TWO WEEKS TO FIND AN ANSWER...
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| McCarron ran for his life... |
Any
way you cut it, the Tide did not look like the nation's #1 team after their
35-10 win over Virginia Tech. Despite
how crimson the glasses, Alabama looked inept in the running game. Without a
A.J. McCarron at quarterback I doubt Alabama would have scored at all on
offense. McCarron ran for his life, got hammered, and rarely had time to use
his gifted arm. When he did it was effective, and proved to most of us that 1/2 of Alabama's
offense is ready. The offensive line was
bumbling and stumbling most of the game.
I think we all knew that the Tide would have some problems on the line
but to be physically manhandled was surprising. The line looked like a modern day version of
the Keystone Kops of silent movie fame. About the only thing good about he line is
they conducted themselves as perfect gentlemen and didn't act like a Texas
A&M quarterback.
Is two weeks enough for Saban and his
line coach to iron out the problems? I
seriously doubt that will happen. We really don't know how good the TAM defense
might be due to all the 1st game suspensions.
They probably are not as good as VT, but they are playing at home.
This is a make or break game for both teams in terms of an SEC
Championship and possible national title. It might be wise for Bama fans to
curtail the three-peat for the time being.
While I'm sure that 'Bama's O line will play better the real question is
better than what. The bar is set pretty low from fall camp and game one. The
truth for all Tide fans is that the halo effect is all around the program.
Saban has said each team is different and each has to prove themselves as if
the previous year never happened. I bet
that will sink in pretty good in the next two weeks. It's been a long time since we've seen an
Alabama offensive line look this way. Bad would be kind, but that doesn't mean
it won't get better.
Somewhat lost in all the concern over the
line was once in a lifetime performance by Christian Jones. A kickoff return for a TD, a punt return for
a TD, and a blow by TD pass from McCarron earned in the Walter Camp Player of
the Week Award. It was well deserved. CJ
also had some other nice returns.
Rating the Tide:
Special Teams:
A... CJ and a whole lot more
Defense: A-...two long runs allowed the Hokies to score and put up over 100 yards rushing. VS has a
nice pick. Hard tackling. Promise of
better things to come.
Running backs: B ... you have to give the backs some pats on the backs
for endurance and hanging on to the
ball after some vicious licks.
Offense: D... and it would be lower without
McCarron. Wide Outs dropped passes. Not first down passes
to speak of. An untypical Bama game.
Kicking: A- Mandell was excellent.
All and all it was a twenty-five point win
which in no way showed how bad the Tide looked offensively. The TAM game just took on a new complexion.
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