Looking To Saturday, How Do We Match Up With Missouri?

[JustNeedMe81]

The two decent teams they've played have put 20 points and 31 points on them respectively. Also, in each of those games, Kansas averaged 12 yards per reception and South Carolina averaged 16 yards per reception. Thats not a dominating defensive stat and one we can definitely take advantage of.

THIS. Mizzou strugged to put away SC for almost four quarter.

 

[KrAzY3]

THIS. Mizzou strugged to put away SC for almost four quarter.

Make no mistake, Missouri's margin of victory looks good. It's 24, that's good for 6th best in the FBS. Alabama is only 10th, at 20 points, but their SoS is 4th while Missouri's is 150th. The issue is strength of schedule...

Texas Tech is #1 in margin of victory, but they are only 151 in SoS. Next is Oregon, which has a 59 SoS. Then there's Indiana who has the 72 SoS. Next is Southern California with the 62 SoS, and Oklahoma with the 87 SoS. There's also Ohio State with the 37 SoS and Ole Miss with the 22 SoS.

There's two things to take away from this. #1 Alabama is the only team that's performing at this level while playing a truly brutal schedule. The other is it's kind of obvious to see who the pretenders are and who the contenders are. The cut-off line is probably around where Oregon is.

The teams that have to prove themselves would be Texas Tech, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Southern California. We'll find out a lot this week, as Missouri, Oklahoma, and Indiana in particular can prove there are more than just a mirage. But, thus far there's no comparison between what Missouri has accomplished and what Alabama has accomplished.

 

[Bill from NYC]

I'm thinking that Missouri is untested, in that they have not faced a good team. I'm also thinking that Ty and co. are going to destroy them.
If we get a lead, will this ground based team be able to come back? i think not.

Alabama Crimson Tide 48 - Missouri 20

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RammerJammer14]

The one complaint I'd raise against Grubb thus far is I think he tries to force some runs in the red zone.

The dynamics of the run game change as you get close to the goal. Obviously the field shrinks for any play call, but there is no secret our strength is a QB and receivers that are playing at a high level.

There have been a few drives when we get around the 5-10 yard line with a fresh set of downs and we'll run on 1st and 2nd down with little to no success. Granted, I don't have a problem with 1 called run in that situation, but when we run it twice and get to 3rd down and 5-10 yards then a passing play is pretty obvious. So I wish Grubb would just be a little more aggressive with pass plays near the goal line.

The reason the run game is opening up is because our passing game is so lethal. The "play action" is really freezing opposing linebackers and dbs. Keep that up between the 20's but then don't hesitate to pass it more in the red zone!

My one complaint with Grubb so far is his calling unnecessary cutesy trick plays. Such as taking the ball out of our playmaker QB’s hands on 3rd and 5 to run some convoluted wildcat nonsense that loses yards.

 

[BamaMoon]

My one complaint with Grubb so far is his calling unnecessary cutesy trick plays. Such as taking the ball out of our playmaker QB’s hands on 3rd and 5 to run some convoluted wildcat nonsense that loses yards.

Agree on that play for sure. While Benard is a "playmaker," that play left something to be desired.

Also, we've tried a couple pitch back plays with Benard having the option to throw and they haven't worked either.

I *think* the design/logic of these plays is that they make a defense guard the width of the field as well as deep passes. Even though they haven't worked much thus far, it may be why Ty is gutting teams across the middle of the field. We just get defenses stretched wide and deep and there's a lot of space we are created with these concepts.

I'm not sure I know enough about offensive philosophy to say this is true, but it's my "guess."

 

[Lifer]

Plays that take longer than usual with more moving parts too often end up a loss or minimal gain. East to west plays pretty much the same.

 

[tideindc]

Make no mistake, Missouri's margin of victory looks good. It's 24, that's good for 6th best in the FBS. Alabama is only 10th, at 20 points, but their SoS is 4th while Missouri's is 150th. The issue is strength of schedule...

Texas Tech is #1 in margin of victory, but they are only 151 in SoS. Next is Oregon, which has a 59 SoS. Then there's Indiana who has the 72 SoS. Next is Southern California with the 62 SoS, and Oklahoma with the 87 SoS. There's also Ohio State with the 37 SoS and Ole Miss with the 22 SoS.

