FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity [by JessN]

[JessN]

FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity
By Jess Nicholas
TideFans.com Editor-in-Chief
Sept. 30, 2007

Let sleeping dogs lie, the old saying goes. Don’t poke one with a sharp stick if you’re trying to steal something from the house it’s guarding.

Florida State has ruled the recruiting rankings over the years, and a quick scan of the Seminole roster should have told everyone that the Seminoles, on paper, would have the clear advantage when Alabama came to call in Jacksonville, Fla., on Saturday.

Games aren’t played on paper, though. They’re played on the field, and Florida State has had a hard time translating paper to grass so far in 2007.

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[Bamabuzzard]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

Good one Jess. I saw last night a team (offensively speaking) that appears to be on the brink of a total meltdown and the wheels falling off. I'm seeing more OL breakdowns from week to week and more inconsistent, lack luster play from the qb position. Signs that point to a "honk if you sacked Brodie" type meltdown but this time the sign will be "Honk if you sacked John Parker."

When a qb is struggling this much I think a change needs to be made or we need to start running the ball more. Because what we continue to do isn't working.

 

[Crimson Cat]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

Yeah, good article Jess.
I hate to say it, but I think right now this team is at a crucial turning point in the season. I think this goes beyond winning and losing right now, these next few weeks are going to be about how this team finds a way to right the ship or if they are even capable of doing that. I think they are, but the intensity and desire to play to win is going to have to be addressed for some. I think we have a lot of players who want to win and are giving hard effort every play, but at the same time there are other talented players who are playing passively right now just trying to "get by" and that is not going to cut it for Coach Saban.

 

[NYBamaFan]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

A few things:

* Our coming out flat didn't cost us this game. Had FSU not gone up by 14 points, we would not have scored at all. Their defense dominated the LOS, and we were completely ineffective in every aspect offensively until they let up, thinking that the win was in the bag. Such is the difference in talent when comparing their defensive line and our offensive line, not intensity.

* This is not the first game in which our offense was shut down. Remember GA? They also shut us down until they had the game in hand. They let up when they thought that the game was in hand, and we scored on their prevent defense to force OT. When they tightened up again in OT, we were stuffed - just as we had been the entire game.

* We need to stop giving JPW credit for his 4th qtr play. It is far less an indication of his ability as it is an indication that the other teams have let up. This I liken to the 2005 season. The senior leadership was so good that our record hid major flaws. JPW has major flaws in his game, and his performance when the other team eases up shouldn't blind us to those flaws.

* Saban needs to consider letting another QB play or the team might lose faith in JPW. If that happens, we have no chance of winning, and they will also begin questioning Saban's judgement. Remember how easily Shula lost last year's team. Most of those players are also on this team. They have been let down by their HC, and that is not easy to forget. Saban is not immune if the team loses faith in JPW and Saban leaves him in. Team chemistry is very important, but so is confidence in the QB and HC.

It may be a process, but it still hurts - and even more so for the players who are giving everything that they have. While we might not have matched FSU's intensity on one drive (when they scored their 1st TD), but lack of effort had no role in this loss.

JMHO...

 

[Ark-Tider]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

A few things:

* Our coming out flat didn't cost us this game. Had FSU not gone up by 14 points, we would not have scored at all. Their defense dominated the LOS, and we were completely ineffective in every aspect offensively until they let up, thinking that the win was in the bag. Such is the difference in talent when comparing their defensive line and our offensive line, not intensity.

* This is not the first game in which our offense was shut down. Remember GA? They also shut us down until they had the game in hand. They let up when they thought that the game was in hand, and we scored on their prevent defense to force OT. When they tightened up again in OT, we were stuffed - just as we had been the entire game.

* We need to stop giving JPW credit for his 4th qtr play. It is far less an indication of his ability as it is an indication that the other teams have let up. This I liken to the 2005 season. The senior leadership was so good that our record hid major flaws. JPW has major flaws in his game, and his performance when the other team eases up shouldn't blind us to those flaws.

