Fall Camp Observations

[BAMARICH]

With fall camp ending today, thought that I would try to summarize some ideas that have been floating around in my head the past few days.

First, what can Tide fans be happy about? Possibly the best thing is the fact that it seems our OL has progressed more than any other fall camp in the CMS era. More than anything else, the development of JPW will be linked to the OL performance this year. Speaking of Wilson, he has steadily developed, making more and more "wise decisions" needed at the position. While he still needs to make improvements in his game, more than anything else he needs game time. Guillon, likewise, has made big strides during camp... his lack of numbers come from primarily working with the 2nd team (against 1st team) and an OL that is not quite up to par just yet. Should he continue with his level of play, there's no question that McElroy will redshirt. As expected, RB play has been terrific, with the only downside being that GC has missed a lot of camp. Also, since he showed up ready to contribute, Grant will avoid the redshirt year and likely be able to contribute to the offense and special teams. Outside of the OL, WR is probably the most surprising area of the offense. Coming into camp, it was a position of question marks... today, it is a noted strength with KB taking on a leadership role, Caddell/Hall making strides, and Will Oakley presenting a strong showing after beating the injury bug. With Stover's improvement and the TE's involved more in the passing game, this area has been shored up substantially.

On the defensive side of the ball, it seems they have gelled by camp's end. In light of a wakeup call during the first scrimmage, defensive starters have come out with strong performances in the last two scrimmages... to the point CMS is claiming that "he feels good about all the defensive starters." As expected, a strength will be the DL... with all front-line guys have a solid camp. The LB's have also performed up to standards, with the greatest strides being made by both Prince Hall and Matt Collins (among the starters). In addition, Shreiber and Stamps seem to be raising their level of play and are very active. In the defensive backfield, CB is as solid as it comes and Dukes has been as good as advertised. Although SS has not yet "shaken out," there's been competition, with the surprise being Woodall... he came to camp ready to earn p.t.

On special teams, Tide fans should be pleased with Christensen and Tiffin... a luxury to have two guys of their caliber on the same team. With Arenas and Grant currently sharing KO return duties with the ones, there's now breakaway speed back deep. With Castille/Arenas utilized as the PR, the Tide finally has decent replacements to compensate for the loss of TP.

 

[BAMARICH]

With the good things out of the way, what are the concerns going into the 06 campaign? First, there's still the "I" word that possibly can haunt the Tide. In fall camp work, only a few injuries were sustained that have changed the look of things... with Coffee's, Woodall's, Stabler's, and M. Davis' injuries changing the depth chart the most. However, although depth is much improved in some areas of the team, an injury at a few places (DT, LB especially) could hurt the Tide greatly during the season.

Second, even though great progress has been seen among the reserves in just about all areas of the team, progress is still needed among the reserves at DT and LB. A season-ending injury at either of these positions would likely be one of those blows that will prove tough to recover from. Third, although the PK is not of major concern, the consistency of the punting game is unclear. Though PJF has done well in practices, what happens before 90,000 plus fans in BDS is hard to predict. While some might overlook this area, a good punting game will be a big key to helping develop confidence among our young defense in 06.

Fourth, although it is good to see the potential of Arenas/Grant in the KO area, the same thing applies to this area that does to the punting. The Tide offense cannot afford (especially early on) beginning drives in dangerous territory due to problems in this area... KOR's will be key to their confidence/development. Finally, a solid SS still needs to be found. Though Carter, Johnson, & Woodall have all had their moments in fall camp, none has stepped up enough that he has solidly laid claim to the job... the next week is key for this area.

Also, and it's been said repeatedly before, the Tide begins in 06 schedule with a stern test in Hawaii. Possibly, the regular defense (the one worked most on throughout fall camp) will not be run more than 10% during the game... putting a lot of stress on the young (in terms of experience) DB group. Struggle on at least one of the sides of the ball in this first game and the Tide runs a chance at being upset... ala Auburn last year against Ga. Tech. The development of the players in grasping the game plan over the next week and a half will go a long ways to determining success in this game... especially with the guys that are the most inexperienced.

