Vegas Sweet on ‘Bama

As of Monday afternoon the fine folks in Las Vegas have the Alabama Crimson Tide a five-point favorite over the LSU Tigers.

Opened: Alabama -4.5
Sunday Night: Alabama -4
Currently: Alabama -5

The “Honey Badger” has no comment…

Steady and Stable: Jarrett Lee, LSU Offense

Unless you live under a high-end rock, you know all about the defensive tussle that is expected come Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Stat sheets concerning each and every defensive category comparing LSU and Alabama range from your local newspaper to your local convenience store window.

However, as is the case with many “defensive hyped” games, the offense will play a pivotal role, and when push comes to shove, perhaps the decisive role.

Lost in the propaganda surrounding a “Honey Badger” and his group of defensive cohorts, the LSU offense has become a model of consistency thanks to a pocket passer no longer under scorn and ridicule.

Jarrett Lee’s Rise to Reliability

In 2008, LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee was a dream come true for linebackers and defensive backs throughout the SEC.

Lee, who couldn’t find his own teammates with binoculars, quickly became the laughing stock of the conference throwing 16 interceptions on the season, seven of which were returned for touchdowns.

Now in 2011, with over three years of experience between his ears, Jarrett Lee has quietly become one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC and one of the best offensive leaders in college football.

If AJ McCarron is considered a “game manager”…Jarrett Lee is the “game president.”

Lee has completed 98-of-155 passes thus far in 2011, and has thrown 13 touchdowns and only one interception.

While Lee is expected to share a few snaps with former starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson come Saturday night, the LSU offense will either “sink or swim” on the right arm of the once maligned quarterback.

The Running of the Bulls

While Alabama has a potential Heisman winner in the person of Trent Richardson, the LSU Tigers possess a plethora of punishing and multipurpose backs that are virtually interchangeable.

Led by leading rusher Spencer Ware, LSU certainly has the talent and depth to gain yards on the ground which will permit the Tigers to unlock the aerial attack.

Open Field Danger

Just when you thought the LSU offensive assault couldn’t be more balanced, the wide receivers enter the fold.

Led by future NFL star Rueben Randle, the Tigers possess one of the best receiving units in the SEC.

Jarrett Lee is obviously a much improved quarterback from his dark year of 2008, but gifted wide receivers can make any marginally talented quarterback look proficient.

LSU Offensive Statistics (1-120)

Total Offense: 81st-372 Yards Per Game

Rushing Offense: 31st-189 Yards Per Game

Passing Offense: 99th-183 Yards Per Game

Scoring Offense: 12th-39 Points Per Game

‘Bama Injury Report: Cyrus Kouandjio/Alex Watkins

Left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio suffered a knee injury against the Tennessee Volunteers and will be lost for the remainder of the season. Kouandjio, who had seen action in the first eight games of 2011, will undergo surgery.

Cyrus’ brother, Tide offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio, underwent knee surgery earlier this month after sustaining an injury during the “Fan Day” public practice in August.

Linebacker Alex Watkins suffered a broken arm against the Vols and will be out of action for two to three weeks. Watkins, like Kouandjio, had participated in the first eight games of 2011 and even earned a start against the Ole Miss Rebels.

On the season, Watkins had 13 tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble prior to the injury.

Rapid Recap: Alabama 37 Tennessee 6

-Alabama outscored the Vols 31-0 in the second half in order to break a
6-6 halftime score.

-UA garnered either a first down or touchdown over the first 10 plays of the second half.

-The Crimson Tide outgained UT 280-41 in the second half and didn’t allow a first down.

-Alabama has now defeated UT for the fifth straight season and by 31-points for the second time in as many years.

-‘Bama linebacker Dont’a Hightower has been named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Vols.

