On the bright side ...
by pantsfucious on Jan 3, 2009 12:18 PM CST
29 comments
OK, there is no bright side. But, here's food for thought. Because of the historical propensity to use the bowl game as a measuring stick for next season ... incorrectly, I might add ... there's a very good chance that Bama slips under the radar a bit next season. Because of the way Ole Miss closed out its season and the way LSU dominated Georgia Tech (and seemingly addressed its defensive issues with the hire of John Chavis), that momentum will carry over into the offseason. It's not real momentum. It has zero to do with how those teams will actually perform because the bowl game means nothing with regard to next season. But the perception says otherwise. The Rebels and Tigers will be the theoretical beneficiaries of positive momentum and don't be surprised if they're picked 1-2 in the SEC West next year more often than you might expect.
Bama's tepid performance in the Sugar Bowl, combined with the loss of significant talent on offense, will give the program a sense of negative momentum, especially relative to Ole Miss and LSU. I'm not saying it's fair or correct, just that this is how CFB fans think, especially if you give them 8 months to stew and dissect and froth over the next season. People can talk themselves into anything. Don't be surprised if we're picked to finish with 8 wins and a possible 3rd place finish in the West. All of which could work to our advantage. With diminished external expectations, the Tide will have the luxury of establishing a new identity on offense without the bullseye on its back. While we do figure to have an adjustment period on offense, and 11-12 wins is probably unrealistic, 9-10 wins isn't out of the realm of possibility. Thus, we can use the "lack of respect" angle, let alone the embarrassment from last night, to be a motivating force all offseason. At least this is what I tell myself in between the sobs of rage.
Happy New Year and Roll Tide.
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I think we can look on the bright side
(and I will when the sting fades a bit). We got whipped. We got outplayed and outcoached by an inferior team. We once again failed to FINISH and this will drive CNS and the players to work like hell in the offseason. CNS is surely not taking the day off. He is in the thick of recruiting and nobody is better. As much as this loss sucked, it will give us the motivation we need to improve between now and the first kick next yr. RMFT
I wouldn't piss off the boys from Alabama . . .
by I hate UT on Jan 3, 2009 12:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No I hate U
Dude run forest run the tide got beat down. You should all thank Nick for that. Next year next year are you for real thats all you have next year what about this year. DISAPPOINTING RIGHT so what to look forward to is only your 0-0 record now. That is what your bright side is. Wow you suck the tide sucks go bama
by u beat u on Jan 3, 2009 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
uh, UT means Univ. of Tennessee
where I earned a PhD after graduating from Alabama. As if I just joined RBR last night and would create a username based on one loss. Get over yourself.
I wouldn't piss off the boys from Alabama . . .
by I hate UT on Jan 3, 2009 9:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We really shouldn’t acknowledge this one! Just not worth the energy. If he isn’t willing to put words together in complete, coherent sentences, why should we?
by crimsongirl on Jan 3, 2009 9:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i have to agree with you here crimsongirl
if i am gonna read billigerant (sp?) posting on this board, it sure as heck better be about bama… this guy is a classless noob that needs to eat a jock strap.
by tidefanstuckatlsu on Jan 5, 2009 9:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well the expectations will be lower next year and should be.
We don’t have a QB.
We only have one WR threat downfield.
Darius Hanks, Maze, are far from speed threats.
We don’t have a consistent shut down corner.
We don’t have a physical safety threat.
We don’t have a true DE pass rusher.
We don’t have depth at LB or legit OLB starter not named Hightower.
We dont have a kicker that makes FG consistantly.
Were losing Kevin Steele who is a very good recruiter.
Now with all this said I have faith in Saban and his ability to analyze talent and adjust. I read earlier that Burton Scott is possibly being sent to defense at Safety or Nickel type defender. Our OL is all in shambles but we have an entire year to get that back in line and regroup. We are going to lose some talent but we have great depth at OL and have a good prospect class with DJ fluker and James Carperter could be huge pluses at OL or DL depending on where they are needed. Brandon Gibson is a DJ Hall type WR and could produce next year. However we NEED a shut down corner to replace Arenas and anyone to replace mar. Johnson and sheriff. Those guys are not athletic but don’t fit our system on offense or defense. We need OLB opposite of HighTower, and a TRUE pass rusher, and we must get another downfield threat. It doesn’t need to be a top prospect but we need a legitmate WR that can seperate and make plays. I like Smelley as a TE next year and as a Red Zone threat. The man has hands. Earl Alexander is too damn slow. I like the guy but he is to slow. He reminds me of Shaq rumbling down the court. He’s more of a blocker that will get some PA passes.
I got faith in Saban. Losing Steele will hurt (recruiting wise) but Saban will fill that hole as well. Our replacement for Steele should be someone with excellent recruiting skills and a presence in either Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Ohio, or Mid Atlantic. Should bring a recruiting base like steele and the panhandle of FL and South Florida, and Georgia.
