a look ahead

[Jack Bourbon]

Well I'll purge some of my thoughts to hopefully enjoy the catharsis this thread seems to be attempting inspire.

1. We weren't your typical undefeated SEC team. I think what this team did was great, absolutely unbelievable really, but we did benefit from having AU, UT, and LSU being waaay down. Normally, these teams are very tough, but this year they were weak. Two of the three were awful--automatic wins, almost. It's still amazing to go undefeated in the SEC during a down year, but it's not nearly impossible like it is when the league is deep at the top. I agree with those who say we may lose more games next year without being a worse team.

2. Losing the SEC title game and being relegated to playing Utah was a big letdown. I don't care how good Utah was, it's just not much of a reward to play them compared to the MNC or even a consolation game vs someone like Texas or USC. To boot, the game meant very little for UA to win; on the other hand, it meant everything for a mid-major team like Utah to get a 2nd-ever mid-major BCS victory.

3. Losing A Smith obviously hurt. Our line, and team in general, didn't have much depth to spare. In retrospect, we were really lucky not to have any injuries or suspensions for key starting players or we never would have gone undefeated this season. We will lose some of these guys to the NFL, unfortunately, so next year their spots on the depth chart will have to be filled.

4. JPW had a great career, won a lot of games for UA, and did it when the program was largely a wreck. He will be remembered fondly, I hope. But, JPW is not a Heisman-type talent that MNC teams typically trot onto the field. I think we will start to see that level of play from our QB in the next few years. We will need it to win a title(s).

5. We seemingly got out-coached in the Sugar Bowl. I think Saban and staff are great, but UA was a disorganized, poorly-prepared-looking team for a lot of the game. Even though Utah was crisp and speedy, I was surprised to see UA look so lost and even late to start plays. I hadn't seen UA play like that since Shula was HC, not even in the ULM game.

6. There's more, but this thread's long enough as is. I will say that I think this team will get better as the Saban recruiting prizes start to climb up the depth chart. Saban makes the team tough and competitive, and that goes a long way in football, especially when there is top-notch talent playing the games.

 

[crimsoncountry1]

Our defense is going to be better next year, but that might be it. We'll have a new QB, and basically a whole new offensive line. I'm glad we have a lighter schedule next year.

 

[BamaMoon]

This is a great thread. I've read almost every post and I've enjoyed the friendly debate.

I know this is about looking ahead, but someone made a great point earlier. This year's team maximized their opportunities and played about a good as their talent level would allow. That is a credit to CNS!

I'm fascinated with the 09 qb situation. On the one hand GM, it would appear, has the inside track to being the starter. However, I just can't get past the point that if he is really that strong of a qb then why didn't he get a few more chances this year. It may be that he goes thru his progressions better, but seems like I recall having read here on TideFans that he makes alot of mistakes in doing so. If so, that explains why perhaps JPW remained the starter. The coaches prefered a qb making less plays, but less mistakes over a qb who would throw some games away. If this is the case, and unless GM improves in this department in the spring and fall, I'd like to see Star get his chance NOW while AJ redshirts. I know Star is a drop back guy, but if he can run a 4.5 then he'll be able to improvise and that will be needed if the O-line is not as good next year. If GM doesn't clearly give us an edge at qb, I'd just rather see the younger, more athletic, SJ get the nod.

One thing is for sure, it will be fun watching (and reading) it unfold in the spring and fall!

 

[BigOaf]

Saban said in his post game comments that Alabama didn't match up against Utah's 4-5 wide receiver sets very well, and that systematically we're going to have to do some things different in the future. I'm curious as to what changes he will make. Maybe try to get 6 db's on the field against spread teams in passing situations? That will take some new talent stepping up as you mention.

I'm going to remain optimistic that we will see some of the younger, quicker linebackers pick up the defense and the speed of the game which will help our pass coverage and ability to defend the spread. By all account Harris showed impressive coverage skills during the summer, and Jordan's measurables for speed were impressive. Here's hoping the adjustment to the demands of college life and CNS' defense will be made and they will be able to help more next year.

 

[BamaBrass]

How many seniors will be on scholarship and how many will start and/or play?
How many juniors will be on scholarship and how many will start and/or play?

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I'm not sure it's time for crystal ball time yet. Ask again after spring practice...

 

[NationalTitles18]

I agree. I understand using your best players to block the best they have to offer, but I think maybe they should have atleast thought about moving the RT over to fill Smith's vacancy.

Saban said in his post game comments that Alabama didn't match up against Utah's 4-5 wide receiver sets very well, and that systematically we're going to have to do some things different in the future. I'm curious as to what changes he will make. Maybe try to get 6 db's on the field against spread teams in passing situations? That will take some new talent stepping up as you mention.

You're right about one thing...I don't think anyone hated Alabama losing than Nick Saban. He was going nuts on the sideline! He'll find an answer to our problems.

After the 2nd or 3rd TD we changed over to 6 DB's for much of the rest of the game. Personally, I think Saban is going to try to get more speed on the field, like maybe in a true 3-4, even if an outside LB is going to rush. The LB should should quick enough to change into pass coverage if needed. The jack LB's can't always do that effectively. Not saying he will abandon the idea, just maybe us it more sparingly, especially on passing downs. Against a 4-5 WR set we might see a 3-1-7 with a LB covering the middle or blitzing and the safeties either in a cover 2 type coverage or a blitz off the corners. Gives you more options and speed. But I'm just a rank amateur observer putting out ideas off the top of his head.