Individual/Team Stats of Notes

Passing

Alabama-McCarron: 17/26 284 Yards 1 TD 1 INT
Tennessee-Simms: 8/17 58 Yards 1 INT (D. Hightower)

Rushing

Alabama
Richardson: 17 Carries 77 Yards 2 TDs
Lacy: 7 Carries 46 Yards
Fowler: 9 Carries 27 Yards

Tennessee
Poole: 19 Carries 67 Yards
Lane: 7 Carries 21 Yards

Receiving

Alabama
Maze: 5 Receptions 106 Yards
Hanks: 3 Receptions 55 Yards
Bell: 3 Receptions 52 Yards 1 TD
Smelley: 2 Receptions 34 Yards
Richardson: 3 Receptions 33 Yards
Lacy: 2 Receptions 14 Yards

Tennessee
Rogers: 2 Receptions 32 Yards
Rivera: 1 Reception 13 Yards
Poole: 3 Receptions 10 Yards

Emotional Discontent: Tennessee/Alabama Verdict

Rivalry games always garner an “extra level” of emotion regardless of overall team records or Vegas betting lines.

The old expression, “you can throw the record book out the window when these teams get together” is arguably one of the biggest clichés uttered when it comes to rivalry affairs in the sports world.

The baseline idea for an “upset win” in a rivalry game is predicated on the suggestion that emotion can overcome the odds and carry a team to victory…when talent alone isn’t enough.

In respect to the Tennessee/Alabama contest at Bryant-Denny Stadium, “emotion” will be good enough for a field goal, perhaps a touchdown, but if “talent alone isn’t enough” against the best defense in college football…cover your eyes and duck!

As has been the case thus far in 2011, the Crimson Tide will once again bring more talent, more depth, more size, and more athleticism to the table than the opposition. No amount of “rivalry emotion” will be able to counteract the polished ability and precise execution that Alabama will bring to the field.

The Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals are considered “rivals”…and the Generals haven’t won since 1962.

Don’t expect Nick Saban to go “Globetrotter” and pull down Derek Dooley’s pants or throw a bucket of confetti on an official, but in the fashion of the Washington Generals…don’t expect Tennessee to win either.

Alabama 37
Tennessee 7

Volunteers Needed: Tennessee Offensive Anguish

As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for the Alabama Crimson Tide, physical anguish and statistical anguish plague the offense.

The Vols, 3-3 overall and 0-3 in the SEC, will enter Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday night without the services of quarterback Tyler Bray and wide receiver Justin Hunter.

Bray, who suffered a broken thumb against Georgia on Oct. 8, is expected to miss another month, and Hunter is lost for the season after sustaining a torn anterior cruciate ligament against Florida on Sept. 17.

Prior to the injuries, Bray had thrown for 1,579 yards including 14 touchdowns and two interceptions, while Hunter had been on the receiving end of 17 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns.

Simms Replaces Bray

In relief of Tyler Bray, quarterback Matt Simms started his first game of the season last week against LSU. The odds were certainly against Simms entering the contest…and the odds were correct.

The UT quarterback only completed six passes out of 20 attempts including two interceptions. Simms is now 11-of-28 on the season for 185 yards including the aforementioned interceptions.

In fairness to Simms, starting your first game of the season against one of the best defenses in the nation is not exactly ideal...but neither is facing Alabama one week later.

The college football “community” should give Matt Simms a “free pass” (no pun intended), but don’t expect angry Tennessee fans to sign the agreement.

UT Rushing Attack

In times of quarterback turmoil, the running game becomes doubly important for offensive success. Unfortunately for the Vols, the running game has yet to surface in 2011.

If second place is considered the first loser, what is 114 of out 120? UT will enter the contest with Alabama 114th in the nation in total rushing; only averaging 89 yards per game on the ground.

Who is number one in the nation against the run? The Alabama Crimson Tide of course! The vaunted ‘Bama defense only allows 38 yards per game on average.

Tennessee Rushing/Receiving Stats of Note

Richardson Receives Player of the Week Honors

For the second time this season, Trent Richardson has been named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. The Alabama running back has rushed for 100 yards or more in six consecutive games and is now the 10th leading rusher in school history with 2,363 yards.

