Official SEC Football Thread 2009

[Poe]

Originally Posted by DavenportESQ

I think Bama is a really good team. Don't get me wrong, but they are going to face two really tough road games before SC comes to town. Ole Miss knows that their only shot and winning the West they need to beat Bama. I don't think Jevan Sneed is going to have two bad games like that in a row, I think Ole Miss will be better prepared, and more focused for this show down.

I am also not really sold on Bamas offense. They are above average yes, but they aren't as dominant in the run game as they have in the past. Plus they will play a tough defense in Ole Miss. Besides UF, I would have to say SCAR has one of the fastest defenses in the SEC. If they can play opportunistic defense, and create some turnovers and pressure the QB. It will be a battle.

Bamas Defense is solid for sure. but They have some depth questions, and I think your going to see South Carolina keep an uptempo very balanced attack. Garcia will be dangerous against them because of his escapeability. Also look for mismatches in size on the outside with Gurly, and Saunders.

Unlike the past few years Bama actually has a very deep defense this year. We have backup linebackers and defensive lineman that would start at a lot of SEC schools this year. Losing Donta Hightower (our most versatile defense player) will hurt, but we have people available to step in. Its also more than solid, Its IMO the best in the country so far this year (currently ranked 2nd in total defense), if not the best then top 3 for sure. Ryan Mallet had over 400 yards passing against Georgia (Garcia had 313 against the same GA team) and we held him to 160 yards passing (while only giving up 63 total on the ground).

As far as the offense go, I've heard several national sports commentators call us the most balanced offense in the country so far this year (I'm not sure I agree, but we are up there). Greg McElroy is the 3rd most efficient QB in the nation so far. He is also doing it by involving multiple people. Last year we threw to 2 or 3 people only, this year we'll have 10 people involved in the passing game each year. With the running game we have 3 top notch backs in Ingram, Upchurch and Trent Richardson. Our 4th string back, Terry Grant, was our starting back a few years ago. The Oline has performed good up to this point as well. We are 10th in the country in rushing offense and 8th in total offense. Now we've had 2 easy cupcake games (as have most teams) but we've also played a top 10 team also unlike any of the offenses ranked ahead of us.

I am glad to see SC doing good this year (have a couple of friends that went there). They have a good pass rush and Spurrier will use the fact that we scheduled them for homecoming to get his players fired up. Anything CAN happen but Bama SHOULD win the game without too much trouble and I'd expect us to be 14pt or so favorites going in (I expect a bit closer game though, maybe pulling away late). You guys should be 5-1 coming in to Tuscaloosa though and I expect for you guys to be ranked by then so it should be a big game. If it wasn't for Oklahoma vs Texas being that same week it would even have a shot at ESPN Game Day.

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