Sark - most important game for an OC since...?

[CoachJeff]

I think Sark has done a pretty good job this year calling plays. I wasn't too excited about him coming back with how poorly he called the 2016 game against Clemson (he gave up on the run when Bo got hurt) but I can't complain too much this season.

But...

Calling plays with Tua, those WRs and Najee isn't too hard. Calling plays with Mac Jones at JHS against a pumped up Auburn team? Well, we'll learn a lot about him.

How does he respond if Bama can't block AU in the run game? What does he call if Mac gets a bit rattled?

I'm excited to find out.

When is the last time an OC went into a game with this much pressure (relatively speaking)?

 

[TIDE-HSV]

His position with Coach Saban is secure, no matter the outcome of the game. We're not the important ones doing the grading...

 

[B1GTide]

Sark has done an amazing job this year. This offense is so much better than last year's offense. I would give Alabama zero chance this week, even with all of your talent, if Locksley was still the OC. Not because Mac is not a very good QB, but because that offense required a Tua level QB.

This is one of Saban's best hires, and I think that he knows it.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Sark has done an amazing job this year. This offense is so much better than last year's offense. I would give Alabama zero chance this week, even with all of your talent, if Locksley was still the OC. Not because Mac is not a very good QB, but because that offense required a Tua level QB.

This is one of Saban's best hires, and I think that he knows it.

Agreed.

Saban wanted him back for a reason. For anyone who bring sup his short stint at the last minute as OC I'll raise you his entire OC history, including this season, which has been spectacular, imo.

 

[78Alum]

Sark has done an amazing job this year. This offense is so much better than last year's offense. I would give Alabama zero chance this week, even with all of your talent, if Locksley was still the OC. Not because Mac is not a very good QB, but because that offense required a Tua level QB.

This is one of Saban's best hires, and I think that he knows it.

I agree, completely and I sure hope he stays a while.

 

[Evil Crimson Dragon]

Agreed.

Sabam wanted him back for a reason. For anyone who bring sup his short stint at the last minute as OC I'll raise you his entire OC history, including this season, which has been spectacular, imo.

I concur...………….I don't hold that last minute fill in against him at all. I think he stays for a long time. He's better than Locksley, IMO

 

[rgw]

Struggling with a backup QB on the road against arguably the best defensive front in college football could happen if Sean Payton is calling the plays.

If we have a great game v. Auburn then he should be praised. If we don't and there isn't some kind of sheer ignorance by the OC then I would be hard pressed to put the blame on him. A QB starting his third game is going on the road and playing against a great pass rush. That's hard mode.

 

[rgw]

You know all the big plays we've gotten with Najee this year in the passing game? Yeah, that stuff would never have been imagined with the last offensive staff. Najee legitimately might be one of the best pass catch tailbacks we've ever had and I would've never imagined that until this year. They literally call designed rub route stuff to work him open and he's made a play or two that would make Julio proud.

 

[CoachJeff]

Struggling with a backup QB on the road against arguably the best defensive front in college football could happen if Sean Payton is calling the plays.

If we have a great game v. Auburn then he should be praised. If we don't and there isn't some kind of sheer ignorance by the OC then I would be hard pressed to put the blame on him. A QB starting his third game is going on the road and playing against a great pass rush. That's hard mode.

It depends on how the game is called. If AU is getting pressure up the middle instantly and Sark is still calling 7 step drops, then yeah, that's not smart. I expect to see him call it near to far in the passing game, starting with easy stuff and then going deeper later on.

What I'm interested to see is where he takes advantage of AU. Is it in the slot? Najee out of the backfield? Do we see Billingsly have a few touches?

 

[4Q Basket Case]

The better question is about the OL performance and Kyle Flood.

After the change at position coach, I expected better this year. We did improve as the year went on, but that was partially a function of being dang-near bad early. Still not consistent, and are way too often stuffed by inferior DL. See first half against Western Carolina.

