Tide Rising: Will a Re-Energized Alabama Wash Away Auburn's Dreams?

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) Yesterday Alabama did something Auburn hasn't seemed to able to do to a good team, simply blow them out.

Auburn struggled to beat Mississippi state 17-14 in a game they could have easily lost while Alabama blew out the bulldogs 30-10 in a game that was never in question or close.

But while scores against common opponents can be deceiving, one thing that is clear is that Alabama had no trouble with State's defense while Auburn certainly did.

Is that the message that Auburn should fear? Yes, Auburn's offensive is a flashy as new car with lots of chrome but defense wins in the SEC.

And nothing would make Alabama fans feel less disappointed in a two loss season than making Auburn number two in the state of Alabama despite what may happen in the SEC Championship game.

And even with one of their stars on the sideline, running back Trent Richardson, Alabama still had enough firepower to blow away one of the SEC's top defensive units. With over 450 yards of passing and rushing, the Tide simply did whatever it wanted to.

Nick Saban had been wanting "explosive" plays from the offense and he got them. A long run from out leading receiver and a long pass reception from our leading rusher were just two of the explosive type plays the coach had been wanting to see.

Marquis Maze's 45 yard grab and sensational kick return, though called back, also showed the coach the kind of sizzle he wanted to see.

"That's what we want to do," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "We've got some guys that can make explosive plays and we want to put the ball in their hands so that they have an opportunity to do that. We made some that were really big in this game."

Alabama's offense held State without a touchdown until the forth quarter when the game was already over and substitutes were going in and out.

Seeing Alabama begin to register sacks was also a high point of the game. The return of defensive back DeQuan Menzie was nice for the defense and he registered one of the four sacks by Alabama in a day that saw the most sacks in one game this season. Nick Gentry, Courtney Upshaw had one each and Damion Square also joined the party with two sacks.

Robert Lester's two picks and Alabama holding Mississippi State's best rusher to only 80 yards were also good signs for defense that needed to make a statement game.

In all, it was an Alabama type of game against a top twenty opponent and not just the win itself, which was expected, but the manner in which it was dealt to the Bulldogs, should send shudders up the spines of the Auburn faithful who are wanting much more out of this season than just an SEC Championship.

Though it may have finally hit its stride a bit late this season, there is no doubt that this marks the best game Alabama has played against a top twenty opponent in some time and may signal the Tide is in to stay for the remainder of the season.

With a short week to prepare for a pushover game with Georgia State and then a Thanksgiving weekend showdown with top rated Auburn, the Tide players have a chance to finish the season as it started, with high expectations and wins.