The Alabama junior currently leads the SEC in rushing and ranks fourth nationally with a 130.3 yards per game average. Richardson is also third in the nation in scoring, averaging 13 points per contest.

Injury Report

-Offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio underwent knee surgery last Thursday and will miss the remainder of the season.

-Offensive lineman Anthony Steen suffered a concussion in the contest against Ole Miss and will be withheld from practice until he recovers.

The Oxford Obliteration: Alabama 52 Ole Miss 7

Courtesy of Trent Richardson’s career-high 183 yards rushing and four touchdowns, the Alabama Crimson Tide pulverized the Ole Miss Rebels by the score of 52-7.

Featured in the Richardson “showcase” was a 76-yard touchdown run that would make some NFL greats, both past and present, awfully jealous.

Richardson averaged 10.8 yards per carry against the hapless Ole Miss defense.

The Crimson Tide accumulated 615 yards of total offense against the Rebels including 389 on the ground. The Tide defense held Ole Miss to only 141 yards of total offense, 28 yards on the ground, and forced two turnovers.

Alabama’s 52 points was the most by any Crimson Tide team in SEC play since 1990, and the Ole Miss loss was the worst defeat since the Florida Gators trounced the Rebels 49-3 in 1981.

Individual/Team Stats of Note

Passing
McCarron: 19/24 224 Yards 1 TD

Rushing
Richardson: 17 Carries 183 Yards 4 TDs
Fowler: 9 Carries 125 Yards 2 TDs
B. Sims: 5 Carries 74 Yards
Lacy: 5 Carries 22 Yards

Receiving
Hanks: 4 Receptions 63 Yards
Williams: 2 Receptions 39 Yards
Bell: 3 Receptions 31 Yards
Richardson: 2 Receptions 30 Yards
White: 3 Receptions 23 Yards
Maze: 3 Receptions 21 Yards
Gibson: 1 Reception 10 Yards 1 TD
Smelley: 2 Receptions 9 Yards

Booing and Sweating: Alabama/Ole Miss Verdict

When you lack consistency at the quarterback position (starting three guys in five games) and your offensive production looks like a dilapidated factory, the fans will “boo” and the coach will sweat.

The Ole Miss Rebels have become a dilapidated football factory…

Like it or not and believe it or not, the Rebels have become the new “Vanderbilt” of the SEC.

Unless the Alabama football team decides to remain in Tuscaloosa and watch the Florida/Auburn contest on television, the Rebels have no chance of defeating arguably the best team in the nation.

The Crimson Tide lead the country in scoring defense only allowing seven points per game on average, while the Ole Miss Rebels are currently 54th in the same category, allowing 24.6 points per contest.

If Alabama does encounter an “issue” against Ole Miss it will be due to lack of focus and intensity. As was the case in the first half against Vanderbilt, when you play with your mind “out to lunch” the consequences can be rather uncomfortable at times.

However, when it comes to being “uncomfortable,” the Ole Miss Rebels and head coach Houston Nutt have perfected the art of uneasiness…and nauseousness.

Alabama 41
Ole Miss 7

Rancid Rebels and the Offensive Offense

While the drama at the quarterback position for the Ole Miss Rebels has been well documented, the overall offense has been well…rancid.

After the first five games of the 2011 season, the Rebels currently rank 114th in total offense out of 120 FBS teams. Ole Miss averages only 274 yards per contest which places them below the likes of Idaho, Memphis, and UAB.

Rushing Offense: 99th-115 yards per game.
Passing Offense: 108th-158 yards per game.

Individual Receiving/Rushing Stats

The QB Shuffle: Rebels turn to Mackey

The Ole Miss Rebels, who currently stand 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the SEC, have started not one, not two, but three quarterbacks during the first five games of 2011.

Head coach Houston Nutt began the season with Barry Brunetti, however, Brunetti failed to make it through the first half of the season opener against BYU before being replaced by Zack Stoudt.

