Week 8 - Tennessee

Tide Fans –

What started out as looking very ugly, turned into something beautiful! Julio, Trent, Maze and Ingram found their groove and made some huge plays to put this game out of reach by the end of the 3rd quarter. I don’t know what Coach Saban said at halftime, but whatever it was it worked like a charm! The Tide rolls big in Knoxville, crushing the Vols with their inspired 2nd half play. Now it’s time for some much needed rest for the team, (and the fans) so we can get ready and defend our SEC title – we have to win them all!

As soon as this game started I thought to myself…I should have gone. When we got down early I was really mad at myself for not going to the game. I feel so much more in control if I am at the game, versus watching it on TV. I don’t know why, but I just do. It’s not as if The Tide knows I am there and play better because of this (I would like to think this is true, but I know it isn’t). I’m pretty sure Coach Saban and the team do not feel my presence when I am in attendance, and as much as I wish that I was part of the pre-game checklist for the coaching staff and the team…I fear that I am not. Regardless, I always feel better attending the game.

To make things even weirder – I was actually attending a Halloween party during the game, and was in full costume. This was not helping my Tide vibe, and was convinced it was effecting our first half play. I know it was effecting the party as I am not a fun person to be around when Bama is playing poorly. Here I was standing next to my friends dressed in the following costumes - a quilted leisure suit (which apparantly was very comfortable), Jason (machete and all), Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation, and I am fully decked out as a member of the Dharma Initiative from the TV show LOST. You can just imagine how that looked – not your typical group of fans watching a game! At halftime I was soo irritated I removed my costume wig in disgust, and it never went back on. I usually take my Halloween costumes very seriously, and like to stay in character – but something had to change, and apparently it helped! The Tide dominated the 2nd half, and suddenly I didn’t mind hanging out watching the game with a bunch of people in costume!

We needed a win like this very badly. Our confidence just didn’t seem to be where it needed to be, and while I know this was not a very good Tennessee team, it is always nice to get a big SEC road game win against one of your biggest rivals. This was just what the doctor ordered as we go into our off week, and as most of you know…I love crushing Tennessee!

Offense finally found their rhythm and made some big runs, and some ridiculous catches by Julio. What an incredible game he had – just amazing. This is the Julio we love…this is why it is so important to get the ball to him – he can make things happen. Nevermind that his hand is broken…he was pulling in balls that were overthrown, underthrown, and some that were actually perfectly thrown. All in the process he breaks the single game record for receiving yards – just awesome! Can I get a Juuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuulio!!!!! I must give shout outs to Trent and Marquis Maze also – great games by both of them. I love the fact we are utilizing Maze more – he is a playmaker, and this was long overdue in our game planning.

Overall defense played well again, minus a few busted coverages. Dre “Primetime” Kirkpatrick needs to step it up, as I feel he got schooled on several plays. How about the hit Miliner put on that guy…good Lord it was insane! That is truly one of the hardest hits I have ever witnessed, and I am shocked (and glad) the guy was able to walk off the field, because at first I thought he was dead. It was nice to see some other guys get some playing time in this game – Phelon Jones, BJ Scott, and Miliner all got some great experience. Phelon needs to learn how to catch – he could have had a few picks! Our Defense is pretty beat up right now – the week off will help tremendously. Upshaw and Dareus are still not full speed, and it will be great to get them a few weeks to recover. We need everyone full strength for our final stretch, as we have some big games ahead.

Bama heads to Baton Rouge in two weeks. Even though they lost this past weekend, this is still a huge game for us. LSU has not played great this year, but they are a dangerous team. You really don’t know what you are going to get with them, but believe me – they will be fired up and ready to play. Offense must play aggressive with them, and keep our running game going. Defense will need to play smart and not over think things. I think if we can get a good pass rush on either of their quarterbacks our chances improve drastically. We must play smart and not make sloppy mistakes in this game. McElroy needs to make some passes early in the game to get our rhythm going, and we must establish the run threat. We get a running game going, and play solid defense – this one is ours!

I look forward to this game, as I will actually be in attendance! I love making this trip, and always have great stories to tell after. You never know what experience you will have amongst the Cajun faithful, and throw in 2 nights in New Orleans…it should be interesting! Enjoy the week off Tide Fans – I know I will. Rest up and get ready for a Championship run – it’s ours to take…we just have to win baby…just win!

See you in 2 weeks…Roll Tide!

Jason