My take on the Texas matchup after viewing their film~!~(SMACK WARNING!)

[RayDog]

You know JJ missed about 1/4 of the season when doing your averages right? He has been fully healthy for only a few games, so the numbers are misleading. I hope yall do try to single cover him, just like I hope yall try to contain our run with only 7 in the box. If you're hung up on numbers, look at JJ's numbers from the first few games of last year (before he gets nicked up and before teams start doubling him) and I think you'll get a little more respect for him. But as I said earlier, I hope your coaching staff thinks of JJ the same as you do.

Over the past two years Texas has seen better, and none of them were double covered very much. It really isn't a matter of what the coaches think or not it is simply not in the defensive game plan. I doubt Alabama doubles Shipley or Williams much either while running a similar defense.

 

[NativeTider]

Over the past two years Texas has seen better, and none of them were double covered very much. It really isn't a matter of what the coaches think or not it is simply not in the defensive game plan. I doubt Alabama doubles Shipley or Williams much either while running a similar defense.

In all seriousness, you are right. Due to the type of D Muschamp and Saban run there generally is not a lot of double teaming when you have good corners. However, the defensive coaches on both teams have to be wise with their play callling. Julio was single covered a fair amount this year and burned some folks at times and not been a factor (for various reasons) other times.

You can't give too much attention to Julio because someone else on our offense will hurt you. I would predict Shipley, JJ and others will have their opportunities. It just depends on who executes better.

 

[dances with possums]

That wasn't exactly blazing speed, just kick coverage overrunning/breaking down...

That being said, KO coverage has been a weakness of our team and if we have any problems, I'm sure Shipley will make us pay.

Put it on again and break it down frame by frame.

Shipley receives the ball at the 3.7 second mark and hits the opposite end zone at the 15.1 second mark. 11.4 seconds for approx. 111 yards, in pads. Not to mention his decision making time at the beginning of the run and the fact that he slowed down at the end of the run.

 

[REBELZED]

Put it on again and break it down frame by frame.

Shipley receives the ball at the 3.7 second mark and hits the opposite end zone at the 15.1 second mark. 11.4 seconds for approx. 111 yards, in pads. Not to mention his decision making time at the beginning of the run and the fact that he slowed down at the end of the run.

Agree to disagree, I guess. I'm not saying the guy's slow, but it's not like he put yards between him and someone that was on his heels.

OU's coverage overpursued and Shipley found the hole. That's what makes him deadly as a returner, not flatout speed. JMO.

 

[SeattleBama]

In all seriousness, you are right. Due to the type of D Muschamp and Saban run there generally is not a lot of double teaming when you have good corners. However, the defensive coaches on both teams have to be wise with their play callling. Julio was single covered a fair amount this year and burned some folks at times and not been a factor (for various reasons) other times.

You can't give too much attention to Julio because someone else on our offense will hurt you. I would predict Shipley, JJ and others will have their opportunities. It just depends on who executes better.

Good Call

 

[BAMA504]

In all seriousness, you are right. Due to the type of D Muschamp and Saban run there generally is not a lot of double teaming when you have good corners. However, the defensive coaches on both teams have to be wise with their play callling. Julio was single covered a fair amount this year and burned some folks at times and not been a factor (for various reasons) other times.

You can't give too much attention to Julio because someone else on our offense will hurt you. I would predict Shipley, JJ and others will have their opportunities. It just depends on who executes better.

Honestly I think when it comes to guarding JJ the only thing that can stop him is the lack of officiating when they let DB's constantly mug him all over the field... What danielson refers to as GOOD coverage by haden or peterson was PI in any other league~!!~

 

[TexasLidig8r]

Agree to disagree, I guess. I'm not saying the guy's slow, but it's not like he put yards between him and someone that was on his heels.

OU's coverage overpursued and Shipley found the hole. That's what makes him deadly as a returner, not flatout speed. JMO.

For the most part, Shipley has not been returning kickoffs this year. .only punts.

