Writer predicts VT to win by 10

[Blood Red]

[url]http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1943018/tide_vs_hokies_prediction_on_2009_matchup.html?cat=14[/URL]
I think our defense learned some things against Utah, like being ready for the no huddle. I also wouldn't say Tebow is a scrambling QB. He tucks the ball and runs like a bull in a china shop.

 

[TommyMac]

Probably sour grapes. He probably picked against us last season vs. Clemson and UGA and still has his panties in a wad over being so wrong. He's also a tad liberal with his use of the "choke" label. We might have "choked" against the Utes, but we were leading the Gators going into the 4th quarter and only lost because that "scrambling" QB. Tim Tebow hit a couple of passes that would have made any NFL QB proud. Plus, those two teams that we "choked" against were a combined 26-1.

 

[FitToBeTide]

I only wish for more underdog renderings. I love it when the "experts" take us for granted because it provides just a little more motivation for the team. 'dog status for a game is fast becoming a thing of the past for us.

 

[crains]

:BigA:Obviously this guy is not expert! I bet he wont bet anyone with this pic! If he will Vegas cant wait for him to get there!

 

[Fishhead]

Better thread title would be...
"Writer falls off wagon"
"Writer needs to put down pipe"
"Writer suffers from rectal/craniul inversion" (head is up his hind end)

 

[twjua]

I was a little concerned when I saw that VT was a top 10 team for this game. But once I sat down and looked into them a little, now I'll be surprised if we lose. Here is why.

VT offense, not so good. All young kids, as in sophomores this year at WR and RB. Passing yards last year was a joke. Taylor at qb is a good athlete, not a good QB. Terrible passer. So they go with the run. What was Coach Smart's quote over the spring, "Our defense is built to stop the run first." Okay, so that takes care of VT then. Do you seriosly think Taylor is going to pick us apart? No. Can't do that to the scout team in practice. Leave him in the pocket and play a dime is his worst nightmare.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

I've talked with several VTech alumni in the Shreveport area that are avid football fans. They say it all depends on Tyrod Taylor. He is very inconsistent with regards to accuracy in the passing game and is prone to making stupid decisions in the passing game. I don't think Taylor is even in the same league as the two qb's we faced against Florida and Utah.

 

[nasatidefan]

I was a little concerned when I saw that VT was a top 10 team for this game. But once I sat down and looked into them a little, now I'll be surprised if we lose. Here is why.

VT offense, not so good. All young kids, as in sophomores this year at WR and RB. Passing yards last year was a joke. Taylor at qb is a good athlete, not a good QB. Terrible passer. So they go with the run. What was Coach Smart's quote over the spring, "Our defense is built to stop the run first." Okay, so that takes care of VT then. Do you seriosly think Taylor is going to pick us apart? No. Can't do that to the scout team in practice. Leave him in the pocket and play a dime is his worst nightmare.

That is spot on. I've been checking up on VT's performance last year myself and unless they improve by leaps and bounds they are gonna have their hands full come game day. Their offense squeaking out 14 points on our D may be a tall task.

 

[bamaslaw]

The writer says that we are "arguably more talented than Miami last season".

How is there an argument that Miami is even in our zip code comparing talent right now?

 

[fralo4tide]

He probably also feels that asbestos is a good source of fiber.

 

[Jazzman]

This writer compares offense to offense as the basis for his prediction. People from outside the SEC just don't see the impact of having a great defense. They think football is all about offense. If you compare VT's offense to Alabama's defense, I think Tech's in for a long, low-scoring game. We DO have many questions on our offense, but knowing our coaching staff, I think those questions will be answered with an improved passing attack that will set up the running game as opposed to last year's team. Many "outside" writers underestimate the overall toughness of the SEC teams until they see it.

That being said, I have a great respect for VT's team and coaching staff. But they're set up to compete in the ACC, not the SEC.

As for the two teams we lost to last year, Florida was simply better. I take my hat off to them. They played a great game. We let ourselves down against Utah. I don't mean to take anything away from them. They also played a great game. But we played lousy.

So here's to a new season with great competition! I'm confident that Alabama will win the West and challenge Florida once again for the title. Coach Saban has built our team depth and it will begin to show this year. I just hope McElroy doesn't get hurt...

 

[REBELZED]

Thread title should have been:

"No-name hack slaps together piece in attempt to incite Alabama fans and hopefully get some recognition, Kiffin-style."

 

[Bama323]

I hope more writers have the same mentality this guy does. I would rather us be the underdog and have our players hearing about how good VT is until Sept 5th.

 

[BamaBeta]

My contention with the article stems from his characterization of the two teams we "squeaked" by. First, Kentucky was not "down" and in fact they have were only up for the 2007 season when they beat Louisville and took LSU to 3OT (Can any Tiger fans verify that LSU was at that time ranked #1 after beating Florida?). Also, since the 2005 season, all the Ole Miss vs. Bama games have been decided by 4 points or less, no matter where each team was ranked.

 

[fireater]

What is "Associated Content"? and who is Joseph Werner?

 

[CapitalTider]

The writer says that we are "arguably more talented than Miami last season".

Did everyone notice the rest of that line "and, for now, better coached."

Seems like everyone keeps hoping that Saban will leave. They know it's their only chance.

 

[Fishhead]

My contention with the article stems from his characterization of the two teams we "squeaked" by. First, Kentucky was not "down" and in fact they have were only up for the 2007 season when they beat Louisville and took LSU to 3OT (Can any Tiger fans verify that LSU was at that time ranked #1 after beating Florida?). Also, since the 2005 season, all the Ole Miss vs. Bama games have been decided by 4 points or less, no matter where each team was ranked.

1)Yes, LSU was #1 when they lost to Kentucky in '07. They didn't just take LSU to 3 OTs...they won.
2)Kentucky wasn't nearly the same team last year without Woodson. Nowhere near.
3)You guys did struggle with a few inferior teams last season...KY, TU, LSU, OM...but you won. I just watched Bama/Ole Miss, and Ole Miss was not very good. You guys just didn't know how to finish at the time. Ole Miss is highly overrated this preseason.
4)You guys will beat VTech by no less than 24. They cannot handle the defense. Tyrod Taylor will have 3-4 turnovers. They will be lucky to score.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Tyrod Taylor will have 3-4 turnovers.

That was the old non-credibility stake through the heart of his article. To assume that we would suddenly become turnover-prone and that a QB with a history of butterfingers and dumb decisions would suddenly turn in a perfect game was just beyond bizarre...

 

[BamaFossil]

FINALLY!! I've been hoping for some articles that predict a VT win. I agree with others who like our position better when we're not the hands-down favorite to win. Nobody should assume the game is in the bag when the team hits the field. (OK if VT makes that assumption though... )

 

[BamaFossil]

1)....
4)You guys will beat VTech by no less than 24. They cannot handle the defense. Tyrod Taylor will have 3-4 turnovers. They will be lucky to score.

I like your prediction but hope it isn't shared by sportswriters and put in print. Overconfidence is our enemy.