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Why Does Kentucky Scare This Alabama Fan?

Columnist Written on October 01, 2008

After the Clemson game, I, like many Alabama fans, realized that this Alabama team could be special—even though my gut told me that Alabama should still be a year or two away from looking like this team looks. "It is what it is," as Coach Saban says.

So being the worrier that I am, I started looking down the schedule to see where this team could get caught admiring themselves in the mirror. The very first game that caught my eye was Kentucky.

When I look for possible upsets on Alabama's schedule, the first thing I try to do is put myself in our players' helmets. What would I be thinking at 18 or 20 years old, playing football for The University of Alabama in 2008?

Most of what I would be thinking I should not share in this forum. On the other hand, when it comes to football I can share my thoughts.

Here we go...

Okay, I am 18 and it is Week Six. We have beaten Clemson and Georgia and we are ranked as high as No. 1 in some people's minds. Man, we are rolling!

I am excited, sore, exhausted, and really in need of a break. We've got the Kentucky game coming up and then a much-needed week off—I can't wait! Kentucky is undefeated, but everyone is saying they haven't played anyone. So what's all the fuss about?

I know Coach says we need to be careful here, but get real—we just beat the No. 3 team in the country, and we beat them easily! Everyone is patting me on the back. Things couldn't be better!

Folks, this is not good!

Listen, coming off a big win at the midpoint of the season, just before a much-needed break—man, this is the trifecta of trap games. Add to that moving in the polls from 20+ up to No. 2 so fast is a real ego trip for an 18-year-old kid. Let's not forget , Kentucky upset highly ranked LSU last year, just about this time in the season. This Kentucky game could be deadly!

Kentucky is not a bad team, but I have to be honest with you: Kentucky does not scare me. What scares me is Alabama.

If Alabama loses this game, it will not be Kentucky that beats Alabama. It will be Alabama that beats Alabama!

Don't fool yourself—it happens every week to somebody.

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written on October 01, 2008 Preview/Prediction