Our kick off return guys have been Goodwin (a great track athlete, true freshman and ended up being a very nice wide receiver), Malcolm Williams and DJ Monroe. Monroe is back after serving a three game suspension for an alleged DUI arrest that was recently plead out to an obstruction of roadway misdemeanor.

Monroe and Goodwin will definitely test your kick off coverage teams... unless.. you only get a chance to kick off one time during the game>

 

[TIDE-HSV]

KO coverage has been good the last several games. Punt coverage is what worries us. We seem to have one breakdown per game. And - one KO will do it. We're supposed win by four, which means you get a free kick after giving up each of your safeties...

 

[bamacon]

Also, the punt in the SECCG that almost went until "Richards" made the stop was perfect location wise. I think it would have been contained much sooner had the three blocks in the back not occured. Anybody else notice how the last few games the block in the back has hardly been call at all? It seemed to be called on every play earlier in the year...on both sides. It seems to have vanished.

 

[jps1983]

Biting my lip. Blood dripping as I remember the "no smack" warning I read when I joined the site.

A quick word on this...This is a BAMA site. The mods usually have a shorter leash for rival posters and don't want a back-and-forth b/t 2 posters to derail a thread. Back to the original topic...

Your previous post is correct in saying that yall's OL vs. our DL is probably where this game will be determined. Yall will probably try to make this a non-issue by doing the quick short passes that Utah did. Does that suit yall's offensive tendencies?

 

[jps1983]

Actually, yes. Five yard passes are as good as five yard runs, and tire the defense qucker. Plus, if you are successful, it opens up the long passes over the middle or sideline that have worked so well, when our younger receivers decided to catch them.

I'll have to cut out the end of your posts from now on . It just seems tough to sustain a drive relying so much on the passing game. Our DBs have worked very hard after the UF/ Utah games from last year. I am excited about the game b/c the game has so many matchups that could go either way; i think i'll lose 5 years of my life even if we win.

 

[rgw]

Personally, I think 5-yard runs tire a defense quicker than 5-yard passes. DBs and LBs are conditioned to run around all game, DLs and LBs get worn out when linemen are knocking them around all game.

 

[JPT4Bama]

Actually, yes. Five yard passes are as good as five yard runs, and tire the defense qucker. Plus, if you are successful, it opens up the long passes over the middle or sideline that have worked so well, when our younger receivers decided to catch them.

Hook 'Em

Whether a five yard pass is as good as a five yard run and tires the the defense quicker (than a run) is a matter of opinion but, five yards is five yards, right?

I'm seeing a lot of stats tossed about in these threads in an effort to support this or that argument but we should all remember each game is really just unto itself that one game, and any number of variables can and do effect the final numbers of each and every one.

I'm not saying they are all without value but some (numbers/stats) are really more indicative of a team's overall offensive and defensive philosophy and probably shouldn't be relied on solely to determine that team's potential performance in it's next game.

I believe what is important is how the respective coaching staffs demonstrate their ability to take their philosophy and apply it in a way which gives their team the best chance of achieving success.

I think both teams are immensely talented, well coached and obviously know how to win or they wouldn't be here. I do not think however we are going to convince each other of our favorite team's greatness just by using "stats".

Good luck Horns and may the best team win. :BigA:

 

[BAMA504]

Pretty fair assesment. A couple of observations from someone who has seen every game Texas has played for, well, a long time.

You are correct our OL is the weak link after being expected to be a strong point. Not many would argue with that and if you win I think that will be the main reason. Colt does run but in the last third of the season more of them have been called plays and not scrambles. So look for that. Shipley may or may not be fast, he times well, but he has a knack for getting open and catches whatever he touches. Doubling him helps but it depends on if our other receivers catch the balls going their way. If Jordan is doubled and our open receiver drops touchdown passes then we are sunk. You are correct that we pass to set up the run. No secret there.

