21-0 lead before Auburn was able to garner a single first down.

During the early stages of the contest, Alabama held a 314-2 advantage in respect to total yards.



However, when the game ended, the 75th “Iron Bowl” would not be known for the amazing Alabama offensive performance or the defensive scheme that finally put a stop to Cameron Newton and the Auburn offense.

The 2010 version of the “Iron Bowl” will forever be remembered as…”Choke ‘Bama Choke.”

In what has officially been called the greatest comeback in Auburn football history and the biggest collapse in the last 50 years of Alabama football…”Choke ‘Bama Choke” seems like the perfect title.

In what can only be described as a “vanilla” offense (second half) and a series of missed scoring opportunities, the Alabama offensive unit handed Auburn an early Christmas present.

In retrospect, this game was more about what Alabama didn’t do…rather than what Auburn actually accomplished.



The Alabama offense left as many as four touchdowns on the table…and it was certainly the difference in the game.

Alabama scored 21 points in the initial period of play…yet only managed to score 6 points the rest of the game.

Numerous touchdowns squandered, critical turnovers and a very “vanilla/safe” Alabama offense in the second half proved to be the destruction of the Crimson Tide on Friday afternoon.

The Auburn Tigers were “out for the count,” but instead of finishing
the fight…Alabama helped them off the mat.

When the chips were down, the Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t end the Auburn “dream season”…they saved it.

Coming Soon: Alabama Injury Report

IRON BOWL 2010: “Newton Show” Bad for Tigers

On Friday afternoon, the 75th meeting between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide will take place at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

Surrounded by a cloud of controversy involving quarterback Cameron Newton, the Auburn Tigers will look to remain undefeated and keep their national championship hopes alive.

The “Iron Bowl” has always been one of the biggest rivalries in the history of college football, but when the stakes are this
high…the intensity and anxiety simply can’t be measured.

Based on simple statistics, the 2010 version of the “Iron Bowl” could very well be a high scoring battle in which the last team with the ball…wins.

However, when it comes to the “Iron Bowl”…expect the unexpected.

Can the Auburn Tigers handle the pressure? Can the Tigers handle the pressure of being on the verge of something special? Can the Tigers handle the pressure of playing in front of 102,000 screaming fans? Can the Tigers handle the pressure of the biggest “Iron Bowl” in recent memory?

In 2009, the Alabama Crimson Tide traveled to Jordan-Hare Stadium and faced the same pressure the Auburn Tigers will face this Friday.

As we all remember, Alabama had to depend on a game-winning drive in order to save the game…and the season.

The Auburn Tigers are good…very good! However, during the course of the season the explosive Auburn offense (which ran up and down the field) suffered greatly due to the lack of an effective defense.

Cameron Newton ran all over the LSU Tigers and the Auburn rushing statistics were off the charts, yet with five minutes remaining in the game…the score was tied.

The Auburn offense has been forced to carry the defense throughout the course of the 2010 season.

The Auburn Tigers have a perfect record and are on the verge of completing a remarkable season, however, the Tigers have yet to prove themselves as a complete team.

The Auburn offense always seems to do “just enough” to allow the Tigers to celebrate another win, but one can’t help but think the Auburn defense…is on borrowed time.

For the first time all season, the Auburn defense will have to be the “gamechanger” and that could spell serious trouble for the Tigers when push comes to shove.

Cameron Newton has been saving the Auburn defense all season, but come Friday...the jig is up.

ALABAMA 34
AUBURN 28

Statistically Speaking: IRON BOWL 2010

Auburn Offensive Leaders:
Passing: Cameron Newton - 135-198, 2,038 yards, 21 touchdowns
Rushing: Cameron Newton - 206 carries, 1,297 yards, 17 touchdowns
Receiving: Darvin Adams - 39 receptions, 663 yards, 5 touchdowns

Alabama Offensive Leaders:
Passing: Greg McElroy - 182-259, 2,390 yards, 17 touchdowns
Rushing: Mark Ingram - 136 carries, 780 yards, 10 touchdowns
Receiving: Julio Jones - 65 receptions, 885 yards, 6 touchdowns



Offensive/Defensive Team Statistics:
Average Points Per Game: Auburn 42.8...Alabama 35.3
Average Points Allowed Per Game: Auburn 24.9...Alabama 12.8

Total Yards Per Game:
Auburn: 505.2…6th in the nation
Alabama: 434.6…26th in the nation



Passing Yards Per Game:
Alabama 262.8…33rd in the nation
Auburn 207.5…77th in the nation

Rushing Yards Per Game:
Auburn: 307.9…3rd in the nation
Alabama: 184.9…32nd in the nation

Crimson Notes 11/22/10: Iron Bowl Edition

Nick Saban met the media on Sunday and his eyes were fixed on Cameron Newton and the undefeated Auburn Tigers.

