Tide Fans -
Alabama 20, Tulane 6. First off, I am glad to say we got the win. It was not pretty, not pretty at all - as of matter of fact...it was Coyote Ugly! These are the games I can't stand to play - a sub standard opponent after a huge win. Alabama (including the fans), always comes out flat. Thank God for Javier Arenas!
Sitting in Bryant-Denny as we kicked off, you could tell everyone was kind of ho hum about this game. I have to admit, even for me - it is hard to get up for games like this. Unfortunately way too many times we have had to stress out until the last few minutes of play against teams like Tulane. I need to reserve that stress for bigger and better games - not Tulane!! Come on Tide you are killing me! Why am I pacing back and forth in my seat begging the clock to run down in the 4th quarter against Tulane! Aaaah the joys of being a Tide fan!
It is really a no win situation, because if you go out and crush them...well you were supposed to, and if you lose... we all know what that is like. I came away from this game happy with the win, but a little concerned. I know we will not always play like this, but the offense better get some things dialed in soon before we get into SEC play. I have no doubt that these areas will be addressed in practice, and that next week we will comfortably beat Western Kentucky. It will help having some of our starters back on the offensive line.
JP Wilson looked about like he did last season, but again, I just don't think their was any intensity, and our team played like it. There was no big game Georgia Dome atmosphere, no big opponent, and no beer sold. I would like to give a shout out for having Coca-Cola back in Bryant-Denny where it belongs!! By the way...anyone happen to notice those new drink prices? If you have plans on going to a home game this year...bring some cash!
Special Teams played awesome - they won it for us. I did like how one part of our team stepped it up when the other was struggling - that is kind of early to mid 90's Tide like! You all know how I love early to mid 90's Tide!!!!
I think the Tide sheds this sluggish performance off, and comes out next week back on track. Hopefully well enough to get our backups some playing time. Does Greg McElroy even know where they keep his helmet during games? Let's just hope we can dodge the injury bug for the next few weeks,and get our rhythm back ready for some BIG opponents.
Players I love from this week:
- JAVIER ARENAS!!!!
- Mark "Man Crush" Ingram (finally got us some good yardage on the ground!)
- Roy Upchurch (huge blocked punt!)
Things we need to change so I can sleep better:
- Uhhhh....Offensive production!
- finding a back up kicker (what in the world was that display!)
- taking advantage of these "games we are supposed to win" to polish up our team, and not stress the fans out until the end!
Tip of the week:
- Don't take a very tired 5 year old to the game...it doesn't work out well!
Don't worry Tide fans, Saturday's performance was not what we will see the rest of the season. Shake it off, and just be glad we got the win! Saban will have them good and focused next week...I have a good feeling about it!
Roll Tide!
Jason
