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Alabama Football Armchair Quarterback │You Pick The Play

JUST THROW DEEP, YO.

Crystal Logiudice-US PRESSWIRE

Urban Dictionary:

Armchair Quarterback- Some d-bag who is certain that he or she can make better decisions than the coaches or players while watching a competitive sport on television.

We all do it. Whether sitting in the stands, at a bar with your friends, in the comfort of your own home or huddled around a T.V. in the corner at some idiots wedding (stop fall weddings) we all think we know what play should be called.

And why not?

After all, you played junior varsity football 20 years ago and go to all of our 8 year olds peewee league practices. You read lots of blogs. Heck, you may even write for one. And have learned all the technical terms like "THROW DEEP","THAT GUY IS LIKE 5 YARDS AWAY FROM THE NEAREST WIDE RECEIVER", "Hey, look, we're in the I-formation". I mean who wouldn't hire us as their offensive coordinator?

Well, in honor of all the armchair quarterbacks out there, we here at Roll 'Bama Roll will give you the opportunity to call the play. That's right, it's time to put your money where your mouth is.

We'll provide the game, situation, down and distance — you tell us what comes next. The only rule is you can't go back and watch the game first. No choosing what you remember will happen. Tell us what should happen.

First up, a critical point in the 2012 Alabama vs LSU game.

The Lead

Currently, it is late in the 3rd Quarter and Alabama is leading 14-10. Momentum seems to be swinging toward LSU as 'Bama has gone 3 in-out on back to back drives to open the 2nd Half. LSU, however, has opened the half swinging for the fences and has the 'Bama D on their toes. Side note, LSU has just missed an on-side kick attempt by mere inches and there seems to be a let down in emotion.

On 1st and 10, from the 44 yard line, Alabama opens up with an off tackle run to the left for a modest 4 yard gain. During the play, with Safety Eric Reid already sidelined with an injury, his back-up Greg Loston also injures his shoulder while making the tackle on Yeldon. LSU is now down to their 3rd and possibly 4th string Safety.

The Play

It is 2nd and 6 and LSU is down to a 3rd string Safety. Really all 'Bama needs is a quick score to shift momentum back in their direction and demoralize the LSU hope for a comeback. The Alabama defense is a little tired and a score here would give them some breathing room.

Alabama lines up in a single back, double tight end set, with TE Vogler lined up to the left, TE Michael Williams next to Fluker and H-Back Kelly Johnson lined on the left of the formation but eventually motions to the right and settles in-between the right guard and tackle.


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(click to enlarge picture)

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(click to enlarge picture)

As you can see from the picture above, LSU matches this formation with it's base 4-3 set. A safety has moved up close to the line of scrimmage, seemingly in run support and a CB is playing 7 yards off the WR at the bottom of the screen. Note: No LSU defender follows Kelly as he motions across the formation.

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Your call, bro

Given the information you have at hand, and with no foreknowledge of what will happen, what play would YOU call? Do you go for the jugular or play it safe? (Place your thoughts and why you chose the play in the comments below)

Now, were you right? Well, click this link to find out.