JessN: Oklahoma preview: Sooner or later, it all comes down to defense

JessN · Dec 24, 2018

Oklahoma preview: Sooner or later, it all comes down to defense
by Jess Nicholas
TideFans Editor-In-Chief
December 24th, 2018 04:01 AM

Whether it's fair to either player or not, Alabama's playoff semifinal against Oklahoma is going to serve a second purpose: It will be a referendum on whether Heisman Trophy voters got it right when they picked Oklahoma's Kyler Murray over Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa.

Murray's legend seemed to grow in the second half of the season, fueled by strong performances against several teams completely bereft of defenses. Murray has faced Alabama once before – as a freshman at Texas A&M, and his last play in that game consisted of watching Eddie Jackson running at him while carrying the football Murray had just thrown.[…]

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FitToBeTide · Dec 24, 2018

Thanks, Jess. That score looks about right. This game is probably going to be a bit more exciting score-wise than folks think. Wishing for us to deliver a drubbing but don't think it'll happen. I'll take a 9 point win and be happy about it.

GrayTide · Dec 24, 2018

I agree with FitTobeTide, although it could be even closer, just hope it does not come down to a FG or PAT. We shall see, Merry Christmas and thanks for all you do, Jess.

Saban4Ever · Dec 24, 2018

Thanks, Jess. Nice write up. Hope Bama wins! Have a blessed Christmas!

CajunCrimson · Dec 24, 2018

If Dylan and Mack can play a smart game and not try to make highlight tapes, this isn’t close. Bama 70. OU 35

CoolBreeze · Dec 24, 2018

Good stuff as usual Jess! Roll Tide and Merry Christmas.

JBama_in_PCOLA · Dec 24, 2018

Great write up Jess. Your prediction is closer than I would like but a win nonetheless. I happen think we’ll win by a few more scores, though. If the OL can handle the delayed blitzes now, we’ll be fine.

Con · Dec 24, 2018

CajunCrimson said:
If Dylan and Mack can play a smart game and not try to make highlight tapes, this isn’t close. Bama 70. OU 35

I like it CajunCrimson.

I just hope we can get those couple of extra stops like Jess mentioned so things can be comfortable on December 29.

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78Alum · Dec 24, 2018

Thanks, Jess. Great job as always. I have been looking forward to your write-up. I will take a 9-point win and be happy about it. However, I am hoping for a domination... If we are focused and Dylan and Mack don't get caught up in traffic, Savion plays aggressive and sets the edge consistently, and our OL protects Tua (who needs to be healthy), we should get that dominating win (not that winning by over a TD in the playoff game is anything to sneeze at...

) Roll Tide!

CaliforniaTide · Dec 24, 2018

The score is closer to what I think will happen. I'd love a domination as much as the next Alabama fan, but early on, OU's offense will give us problems. Maybe the in-game adjustments will happen sooner and that'll determine the game for Alabama. It is a tremendously good thing that Alabama has an offense that can go score-for-score with Oklahoma.

Bazza · Dec 24, 2018

Thanks, Jess.....Merry Christmas and good luck in your bowl game!

sanjosecrimson · Dec 24, 2018

Jess, I think you're giving their OL too much credit. they are a good group no doubt, but their stats are overly inflated due to playing a conference where defense is an afterthought! with Buggs healthy and Ray showing up , the DL along with Jennings/ Miller will have Murray running for his life. hopefully Mack/ Moses play assignment football to contain or limit his runs.
their running backs are good and I realize based on stats again, you give them the nod, but our RBs are 2nd to none. this game could see a heavy dosage of ground and pound to render the OU offense impotent.

Krymsonman · Dec 24, 2018

Well, I hope we don't give up 36, but Jess, you are usually pretty close. I'll take a win any way it happens. Have a very Merry Christmas! Krymsonman

trenda · Dec 24, 2018

sanjosecrimson said:
Jess, I think you're giving their OL too much credit. they are a good group no doubt, but their stats are overly inflated due to playing a conference where defense is an afterthought!.

I hope you’re right. I have seen very little of OU this season. When I have, what struck me was not so much their OL; but Murray’s quick release. His release seemed to negate the pass rush somewhat. He was really zipping his throws. Again, I’ve seen very little of the Sooners this season - so JMO.

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ptw1961 · Dec 24, 2018

No way Oklahoma's RB's are better than Bama's. Not playing in that league. Would take the Tide's backs over the Sooner's 8 days a week.

CoastGhost · Dec 24, 2018

Jess, How does Brown not traveling with the team impact your assessment?

crimsonaudio · Dec 25, 2018

CoastGhost said:
Jess, How does Brown not traveling with the team impact your assessment?

Did he stay in Norman? First I've heard of this.

NationalTitles18 · Dec 25, 2018

crimsonaudio said:
Did he stay in Norman? First I've heard of this.

Pretty sure he's talking about our OL Deonte Brown.

Rush · Dec 25, 2018

"Murray has faced Alabama once before – as a freshman at Texas A&M, and his last play in that game consisted of watching Eddie Jackson running at him while carrying the football Murray had just thrown."

It's writing like this - in addition, of course, to the incisive analysis, that has us eagerly awaiting Jess' previews...

uaintn · Dec 25, 2018

SOONER or later? Nicely done, Jess....

JessN: Oklahoma preview: Sooner or later, it all comes down to defense

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