How we stack up against Bama (from hornfans.com)

[Johnwants#15]

Actually Texas is pretty big in the secondary, with respect to Earl Thomas, all the other secondary members are 6'0 to 6'1.



Texas has plenty speed. If you look at combine times, check out what Texas' last crop of NFL players ran in the 40. Take special note of the DE's.


I understand the 3-4 scheme perfectly. I posted the sack numbers, because those players will be rushing also. If you bring 5, including the starting front, three of them will not be exceptional pass rushers. Which means we only have to concentrate on WHERE the extra rushers are coming from. In the games we struggled in, the opposing defense had both a good cedge rusher, and a disruptor up front that caused havoc on every play. That allows teams to play bracket coverage, and drop 7 against us. That is the secret to beating us





That is exactly what Colt McCoy is best at, diagnosing the blitz. When facing a good spread team, that extends you sideline to sideline, there is only so much you can do to disguise coverages. That is the whole point of the spread. Your pass rush is 80% of your defense against it. The more you can get pressure with less defenders, the better you will defend it.




Texas primarily plays out of a 4wide, single back set, despite what the depth chart might show.



I understand your front. What you seem to fail to understand is that you may get caught in certain personnel groupings for an extended period of time. We see, as you do, who you are trotting out onto the field. I am sure we will adjust play calling by who is in the game. That is what I was trying to explain to you about Nebraska. They didn't need anything but their base 4. They total 31 sacks on the season, all by themselves, and need nothing else to generate pressure. Our O is used to diagnosing, blitzes, and breaking routes off accorgingly. What we don't have an answer for is Suh, and Gerald McCoy of OU(two first round disruptors). To say you have either one of those guys on your roster, would be disrespecting them. They are both monsters, and should be recognized as such. While speed rushers give anyone trouble, they do not cause as much havoc as having your guard pushed back into the QB's lap on every play. Can't step up into the pocket means no way to avoid rushers.

uh ok there coach,,,,,alot and by that I mean 13 REAL coaches thought that as well..... and we see how that worked out for them didn't we???


We may not have either of those particular guys on our roster but I will take the 11 that have managed to scrape by this year in crimson.
BTW ,,,,, what were the combined records of the defenses that trotted out those clearly superior all pros???
You may find that we have some somewhat talented guys of our own that provide some very unique problems themselves,,, and quite frankly your guards and tackles and quite possibly both simultaneously may find themselves in that same situation because I assure you that MR. Cody and Mr. Dareus will do a little pocket collapsing of their own.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

uh ok there coach,,,,,alot and by that I mean 13 REAL coaches thought that as well..... and we see how that worked out for them didn't we???


We may not have either of those particular guys on our roster but I will take the 11 that have managed to scrape by this year in crimson.
BTW ,,,,, what were the combined records of the defenses that trotted out those clearly superior all pros???
You may find that we have some somewhat talented guys of our own that provide some very unique problems of their own.

It is amusing, isn't? They complain on their boards about lack of respect and then they come here and lecture us on how we have no chance...

 

[time_4_the_TIDE]

For real...
You might end up getting 'pwned' like the UF dude at the SECCG that got beat by a girl on the football toss

Nice one....:rofl::rofl::rofl:

 

[rgw]

I always throw rivals' opinions of other schools away and draw my own opinion, but I can see why other Big-XII schools give Texas the arrogant rep.

I have a high degree of respect for Texas and their players. You don't have a QB with a 70% career completion percentage and a WR with 100+ grabs by accident, they do a lot of things very well with a great amount of talent on both sides of the ball. BUT this ain't Alabama's first rodeo, we've played other great QBs the last few years and have had a reasonable amount of success by sticking to what we do.

But I just get this vibe from Texas people who have posted on here that we haven't seen football until we see Texas Longhorn football. We're in trouble if we stick to our guns on defense because if you blitz Colt McCoy will find the open man EVERY time like McCoy and the Longhorns are the only team we've ever seen that has thrown hot reads at us or something. When you have a 70% completion percentage, it is fair to say that he often does find that open man...but at the same time, we've shaved quite a few percentage points off several efficient passers this season and I'd expect us to give McCoy some unexpected looks.

This whole idea that there is only one way to contain them defensively is absurd and is an insult to an opponent who has somehow managed to go 13-0 without an all-world 40 front type DL. Texas' offense, despite it's effectiveness, is not a surprisingly complex scheme. They throw far fewer formations out there than LSU, Auburn, or Florida and as I've pointed out they really have 3 main passing plays they regularly use. They beat you with talent and execution. In some ways, this game will be an easier gameplan than Florida, Auburn, or LSU because the folders with all the formation preps for the defense will be like Cliff Notes compared to War and Peace. I'm not saying it will be easy to stop, but I think it really helps the defense when clutter like formations and motions won't be as big of deal as some of our last few SEC opponents.

