Tide Fans -
It's an SEC win and I will take it! It was not pretty, not dominating, and it came down to the last few plays, but we got the W. In a league where any team can pretty much beat any other team, getting out with a win is all that matters - ask Florida and Auburn!!! Coming down off the huge dominating performance against Georgia, I was actually fully expecting a performance like we had Saturday. The off week comes at a perfect time, so our team can get some rest, and come back strong for the second half of the season. We are still undefeated!!!
I know Kentucky had not really been tested by an SEC team before they played us, but I do think they have a decent team - especially their defense. There will be more teams this season that struggle with Kentucky. Our passing game was not very good on Saturday, and JPW looked like his old self. This following a week where I was singing his praises. I will add that he was pressured several times, and this is why I think Kentucky does have a strong defense. Julio was just about the only target JP could get the ball to, and he was double teamed many of the times. Julio is good...Julio is damn good! Our running game was pretty solid - not as many holes as last week, but they were good enough to get us some points. Not nearly as consistent, but they did make some big plays, we just couldn't keep a rhythm there and with a few lost fumbles, cost us at least 10 points. Leigh Tiffin didn't make things any better there...come of Tiffin we all know you are better than that! He did nail the clutch kick at the end, so kudos for getting it dialed back in.
I have to say the defense did their job, and they were asked to play a lot thanks to the many 3 and outs provided by the offense. I am still very concerned about covering the quick crossing routs over the middle. That is our weakest point in the defense. Almost every team we have played this season has been able to hit that quick slant across the middle, and it drives me crazy because that is usually how they pick up the first down. I don't know what we can do to stop that, but we need to figure something out there. I know he had an interception, but does Kareem Jackson ever turn around and look for the ball when he is playing man to man? Maybe that is what he is taught, but how can you make a play on the ball if you have no idea where it is? That reminded me of good 'ol Milo "Sweet Tea" Lewis.
Overall, a lack luster performance, but one that was good enough to keep us undefeated. As Saban said, "we gave a clinic on how to keep the other team in the game". With our upcoming schedule, we must find ways to put points on the board when we have the opportunity. You all know I hate the stress riddled, tight sphincter last second win, but I will take it all day if we can keep winning. I wish we could play more games in the state of Georgia, because that seems to be our sweet spot! Here is an idea - I think Coach Saban should make us wear the white uniforms at home also - we seem to be kicking some ass in those! It was way to quiet in Bryant-Denny for my taste on Saturday. The crowd did come alive when we needed to on Defense, and coach Saban acknowledged that - I love Coach Saban!
Players I love from this week:
- Glenn Coffee (Powerful...just powerful!)
- Julio Jones (Was there another wide receiver playing on Saturday?)
- Antoine Caldwell (created some running room for Mr. Coffee)
- Rolando McClain (just an awesome linebacker with heads up skills)
Things we need to change so I can sleep better:
- keeping a rhythm on offense - stop the 3 and out!
- Dial it back in JP!!
- Hold on the the football!!!!
- 4th quarter song that the MDB plays - Seriously...we are still playing Green Day??? I think I was in 6th grade when that came out! There are other "pump you up" songs out there!!!!
Tip of the Week:
- Enjoy the off week - I know I will! We have a long way to go this season!!
Again, it was definitely not a great game, but we need to all be happy that we won! Not too long ago we would have not pulled that out. In a season where Vandy is 5-0 and beating teams they have not beaten in 50 something years, we need to be happy with every win! I think the Tide takes advantage of the week off and gets rested for the remainder of our brutal schedule. We have some BIG games coming up, and I am fired up! This has been an awesome season so far, so let's keep cheering on The Tide and bringing home more victories! Roll Tide Roll!
Jason
