Monday, October 31, 2011

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…


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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

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Monday, October 24, 2011

‘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.

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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


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