* Saban needs to consider letting another QB play or the team might lose faith in JPW. If that happens, we have no chance of winning, and they will also begin questioning Saban's judgement. Remember how easily Shula lost last year's team. Most of those players are also on this team. They have been let down by their HC, and that is not easy to forget. Saban is not immune if the team loses faith in JPW and Saban leaves him in. Team chemistry is very important, but so is confidence in the QB and HC.

It may be a process, but it still hurts - and even more so for the players who are giving everything that they have. While we might not have matched FSU's intensity on one drive (when they scored their 1st TD), but lack of effort had no role in this loss.

JMHO...

I totally agree with your post. On all points.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

A few things:

* Our coming out flat didn't cost us this game.JMHO...

It didn't cost us the game but it contributed to the loss. Football is an emotional game. Players that do not take the field with intensity and "fire" will more than likely not do the mechanical things of the game correctly. Auburn proved that last night. A more intense team is a more focused team.

 

[Crimson Speed]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

A few things:

* Our coming out flat didn't cost us this game. Had FSU not gone up by 14 points, we would not have scored at all. Their defense dominated the LOS, and we were completely ineffective in every aspect offensively until they let up, thinking that the win was in the bag. Such is the difference in talent when comparing their defensive line and our offensive line, not intensity.

* This is not the first game in which our offense was shut down. Remember GA? They also shut us down until they had the game in hand. They let up when they thought that the game was in hand, and we scored on their prevent defense to force OT. When they tightened up again in OT, we were stuffed - just as we had been the entire game.

* We need to stop giving JPW credit for his 4th qtr play. It is far less an indication of his ability as it is an indication that the other teams have let up. This I liken to the 2005 season. The senior leadership was so good that our record hid major flaws. JPW has major flaws in his game, and his performance when the other team eases up shouldn't blind us to those flaws.

* Saban needs to consider letting another QB play or the team might lose faith in JPW. If that happens, we have no chance of winning, and they will also begin questioning Saban's judgement. Remember how easily Shula lost last year's team. Most of those players are also on this team. They have been let down by their HC, and that is not easy to forget. Saban is not immune if the team loses faith in JPW and Saban leaves him in. Team chemistry is very important, but so is confidence in the QB and HC.

It may be a process, but it still hurts - and even more so for the players who are giving everything that they have. While we might not have matched FSU's intensity on one drive (when they scored their 1st TD), but lack of effort had no role in this loss.

JMHO...

NY, very good.
This game, along with the Georgia game, are stark reminders that talent remains an issue with this team. We just aren't there yet and the rebuilding process is slow and painful. Saban has made the most of what he has to work with, but we should be prepared now to deal with a tough remaining season. This might be a good opportunity to remember we have an excellent coach that loves to recruit.

 

[Bo Gant]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

I fully concur with the assessment made by Coach Nick and the media. We as a team did not meet our own expectations.
My question is to Coach Nick. "It appears JP is not on his game. It has been noticed in the last two games. It appears JP gets gun shy when placed in a tight situation and he does not look for any secondary receiver that has been open on many occasions. Maybe a pump fake would help.
We do have another quarterback that can play, at least alternate while you, Coach Nick, advise and assist young JP on the sidelines. Sometimes JP even looks spooked. Can you help us, the fans, as we cheer the team on? And you are doing a great job, Coach Nick! I never expected a national championship in the first two years either.
Thanks,
Bamabum

 

[dvldog]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

It didn't cost us the game but it contributed to the loss. Football is an emotional game. Players that do not take the field with intensity and "fire" will more than likely not do the mechanical things of the game correctly. Auburn proved that last night. A more intense team is a more focused team.

Auburn is simply more talented than FL.

 

[TheBEARRules]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

A few things:

* Our coming out flat didn't cost us this game. Had FSU not gone up by 14 points, we would not have scored at all. Their defense dominated the LOS, and we were completely ineffective in every aspect offensively until they let up, thinking that the win was in the bag. Such is the difference in talent when comparing their defensive line and our offensive line, not intensity.

* This is not the first game in which our offense was shut down. Remember GA? They also shut us down until they had the game in hand. They let up when they thought that the game was in hand, and we scored on their prevent defense to force OT. When they tightened up again in OT, we were stuffed - just as we had been the entire game.

