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.
12 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Cody Dockens 9 months ago
Its possible, even likely but Bama's veteran leadership should help prevent that. No matter what Roll Tide
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Franklin Crittenden 9 months ago
Cody,I hope you are right , but this situation makes me nervous !
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Kyle David 9 months ago
Yep, coaches will need to keep the intensity up, put in a good offensive scheme that allows for an early drive and score to deflate the cats a little because they are going to be coming in to t-town smelling an upset.
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Franklin Crittenden 9 months ago
Kyle , I believe the coaches will do their best , but Alabama's players have had a habit of playing down to the competition . I hope that habit gets buried this weekend .
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Doug Slaughter 9 months ago
Guys here what you all are missing. Last year we would have busted your chops very easily. We were the superior team last year. You all just cannot admit that UK could beat you straight up. This is not your Father`s WildCats. This is a very good Top 25 football team. Had we had last years Offense with this years D, there is no doubt we beat you, and maybe soundly.
As it is. You all look very good. The first half against Ga. you all were the best team in the country. I do think you overlook us a little. I doubt that we have the O this year to beat you. Our D should give you all some trouble.
I am picking Bama 24 UK 13.
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Franklin Crittenden 9 months ago
Doug, I agree but I think this Alabama team is good enough especially at home that it will take Alabama's help for Kentucky to win straight up.
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Rob Sansing 9 months ago
It's interesting for you to make this admission. Most other bama writers see this game as a blow out. To quote one: the game will be remembered as the "Blood Bowl". Kentucky's defense has looked very good, bama can't get psyched every week, it has the markings of an upset. That said, I think bama is so much better than Kentucky the tide will win the game. I just think it will be a lot closer than most seem to think.
(But what do I know??? I didn't think there was any way bama could beat Clemson!! Man, that seems like a long time ago, the direction the two teams have gone!!)
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Franklin Crittenden 9 months ago
Rob. I'll be honest, I really think Alabama could be behind at some point during this game . Something they haven't been all year. Alabama has blown out both teams they were underdogs to . On the other hand they struggled for during the other games they were favored in . Arkansas was different because Arkansas was a team Alabama has struggled with in the past . They remembered Arkansas as a formable opponent .
I really do not know if these players will see Kentucky for the adversary that they are . If they do, they will win going away, If they don't they will struggle because Kentucky is a good team. They are better than Tulane which Alabama did struggle with . The point of my article is that if Alabama is not ready to play they could be in trouble . Don't forget Kentucky beat LSU just about this time last year .
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cole collins 9 months ago
I pick bama 36 to 14 at first bamas going to come out strong then not as good in the third quarter. bama has to finsh them off.
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Franklin Crittenden 9 months ago
Cole . man, I hope you are right . I know Alabama is capable of doing just that . I can't explain why I suspect trouble, other than I have been there , and done that . If Alabama comes in and puts Kentucky away like you and many others hope then I would say this team has matured and turned the corner into becoming a contender. Let's all hope I am wrong.
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Anonymous 9 months ago
all we really need to worry about is their defense, but i think we can handle them, i think. anyone watching this OU game? 28-0 first quarter.
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Franklin Crittenden 9 months ago
Nope, I am right again!
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