Why Alabama can Win

[RollTideRoll]

Passing Game
Even with the loss of Prothro (and lemme tell you that loss does hurt), we still can spread the field fairly effectively. Now I know we looked flat against Ole Miss, so let's get that out of the way first. Put simply, they had nothing to lose and played with heart and Alabama, in my opinion, was rusty off of a BYE week and looking PAST Ole Miss for a certain Orange Bunch.

Defense
I think both squads are going to try to force the QB's to win the game, and I beleive that will work to the advantage of Alabama. In my opinion your coaches are going to look hard at the tapes from Arkansas and Ole Miss and try to repeat those performances with your vastly superior talent (you guys DEFINATELY got "game"). That is where I see a potential pitfall for Tennessee. Even on our worst showings, we have demonstrated a "big play" potential (i.e. explosion on offense) in each game, and that could hamper your defense, keeping them "honest" once more then allowing us to chew on your secondary.

Coaching
From some of the articles I have read, and even some posts on this board, there have been some concerns about various coaches on your staff. Hopefully, they are ignoring that crap and focusing on getting your guys ready, but if it is gnawing at them in the back of their minds, then you could see some poor decisions during the course of the game.

You'll not that in the Coaching section in no way do I claim Shula to be a better coach than Fulmer. Love Phil or hate him, he HAS proven himself, while Mike is still trying to rev his engine.

Thoughts?

 

[Lexvol]

Originally posted by RollTideRoll@Oct 17, 2005 5:23 PM
Passing Game
Even with the loss of Prothro (and lemme tell you that loss does hurt), we still can spread the field fairly effectively.  Now I know we looked flat against Ole Miss, so let's get that out of the way first.  Put simply, they had nothing to lose and played with heart and Alabama, in my opinion, was rusty off of a BYE week and looking PAST Ole Miss for a certain Orange Bunch.

Defense
I think both squads are going to try to force the QB's to win the game, and I beleive that will work to the advantage of Alabama.  In my opinion your coaches are going to look hard at the tapes from Arkansas and Ole Miss and try to repeat those performances with your vastly superior talent (you guys DEFINATELY got "game").  That is where I see a potential pitfall for Tennessee.  Even on our worst showings, we have demonstrated a "big play" potential (i.e. explosion on offense) in each game, and that could hamper your defense, keeping them "honest" once more then allowing us to chew on your secondary. 

Coaching
From some of the articles I have read, and even some posts on this board, there have been some concerns about various coaches on your staff.  Hopefully, they are ignoring that crap and focusing on getting your guys ready, but if it is gnawing at them in the back of their minds, then you could see some poor decisions during the course of the game.

You'll not that in the Coaching section in no way do I claim Shula to be a better coach than Fulmer.  Love Phil or hate him, he HAS proven himself, while Mike is still trying to rev his engine.

Thoughts?

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Passing Game: Obsolete is a push based on Bama's first performance without Portho. If Bama can run, and that is a big if, then they win.

Coaching: Kines vs Chavis with both talents are a push

Home field advantage: Tenn starts 7 in the hole playing in Tuscaloosa

Preparation: Bama offense will be better prepared

 

[OWB]

Originally posted by RollTideRoll@Oct 17, 2005 6:23 PM
Now I know we looked flat against Ole Miss, so let's get that out of the way first.  Put simply, they had nothing to lose and played with heart and Alabama, in my opinion, was rusty off of a BYE week and looking PAST Ole Miss for a certain Orange Bunch.

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You think Ole Miss didn't have much to lose and played with heart, wait until you get a load of our guys.

I hope anyway.

 

[RollTideRoll]

That's exactly what I am hoping WILL NOT be happening. You guys have much more talent than Ole Miss, and if you click on all cylinders, then you would even give USC a run for their money.

 

[Lexvol]

Originally posted by RollTideRoll@Oct 17, 2005 5:37 PM
That's exactly what I am hoping WILL NOT be happening.  You guys have much more talent than Ole Miss, and if you click on all cylinders, then you would even give USC a run for their money.

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Thanks RTR, but USC could spot us 21, especially without Jason Allen. All cylinders is four this year buddy. That is good news for you.

 

[utvolpj]

Originally posted by RollTideRoll@Oct 17, 2005 5:37 PM
That's exactly what I am hoping WILL NOT be happening.  You guys have much more talent than Ole Miss, and if you click on all cylinders, then you would even give USC a run for their money.

