Friday, November 6, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Saban Taking Chances
In just three years at The University of Alabama, I have seen a big change in Nick Saban’s offensive philosophy. I wouldn’t even say it has taken three years for this change to take place. The change from being a strictly conservative ground and pound offensive team to opening up the playbook for some long throws began with the hiring of Jim McElwain.
Saban has only allowed his quarterbacks to be game managers and not playmakers at every location he has coached. If a receiver is not wide open, do not throw it. The quarterback’s only job was really to not screw up and throw an interception or fumble the ball. Running backs have always been the players to get the glory on Saban coached teams, and they often do not get any recognition because he prefers a running back-by-committee strategy.
With this in mind, I was shocked when the Alabama head coach said, “"To me, you want to play aggressively and think what you have to gain. That's your motivation.”
Saban was referring more to how he keeps his players playing to win as opposed to playing to lose, but there is more to this mindset than how he is approaching each game as a whole. This statement opened my eyes to the new Saban with Offensive Coordinator Jim McElwain and Junior quarterback Greg McElroy. He wants McElroy to quit just taking what the defense gives him and take chances throwing deeper routes, even if that means taking chances of throwing interceptions. This is something you will not hear Coach Saban say often, if ever again, exemplifying the confidence he has in the first year quarterback.
Saban is using this same mentality in fixing the struggling Alabama passing game, which has accounted for only 359 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the past three games. The good news is that McElroy played better in the Crimson Tide’s last game against Tennessee by throwing for 120 yards on 18 of 29 passing. I know those are not the Heisman candidate like numbers McElroy was putting up prior to the South Carolina game, but the Junior quarterback was very efficient throwing short passes that the defense gave him without throwing an interception.
Whether McElroy is deserving of the freedom the coaching staff is giving him is still to be determined, but I have a feeling Saturday will give us the answer.
Saban has only allowed his quarterbacks to be game managers and not playmakers at every location he has coached. If a receiver is not wide open, do not throw it. The quarterback’s only job was really to not screw up and throw an interception or fumble the ball. Running backs have always been the players to get the glory on Saban coached teams, and they often do not get any recognition because he prefers a running back-by-committee strategy.
With this in mind, I was shocked when the Alabama head coach said, “"To me, you want to play aggressively and think what you have to gain. That's your motivation.”
Saban was referring more to how he keeps his players playing to win as opposed to playing to lose, but there is more to this mindset than how he is approaching each game as a whole. This statement opened my eyes to the new Saban with Offensive Coordinator Jim McElwain and Junior quarterback Greg McElroy. He wants McElroy to quit just taking what the defense gives him and take chances throwing deeper routes, even if that means taking chances of throwing interceptions. This is something you will not hear Coach Saban say often, if ever again, exemplifying the confidence he has in the first year quarterback.
Saban is using this same mentality in fixing the struggling Alabama passing game, which has accounted for only 359 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the past three games. The good news is that McElroy played better in the Crimson Tide’s last game against Tennessee by throwing for 120 yards on 18 of 29 passing. I know those are not the Heisman candidate like numbers McElroy was putting up prior to the South Carolina game, but the Junior quarterback was very efficient throwing short passes that the defense gave him without throwing an interception.
Whether McElroy is deserving of the freedom the coaching staff is giving him is still to be determined, but I have a feeling Saturday will give us the answer.
In just three years at The University of Alabama, I have seen a big change in Nick Saban’s offensive philosophy. I wouldn’t even say it has taken three years for this change to take place. The change from being a strictly conservative ground and pound offensive team to opening up the playbook for some long throws began with the hiring of Jim McElwain.
Saban has only allowed his quarterbacks to be game managers and not playmakers at every location he has coached. If a receiver is not wide open, do not throw it. The quarterback’s only job was really to not screw up and throw an interception or fumble the ball. Running backs have always been the players to get the glory on Saban coached teams, and they often do not get any recognition because he prefers a running back-by-committee strategy.
