Hey guys,
So, I've been doing this article series for about three or four months now, and I felt the need to give it some more spice.
So, here it goes:
Things We Learned This Weekend
This Alabama Team May Have Too Many Stars
With this team, it seems that every time you turn around, someone new is making plays. Last week, Cory Reamer came out of nowhere to spark the Crimson Tide's stout defense. This week, Courtney Upshaw made his presence known on special teams and Justin Woodall made an impact from a position that most Bama fans thought had disappeared.
Of course, there is no problem with having too many stars on a team. It just means that there are a few more numbers to learn than usual if you want to follow this team.
Bama Fans Can Breathe a Bit Easier about Tulane
After going toe-to-toe with East Carolina, Tulane doesn't seem as bad as it did over the past week. Sure, the offense still should have moved the ball more, but the fact that Alabama found a way to beat a team like that should make Tide fans feel better about their team's performance.
- B/R Ticket Guide
John Parker Wilson Is, Indeed, a Better Quarterback
Sure, the Tulane game was horrid, but in his other two games this season, he has topped 60 percent for his completion percentage and has been more efficient in running the offense.
He is reading the defense better and going through his progressions better as well. There are still points he can improve on—overthrowing open receivers downfield is one. But this is not the same quarterback who has led this team the past two seasons.
The Future Looks Bright in Tuscaloosa
Finally, Alabama fans got to see some of the reserves play, and they made their time worthwhile. Greg McElroy showed that he is able to run the offense if the worst should happen to Alabama on the injury front. Every running back played very well, and none of them are seniors. Those are just a few of the things that seemed to run smoothly once the starters rested.
Okay, so now that the new stuff is covered, let's go back to what this series was built on:
Against Clemson, Alabama seemed to play flawlessly.
Against Western Kentucky, the same team that played Clemson seemed to show up again.
All signs are pointing to those teams being the team Alabama actually is this season. However, it is still early, so does that mean Alabama can actually get better?
So, this week's topic is: Can Alabama play a more complete game this season than they already have?
Sure, there were some small faults in both the Clemson and Western Kentucky games, (such as finally giving up a TD), but Alabama looked as dominant as they have in recent years in these games.
So, as always, you can leave a comment below or write your own article on this week's topic.
That's all for this week, guys.
Thanks, and Roll Tide.
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2 months ago
Nic, I have noticed two things that must be worked on if Bama is looking to be more than just a middle of the pack team that can win the big game every now and then.
1) Even though JPW has improved, he needs to work on the long ball. Just think of the potential of the long ball threat if he could get it down. Right now DBs seem to be playing the receivers so tight because they know JPW will over throw the long pass. You can have all the speed and talent in the world, but if your qb over-throws you it doesn't matter. I think it would make the DBs play off the receivers and behind them a bit more. Which would in turn open up more short passes and an even deadlier run game. Overall, it woul dmake the defense a little more honest and would open the field of play and play calling so much more. It's almost like adding a third dimension to the offense. (I know you mentioned this above)
2) Capitalizing more on turnovers. In the Clemosn game we settled for a field goal when they turned the ball over in the first quarter. We did the same Saturday when we got the ball down inside the twenty. We moved it to the five I believe but could not punch it in. I think if you get the ball inside the twenty to start a drive you have to punch it in to prove you are an elite team. We did score, so I don't want to take away from that, but 6 would have looked much better and does so much more to deflate teams when you put up 6 off a turnover.
Other than that we have given up only 23 points in 12 quarters of play! That is less than 2 points per quarter! I think that is awesome. On top of that, 7 came from special teams in the Clemson game. So really, Bama's D has given up 16 points in 12 quarters - 1.333 points a quarter. I don't care who you are I'll take that any day! I know someone is bound to score more on us when we get in SEC play, but if we can keep working to keep this up on defense we will be in every game and have a great chance to win every game!
3-0 looks good, but we have been down this road before. These guys have what it takes if they can keep their focus!
RTR
2 months ago
Tulane is the best that Alabama has played....that isn't good. What is good is that the three cup cakes gave you a chance to get the Youth some experience. I am a Notre Dame fan and we are in a similar situation, the front end of our schedule isn't as cup cake as yours but it gets a lot better after our next two games. It is important not to throw the young guys to the wolfs, let them get their footing. One benefit that you have over us is upper classmen. We have few, remember we don't redshirt.
from 2 months ago
First, Clemson is not a cupcake. They are a BCS team, and those are by far not cupcakes. Second, I think Clemson could take Michigan in a heartbeat, so I would have to say the ND schedule is a bit easier so far. Third, our freshmen were thrown to the wolves against Clemson, and have shown no problems and easily have their footing. Fourth, Alabama only has 9 seniors on this team, so I don't want to hear that we have a "benefit" of upper classmen.
2 months ago
Danny,
Are you seriously saying Tulane is better than Clemson and are you calling Clemson a "cupcake?"
wow.
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