Stoudt, who completed the contest against the Cougars, was named the starter against Southern Illinois, Vanderbilt, and Georgia. However, during the contest with the Bulldogs, Stoudt shared game action with junior signal caller Randall Mackey.

Stoudt, hampered by a total of six interceptions versus only two touchdowns during his time as a starter, would eventually lose the job to Mackey.

Entering the contest at Fresno State on Oct. 1, Mackey would be the lone quarterback for the Rebels and would also prove to be the most “fruitful selection” of the season.

Mackey threw for 218 yards against FS while completing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Melvin Harris.

The Rebels, who were idle last week, now carry a bit of confidence into the game against Alabama due in large measure to solid quarterback play from Randall Mackey, and the belief the offense is more “efficient” with Mackey at the helm.

Ole Miss could very well have a productive future with Mackey at the controls, but when the “opening day” quarterback is now the
third-stringer just five games into the season…”Houston (Nutt) we have a problem.”

‘Bama Injury Report

-Offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio, who suffered a knee injury during Alabama’s “Fan Day” practice on Aug. 7, is facing potential surgery. Kouandjio, who has been “coping” with knee discomfort, would be forced to miss the remainder of the season if surgery is required.

-Linebacker C.J. Mosley, who missed the contest at Florida and the homecoming game against Vanderbilt due to an elbow injury, is considered “probable” for Ole Miss.

-Running back Eddie Lacy, who did not play against Vanderbilt due to a foot ailment, will return to practice on Tuesday.

Homecoming Shutout: Alabama 34 Vanderbilt 0

Led by A.J. McCarron’s career-high marks of 237 yards passing and four touchdowns, the Alabama Crimson Tide blanked the Vanderbilt Commodores 34-0 in front of the homecoming crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Alabama defense recorded a shutout for the second time this season and running back Trent Richardson rushed for over 100 yards for the fifth consecutive game. Richardson, who had a career-high 181 yards rushing against Florida, earned 107 yards and one touchdown against the Commodores.

Touchdown Firsts/Maze Career-High

Wide receiver DeAndrew White caught two touchdowns against Vanderbilt, which also marked the first two touchdowns of his young Alabama career. White was on the receiving end of a 5-yard touchdown pass late in the first half and a 39-yard touchdown strike late in the third quarter.

In the same fashion as White, ‘Bama tight end Brad Smelley was also on the receiving end of his first career touchdown. A.J. McCarron connected with Smelley on a 6-yard touchdown pass to give the Crimson Tide the initial score of the game.

Although he didn’t reach the endzone on Saturday, wide receiver Marquis Maze caught nine passes for 93 yards. The nine receptions marked a personal career-high for the Alabama senior.

'Bama Defense Forces Turnovers

The Vanderbilt defense entered Bryant-Denny Stadium leading the nation in interceptions forced with a total of 14, however, on this night; it would be Alabama forcing the interceptions.

On two occasions, courtesy of linebacker Nico Johnson and cornerback Dee Milliner, the Crimson Tide defense intercepted Vandy backup quarterback Jordan Rodgers.

Rodgers, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was forced into action after starter Larry Smith was injured during the initial quarter of play.

The Vandy quarterback finished the game 11-of-18 for 104 yards including the aforementioned interceptions.

Individual Stats of Note/Team Stats

Passing:
McCarron-23/30 237 Yards 4 TDs

Rushing:
Richardson-19 Carries 107 Yards 1 TD
Fowler-13 Carries 58 Yards

Receiving:
Maze-9 Receptions 93 Yards
Hanks-5 Receptions 60 Yards 1 TD
White-3 Receptions 58 Yards 2 TDs
Smelley-3 Receptions 19 Yards 1 TD

Just the Basics: Vanderbilt/Alabama Verdict

The Vanderbilt Commodores haven’t defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide since 1984, and don’t expect the losing streak to end Saturday.

New head coach James Franklin has undoubtedly revived the Vandy program, and the ‘Dores currently lead the nation in interceptions forced with a total of 14.