Roll Tide.
by Charmin519 on Jan 3, 2009 12:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Agree on a lot of that
However, don’t forget that Javi is coming back next year and is close to a shutdown corner. Hell, I’ll just take a DB who can tackle. As great as Rashad was … weird typing that in the past tense … even he went through bouts where he failed to wrap up. Very frustrating and obviously last night was a perfect storm of suck. That being said, your statement about having faith in Saban is key. Don’t forget, we came into 2008 with significant questions:
RB – No one saw Coffee, Ingram, or Upchurch being a three-headed monster. Man, did they make Wilson’s job easier. If we can keep those guys healthy and Richardson proves to be a legit option, it takes HUGE pressure off of our new QB.
DL – No one saw Cody coming. Hard to believe, considering he blocks out the sun, but the fact is he was a total “X” factor. His presence made everybody’s job on defense easier. Which brings me to …
LB – This was the gigantic question mark last summer, especially after Jimmy Johns’ coke bust. Depth issues aside, you have to say that the LB corps was a team strength. We knew McClain was nails, but Hightower, Reamer, and Anders really stepped up.
Bottom line, we’re gonna get production from guys we don’t even know yet, or who are nothing but names and potential. If our coaching staff gets positive production from 5-10 of these “nobodies,” like we did this year, we’re gonna surprise some people. Yes, QB and O Line issues hover over everything, yes we need help for Julio asap, speed and depth on D are a must, but we won 12 games this year for a reason. As much as things smells like shit right now, I’m already getting excited for spring practice and sneaking up on people next summer and fall.
"That rug really tied the room together."
by pantsfucious on Jan 3, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good points all.
Here’s the down-side for next year – while we may not be the darlings of the media we will certainly be the “revenge” game for 8 SEC opponents next season. We will be playing 8 games against teams with a chip on their shoulder after what we did to them this year.
Here’s hoping that doesn’t take too great a toll.
by TiderInTN on Jan 3, 2009 12:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Here is a legitimate question for you guys
Utah was the only team to actually take advantage of the one issue everyone knew was Alabama’s weakness this year, depth. Everyone knew that depth was an issue, but no one had an opportunity to play your backups this year. In all reality, you are replacing possibly, and most likely, three of the best lineman that you guys have had in nearly 20 years and you are breaking in a new quarterback next year to boot, would you guys settle for a 9 win season next year if you are at least competitive in the losses?
I don’t see defense being an issue for you guys next season, but offense is certainly going to take a hit.
by Mattco on Jan 3, 2009 2:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
9 wins
is very doable….10-11 is a long shot and 12 is near impossible
When you are an Alabama fan you are expected to hate Auburn, I hate Tennessee because I want to.
by bammer on Jan 3, 2009 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
but
would you be happy with 9 or has the bar been set now?
by Mattco on Jan 3, 2009 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
9 is fine
I think it’s realistic to hope for the West and a shot at Atlanta, but a Jan 1 bowl game is OK, too. I could certainly live with that.
"That rug really tied the room together."
by pantsfucious on Jan 3, 2009 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
9 regular season or 9 overall?
including a bowl game we ought to win ten games. 8-4 isn’t good enough for regular season.
im not impressed with your performance
by troy145 on Jan 4, 2009 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
9 reg season
So, 10 overall. However, if we finish with 8 wins in the regular season and finish strong in the bowl game, I might be fine with that. For example, if we have Ole Miss’ just-completed season, I could live with that. They lost 4 games by 17 total points, beat the team playing for the crystal ball, almost beat another BCS team, and finished the season with 6 straight wins. Sure, 10 wins looks better, but all things considered, I wouldn’t complain about that season.
"That rug really tied the room together."
by pantsfucious on Jan 4, 2009 12:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
But nine wins is damned good with your schedule and Saban will only recruit better ones while I predict Tennessee and Auburn will continue to bleed talent to you guys.
by MeanBobMean on Jan 4, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure all 3 O linemen were best evers
Smitty is definitely one of the best O linemen we’ve had, probably ever, no questions asked. Caldwell was pretty damn solid, but was he really better than a healthy JB Closner? Not arguing, but curious what close followers of the big uglies think. Other centers of the last 2 decades aren’t coming to mind, but that could be my eroding memory. He’s gonna be a load to replace, though, that’s for sure. Davis wasn’t that good, he’ll be the easiest to replace, for sure. Not saying O line isn’t an issue, but I feel confident that RG will be at worst same ol’ same ol’.
"That rug really tied the room together."
by pantsfucious on Jan 3, 2009 2:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I kind of meant
that the unit was the best of the past 20 years, but Smith and Caldwell are possibly the best at each position of the past 20 years too. Offensive line should be your biggest worry, if your line plays well next year you can at least crutch on your running game but if your line isn’t opening holes then it is going to be a long year for you guys.
by Mattco on Jan 3, 2009 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gotcha
Yeah, O line is the engine block. As it develops, so develops the offense, and their success will make everyone else’s job easier. Of course, the reverse is also true, but too depressing to contemplate.
