THE GAME IS NOT JUST ABOUT TUA...
Granted, whether Tua plays or is even effective should he compete are vital questions. They might even be the most important questions which keep Alabama from winning. There are other areas which are important as well. There are other areas of the game which could keep either team from winning. Let's consider a few of those:
1. The kicking game: Joseph Bulovos is going to get the nod due to Reichard's lingering injury. Bulovas is pretty dependable, but he has problems which were a reason why he lost his starting position The kicker cannot afford any misses on extra points or short field goals. It's hard to blame anyone for missing a long one though. I won't do that. Remember the Kick Six? Adam made as good a kick as anyone could possibly hit. He just couldn't kick it that far.
One area where the Tide might win the game is kick-returning. Jaylan Waddle is the man on punts. He is the best in the SEC and probably the nation. Ruggs can bust one on kickoffs. I'd bet LSU holds its breath when they punt to Waddle. The Tigers should. Henry Ruggs is a death threat on kick-off returns. Ty Perine, a walk-on is averaging 47 yards a kick which is 14th best in the nation. This is a tremendous improvement. Alabama was 129th before Perine took the field.
2. The secondary: Alabama has a great secondary. They might be the best in the SEC. Offenses have been given so much of an advantage over the defense in rules and officiating it really isn't fair at times. What is pass interference calls has gotten out of hand. The NCAA needs to make amends but that's another story. If Alabama can put some real pressure on Burrow the secondary will make some plays. Note, I said will make some plays, and not could make some plays. Play as hard as they are allowed to play, and Hope the refs are fair.
3. Penalties: Alabama is a good football team, but great football teams eliminate mental errors. The Tide has been penalized far too much for his season. They must minimize mistakes. No doubt, some penalties are hard to avoid, but lining up in the neutral zone and illegal procedure penalties are mental mistakes for the most part. 'Bama's man on man defense with the corners can bring some pass interference calls. At times pass interference might the last resort in keeping someone from scoring. Again, this is an age where a sneeze can draw a flag.
4. Run Defense: You will be mad but our run defense is bad. Period. The two young linebackers have improved (I guess, frankly I cannot really tell) but the Alabama defensive line hasn't played well. It isn't like any singular player on the line is bad. They just don't play well as a unit. Jennings has played well, and with Terrell Lewis coming on the line is better. Davis has been a disappointment. Dale has his moments in the sun, but overall we just aren't there. This worries me and it should worry you as well. I have these nightmares about LSU tailbacks ripping off huge gains. The depth is not where we'd like it. Can Alabama's porous run defense shine for the big game. I have my doubts but I see some hope as well.
Part two tomorrow.
1. The kicking game: Joseph Bulovos is going to get the nod due to Reichard's lingering injury. Bulovas is pretty dependable, but he has problems which were a reason why he lost his starting position The kicker cannot afford any misses on extra points or short field goals. It's hard to blame anyone for missing a long one though. I won't do that. Remember the Kick Six? Adam made as good a kick as anyone could possibly hit. He just couldn't kick it that far.
One area where the Tide might win the game is kick-returning. Jaylan Waddle is the man on punts. He is the best in the SEC and probably the nation. Ruggs can bust one on kickoffs. I'd bet LSU holds its breath when they punt to Waddle. The Tigers should. Henry Ruggs is a death threat on kick-off returns. Ty Perine, a walk-on is averaging 47 yards a kick which is 14th best in the nation. This is a tremendous improvement. Alabama was 129th before Perine took the field.
2. The secondary: Alabama has a great secondary. They might be the best in the SEC. Offenses have been given so much of an advantage over the defense in rules and officiating it really isn't fair at times. What is pass interference calls has gotten out of hand. The NCAA needs to make amends but that's another story. If Alabama can put some real pressure on Burrow the secondary will make some plays. Note, I said will make some plays, and not could make some plays. Play as hard as they are allowed to play, and Hope the refs are fair.
3. Penalties: Alabama is a good football team, but great football teams eliminate mental errors. The Tide has been penalized far too much for his season. They must minimize mistakes. No doubt, some penalties are hard to avoid, but lining up in the neutral zone and illegal procedure penalties are mental mistakes for the most part. 'Bama's man on man defense with the corners can bring some pass interference calls. At times pass interference might the last resort in keeping someone from scoring. Again, this is an age where a sneeze can draw a flag.
4. Run Defense: You will be mad but our run defense is bad. Period. The two young linebackers have improved (I guess, frankly I cannot really tell) but the Alabama defensive line hasn't played well. It isn't like any singular player on the line is bad. They just don't play well as a unit. Jennings has played well, and with Terrell Lewis coming on the line is better. Davis has been a disappointment. Dale has his moments in the sun, but overall we just aren't there. This worries me and it should worry you as well. I have these nightmares about LSU tailbacks ripping off huge gains. The depth is not where we'd like it. Can Alabama's porous run defense shine for the big game. I have my doubts but I see some hope as well.
Part two tomorrow.
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