Tide Fans –
What a beautiful day in Tuscaloosa! The weather was perfect…the atmosphere was spectacular, and The Tide was high! The 2010 season is under way, and what a better way to start than with a dominating victory in our newly re-furbished stadium. Bryant-Denny is truly awe inspiring! In my opinion, (and many others) it was already the best stadium in the country, and now with the new South end-zone expansion…it is hands down the best college stadium in the land! I could go on and on about how nice it is, but I will let the stadium speak for itself. If you have not seen it, you need to check it out…and the team that plays there is pretty good too!
Our quest for “14” started this past Saturday, and we definitely looked like the reigning national champs! I know our opponent was weak, but it’s the little things that get me really excited about what this team can accomplish. We were able to see so many of our players get valuable playing time. We are truly loaded in several key positions, and I really did not see much drop off when some of the 2’s and 3’s were playing. Yes, I know we weren’t playing an SEC team, but it’s the things like lack of penalties and lack of mental mistakes that was really pleasing. Usually when the 2’s and 3’s play you see more penalties, and the rhythm gets messed up. It was great to see our depth at work, and even better to see them play with confidence. This is very important as we have a brutal schedule, and will need to play many of our backups at times this year.
Alabama’s offense ran like a well oiled machine. Yes, we were missing our beloved Mark Ingram, but the production was still there. We are so fortunate to have the stable of running backs we do. We all knew that Richardson would do just fine, but Lacy made his first appearance count! Wow – he is big, fast, and I love the spin move he has! You kind of feel like you are playing the old video game “10 Yard Fight” when you watch him hit a pile of would be tacklers, and just spin to get away for more yards…powerful! I want Ingram back as soon as possible, but I think we will be ok without him for a few games. Richardson and Lacy will be great runners, but it is hard to match the heart and determination of #22!
Our passing game was very impressive as well…I mean Julio…seriously…he is just amazing! That airborne, horizontal, 1 handed catch was incredible! Many great receiving plays in this game, as well as great passes. McElroy played like a seasoned general directing his troops, and putting the ball right where it needed to be. The future of our passing game looks bright as well - AJ McCarron did an outstanding job! His passes are so smooth looking, and placed right where the receivers need them to make plays. I feel very good about our QB situation this year, and in the future!
Minus about 1 or 2 plays the defense looked great! I think we played a very conservative defense this game, not to give away some of our surprises for next week. We had excellent pass coverage, and stopping the run seemed effortless. We rotated so many linebackers in and out of the game, it was hard to keep up with who was in and who was out. This is a great problem to have…we are stacked at linebacker! How impressive was Freshman CJ Mosely?? Wow – this kid is going to be great! Donta Hightower compared him to Rolando McLain…not to bad!! Again, I know we were playing San Jose State, but I think we got a good look at the amount of talent we have available on defense. We are young, but it looks like we are also very talented!
Our special teams play was much better than expected! The punting game was very solid, as well as the kickoffs. How nice was it to see the ball go into the end zone all but one time. Cade Foster can boot the ball, and is also not scared to make a tackle! The field goal kicking was a success as well. It is good to see this area of concern play well. Let’s hope they can continue to be consistent here, as we all know they play a crucial role on any team.
Huge game this week Tide Fans! Another traditional power, Penn State comes to town. We don’t know a whole lot about what they have this year, but I guarantee you they will come down here ready to play. We will need to play a solid, mistake free game to come out with the win. This game will give us a better idea of what our team is capable of. While we played great this past week, we will be tested for the first time this Saturday. I see a hard fought battle in the first half, but I think Bama starts to take over in the second, pounding the ball and making big plays to receivers. I think we see a lot of pressure on their young quarterback, which may lead to some turnovers!
The campus will be crazy next weekend! Penn State fans travel well, and I bet there will be as many fans outside the stadium without tickets as there are in. Gameday is broadcasting from the Walk of Champions, and it is time to break the Tuscaloosa Gameday curse. In the past, Bama has not fared well with the Gameday crew on our campus…but that all changes this week! Herbstreit will be catching a lot of flack for picking Auburn to win the west. Herbstreit is an idiot…I predict Auburn loses on Thursday to Miss. State.
We need to get loud this week Tide Fans! Let’s hear how loud we can make the new stadium, as we put massive pressure on the Penn State offense. I can’t wait!
Until next week…Roll Tide!
Jason
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