Pass protection has been more consistent, but still occasionally leaky. If we have an average day in the OL Saturday, we'll have a tough time against the barn DL. Lots of corollary things fall out from that.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Struggling with a backup QB on the road against arguably the best defensive front in college football could happen if Sean Payton is calling the plays.

If we have a great game v. Auburn then he should be praised. If we don't and there isn't some kind of sheer ignorance by the OC then I would be hard pressed to put the blame on him. A QB starting his third game is going on the road and playing against a great pass rush. That's hard mode.

I agree. I'm not afraid of his play-calling at all. He'll give Mac a chance. The main issues are, as 4Q says, how well the OL performs and whether they'll give Mac a chance. Somehow, I think Mac passes the test. We'll see...

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I agree. I'm not afraid of his play-calling at all. He'll give Mac a chance. The main issues are, as 4Q says, how well the OL performs and whether they'll give Mac a chance. Somehow, I think Mac passes the test. We'll see...

And...on defense, it's QB contain...

 

[GboyBama]

I hope Saban doesn't demand a low risk and limited play selection for the game. He can sometimes be very risk averse in a tough matchup. I fear it's going to be a lot of run, run, pass, punt and behind the line throws for negative yards just to try and avoid costly mistakes on the road.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I hope Saban doesn't demand a low risk and limited play selection for the game. He can sometimes be very risk averse in a tough matchup. I fear it's going to be a lot of run, run, pass, punt and behind the line throws for negative yards just to try and avoid costly mistakes on the road.

He actually hasn't done that for several years now, except for when we're far ahead. Oddly, with AU's offense, that plan would probably work, with a decent lead...

 

[CoachJeff]

The better question is about the OL performance and Kyle Flood.

After the change at position coach, I expected better this year. We did improve as the year went on, but that was partially a function of being dang-near bad early. Still not consistent, and are way too often stuffed by inferior DL. See first half against Western Carolina.

Pass protection has been more consistent, but still occasionally leaky. If we have an average day in the OL Saturday, we'll have a tough time against the barn DL. Lots of corollary things fall out from that.

Alabama is 7th nationally in sacks allowed. The issue with the O line has mostly been dumb penalties.

 

[RWTT11]

I hope Saban and staff realize a conservative game plan won't get us in the playoffs. They have to go all in no matter what.

 

[Tide&True]

I hope Saban and staff realize a conservative game plan won't get us in the playoffs. They have to go all in no matter what.

I agree. We can’t take the Kirby Smart approach. We need to let Mac get the ball to playmakers. Get the ball out quickly but sprinkle in some downfield shots here and there. Don’t try to run the ball inside the tackles at first.


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[bamacon]

Remember when Bama had nothing to lose the last time they played AU? It was the infamous Cam comeback game. We were thumping them and then let off the gas. I’m hoping for two of those first halves. Back to back good halfs would be nice!

There is no way CNS will be run run pass punt in this game with these skill players. That’s like having a Ferrari and never getting past first gear.

 

[bamacon]

He actually hasn't done that for several years now, except for when we're far ahead. Oddly, with AU's offense, that plan would probably work, with a decent lead...

Two things...one Cam’s comeback and two Nix already has one big comeback win and almost another. Won’t make that same mistake. AU doesn’t have great depth so they will get tired. Thinking this will be a third and fourth quarter game.

My big worry is our young defense getting rattled if they get up a score or two. It seems like the last few trips to JHS have seen AU get up a score or two real quick before Bama settles down.


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[rtr90]

You know all the big plays we've gotten with Najee this year in the passing game? Yeah, that stuff would never have been imagined with the last offensive staff. Najee legitimately might be one of the best pass catch tailbacks we've ever had and I would've never imagined that until this year. They literally call designed rub route stuff to work him open and he's made a play or two that would make Julio proud.

Abs ... the catch he had against LSU was something you sometimes see from top level NFL WR.