However, like most teams in the nation, the Commodores are simply no match for the Crimson Tide defense and overall “aggressive” style of play. No amount of “program revival” can overcome the skill and proficiency the ‘Dores will encounter Saturday night.

Nick Saban treats every game like the very existence of the planet is at stake, but don’t anticipate Alabama using every "trick in the book" in order to defeat an upstart Vandy team.

Vanderbilt doesn’t have the athletes to compete with the Crimson Tide for an entire game, so the simple act of attrition will be enough to prevail…if nothing else.

Look for Alabama to use the old-fashioned “basics” and come away with a convincing win.

Alabama 31
Vanderbilt 3

McCarron’s Recipe for “Game Manager” Stew

-A.J. McCarron is 75-of-120 for 919 yards including four touchdowns and two interceptions thus far in 2011.

-17 passes have been completed to either Brad Smelley or Michael Williams for a combined total of 216 yards and two touchdowns.

-22 passes have been completed to Marquis Maze for a total of 262 yards and one touchdown.

-11 passes have been completed to Trent Richardson for 148 yards and one touchdown.

-Maze, Richardson, Smelley, and Williams have accounted for 626 of McCarron’s 919 passing yards.

-Maze, Richardson, and Williams have accounted for all four of McCarron’s touchdown passes.

-50 of McCarron’s 75 pass completions have been courtesy of Maze, Richardson, Smelley, and Williams.

-Maze, Richardson, Smelley, and Williams are currently responsible for 66 percent of the Alabama passing offense.

So what's the ultimate recipe for “Game Manager” stew?

-2 Tight Ends
-1 Wide Receiver
-1 Running Back

Happy passing to all!

Vanderbilt/Alabama Series History

-The 6 p.m. homecoming contest at Bryant-Denny Stadium will mark the 83rd meeting between Vanderbilt and Alabama.

-The most recent meeting between ‘Bama/Vandy took place in September of 2007 in Nashville. The Crimson Tide won the contest 24-10 in Nick Saban’s first SEC game as head coach of the Crimson Tide.

-Alabama leads the overall series 58-19-4 (60-18-4 before forfeited and vacated games) and have won 20 consecutive meetings.

-The last time Vanderbilt defeated Alabama was in September of 1984 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Commodores won by a score of 30-21.

Combative Commodores: VU Defense Recognized

When you think “college football” and “defense”…the Vanderbilt Commodores don’t come to mind within the first few seconds. Well…they probably don’t come to mind at all.

However, under new head coach James Franklin, the Commodores currently rank 11th in the nation in total defense, and first in interceptions forced with a total of 14.

Through four games (3-1) thus far in 2011, the ‘Dores have only allowed eight touchdowns while holding teams to 279 yards of total offense per game.

Granted the “defensive ‘Dores” will most likely lose some steam as the season progresses and the competition stiffens, but Vandy fans have to be proud of a defense that currently leads the nation in a major statistical category.

James Franklin has restored and revived Vanderbilt football and given the fanbase legitimate hope for the first time in many years.

Vandy won’t make it to the SEC title game with this “interception leading” defense, but a bowl game is a genuine possibility for the 2011 Commodores.

Confident Commodores: Franklin Revives Vandy

The Vanderbilt Commodores, led by new head coach James Franklin, will enter Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday night with a record of 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the SEC.

Vandy is coming off an idle week after being defeated by the South Carolina Gamecocks the week prior.

It goes without saying the ‘Dores will face a monstrous challenge in Alabama, but head coach James Franklin has pumped new life into what was considered by many to be a “bleak and barren” program.

For the first time in several years, Vandy fans have a reason to be optimistic about not only the present…but the future.

Vanderbilt Offensive Statistics

Cover Boys: ‘Bama on SI…Again

The Alabama defense only allows 8.4 points per game and since 2007 the Crimson Tide average 2.4 Sports Illustrated covers per year.

Check out the latest edition…

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Crimson Notes 10/3/11

Alabama starting center William Vlachos has been named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Vlachos, who did not allow a sack against Florida, helped the Alabama offense rush for 226 yards and pass for 140.

