JessN: MTSU wrap-up: Smashed Mouths, Big Hitters Abound in a Revamped Bama's Opening Game

[JessN]

MTSU wrap-up: Smashed mouths, big hitters abound in a revamped Bama’s opening game
by Jess Nicholas, TideFans.com Editor-In-Chief

If aliens had read any of the pregame analyses of Alabama’s opener against MTSU – and then subsequently watched what actually happened on the field – they would come to the conclusion that almost no one on Planet Earth had a clue as to what they were talking about.

Measured in a vacuum, the question of whether a revamped Alabama team (a more blue-collar approach on offense, a return to an aggressive and physical defense) could rejoin the ranks of playoff contenders was pretty much centered around a discussion of the quarterback depth chart. Could multi-talented-but-mistake-prone physical phenom Jalen Milroe control himself yet remain a lethal weapon? Would Notre dame transfer Tyler Buchner be able to be anything more than a game manager if given a chance to play? Would Ty Simpson stay interested in the competition, knowing it was unlikely to be truly over after just one week?

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MTSU wrap-up: Smashed mouths, big hitters abound in a revamped Bama’s opening game

If aliens had read any of the pregame analyses of Alabama’s opener against MTSU – and then subsequently watched what actually happened on the field – they would come to the conclusion that al…

news.tidefans.com

 

[Windsortide]

MTSU wrap-up: Smashed mouths, big hitters abound in a revamped Bama’s opening game

If aliens had read any of the pregame analyses of Alabama’s opener against MTSU – and then subsequently watched what actually happened on the field – they would come to the conclusion that al…

news.tidefans.com

Great write up

 

[TitleWave]

Takeaway - literal and figurative: Everything Gol*ing does not shine. Gol*ing gone, almost everything D does.

 

[DrJJoyner]

Thanks, Jess. A more thoughtful roundup than The Athletic and other pay sites put out!

Your point about BOB holding Milroe back by giving him a Bryce gameplan is apt.

 

[Professor]

Great analysis. I wish I could keep up with the players as well. I would like to know just when Coach Saban starting substituting players other than the QB.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Good write up and there are things that need to improve. The good thing is, this was game one and no team is a finished product in game one, and if Texas has a "JessN" on their end, their post first game writeup wouldn't be as promising. I watched the bulk of their game against Rice and they certainly aren't rolling into Tuscaloosa throwing a parade. I still say we blow them out.

 

[Saban4Ever]

Good write up and there are things that need to improve. The good thing is, this was game one and no team is a finished product in game one, and if Texas has a "JessN" on their end, their post first game writeup wouldn't be as promising. I watched the bulk of their game against Rice and they certainly aren't rolling into Tuscaloosa throwing a parade. I still say we blow them out.

I was wondering how Texas looked. I didn't watch the game. I know they have some really good players. I think it will come down to QB play on both sides of the ball. Hopefully Jalen can play well and Bama can stop Ewers from having a good game.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

“The defense, playing downhill with ears pinned, could wind up being the difference in close games, rather than the reason certain games turn close.”

Great line.

 

[Padreruf]

Good write up and there are things that need to improve. The good thing is, this was game one and no team is a finished product in game one, and if Texas has a "JessN" on their end, their post first game writeup wouldn't be as promising. I watched the bulk of their game against Rice and they certainly aren't rolling into Tuscaloosa throwing a parade. I still say we blow them out.

UT has talent...but they had trouble putting it all together, especially on offense. Later in the game they just wore Rice out. This will be a close game barring a lot of turnovers on either side. Their defensive line is stout...as is their OL.

Going to be fun!

 

[SkullDuckery]

Milroe and Reese will be the reason we win or lose next week. If Milroe has a clean game I feel we win by 17.

 

[CoolBreeze]

Good stuff Jess, thank you! We have always had good players with Coach Saban but not always good coaching. I think we got the right combination at the coordinator positions and that is really exciting to see.

 

[VirginiaTide57]

Many times under O’Brien, there didn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason to the play calling. Yesterday, it seemed methodical. A gap in the second quarter - I think the third and fourth possessions where someone said the scripted plays had ended - but overall it was a pleasant change from last year.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Nicely done, @JessN , thank you.

 

[TideEngineer08]

I was wondering how Texas looked. I didn't watch the game. I know they have some really good players. I think it will come down to QB play on both sides of the ball. Hopefully Jalen can play well and Bama can stop Ewers from having a good game.

What I saw did not impress me. But I know they have talent and I know that Sark is still maturing as a coach. So I know chances are they didn’t take Rice seriously, but they’ll be taking this week seriously.

But the attitude shift that was very evident in our team is why I favor us heavily. They were obviously completely dialed in on game 1.

 

[92tide]

What I saw did not impress me. But I know they have talent and I know that Sark is still maturing as a coach. So I know chances are they didn’t take Rice seriously, but they’ll be taking this week seriously.

But the attitude shift that was very evident in our team is why I favor us heavily. They were obviously completely dialed in on game 1.

i'm hoping bds will be crazy with it being a night (ish) game

 

[Ledsteplin]

I was wondering how Texas looked. I didn't watch the game. I know they have some really good players. I think it will come down to QB play on both sides of the ball. Hopefully Jalen can play well and Bama can stop Ewers from having a good game.

They played Rice, so hard to tell. I wasn't that impressed. Their defense looked good. Maybe they were looking ahead to their visit with some hungry pachyderms.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

They played Rice, so hard to tell. I wasn't that impressed. Their defense looked good. Maybe they were looking ahead to their visit with some hungry pachyderms.

Middle Tennessee St would beat Rice. I watched both games and the commentators of the Rice/Texas game repeated all game how Rice's roster is heavily less talented than UT yet at halftime the score was 13-6, and the only thing that saved Texas was their defense was simply faster than anything on Rice's offense. There was zero threat of breaking an offense play, like ZERO!

 

[BayouBama75]

Great writeup..You always tell it like it is ..... for many years... thanks

 

[Ledsteplin]

Middle Tennessee St would beat Rice. I watched both games and the commentators of the Rice/Texas game repeated all game how Rice's roster is heavily less talented than UT yet at halftime the score was 13-6, and the only thing that saved Texas was their defense was simply faster than anything on Rice's offense. There was zero threat of breaking an offense play, like ZERO!

And that worries me. Saving it all for us?

 

[Bamabuzzard]

And that worries me. Saving it all for us?

I don't necessarily think their sluggish performance agsinst Rice had anything to do with holding back. They probably took them lightly and I also think they aren't as good in some areas that they were assumed to be. Losing the 1st round draft pick RB will hurt and their offense may not be the juggernaut people are trying to make it out to be.