Defense is where we may differ. Yours is obviously outstanding. I do quibble about ours being the 4th best you'll face. I think we match up with Fla, but of course you shredded them. We run essentially the same defense you do, even with the same named calls, since Muschamp worked for Saban for 5 years. We do a lot of bending but are very fast, I think faster than fla. You can argue about personnel forever but suffice it to say we both recruit 4 and 5 star athletes.

So I think you nailed it in that if our OL does not come to play we will lose. If they show up it will be a close game. My ticket arrived last week and I was there in 2006 when we played what everyone said was the greatest team ever assembled. Sometimes you get lucky and the breaks fall your way.

What matters most is what Mack told the press yesterday. Records don't count. Who is the better team doesn't matter. What matters is who plays better for 3 1/2 hours on January 7. Just for that 3 1/2 hours. I hope it is a good game. (and by that I mean we win but I hope is is good either way)

Hook 'Em

Good rebuttle and I know as much as texas fans want to dismiss the Nebraska game it showed out staff what will stop the passing attack. Say what you want about Nebraska or ou but they were dropping 6+ back and covering until their pass rush got there. In the same since I believe BAMA should follow this because of 2 things:
1. Bama has a better secondary than ou & nebraska and our pash rush is certainly on par or better than both of them as well. I know Suh caused all kinds of problems and he was just 1 guy. We have 3-4 just like him IMO, Marcel #57 is in his league and I am sure you know Cody by now. I know Cody is not as fast but he commands 2 almost evey snap. Combine that with Washington and Anders it makes for one very nasty front able to put pressure all year long against some pretty good OL.
2. I think texas gets frustrated easily once they cannot just score fast and they like the big play. In a few of your games this year it certainly looked like you guys were not happy, sort of like Ingram against the barn. If we can get you 3 and out and work on that defense with the running game we will win~!~

On your defense I am probably biased being from the SEC but teams in this league are geared to stop the run and I just don't see texas defense built that way. Granted you might be #1 in run defense but seriously does anyone in the big12 even try running it anymore??? I don't see texas as solid as florida on defense but then again they should of been stronger than ours as well. They have all of their starters and 2nd string back so they should of just been lights out.
Texas has IMO 1 really good corner, 1 really good safety, 2 good LB's and 2 really good DL from what I can see on tape. The rest of the defense is good but honestly they have not been tested against a run team with an outstanding OL and great RB (actually 3 great RB's). I guess you could say nebraska tried to run but seriously I could of shut down that attack with my 9-10 year old team.... they are just sad, 1 PA pass when you guys had like 10 guys in the box and they could of done good... I honestly think our balance is what will be the key to winning since you will have to be very proficient at stopping the run without loading the box~!~ JMHO~!~

BAMA is missing a key player and is still better than florida but ours is from coaching and not so much star players, in the secondary that is. Johnson #24 is playing like a man on a mission and honestly other than Javy he is our best corner. Jackson #3 had some huge games as a freshman but he had some serious issues last year not staying in phase. This year he is better but of the 3 he is the weaker one IMO. Barron #4 is a beast and after a couple of rough games which left all BAMA fans feeling pretty nervous because of bad angles he has found a home and a knack for the INT. #27 Woodall is the un-sung player on the entire defense, while he might not be called by name on any play he certainly has not been called very often for blowing coverage which is HUGE for us.

We shall see but your right this should be a very good game~!~

 

[TIDE-HSV]

BAMA is missing a key player and is still better than florida but ours is from coaching and not so much star players, in the secondary that is. Johnson #24 is playing like a man on a mission and honestly other than Javy he is our best corner. Jackson #3 had some huge games as a freshman but he had some serious issues last year not staying in phase. This year he is better but of the 3 he is the weaker one IMO. Barron #4 is a beast and after a couple of rough games which left all BAMA fans feeling pretty nervous because of bad angles he has found a home and a knack for the INT. #27 Woodall is the un-sung player on the entire defense, while he might not be called by name on any play he certainly has not been called very often for blowing coverage which is HUGE for us.

We have three DBs back there who will play on Sundays and even Woodall might. Been a long time since we could say that...