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I am the most optimistic of Vol fans and my orange colored glasses get too dark to see through some days. That being said, UT could not give USC a run for their money unless you mean S. Carolina.

You did a good job being objective in your assessment. I see the key to a UT win is shutting down the running game. We do that and I feel Croyle will be running for his life w/ Chavis coaching. He is the only UT coach who goes for the kill. UT's secondary has made great strides this year and must show it in this game.

 

[Chattownsfinest]

a huge part of this game will be how well lil Inky Johnson does taking over for Jason Allen. The fact is only way we win this game is if Ainge comes in and finally regains some confidence and makes some big throws. Otherwise the Alabama D is just 2 talented and will stuff Riggs all day when they put 8-9 in the box just like every team we've played this season has.

 

[Lexvol]

Originally posted by Chattownsfinest@Oct 17, 2005 5:48 PM
a huge part of this game will be how well lil Inky Johnson does taking over for Jason Allen. The fact is only way we win this game is if Ainge comes in and finally regains some confidence and makes some big throws. Otherwise the Alabama D is just 2 talented and will stuff Riggs all day when they put 8-9 in the box just like every team we've played this season has.

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If UT is as inept on offense this week, Bama could wear our defense down and end up rushing for 250 yards.

 

[volbrian]

To me, I have to give the edge to Tennessee.

Now, thats not saying UT will win. But look at the situations:

-Bama is the team who is undefeated
-Bama is the team trying to beat UT for only the second time in 11 tries.
-Bama has nothing to prepare for as far as Defense
-The presssure is on them to NOT lose to an inferior team

But, look at it from UT:

-They have nothing to lose
- Nobody exepects them to beat Bama
-They usually play their best on the road
-Their offense has to eventually wake up.

Right now, IT is a very dangerous team for Bama to be playing. They have a hurt pride and you better believe, Beating an undefeated Bama team will do a lot for what ails them.

Beating Bama wouldnt surprise me. Losing to USC scares the hell outta me.

 

[volmanjr]

If we contain Darby and put together more than 1 qtr's worth of decent offense UT wins

 

[volinbham]

Originally posted by volmanjr@Oct 17, 2005 10:17 PM
If we contain Darby and put together more than 1 qtr's worth of decent offense UT wins

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I agree. Ole Miss did a good job. Technically we have a better run defense but anything can happen.

Croyle will be the least mobile QB we've faced. IMHO, Georgia killed us early because our rush was so concerned with containment that we just didn't get pressure on Shockley in the first half.

Surprisingly, we are throwing for more yardage per game than Bama. We haven't been coverting the passing yards into points though.

Should be a wild one.

 

[LadyinOrange]

Originally posted by RollTideRoll@Oct 17, 2005 5:37 PM
That's exactly what I am hoping WILL NOT be happening.  You guys have much more talent than Ole Miss, and if you click on all cylinders, then you would even give USC a run for their money.

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:kiss:

 

[BamasBack12]

Originally posted by volinbham@Oct 17, 2005 11:34 PM
I agree.  Ole Miss did a good job.  Technically we have a better run defense but anything can happen.

Croyle will be the least mobile QB we've faced.  IMHO, Georgia killed us early because our rush was so concerned with containment that we just didn't get pressure on Shockley in the first half.

Surprisingly, we are throwing for more yardage per game than Bama.  We haven't been coverting the passing yards into points though. 

Should be a wild one.

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Croyle is more mobile than you think. He isn't the best at making plays with his legs, but when he has to he does it. He did so against USC and this past week against Ole Miss. When the game was on the line he rushed for 20 yards and a first down on a 3rd and 9 play. However, I expect Brodie to be under pressure a lot more against UT than he was against OM. As far as passing yardage goes, yall do have more. We have, thus far, a superior running game that keeps us from having to throw the ball as much. When you can't run the ball and you're down a good bit of the time, passing is all you can do and that's been the story with UT. Spurlock was able to throw for 210 yards against us because we were playing a soft zone defense, trying to force Spurlock to beat us which he couldn't do. Against UT, Bama will go back to a man coverage. On another note, I read in the Birmingham News that C.J. Fayton was questionable for Saturday's game. What is wrong with him?

 

[JennVols]

The Bama fans are getting worried. :birgits_giggle:

 

[GAVol]

I think Fayton is questionable because of a sprained ankle.

