Terry, I watched the Arkansas game last year, and while I totally agree that it was Bama's game to win (and they didn't), I can't pin that solely on the coaching. Shula didn't go out and miss, what?, three FG's that would've won the game? That would be like saying Tuberville lost the game against LSU in '05 because his kicker missed some chip shots. No one said that... And while it can be argued that Bama's season went down the toilet after that game, one could also argue that the unlikely win catapulted Arkansas to a position of confidence in the West. We'll see if that lasts. As for all of the complaining from Bama fans about a vanilla offense under Shula, don't get your hopes up with Saban. He's a great defensive guy, but we used to complain about not opening it up more under him. Now, how much of that was Saban and how much of that was Fisher? We don't know for sure. I also don't see Bama taking 2 out of 3 of the UT, LSU, AU games. I can see, most realistically, the UT game as a Bama win. The Tide will, of course, be plenty motivated to be LSU--but I have a feeling our guys will be equally as motivated to stick it to Saban. The UGA game is a realistic one to win--and I'll be interested to see how the FSU game turns out.
When I say it falls on coaching and the kicking game it has to do with our #1 kicker bieng in the sidelines, saying he was ready to go, and even after the true frosh #2 missed the first two he (Shula) still didn't make the change. Jamie kicked the following practice and the following week. I suspect, it had to do with the Shula and Tiffin's relationship. There are enough indications with the favoritism Shula demostrated towards certain players and their parents that this definitely came into play. I'll agree with you, that win did bolster the confidence of a young QB and the team in general. Although, they had a lot of maturity on that team also. IF I'm not mistaken they returned 19 Sr's last year, all with A LOT of playing experience. Vanilla offense and Shula: StaceyO, when you are sitting with a group of girls that don't follow football very much other than, "Do you guys need another drink before we go back in the kitchen," and "What's the score now," but, those same girls can sit for a minute, watch the formation, and tell you what play is about to be ran?!?! That's Vanilla. I know what kind of offense they are planning on running this fall. Granted, it isn't that complicated to run. As example, the receivers patterns are either the inside or outside route and the majority of those calls are made at the line of scrimmage, it makes it easy for an offense to learn the scheme. EVEN IF, it is the first year. (Interestingly enough, the 3 wide set out of the shotgun is a lot like what JPW ran in high school.) Add to that, 9 of the 11 starters are returning on the O side of the ball. That being said, I can see a few games becoming a shoot-out, so to speak. At least, the offensive line with be drive blocking, be playing an agressive style of play instead of the ole, "Physical, but not to agressive" style taught by the former OL coach. Hell, he called it a zone scheme, but our current OL coach calls that a fluke. Agreed. I'm not talking about pulling 2 out of the 3 against UT, LSU and AU. 2 out of those 5 mentioned above isn't a stretch. One HUGE difference is the conditioning aspect of the team. DuBose was lazy in this regard and didn't enforce it. With fRan, Pollard was brought in and it became a requirement. Under Shula, again, he pulled a DuBose and was lazy about the S&C enforcement. Enter Cochran, Colburn with the position coaches actually involved and it's a repeat of what we saw under Pollard. Heck, I could see the differences in players in just a few weeks spent under this new staff. And, with the summer coming... I say that with this point in mind. There were a number of games we were tied or close in the 4th quarter, but the team just gave out. Mentally and physically. You guys know as well as I do, that won't be tolerated under Saban. Thankfully, the players do as well. Health is going to be a prime issue this fall. PRIME! NG in particular with the need for a frosh to step in and play. The inside linebackers are another area that we'll need some luck with. And then there's right tackle... :bncry: Interesting thing about FSU game is Saban understands their offense with Fisher and Steele understands their defense considering he coached with Andrews last year. It'll be a coaching match-up, for sure. Should be some great play calling on both sides.
Not a chance. Bama might upset one of those teams on a good day, but not all three . . . not this year. Bama should be competitive with Georgia and Arkansas, but probably won't win them both. I'm shocked to hear this! Shocked, I tell you. Look, amigo . . . Nick is a fine coach, but he doesn't just step onto the field and cure all those problems. Especially your lack of talented depth. Bamafans are heaping a lot of blame on Shula, but everyone knows that the real problem at Bama was the NCAA sanctions that ruined your recruiting for four or five years and the lost scholarships. Bama is still a couple of top-10 recruiting classes away from being a contender. Nick did mighty fine at LSU, but not in year one--he lost to UAB, for heaven's sake. It took a couple of top-2 recruiting seasons and about three years for players, coaches, administration and fans to get on board with his system. Bama could eke out a 10-2 season if all the stars were right, but they could also end up 7-5. 8-4 seems the most prudent bet.
As a side note, the average seems to be a first year coach at Alabama wins 7 games. Only one has won 9 and three have won 8.
I hope you don't think Saban is the fix for this? As far as the season goes, I think he will win one he isn't supposed to. I also think he'll lose one he isn't supposed to. I'd watch out for the trips to Nashville and Starkvegas. Vandy is early, and MooU will be improved (not sure how much, but they beat you guys last year), plus being stuck between home games with UT and LSU, well, Saban teams have been prone to let down a game or two each year. Edit: i just realized that schedule posted earlier in the thread needs to be updated. MooU now falls after UT and LSU. Still don't think it is a gimmee though.
I think Bama goes 6-6. The only wins they get in Tuscaloosa are Western Carolina, Houston and Louisiana-Monroe. On the road you beat Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. I know you don’t like it Terry, but this is an LSU board. ldskule:
IF there is one thing I can say, and I haven't the slightest doubt about it, it is what most Alabama fans expect. Frankly, I'd love to know where you are getting that idea. The fact is: Most think 8-9, with some very lucky breaks more. So, based on your definition, 2-3 more wins is a miracle? You remind me of another poster that used to post here. In fact, writing style, thoughts, etc., almost mirror his. However, I can't remember the fella's name. Tigers, who was that guy that was going to go in the Navy, couldn't because of a medical condition?
Mike, I don't know how long you lurked here before joining, but I can say that those who have known me for several years will attest I've always given a very realistic view of how Alabama football will perform and what's going on around the team. NOW, basketball is a different story...but, we all fell into that boat this year, didn't we? :dis:
