Roll Tide, Roll

Totally agree.

Though I don’t think Tebow is a world-beater in man coverage, either.

My biggest concern facing Florida, though….even in his hot streak, McCoy has been throwing two balls a game that hit defenders in the hands and are dropped.

Florida’s secondary does not drop them. They have glue on their hands, every single one of them.

He’s not a world-beater in man, but you run zone to keep your eyes on him to allow you to stymie his running and so that you can break on his two second wind-up before the throw. In man coverage, you’re turning your back on him and he’s liable to break contain and run for a cheap 15 yards or maybe circumsize a Filipino boy. Anything can happen, really. So zone.
 
You’re dead right on Florida’s secondary. They have better hands than the Florida WRs.

How will Christian Scott factor in? Does he only get runs in special teams or will he get snaps in too?

You couldn’t be more right about Florida, Scip. I think they’re beatable. I also think they could roll us.

Their defense would limit us severely on offense, though it looks like Williams and Kirkendoll are blossoming just in time. And I fear that we might spend so much time trying to contain their weird-ass Tebow option that it would only be a matter of time before Gideon blows a assignment or Chykie Brown gives up his token at-least-once-a-game long ball.

I’ll take Bama any day of the week. Roll Tide.

I disagree that Tebow would provide more of a running threat than Johnson. He may be effective, but I think he’d present a different challenge. Tebow, in my estimation, is neither as elusive or as fast as Johnson. He does have a nose for the sticks and he runs with power, but he’s not busting a long run against us that Johnson did.

I have long been unconvinced that Cody would do much on 3rd downs or in the 4th quarter against our style of offense. A few downs of chasing running backs to the sidelines or trying to contain Colt would leave him a gnat’s ass-hair shy of a massive coronary.

On the other hand, I don’t relish the idea of trying to tackle Bama’s big backs. Trent Richardson v Curtis Brown or Earl T in the 2nd level? Not a beatific vision. And Julio Jones is better than any FLA receiver, Cooper included (insert suitable Chalky McDutch references here).

For me, then, I’d rather play Florida. Granted, Tebow’s pretty ginormous himself, but he’s not as fast as Ingram or Richardson and has shown that he’s easier to bring down relative to those guys. Slap Aaron Williams on Cooper, have Gideon and/or Thomas cheat up on the run (Gideon being better at that than coverage, in my view), and dare Tebow to run that option and little inside shovel pass. I like Kindle vs Tebow a lot, in that setting.

Fantastic write up. First honest writeup of bama I’ve seen anywhere.

I will say though, that losing Andre to an agent right before the game was a punch to the gut of an already weakened (mentally lazy) team. I believe “mentally lazy” were Sabans words in fact.

You’ve convinced me that I need to accept the idea of paying more for the 4 extra tickets I must acquire for the NCG and do it with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Take one for the team.

Bring on the Tide. Texas never loses to Alabama.

The only thing Gideon does well is raise my blood pressure.

Just out of curiosity, I took a look at Florida’s game schedule this year to see who had offensive success against them. Arkansas put 20 on them and played them to a three point differential, and Mississippi State (a 5-7 team) dropped 19 on them. Of course, teams and hence matchups differ, so these template aren’t necessarily instructive, but it might be interesting to see how these two were relatively successful offensively against Florida. Did anyone here happen to watch either game?

As for the question earlier about Christian Scott, I don’t see any way he plays anything other than special teams in the MNC.

I want Bama as well, because as Cricket mentioned I don’t want to see that inside/outside option that they run. I can see us knowing when it will come, lining up perfectly to stop it, and then totally shitting the bed when it comes to actually defending it.

Bama just isn’t dynamic on offense. We want to make Bama one dimensional on offense. It appears this is a goal we share, because they don’t do much passing wise. Julio Jones is a bad motherfucker and a top 10 pick next year, but Aaron Williams is the db equivalent. We just need to make tackles and keep him in front of us. Force them to put together sustained drives. I don’t fear the running backs on our db’s because I don’t have confidence in their rb’s getting through our first two levels. I see us playing 3 lb’s way more than normal and for the first time we might miss Norton, but I still like our chances to stifle their run.

However, if we play Florida I will totally change my tune and convince myself of how and why we’ll beat them. And if I can’t convince myself, I’m sure CTJ’s mudhole post will.

I was driving on the way to work, wondering just how good the written jousts would be between us and Florida fan. Who’s the guy that posts here and lives in Gator country? I want to say Jinx. Jinx, show yourself.

Miss State had 2 pick 6’s. so not much offensive success there.

I like ‘Bama, too, if for no other reason than I think they have a ceiling. They don’t generally blow people out, and I like our chances in a close ballgame.

Yeah, I’m deep in the heart of the Gator Nation. Will be watching the SEC championship game with all Gator fans and follow that up with the Big 12 at the same house.

I’m on the fence as to which team I’d rather see us face. henley is right about the two pick sixes from MSU. The head coach at MSU was the Gator offensive coordinator last year so I think he had a great idea what was coming.

I have nightmares of the first half of the Fiesta Bowl when I think about us matching up against Alabama. I can see them bludgeoning us to death. Muschamp has matched wits with Meyer in the past and come up golden in both cases. Those were better Gator offenses than this one too.

I think our offense will struggle during the game against either team, but UF is more likely to put up defensive points against us. Call it a coin toss for my favored opponent, but I think we can beat either team.

I just can’t help thinking about GD’s favorite plays. When he feels stifled, he tends to start calling bubble screens. I see that as a potentially good thing against the Tide, and potentially disastrous against Florida.

Also, I could do without a month of buildup about Colt playing Tebow. Potentially annoying phrases predicted to be heard include, “The Missionary Matchup,” “The Good Samaritan Smackdown,”McCoy v. Tebow, let God decide!," The Holy Bowl," and many others I could simply do without. There is just too much fodder there for the media “feel good” stories. Besides, Good v. Good is kind of boring, whereas Good v. Evil is epic. And we can all agree that Saban and Satan practically rhyme, right?

“First honest writeup of bama I’ve seen anywhere.”

The worldwide massive anti-Bama conspiracy is second only to the Burnt Orange media conspiracy.

What do we know about Applewhite’s experience on the Saban staff at Bama? Any hope for any insight from him, 2 years later?

Tebow would certainly present more running problems to us than Jerrod Johnson. They would spread us out and pick on any combination of Gideon and Brewster in the option game and with play action.

I don’t know Scip. I think C. Scott changes this dynamic. He will be in for our “big nickel” package and I think I would place my bets on our freak-of-an-athlete big safety who’s got more pent up frustration than a prison inmate just ready to knock the Jesus out of Tebow.

“I prefer our usual stance of disdainful condescension and smug entitlement.”

I’ve always thought that fit you guys much better. And Bama’s safetys can be had, there just ain’t many people in the SEC that have the capability to do it.

I also prefer a Texas-’Bama matchup strictly from a media and aesthetics standpoint.

While the Tebow Love Train would be derailed, I believe that ESPN and the rest of the media would love a tradition-rich matachup between two schools who are members of the exclusive 800-win club.

There is a history between these two teams, whereas Texas has no back story with Florida. The DKR-Bear Bryant bowl game match ups would make for great build up.

And while Florida is on a roll and therefore is a TV darling, both Texas and Alabama have proven to be consistent high draws on TV. To have them play each other in the Rose Bowl would be a bonus.

Besides the Florida uniforms are hideous. Seeing Texas and Bama in their tradional unis in the Rose Bowl would be way cool.

You mean our shovel pass isn’t going to work as well as Florida’s shovel pass?

I’d like to beat UF, Meyer, and Tebo-mania.

I feel we have a better shot at beating ‘Bama (although I feel it will be very similar to last year’s OSU game, except we will have to play better or we will lose).

Either way, let’s make sure we get there and let the hype begin.

Hook ’em!

I’m not sure that Bama is much different than tOSU last year, beyond having a significantly worse quarterback. I’d prefer Bama, as I agree Colt’s habit of hanging it out in the flat will kill us against the Gators.

“The worldwide massive anti-Bama conspiracy is second only to the Burnt Orange media conspiracy.”

All I meant by that was a real examination of strengths and weaknesses rather than the “OMG, we’d skull fuck bammer!!!!! Ha Ha Ha Ha lol1111!!” that I’ve seen elsewhere. Poopy-pants.

Areanas is not a great cornerback, hes built his reputation as a return man…

…and as a blitzer off the edge.

I’m pretty sure it’s spelled “mano-y-mano” in spanish.

EggNog -
 
I think Christian Scott is strictly relegated to special teams.
 
Cricket –
 
Agreed. I think Florida asks more of you in terms of defending assignments – a triple option with a TE shovel, QB keep, or quick pitch to a little dude than runs a 4.3 puts a lot of pressure on the safety position. And they can see where each safety lines up pre-snap.
 
Elusive -
 
See my reply to Cricket. Tebow presents more problems running because he’s going to do it 20-25 times and he’s also going to serve as an option catalyst that can place pressure on one side of our safety duo on every play if they so choose. His running is just not his physical attributes, but what his decision making gives the Florida option attack.
 
BeHorn -
 
I don’t think you’d see a lot of Kindle vs. Tebow. You’d see a lot of Florida speed on Blake Gideon/Nolan Brewster and a lot of mental puzzles for Chykie Brown. We’re certainly physical enough to handle Tebow, but we’re a predominantly man coverage football team and that’s not the best football against Florida’s multi-tiered option attack.
 
TKO -

I watched the Arkansas game. Arkansas has Petrino, for one. They were also extremely physical in the run game when Florida put in a dime group to handle the Razorback passing attack. Tebow and the Florida offense didn’t play great either.
 
Mississippi State scored off of Tebow Pick 6s and had a little success running the ball with their big back Anthony Dixon.
 
 
t1climb1:
 
See my first response. I don’t think we throw Christian into the fire with no games played in 2009.
 
bates -
 
They are several rungs above Ohio State, at least on defense, I can assure you. They also have a more physical and athletic OL than Ohio State did, but no running threat at QB, and I question their ability to pass protect in 3rd and long.

Yeah, Arenas does have 5 sacks on the year and he’s great at the CB blitz. He’s looked good in coverage in the games I’ve seen, he’s deceptively strong, and I could see Saban doing some sort of combo safety thing over the top with him for Shipley.

Roll, Gators, Roll.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HI5s_LHg3w

Spikes is real piece of work. If he’s not eye gouging in the scrum, he’s imitating an Italian soccer player.

I prefer Florida just based on the odds. It is extremely difficult for a team to repeat in back-to-back MNCs, most especially when you try to convince a group of 19 and 20 year olds on a winning streak, they can lose a game.

Flashbacks to the Rose Bowl with USC, I can remember watching Lendale White and the offensive line gasping for air, bending over and clutching their knees. On that entire drive leading up to the 4th down conversion stop by Texas, I said to someone next me that I can’t believe Carroll doesn’t take a time-out or sub White for Bush, because this Texas defense is riding on pure will power, emotion and adrenaline. They want it more and could stay out there for 4 more quarters. USC just expected to win if they went through the motions. Pete Carroll thought the USC offense was on auto pilot and didn’t give a second thought to Lendale barely able to stand, much less carry a football.

Give me a Gators team full of kids who think they are immortal, have not played farther than 100 miles from their campus and will not have the SEC refs officiating.

Scott will play if needed. If Brewster is getting torched we’re just going to sit him? Run support responsibilities (which is what he’d be in there for) aren’t the same as having to understand and communicate pass coverage responsibilities. Also, you don’t need practice to blitz, you need speed and anger. Christian Scott owns those in abundance.

If he’s in there it’s probably a bad sign, however if you need him you play him. Like a starter on three days rest.

The Blind Side 2 hrs. 6 min.
Showtime & Date 4:30pm Sat. Dec. 5th
AMC The Parks At Arlington 18
3861 S. Cooper
Arlington, TX 76015
1-888-AMC-4FUN
(PG-13), for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references

Let me clarify a little. I don’t think he’d be in there on third and longs, he’d be used more situationally. Hell, why don’t we have him sweep the leg and have him hit Tebow a millisecond late?

Please don’t ever reference the man G-Spot again. Especially accompanied by the word moist…..disgusting.

I am very nervous about a florida / texas match up even more so when colt beats tebow in all the award shows and for the heisman. I believe we can find away to beat either, but I would much rather see a month to prepare for a slow and unexperienced QB.

Bama is not anywhere near as diverse as FU, they power I you to death and in the clutch they go to julio jones and noone else even will touch the ball. To me that is easier to match up against at least on paper then what the gators throw at you.

That TE triple option is just sick, why the hell don’t we try something like that?

Both defenses are going to be hard to score against, but Florida has more depth and their d is relentless

No doubt I’ll be rooting for the tide come saturday.

Travis, what TE would you use for the option? Hernandez is a bad dude, like Finley but smoother.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/34225242/ns/sports-college_football/

thoughts????

Don’t judge Florida’s offense based on the performance against Bowden’s sinking ship.

The final scores on Florida’s schedule are very deceiving.
Against Tenn, Kentucky, LSU, Arkie, Miss St. and Vandy the vaunted triple-option Tebow attack only averaged around 2.2 TDs per game.

The question them becomes; can Texas score more than 14 points against Florida?

“Travis, what TE would you use for the option?”

We’ve implemented it and will only use it in Pasadena if we face a fourth and long. EBS will be the inside pitch man and he will lead us to glory.

I’m assuming Cody for the outside guy then to capitalize on his speed. It really mirrors Demps and the fabulous, H’rnandezzz.

You assume correctly, Swede of length and girth. And our trigger man will be none other than the sinewy Justin Muther Tucker..

I’m pulling for Fla because I already have my hotel and flight, but no tickets. If Bama wins, they will buy up every single ticket on the planet and pay 200X what they are worth.

Jesse,

“Mano a mano” is correct. “Mano y Mano” means “hand and hand”, which doesn’t quite work.

Now if we can just get people to stop saying “cajones” (which means ‘crates’) when they mean “cojones”.

“Barking Carnival has a poultry gynecologist on retainer and a Burger King heat lamp turned incubator that we use to keep Doperbo’s perineum bacteriostatic and moist.”

This is disturbing.

I would rather play bama….. but I’d rather beat Florida.

Sheez, that’s some vanishingly thin “disdainful condescension and smug entitlement” on display.

Bring on Florida. Cart off Florida.

Further, I also built an egg womb out of straws in high school and threw it off of a 3rd story building for extra credit in science class. Egg unharmed. So the chickens will hatch. Look, I can get you a chicken.

Scipio Tex is Rorschach. I get it now.

Christian Scott safety blitz to Eric Berry Tebow.

It’s gonna hurt to see him on the sidelines while we have whitey prancing around in the secondary.

C. Scott has officially achieved the level of greatness that UT players usually only reach during the offseason.

Let’s hope UF and ’Bama think they are playing the national title game on Saturday as well.

Oh, and EBS would not be the inside pitch man. Chiles would be the inside pitch man.

I’M THE PITCH MAN!!!!!!

i’d like to see ‘bama as well. i also believe UT could use a jumbo defensive to counter the tides offensive line, moving lamar houston to defensive end and have randall and alexander at tackles. rotate sam acho in to keep the line fresh. slide houston down to tackle on passing downs. run a true 4-3, with the d-line of: kindle, randall, alexander and houston, linebackers: muckleroy in the middle, acho and robinson on the outside. run your best 4 db’s out there: the 2 browns, thomas and williams.

you can still do a lot with this lineup. move kindle around, even run a 3-4 look with kindle moves to an outside linebacker. give bama a whole new look. there is plenty of time to put in this package in place. not a total revamped defense, but something to have to help slow their rushing attack.

the key is lamar houston. he has played some defensive end. matching houston up on a tight end would be a sizeable advantage.

stop the run and bring the heat on greg mcleroy.

totally agree on the no hundle, quick pace for UT’s offense… take the big boy in the middle
out of the game.

enjoy your weekend and hook’em.

Your right we dont have a TE that can do that because buckner isn’t fast at all but with rolling goodwin out on one side with newton on the other, it would still be just as hard to stop.

C. Scott has officially achieved the level of greatness that UT players usually only reach during the offseason.

That, boys and girls is comedy. Well done Horncasting.

