They have a lot of quality backs, but I think our top 4 are better than their top 4. And that's without even mentioning Jeremy Hill.
True but those teams aren't ranked #1 so we, as fans, can chit chat about whatever we find of interest. Let the coaches and players worry about "the next one."
http://throwtheflagblog.com/2012/09/10/there-is-an-alabama-shirt-that-says-hail-saban/#.UE9iAo6f_ww New low, bama. (sorry, I didn't think this deserved it's own thread) 2 words...Penn State.
It means a lot. I haven't seen a thing in this thread that is accurately describing the situation. We've introduced the I-form this year (new addition to the O scheme) and its success is dependent on the fullback being a threat running the ball. We don't have that anymore. So, any threat that formation presented is gone. We could have shifted from the I-form to our Ace formation with Fowler going from a FB to an H-back role. That is gone. What you'll see is the offense running a similar scheme to what we ran in 2008.
Why scrap an entire formation? No other fullback that can block for Lacy/Yeldon out of the I on the roster? You can still play-action pass off of the I and given the run game Alabama has everyone would need to respect it. That play-action provides a few defined pass routes and very good protection for AJ who has nice accuracy. It also allows him to get a good pre-snap read on the defense.
Let's not kid ourselves. Bama is just as loaded as we are. They will bring the next guy in and move on just like we do.
For a true I form to have any success, you have to have a fullback that is a running threat as well. It's not just about putting another body in as a blocker. Bama can put another body in to block, sure. But a guy like Kelly Johnson isn't going to bring the same skill set to the position.