During the Sunday afternoon presser, Saban acknowledged the importance of the “Iron Bowl” and declared the annual contest one of the greatest rivalry games in the history of college football.

The Crimson Tide coach was never asked any questions in respect to Cameron Newton and the off the field “scandal,” but Nick Saban did emphatically declare the importance of focusing on the actual game…and nothing else.

Saban expressed how important it will be for his Crimson Tide team to avoid all distractions and focus on the task at hand, rather than being caught up in random disruptions.

When it came time to discuss the Auburn football team in respect to on the field performance, the ‘Bama head coach was very complimentary of not only Cameron Newton…but the entire Auburn team as a whole.

Saban spoke very highly of several players on the Auburn offense and praised Nick Fairley for his defensive talent and skill.

Saban acknowledged Fairley as one of the best defensive players Alabama will face all season.

On the injury front, Saban commented on the status of right guard Barrett Jones and effectively deemed him as “day-to-day” in respect to the Auburn game. Jones suffered a high ankle sprain in the Tide’s 30-10 victory over Mississippi State.

Outside of the “Iron Bowl” and the importance of Friday’s contest, Nick Saban did take a moment to publicly congratulate Greg McElroy for all his academic accomplishments.

The Tide quarterback was not chosen as a Rhodes Scholar, but Saban gave a public tribute to McElroy and his entire family.

McElroy was praised by the Crimson Tide coach who recognized him as a leader with a very bright future.

Flag Football: Beating The Zone

Guest post from: Mohamed Simon

I love the game of flag football. And believe it or not, I have learned a lot from it. I played football in high school as a receiver, but we pretty much ran the ball on every play. And even when my number was called, it would simply be a fly pattern. I took this approach to the playground for pick-up games as well. I would just attempt to run past the other guy. Well, 5-on-5 flag football has taught me a lot. If a defender plays man, I use my speed. But if a defense is playing zone, I now know how to beat it. And it's ridiculously easy. All you have to is find a hole in the zone and sit in it. This doesn't mean to sit on the ground in a literal sense. It means you pick an open spot and turn toward the QB. Once you receive the ball, you try to do as much as you can with it. Instead of trying to score on every play, it's a way to work your way down the field. Last week, I got all geared up, set my home security alarm (pricing home security), and headed to the field ready for a good game. To my surprise, the other team played zone the entire time despite the speed they had. This made no sense to me, but I was happy about it. I didn't score many TDs that night, but we slowly moved our way down the field, frustrated the defense, and won the game!

Thursday Night Delight: 'Bama Rolls Georgia State

In what could only be described as a glorified scrimmage, the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Georgia State Panthers by a score of 63-7 on Thursday night.

The Tide accumulated 478 yards of total offense while the defense forced a total of five turnovers. In the process of putting 63 points on the board, a total of seven Tide players scored touchdowns.

‘Bama wide receiver Julio Jones had two touchdowns on the night against the Panthers and oddly enough, it was the first multiple score game of his Crimson Tide career.

Jones finished the game with seven receptions for 86 yards.

Tide quarterback Greg McElroy (in limited action) went 12-of-13 for 159 yards and two touchdowns while running back Mark Ingram ran for 86 yards and one touchdown.

Linebacker C.J Mosley became the first freshman linebacker in school history to have two interception returns for touchdowns over the course of the same season.

Mosley returned an interception 35-yards for a touchdown against Florida, and took one to the house (41-yards) last night against Georgia State.

During the course of the game (as expected) Alabama emptied the bench and seemingly allowed most everyone not injured and/or redshirted to see the field.

SCORING SUMMARY

FIRST QUARTER
TD 11:41 Julio Jones 8 Yd Pass From Greg McElroy (Jeremy Shelley Kick) 0 7
TD 03:55 Mark Ingram 1 Yd Run (Jeremy Shelley Kick) 0 14

SECOND QUARTER
TD 14:09 C.J. Mosley 41 Yd Interception Return (Jeremy Shelley Kick) 0 21
TD 10:03 Julio Jones 10 Yd Pass From Greg McElroy (Jeremy Shelley Kick) 0 28
TD 07:16 Brandon Gibson 22 Yd Return Of Blocked Punt (Jeremy Shelley Kick) 0 35
TD 05:17 Eddie Lacy 3 Yd Run (Jeremy Shelley Kick) 0 42
TD 05:02 Albert Wilson 97 Yd Kickoff Return (Iain Vance Kick) 7 42

THIRD QUARTER
TD 09:52 Chris Underwood 7 Yd Pass From A.J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley Kick) 7 49
TD 06:13 Demetrius Goode 1 Yd Run (Cade Foster Kick) 7 56

FOURTH QUARTER
TD 14:50 Jalston Fowler 36 Yd Run (Cade Foster Kick) 7 63

No More Varsity Blues

Guest post written by Kevin Beach

When I broke my leg during the fourth quarter of a college football game in 1998, I knew that my season was over. Unfortunately, the backup running back earned the starting role the next year after having an excellent season the year before. I was never able to make the starting team my senior year and failed to be drafted to the NFL. For some reason, I just couldn't practice as hard after my injury. I don't know if I was just too scared or that I didn't care anymore.

One weekend, I set the Security Choice home security alarm and headed over to a friend's house to watch Sunday Night Football. Halfway during the game, he mentioned how well I ran in college and that I should join the local football team that had just formed. After a few days of thinking it over, I gave it a shot. Not only did I make the team, but I'm also the starting running back.

I strength-train three times per week, and the coach has talked me into trying out for the Carolina Panthers - the closest professional NFL team to my home. I'm having a better season than I ever had in college; in just three games, I have run for over 500 yards. I'm very excited about my future and will continue to work hard to achieve my goals.

Curry Returns to T-Town: Georgia State/Alabama

The Georgia State Panthers, led by former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Bill Curry, will invade Bryant-Denny Stadium tomorrow night.

Curry has accepted the daunting responsibility of coaching/starting a football program from the ground up…and has been successful thus far.

The Panthers are currently 6-4 on the season and utilize the Georgia Dome as their home stadium. GSU will join the Colonial Athletic Association in 2012.

Even though the contest with the Crimson Tide is simply based upon Georgia State receiving a check and Alabama garnering a cheap win, the return of Bill Curry to Tuscaloosa will make for some intrigue.

I feel certain that many people will watch the game (ESPNU) just to see how the fans will react to the former Crimson Tide coach.

In respect to the contest itself…don't expect too much.

Alabama will look to empty the bench and do everything possible to prevent injury to “key players” on both sides of the ball.

Simply stated, if you can play…you’ll see action against GSU.



The future looks very bright for the Georgia State football program and I’m sure the GSU players are looking forward to playing the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Georgia State has no chance to win this game, but the players will certainly never forget the night they played in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

I personally wish Bill Curry the best of luck as he continues to build and develop the Georgia State football program.

ALABAMA 52
GEORGIA STATE 7

Crimson Notes 11/15/10

On Monday afternoon a very “tranquil” Nick Saban met with the media following the Tide’s 30-10 victory over Mississippi State.

Coach Saban expressed his satisfaction in respect to overall team toughness, discipline, effort and how the team played and responded as a whole.

Turnovers and mental errors are still a cause for concern, but Saban seemed very pleased...all things considered.

On the injury front, offensive lineman Barrett Jones is doubtful for the Thursday night contest against Georgia State.

Jones sustained an ankle injury during the early portion of the game against Mississippi State.

Defensive back B.J. Scott will have surgery on his ankle later this week in order to fix a tendon issue. Nick Saban said the injury has been a concern for several weeks and surgery was the best option in Scott’s case.

Tide running back Trent Richardson is still dealing with a minor knee injury which he sustained during the contest with LSU.

Richardson could have played (if needed) against Mississippi State but remained sidelined due to lack of practice time and proper evaluation.

Crimson Tidal Wave: Explosive Plays Sink Bulldogs

Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy passed for 277 yards and two touchdowns as he helped lead the Crimson Tide to a 30-10 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The Tide struggled on the ground in the conventional sense against the tough Mississippi State defensive front.

However, courtesy of a 56-yard touchdown by Julio Jones via speed sweep and a Mark Ingram 78-yard touchdown reception which was nothing more than a glorified toss sweep, Alabama was able to score in an unconventional manner.




On the defensive side of the ball, the Crimson Tide stymied the State offense time and time again.

Safety Robert Lester recorded two interceptions against the Bulldogs and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

Alabama held Mississippi State to only 299 yards of total offense.

