North Texas

Tide Fans –

The Tide cruises to an easy shut out over a not so stellar opponent. A great way to get some of your depth playing time, and to finish up the dress rehearsals before the real season begins. Bama crushes North Texas, and now turns their focus to the SEC, and the Arkansas Razorbacks!

I don’t really have a whole lot to say this week. No interesting trips, strange happenings, or anything out of the normal. Just a good time in Tuscaloosa, and a stress free win! Games like this past Saturday can be kind of boring, but it is good to not have to stress out and enjoy the game. It’s these types of games when you don’t worry about how long the line is at concessions (which by the way is ridiculous in my section at any point of the game), and you just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. My laid back approach to this game will all change next week, when I return to my normal nervous, stressed out self, for our SEC opener. Yep…I’m already trying to decide if leaving at 8 in the morning is too late for the 2:30 kickoff.

Offense:

It was great to see Hanks back on the field! He didn’t do a whole lot, but I know he will be a big contributor as we go through the season. Running game was solid…a little slow to start but it definitely improved with Lacy and Trent’s huge runs! Passing was pretty good…Kenny Bell had a good game. He looks like Julio to me out there…not in his talent and ability…but literally his look. Dang I miss Julio!

Defense:

What can I say but just powerful! We continue to dominate…and this time keeping the opponent to zero points. You can’t ask more than that! I would have liked to have seen a little more pressure on the QB in this game, but I seriously think we are holding back on purpose. I think Saban has been waiting to unleash the pain until he needs to…no need in letting future SEC opponents know how we plan to dominate them! The defensive backs better be ready for next week, because they are going to be tested all day. It’s time for Kirkpatrick to back up his “Swagga”.

Huge game this week…always a big one getting the SEC season started! Arkansas has been highly touted by most everyone…and it is time to shut them down. Everyone tries to get on the Arkansas bandwagon early, and then they play us and everyone jumps off. I expect the same this year. Yes, they have talent in several positions, but they can’t hang with us for 4 quarters…just like last year. I certainly hope this one is not as close as last year, and I don’t foresee it. I’m not trying to take Arkansas lightly…I just know we are a better team than they are, and we are playing at home. I see Saban and Kirby Smart blitzing the Hogs all day, and getting their young QB rattled early on. If we can accomplish this, it will be a long day for Arkansas. If we don’t get pressure on him, then like Mallet last year – he will complete some big passes. I still say we shut them down, and get our first SEC victory on Saturday!
We need to be loud people! I know this past week was hard to get excited for, but the crowd needs to play a big role in this game early…help the defense rattle the quarterback. So, if you are going to the game, plan on getting loud early…it helps!

Have a great week, get pumped, and bring the noise! I know The Tide will!

Until next week…Roll Tide!

Jason