Alabama Football: Preview of the 2018 regular season games
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football vs. Louisville – Sept. 1 in Orlando
The ‘Jet-Gate’ meeting between Auburn power brokers and Bobby Petrino seems so long ago. Back in 2003, Bobby P was THE offensive Guru in college football. It was long before any Auburn people had ever heard of Arthur Gustavo Malzahn.
Petrino’s path since the tarmac meeting has been littered with missteps. Louisville to Arkansas to the NFL and back to Louisville again. A wrecked motorcycle, a volleyball coach, and scribbled notes to Falcons’ players during a hasty departure have defined Petrino more than offensive acumen.
Is he still a guru, though a tarnished one? Under the blaze of national scrutiny, Alabama football will have something to say about that on Sept. 1.
Even without Heisman winner, Lamar Jackson, Petrino’s offense will attempt to befuddle an inexperienced Crimson Tide secondary. Petrino’s QB, Jawon Pass is equally inexperienced. Petrino will have well-designed offensive schemes. On paper, they will be dazzling. What they will be against a Saban defense in an actual game is an entirely different matter.
Petrino will prepare a solid plan for his new QB. Compliments to Mike Tyson, everybody “has a plan until they are hit in the mouth.” Jawon Pass has never faced the fury of a Crimson Tide pass rush.
In 2009, Bobby Petrino brought a then No. 2 in the nation offense to Tuscaloosa. With the wider view than television, Tide fans in Bryant-Denny could see the intricacies of the Petrino passing routes. The problem for the Hogs was QB, Ryan Mallet did not have such a good view. He was too occupied trying to stay unharmed by an onslaught of Crimson Tide pass-rushers. The Razorback offense came to Tuscaloosa averaging 538 yards per game. Petrino’s wizardry resulted in seven points for Arkansas. The Tide won in a rout.
Alabama football defensive lineman, Marcel Dareus summed up the game perfectly.
"We were trying to make the quarterback as uncomfortable as possible"
What to expect on Sept. 1
The Cardinals were 8-5 last season, including a bowl game loss to Mississippi State. They could win eight or nine games this year starting in week two of the season.
Good news for Jawon Pass is most of the offensive line returns. Without Lamar Jackson, Petrino will look for more production from his running backs. The top three receivers return and are capable of causing problems for the new Tide secondary. The greatest strengths for Louisville are at wide receiver and a deep group of running backs.
Lousiville was not great on defense last season and they return only four starters. Even worse for Louisville, new defensive coordinator, Brian VanGorder is still trending down. Notre Dame fired him four games into the 2016 season. The greatest weakness for Louisville is the defensive line. The Tide should put up big rushing numbers.
Nick Saban will use no more offense than is needed. A game that could be a blowout might be a respectable loss for Louisville because of Saban’s restraint. The biggest gain for Alabama football, besides a win, will be game experience for the new secondary while dealing with Petrino’s schemes.