I like our chances of bringing pressure without getting burnt because I think we're going to get a good read on what they're trying to do snap to snap.

 

[Johnwants#15]

It is amusing, isn't? They complain on their boards about lack of respect and then they come here and lecture us on how we have no chance...

It is quite funny ,, and ironic, aye Earle?

I suppose Texas should turn over game planning to the OP,,, perhaps Coach Saban may want to just Fedex them the Crystal football and the throw in the Heisman as an offering not to anger the great Texas football gods.

I remember a certain coach claiming his teams would have a decided schematic advantage as well,,,,



How did that work out for Coach Weiss???

 

[Johnwants#15]

I always throw rivals' opinions of other schools away and draw my own opinion, but I can see why other Big-XII schools give Texas the arrogant rep.

I have a high degree of respect for Texas and their players. You don't have a QB with a 70% career completion percentage and a WR with 100+ grabs by accident, they do a lot of things very well with a great amount of talent on both sides of the ball. BUT this ain't Alabama's first rodeo, we've played other great QBs the last few years and have had a reasonable amount of success by sticking to what we do.

But I just get this vibe from Texas people who have posted on here that we haven't seen football until we see Texas Longhorn football. We're in trouble if we stick to our guns on defense because if you blitz Colt McCoy will find the open man EVERY time like McCoy and the Longhorns are the only team we've ever seen that has thrown hot reads at us or something. When you have a 70% completion percentage, it is fair to say that he often does find that open man...but at the same time, we've shaved quite a few percentage points off several efficient passers this season and I'd expect us to give McCoy some unexpected looks.

This whole idea that there is only one way to contain them defensively is absurd and is an insult to an opponent who has somehow managed to go 13-0 without an all-world 40 front type DL. Texas' offense, despite it's effectiveness, is not a surprisingly complex scheme. They throw far fewer formations out there than LSU, Auburn, or Florida and as I've pointed out they really have 3 main passing plays they regularly use. They beat you with talent and execution. In some ways, this game will be an easier gameplan than Florida, Auburn, or LSU because the folders with all the formation preps for the defense will be like Cliff Notes compared to War and Peace. I'm not saying it will be easy to stop, but I think it really helps the defense when clutter like formations and motions won't be as big of deal as some of our last few SEC opponents.

I like our chances of bringing pressure without getting burnt because I think we're going to get a good read on what they're trying to do snap to snap.

To me this says something about level of competition as much as the QB.
Don't get me wrong,,, McCoy is a GREAT player,, but isn't it funny how all the Big 12 QB's have insane numbers ???? I mean texas Tech does a plug and play QB every year,, OU has someone put up great numbers every year... it goes on and on. But are we to believe it is that ALL the coaches in the Big 12 are able to consistently produce stud qb's ???
Or perhaps,,, just perhaps,,, the level of D and track meet style of football lead to inflated numbers?
I mean we all see VY with the Titans but boy Chris Sims, Graham Harrell, Josh Hypel, Josh White and the like are really lighting it up on Sundays huh?? And whatever happened to that Applewhite guy????

 

[texas1020]

Interesting take on ESPN Bowl Mania. Robert Smith picked Alabama to win, and said he was highly confident of his prediction. Jessie Palmer also picked Alabama, but was not as sure. Ed Cunningham picked Alabama, but by the barest of margins, because he loves the Texas defense. ESPN Nation went 76% for Alabama. Although Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard did not make formal predictions, it was pretty clear they think Alabama will win.

Frankly, I'm lovin' it. Not to gloat, but I like being the decided underdog in this game. Of the group above, the only two whose opinions I care about - from the aspect of reality - are Cunningham and Herbstreit. Cunningham is a bright guy and an astute color analyst. He said that Texas safety Earl Thomas could have been named as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, even with Ndamukong Suh in the league. A lot of people seem to dislike Herbie but I'm not sure why. He knows the game and makes good observations. It's a bit unsettling that he's probably picking Alabama, but that's OK.

Obviously, the game will be decided on the field, but if you don't think these kinds of things matter, ask yourself why Nick Saban is doing all he can to get his players to ignore them.

 

[tortfeasor]

I have tremendous respect for Texas and I'm glad to be playing another traditional power.

 

[Johnwants#15]

Interesting take on ESPN Bowl Mania. Robert Smith picked Alabama to win, and said he was highly confident of his prediction. Jessie Palmer also picked Alabama, but was not as sure. Ed Cunningham picked Alabama, but by the barest of margins, because he loves the Texas defense. ESPN Nation went 76% for Alabama. Although Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard did not make formal predictions, it was pretty clear they think Alabama will win.