There's two things to take away from this. #1 Alabama is the only team that's performing at this level while playing a truly brutal schedule. The other is it's kind of obvious to see who the pretenders are and who the contenders are. The cut-off line is probably around where Oregon is.

The teams that have to prove themselves would be Texas Tech, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Southern California. We'll find out a lot this week, as Missouri, Oklahoma, and Indiana in particular can prove there are more than just a mirage. But, thus far there's no comparison between what Missouri has accomplished and what Alabama has accomplished.

In other words, there is little we can take from Missouri’s record, other than they have been untested. How truly good they are is unclear. I agree. What I don’t agree with is many posters taking this fact and concluding we’re gonna kill them! I’d only conclude that , if Missouri had played poorly ag this weak schedule. So…because the game is on the road, I’ll gladly take a hard fought win.

 

[RollTide_HTTR]

FWIW Vandy who ran for 135 yards against us at 7.1 yard per carry (yes i know we were better after the 1st quarter) only ran for 146 vs South Carolina at 3.9 yards per carry.

Missouri? ran for 285 yards on South Carolina 5.9 yards per carry.

i think we underrate them at our own risk. I'm sure our coaches and players don't feel as comfortable about this game as some fans seem to.

Yes, Missouri's secondary is weak but they do have 2 good pass rushers it appears. Those guys could give our OTs some trouble especially if Ty holds the ball too long on a play here or there.

Plus they played Umass and had a bye before this game, we should expect some wrinkles on both sides of the ball that we will not be ready for.

 

[MikeInBama]

Guys, we don't have to worry Missouri will be looking ahead to next weeks game with Auburn.

 

[TDBama78]

In my best Joe Kines voice, if we can stop that inside trap we'll be fine.

 

[KrAzY3]

FWIW Vandy who ran for 135 yards against us at 7.1 yard per carry (yes i know we were better after the 1st quarter) only ran for 146 vs South Carolina at 3.9 yards per carry.

Missouri? ran for 285 yards on South Carolina 5.9 yards per carry.

i think we underrate them at our own risk. I'm sure our coaches and players don't feel as comfortable about this game as some fans seem to.

It's all a question of whether or not Alabama plays to their ability. They have some crazy splits in terms of run defense for instance.

The overall story is kind of interesting, but basically we are seeing improved defense in the second half. Here's some insight into that:
"Georgia averaged 9.8 yards per carry in the 3rd quarter, averaging 8.6 yards per carry on the game through that point. In the 4th quarter? 8 carries for 12 yards, 1.5 yards per carry. And 10 of that came on one play with a wide receiver rushing"

Alabama stopped the run at some crucial points in that Georgia game, after getting gashed pretty much the entire game they suddenly started to stop the run later in the game. And they didn't just stop it, they crushed it. Then we have the Vanderbilt game, where they again were getting gashed.

The second half comes along and Alabama only lets Vanderbilt rush for 20 yards on 8 carries (not counting the sack which caused them to have nearly no rushing totals for the half). That's 2.5 per carry in the half, to go with that fourth quarter 1.5 per carry against Georgia. One key was Alabama was able to control the clock and keep their defense fresh.

So, this defense can stop the run, they just have to be dialed in. The past two games overall their second half defense has been stellar, only giving up 7 points. Mind you, that's against the #6 offense and the #16 offense, those are stats that even a Saban defense would be proud of.

Now, does this translate to Missouri and can they do it in the first half? I don't know, but I see it going one of two ways. Either this is like Vanderbilt last year, where Missouri controls the clock and Alabama can't stop them, and it basically turns into a shootout, or this looks like traditional Alabama football. If Missouri can't run on Alabama, and Alabama can maintain a balanced offense, if Alabama defends the run like they did late against Georgia and the second half against Vanderbilt, Missouri will be in trouble.

 

[BhamToTexas]

It's all a question of whether or not Alabama plays to their ability. They have some crazy splits in terms of run defense for instance.