 

[OldVol]

What is refreshing here, and exemplary, is that a Bama fan would look at this game from a reasonable point of view.

I agree. Bama CAN win.

I think the biggest problem Bama has to worry about is WHICH Vol team decides to show up.

For all the ya ya we see about our coaching, everyone here would have to agree that our staff has won some very big games and have outcoached some good staffs along the way.

Now, to the problem. And the problem is; no one knows exactly what the problem is. We have great talent, a proven coaching staff, and tremendous fan support, but we have woefully underachieved most of the season.

As for the Bama game, it usually brings out the very best in both teams. Even in the years that Bama was down, they played over their heads in several games and made it a lot closer than their talent level should have been able to do. But, this is the game that both sides point to as the game that proves you as a player, coach and team. Lives are defined by what you do in UT/UA games.

How Bama can win. Find a replacement for Prothro that can make UT respect the deep threat. That was missing against Ole Miss and it went a long way to defining that game's outcome. Ole Miss isn't that good and Bama isn't that bad.

Bama needs to establish the run and make no mistakes.

How UT can win. Eliminate the stupid penalties, get some relaxed play at the QB position which includes hitting wide open receivers, stop dropping so many easy catches, and incoorporate more mis-direction, and play-action that will isolate the Bama defense.

Position for position, UT has more depth and better talent. But who will play with the greatest intensity and best focus?

That will probably determine the outcome.

In this game, the team who rushes the best and makes the fewest turnovers usually wins the game.

I'm saying UT 24 Bama 10.

 

[BamasBack12]

Originally posted by OldVol@Oct 18, 2005 12:43 PM
What is refreshing here, and exemplary, is that a Bama fan would look at this game from a reasonable point of view.

I agree. Bama CAN win.

I think the biggest problem Bama has to worry about is WHICH Vol team decides to show up.

For all the ya ya we see about our coaching, everyone here would have to agree that our staff has won some very big games and have outcoached some good staffs along the way.

Now, to the problem. And the problem is; no one knows exactly what the problem is. We have great talent, a proven coaching staff, and tremendous fan support, but we have woefully underachieved most of the season.

As for the Bama game, it usually brings out the very best in both teams. Even in the years that Bama was down, they played over their heads in several games and made it a lot closer than their talent level should have been able to do. But, this is the game that both sides point to as the game that proves you as a player, coach and team. Lives are defined by what you do in UT/UA games.

How Bama can win. Find a replacement for Prothro that can make UT respect the deep threat. That was missing against Ole Miss and it went a long way to defining that game's outcome. Ole Miss isn't that good and Bama isn't that bad.

Bama needs to establish the run and make no mistakes.

How UT can win. Eliminate the stupid penalties, get some relaxed play at the QB position which includes hitting wide open receivers, stop dropping so many easy catches, and incoorporate more mis-direction, and play-action that will isolate the Bama defense.

Position for position, UT has more depth and better talent. But who will play with the greatest intensity and best focus?

That will probably determine the outcome.

In this game, the team who rushes the best and makes the fewest turnovers usually wins the game.

I'm saying UT 24 Bama 10.

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Just a few things: Players and coaches aren't defined by the UA/UT game. Bama's players and coaches are defined by the Iron Bowl. UT is a big rival but when we lose to AU we have to hear about it from our own family members who for some reason love that cow college. Offensively we struggled without Prothro, true. But a lot of that had to do more with DJ Hall being injured and out of most of the game. He's our go to guy now and he bruised his ribs in that game and was gone for most of it and ineffective in the few plays he was in. Brodie threw for around 240 yards and Darby ran for 100, we just had fumbles, a missed field goal, and a missed 4th down conversion that kept us from scoring. As far as your score prediction goes, get real. UT can't score 24 against our defense and you won't win by 2 TD's if you pull it off. You can win the game but not by that much. Lastly, you said the team who runs the ball the best and has the fewest turnovers usually wins. Well so far this year Bama has a better turnover margin than UT and is running the ball better as well so I like our chances.

 

[GAVol]

The thing we've got going for us is that we have yet to give up more than 2 offensive TDs in a game, and we've been playing top 10 opponents every week. No matter how badly our offense plays, we're going to have a shot.

 

[VolunteerHillbilly]

Why Bama can win - a good qarterback and an offensive line that blocks for the tailback.

Why UT can win - even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.

GO VOLS!

