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What happens if the offense can't score?

I think we may see a little more imagination re: play calling this year as opposed to last. Last year our O line was much better running the ball than in pass protection (IMHO). Plus, our QB was once again running a new offense. This year our o line my not have a strong point but may be adequate in both pass and run. This will be ok if we can off-set by keeping the D guessing; run here, short pass there, deep one now and then, draws, etc. McElroy will be in his first year starting but he has the luxuary of this being his second year w/the offense. Therefore, the play book might be a little more open. If so, look for sustained drives from the O which will allow for more blitz pkgs against opposing O's playing from behind. That would be awesome. Course, we have to wait and see how it all plays out. Should be a fun ride!
 
I've been guilty of this, but I think we sometimes tend to forget that we have CJM, and that he's only in his second year. I think the offense will be fine.
 
TRU said:
"f you have a nasty defense (which we do, btw), all the offense really needs to do is get a couple first downs every drive, then punt them back in the own goalposts, get a good return and you're in FG range."

But how's the kicking game shaping up? Do you think that CNS will really want to rely upon Legacy Lee to win games for Bama?
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Leigh Tiffin made 20 field goals last season which ties him for most FGs in the SEC. The only other kicker in the SEC to kick 20 field goals was South Carolina's kicker, Succop and he kicked 66% and is now in the NFL Tiffin's 69% average was better.

He also made 2 of 3 from 50+ yards with a long of 54. His long of 54 tied for tops in the SEC. He is one of only two kickers in Alabama football history to have made two 50+ yarders in one game. He missed only one XP last year, which tied him for first in the SEC.
 
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bayoutider said:
Lee Tiffin made 20 field goals last season which ties him for most FGs in the SEC. The only other kicker in the SEC to kick 20 field goals was South Carolina's kicker, Succop and he kicked 66% and is now in the NFL Tiffin's 69% average was better.

He also made 2 of 3 from 50+ yards with a long of 54. His long of 54 tied for tops in the SEC. He is one of only two kickers in Alabama football history to have made two 50+ yarders in one game. He missed only one XP last year, which tied him for first in the SEC.
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When you have only one job to do...people tend to remember your mistakes more than your successes. I think had he not almost blown the LSU game...people would have a different view of him. You can count on him to make the early FGs...it's the ones towards the end of the game that tend to wreak havoc on his mind.

That said...his name is Leigh.
 
Everyone before me has made great statements about controlling the clock and a dominating defense. Mine is a simple statement of belief. Last year CNS and the Alabama football team defied the odds and got further than some of us could have imagined. To go undefeated until the SEC championship was incredible. I believe that CNS and his staff have a plan. Coach Mac has had more time to implement his offense and McElroy may be the answer. The defense has great potential and even though our offense is young, we have the great players to win and give other SEC teams a run for their money. Have faith ladies and gentlemen the Crimson Tide is rising to the top once again and I will favor Bama over any team this year because CNS has them believing they can win anywhere if they are determined and focused.
 
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theBIGyowski said:
When you have only one job to do...people tend to remember your mistakes more than your successes. I think had he not almost blown the LSU game...people would have a different view of him. You can count on him to make the early FGs...it's the ones towards the end of the game that tend to wreak havoc on his mind.

That said...his name is Leigh.
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Morning brain malfunction ;)
 
Count me among those who believe our passing game will be much better this year, assuming our OL provides adequate protection. By all accounts it seems GMac has the ability to check down, and that's huge. He also throws an accurate deep ball, which really keeps a defense honest. I can't wait for the season to start! RTR.
 
I also think the offense will be better. I think Peek will compliment Julio as another go to man. The run game will be just as good as last year. I just dont see us not putting up alot of points. Roll Tide!!! This is going to be a good year!!!!:BigA:
 
TRU said:
"f you have a nasty defense (which we do, btw), all the offense really needs to do is get a couple first downs every drive, then punt them back in the own goalposts, get a good return and you're in FG range."

But how's the kicking game shaping up? Do you think that CNS will really want to rely upon Legacy Lee to win games for Bama?
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I would say he's better than just a "legacy." Bayoutider has already pointed out his statistics. It's true he's missed some, but I'm afraid most are remembering that one horrific game from 2006 (Arkansas). He certainly didn't lose a game for us last year and he did help us win. Does anyone remember what happened to our kickoffs when he was injured? That wasn't too pretty if I remember correctly.

Leigh's one weakness appears to be that when he does miss, he'll miss one or two more before he hits again. In other words, he's a little streaky. But his dad missed some too, if we're going to a talk about legacies. Yes, he hit some huge ones, and as history is written, those matter the most.

