For me the key match-ups in the game are the Bama DBs vs Texas WRs and the Tx DL vs Bama OL... and well obviously the coaching match-up! :eek2:
1) If Bama is able to cover UT receivers one on one, it's over and UT has NO chance. However if Texas is able to get WRs open and force zone coverage or excessive blitzing ie changing Bama's modus operandi then UT could easily score enough to win.
2) The match-up of the Bama OL vs Tex DL will of course be key. UT is a bit undersized and QUICK! They could make hay with stunts, twists, and blitzes behind stunts & twists. If Bama is able to manhandle them with their bigger boys it'll play right into the Bama gameplan wearing down the Horns and getting big chunks of yardage via 'explosive' plays.
3) Coaching scenarios - I expect Texas to with a judicious use of the running game, about 1/3rd of plays and to call lots of quick passes even timing passes. Think an approach similar to what we saw out of Utah last year and N. Texas this year. I've reviewed several Tx games via espn360 and they have a very well designed passing game which is creative with routes and gets guys open. Ultimately they just beat people deep, lots of stop and go routs. Point one will play a huge role in this game combined with how UT and Bama approach the Horns passing game.
Result who knows... but I've got a 6 pack of craft & homebrewed bier resting on it! Fyi from the look of the players arriving in Cal. and what has come out of the camp in terms of 'business' and 'focus' I'm rather hopeful of an effort similar to what we saw in the SECCG. If that happens, Bama wins. Texas was a better team last year with an exploitable OL and a D that hasn't seen the fast physical style of play Bama brings to the field.
Bama 27
Tx 21
Ultimately if it's a slugfest TOs and who makes those 2-4 plays when they present the opportunity to be made will decide the outcome.
Schlante & Roll Tide,
Phillip
1) If Bama is able to cover UT receivers one on one, it's over and UT has NO chance. However if Texas is able to get WRs open and force zone coverage or excessive blitzing ie changing Bama's modus operandi then UT could easily score enough to win.
2) The match-up of the Bama OL vs Tex DL will of course be key. UT is a bit undersized and QUICK! They could make hay with stunts, twists, and blitzes behind stunts & twists. If Bama is able to manhandle them with their bigger boys it'll play right into the Bama gameplan wearing down the Horns and getting big chunks of yardage via 'explosive' plays.
3) Coaching scenarios - I expect Texas to with a judicious use of the running game, about 1/3rd of plays and to call lots of quick passes even timing passes. Think an approach similar to what we saw out of Utah last year and N. Texas this year. I've reviewed several Tx games via espn360 and they have a very well designed passing game which is creative with routes and gets guys open. Ultimately they just beat people deep, lots of stop and go routs. Point one will play a huge role in this game combined with how UT and Bama approach the Horns passing game.
Result who knows... but I've got a 6 pack of craft & homebrewed bier resting on it! Fyi from the look of the players arriving in Cal. and what has come out of the camp in terms of 'business' and 'focus' I'm rather hopeful of an effort similar to what we saw in the SECCG. If that happens, Bama wins. Texas was a better team last year with an exploitable OL and a D that hasn't seen the fast physical style of play Bama brings to the field.
Bama 27
Tx 21
Ultimately if it's a slugfest TOs and who makes those 2-4 plays when they present the opportunity to be made will decide the outcome.
Schlante & Roll Tide,
Phillip
