Poll: 2009 Season

[TIDE-HSV]

V is not only short, but he has short arms. However, he's very smart - can make the calls - and he has good technique. Center is probably the only spot he can play, but the good news is he can hold down that spot very well.

 

[bigmammal]

I predicted 11-1 simply because it seems too hard to go undefeated two years in a row.

But I have a question about our O-Line, specifically Vlachos. How good is he really? Is he a pure center? I just was wondering because I heard some very good reports on him after the Spring regarding him holding his own against Cody (which is a feat unto itself), and it seemed like he could be something of an x-factor on the O-line and come out and surprise some people with his skill.

I asked if he was a pure center because then I wouldn't be surprised that he would be sitting behind a senior all-american, as opposed to playing somewhere else on the line.

thanks

This link http://www.bamasportsreport.com/2008/08/02/player-profile-william-vlachos/[url]http://www.bamasportsreport.com/2008/08/02/player-profile-william-vlachos/[/URL] may be useful. He does appear to be as "pure" a center as we see these days.

I'm sure you've read that Vlachos is a weight room maniac and is one of the strongest men on our team. If he can recognize rushing schemes adequately he may be a surprisingly good run blocker. I hope he has good foot speed as well. Although he played other O-line positions at Mountain Brook, his highlight films indicate he may have. If he does he may be a good pass blocker too. Of the three positions we worry about (LT, C, & RG) Vlachos' presence probably makes C the least problematical. I do hope he is pushed hard by maybe Jones or another. C may be a position where can use improved depth.

 

[gmart74]

As much as it makes me a little nauseous to say this, there is a certain 2 time national champion team in gainesville that will be extremely difficult to beat. i dont really understand how so many people are leaving them off the list of games to worry about.

 

[Boclive]

As much as it makes me a little nauseous to say this, there is a certain 2 time national champion team in gainesville that will be extremely difficult to beat. i dont really understand how so many people are leaving them off the list of games to worry about.

If we get to play them, we've had a very successful season. Also presumes that they have had a very successful season.

If it comes to pass, there will be much rubbing of the hands (as opposed to wringing of the hands). We'd all love another shot at the University of Tebow. :biggrin2: Just the opportunity, you know?

Same as last year (and as always) may the best team win.

 

[Skeeterpop]

I have bought into Coach Saban's "Process" so I am going with 1-0. I will think about week two after V Tech.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Nolan]

I have bought into Coach Saban's "Process" so I am going with 1-0. I will think about week two after V Tech.
Posted via Mobile Device

Heh, that's true. I have bought into it as well - but more importantly if the team has bought into it, worked hard, gotten better, and we ultimately field the best guys out there come Fall - then we are definitely 1-0 and a very tough team, IMO.

 

[rhYno]

Regardless of how talented we are and how outstanding of a coach Nick Saban is, Louisiana-Monroe and Utah taught me not to overlook or underestimate any opponent.

 

[RogueElephant]

I'll settle for beating Auburn and Tennessee again.

I agree but want to add Ole Miss & LSU to that list.

 

[Bama323]

I'm going to say 10-2. I think we are still a year or so away from being where we need to be to win a NC, or an SEC title.

I would be willing to bet we'd go 12-0 again if we were not replacing our starting QB, 3 offensive linemen, and 2 TE's. However, if the offensive line overachieves, 12-0 is a definite possibility. We need GMac to stay healthy as well.

 

[alatider]

The way I see it , it will depend upon the performance of our QB and O-line.

 

[bigmammal]

My guess is 11-1 if we lose to VT and 12-0 if we don't.

In many respects, to me, this team looks like a near carbon copy of our '92 team by having potentially the best defense in the country and an adequate offense with a propensity to run the football.

Best I can remember the '92 defense was ranked no. 1 in points allowed and in defense against the run. Probably in another coupla catergories as well. Given the 3-4 is a different animal, I still think if Kareem or maybe Dre becomes truly a lock down CB; and if we develop at least one rusher who can put relatively consistent pressure on the QB, we could be '92 material by the heart of our schedule. I'm hoping that between Hightower, Upshaw, Square and others our pass rush will improve. Dareus already appears ready to create some pressure.

Our '09 offense could very possibly, by midseason, become better than in '92 with the seasoning of the O-line and of Mac at QB. I pray he stays healthy.

Possibly our special teams may turn out to be a cut above.

Even in '92 we let Miss. St. almost sneak up and beat us, and something similar or worse is always possible.

Considering our early schedule should give us breathing room to develop our question mark areas before our toughest SEC games come, I'm guessing:

11-1 or 12-0 and another barn burner against FL. Hopefully a win there and a come out of nowhere upset of a TX, OK, USC or OSU--deja vu '92. Please don't wake me up. :smile:

I know there was a lot of luck involved in this prediction; but, being under the influence of euphoria, I wanted to brag a little bit.