Two non-championship aspired reasons to root for Alabama:

1. A Florida loss (coupled with a Texas win) all but locks up the Heisman for teh Colt. I seriously doubt that Mark Ingram, short of a 200yd/3td bulldozing, has a remote shot at the Heisman if Colt puts up his usual numbers. As much as we jest about how the Heisman is worthless scrap metal, it’s a pretty important barometer when measuring schools’ all-time legacies. Oh sure, Bradford may have stunk up the title game last year, but 30 years from now, people are going to count how many championships and how many Heisman winners OU had. Sure, a Sooner fan would have like to have taken both, but one out of two ain’t bad. Plus, the DAC owes us for the Vince Young screwing.

2. On Vince Young, a Florida loss also gives us further assurance that we won’t have to listen to the Tim Tebow drool-fest of how ZOMG he was the greatest college player EVAR. As a VY supporter, I’m perfectly fine with Tebow not even getting a shot at sealing up that “third” championship to cement his legacy.

Anybody hear anything about Ship missing tomorrows game? Something about a turf toe or an ankle sprain.

I don’t see it, but there’s a rumor going around.

I read that Chip Brown floated it on a radio show without actually naming names. Mack should invite him over for a cup of shut the fuck up..

Oh, it’s an OB rumor. Nevermind, as you were….

He was on the sideline during the A&M game getting his foot looked at and taped. Word is he has a turf toe or ankle issue but he will play. He might not be 100% though. I’m not sure how this ever turned into him missing the game though.

I read that Chip Brown floated it on a radio show without actually naming names. Mack should invite him over for a cup of shut the fuck up..

Yeah, well, when Mack starts paying him, then he can start telling him what to say. You think Nebraska missed the part of the game where he was getting taped?

It ran through OB is how. We’re lucky he made it out alive and sober.

Magnus, Trubow at the AAS is reporting as of noon today:

The Texas Longhorns will head into Saturday’s Big 12 Championship game with Nebraska healthy, according to the Longhorns’ injury report.

Cornerback Deon Beasley, who was injured against Texas A&M and had to be carted off the field, was cleared to play.

In fact, the only player listed on Texas’ injury report is cornerback Clark Ford, who is out with an ankle injury.

Rumors have been circulating about wide receiver Jordan Shipley having a foot injury after he was seen getting treatment in the Longhorns’ win over Texas A&M.

He was asked about it Monday and the receiver said he was healthy. He was not listed on the injury report.

take it for what it’s worth because he is referencing a Monday statement.

I think we matchup well with either team. Probably better against bama but against Florida we’ll have some good matchups as well.

Early on in the season, we would have got demolished by Florida’s defense. Right now though with Malcolm/Kirk emerging and Newton finally being healthy we’re a different offense. They haven’t faced an offense as talented as this one. This team has experience, game breaking WRs, can run the ball with a few different styles, and an accurate, experienced, poised SR QB. Along with an OL that, while has been disappointing at times, has had its moments as well.

Florida can bring guys off the edge but that will leave them vulnerable in coverage and Colt is not just throwing to Shipley anymore, he’s looking for Malcolm/Kirk/Buckner. He’s looking to dump off the Newton. He’s even looking for Greg Smith. He’s using all the talent around him now, whereas early on it was basically Shipley or nothing.

I agree we’d matchup better with Bama. Their front 7 is nasty but I don’t think they are as good in the back 4 as Florida. They haven’t faced anyone that can throw the ball and Tennessee had some success with Crompton. The no-huddle would take at least 1 LB and Cody out of the game.

The two concerns I’d have against Florida are their DE’s(Dunlap will play in the bowl game) against our tackles, and Colt’s tendency to throw 2-3 bad passes a game that should be picked but are usually dropped.

“Their athletes are better than ours.” Myopia, is that you?

I’m all about realism. Realism tells me we’re playing Florida. Bama couldn’t score an offensive TD for about 10 qtrs during the year. That just ain’t gonna cut it against the best D they’ll face. I like Florida 17-6 in this game.

Also… there seems to be some Tebow bitterness from Colt. I think that will be an even better motivator than Bama for Colt. Just a sense I get. Not that we won’t be motivated enough for a champ game.

To best explain the bitterness between Colt and The Bow, I’ll equate it to the move ‘Old School.’ Colt obviously being Luke Wilson, and Tim played by Craig Kilborn, the slimy POS that had everyone fooled.

I think there must have been some backstage hijinks at the Heisman ceremony last year.