The Crimson Tide center made several critical calls in pass protection which proved to be successful against the Gators.

On the health and wellness front, linebacker C.J. Mosley continues to recover from an elbow injury which he sustained in the early portion of the game against Arkansas.

Mosley, who missed the contest at Florida, is considered questionable for Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt.

Tide running back Eddie Lacy, who suffered a foot injury against Arkansas, will be wearing a boot as preparation for Vanderbilt begins.

Lacy, who played against Florida and scored a rushing touchdown, is regarded as probable for Saturday.

Gutted Gator: ‘Bama Dismantles Florida

Alabama running back Trent Richardson rushed for a career-high 181 yards and two touchdowns, while the Florida faithful…rushed for the exits.

Courtesy of an unstoppable ground attack and a potent defense, the Alabama Crimson Tide rolled the Florida Gators by a score of 38-10 Saturday night in Gainesville.

The Crimson Tide, 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the SEC, once again destroyed a “quality team” on a national stage.



Quick Strike…Early Fizzle

The Florida Gators began the contest in dramatic fashion as quarterback John Brantley connected with Andre Debose on a 65-yard touchdown strike on the first play from scrimmage.

The predominant Florida crowd of 90,888, the second-largest crowd in the history of Florida Field, watched the Gators take an early 7-0 lead over the Crimson Tide.

However, once the emotion wore off and the final score was in the books, the first play of the game would turn out to be the only play of major significance for the Gators.

In “boom and bust” fashion, one could argue that Florida was only good enough for one play against the solid Alabama defense.

Demps/Rainey Non-Factors

Florida couldn’t run the football…and Alabama could. In what was considered one of the biggest keys to the game, the Gators didn’t have the correct key to open the lock.

The high-powered Florida offense entered the game averaging 259 yards rushing per contest, however, the Gators were only able to amass a total of 15 yards against Alabama.

Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, who many said Alabama wouldn’t be able to contain, only garnered a grand total of eight yards against arguably the fastest and toughest defense in the nation.

Driskel Relieves Injured Brantley

Florida was unable to run the football and stop the Alabama run, however, the injury to John Brantley served as the “beginning of the end” for the UF offense.

Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who intercepted a Brantley pass and returned it for a touchdown earlier in the game, knocked the Florida quarterback out of the contest with a sack late in the second quarter. Brantley suffered a leg injury on the play and was replaced by freshman Jeff Driskel.

Brantley was 11-of-16 for 190 yards including one touchdown and the aforementioned interception before having to exit due to injury.

Toothless Gators

The Alabama Crimson Tide have now defeated the Florida Gators three years in a row by a combined score of 101-29.

Stats of Note

Alabama Rushing

Richardson-29 Carries 181 Yards 2 TDs
Lacy-5 Carries 32 Yards 1 TD
Fowler-5 Carries 19 Yards
McCarron-1 Carry 1 Yard

Alabama Passing

McCarron-12/25 140 Yards

Alabama Receiving

Maze-2 Receptions 36 Yards
Williams-3 Receptions 32 Yards
Richardson-2 Receptions 27 Yards
Hanks-2 Receptions 19 Yards
Smelley-1 Reception 16 Yards
Bell-1 Reception 7 Yards
Lacy-1 Reception 3 Yards

Florida Rushing

Driskel-6 Carries 18 Yards
Rainey- 11 Carries 4 Yards
Demps-3 Carries 4 Yards
Gillislee-3 Carries 4 Yards
Brantley-4 Carries -19 Yards

Florida Passing

Brantley-11/16 190 Yards 1 TD 1 INT
Driskel-2/6 14 Yards
Burton-1/1 3 Yards

Florida Receiving

Debose-2 Receptions 90 Yards 1 TD
Thompson-2 Receptions 43 Yards
Rainey-3 Receptions 32 Yards
Reed-5 Receptions 31 Yards
Hammond-1 Reception 9 Yards
Demps-1 Reception 2 Yards