Yes, and its not even close. The talent on defense saved us that year. We could have easily lost 2-3 more games. Our staff is an upgrade in every category so far, and we are happy for that. Most fans dont understand why we are so happy Saban is here. I'm not saying our record will be good his year, but we will be stronger and our preparation and effort will be WAY better.
Those other guys must have really sucked to only win 10 games 2 years ago. And jeez what kind of dope takes 3 freaking years to have his 1st 10 win season? Savior Saban did it in only 7 .:grin:
I agree. Now you can't say that it is impossible for Bama to win the game, because it is possible. While the Bama fans on the board correctly point out how difficult the game was last year, and that their coaching is upgraded (it is), what they fail to consider is that LSU may have had an off night last season, and the actual delta between the two teams may not have been indicated by the score of last years game. Emotions will be different this year, on both sides of the field. You can't even say if we played again last year that the game would have gone to OT again. I would not have wanted to be Bama and faced the team that won the Sugar Bowl, as the team was clicking that night. I think something clicked for JaMarcus and as the season wore on, he got better and better. I'm going to put down Bama as a win this year, and it will take an upset for them to win. A question. Who has the emotional edge in this game, or is it going to be a wash? saban would love to win, to show up his old school, and show them that leaving was not a mistake, that is always was about him, and how HE makes the team. Miles and LSU would love to win, Miles so he can get the saban monkey off his back (not totally, as saban has not had enough time to get it going yet). I think the players saban recruited who are Sr. would love to win, to show saban if he was going to stay in college, he never should have quit on THEM. That does not exist for the Bama players re: LSU. I think LSU has a small psychological advantage going in. Whatchathink?
Terry, a few off the cuff thoughts, your feelings? Much better D 2 years ago also. Will this years D Line be last year's O Line? Is there enough depth this year? Still think the Bama O will be dictated by the matchups that Hall\Brown create. Not yet sold that they can create inside out. Thinking that will put a suspect D on the field a bit longer than is healthy. I have been sold on Applewhite since his days at UT. Talk about this being his first big job are wrong. His first big job was when he ran the UT offense better than Sims. His feel for the game is greater than his years. All the talk about Bama being close last year is true. This, however, is a new team. Don't doubt that the chemistry will be better, not quite so sure about the over all record. BTW, what is the story on Johns. Is he still persona non grata?
Yes, I firmly believe that to be a fact. What's going to be interesting about this game is it will be the strongest aspect of both teams facing each other, your D vs our O. I will not be shocked, in the least, if the offense leads the SEC next year. With no doubt, it'll be one of the best in the league. The question mark about this years team is the DT and if one of the incoming frosh can contribute. We've got one DT that is legit. We need at least two to be able to contribute a little playing time.
Using the '99 season is probably the best comparison. It wasn't the coaching staff that lead us to the SEC title that year, it was the leadership of Shaun Alexander, Chris Samuels and a few others. In '05, that success fell at a few peoples feet. One being Joe Kines. The others included some of the seniors on defense. Saleem Rashed and a few others were the heart of that team. If you noticed, I pointed to the offensive line. Fact is, it was exposed during the game vs Ole Miss, and LSU took advantage of it. I could go into detail on which of the coaches did "suck." But, I'll just mention one, the OL coach who said, and I quote, "there is no such thing as bull rushing in college football anymore."
I never said that, and you know it. The notion you took that from what I've posted is, quite frankly, absurd. All along, I've said I expect a 9 win season. All along, I've said I don't expect to win the game vs LSU. But, I guess you missed that? You have made statements on this forum about things I've posted concerning Alabama for quite some time. It would seem to me that, based on the record of how often I'm right, you would have at least learned to avoid calling me out. No big deal...it'll be answered this fall. Much like you calling me delusional about Saban, I'm sure you are thinking the same thing about my judgements concerning the quality of the staff.
CFN simply figures LSU will lose a game, and probably doesn't see LSU losing at home (a good assumption), so Alabama makes the most sense given those assumptions.
