Great players are always a nightmare. Watson's spread felt different than the barns. Still, to defend all schemes is difficult to do. Our D-line personnel was great stopping the rush and still have a great pass rush. Hard to believe we will do both as well this season. As for the spread vs pro set, I just think you are going to have to give something up in the defense.
Point taken, Roy. There are games that stick out in your mind, ya know? Tim Tebow in ATL in 2008. Manziel in 2012. Garcia in 2010. Do you remember Trevor Knight's performance against Bama a few years ago? Alabama does. ( @TUSKtimes couldn't help myself on that one.) Losses were disappointing. Their 'games' weren't.
The nice thing for a Bama fan is ... even when we're aware of those vulnerabilities, few can take advantage of them.
Our playoff run is the last bit of eyewitness testimony I have on the subject. Against Michigan St we looked like the 85 Bears on D. and Sparty had a legit offensive line. Clemson, we had to pull a rabbit out of our backside to survive the game. Onside kicks, kickoff returns, and a steady attack through the air, we needed it all to end up on the big side of the score. Some of these 45-40 games are becoming more the norm even for Bama.
Thats rich given that this discussion is because you didnt admit the vulnerability. Youre not aware of anything. It was just a 'hot quarterback'.
It's different from the Barn's because Watson is a special player. Nick Marshall was good, but he wasn't as good as Watson, and it seems like when it comes to throwing the ball, Auburn had to resort to trickery, faking a QB run, then pulling up, whereas Clemson was a legitimate threat. I'd be interested to see what Auburn does this year because I think their quarterback is just Jordan Jefferson in Jamarcus Russell's frame. The dude sucks really bad and his delivery is so ugly.