With this in mind, I was shocked when the Alabama head coach said, “"To me, you want to play aggressively and think what you have to gain. That's your motivation.”
Saban was referring more to how he keeps his players playing to win as opposed to playing to lose, but there is more to this mindset than how he is approaching each game as a whole. This statement opened my eyes to the new Saban with Offensive Coordinator Jim McElwain and Junior quarterback Greg McElroy. He wants McElroy to quit just taking what the defense gives him and take chances throwing deeper routes, even if that means taking chances of throwing interceptions. This is something you will not hear Coach Saban say often, if ever again, exemplifying the confidence he has in the first year quarterback.
Saban is using this same mentality in fixing the struggling Alabama passing game, which has accounted for only 359 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the past three games. The good news is that McElroy played better in the Crimson Tide’s last game against Tennessee by throwing for 120 yards on 18 of 29 passing. I know those are not the Heisman candidate like numbers McElroy was putting up prior to the South Carolina game, but the Junior quarterback was very efficient throwing short passes that the defense gave him without throwing an interception.
Whether McElroy is deserving of the freedom the coaching staff is giving him is still to be determined, but I have a feeling Saturday will give us the answer.
Saban has only allowed his quarterbacks to be game managers and not playmakers at every location he has coached. If a receiver is not wide open, do not throw it. The quarterback’s only job was really to not screw up and throw an interception or fumble the ball. Running backs have always been the players to get the glory on Saban coached teams, and they often do not get any recognition because he prefers a running back-by-committee strategy.
With this in mind, I was shocked when the Alabama head coach said, “"To me, you want to play aggressively and think what you have to gain. That's your motivation.”
Saban was referring more to how he keeps his players playing to win as opposed to playing to lose, but there is more to this mindset than how he is approaching each game as a whole. This statement opened my eyes to the new Saban with Offensive Coordinator Jim McElwain and Junior quarterback Greg McElroy. He wants McElroy to quit just taking what the defense gives him and take chances throwing deeper routes, even if that means taking chances of throwing interceptions. This is something you will not hear Coach Saban say often, if ever again, exemplifying the confidence he has in the first year quarterback.
Saban is using this same mentality in fixing the struggling Alabama passing game, which has accounted for only 359 yards, 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the past three games. The good news is that McElroy played better in the Crimson Tide’s last game against Tennessee by throwing for 120 yards on 18 of 29 passing. I know those are not the Heisman candidate like numbers McElroy was putting up prior to the South Carolina game, but the Junior quarterback was very efficient throwing short passes that the defense gave him without throwing an interception.
Whether McElroy is deserving of the freedom the coaching staff is giving him is still to be determined, but I have a feeling Saturday will give us the answer.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Tide Links August 9, 2009
Trent Richardson has been included in Andy Staples list of freshmen most likely to make an immediate impact in 2009.
Alabama has many holes to fill before the season start, but probably no other position is in more question than the offensive line.
The Bleacher Report makes a prediction on the Crimson Tide's 2009 season.
With the spread offense becoming the popular offense, The Crimson Tide continues to use a more traditional offense with the help of tight ends Colin Peek and Brad Smelley.
If you are looking for a new web site that reports on The Tide, check out The Bama Sports Report.
Alabama has many holes to fill before the season start, but probably no other position is in more question than the offensive line.
The Bleacher Report makes a prediction on the Crimson Tide's 2009 season.
With the spread offense becoming the popular offense, The Crimson Tide continues to use a more traditional offense with the help of tight ends Colin Peek and Brad Smelley.
If you are looking for a new web site that reports on The Tide, check out The Bama Sports Report.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Tide Links August 3, 2009
With the first game against Virginia Tech right around the corner (Sept. 5th), Larry Burton of the Bleacher Report tells What Crimson Tide Fans Should Know About the Hokies
Gentry Estes list Alabama's top 5 questions for the upcoming season.