* We need to stop giving JPW credit for his 4th qtr play. It is far less an indication of his ability as it is an indication that the other teams have let up. This I liken to the 2005 season. The senior leadership was so good that our record hid major flaws. JPW has major flaws in his game, and his performance when the other team eases up shouldn't blind us to those flaws.

* Saban needs to consider letting another QB play or the team might lose faith in JPW. If that happens, we have no chance of winning, and they will also begin questioning Saban's judgement. Remember how easily Shula lost last year's team. Most of those players are also on this team. They have been let down by their HC, and that is not easy to forget. Saban is not immune if the team loses faith in JPW and Saban leaves him in. Team chemistry is very important, but so is confidence in the QB and HC.

It may be a process, but it still hurts - and even more so for the players who are giving everything that they have. While we might not have matched FSU's intensity on one drive (when they scored their 1st TD), but lack of effort had no role in this loss.

JMHO...

Great post. I agree with you. They are still the same team that played last year. And there is still a lot of work to be done with this team. We have a great HC and we will be back on top. But last night Bowdens boys wanted it more. I know we are rebuilding, but it's no fun. I love BAMA FB, but I don't even like to look at the rest of the schedule.

 

[TiderinMiss]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

* We need to stop giving JPW credit for his 4th qtr play. It is far less an indication of his ability as it is an indication that the other teams have let up. This I liken to the 2005 season. The senior leadership was so good that our record hid major flaws. JPW has major flaws in his game, and his performance when the other team eases up shouldn't blind us to those flaws.

Amen.

Folks, I have to come out and say it...

We love to give alcolades to Wilson for his gutsy fourth quarter performance, but in reality, he makes some plays which put us in the hole he tries to dig himself out of. I'm getting fed up watching a second-year starter commit turnoves deep in his own territory. I can understand him doing that last year. This year, it's no excuse. He should be able to read defenses and know when he's not going to be able to make something happen. Either eat the ball, or throw it away. It's much better to punt in the shadow of your goaline than to give it to your opponent there on a silver platter.

JMHO.

 

[JessN]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

* Our coming out flat didn't cost us this game. Had FSU not gone up by 14 points, we would not have scored at all. Their defense dominated the LOS, and we were completely ineffective in every aspect offensively until they let up, thinking that the win was in the bag. Such is the difference in talent when comparing their defensive line and our offensive line, not intensity.

* This is not the first game in which our offense was shut down. Remember GA? They also shut us down until they had the game in hand. They let up when they thought that the game was in hand, and we scored on their prevent defense to force OT. When they tightened up again in OT, we were stuffed - just as we had been the entire game.

I made specific mention of those same issues in the recap. Re-read it and you'll see it.

However, it's also true that Bowden had his team ready. The only way Alabama was going to win this game was if Alabama was mentally ready and FSU was not. If both teams were mentally ready, FSU's talent advantage would give the Seminoles the clear upper hand. Same thing if both teams were flat. Alabama wasn't totally flat, but FSU had its act together for once and that allowed them to dominate throughout. The score was closer than the game was.

 

[NYBamaFan]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

I made specific mention of those same issues in the recap. Re-read it and you'll see it.

However, it's also true that Bowden had his team ready. The only way Alabama was going to win this game was if Alabama was mentally ready and FSU was not. If both teams were mentally ready, FSU's talent advantage would give the Seminoles the clear upper hand. Same thing if both teams were flat. Alabama wasn't totally flat, but FSU had its act together for once and that allowed them to dominate throughout. The score was closer than the game was.

Perhaps so, but you seem to focus more on the intensity with which we played than on the manner in which we were beat. I mean no disrespect, as I really like your articles and value your insight.

We are a team without offensive leadership. Plenty of talent at the skill positions, but not enough on the line, and no leaders. If something isn't done about that soon, there are far worse things that can happen than losing games. We saw it last season, and we see signs that it could be happening again right now.

I don't mind the loss. It hurts, but losses come with competition. I am ready to wait as long as it takes to get us back to the top. But we will never get there if we aren't brutally honest with ourselves...