 

[BAMA504]

Amen to that Earle ~!~

 

[jps1983]

I know Suh caused all kinds of problems and he was just 1 guy. We have 3-4 just like him IMO, Marcel #57 is in his league and I am sure you know Cody by now.

No offense, but our DL are not like Suh. We have guys that are similar styles to Suh (big bodies that play inside/out and quick), but Suh is in a league of his own. Cody is great, just a different type of player as you say. Dareus is definitely the closest as far as style goes and I think it'll be Dareus doing the most damage in the backfield on Jan. 7, but not in Suh's league YET (maybe next year or hopefully sooner in Jan).

I agree on our DBs; we've seen teams with 1 stout WR and other good'uns like LSU (LaFell, Tolliver, etc) and UF (Cooper, Hernandez, Thompson), so I hope our DBs have similar games. Colt is just going to be the best QB we've seen; it's about if they can protect him and what he is able to do.

 

[BAMA504]

No offense, but our DL are not like Suh. We have guys that are similar styles to Suh (big bodies that play inside/out and quick), but Suh is in a league of his own. Cody is great, just a different type of player as you say. Dareus is definitely the closest as far as style goes and I think it'll be Dareus doing the most damage in the backfield on Jan. 7, but not in Suh's league YET (maybe next year or hopefully sooner in Jan).

I agree on our DBs; we've seen teams with 1 stout WR and other good'uns like LSU (LaFell, Tolliver, etc) and UF (Cooper, Hernandez, Thompson), so I hope our DBs have similar games. Colt is just going to be the best QB we've seen; it's about if they can protect him and what he is able to do.

No your right they are not like Suh but I guess I should of went a little deeper into my thought.. When I say like Suh I mean we have 3-4 guys who are as dis-ruptive in what they do.. Again I still believe Marcel is right there (your right again maybe not yet but next year no doubt). So in keeping with that thought that we are close in 1 and Cody is well just a beast in his own right we still have 3-4 guys who are fundamentally as good as Suh at what they do.. That's what I meant to say...

I believe as you do that we have not seen a QB like McCoy but we have faced some pretty decent QB's who have lit up alot of other teams and floundered against our defense.. It to me all comes down again to our front 3-4 guys making life for the opposing QB very uncomfortable... While our sack total may not be the best in the nation no one can discount the fact that we are certainly applying more pressure on a QB and those pressures we are getting is what gets this team off the field with numerous 3 and out's.. We will absolutely HAVE to generate pressure up front and take away their short passing game they LOVE to use. Make McCoy hold it by taking away their short passes and I like our chances in this game~!~

 

[RayDog]

No your right they are not like Suh but I guess I should of went a little deeper into my thought.. When I say like Suh I mean we have 3-4 guys who are as dis-ruptive in what they do.. Again I still believe Marcel is right there (your right again maybe not yet but next year no doubt). So in keeping with that thought that we are close in 1 and Cody is well just a beast in his own right we still have 3-4 guys who are fundamentally as good as Suh at what they do.. That's what I meant to say...

If you are comparing Alabama with Nebraska then at least statistically based on TFLs, Sacks and QBH, Crick, Turner and Allen are as or more disruptive in passing situations than Dareus, Anders, Deaderick and Washington.

 

[jps1983]

It to me all comes down again to our front 3-4 guys making life for the opposing QB very uncomfortable... While our sack total may not be the best in the nation no one can discount the fact that we are certainly applying more pressure on a QB and those pressures we are getting is what gets this team off the field with numerous 3 and out's.. We will absolutely HAVE to generate pressure up front and take away their short passing game they LOVE to use. Make McCoy hold it by taking away their short passes and I like our chances in this game~!~

Totally agree. I like our disruptive ability unless the officials swallow their whistles like they did against Tennessee this year (I can't remember how many times Dareus was tackled by an OL). Our totals are very deceiving; I loved CNS' presser a few weeks ago when someone asked him about sacks...he exploded on the guy. Sacks are lovely, but don't tell the whole story of the pressure our DL can generate.