Frankly, I'm lovin' it. Not to gloat, but I like being the decided underdog in this game. Of the group above, the only two whose opinions I care about - from the aspect of reality - are Cunningham and Herbstreit. Cunningham is a bright guy and an astute color analyst. He said that Texas safety Earl Thomas could have been named as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, even with Ndamukong Suh in the league. A lot of people seem to dislike Herbie but I'm not sure why. He knows the game and makes good observations. It's a bit unsettling that he's probably picking Alabama, but that's OK.

Obviously, the game will be decided on the field, but if you don't think these kinds of things matter, ask yourself why Nick Saban is doing all he can to get his players to ignore them.

Agree 10000000000000% It is never good for players to read their own "press clippings"
While I have stated my opinion above,, I am actually concerned that the talking heads at ESPN are picking us,, that may spell certain doom,,, as they rarely get anything right.


Oh,,, btw,, while your FS almost got Big 12 defensive player of the year you are aware that Ro McClain IS the SEC defensive player of the year??
just FYI.

 

[NYBamaFan]

...Not to gloat, but I like being the decided underdog in this game...

I have said it before, I'll say it again - you can have the underdog role. We'll take the more talented team role... :cheers2:

 

[Johnwants#15]

I have said it before, I'll say it again - you can have the underdog role. We'll take the more talented team role... :cheers2:

Tru-dat NY!!!!

 

[time_4_the_TIDE]

[/B][/I][/U]


Agree 10000000000000% It is never good for players to read their own "press clippings"
While I have stated my opinion above,, I am actually concerned that the talking heads at ESPN are picking us,, that may spell certain doom,,, as they rarely get anything right.


Oh,,, btw,, while your FS almost got Big 12 defensive player of the year you are aware that Ro McClain IS the SEC defensive player of the year??
just FYI.

Don't put too much stock in this....remember Rolo stopped the Gatorade bath. When our team captains are thinking like that before the SECCG is even over. I think we will be focused...just a hunch though

 

[rgw]

I don't worry about that stuff. It will affect Texas more than Alabama in my opinion. Alabama has great amount of respect for their opponents but it could give Texas a little adrenaline boost out of the gate...but that stuff wears off after a few minutes.

If you really think that USC being called the team of the century before the Rose Bowl had anything to do with Texas beating them...you are selling your team short. They were a team on equal footing with USC offensively, they had the better defense, and they had one of the best players on the field taking Texas' snaps every play. All this David v. Goliath is just BS to create intrigue for the game. It's that way every single year with the exception of maybe last year, but even then their was a hint of doubt that Florida's D could stop OU. OU was the David to USC's Goliath in 2004, Texas was the David to USC's Goliath in 2005, Florida was the David to OSU's Goliath in 2006, OSU was the David to LSU's Goliath in 2007, etc, etc. It's probably fair to say that anyone who makes it to a BCS title game is a David to no one. And of the 4 games I mentioned...David and Goliath are in a dead-heat. It's almost like two good teams are playing each other and neither team is a David to anyone.

 

[RammerJammer14]

Interesting take on ESPN Bowl Mania. Robert Smith picked Alabama to win, and said he was highly confident of his prediction. Jessie Palmer also picked Alabama, but was not as sure. Ed Cunningham picked Alabama, but by the barest of margins, because he loves the Texas defense. ESPN Nation went 76% for Alabama. Although Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard did not make formal predictions, it was pretty clear they think Alabama will win.

Frankly, I'm lovin' it. Not to gloat, but I like being the decided underdog in this game. Of the group above, the only two whose opinions I care about - from the aspect of reality - are Cunningham and Herbstreit. Cunningham is a bright guy and an astute color analyst. He said that Texas safety Earl Thomas could have been named as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, even with Ndamukong Suh in the league. A lot of people seem to dislike Herbie but I'm not sure why. He knows the game and makes good observations. It's a bit unsettling that he's probably picking Alabama, but that's OK.

Obviously, the game will be decided on the field, but if you don't think these kinds of things matter, ask yourself why Nick Saban is doing all he can to get his players to ignore them.

OK, fine, WE GIVE UP! Alabama won't have to show up for this game, and we will still win.Ingram will rush for 300yds alone, by the 3rd qrtr. McElroy will pass for 400+ yards and a few TDs, no picks. Texas will be lucky to reach the 50 yard line, McCoy will get a concussion early in the game, and Shipley will get shut down by our 3rd string true frosh LBer. I honestly don't know why they plan on traveling to Pasadena. STAY HOME, IT WILL SAVE YOU SOME MONEY AND EMBARRASSMENT.



If ya'll want to keep playing this silly "disrespect" game, from now on I will be happy to humor you. Texas sucks, and they play in a pansy conference.

 

[CoastGhost]

OMG ... he nailed us ... we're doomed :cool2:

 

[Johnwants#15]

I don't worry about that stuff. It will affect Texas more than Alabama in my opinion. Alabama has great amount of respect for their opponents but it could give Texas a little adrenaline boost out of the gate...but that stuff wears off after a few minutes.

