Good post, OP. Until the officials call the game according to the rules the players will do whatever. That sword cuts both ways, however. Tiny looked ridiculous against Clowney and got away with some obvious holds and grabs. So we have to be prepared. Our guys are no better or no worse than the other teams if the officials call the game fairly.
That being said, if people are honest about it they would admit the officials will not call it fairly at Bama with them having a shot for the NC. Just not going to happen. Too much history with SEC officials to believe that silliness. So our guys have to be better than Bama and the officials. It's happened before, maybe it will again.