There are a few differences in the situations. Sims didn't restrict our offense in the same way and JH has had 2 years and still struggles with the same stuff and causing the same issues for the team. Also, who the heck did we have behind Sims that had the same promise Tua has?
Again, I've pointed this out before, we rarely have been behind the chains.... I posted the stats few threads ago or in other threads.
I always like that quote "what's the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." If Damien Harris only has 6 carries against Clemson like he did against AU then we'll lose again..
I agree and yes you have. Doesn't change the fact that it won't work well IF we're behind the chains. And, I'll add, when I say behind the chains, I'm meaning 3rd and 5+. The OL won't succeed against that DL often if we're at 3rd and 6 and run 20-30 yard outs/go's. That's all I'm saying.
How could Saban put an 18yo freshman into an opening season game vs USC...and stay with him after he fumbled, and lost, his first snap from scrimmage? Hind sight is like 40/40 or something...
If we've been in 3rd and short more than not and our 3rd down conversion rates are this poor, it's worse than I thought!
Very thoughtful comment. I know Saban would not allow himself to engage in self recrimination but it occurred to me that over the last year he thought about how beneficial it would be to have Cooper Bateman there to play in certain situations while Jalen and Tua matured. Bateman likely has many second thoughts himself. With all the talent Bama has is has been proven that the QB's job has been to get the ball in the hands of the play makers. This is obviously useless conjecture but when I came back to the computer to see all of the discussion about playing Tua I realized just how much our confidence level has been shaken. At least at some level there is surely some of that going on in Tuscaloosa as well.
Without a doubt, Coach Saban does not care what any pundit ever says. If it improves our chance to win the game - he will do it. We (fans) need to trust his judgement. He knows a lot more about what is going on then we do.
Well, I don't think that was the same because last season everyone knew Bama was trying to find a replacement for Coker and that we'd have to try different QB's before settling on one. Both Hurts and BB were inexperienced so many expected some turnovers from both until someone established themselves. In this case however we have an experienced QB who might be replaced by a Freshman so I think criticism would be fierce by some if it wouldn't work out. I hope Coach Saban can put that all aside however and play whichever QB will give us the best chance to win.
I don't think Saban gives a toot what these "pundits" think. At least, I hope he doesn't.
Those stats are based on awesome numbers in games against air and weak performances against teams with a defense. They delegitimize the who system, IMO.
Against AUB we had
I don't blindly trust anyone. Saban is human. He is not some infallible machine. We trust now because we have no better option, and because he is probably worthy of that trust. But we also know that he has a HUGE ego. We will just have to wait and see how it all plays out.
I have felt that it is unlikely that we would see Tua with no previous sign of considering it this season. If only for a series in the first half in earlier games. I would confidently say that there certainly isn't anyone around ABC/ESPN/SEC who isn't keenly aware of what an extraordinary talent Tua is. Without a national championship this year consider how loud the drumbeat will be in the Spring.
I trust coach Saban because he watches the actual film and has other people who are objective watch the film. He is far more well-informed than everyone on this board added together.
I trust him to put together a solid game plan and have the team as well prepared for Clemson as they possibly can be. But I do not trust him to see his blind spots - and QB is a huge blind spot for him.
Because Jalen played a bad game against Auburn? How is that a "huge" blind spot?
