Can’t let Ala get a defensive or special teams score

[wmcovol]

Last 2 years, Bama has had defensive “scoop & scores”. ‘22 was a fumbled handoff like last week. Last year was a sack on Milton. Cant let than happen.

Also OU & definitely Fla had success returning punts from Ross. His punts are usually line drives but he holds the ball longer to allow defenders to get downfield. Both OU & Fla rushed him to make him kick quicker resulting in decent returns. Cant give up ST points either.

 

[utvolpj]

Last 2 years, Bama has had defensive “scoop & scores”. ‘22 was a fumbled handoff like last week. Last year was a sack on Milton. Cant let than happen.

Also OU & definitely Fla had success returning punts from Ross. His punts are usually line drives but he holds the ball longer to allow defenders to get downfield. Both OU & Fla rushed him to make him kick quicker resulting in decent returns. Cant give up ST points either.

Against OU, Ross averaged 48.4 per and OU had 5 returns for 30yds total (one for 17yds). I'll take that kind of success every week

 

[njvols]

It's odd...when I think of Bama, I think of Bama D as the foundation. Weird to see their D ranked so far down NCAA list. For us to win, I think the formula is to do to Bama what they've historically done to us. Throttle them on D, don't turn the ball over, run the ball and hit a few gash plays. All of this still a tall order, but much more doable than much of the past 20 years.

 

[xpsyclonex2002]

Our D is solid. Pilli was a dog and losing him hurts. But the D will hold it's ground. The weak link in the D is still the secondary. It's clearly improved from last season.
We all know that this game is hinging on our Offensive line. If Alabama keeps Nico scrambling out of the pocket or getting happy feet and seeing ghosts, we are in for a nightmare of a night. 3 and outs will kill our defense. As good as they are, you aren't keeping bama out of the endzone. Going fast between plays and then failing to get the chains moving means that the D is on the field for too many Alabama possessions to keep the game winnable.

 

[FBtime]

It's odd...when I think of Bama, I think of Bama D as the foundation. Weird to see their D ranked so far down NCAA list. For us to win, I think the formula is to do to Bama what they've historically done to us. Throttle them on D, don't turn the ball over, run the ball and hit a few gash plays. All of this still a tall order, but much more doable than much of the past 20 years.

Problem is Florida's D was way down the list and we struggled mightily to move the ball. Bama's D is not great but is better than Florida's.

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

It's odd...when I think of Bama, I think of Bama D as the foundation. Weird to see their D ranked so far down NCAA list. For us to win, I think the formula is to do to Bama what they've historically done to us. Throttle them on D, don't turn the ball over, run the ball and hit a few gash plays. All of this still a tall order, but much more doable than much of the past 20 years.

This is how Vandy won. Pavia ran and kept extending drives that prevented Bama from catching back up after early issues.

 

[SonOfGodVolforlife]

It's odd...when I think of Bama, I think of Bama D as the foundation. Weird to see their D ranked so far down NCAA list. For us to win, I think the formula is to do to Bama what they've historically done to us. Throttle them on D, don't turn the ball over, run the ball and hit a few gash plays. All of this still a tall order, but much more doable than much of the past 20 years.

I agree, I think we’re gonna have to play them like Arkansas and FL did to us. Keep the ball away from their offense and have sustained drives.

 

[wmcovol]

Against OU, Ross averaged 48.4 per and OU had 5 returns for 30yds total (one for 17yds). I'll take that kind of success every week

I simply pointed out that opponents are changing how they are attacking Tennessee in punt formation. I noticed You didn’t mention the last two Florida returns. Both were too scary for me, the last set them up for their TD drive

 

[utvolpj]

I simply pointed out that opponents are changing how they are attacking Tennessee in punt formation. I noticed You didn’t mention the last two Florida returns. Both were too scary for me, the last set them up for their TD drive

No I commented on the one that was ridiculous and where you obviously didn't know what he did.

He had several good punts and a solid average. When he's kicking from the end zone with a lead late in the game it's going to be a little rushed. The coverage was more an issue than the punting.