The overall story is kind of interesting, but basically we are seeing improved defense in the second half. Here's some insight into that:
"Georgia averaged 9.8 yards per carry in the 3rd quarter, averaging 8.6 yards per carry on the game through that point. In the 4th quarter? 8 carries for 12 yards, 1.5 yards per carry. And 10 of that came on one play with a wide receiver rushing"

Alabama stopped the run at some crucial points in that Georgia game, after getting gashed pretty much the entire game they suddenly started to stop the run later in the game. And they didn't just stop it, they crushed it. Then we have the Vanderbilt game, where they again were getting gashed.

The second half comes along and Alabama only lets Vanderbilt rush for 20 yards on 8 carries (not counting the sack which caused them to have nearly no rushing totals for the half). That's 2.5 per carry in the half, to go with that fourth quarter 1.5 per carry against Georgia. One key was Alabama was able to control the clock and keep their defense fresh.

So, this defense can stop the run, they just have to be dialed in. The past two games overall their second half defense has been stellar, only giving up 7 points. Mind you, that's against the #6 offense and the #16 offense, those are stats that even a Saban defense would be proud of.

Now, does this translate to Missouri and can they do it in the first half? I don't know, but I see it going one of two ways. Either this is like Vanderbilt last year, where Missouri controls the clock and Alabama can't stop them, and it basically turns into a shootout, or this looks like traditional Alabama football. If Missouri can't run on Alabama, and Alabama can maintain a balanced offense, if Alabama defends the run like they did late against Georgia and the second half against Vanderbilt, Missouri will be in trouble.

A healthy Keenan and Smith starting next to each other for the first time should make a big difference.

 

[STONECOLDSABAN]

FWIW Vandy who ran for 135 yards against us at 7.1 yard per carry (yes i know we were better after the 1st quarter) only ran for 146 vs South Carolina at 3.9 yards per carry.

Missouri? ran for 285 yards on South Carolina 5.9 yards per carry.

i think we underrate them at our own risk. I'm sure our coaches and players don't feel as comfortable about this game as some fans seem to.

Yes, Missouri's secondary is weak but they do have 2 good pass rushers it appears. Those guys could give our OTs some trouble especially if Ty holds the ball too long on a play here or there.

Plus they played Umass and had a bye before this game, we should expect some wrinkles on both sides of the ball that we will not be ready for.

They also trailed South Carolina most of the game. In fact they had to come from behind against the only two power 4 teams they played. I think they are good. They may not be as good as the rest of the country wants them to be.

 

[MikeInBama]

Drink had a great year in 2023 but its a bit of an outlier so far.

Year	Kick	Rank	Opponent	Won by	Ranked Losses
2020	11am	#17	LSU	4	4
2021	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	3
2022	3pm	#25	South Carolina	13	2
2023	11am	#15	Kansas State	3	2
2023	6:30pm	#24	Kentucky	17	2
2023	2:30pm	#13	Tennessee	29	2
2023	7:00pm	#7	Ohio State	11	2
2024	11:45am	#24	Boston College	6	3

 

[STONECOLDSABAN]

It's all a question of whether or not Alabama plays to their ability. They have some crazy splits in terms of run defense for instance.

The overall story is kind of interesting, but basically we are seeing improved defense in the second half. Here's some insight into that:
"Georgia averaged 9.8 yards per carry in the 3rd quarter, averaging 8.6 yards per carry on the game through that point. In the 4th quarter? 8 carries for 12 yards, 1.5 yards per carry. And 10 of that came on one play with a wide receiver rushing"

Alabama stopped the run at some crucial points in that Georgia game, after getting gashed pretty much the entire game they suddenly started to stop the run later in the game. And they didn't just stop it, they crushed it. Then we have the Vanderbilt game, where they again were getting gashed.

The second half comes along and Alabama only lets Vanderbilt rush for 20 yards on 8 carries (not counting the sack which caused them to have nearly no rushing totals for the half). That's 2.5 per carry in the half, to go with that fourth quarter 1.5 per carry against Georgia. One key was Alabama was able to control the clock and keep their defense fresh.

