Hello from ND fan

[athlete37]

I had a good experience on this board the month leading up to the 2013 NCG, had a good experience with Tide fans in Miami, and check back here from time to time.

I was wondering if Bama fans believe this year's team is better than the 2012 edition. I haven't had much opportunity to watch tide games this year, but obviously am aware of the public impression that this is a historically great team.

I understand that most of you probably believe ND is overrated this season and can get the reasons why given our recent history. I would compare this year's version of ND to 2012's team with a little bit more depth amongst all three levels of defense (albeit less individual centered), and a more consistent offense due to Book being more accurate than Golson. Our receivers are bigger but lack the speed we have had in previous receivers (see Will Fuller, TJ Jones, Chris Brown,Golden Tate.)

Thanks for any responses and good luck this week

 

[TUSCALOOSAHONOR]

Welcome back. " insert mandatory Manti Teo joke here".

Who are you wishing to play in the playoffs? Who do you think you guys match up with?

 

[CrimsonNagus]

Welcome back, I will be pleasantly nice to you despite my feelings for the team you support.

I do think this years ND is better than 2012 but, this years Bama is also better, IMO. I honestly think the result would be about the same but, that could be my crimson colored glasses.

I would prefer to play you guys and Michigan in the playoffs just for that classic football feel. Plus, I really don’t want another Bama/Clemson game. Not because they scare me, just because the matchup bores me after the last 3 years.

 

[Loam]

Welcome back, I will be pleasantly nice to you despite my feelings for the team you support.

I do think this years ND is better than 2012 but, this years Bama is also better, IMO. I honestly think the result would be about the same but, that could be my crimson colored glasses.

I would prefer to play you guys and Michigan in the playoffs just for that classic football feel. Plus, I really don’t want another Bama/Clemson game. Not because they scare me, just because the matchup bores me after the last 3 years.

If ND plays Michigan then that means we'd play Clemson in round 1 going against your own statement there. I'd rather us play Michigan and ND play Clemson. I want to show the world how overrated Jim Hardballs and Michigan are.

 

[Loam]

I had a good experience on this board the month leading up to the 2013 NCG, had a good experience with Tide fans in Miami, and check back here from time to time.

I was wondering if Bama fans believe this year's team is better than the 2012 edition. I haven't had much opportunity to watch tide games this year, but obviously am aware of the public impression that this is a historically great team.

I understand that most of you probably believe ND is overrated this season and can get the reasons why given our recent history. I would compare this year's version of ND to 2012's team with a little bit more depth amongst all three levels of defense (albeit less individual centered), and a more consistent offense due to Book being more accurate than Golson. Our receivers are bigger but lack the speed we have had in previous receivers (see Will Fuller, TJ Jones, Chris Brown,Golden Tate.)

Thanks for any responses and good luck this week

Your QB is definitely better then that other ND team. But the rest of that team is basically the same as far as talent level goes. I think the score would be somewhat similar, give or take a score or two on each side. Our offense is a lot more explosive then back then. Our defense is as good. Our only true weakness is our kicking game, obviously.

Anyway, good luck until you play us. You still have USC to beat at their place and that wont be as easy as it sounds I'm thinking.

 

[gtowntide]

Welcome back athlete37. This years team is a good bit different from 2012 especially on offense. We are still playing strong defense but now we throw the ball a lot more. Our quarterback, Tua, is on a pace to rewrite a lot of Bama records. I'm sure ND is a lot different too but I would expect a good game from both teams. Good luck and I hope we both make it in!

 

[cmmiller711]

this offense is miles better than 2012 although there was serious NFL talent on that team. I believe the defense in 2012 was a good bit better, but Quinnen Williams would be the best player on either team. overall, this team is much faster and a bit less physical. 'i think this team would win 6/10 games against that team but this team isnt leaps and bounds better IMO

 

[cmmiller711]

If ND plays Michigan then that means we'd play Clemson in round 1 going against your own statement there. I'd rather us play Michigan and ND play Clemson. I want to show the world how overrated Jim Hardballs and Michigan are.

i think he was saying hed rather round 1 be bama/ND or Michigan and round 2 be bama/Michigan or ND instead of playing clemson.

 

[TUSCALOOSAHONOR]

this offense is miles better than 2012 although there was serious NFL talent on that team. I believe the defense in 2012 was a good bit better, but Quinnen Williams would be the best player on either team. overall, this team is much faster and a bit less physical. 'i think this team would win 6/10 games against that team but this team isnt leaps and bounds better IMO

I wonder how many players from 2012 Bama went pro?

