man...i am so distraught after yesterday that i just need an outlet.  i just need to vent and get some thoughts out.  like Todd mentioned on the front page, this was definitely a what if game.  but watching the SECCG and last night's BCS game, it makes me think about what we need to fix for next year.  i'm sure it's obvious to everyone here, but i just need to put it out there.  

starting with the offense, to simply put it, we need better pass protection and a more balanced, explosive offensive.  not just for situations in which we have to come from behind, but also for situations where we should be putting teams away early.  it's great when we have physical, time consuming drives that result in TD's.  but when they don't result in a TD or we only get a field goal, it kills us when we have to come from behind.  a lot of our games this season should have been blowouts or walks in the park if we just had more big, explosive plays that resulted in quick TD's.  obviously if we had better pass protection (and i'm not just talking about last night.  the pass protection has been sketchy all year even with the starting O-line), JPW would have more time to throw and would be less prone to mistakes.  but at the same time, if we had a QB that was better overall, less prone to mistakes and able to throw the long ball with more accuracy, the opposing teams' defenses wouldn't be able to take as much risks blitzing.  i guess they kind of go hand in hand. 

as for the defense, to simply put it, we need a better pass rush.  our run defense is great obviously. but Florida and Utah just killed us through the air.  our lack of sacks and lack of pressure on the QB is obviously a big part of it.  but we obviously need more depth or ability at CB (marquis johnson comes to mind.  i watched this guy get burned deep multiple times against both Florida and Utah).  but in the end, better pass rush improves secondary play.   

as heartbreaking as last night was, a 12-2 record, the SEC West title, a BCS bowl bid and being in contention for the MNC all year is still far beyond what was expected for this year.  i can't wait to see how much better we get when our overall ability, skill and depth improve.  it already started last year with a #1 recruiting class, and there's more coming this year and beyond.  ROLL TIDE!