BB, you make some good points about Alabama and I was proud to see them man-up against the 2nd best team in the ACC. Regarding your points about Auburn, the "drastic change" you referred to has little to do with moving from an Power-I/Pro-set to a Spread ...... it's about moving to the HUNH. It's about timing, and assignment-discipline, both of which should improve with repetition. Also, you're dramatically mistaken that CTF's system is similar to RichRod's version of the Spread at WVU. WVU under RichRod ran the read-option run on nearly 72% of it's total plays. Franklin's offense at Troy ran the ball 49% of the total plays. There is a significant difference in both strategy and tactics between the two versions. Consider that the WVU-version is one extreme on the Run-oriented version of the Spread, while Leach's Texas Tech version represents the extreme on the Passing-version of the spectrum. Franklin's version would lie precisely between the two extremes, IMO. BTW, even in a pro-set, the QB must be a "very good athlete and able to make quick reads and decisions." Auburn's biggest issue right now isn't the challenge of transitioning to CTF's system ..... the biggest challenge for AU right now is injuries. My SEC rank after Week 1: 1. UGA 2. UF 3. LSU 4. Auburn 5. (tie) Tennessee/ Alabama
My mistake I thought the Franklin offense was one in which the qb was called upon to make reads (to pass, keep it and run or pitch it) based upon how the defense was lined up and what they did after the snap. Either way you've got a drastic change in philosophy and offensive mindset. The 85 yds passing and only two offensive td's in week one says something. Either y'all just had an off day or the players are going through that period of adjusting to the new scheme. Rarely does an offense that makes this drastic change of offensive philosophy makes a seamless transition. Michigan was a great example. He simply doesn't have "his kind of players." And I suspect Franklin doesn't either.
TigerBait3, CTT announced last Wednesday that Gray would indeed redshirt. His stated reason was that Gray had not regained his strength or mobility from his knee surgury last year after his time at Cope-Linc. The latest I heard was at the game on Saturday, where I was told that Gray would be enrolling next semester when a schollie would be available to him (as previously committed by the staff.) I suppose that it is now up to Raven Gray, but the table has certainly been set for him. It is a shame with all that Gray has endured to this point and not yet being able to contribute, but I suspect he can make it to the NFL Draft if he has the fortitude to continue his quest to get 100% healthy.
Every team in the country can make an argument for their younger players being better as the season progresses. As sure as your guys can get better, so can LSU's, as you call them, "rookies". I don't think that our younger guys looked too bad as it is right now. Coleman looks like Landry reincarnate. And I don't see your guys pushing us or Auburn around like they did Clementineson. Not doubting that it CAN BE, or MIGHT BE a heckuva game(it was last year for heaven's sake), just not buying into the Alabama stock just yet buddy. It still may take a quick fall. I know Saban. He can coach his tail off against good teams...but you may turn around and lose to substandard teams like ULM. All in all, your team made me very proud of our shared conference. Good luck, except against Auburn and Us. :lol:
Those same "if's" and "might be's" apply to LSU as well. You're not guaranteed that your qb situation will pan out, just like Bama isn't guaranteed that their young players will improve rather than regress. You're not guaranteed that your young secondary will progress rather than regress. All teams have variables that can only be answered with time. You make a statement saying that Bama's team "may" gel but then follow that statement up with LSU's "will" gel. Both situations are unknowns at this stage of the season so how can Bama's be "may" but LSU's "will"?They both are subjective at this point in the season. And for the record I'm not convinced Bama is a true player in the west until I see us start winning in November.
Big factor in the Bama game now is the amount of games in a row we play because of the Troy re-schedule. Anyone remember 2005, when we played 12 games without a off week?
And the big question marks for us are going to be health and development of the youngsters. I just hope to goodness they don't regress or hit a mental or physical wall late in the season. Which there is a good chance they will.
Which is the reason I said health issues. We've improved enough in depth for guys to come and spell another player then come out. But we do not have the quality depth for a starters to "go down" and slide the next guy in there and be fine.