 

[EnterBama]

I had a good experience on this board the month leading up to the 2013 NCG, had a good experience with Tide fans in Miami, and check back here from time to time.
I was wondering if Bama fans believe this year's team is better than the 2012 edition. I haven't had much opportunity to watch tide games this year, but obviously am aware of the public impression that this is a historically great team.
I understand that most of you probably believe ND is overrated this season and can get the reasons why given our recent history. I would compare this year's version of ND to 2012's team with a little bit more depth amongst all three levels of defense (albeit less individual centered), and a more consistent offense due to Book being more accurate than Golson. Our receivers are bigger but lack the speed we have had in previous receivers (see Will Fuller, TJ Jones, Chris Brown,Golden Tate.)
Thanks for any responses and good luck this week

I haven't seen ND play. I can't even recall seeing any highlights to amount to much.

I think in 2012 the problem ND had with Bama was Bama had a lot more team speed and possibly more size and strength but team speed was the real killer.

If ND has improved in that department they should have a better shot against us, Clemson or anyone else. I did see a couple of USC plays Saturday and was shocked at their lack of speed.

 

[Jkl0802]

I wonder how many players from 2012 Bama went pro?

Notre Dame!
Dang it, I grew up watching the Tide fall just short of winning national championships due to you guys. I was in the Legion Field stands in 1986 when Cornelius Bennett “de-cleated” Steve Beuerlein, and it was one of the greatest football memories of my life. That one play helped erase a lot of bad tasting memories. A long time ago, I would tell people the only team I liked less than Notre Dame was Auburn....but that has changed over the years. I respect your history and really hope you get back to what you once were.

 

[cmmiller711]

I wonder how many players from 2012 Bama went pro?

just about all of them got drafted or at least got UFA contract. of the significant contributors, guys that actually made a significant NFL stay are

AJ
Eddie lacy
Amari
Cyrus Jones
Yeldon
Kenyon Drake
DJ fluker
Chance Warmack
Cyrus Kouandjio
Haha Clinton Dix
Robert Lester
Dee Milliner
CJ Moseley

Landon collins was a freshman and played some and is maybe the best safety in the league now

Jesse Williams didnt stay in the league that long but he won the super bowl with the seahawks.

 

[tusks_n_raider]

Welcome, and I actually don't think ND is overrated right now. You have 4 wins over current Top 25 teams in (Michigan, Pitt, Northwestern, and Syracuse).

You have the 27th Ranked Scoring Offense, 15th Ranked Scoring Defense and are 31st in FG kicking at 80% (16-20). That all shows your team is balanced as well. This is a ND team I can respect being ranked #3.

But the real X-Factor is that Ian Book is LEGIT. He's 8th in QB Passer Rating this year and 2nd in Comp%. He's made you guys way more dynamic and explosive on Offense. Wimbush was/is a terrible QB.... no offense.

Now that I've said all those nice things I have to be honest with you that your 2012 team was one of the most overrated in the history of CFB.

Georgia or Ohio State would have destroyed that 2012 ND team as bad as Alabama did. Oregon or Texas A&M probably would have beat you as well. ND was MAYBE the 6th best team that year.....Maybe....



As for Alabama in 2018. This is honestly one of the Best teams we've ever had and certainly the most explosive offensively.

We are ranked 3rd in Scoring Offense AND 3rd in Scoring Defense. It has taken the Defense a while to gel but they have really come together from mid-season until now.

Quinnen Williams is one of the most destructive unstoppable D-Lineman we've ever had.

Tua Tagovailoa is the best QB we have ever had and looks to be on the way to winning the Heisman.

Our WR core is DEADLY. Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, Jaylen Waddle, Devonta Smith, and Irv Smith Jr.

All 5 of them have over 400 yards, 4 or more TD's and average 18.0 YPC or higher

They combined have 3,244 yards receiving and 34 TD's


Having said all that I can't say they are better than our 2012 Alabama team yet though...... They have to win the NC to qualify for that honor.

If our teams happen to meet in the Playoff's...... I of course think Alabama will win but I think you guys possibly make it a tough game that's closer than we would like. Certainly more of a fight than 2012/13.

Best of luck in your remaining regular season games though and hopefully we can match up in the post season and see what happens.

