A more "Quarterback friendly" offense...

[TIDE-HSV]

I guess it's pretty well known at this point that we were not really running CMA's offense last year, so there's no way we'd be running it this spring. It's beginning to look like CJM will be allowed to function as the real OC. In that case, I definitely look for more short/mid-range passes. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see the kid from Mich. vault past both Coffee and Upchurch. Grant will continue to be used as a situational RB. Now, if we can find an OT...

 

[Proxigean Tide]

We lost two years in a row to UCLA at the begining of this decade

I was at both of those games too...must've blocked them from memory. Those losses really hurt. RTR.

 

[Proxigean Tide]

I guess it's pretty well known at this point that we were not really running CMA's offense last year, so there's no way we'd be running it this spring. It's beginning to look like CJM will be allowed to function as the real OC. In that case, I definitely look for more short/mid-range passes. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see the kid from Mich. vault past both Coffee and Upchurch. Grant will continue to be used as a situational RB. Now, if we can find an OT...

I agree. From the outside looking in, it appears CNS has found an offensive-minded version of himself in McElwain, who will bring intensity, aggressiveness and strong coaching skills to that side of the ball. For these reasons, I would be surprised if he wasn't allowed to implement and operate his "own" offensive scheme.

McElwain was already on a relatively fast track to Div 1A head coaching position, so I doubt he would've come to Bama to be second-guessed and micro-managed. I think he saw Bama as a chance for bigger salary and opportunity to prepare and audition for an even bigger HC job in the future.

I don't think its any secret that Saban doesn't presently have the big, strong, power RB that he lkes to utilize along side a couple of smaller, shiftier, speed backs. I think he looks at Bama's current stable of RBs and thinks "Its good we have 4-5 of them because most won't make it through a full season without injury".

I think many have Tyler Love tentitively penciled in at RT. However, with a good chance Andre Smith won't return for a senior season, a need exists to train an heir apparant on the left side. I'm undoubtedly niave with respect to evaluating offensive line talent, but it seems incredible that Bama can't find a solid starter to anchor the right side.

 

[CaliforniaTide]

We lost two years in a row to UCLA at the begining of this decade

How the heck did we lose to UCLA? I remember watching the Alabama-UCLA game in Pasadena on TV in California when I was younger but the lovable Bruins got exposed that year by Miami to start their long road back to mediocrity.

 

[CapitalTider]

How the heck did we lose to UCLgAy? I remember watching the Alabama-UCLgAy game in Pasadena on TV in California when I was younger but the lovable Bruins got exposed that year by Miami to start their long road back to mediocrity.

In 2000, a poorly coached, out of shape, undisciplined team could not stop DeShaun Foster. I honestly think Johnson knocking out UCLA's starting QB was the WORST thing that could happen to the team. It forced UCLA to rely on the run more, then they realized we couldn't stop it. It was beyond embarrassing to see an Alabama team out-physicaled by a California team. I know that's probably an unfair stereotype, but it hurt my Southern pride because that was the perception.

In 2001, Fran had a better coached team and a good game plan, we played them very close. Unfortunately, as we saw last year, it takes more than one summer practice to correct strength & conditioning and discipline issues.

 

[CaliforniaTide]

It was beyond embarrassing to see an Alabama team out-physicaled by a California team. I know that's probably an unfair stereotype, but it hurt my Southern pride because that was the perception.

That's ok, I do find it a bit funny actually when everyone in the football world keeps thinking that the best teams out of the Pacific aren't "physical" enough. If you look at the recent Pac-10 Rose Bowl and BCS game winners (which I realize it's dominated by USC), a lot of those games questioned the physicalness of the Pac-10 and then get proven wrong.

 

[rizolltizide]

I guess it's pretty well known at this point that we were not really running CMA's offense last year, so there's no way we'd be running it this spring. It's beginning to look like CJM will be allowed to function as the real OC. In that case, I definitely look for more short/mid-range passes. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see the kid from Mich. vault past both Coffee and Upchurch. Grant will continue to be used as a situational RB. Now, if we can find an OT...

You know, I never bought into that whole "we're gonna run the same offense we've been running" talk. All you had to do to realize that wasn't going to be the case was read player interviews during the spring where they openly spoke of it. And I'm glad that's the case. I have to believe that Saban is smart enough to realize what we were doing wasn't working and we needed to go in a different direction.

 

[Proxigean Tide]

What gets me with head coaches and offensive coordinators is they all say the same thing when it comes to their offense: "We want to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers"...then they don't even seem to try and make this goal a reality.

I don't think this is the case with CJM. I think he realizes that if your offensive skill guy has some wicked moves, all you have to do is chip one or two defensive players slightly and momentarily out of position, deliver the ball to your playmaker in that open space within 2 yards of the LOS and let him get you 5-6 yards or break it for a TD.

Reggie Bush became a 1st round NFL pick by turning 3 yard curl or slant routes into 30 yard runs. How many NFL TEs make a living drifting off their block, getting the ball 3 yards from the LOS on their upfield shoulder, shielding the OLB and rambling for 5-6 yards. Its devastatingly effective and almost nobody does it.

I hope Bama employs this sort've stuff.

 

[Crimson Hawk]

What gets me with head coaches and offensive coordinators is they all say the same thing when it comes to their offense: "We want to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers"...then they don't even seem to try and make this goal a reality.

I don't think this is the case with CJM. I think he realizes that if your offensive skill guy has some wicked moves, all you have to do is chip one or two defensive players slightly and momentarily out of position, deliver the ball to your playmaker in that open space within 2 yards of the LOS and let him get you 5-6 yards or break it for a TD.

Reggie Bush became a 1st round NFL pick by turning 3 yard curl or slant routes into 30 yard runs. How many NFL TEs make a living drifting off their block, getting the ball 3 yards from the LOS on their upfield shoulder, shielding the OLB and rambling for 5-6 yards. Its devastatingly effective and almost nobody does it.

I hope Bama employs this sort've stuff.

That's exactly what happened on the 75 yd. TD that Grant made Saturday at A-Day.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

it seems incredible that Bama can't find a solid starter to anchor the right side.

That you, I and a lot of other people. Every year, AU and GA seem to find freshmen they can plug into the OL and they're effective. Why can't we do it???

 

[LTBamaFan]

I believe that the offense under McElwain will be good next year but probably not championship quality. We still need that tough running back who can get the yards after contact. Maybe someone will step forward next year.

 

[Proxigean Tide]

I believe that the offense under McElwain will be good next year but probably not championship quality. We still need that tough running back who can get the yards after contact. Maybe someone will step forward next year.

I think Tide-HSV was alluding to possibility (hope) that this incoming freshman might be able to fill that bill:

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=62203&Sport=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L45rN1d8qU0

 

[Bama323]

That you, I and a lot of other people. Every year, AU and GA seem to find freshmen they can plug into the OL and they're effective. Why can't we do it???

They're still trying to shake the bad habits tought by "Bucket Step Bob."

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I hope he's not expecting those kinds of holes from our OL...

 

[OldManFan]

That you, I and a lot of other people. Every year, AU and GA seem to find freshmen they can plug into the OL and they're effective. Why can't we do it???

Of a lot of possibilities doesn't the most likely seem to be a recent continuum of mediocre OL coaching? Maybe we could get Callaway back.

 

[Proxigean Tide]

...Maybe we could get Callaway back.

It might take UAB a few seasons before they're ready to part company with their new "head coach"...but this guy did seem to know how to coach up offensive lineman.

http://uabsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/callaway_neil00.html