Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 9/22

Happy Monday everyone! If there is such a thing. Let’s make this day a little better with the latest news and notes on the Crimson Tide. Fresh off their dominating performance, these links should be pretty fun to read. Let’s get to it.

Alabama learns lessons, Florida faces more questions after Tide win

"Before last year’s season-ending losses to Auburn and Oklahoma, most players on Alabama’s roster hadn’t experienced adversity. A sense of complacency had crept into the locker room. That’s why Saturday’s meeting with Florida was exactly the kind of early-season test the Crimson Tide needed. Alabama undoubtedly could have been better. Had it not turned the ball over four times, Saban’s team would’ve run away with this game. But players still felt the win was a major step forward."

Obviously you want your team to play a perfect game but the 1st half was kind of needed. To be able to come out of halftime and just dominate after early struggles is huge. Especially for a team this young. Momentum and confidence can mean the world to a team like Alabama this year and it’s nice to see so much fight in these players. Alabama can’t make these mistakes against a top team, the results will certainly be different. However, seeing Alabama adjust and play a near flawless game in the 2nd half is pretty great as well.

Will Muschamp, Florida players explain struggles in stopping Alabama’s Blake Sims, Amari Cooper

"“We haven’t (seen a receiver as good as Cooper) this year, but I’m sure we’re going to face plenty more as good as him,” Neal said.“He’s a great player. We could have stopped him, but it’s a lack of communication on our part.”"

10 catches for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns is probably more than a lack of communication. I know Florida is trying to keep a positive attitude but come on. I’m sure it was also a lack of communication when you gave up the most yards in school history. Actually, the whole game must have been a communication breakdown.

Alabama No. 6 in total offense, ranks better than Oregon, other big names

"The only teams that have put up bigger offensive numbers than Alabama: Baylor, Texas A&M, Western Kentucky, Marshall and Arizona. Some of the teams Alabama ranks ahead of: Oregon (9th), West Virginia (10th), Ole Miss (18th) and Auburn (34th)Sims is the nation’s fourth-most efficient QB with a rating of 190.8. He’s third in yards per attempt (11.2) and fourth in completion percentage (73.2)"

I’m really excited to watch this game about three more times because I’m still not sure what I actually saw happened. Sims looked great in the pocket and comfortable in the offense. Him and Lane Kiffin were communicating almost perfecting the entire game. Speaking of Kiffin, what a home run hire. I thought Alabama twitter would burn down after the announcement but everything is fine now in the internet land, and on the field. Not only has Alabama put up yards but controlling the clock as well. First in the SEC in time of possession. Alabama has a perfect balance on offense this year. A dual threat QB, a trio of top running backs, the best wide receiver in football, and plenty of other weapons. After asking a few questions about the offense last week, what do we really need to know now?

Alabama’s Amari Cooper makes his case as rare receiver candidate

"Cooper starts every play without the football, yet through four games this year he has wound up with it a magnificent amount of times (43 receptions). Thrice he has made double-digit receptions, and the other time he was dismal, catching only eight for 135 yards. On Saturday against Florida, Cooper caught 10 for 201 yards. That’s to say nothing of how he affects the offense and the game in general, simply by the idea of him."

So a little over a week ago I wrote this about Amari Cooper. So far Cooper has nailed all of my points. He’s near the top in every major stats category for his position. Which is pretty impressive since he plays in an balanced offense and in the SEC. He’s also proven his value by being the go to guy on offense, making clutch play after clutch play. Then of course, the competition. It’s easy to pile on the likes of Southern Miss and FAU, but Florida? You know, Vernon Hargreaves? I don’t think anyone expected that type of performance. What went from an interesting question a few days ago has now become very real. If Cooper continues at this pace, it’s going to be really hard to keep him out of New York. Especially if Alabama finishes undefeated.

Week 5 AP Poll released, Florida State remains on top

"Now as for the teams at the top, they all had difficult outings, except for Alabama against Florida. Florida State, without Jameis Winston, struggled against Clemson, but were able to pull out the overtime win.Oregon had a rough outing against Washington State, but were also able to squeak away with one. Oklahoma got all they could handle from West Virginia, but were able to pull away in the end.And, well, we all know how close Auburn was to getting knocked off on Thursday night by Kansas State."

Alabama remains 3rd but saw 6 1st place votes. After another week of college football in the books, there is still no true #1 threat. Even with Jameis Winston Florida State hasn’t looked all that great. If it wasn’t for Clemson, well, Clemsoning…Florida State would’ve been handed their first loss. Oklahoma hasn’t really played anyone and survived West Virginia. Oregon looked very beatable against a decent Washington State team. Then of course Auburn, who survived Kansas State despite the Wildcats playing with no feet. Since they kept shooting themselves in the foot. I’m waiting for Texas A&M to actually play someone since week 1 and would like to see how some of these other teams do in conference play. With a risk of being too much of a homer, I would almost have to vote Alabama #1 after seeing the other performances.