It’s Georgia week, and Nick Saban executed some gamesmanship in his press conference today, donning a black shirt to make a point about substance vs. style. As we being focusing on the game to come, we’ll first use the Roundtable to wrap up the Arkansas game. On to the questions…
What are your feelings on Alabama’s current position in the polls? Are we overrated? Underrated? Just right?
We’re on record as believing Alabama has done enough to justify their lofty poll spot. True enough, they have yet to beat a quality opponent (regardless what you think about Clemson), but they have dominated the teams they have played. Having watched Auburn and LSU duke it out last weekend, we like our chances against both. So until they lose, Alabama has our vote.
What aspect of the game did Alabama control that shocked you the most? What aspect of the game was Alabama dominated in that shocked you the most?
It’s becoming less shocking every week to see an opponent wilt at the hands of this Tide team. That said, it was surprising to see how quickly Terrence Cody went after Jonathan Luigs, blowing him off the ball and getting a hand on Casey Dick the first time they went at each other. Later, Cody stuffed a goal line drive, adding to his legend.
Alabama dominated? Hasn’t happened yet… although Arkansas did lead all players in embarrassing tackle attempts.
Name your player of the game on Offense. Also name one on Defense.
We’re not going to try to give a head fake and nominate anyone else; Glen Coffee blew the game open early, and we were having flashbacks to Shaud Williams on the smoke draw just watching the guy.
On defense, we know Javy Arenas and Justin Woodall were amazing. But the way Cody has imposed his will on opposing centers is the kind of trench warfare that wins championships.
Alabama has dominated the first quarter, outscoring opponents 64-0 in the first quarter. How do you think this team will handle its first taste of adversity this season?
We may be about to find out. Georgia will be loaded for bear (no pun intended) when they host the Tide this weekend. If they get the ball first, Alabama may face 7-0 for the first time this season. This is going to test the maturity level of a group of freshman who have seen nothing but success thus far. We’re optimistic in hoping they rise to the challenge.
Setting aside Georgia, now that the season is well underway, how do you feel Alabama stacks up against what you’ve seen of their big opponents?
With the season a third of the way over (that hurt), we’ve seen how our SEC foes have played. Everyone brings their A-game to Alabama, but this year, the Tide stacks up pretty well. If the games we’ve seen so far are an indication, we should destroy Tennessee, have a great shot at LSU, and end the streak against Auburn. Conditions change, of course, but at this point, we probably should be grateful we don’t have to play Vanderbilt.