Colt-“Greetings Timothy, congratulations on yet another stellar season.”
Tim-“Man, your bitch is hot fool!”
Colt-“If by bitch you mean gal, and by hot you mean a very handsome woman, well then yes she is.”
Tim-“Whatever bro, she’s banging, tits are kind of small, but fuck it. I’d hit.”
Colt-“I thought you were a man of god.”
Tim-“I AM GOD!”
Colt-“No offense, but I don’t think God would have lost to Ole Miss at home.”
Tim-“You don’t get it do you Jim Ned, I lost that shit on purpose so I could make that buttfucking speech.”
Colt-“What about that homosexual shirt you wore afterwards? If you knew you were going to be on that stage, why’d you dress like Demarco Murray (shout out to Scip on the purrrra-key, Reesing thread)?
Tim-”What should I have worn? A shirt with the school mascot on it? Like how you and your strumming standing 69 partner always have on Longhorn shit? Gay.
Sam-“Guuhhhaahhhhddddrrrrrrrrrr.” {Eyes bouncing into eachother like atoms.}
Tim-“Look, maybe a came across a little abrasive. After the ceremony why don’t you come smoke out with me and Harvin? I think he’s lining up that hooker that’s fucking the blind governor guy.”
Colt-“You smoke drugs?”
Tim-“We’re in college Silver Spoons, get with the program. Are you kidding me, you’re really like this….haha….what a vag..What are you looking at you curly headed fuck. We’re about to kick your ass in a couple week. You guys are fucking lame.”

It was at that point when Colt wandered off to the corner of the room. A spotlight shined on him as he spoke his thoughts, Shakespearean style, so the whole audience would no what he was thinking. “By the power of Gray Skull, I vow to never lose to that jerk, whether it be in tackle football, or the John Heisman trophy….and… my chicks tits aren’t small.”

I just want to make sure I have this right…

Most of you want to win a national championship by hiding from a team you think would beat us?

Is that really the point?

I’m sincerely not trying to be Mr. Contrarian. I often try sincerely to be Mr. Contrarian, but I’m not doing that here.

Don’t you just want to beat the best team out there, thereby proving yourself the best?

That’s what I want.

I think Florida is probably the best. I don’t know if we’d beat them, but I want to.

Scip, you want to win a title by hiding from Florida? Justify that morally and emotionally for me, please.

Totally shocked that Bama’s offense showed up. We’re getting what we asked for. Wow!

What’s the saying? “Be careful what you wish for”?

What you’re missing here, Scip, is that Bama will only need 3 players to stop your run game.

10/24/09 Alabama vs. Tennessee * TV Tuscaloosa, Ala. W, 12-10
 
Yes, 7-5 Tennessee, in Tuscaloosa, ALABAMA.

I like our chances, even against the team that just b-slapped the team of whom someone recently said “Their athletes are better than ours.”

Horns roll the Tide. Utah redux. You heard it here first. Hook. Them.

Anything can happen obviously, but I don’t think we want to get into a “Hey look, they had a shitty game!!” contest.

I like your writing, and I think the points you made were very valid based on what we had seen so far this year. However, what you say in the SECCG was Bama playing its first complete game of the season, and they did it against the #1 team in the country. The only question remaining now is…can Bama play with the same focus, discipline, and intensity that it did against the game it was planning for all year? This will be Saban’s coaching challenge – to get the same out of the team that he did against UF. The rest of his coaching job is already complete.

I’ll say one thing – after playing Suh – we sure know how it feels for a greyhound to be fucked by a bulldog.

…be careful what you ask for, boy, you may end up with no ability to eat after Bama knocks your teeth out on January 7th. There isn’t a team in the big (notice I didn’t capitalize it) 12 that could compete week in and week out in the SEC.

Alabama is the REAL DEAL and if Texas wants this championship, you’ll have to be enough of a big boy to take it, and I don’t think Texas is big enough.

If I were Texas, I’d be scared to play Alabama after watching the ass whopping the Gators received on Saturday. I thought Florida had the best defense, right? Wrong, the Gators were flat out shut down. They scored no points in the second half while Tebow cried like a little girl on the side line. I think if safe to say Alabama has the best defense, and judging by that game, the best team. Do you still think McElroy isn’t a good quarterback too? No picks and 239 passing yards. I can tell right now I love the match up of Bama against Texas. Can’t wait to see you in Pasadena…

Well you got what you wanted.

