Random Thoughts on Week 2: The State of the SEC and Beyond

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Saturday night, I was in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama/FIU game.  Without question, the game was important.  I think perhaps we learned more about the team this week than last week. 

Alabama struggled early, and then took control in the second half, winning 40-14.

However, as happens from time to time, I found myself losing focus on the game.  Call me what you will, but in a game such as the one on Saturday, one's mind wonders.  Here is a brief synopsis of my random thoughts from Saturday night.  Do not expect much rhyme or reason to this.  Some of this is relevant.  Some is not. 

"We play Dixieland Delight/Sweet Home Alabama too much."

Am I imagining this?  It really seems that the loudspeakers blast "Sweet Home" for 30 minutes before every game and "Dixieland Delight" during every time out.  I love both songs, but maybe we are playing into that stereotype everyone else has of us with our affinities for those two songs.  I, for one, am in favor of expanding the playlist. 

On the positive side, I couldn't be more pleased at the selection of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" before kickoff.  Anybody who doesn't get at least a little bit amped when they hear that may not actually be breathing. 

"How worried should I be at the 'injuries' to Ingram, Jones, and Upchurch?"

I will have to admit to being a bit paranoid when it comes to injuries.  I was a little concerned to find out that a) Julio rested on the bench, icing his knee, b) Upchurch was also out because, according to multiple sources in my section, "something is wrong with his back, or his foot, or his neck," (yes, we get the inside scoop), and c) Ingram is still under the weather and nursing a sore ankle, but has been pressed into playing due to the injuries. 

Later, I learned that most of this was precautionary, but let us not forget that Jones and Ingram are sophomores.  They each have a season and a game under the belt, and could use as much playing time as possible for the stretch run.  I agree that the conservative route is the correct one when it comes to injuries, but I believe this is a bigger deal than it has been made out to be.

"Trent Richardson, at least early on, looks as good as advertised."

How much hype could one back have to live up to? 

I was too young when Alabama recruited Humphrey, Jelks, Stacy, and the like to know if they came with this kind of fanfare.  To hear the rumors, Richardson's strength and quickness remind people of a young Hershel Walker.

Saturday night, I got a chance to see what the fuss was about.  You will not hear me claim that he has Heismans in his future or that he should be starting.  What you can say is that he is of a different physical breed than everyone else on that field.  He is raw and unharnessed now, but, as they say, the upside is gigantic.

"The stadium expansion is underway, I see your 92,000, and raise you 10,000."

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