"That rug really tied the room together."
by pantsfucious on Jan 3, 2009 3:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Rebels fall back a bit, IMHO
They are losing a stellar front four, even if they get more consistent on offense (not to mention, Nutt was never a stellar recruiter). That cannot be overlooked. I still think the West is a two way catfight between UA-LSU. Ole Miss and Arkie fight for 3/4. The Barn and MSU slapfight for the cellar.
"penis fish"…google that, and the candiru is the first thing that pops up
by Stuck in the Plains on Jan 3, 2009 2:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
my west for next year
Alabama
LSU
Ole Miss
Auburn
Arkansas
Miss State
The two teams that I am really curious with are Miss State and Auburn. Chizik is really assembling a good coaching staff but I fear that if it doesn’t produce next year, he might not get much opportunity to continue to implement it. Dan Mullen was a hell of a O.C and brings something special to Miss State that they really needed, but if I were him I might have tried to keep Croom on as a D.C, that would be a good combination.
All in all, the west is rising fast and the East seems to be getting slim for the next couple years, Tenn is down but might be back and Georgia will struggle badly if Moreno and Stafford leave. Florida, if rumors that Tebow is leaving is true, will be in disarray without him leading. It looks to be a good year for the West next year as long as teams stay healthy.
by Mattco on Jan 3, 2009 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Keep in mind
that their schedule is incredibly favorable next year. They play Vandy, USC, and UT from the east. Plus, they get us and LSU at home. I don’t see any games on the slate that they can’t win.
by TiderInTN on Jan 3, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Some good points.
I like us to be overlooked a bit at the start. Here is a shocker- our O-Line next year will be better.
We can’t replace Andre with an equal, but we will be better at the other 4 spots. Seriously we will. Who will be our new LT is uncertain- but I like this Carpenter as a possibility there. But we will be balanced and able to run left or right.
If you remember before this year we were not thought to have a great O-line, but we did. We will be very good there next year too. We have recruited great at O-line and we will work these new guys in.
QB is up in the air but really who ever wins the spot will be JPW’s equal in ability although lacking experience. With coach Mac he will be ok.
Bama will win 10 next year. Only Va Tech, LSU, and Ole Miss look like possible losses and I think we take 1 of these 3 for sure. Even at Oxford I think we can take Ole Miss. Our most likely loss could be Va Tech as it will be a learning situation for our QB. LSU is home and I think we are going to be hard to be at home for a long while.
by 5026 on Jan 3, 2009 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Man I thought Caldwell was awesome as it was.
by MeanBobMean on Jan 4, 2009 12:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and VA tech's QB
should be vastly improved by next september, but i still think he has a lot of ground to make up. if star or mcelroy is the starter, i think we’ll be roughly equivalent to VA Tech at the QB spot. if it’s aj mccarron, then damn, he’ll be green behind the ears, but he sure musta shown st nick somthing to get that spot, so i’m ready to go into battle w/ him too.
by tempebamafan on Jan 4, 2009 12:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
we're going 12 and 0 next year
mark it dudes. sunday january 4, 2009, tempebamafan called for a second straight 12-0 regular season. i’m takin that to vegas too…
by tempebamafan on Jan 4, 2009 12:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
as long as...
it doesnt cost us a sec champ victory and a bowl victory…..hehehe
Tigers Hide and rooooll that TIDE!
by JiggaTide on Jan 4, 2009 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
09 is still the time
The Tide will be stronger and meaner. I’ll bet large sums that either Mac or Star play better in the backfield than JPW. I’m not taking anything from JPW because, he did give us a great regular season. The O-line might not be as powerful as this year but, they really will not have to be with the new backfield linning up. Also the D-line will be a lot more dominant against the run and pass. If I can see this and I’ve never coached college football then you are truly underestimating CNS. I didn’t expect them to perform so well so soon and really looked forward to 09 to be honest. We will see Urban and the Gators again in ATL and this time we will dine on fine gator tail. The Tide will put up more points and move the ball a lot faster than we have ever seen, "almost lethal’.
Rolling with the Tide!!!!
by Tide in Texas on Jan 5, 2009 5:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Imagine what JPW
could have been if he’d had coach Mac all four seasons. Still not NFL talent, but a sight better than he was this year, and he got the job done fairly well this year. I hate it what he and all the other seniors had to endure for most of their time here, and am glad that our players for the next several (may it be forever!) years will get quality coaching from the start of their tenure here to the end.
I bleed crimson and white...I puke Vol puke orange. RTR
by SugarBowl93 on Jan 5, 2009 1:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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