There are high expectations being set for Rolando McClain this season, possibly his last at The Capstone, but the only expectations that matter are those of Nick Saban.
With Alabama having arguably the #1 ranked recruiting class in 2009, there are a few freshmen that could make an immediate impact.
Gentry Estes list Alabama's top 5 questions for the upcoming season.
There are high expectations being set for Rolando McClain this season, possibly his last at The Capstone, but the only expectations that matter are those of Nick Saban.
With Alabama having arguably the #1 ranked recruiting class in 2009, there are a few freshmen that could make an immediate impact.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
McElroy Surprises Many at Manning Camp
It is no secret that the offensive backfield is going to be a big question for the approaching 2010 season. Part of the question might have been answered in this article on Bleacher Report about Greg McElroy out-gunning Heisman hopefuls, Jevon Snead and Colt McCoy and Heisman winner Sam Bradford.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Saban Brings In Spring Practice
It is not surprise that Coach Saban is not the best when it comes to communicating with the media in a nice manner, but today he seemed a little more irritable. Maybe it's because Prince Hall and Brandon Fanney are suspended for an indefinite period of time.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Countdown To A-Day (Running Backs)
This is the first of a seven part series I will be doing on position battles taking place throughout the spring.
Today I am focusing on the running backs. The fact that Saban runs a "running back by committee", instead of a "single work horse" offense, and that the running backs outperformed expectations last year, this is not going to be a very exciting battle. Surprising, seeming that The Crimson Tide's leading rusher left a year early for the NFL.
Returning are No. 2 and No. 3 rushers Sophomore Mark Ingram and Senior Roy Upchurch. Upchurch broke out of his shell last year by rushing for 350 yards on 58 carries and played a crucial role in defeating the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Upchurch's future is very much in question after having neck surgery and being held out of contact for the beginning of spring practice.
Upchurch is a great change of pace for Alabama's bruisers, but if he is unable to perform this year, expect to see Terry Grant step into the role of being the speedster to replace between the tackle runners Mark Ingram and highly regarded incoming freshman Trent Richardson.
Because of Richardson, I do not anticipate Ingram's role to change much as far as carries go, but I do expect him to start the season as the No. 1 running back. Whether he is in front of Richardson or behind him, they will both probably have the same amount of carries.
Other players battling for playing time will be Jeramie Griffin, Demetrius Goode, Ivan Matchett and Jermaine Preyear. With Richardson not arriving to the Capstone until June 1st, it is important that each one of these players to make a strong impression this spring.
Today I am focusing on the running backs. The fact that Saban runs a "running back by committee", instead of a "single work horse" offense, and that the running backs outperformed expectations last year, this is not going to be a very exciting battle. Surprising, seeming that The Crimson Tide's leading rusher left a year early for the NFL.
Returning are No. 2 and No. 3 rushers Sophomore Mark Ingram and Senior Roy Upchurch. Upchurch broke out of his shell last year by rushing for 350 yards on 58 carries and played a crucial role in defeating the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Upchurch's future is very much in question after having neck surgery and being held out of contact for the beginning of spring practice.
Upchurch is a great change of pace for Alabama's bruisers, but if he is unable to perform this year, expect to see Terry Grant step into the role of being the speedster to replace between the tackle runners Mark Ingram and highly regarded incoming freshman Trent Richardson.
Because of Richardson, I do not anticipate Ingram's role to change much as far as carries go, but I do expect him to start the season as the No. 1 running back. Whether he is in front of Richardson or behind him, they will both probably have the same amount of carries.
Other players battling for playing time will be Jeramie Griffin, Demetrius Goode, Ivan Matchett and Jermaine Preyear. With Richardson not arriving to the Capstone until June 1st, it is important that each one of these players to make a strong impression this spring.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
My Problem With The Combine.