For the next 30 days you will hear about how Alabama will beat Texas. Badly.

You can try to console yourself into thinking this is like 2005 and USC. It is not. The 2005 USC was a primadona team led by self-loving Pete Carroll. They loved themselves and thought Texas would lay down and hand them the crystal trophy.

Alabama is hungry and feels dissed. No one has given them the respect that Texas and Florida got all season. Alabama played a much harder strength of schedule than Texas. Despite going undefeated in the nations number one ranked conference (Big 12 is ranked #5) Alabama opened the season against a top 10 Virginia Tech team on a neutral field. What non-conference game measures up by Texas? Wait, what game at all on Texas’s schedule measures up to Alabama dominating Virginia Tech? (Alabama out gained Va tech by over 300 yards). Unlike the other top 6 teams, Alabama actually played a tough non-conference game this season.

Unlike Pete C., Coach Saban is OBSESSED with beating Texas. Will Muschamp said no to working for him at Alabama. Major Applewhite quit on Alabama. The Alabama QB is from Texas. (Texas Tech offered him but Texas wasn’t interested). Where was Coach Saban at 2 am today? The film room. Alabama will be on the practice field later this afternoon. Alabama players will hear all month how Alabama has NEVER beaten Texas. This is not USC of 2005. Coach Saban, without realizing it, started preparing for this game 12 months ago. Guess who visited Tuscaloosa in the off-season? Bob Stoops. Coach Saban and Coach Stoops got in the film room with two sets of spread offense films: Florida and Texas.

When Mark Ingram wins the Heisman trophy next week, Alabama players will be happy for Mark. However, it is a “isn’t that nice,” kind of feeling. Julio Jones, Trent Richardson, Greg McElroy, Marquis Maize, Roy Upchurch, Colin Peek all are terrific play makers. As a matter of fact, Roy Upchurch would be the starting tailback at Texas and is the 3rd string at Alabama.

Special teams? Javier Arenas needs about 20 punt return yards to set the all-time NCAA record for punt return yards. Beating Wes Welker’s NCAA record. Javier already owns the NCAA record for punt return touchdowns. How is Texas on their kick coverage? Oh yea, poor. Kicker Leigh Tiffin, is the leading candidate for FG kicker of the year award.

Alabama’s offense put up almost 500 yards against the nations (previously) ranked #1 defense in the nation. (Even a 300 yard 24 point performance against Texas will be plenty.)

Alabama’s defense is the best defense in college football and has 10 of its 11 starters that are better than Nebraska’s. Besides 30+ days for football’s (NFL or college) greatest defensive mind, Coach Saban, to scheme for Texas, look what they did to Florida.

Florida has a great mobile QB, a great receiver and one above-average receiver. No meaningful running backs. Texas has a great mobile QB, a great receiver and one above-average receiver. No meaningful running backs. Florida’s offense line is much better than Texas.

Texas and Florida’s offenses are mirror images of each other schematically and talent wise.

There is a reason why the line could be Alabama by more than 6. There are far more reasons why Alabama covers that, then some.

“Texas and Florida’s offenses are mirror images of each other schematically and talent wise. "

Ah yes, I look forward to the Greg Davis / Urban Meyer similarity explanation to follow.

This co-mingling of the Bama/Texas fan bases over the next month is going to be amusing around here. Just wait.

bizzle, I only watched Texas three times this year. Oklahoma, Teas A&M and their loss to Nebraska.

All three games I saw Texas running a spread offense with little reliance on any running backs.

Has Texas stopped running Urban Meyer’s spread offense since Saturday night?

Ha. You ain’t lying dedfischer. There’s going to be enough entitlement around here to make a nobleman blush.

“Texas and Florida’s offenses are mirror images of each other schematically and talent wise”

You had a pretty good rant going up to that point. Then I cracked up.

If our 13-12 squeaker means we suck, how’s the 12-10 squeaker to Tennessee fit into your analysis?

"Texas and Florida’s offenses are mirror images of each other schematically and talent wise"

No.

Colt doesn’t run the ball 20 times a game. We don’t have any triple option plays. We throw it 80% of the time.

Talent wise we are probably similar. Scheme and playcalling we are not alike at all.