Nashville Predators

Thanks for the article from Laura Ryan

I really don't know what to think about this seasons Nashville Predators hockey team. You know, I keep thinking that on paper, at least, this team can't be as good. I mean they got rid of so many noteworthy players like Dan Hamhuis, Jason Arnott, Dan Ellis and Denis Grebeshkov, among others. On the other hand, isn't it time that we all stop doubting the genius that is GM (General Manager) David Poile and head coach Barry Trotz? Seriously, there is no management group in the NHL that drafts and develops talent better than those two guys. Somehow, someway the Predators will challenge for a playoff spot this season. Now, I'm not going to actually put money down on that, but it definitely wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.

The team will probably rely on aging veteran Center, Steve Sullivan to provide both scoring and some play making for the team as well as trusty Left Winger Jean-Pierre Dumont and 24 year old phenom Cal O'Reilly to provide scoring for the Predators. Goalie Pekka Rinne should provide stability on the back end going into his 5th season with the team. I'm definitely going to check out what tricks Poile and Trotz will be able to pull out on directv specials (it doesn't hurt that I just got a brand new High Definition TV to watch all the action on too.)

Watching Hockey in High Definition

Contributed by Maria Ruiz

Of all the major sports, hockey is the only one capable of capturing the hearts, minds and ulcers of sports fans of all ages. It begins with the fact that hockey is a game that is fundamentally catered to close, low scoring games. There is no such thing as a blowout because goals are so scarce, the defenses buoyed by hulking men on skates whose sole purpose is to push around the dainty, more elegant skaters who try and score goals. When I watch my favorite team, the San Jose Sharks, execute their defense to perfection, I weep in joy as what I am watching is truly a work of pure art, serving no practical purpose other than to enrich the soul.

The water fills my mouth whenever the hockey season starts, frosting as I imagine myself on the cool ice. That is how real the experience feels when I watch hockey on my high definition television through the NHL Center Ice package. Every game, every bone crushing hit, every slapshot, every goalie stop, every pugilistic endeavor gets captured by the brilliant colors and high resolution. Truly, I feel that I am watching something that not only pumps the adrenaline by quiets my rage, and while that may sound like a paradox I assure you that when I watch hockey on my satalite tv, these feelings are real.

Miss. State/Alabama: Back to Basics

When you look at the 2010 season for the Alabama Crimson Tide, the lack of the “basics” has been critical…during the most critical times.

Blame it on the “defensive youth movement” or blame it on simple lack of discipline and focus, but fundamental breakdowns have cost Alabama two games this season.

In respect to Saturday evening, Alabama must be true to the basics.

Mississippi State is a quality football team and the Crimson Tide must be focused and disciplined in every phase of the game in order to win.

In one of my recent articles I mentioned how easy it can become to simply “mail it in” when adversity strikes.

If Alabama is facing adversity following two road losses, try “tanking it” against Mississippi State…and just see what happens?

Here’s to bouncing back and playing to a winning standard!

ALABAMA 30
MISSISSIPPI STATE 17

Ingram Named Doak Walker Award Semifinalist

Alabama running back and reigning Heisman winner, Mark Ingram, has been named a Doak Walker Award semifinalist.

During the 2009 season, Ingram was named a finalist for the coveted honor which was eventually won by former Stanford running back Toby Gerhart.

Thus far in 2010, Ingram has rushed for 641 yards and nine touchdowns in seven games of action. The Tide ground leader averages 91 yards per contest.

Ingram is the fourth all-time leading rusher in Crimson Tide history (3,027 yards) and is second in rushing touchdowns with a total of 38 for his career.

The Michigan native also has 12 career 100-yard rushing games which ranks him third in University of Alabama football history.

Emotional Healing: Hungry Bulldogs Face Alabama

On Saturday evening the Mississippi State Bulldogs will take the field for the first time since the passing of defensive end Nick Bell.

Bell, 20, died on Nov. 2 following a battle with cancer.

With heavy hearts, the Bulldogs (7-2) will look to continue what has been an outstanding season as they attempt to pull an upset of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama has an impressive home winning streak but the Bulldogs, led by coach Dan Mullen, would love nothing more than to defeat the Crimson Tide to garner yet another SEC win.

For the second consecutive week the Alabama offense will have to face the "teeth" of a fast and physical defense.

The Tide ground game struggled against LSU and the Mississippi State defensive front will present yet another tough challenge for the Alabama rushing attack.

Following the tough loss in Baton Rouge, mental focus and intensity will be critical for the Crimson Tide.