I think the combine is a very exciting event. It's an opportunity for players to make or break their draft status. Although Andre Smith did the expected of someone in his shoes, being a top 10 pick with everything to lose and not much to gain, by just weighing in, being measured and not working out.
The one thing Andre failed to do was tell anyone he was leaving early to fly to Atlanta and begin training for Alabama's Pro Day. The consequences, of what was probably just Smith not knowing he had to tell anyone of his early departure, were reports of him going AWOL and being immature. Some draft analysts have Smith going from a Top 5 pick to an end of the first round pick. MSNBC has calculated Smith's error costing him $23.8 million.
The truth about The Combine is that there is no truth to the event. The Combine simply evaluates athletic talent, but what does it matter if a player can run a sub 4.4 40 yard run if they do not understand the game of football. If this is the case, that sub 4.4 speed will turn into 4.9 speed on the playing field. I would much rather have a 4.6 player that also plays at a 4.6 speed on the field.
The bench press also does not make any sense to me. The motion in a fundamental bench press does not resemble a football motion at all. Squatting strength is more important in football than that of upper-body strength. A player with leg strength can get lower and therefore get more leverage on an opposing player.
If any type of upper body strength should be measured, it should be done so by the players performing incline bench presses. A player should always try to be lower than the player they are attempting to block, therefore their motion should always be up (like an incline bench press motion).
Don't get me wrong, I love to watch the spotter yelling at the players as they try to pump out as many reps of 225 lbs. as they can do, but does it really show how good a player is?
The one thing Andre failed to do was tell anyone he was leaving early to fly to Atlanta and begin training for Alabama's Pro Day. The consequences, of what was probably just Smith not knowing he had to tell anyone of his early departure, were reports of him going AWOL and being immature. Some draft analysts have Smith going from a Top 5 pick to an end of the first round pick. MSNBC has calculated Smith's error costing him $23.8 million.
The truth about The Combine is that there is no truth to the event. The Combine simply evaluates athletic talent, but what does it matter if a player can run a sub 4.4 40 yard run if they do not understand the game of football. If this is the case, that sub 4.4 speed will turn into 4.9 speed on the playing field. I would much rather have a 4.6 player that also plays at a 4.6 speed on the field.
The bench press also does not make any sense to me. The motion in a fundamental bench press does not resemble a football motion at all. Squatting strength is more important in football than that of upper-body strength. A player with leg strength can get lower and therefore get more leverage on an opposing player.
If any type of upper body strength should be measured, it should be done so by the players performing incline bench presses. A player should always try to be lower than the player they are attempting to block, therefore their motion should always be up (like an incline bench press motion).
Don't get me wrong, I love to watch the spotter yelling at the players as they try to pump out as many reps of 225 lbs. as they can do, but does it really show how good a player is?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Andre Smith Draft Stock Drops
I was very surprised to read this article. Everything I have heard about Smith prior to The Sugar Bowl was positive, but this article gives a different impression.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Coffee Going Pro Will Help Tide
Glen Coffee announced today that he will be foregoing his senior season and will enter the NFL Draft. The decision came after Coffee put together the second best single season rushing in Alabama Football history. Many Alabama fans are upset that Coffee is going pro, but do not worry. Although I feel Coffee is not yet prepared for a transition into the pro game, it is best for the Tide which already was seeing a crowded backfield.
I feel Coffee's exit will strengthen the commitment of five star running back Trent Richardson. It is no secret that Richardson has the talent to come in and play immediately.
Coffee is expected to go in the mid to late rounds.
I feel Coffee's exit will strengthen the commitment of five star running back Trent Richardson. It is no secret that Richardson has the talent to come in and play immediately.
Coffee is expected to go in the mid to late rounds.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Rookie Wages Good for Alabama
Roger Goodell announced that NFL rookie salaries will not change this year. Goodell goes as far as to warn underclassmen not to be misled with the unfounded wage decrease.
