Poll: If we win the toss vs. A&M, offense or defense first?

[Bamafan P.T.]

I hope we win and defer. Although getting the ball and going down first drive and scoring sounds good, I just don't think it will happen. Despite their d not having played well, they will be high on emotion and coming hard early. The last thing we need is a quick 3 and out. Our defense will be ready to hold and that will help calm the crowd! Then get it and drive down their throats.

 

[bamafaninOhiO]

should have a third option. select defense and then onside kick it.

...and if you dont recover, they start on a short field with the crowd in a frenzy.

I say start on D and see if the defensive gameplan is sound. We learned from the first quarter last game, and I expect that moving the ball will be a little harder for TAMU this time around.

Personally, I prefer to get the ball on offense to start the second half.

 

[sabanball]

Personally I would "defer" with the goal of the defense to go 3 and out. Crucial that BAMA's 1st offensive possesion should establish running game and ball control. Hopefully BAMA scores at the end of the 1st half and then receives the ball to start the 2nd half. If a&m wins the toss, I think they receive so that plays into BAMA's game plan.

 

[Bama Lee]

I always say defer to the 2nd half. It allows you as a coach to scheme better (either with a lead or being behind).

 

[RTR91]

I remember that happening a few years ago. The team that won the toss said "We'll kick" and the ref was like "Really?" The other team got the ball to start both halves

My dad mentioned that to me the other day. Didn't make sense the way he told it. Going to have to Google it later.

I'm not sure what I want us to do on Saturday. I do know, however, I want the offense to have a really long drive in between A&M's first two drives. That is what Bama did not have last year.

Todd McShay is watching film from the 2012 game and tweeting some stats. Look at the difference after Bama adjusted. Want CNS and CKS to have plenty of time to make the necessary adjustments.

@McShay13
Studied/charted coach-copy tape of A&M over Bama 2012. Sumlin had great offensive plan coming in. Saban had great in-game def adjustments.

Manziel vs Bama 2012: In 1st QTR, he had runs of 35, 30, 7, 6. Longest run in final 3 QTRs was 10 yards... It was his only run >5yds

Mosley effort as "spy", Sunseri versatility as "in-box" safety, and better DL gap-control/contain keys in limiting A&M to 9 pts last 3 QTRs

Manziel-to-Swope critical to A&M success (after 1st QTR). WR Mike Evans was limited by CB John Fulton. Manziel will need other WRs to emerge

 

[rtcjny]

Always bring on the D

 

[Born2Roll]

Defense - the 3 and out to start the game killed us last year.