 

[trenda]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

Perhaps so, but you seem to focus more on the intensity with which we played than on the manner in which we were beat. I mean no disrespect, as I really like your articles and value your insight.

We are a team without offensive leadership. Plenty of talent at the skill positions, but not enough on the line, and no leaders. If something isn't done about that soon, there are far worse things that can happen than losing games. We saw it last season, and we see signs that it could be happening again right now.

I don't mind the loss. It hurts, but losses come with competition. I am ready to wait as long as it takes to get us back to the top. But we will never get there if we aren't brutally honest with ourselves...

Nicely put.

 

[TIDEFAN17]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

Jess predicted Georgia to beat Bama by 3 (23-20) and had FSU winning by 4 (20-16). I knew we should be cautious. :biggrin:

 

[TiderinMiss]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

I'm not saying this to butter up to Jess, at all, but when he makes a prediction, you better heed it.


He has a good track record, and he has a pretty good gauge on what the team is doing.

I think the Arkansas win took more out of our players physically, mentally, and emotionally. I thought we were fortunat to even come back and tie the game to send it to OT. The loss in OT may have contributed to the poor start Saturday by the offfense.

Again, my only gripe is for Wilson not to try and force something that's not there and to not dig a hole for him to have to dig out of later. A seven point deficit is easier to overcome than a 14 point deficit. It was the difference in the fourth quarter, when we could have tied the game and send it to OT again.

 

[BamaBackerBill]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

Jess,

Could you give us a little insight on McElroy? I mean, is he catching on to the offense quickly and is he capable of leading this team? I know we've seen him a little but not enough to get an accurate read. I like JPW, but like most fans, I'm pretty frustrated with his play. I'm not putting the offensive woes totally at his feet, but he is just so inconsistent and when your QB is inconsistent, your offense is inconsistent. He looks so indecisive (except in the 2 minute offense) out there and seems to be thinking too much. I know he's learning a new offense, but he's not showing signs of improvement week to week. No doubt the offensive line didn't have a great game by any means on Saturday, but overall they've been pretty good this year. Our offense is only going to go as far as our QB takes us. This year our line is not the weak link. Do you think the light will start to come on for JPW, or do you think one of the other guys should be given more of an opportunity to maybe provide a spark to the offense. Thanks! rtr

 

[NYBamaFan]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

This year our line is not the weak link.

It may not be the weak link, but it is a weak link. We have 2 good o-linemen, and the rest, including the backups, are getting schooled on almost every play against tough defenses. And Andre is getting beat by every fast rusher on passing downs.

Our o-line is a huge part of the problem, but that doesn't account for all of JPW's poor decision making, or his inability to throw accurately.

 

[JessN]

Re: FSU wrap-up: Alabama fails to match Seminoles' intensity

Jess,

Could you give us a little insight on McElroy? I mean, is he catching on to the offense quickly and is he capable of leading this team? I know we've seen him a little but not enough to get an accurate read. I like JPW, but like most fans, I'm pretty frustrated with his play. I'm not putting the offensive woes totally at his feet, but he is just so inconsistent and when your QB is inconsistent, your offense is inconsistent. He looks so indecisive (except in the 2 minute offense) out there and seems to be thinking too much. I know he's learning a new offense, but he's not showing signs of improvement week to week. No doubt the offensive line didn't have a great game by any means on Saturday, but overall they've been pretty good this year. Our offense is only going to go as far as our QB takes us. This year our line is not the weak link. Do you think the light will start to come on for JPW, or do you think one of the other guys should be given more of an opportunity to maybe provide a spark to the offense. Thanks! rtr

McElroy's biggest shortcoming is raw arm strength. For routes that really require the QB to hammer the ball in, I don't know that McElroy can be that guy.

There is also the issue of experience, which is a double-edged sword since he can't get it sitting on the bench. But that is a concern, particularly when it comes to making the proper read. Back in the WCU game, when McElroy threw his touchdown pass, Saban crawled his rear as soon as he got back to the sideline because he had Baron Huber wide open in the flat and should have seen it. Instead, he threw to a fairly well-covered Walker and was just as likely to have gotten picked as he was to have thrown the touchdown.

 

[BamaNation]

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