This is great news when it comes to Andre Smith and Glen Coffee. Although I believe Coffee would have decided to stay after receiving feedback from the NFL Draft Board, it is rumored that an abnormally large amount of underclassmen would have entered the NFL draft with the rumors of lower rookie salary caps.
being an almost guaranteed top 10 pick, I still believe Smith will declare for the NFL draft, but the news of the wage restrictions be unfounded increases the chance Smith will return for his senior season.
"There will be no change in our current [rookie pool] system, at least until 2011," Goodell told ESPN on Saturday. "I've explained that to some college head coaches, athletic directors and league commissioners. Any underclassman who is hearing differently is probably hearing it from an agent or from another source who is misinformed."
This is great news when it comes to Andre Smith and Glen Coffee. Although I believe Coffee would have decided to stay after receiving feedback from the NFL Draft Board, it is rumored that an abnormally large amount of underclassmen would have entered the NFL draft with the rumors of lower rookie salary caps.
being an almost guaranteed top 10 pick, I still believe Smith will declare for the NFL draft, but the news of the wage restrictions be unfounded increases the chance Smith will return for his senior season.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Recruiting
We all know that recruiting is a shady business, but I was surprised to read an article in The New York Times, titled Inside the Red River Recruiting Rivalry, covering the recruitment of Jemarkus McFarland. It is obvious these players are wined and dined, but this report is shocking.
LSU, Oklahoma, Texas and USC were all in final running for McFarland with him committing to Oklahoma. An interesting part of the report is his description of Les Miles:
LSU, Oklahoma, Texas and USC were all in final running for McFarland with him committing to Oklahoma. An interesting part of the report is his description of Les Miles:
“He was very dry,” Adams said of Miles.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
What A Difference A Year Makes
It's a cliche statement in the sporting world, but I am going to say it one time: No one could have predicted the Alabama Crimson Tide to be 12-0 going into the SEC Championship. Alcohol was often involved when such bold statements were made. I personally thought the Crimson Tide would finish 8-4 at worst and 10-2 at best.
Many 800 lbs. gurillas were lifted off the Alabama programs back including ending Auburn's six game winning streak and Saban beating his former team, LSU. The "process" Saban always mentions is not only taking place, it is a year ahead of schedule.
With all this momentum, I am excited about the Sugar Bowl.
At the moment, the players are on a brief Christmas break and will return to practice in New Orleans on December 27th. That means the players will be in The Big Easy for six nights before the game on January 2nd. This trip to New Orleans is unique for the Crimson Tide because this is the only time each season the team will not travel together to the game. Many players will carpool in order to save their traveling expenses to spend on other things and some will have to fly.
If you have ever been to New Orleans, you know the temptations that are thrown at you. Saban is taking a very relaxed stance when trying to prevent his players from getting into any kind of trouble by saying, "I can't be on Bourbon Street with my whistle like at practice. ... I know if one of our guys messes up, it's going to be my fault. And I'm going to be in bed."
I thought that was a great response, but Saban's approach is not as relaxed as that statement makes it out to be. A curfew will be set and speakers have already talked to the team about what to do and what not to do.
Many 800 lbs. gurillas were lifted off the Alabama programs back including ending Auburn's six game winning streak and Saban beating his former team, LSU. The "process" Saban always mentions is not only taking place, it is a year ahead of schedule.
With all this momentum, I am excited about the Sugar Bowl.
At the moment, the players are on a brief Christmas break and will return to practice in New Orleans on December 27th. That means the players will be in The Big Easy for six nights before the game on January 2nd. This trip to New Orleans is unique for the Crimson Tide because this is the only time each season the team will not travel together to the game. Many players will carpool in order to save their traveling expenses to spend on other things and some will have to fly.
If you have ever been to New Orleans, you know the temptations that are thrown at you. Saban is taking a very relaxed stance when trying to prevent his players from getting into any kind of trouble by saying, "I can't be on Bourbon Street with my whistle like at practice. ... I know if one of our guys messes up, it's going to be my fault. And I'm going to be in bed."