Many times in the face of adversity it can be easy to “mail it in” and neglect the remainder of the season. How Alabama responds from a mental standpoint will be vital against the Bulldogs.



Mississippi State Offensive Leaders:

Passing: Chris Relf 70-131, 926 yards, 7 touchdowns
Rushing: Vick Ballard - 92 carries, 619 yards, 12 touchdowns
Receiving: Chad Bumphis - 35 receptions, 502 yards, 4 touchdowns

Alabama Offensive Leaders:

Passing: Greg McElroy - 158-228, 2,004 yards, 13 touchdowns
Rushing: Mark Ingram - 106 carries, 641 yards, 9 touchdowns
Receiving: Julio Jones - 55 receptions, 758 yards, 4 touchdowns

Crimson Notes 11/9/10

As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare to host the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday evening, a total of three players will be “limited” in practice due to injury.

Running back Trent Richardson, linebacker Chris Jordan and nose guard Kerry Murphy are dealing with minor injuries and are currently listed as “day-to-day” in respect to playing availability on Saturday.

Tide quarterback Greg McElroy suffered a hyperextended knee during the contest against LSU, but the minor ailment will not impact his practice/playing status.

While the Crimson Tide look to finish the 2010 season on a positive note on the field, the positive accolades continue for Greg McElroy off the field.

The Crimson Tide senior quarterback has been nominated for Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year by writer Lars Anderson.

The winner of the award will be announced on Nov. 30.

McElroy is also up for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as well as the Wuerffel Trophy.

The coveted Unitas honor is given annually to the top senior quarterback in the nation, while the Wuerffel Trophy (named after former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel) is given to the player who exemplifies athletic, academic and community service achievement.

Tide Talk: Nick Saban (Monday Presser)

Sleeping Beauty: LSU Defeats “Mentally Lazy” Tide

When the going got tough in Tiger Stadium on Saturday afternoon the Alabama Crimson Tide defense left town, while the LSU offense...threw a party!

Thanks to a strong second-half (on both sides of the ball) the LSU Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide by a score of 24-21.

Led by coach Les Miles, the Tigers had just enough trickery and just enough strategy to make all the right plays during the critical moments of the game.

The Alabama defense, after having a solid first-half, looked lazy and “mentally clumsy” on several occasions in the second-half.

With LSU holding a 24-21 lead and a little over two minutes remaining in the game, the Tigers were able to convert a critical third-and-13 play to seal the victory.

“When you do things like that, I guess you don’t deserve to win,” said Alabama coach Nick Saban.

The loss in Baton Rouge effectively put an end to the national championship hopes of the Crimson Tide and all but ended any hopes of returning to Atlanta for the SEC title game.

GAME RECAP (VIDEO)

SABAN PRESSER

The Opinionated NFL Fan

Posted by Noble Stephens

It's Monday night in the fall or winter. What do you have planned? Is it to go for a walk around the block? Will you go out to dinner and enjoy a nice meal? Will you go to the gym to workout a little? Are you going to rent a movie? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might as well stop reading now. This would mean that you're not an NFL fan. And I simply cannot relate to people who don't enjoy the NFL. I mean, what goes through your mind? How can you not enjoy a game between two teams that are in the national spotlight, attempting to prove to the country that they might be in the Super Bowl by the end of the year? This is what Monday Night Football is all about for players. You know that, don't you? It's all about earning respect. If they win, they're big dogs. If they lose, they're chumps. Monday Night Football holds a lot more weight than a regular Sunday afternoon game. This must be understood. It's also why I will watch Monday Night Football on Free on Demand on my directtv specials no matter what. If something comes up at work, I'll watch it when I get home. And I will not let anyone tell me the score beforehand. Now you know the importance of Monday Night Football. Its something anyone can and should get into.

Alabama/LSU: Running for Success

Everyone knows how important it will be for the LSU defense to contain the Alabama ground game, however, the most critical factor in my opinion will be the LSU running attack.

If the Tigers can establish the run against the Alabama defense, the entire complexion of the LSU offense (and the game) could change.

Many teams will tell you, when you become one-dimensional against the Alabama
defense…your goose will be cooked.

The LSU Tigers have been horrid on offense and the two quarterback system of Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee can be described as “satisfactory” at best.

Lee is more of a classic quarterback in respect to his passing ability and Jefferson is more of a runner/thrower and has the ability to be productive when the pocket collapses.

However, even with multiple quarterbacks, the inability of the LSU offense to sustain drives and have offensive balance has been the weakness of the Tigers all season.