 

[OldVol]

Originally posted by BamasBack12@Oct 18, 2005 1:07 PM
Just a few things:  Players and coaches aren't defined by the UA/UT game.  Bama's players and coaches are defined by the Iron Bowl.  UT is a big rival but when we lose to AU we have to hear about it from our own family members who for some reason love that cow college.  Offensively we struggled without Prothro, true.  But a lot of that had to do more with DJ Hall being injured and out of most of the game.  He's our go to guy now and he bruised his ribs in that game and was gone for most of it and ineffective in the few plays he was in.  Brodie threw for around 240 yards and Darby ran for 100, we just had fumbles, a missed field goal, and a missed 4th down conversion that kept us from scoring.  As far as your score prediction goes, get real.  UT can't score 24 against our defense and you won't win by 2 TD's if you pull it off.  You can win the game but not by that much.  Lastly, you said the team who runs the ball the best and has the fewest turnovers usually wins.  Well so far this year Bama has a better turnover margin than UT and is running the ball better as well so I like our chances.

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I would respectfully disagree.

The Iron bowl has meant more to fans than to the players and the success of the University.

Alabama and Tennessee have traditionalyy been the two most winning programs in the SEC.

Thus, the winner of the annual game has always set the tone for the remainder of the season. The loser usually would go on to lesser accomplishments and the winner would go on to greatness.

It was Bear Bryant who was first quoted as saying that it was the UT/UA game that determined the metal of a man.

I guess you could argue with The Bear, but I think he was right on target.

 

[CHATTAVOL]

If you know your vol history you know that the worst time to play against our football team is when you make us 3 point underdogs and let us rub it in your face in your house.

 

[MAC]

Originally posted by JennVols@Oct 18, 2005 12:12 PM
The Bama fans are getting worried.    :birgits_giggle:

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I don't think any Bama fan is sure of this game...quite the opposite. I've said from day one it's a toss up...doesn't mean I'm worried. I know if Bama comes out and plays on all cylinders that will can/win this game. On the flip side, I know that if TN comes out and does the same, then they can/will win the game.

RTR

 

[Lexvol]

Bama may be driving an eight cylinder, while UT has been seen driving a YUGO. I hope that the Vols at least show up in a mid sized SUV on Saturday.

 

[RollTideRoll]

Make no mistake, this BAMA fan is not worried, but I certainly do not think we are going to own TN. I think we have a real good shot at winning this so long as we can keep your D spread out.

 

[Tidefan]

Originally posted by volbrian@Oct 17, 2005 8:49 PM
To me, I have to give the edge to Tennessee.

Now, thats not saying UT will win.  But look at the situations: 

-Bama is the team who is undefeated
-Bama is the team trying to beat UT for only the second time in 11 tries.
-Bama has nothing to prepare for as far as Defense
-The presssure is on them to NOT lose to an inferior team

But, look at it from UT:

-They have nothing to lose
- Nobody exepects them to beat Bama
-They usually play their best on the road
-Their offense has to eventually wake up. 

Right now, IT is a very dangerous team for Bama to be playing.  They have a hurt pride and you better believe, Beating an undefeated Bama team will do a lot for what ails them.

Beating Bama wouldnt surprise me.  Losing to USC scares the hell outta me.

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Hold on! Who said UT was an inferior team (or did i misread that bit)? I assure you...few (if any) folks down here in Tide Country are thinking UT is inferior. This is a huge game. Many folks here feel the Bama / UT rivalry has nearly supplanted the Iron Bowl. And if UT were in any way...inferior, this just wouldnt be the case. Forget the record. UT is good. We know that. They may not be undefeated, but we know they'll be ready to scrap on Saturday. And I've a feeling that its gonna be a dog-fight this year. (Thank God you're in our backyard this time). :yahoo:

I think the only way we can run on UT is if we are percieved a threat to pass deep. Therefore, we have to work the passing game. I would expect Bama to go right at Inky Johnson and test him. Its only natural to do that, right?

I feel pretty good about our defense (though I may feel differently by halftime :biggrin2: ) but the winner of this game will have controlled the line of scrimmage. I know its cliche to say that, but its true. If you control the line of scrimmage, protect your QB, open up holes for the running game,etc...you should win.

So, if Croyle remains healthy, and we control the line of scrimmage, we should be able to move the ball. The defense should remain rested and do fine.

At least...this is what I hope happens. But in the end, win, lose or draw, I still plan on visiting the beautiful state of Tennessee on my vacation.



Roll Tide!