If you really think that USC being called the team of the century before the Rose Bowl had anything to do with Texas beating them...you are selling your team short. They were a team on equal footing with USC offensively, they had the better defense, and they had one of the best players on the field taking Texas' snaps every play. All this David v. Goliath is just BS to create intrigue for the game. It's that way every single year with the exception of maybe last year, but even then their was a hint of doubt that Florida's D could stop OU. OU was the David to USC's Goliath in 2004, Texas was the David to USC's Goliath in 2005, Florida was the David to OSU's Goliath in 2006, OSU was the David to LSU's Goliath in 2007, etc, etc. It's probably fair to say that anyone who makes it to a BCS title game is a David to no one. And of the 4 games I mentioned...David and Goliath are in a dead-heat. It's almost like two good teams are playing each other and neither team is a David to anyone.

For those who need a visual reference, see the 1st quarter of the Miss. State game.

 

[bamacon]

I have said it before, I'll say it again - you can have the underdog role. We'll take the more talented team role... :cheers2:

I like what Coach Stallings said about it. He said he prefers to be the favorite because that usually means that you have the better team.

While I respect Texas I go with match up problems and I see more problems that they have than we have.

Also, could someone explain the relevance in Jan. 7th's game has to fast players UT has in the NFL? I've seen that several times. Still not getting it.:conf2:

 

[BamaAllTheWay]

I think whichever QB manages the game better will win. McElroy needs to take what the Horns give him. McCoy cannot be one dimesional with the passing game. I think the pressure is on the Horns to start off strong offensively before our D adjusts. Gonna be a great game.

 

[RJ YellowHammer]

The problem with the cover 1, is if you get caught in man, rush 5, and the safety is deep, there is no one left to spy the QB. Colt is a 4.5 guy, and though that may not be fast, it is fast enough to gain first downs while defenders backs are turned. This has been the problem many teams have found. You have all the routes locked down, send 5, and the QB gets away. Or, you have all the routes locked down initially, and the QB gets away, buys some time, and finds someone open. That's why a lot of teams go away from that defense against us. If they drop 7, then they can keep their eyes on Colt, and prevent the off the cuff plays he is famous for.

You don't have to spy to protect yourself against a mobile QB. The other answer is to have the five defenders rushing the passer be disciplined in maintaining their lane assignments, similar to kick coverage. Each pass rusher has to be coached not to rush past the QB.

 

[rgw]

I think Alabama is one of the few teams in the nation that can get to that 5th and 6th DB and not be in a precarious position. I think people, deservedly, pay a lot attention to Saban's 3-4 front multiples but the way football is played in college and pros today you rarely get the opportunity to really flex your base personnel package. Good defense in college football these days is about your nickel and dime. If you can't play the run or pass in nickel and dime as well as your base package, you are up the creek without a paddle.

With that said, you are very right about the constraints that the Texas offense puts the defense under. I've always admired the philosophy Greg Davis has employed in Austin though I occasionally hear disdain over him from fans. He always does a great job of adapting the offense to the personnel. The same guy who had a downhill running attack with Ricky Williams and Cedric Benson also ran a spread option type offense with Vince Young and a pure passing spread with Colt McCoy. A lot of the passing and run blocking concepts remain the same, but he always modifies it to the personnel.

A lot of the popular coordinators of today make their name off having a multitude of formations and tons of gadgets. For example...LSU's Crowton, Auburn's Malzahn, and Florida's Meyer/Addazzio use more formation multiples and personnel groupings in one drive than Texas may use in the whole game. Texas will be in some form of 3-wide/1-tight, 4-wide/1-back, or empty most of the game outside perhaps known running situations. You know that you will usually have three eligible receivers to one side and a single wide and tailback to the back side in nearly every formation. They really just out-execute you and make it hard to cover all that they do by having a lot of check-with-me's and audibles for the QB. If they see split safety, you're probably going to get vertical overload to attack the safety coverage. If they see man, you're probably going to get slants. If they see zone, they'll probable run their slot option route read. And after all that, you have to watch out for the occasional QB keeper, zone read, or speed option plays.

There is a lot of logic behind the reason "drop 7 zones" have been the best way to limit Colt. It takes away the easy completions with the slot option routes and slants underneath and forces McCoy to hold the ball a little longer than maybe they want for deeper zone buster routes. I'm a big proponent of "there is more than one way to skin a cat." Simply because this has been the only way to make the Texas offense struggle in this passing spread iteration doesn't mean it is the exclusive way to do so. I seriously doubt Alabama is going to go exclusively to zone coverage because it's not in the coach's character. If Alabama is going to beat Texas, they'll have to show that they can skin that cat some other way...and I have a good deal of confidence that they can because supposedly the spread = instant win against Saban after last year therefore most of the teams we played this year just tried to do that and failed.