I thought that was a great response, but Saban's approach is not as relaxed as that statement makes it out to be. A curfew will be set and speakers have already talked to the team about what to do and what not to do.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Cody Returning
Terrance Cody is not leaving anything to the average Alabama fan's mind when it comes to him entering the NFL draft after his Junior and only season for the Crimson Tide. Cody will not only forego the draft, he is not even going to apply for feedback from the NFL draft board.
To me, this decision shows Cody's maturity for being able to see though all of the hype analysts are building up about him and say to himself that he needs another year. Not many teams in the NFL run the 3-4 defense that Alabama runs and for that reason, Cody's draft position could have been really good or really bad. It is also very difficult to pass up that money.
"I felt like I needed another year to get full control, get my weight down and get my knee back to full health and get in better condition and stuff," said Cody when asked about his decision.
To me, this decision shows Cody's maturity for being able to see though all of the hype analysts are building up about him and say to himself that he needs another year. Not many teams in the NFL run the 3-4 defense that Alabama runs and for that reason, Cody's draft position could have been really good or really bad. It is also very difficult to pass up that money.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Tides Truly Have Turned
I am trying to remain classy while watching the slow motion train wreck known as Auburn football take place, but t is difficult to not enjoy just slightly after the last six years. There are many lessons we can learn from the meltdown Auburn has been experiencing for the past two weeks, but the main lesson I have learned is: What goes around comes around.
Tommy Tubberville made a career off picking on a struggling Alabama program. The years became more frustrating with the more fingers he would hold up. "Year of the Thumb," remember that Auburn. How classless could one coach be. Tubberville's true self shined after losing to Alabama once and quitting. I can not think of something more immature. It reminds me of when I would quit playing checkers with my brother just as I knew I was about to lose.
I will never forget the tough times Alabama has experienced over the past 10 years, and I am sure Auburn fans will not forget the best six years in the programs history which consist of one SEC Championship and ZERO NATIONAL TITLES. As I write this, I feel the urge to laugh like a mad scientist.
While Auburn has had five recruit de-commit with a week, Alabama received notification of their 20th commit in Kevin Norwood. Norwood marks Alabama's 12 commit with at least 4 stars or higher from Rivals. This is a great sign with Saban having hit the road hard within the past few day. That's right, we have a coach that recruits as opposed to hunting in Arkansas.
Tommy Tubberville made a career off picking on a struggling Alabama program. The years became more frustrating with the more fingers he would hold up. "Year of the Thumb," remember that Auburn. How classless could one coach be. Tubberville's true self shined after losing to Alabama once and quitting. I can not think of something more immature. It reminds me of when I would quit playing checkers with my brother just as I knew I was about to lose.
I will never forget the tough times Alabama has experienced over the past 10 years, and I am sure Auburn fans will not forget the best six years in the programs history which consist of one SEC Championship and ZERO NATIONAL TITLES. As I write this, I feel the urge to laugh like a mad scientist.
While Auburn has had five recruit de-commit with a week, Alabama received notification of their 20th commit in Kevin Norwood. Norwood marks Alabama's 12 commit with at least 4 stars or higher from Rivals. This is a great sign with Saban having hit the road hard within the past few day. That's right, we have a coach that recruits as opposed to hunting in Arkansas.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Alabama - Mississippi All-Star Classic took place today in Mobile, Ala. Many Alabama commits and potential commits played in today's game. The most interesting teammate combination to me is that of A.J. McCarron (QB) and D.J. Fluker (OT). This marks the first game that Fluker will be protecting McCarron's weakside. Josh Bean of the Mobile Press-Register wrote an article about the relationship between Fluker and McCarron.
The game was not on television, but the statistics have been posted by the AHSAA. A.J. McCarron was named MVP of the Alabama team.
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