The lack of production from the LSU offense is similar to the Auburn Tigers and their lack of defensive production.

Both programs are good in respect to overall record, yet both teams have glaring flaws on one side of the ball.

How can LSU eliminate major offensive flaws against the Crimson Tide? Establish the run! LSU will need running back Steven Ridley to be efficient and provide offensive balance.

You don’t need “Joe Montana” at the quarterback position to be successful if you have a solid ground game to keep the defense honest.

Another important player for LSU is Patrick Peterson. Not only is Peterson a great defensive back but he also provides LSU an advantage in the special teams department in respect to kickoff and punt returns.

The combination of Peterson on special teams and Ridley on the ground will be critical to the success of the LSU Tigers.

If LSU can be balanced on the offensive side of the ball and be productive on defense, the contest in Baton Rouge could be a replay of 2008 which saw Alabama win in overtime.

However, if LSU remains dire on offense and the defense is on the field longer than the center logo, Alabama will simply pound the Tigers until nothing is left but a pile of tired bodies and the echoes of “Rammer Jammer” in Tiger Stadium.



I’m a firm believer that you can’t teach an absent-minded coach new tricks and I also believe that sentence structure is still very paramount in our society.

"I think the pieces that we have done here really that have benefited us is we have looked at those things that we have been successful and we are going to work to maximize those yet again." ~Les Miles

The key to the LSU "offensive closet" is in the first dresser drawer...but the Tigers will never find it against Alabama.

ALABAMA 26
LSU 13

The Professional Approach: ‘Bama Invades LSU

If the month of October was considered the “gauntlet” for the Alabama Crimson Tide, the month of November appears to be an “agenda” waiting to be satisfied.

As has been the case since 2008, the Alabama Crimson Tide must “disconnect” from the rest of the college football world…and simply focus on each task at hand.

Task number one…the LSU Tigers.

From a statistical standpoint, the LSU Tigers will be the best defense the Alabama Crimson Tide will face during the 2010 season.

In respect to the SEC, the Tigers are second in scoring defense (behind Alabama) only allowing 15 points per game.

LSU also ranks first in pass defense (149.5 yards per contest) and first in total defense, only allowing 277 yards per game.

Needless to say, the Alabama offense will need a performance similar to the Tennessee outing if the Tide wishes to be offensively successful in Baton Rouge.

LSU linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, defensive tackle Drake Nevis and defensive back Patrick Peterson are three of the most prolific defensive players in the SEC.

The Alabama offensive line will certainly need to exhibit excellent technique and physical fortitude in order to contain the LSU defensive front.

LSU will look to attack the Alabama running game and force the Crimson Tide to pass. Patrick Peterson is one of the best defensive backs in college football and for the third year in a row he will look to blanket ‘Bama wide receiver Julio Jones. The Peterson/Jones matchup will be critical for both teams.

The Alabama offense against the talented and physical LSU defense is certainly one of the major storylines for this contest, but why is the success of the LSU defense so vital in respect to this game?

Simply stated…LSU has a dire offense.

The Tigers currently rank tenth in the SEC in respect to points per contest. The LSU defense will need to all but eliminate the Alabama offensive attack in order to keep the Tigers in the game.

On the surface, if Alabama can put 21 points on the board, the day could be very long for LSU.



Alabama only allows 12.5 points per game (best in the SEC) so the LSU offense will certainly face a daunting task if the defense gives up 20+ points to the Crimson Tide.

Statistics and tendencies can paint a nice picture of what is to be expected, however, the environment and mental status of each team and player is what makes most any game…a guessing game.

Baton Rouge and Tiger Stadium has been and will always be, one of the toughest road environments in all of college football.

The November “agenda” for the Alabama Crimson Tide will begin on Saturday and one can only hope the Tide will come ready to work…instead of seeking an early vacation.

Tide Talk: Julio Jones and Greg McElroy

Video Courtesy of TideSports.com

Crimson Notes 11/1/10

Coach Nick Saban addressed the media Monday afternoon and provided a positive report in respect to injuries.

With the exception of defensive lineman Kerry Murphy (sore knee), the Tide is healthy and ready for the LSU Tigers.

Coach Saban acknowledged that he was happy with the off week and expressed how the open date allowed the team to address several issues during practice without having to “prepare” for the next opponent.

Saban also reiterated the focus of the team doesn’t need to be on the “finish line,” but rather the daily process of what it takes to get better and play the best football possible.

In respect to LSU, Saban was very complimentary of the defense, particularly the play of defensive back Patrick Peterson.