It's good to see Bama playing smash-mouth football again

[TiderinMiss]

When was the last time we truly saw that? I would have to say under Stallings, though I did see a hint of it in 2002 under Fran.


Also, did anyone notice the smoke draw being used? It was a thing of beauty Saturday night when Upchurch scored on it. Good to see McElwain bring it back.

 

[crimsonbleeder]

When was the last time we truly saw that? I would have to say under Stallings, though I did see a hint of it in 2002 under Fran.


Also, did anyone notice the smoke draw being used? It was a thing of beauty Saturday night when Upchurch scored on it. Good to see McElwain bring it back.

I used to think, "Let's see more passing. Give me passing. Pass, pass pass."...that was back in the Stallings days...

Now, I absolutely LOVE the dominating, physical, "you know what we're bringing, yet you still can't stop it" style of football we're seeing...it has been awhile, and it's easy to take for granted.

 

[BamaDMD]

I used to think, "Let's see more passing. Give me passing. Pass, pass pass."...that was back in the Stallings days...

Now, I absolutely LOVE the dominating, physical, "you know what we're bringing, yet you still can't stop it" style of football we're seeing...it has been awhile, and it's easy to take for granted.

I agree. Back in Stallings day, I loved watching the Defense dominate. Offense was not as fun because even though it was physical, it was very predictable. I would get so aggravated at all the runs into the pile. But McElwin so far as taken old school pro style and spiced it up. Nothing fancy but great play calling and it is very fun to watch. It doesn't hurt that our o-line is pushing people around too.

 

[trenda]

Disciplined, smash-mouth football wins my vote every time!!! Feels great to see it back at the Capstone!

 

[gmart74]

Like sands through the hour glass, so goes the bucket-step from our lives.

 

[rizolltizide]

For us old timers it just feels...right, doesn't it?

 

[cptww]

Gotta love the play in the trenches. As long as we keep winning the line play, on both sides of the ball, we'll be hard to handle. Bust 'em in the mouth Bama... RTR

 

[Moon Winx]

A few years ago when Georgia knocked Brodie out of the game, I wondered why we were not playing the physical brand of football that intimidates opponents (yes, I know now it was coaching). I always loved the days of Wishbone football because it was line up and knock 'em back. Boy, am I glad we are back to playing physical football again. In the words of a friend, "this doesn't suck".

 

[JohnnyCache]

Yeah, I'd have to say '93, which is also the last time we were ranked this high. There would appear to be a pattern here. Still, I'd love to see us return to the type of hard hitting football we played against Penn State in the '79 Sugar Bowl. I don't think I've ever seen a more hard hitting game than that.

 

[bamachile]

I never liked any other kind, probably because I cut my teeth on CPB teams.

 

[TiderB]

Best way to play the game.

I also like six and a half minute drives to start the game.

 

[Vinny]

Its great to see our guys smacking the other teams around now. I can't remember a more physical Bama team in years. Kentucky will be in store for a whole lot of whooping.

 

[bayoutider]

Like sands through the hour glass, so goes the bucket-step from our lives.

Now that's funny.

 

[bayoutider]

A noticeable difference between Saban's second year at Alabama and Shula's tenure is the strength of the team. Mike had 3 ex head coaches on his staff and wouldn't listen to a one of them. In less than two years Saban has really transformed the team and many of them are Shula recruits. They are preforming better for Nick than they ever would have for Mike.

 

[Tide&True]

The thing that is nice about our style of play is it can succeed against any team we play. It is a great offense to control the clock and gives JPW the help he has been needing to make the play action pass work.

 

[coosacrimson]

For us old timers it just feels...right, doesn't it?

Yes sir, a warm and fuzzy.....

 

[superchief]

You go to war with the army you have, not the one you wish you had. It's as true in football as in the military. CNS and the coaching staff have done a great job playing to the strengths of the players as well as working to improve their weaknesses.

 

[Bama1993]

You can scheme all you want, but eventually it comes down to our guys against your guys. Right now, I don't see anyone on our schedule we can't push around. That said...we must stay healthy, and this brand of football lends itself to injuries. With that said...this is the best conditioned team we have fielded in over 10 years. CSC can run his mouth all he wants!

Does it seem like I'm arguing with myself? I may need professional help.

 

[bamaee04]

It honestly is great to see us returning to the old style of Bama football. We always lacked this type intensity, smash mouth, battle of the trenches type football under Shula, and really all the way back to Dubose. I feel that many of our teams since the Stallings era have lacked an identity, and it is very difficult to keep players heads in the game when you are constantly wavering on this philosophy. With Saban, there is no doubt where his passion is and the team is picking up that identity. The dominate your opponent mentality is starting to rub off, and the process is truly starting to work. I am excited about the future, and hope that we can continue being successful for the rest of the season! I really thought it would be next year before we saw such dramatic improvement in the team, but we are well on our way to being an elite contender year in and year out!! RTR!!

 

[bayoutider]

You can scheme all you want, but eventually it comes down to our guys against your guys. Right now, I don't see anyone on our schedule we can't push around. That said...we must stay healthy, and this brand of football lends itself to injuries. With that said...this is the best conditioned team we have fielded in over 10 years. CSC can run his mouth all he wants!

Does it seem like I'm arguing with myself? I may need professional help.

I don't know if we can push everyone around but at least the days of us being pushed around have stopped at least for now. LSU and Allbarn will test our lines and should be something to see.