But as I said, I only remember one game that Leigh "lost." And there were several other players and coaches responsible that day too.
 
I cant remember, but it seems like they only reloaded every year that he was there, despite the rookie qbs.

Can you really be considered a rookie if you are a RS Jr? I mean,you may be inexperienced, but I thought rookies were only guys with Fr. beside their name.
 
A lot of rivals are betting on McElroy to fail or at least struggle from what I've read. LSU having going through the Jarrett Lee Experience last season and Auburn with the Burns-Todd laugher, probably tempers their outlooks. GMac is a little different though. He's been on campus for four years now as a RS Junior, unlike Lee who was a RS Freshmen. Unless a kid is a Tim Tebow or Matt Stafford, I never bet on the underclassman QB to perform. Auburn was relying on a JUCO transfer or true Sophomore at QB...again not a great situation.

The big thing for Alabama is the seasoning that McElroy has already had without seeing the field. He's been an understudy to a veteran starter his whole tenure at the Capstone and he's an upperclassman 4th year Junior. We really won't know what we've got at QB until they get under the lights on Sept. 5, but I'm cautiously optimistic. If you are going to replace a starter who never missed a start, a RS Junior stepping in is about the best you can hope for. Another plus is that GMac is supposedly a great student touting a near or above 4.0 GPA. I'm a firm believer that even in football smarts can be a great equalizer. If we can get a smart QB who can just run the plays and not try to win the game by himself...our offense will be fine.


To relate to LSU's situation, this is closer to Flynn replacing Russell than Lee replacing Flynn. Of course, Flynn got some PT in 05 after Russell's injury...but the point is that Flynn was a Senior taking over the reigns not a green underclassman.
 
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I assure you...and I'm assured you already know this...he coached the D, not the O. LSU offensively has been more prolific by far since he left. The defense has had ups and downs though. Hopefully, hiring a real DC will change that.
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Glad you brought that up though. In an earlier post, someone said they think the O will open up more this year. Coach Saban teams are generally not very open on offense, but the defenses always at least play to potential...if not above potential.
 
I mean LSU's 01 offense lit people up, to be fair...but I agree, Saban prefers balance on offense and a offensive style that is more conducive to protecting the defense than lighting up the scoreboard. Alabama did average over 30ppg last season, and that is more than good enough. Not the nearly half-a-hundred that OU and UF were touting, but 30 is good enough if you are usually holding the opponent around 20 or below.
 
McElroy was primary backup for two years in McElwain's system so I think worries about him being a "rookie" quarterback are not very accurate. There's a vast difference between his situation and that of a quarterback his first year out of highschool or one starting after getting his first opportunity to actually compete for the job.

Our offensive line will be fine. We have one of the best offensive line coaches in the country in Joe Pendry and have done a pretty good job of stockpiling talent in recent years. Yes we may struggle a bit early on this season, particularly against a tough Virginia Tech team in the opener, but by the time we get to the Arkansas game they should be a fairly seasoned group.
 
rgw said:
I mean LSU's 01 offense lit people up, to be fair...but I agree, Saban prefers balance on offense and a offensive style that is more conducive to protecting the defense than lighting up the scoreboard. Alabama did average over 30ppg last season, and that is more than good enough. Not the nearly half-a-hundred that OU and UF were touting, but 30 is good enough if you are usually holding the opponent around 20 or below.
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You're correct about '01, Rohan Davey and Josh Reed were fun to watch. But as you stated, that was not the norm for a Saban coached team. You're also correct that last year, you guys scored plenty for the defense you had.
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And drwebb is right about the line needing to come together early in the year. VT will be a challenge, and then a couple of tune up games will be needed to get the Oline ready for SEC play. That will be the challenge from this outsider's point of view.
 
Fishhead said:
I assure you...and I'm assured you already know this...he coached the D, not the O. LSU offensively has been more prolific by far since he left. The defense has had ups and downs though. Hopefully, hiring a real DC will change that.
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Glad you brought that up though. In an earlier post, someone said they think the O will open up more this year. Coach Saban teams are generally not very open on offense, but the defenses always at least play to potential...if not above potential.
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Thanks head and I'm sure you already know without me pointing it out that he recruited them and had a lot do do with how they were handled psychologically and how hard they were pushed to develop. Since you are also well aware of the situation I don't have to point out what a good job the man who's name you refuse did with his defense leaving the offense in situations that made the qb comfortable to operate out of. Being more aware than the average fish you also are fully aware that if you blink that shifty little 28 will flat out shorten the field when given the chance. So as mich as we all appreciate you concern for our QB situation I have to believe we'll be a little better than some might expect. Thanks for you I interest though and support to tidefans. I always enjoy and respect your post.
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