Back in 1962-63, not only was our D-Line lean, but the O-Line was as well, as I recall. THe press gave us no chance, but Bama won the NC in the early 60's without bulk on the line. Of course, those were the days before the lineman became big and fast.
Many don't give us much a chance, but I imagine that we will do fine as long as we can create tackling opportunities for the linebackers and get pressure on the QB with the outside guys.
As you recall, Bama didn't really sack the QB much last year and I don't believe that the DL made a huge amount of tackles. The best way to compare the D last year is to compare position by position what we lost with what we have this year. I would say that we might be a little bit behind last year's D in personnel, but not much.
I look for a big increase in QB hurries and sacks. I think that the DB's will improve. The LB's should compare favorably with last year's group. That only leaves the interior line as a real question, but they should do a decent job.
What I am saying is that the D this year + the O this year will be significantly better than the team last year with a more favorable schedule. Of course Vandy will be tougher and on the road, Arkansas, Georgia, and FSU will be real tough games back-to-back-back. Ole Miss, Miss. State, and Aub will all be on the road and will be worthy opponents. I like our chances with LSU and UT at home.
What we see is a pretty tough SEC schedule, as usual. I really think our D will be tough enough to slow most of our opponents. Our O should not be slowed by anyone. This could lead to early success for our team. Of course, injuries and inexperience can rear their neck at any time and cause us trouble.
Will we win 7,8,9, or 10 or more? No one really has more than a guess. But here's what I fully believe we will see:
1) A fired up team every game.
2) Consistent effort by all players.
3) A definite home field advantage.
4) Exciting offense and special teams.
5) A D that fights every down.
6) A team that will grow and improve from any loss and steadily improve every week.
Predictions?
1) Toughest games - Vandy, Georgia, and LSU.
2) Team(s) most likely to upset - Fl State, LSU, Auburn, UT
3) Team(s) that might have our number and upset us - Vandy
4) Record - 10 -3. L - Vandy, Fl State, LSU.
I think 10-3 will make us all happy but will likely leave us out of the SEC championship game.
RTR
Many don't give us much a chance, but I imagine that we will do fine as long as we can create tackling opportunities for the linebackers and get pressure on the QB with the outside guys.
As you recall, Bama didn't really sack the QB much last year and I don't believe that the DL made a huge amount of tackles. The best way to compare the D last year is to compare position by position what we lost with what we have this year. I would say that we might be a little bit behind last year's D in personnel, but not much.
I look for a big increase in QB hurries and sacks. I think that the DB's will improve. The LB's should compare favorably with last year's group. That only leaves the interior line as a real question, but they should do a decent job.
What I am saying is that the D this year + the O this year will be significantly better than the team last year with a more favorable schedule. Of course Vandy will be tougher and on the road, Arkansas, Georgia, and FSU will be real tough games back-to-back-back. Ole Miss, Miss. State, and Aub will all be on the road and will be worthy opponents. I like our chances with LSU and UT at home.
What we see is a pretty tough SEC schedule, as usual. I really think our D will be tough enough to slow most of our opponents. Our O should not be slowed by anyone. This could lead to early success for our team. Of course, injuries and inexperience can rear their neck at any time and cause us trouble.
Will we win 7,8,9, or 10 or more? No one really has more than a guess. But here's what I fully believe we will see:
1) A fired up team every game.
2) Consistent effort by all players.
3) A definite home field advantage.
4) Exciting offense and special teams.
5) A D that fights every down.
6) A team that will grow and improve from any loss and steadily improve every week.
Predictions?
1) Toughest games - Vandy, Georgia, and LSU.
2) Team(s) most likely to upset - Fl State, LSU, Auburn, UT
3) Team(s) that might have our number and upset us - Vandy
4) Record - 10 -3. L - Vandy, Fl State, LSU.
I think 10-3 will make us all happy but will likely leave us out of the SEC championship game.
RTR