Alabama Football: Why the Vandy Game Was a Great Time to Let McCarron Loose
Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer)
Today's game with the Vanderbilt Commodores has already been placed in the win column by almost everyone in the media.
This is not a disrespect to what Vanderbilt is doing this year or to their new coach James Franklin but just a reality call given the depth of talent each team brings to the game.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
In fact, Vanderbilt brings in the SEC's best secondary as far as interception rankings go, and that is why this is the perfect game for Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Jim McElwain need to unshackle A. J. McCarron and turn him loose.
McCarron needs the practice against a great secondary, and if even if he doesn't pass the test well, the team he has behind him can always bail him out.
Should he pass the test, that would silence McCarron's critics and perhaps give A.J. and the rest of the offense even more confidence as they head deeper into the SEC schedule and tougher games ahead.
While Vanderbilt has been a beast in stopping the passing teams, they are in the top 25 nationally in overall pass defense, they are No. 1 in the nation with 14 picks. That's averaging well over three per game.
They have played teams that have passing games equivalent to what Alabama has done so far, so this would be a great team to show just what A.J. is capable of doing.
They also are No. 24 out of 120 D-I schools in rushing defense, but they haven't played a team even close to what Alabama puts out in that department.
Alabama could very easily double the average that Vanderbilt is used to giving up the 97 yards per game rushing they've done so far, but the interesting stat will be to see if McCarron could double the 182-yard average that they've held opponents too so far.
If so, then the fans, coaches and players will know that McCarron has what it takes if an opposing team sells out to stop the run, and that's precisely what LSU intends to do when they meet.
A McCarron highlight day against Vanderbilt may just change their mind.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
