Question: Happy Saban? In spring practice...

[JBama_in_PCOLA]

Last season Saban was happy during the pre-season. Seemingly he knew what he had and that resulted in another national championship. I wonder if that's the same thing already for 2012. He was no where near this happy last spring. But it's scrimmage number 1 and he is pleased? Mr. Perfectionist is already smiles?! That has me feeling good about, better yet great, about our chance for 2012!

 

[b2v4ua]

I noticed the same thing as you. The only thing he mentioned is the RB's not doing as well as he would like. He was not sure if it was due to the defense being that good. He said its hard to tell when you play yourself.

 

[JBama_in_PCOLA]

Yeah, I just that D is going to be nasty. Everyone is looking for them to take a step back. The only thing we maybe have to worry about is the corners. But D. Milliner started in 2010 and we have JuCo transfers, one of which was an Alabama signee. Plus, we aren't at 100% right now with our backs. The D is built to stop the run.

 

[CHATTBRIT]

If Coach Saban is happy, then I am happy!

 

[TrueGritnPluck]

If Coach Saban is happy, then I am happy!

Everybody is Happy!!!

 

[Denisevi4]

If Coach Saban is happy, then I am happy!

I am happy even if Coach Saban is unhappy.

 

[TideFan in AU]

The barners say he's getting complacent because that new contract extension and raise.

 

[crimsonaudio]

The barners say he's getting complacent because that new contract extension and raise.

They skeered.

 

[SavannahDare]

He seems most pleased when the players' attitudes and work ethic are at their best. This is a good thing.

 

[JBama_in_PCOLA]

He seems most pleased when the players' attitudes and work ethic are at their best. This is a good thing.

You are right! I think they have 2010 in their heads. They don't want that pain. Plus they know how a good work ethic pays off.

 

[CullmanTide]

The barners say he's getting complacent because that new contract extension and raise.

Nick Saban is an Auburn fans worst nightmare, kinda like Freddie Krueger. They are only trying to console themselves.

 

[jthomas666]

I noticed the same thing as you. The only thing he mentioned is the RB's not doing as well as he would like. He was not sure if it was due to the defense being that good. He said its hard to tell when you play yourself.

Our OL had some issues w/ run blocking last year; I'm hoping those get ironed out in spring.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

The barners say he's getting complacent because that new contract extension and raise.

It's cute when they whistle past their own graveyard.

 

[JBama_in_PCOLA]

Our OL had some issues w/ run blocking last year; I'm hoping those get ironed out in spring.

That was early in the season last year. We ironed those out. We'll be fine.

 

[CapstoneTider]

Don't worry be Happy!

Stats from recent scrimage:

Rushing
Dee Hart: 13-32, touchdown
Ben Howell: 8-31
Jalston Fowler: 10-27, touchdown
T.J. Yeldon: 7-27

Not being an expert and just coming from reading and watching games and/or internet video.

On the RB comments by CNS if it was good defense or bad running, coach Saban surely won't say this but there was a drop off after Lacy last year. I kind of got into it with a few mid season making that comment. Possible the result of our 5 star top position back blowing his knee this time last year in the spring.

So now we go into this spring with two of our RB's, maybe the best two, out with injuries in Lacy and Sims. Two freshman blue chip recruits on the field; a five star recruit back from a knee injury and a true freshman 5 star RB from this years class getting an early start. Both were considered top 5 RB position players.

Prediction on the RB's: This line and Lacy = 1000 yards for Lacy if healthy. Fowler will always be a specialist imo, especially dangerous late in the game and he and Lacy could handle it all on their own, with Sims in reserve. But I see either T.J Yeldon or Dee Hart moving into the 2/3 spot. Looking at the stats, I am not sure if it will take a while longer for Dee to recover physically/mentally now that he is getting contact. One of the two will step up and between Lacy the young gun, Fowler and huge holes, we'll have business as usual.

Next year watch out for the Georgia RB Tyren Jones. He is going to be exceptional and is a coach Saban type of back similar to our lost injured recruit who ended up at Kentucky this recruiting class rather than greyshirt. We are soon going to be loaded with Blue Chip RB's.

Lacy
Yeldon/Fowler

Hart/Sims

Drake/Howell

 

[glasscutter256]

I think we finally have plenty of depth at RB, but health is an issue. As stated earlier, once injured, its very easy to be reinjured. Lacy, Hart, Sims all have nagging injuries. Chances are they will play through them, but it'll more than likely be RB by committee this year. I see at least 3, if not 4 RB's substantial playing time this year. We don't have Trent to carry the load this year.
My only real concern on defense is the JLB. You don't just replace a Courtney Upshaw. Hubbard doesn't have the size unless he can put on some LB's. XD might be the best body type, but doesn't have many reps. Ryan Anderson sounds like a stud, but true freshmen don't just start on Saban's complicated defense.
I think Saban is happy with the attitude like Savannah said. Week 2 and 3 is where we'll see a let down in effort if we see a letdown. We'll see if this title is still true after this week in practice.

 

[Rama Jama]

Don't worry be Happy!

Stats from recent scrimage:

Rushing
Dee Hart: 13-32, touchdown
Ben Howell: 8-31
Jalston Fowler: 10-27, touchdown
T.J. Yeldon: 7-27

Not being an expert and just coming from reading and watching games and/or internet video.

On the RB comments by CNS if it was good defense or bad running, coach Saban surely won't say this but there was a drop off after Lacy last year. I kind of got into it with a few mid season making that comment. Possible the result of our 5 star top position back blowing his knee this time last year in the spring.

So now we go into this spring with two of our RB's, maybe the best two, out with injuries in Lacy and Sims. Two freshman blue chip recruits on the field; a five star recruit back from a knee injury and a true freshman 5 star RB from this years class getting an early start. Both were considered top 5 RB position players.

Prediction on the RB's: This line and Lacy = 1000 yards for Lacy if healthy. Fowler will always be a specialist imo, especially dangerous late in the game and he and Lacy could handle it all on their own, with Sims in reserve. But I see either T.J Yeldon or Dee Hart moving into the 2/3 spot. Looking at the stats, I am not sure if it will take a while longer for Dee to recover physically/mentally now that he is getting contact. One of the two will step up and between Lacy the young gun, Fowler and huge holes, we'll have business as usual.

Next year watch out for the Georgia RB Tyren Jones. He is going to be exceptional and is a coach Saban type of back similar to our lost injured recruit who ended up at Kentucky this recruiting class rather than greyshirt. We are soon going to be loaded with Blue Chip RB's.

Lacy
Yeldon/Fowler

Hart/Sims

Drake/Howell

Lacy, will be the workhorse and I think some people underestimate Fowler. He got hurt in the last scrimmage. I hope he recovers quickly. We need him badly. Hart is NOT an everydown back. He looks like a 3rd down specialist to me. I am not sure he stand the grind of an SEC season. Yeldon is looking at stepping very quickly in my opinion as potentially the number 2 guy.

As for Saban, He is definitely way more relaxed in year 5 than he was in an previous year. He knows he has a very good team and he wants to knock out several more championships at least before heading to the lake. We are lucky to have him

 

[Tiderollin32]

Well I feel with the experience we have returning up front on the the OL it's just that our front seven is as advertised, very good, still even with the departure of all the future 1st round picks. I can tell you though that Fowler is more than capable of toting the load if he has to. He may be slower than Trent and Mark on the top end but his take-off and not going down with one tackle mentality will be just as exciting to watch. Also to note Kenyan Drake isn't a push over at running back either if he picks up pass protection look out probably the fastest RB on the team if I had to guess.