If we don't come out and play with intensity then something is wrong. If we play with intensity, play smart and don't make mistakes and get beat by a better team, well, we just have to tip our hat to the Barners. But if we get beat, with a CFP on the line, because we didn't play hard, that will be a HUGE disappointment.
I am in total agreement with B1G. Sarkisian is an excellent OC and I believe he understands Mac's limitations and will play away from them. I am more concerned with how the defense will respond in this game because Auburn has some offensive weapons whether anyone will admit or not. I just hope this game does not come down to a field goal or PAT.
I do agree that he is the kind of QB CNS likes, but is he the kind of QB that wins titles in this era of college football? Jalen had to be pulled for the super star gunslinger QB in Tua, and looking around at the kind of QB's that are getting teams to the Playoffs it's all big time, big number, superstar type QB's. Coker is the last guy to have any success getting a team anywhere in the playoffs that had the game manager label. Teams aren't even getting in the playoffs without the big time QB. Fromm is the closest thing to a game manager that has a team in serious playoff contention, and I think his numbers are greatly diminished because of the awful system he is playing in. Put that guy in a modern offense and he would put up much better numbers. That's why I think Jones might start the season next year, but I don't think he finishes it as starter. It's just impossible to hold elite offenses completely in check even with a great defense. You will have to win some absolute shoot outs, and game managers can't do that.
Daboll didn’t have pressure going into the game. Not like Sark. Heck, putting in Tua wasn’t even pressure really, it was actually ideal. Mac playing in this game is not.
I agree - Daboll was under pressure trying to get Jalen to run his offense. When Tua went in, that pressure disappeared.
I think that they have struggled early in some games. I don't want to assume that it was effort, but Saban has said that the team has not always played to the standard, and he means effort. Last year's slow start against Auburn is a great example. You looked like you were playing in mud. After halftime you played like your hair was on fire, offensively and defensively, and took the game completely over.
Yeah, I mean it's not like Nick Saban ever spotted a good team a 13-point lead and then put a backup QB in at the half to beat that team in its home state.
If you say so.
Because he was in 3rd and 11, 2nd and then 3rd and 7, and 3rd and 16 without his best running back.
Well, maybe. But Bo played the third quarter.
Sometimes I have to remind folks that he won a title with Greg McElroy and Jake Coker. I’d say Mac has at least their equal in physical tools. If he can manage the butterflies and avoid the BIG mistake he’ll be ok. We may not win but I certainly don’t think we have ZERO chance.
But he has learned something that Tua never really learned...sometimes a play isn’t there to be made and throw it away. Knowing is half the battle just like GI Joe said
I will be interested to see how the game is called by the refs. I expect AU defensive backs to try and disrupt our receivers at the line and their will no doubt be a lot of grabbing and holding during the game.
The question is not whether or not both can - it is whether or not Alabama will. Saban simply will not take what the officials are giving his players in a game.