So, this defense can stop the run, they just have to be dialed in. The past two games overall their second half defense has been stellar, only giving up 7 points. Mind you, that's against the #6 offense and the #16 offense, those are stats that even a Saban defense would be proud of.

Now, does this translate to Missouri and can they do it in the first half? I don't know, but I see it going one of two ways. Either this is like Vanderbilt last year, where Missouri controls the clock and Alabama can't stop them, and it basically turns into a shootout, or this looks like traditional Alabama football. If Missouri can't run on Alabama, and Alabama can maintain a balanced offense, if Alabama defends the run like they did late against Georgia and the second half against Vanderbilt, Missouri will be in trouble.

Alabama’s defensive points giving up after Half time since the fsu game.

la Monroe- 0
Wisconsin-7 (I don’t count the kick off return)
Georgia- 7
Vandy- 0

 

[dvldog]

Alabama’s defensive points giving up after Half time since the fsu game.

la Monroe- 0
Wisconsin-7 (I don’t count the kick off return)
Georgia- 7
Vandy- 0

Let’s play the second half first. That way we should have a big lead starting the first half

 

[STONECOLDSABAN]

Let’s play the second half first. That way we should have a big lead starting the first half

No what we need to do is combine the first half offense with the second half defense. lol.

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

My one complaint with Grubb so far is his calling unnecessary cutesy trick plays. Such as taking the ball out of our playmaker QB’s hands on 3rd and 5 to run some convoluted wildcat nonsense that loses yards.

TBF, that gives the opponents yet another thing to worry about and prepare for...

 

[RollTide_HTTR]

It's all a question of whether or not Alabama plays to their ability. They have some crazy splits in terms of run defense for instance.

The overall story is kind of interesting, but basically we are seeing improved defense in the second half. Here's some insight into that:
"Georgia averaged 9.8 yards per carry in the 3rd quarter, averaging 8.6 yards per carry on the game through that point. In the 4th quarter? 8 carries for 12 yards, 1.5 yards per carry. And 10 of that came on one play with a wide receiver rushing"

Alabama stopped the run at some crucial points in that Georgia game, after getting gashed pretty much the entire game they suddenly started to stop the run later in the game. And they didn't just stop it, they crushed it. Then we have the Vanderbilt game, where they again were getting gashed.

The second half comes along and Alabama only lets Vanderbilt rush for 20 yards on 8 carries (not counting the sack which caused them to have nearly no rushing totals for the half). That's 2.5 per carry in the half, to go with that fourth quarter 1.5 per carry against Georgia. One key was Alabama was able to control the clock and keep their defense fresh.

So, this defense can stop the run, they just have to be dialed in. The past two games overall their second half defense has been stellar, only giving up 7 points. Mind you, that's against the #6 offense and the #16 offense, those are stats that even a Saban defense would be proud of.

Now, does this translate to Missouri and can they do it in the first half? I don't know, but I see it going one of two ways. Either this is like Vanderbilt last year, where Missouri controls the clock and Alabama can't stop them, and it basically turns into a shootout, or this looks like traditional Alabama football. If Missouri can't run on Alabama, and Alabama can maintain a balanced offense, if Alabama defends the run like they did late against Georgia and the second half against Vanderbilt, Missouri will be in trouble.

For sure! I am not at all saying we can't or won't stop them. And we should absolute eat vs their secondary if Ty has time. I just would be hesitant to underestimate this Missouri team.

1. Missouri has the best rushing attack we have faced since FSU
2. Missouri has the best pass rushers we have faced since at least FSU
3. Missouri seems to have a strong run defense (62 yards per game)
4. Missouri is coming off a bye and a UMass game while we are playing our 3rd ranked game in a row (2nd on the road in that span)

This is a really bad spot for us. IMO if we win this game that is VERY good sign for the team moving forward even if we drop a game after this. OR it means Missouri really isn't very good and feasted on week competition and South Carolina.

 

[RollTide_HTTR]

They also trailed South Carolina most of the game. In fact they had to come from behind against the only two power 4 teams they played. I think they are good. They may not be as good as the rest of the country wants them to be.

Definitely possible. But I don't think we can say so either way definitively at this point.