It
was a tough game to grade, Commissioner, but we agree with the way you did
it. Let's not kid ourselves, Georgia State played gamely, but was
overmatched in this game at a level that is hard to explain, even by
analogy. It is not just that the Panthers are (literally) not in
Alabama's league, they aren't even considered a very good team in the league to
which they do belong. They were whipped soundly, given the largest check
they'll receive this year, and put back on the buses to Georgia.
That
does not mean, however, that yesterday was a wasted day for Alabama, its
coaches, or fans. As you point out, it was not all that long ago in
elephant years since we did not always dominate teams we were supposed to
dominate. Yesterday was a lovely day for football and renewing
acquaintances both individual and institutional, as well making new
acquaintances with a shared love for Alabama. Several players wrote their
names into the Alabama record books who may not have a similar chance against
conference opponents. There were few injuries, and the ones that
were reported were of the "could have returned if needed" variety.
The
coaches may have gotten more out of the game than anyone. Replacements
for Clinton-Dix got to see some live game action in a new position before
traveling to Lexington next week where the Wildcat coaching staff can be sure
to design plays to test them. Blake Sims, whose previous entrances to the
games have resulted in a wholesale change in offensive philosophy to accommodate
his skills, was allowed (or perhaps required) by the coaches to run Alabama's
regular playbook, and did quite well, as the statistics show. More
importantly, he appeared comfortable in that role. Freshman offensive
lineman Grant Hill got into the game for a number of snaps and coaches got to
see how he meshed with the rest of the line in a game situation. It is
somewhat disconcerting that with five games in the book, we are still
experimenting with the best combination for the offensive line, but so be it.
Much
ink has been used and bytes consumed with various pundits wondering about the
identity of the 2013 Alabama football squad. Nearly half way through the
regular schedule, that may be emerging. Laying aside the anomaly of the
Texas A&M game, it appears that this team will rely on a relatively stout
defense. Even with A&M in the mix, Alabama is averaging giving up
fewer than 14 points a game. In a year where teams seem to be putting up
50s and 60s regularly and playing defense only as an interlude to allowing the
offense to drink some water and talk on the phone to coaches in the booth, a
team that would rather play defense first is an oddity. Historically,
Nick Saban led teams have relied on offense featuring two running backs, and a
run first philosophy. This year, the team might be pass first.
That, frankly, is not considered odd by most of the nation, but change is not
something that sits well in Tuscaloosa -- especially not change to a
formula that has met with so very much success. However, with a stable of
wide receivers such that a talent like Chris Black cannot break into the
starting rotation, a quarterback who will likely end the season holding
practically every significant passing record in the books, and an offensive
line that pass blocks better than it run blocks, and opposing defenses stacking
the line of scrimmage to make sure Alabama doesn't beat them running the ball,
the whole situation invites the question "why not?" If I'm the
opposing defensive coordinator and I have to game plan for Alabama knowing that
the (relatively) weak link is facing Yeldon/Drake/Fowler carrying the ball, I'm
not getting a lot of extra sleep.
Finally,
a word about the homecoming game. Down here at the Tire Store, we are all
for scheduling a team that we can beat into something the consistency of brake
fluid for homecoming, but this was just a bit much. Attendance was
spotty, and I'm not sure I blame anyone who stayed home, preferring to come in
back to back weekends later this month to see Arkansas and Tennessee.
Attendance issues were a matter of scheduling; not enthusiasm for the
Crimson Tide. Further, there are simply too many teams needing games like
Alabama to make their year pay. The coming demise of NCAA oversight
of college football and the rise of super conferences may change this. We
hope so.
I
am also aware of the dollars involved in television broadcasting and that we do
what they say because they have paid handsomely for the right to dictate start
times. But can't there be a bit of an exception for
homecoming? Please? With Saturday's schedule, the homecoming
parade stepped off the line at 7 a.m. Nothing like rolling out of
the bed an hour before first light to go march down the streets of Tuscaloosa.
Many of the folks who help support game day festivities around campus
found it easier just to stay on the job all night Friday night into Saturday
morning, rather than leave campus after midnight and return four
hours later. The student gates opened just after 9 a.m. The
College Game Day crew hadn't finished its morning picks before the Million
Dollar Band was taking the field for pregame. Tailgating was not designed
for scrambled eggs and grits. I love a good plate of barbecued pork as
well as anyone reading, but not at 8 a.m. Homecoming is a wonderful
event; the tv networks should give us a break let us enjoy it, not force
us to prepare for it like a pre-dawn military operation.
Roll
Tide, everyone. Beat the Wildcats.
The Correspondent From The Tire Store
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