 

[bamadoc94]

It's hard to put together an analysis of fall camp with nothing but print media and 30 second news clips, but that's all many of us have got, not having the luxury of watching daily practices. Heres my 2cents from the standpoint of UA v. AU.
1. Bama is showing a solid front. Slightly miffed at being underrated and overlooked but acting as if it's business as usual. They know they have work to do but appear confident, coaches confident in players and vice versa. They seem to have addressed most of their needs. They have avoided the dreaded injury bug which is a first under Shula. Despite earlier reports about lack of work ethic by the lineman it would seem that was not the case, at least not all of them. We have clearly identified the 1's and the 2's with only a few positions still semi-open, or with guys splitting time. Having everyone healthy has allowed these guys to line up side by side for several snaps and get comfortable with one another. There is not,never was, and never will be any question as to who our #1 qb is and that is a plus IMO. cont. .......

 

[BAMARICH]

After fall camp is said and done, where do we stand? Going into camp, I would tend to believe that CMS would have been very happy to come this far. With so many areas of the team showing vast improvement and (for the most part) being injury free, the "we're still behind" routine of Shula/Kines is more posture than fact. Still needing depth and a SS to step up, on the other hand, do give the staff something to stress about... along with inexperience in several areas. Also, the fact that two/three players could miss the opener against Hawaii (JS and DJH primarily) due to disciplinary action could make the glow of fall camp disappear very quickly.

Grade-wise, I would give the Tide a B+... realizing that perfection is never able to be accomplished in fall camp, I believe solid improvements have been made in most areas within the team. Possibly more than any other fall camp during CMS's tenure, this one has provided Tide fans with the most excitement... the main reasons being the long-term potential of the program and the fact that it seems that less and less questions surround the team. Oh, and don't forget a few oh's and ah's over the play of guys like Smith, Grant, and Arenas. With a very solid camp behind them, a terrific foundation has been laid for the Tide's 2006 season... what is done in the next four months, however, will validate or nullify the tremendous start. Like most of you... I am hopeful that 2006 will be a season filled with validation... to the tune of "Yea Alabama."

 

[bamadoc94]

2.the Barn
Tubberville has been on the defensive about his teams lofty ranking, can't blame him but his poor-mouthing may not be completely wrong. He is already blaming the fans for the fact they are opening with WSU, who is ranked below Hawaii and is a far cry from USC or GT. They finally caught a case of the injury bug, which could prove costly with a new DC trying to install a new and admittedly complex system. He also must prepare for the absence of two top LB's for supposedly several games. They have pushed their players extremely hard, almost too hard. With a grueling 12+ game schedule ahead, this really makes no sense. Every team needs some gut checks, but with several new players on the field, even experienced ones need the benefit of snaps together on the field. They may be back in time for kickoff but lost valuable time together in camp. This is so reminiscent of the Dubose team of 2000. So many distractions, no inner peace, this is not the same Tubberville we saw two years ago. Just my opinion based on what I could "see".

 

[Diesel]

Alabama WILL NOT be upset by Hawaii. They've lost their last 6 road openers. They gave up an avg. of 213 yds per game rushing to their WAC opponents last year. Every time they gave up over 200 yds rushing last year, they lost(0-5). This game will be close at the half and Hawaii will get their points and passing yards(377 passing yds. in a 63-17 loss to USC last year), but by the end of the 3rd qtr., this game will be over. 38-20, and the starters will be watching the 4th qtr. from the sidelines. Too much rushing, too much D, too much heat, and too much crowd in the newly renovated Bryant-Denny for the Rainbow Warriors to overcome. Roll Tide!

 

[mlh]

Great reviews/previews, guys.

I'm much more confident about our defense than I was before fall practice and I've always felt like our offense was being overlooked. Add to that the fact that this team feels it has been "dissed" by the media and I think we'll see a team come out with a bit of a chip on their shoulders and wanting to prove they are better than advertised.

However...I think the Hawaii game is going to be a lot tougher than most people think. They are not typical of the SEC teams we will face later in the season, so I don't think this will be a good game for judging how we will do as the season progresses. Basically, I'm looking for a win, a chance to work out some kinks on both sides of the ball, much needed game experience for you new starters, and hopefully no serious injuries.