 

[M2J]

I actually think this ND team is legit. They have stepped up to the occasion and dominate both sides of the ball. 2012 ND had a pretty good defense, but that offensive line for Bama was my favorite and took away the Irish's strength.

But their offense had no chance, and certainly didn't help their D.

This is a much more talented and balanced team, that could legitimately challenge in most years. But, maybe not this year vs such a dominant Bama team.

 

[teamplayer]

I think ND has a pretty solid team this year that is more legit than the 2012 version. Although I also love to watch Tua slice and dice, I'm not convinced that our team this year is any better than the 2012 version. That offensive line was dominant, and I think we aren't as physical this year. The talent and physicality of that team absolutely dominated ND in the championship game. I think AJ could have sliced and diced more if he had needed to or if he had been allowed. I don't think our defense has the same depth that the 2012 team had. Our kicking game has been atrocious at times. Now, with that said, this year's team has the potential to run away and hide when the offense is clicking. The defense has shown that they can get physical when they need to do so in order to shut teams down. So, I think you guys would keep the score a bit closer than the other game unless Tua gets rolling with our fantastic receivers while our running backs keep taking body shots. If that happens, I think it would be about the same result.

 

[NationalTitles18]

I had a good experience on this board the month leading up to the 2013 NCG, had a good experience with Tide fans in Miami, and check back here from time to time.

I was wondering if Bama fans believe this year's team is better than the 2012 edition. I haven't had much opportunity to watch tide games this year, but obviously am aware of the public impression that this is a historically great team.

I understand that most of you probably believe ND is overrated this season and can get the reasons why given our recent history. I would compare this year's version of ND to 2012's team with a little bit more depth amongst all three levels of defense (albeit less individual centered), and a more consistent offense due to Book being more accurate than Golson. Our receivers are bigger but lack the speed we have had in previous receivers (see Will Fuller, TJ Jones, Chris Brown,Golden Tate.)

Thanks for any responses and good luck this week

Welcome back.

I'm glad you've had good experiences here and with our fans in general.

I do believe ND is a better team this year than 2012 across the board. ND is a legit team.

Bama has more overall talent than that team this year.

I hope both make it to the playoff and meet in the first round.

 

[CajunCrimson]

This team doesn’t focus on running game and defense to slowly squeeze you to death. They attack your team early, build a large lead and smother you.

Our slow plodding team put up a ton of points early on y’all” last time. I sure hope your team is better this year. Otherwise....could get ugly

 

[B1GTide]

To directly answer your question - both Alabama and ND are better this year than they were in 2012. This Alabama team has 35+ players who will get drafted in their two deep - at least 15 of whom will be taken in the first or second rounds over the next three years. Think about that for a second. That is historically good, not just good.

As to the match-up? ND is a lot faster on defense than you have been under Kelly. You are in the top 20 in just about every defensive category, and #2 in defensive pass efficiency - that is huge. But where you don't do as well is in team sacks, QB pressures and team tackles for loss. In other words, your defense is fast and you react well to the ball, but you are not an attacking defense. IMO, to beat Alabama, you have to attack Tua. Maybe you can do that and you just haven't had to at this point, but it will be necessary to have a chance in that game. No matter how good your back seven is, if you give Tua time, he will find someone on every play.

Your offense isn't bad, but would struggle to score 21 points on Alabama's defense. And if Alabama scores early, you will become pass happy and get slaughtered. That is what Kelly has done in the past, at least.

I think that Alabama is probably about 3 TDs better than Notre Dame if they face one another in the playoff, assuming an even turnover scenario. That is not a criticism of Notre Dame, but a testament to the strength of this Alabama team.

 

[rolltiderman]

just about all of them got drafted or at least got UFA contract. of the significant contributors, guys that actually made a significant NFL stay are

AJ
Eddie lacy
Amari
Cyrus Jones
Yeldon
Kenyon Drake
DJ fluker
Chance Warmack
Cyrus Kouandjio
Haha Clinton Dix
Robert Lester
Dee Milliner
CJ Moseley

Landon collins was a freshman and played some and is maybe the best safety in the league now

Jesse Williams didnt stay in the league that long but he won the super bowl with the seahawks.

Add Barrett Jones to that group.

 

[rgw]

The 2012 team was an overachieving unit. Some of Notre Dame's 2 or 3 loss teams since that season probably had better rosters than that group. This is definitely the best team of the Kelly era.