Fanblogs.com - Latest Comments in Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

OU_Ron — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:10:52 -0000

Pick em contest looks very close.........miss just one of the next 3 games and you will be out of the running for the top spot, real close between the top 5 or 6..

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

DuckCanuck — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:07:28 -0000

Isn't that the same as saying the Pac-10 must really suck if Jacquizz Rogers of Oregon State, also a freshman, were name Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year? 'Cause he was.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Tommy_Trojan — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:09:11 -0000

BC:

You are insane. If anybody is gonna be all-SEC (DJ Fluker), as a freshman, then your conference has really got to suck. Especially if it's a lineman. He may start for Alabama - but he is certainly not going to be all-SEC as a freshman. And, your QB McCarron is not gonna start either. Freshmen QB's who can normally start are redshirt freshmen. The last notable true freshmen to start at QB, was Jimmy Clausen at Notre Dame, and you can bet your butt that Saban isn't gonna let that happen to him. Michigan also started a true freshmen last year.

Any QB needs one year to even learn the system. If they start this kid McCarron - you will be lucky to finish the season at 3-9, just like Notre Dame in 2007, and Michigan in 2008. I can't understand what you are in a hurry for? McElroy is gonna be your QB next year. TE is absolutely correct. What is Saban gonna tell some kid, who doesn't want to hear that he isn't good enough to start, that he isn't good enough? No, he's gonna tell him that he's God's gift to the SEC conference, and then try and make him into a QB. That's the way that it really works. Playing College football is just a little different than High School ball. This QB McCarron is rated all that high anyway. What is he - like the 64th player in the country? Clausen was rated # 1 when he completely flopped. Why don't you just leave the thinkin' to Nick Saban. He might know what is best for your team.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Zac — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 23:19:29 -0000

No shortage of love for the Big Red Machine where I live. Ask any of the dozens of guys with whom I work and love the Huskers. I told em all NE was gonna win it. I even got to tell a couple of em during half-time that they'd come back. Nut'n but a bunch-o-happy boyz round here.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Husker_Chris — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:49:54 -0000

Not to be a total homer... And sorry that my posts have been so erratic, school has been a beyotch for me last semester, BUT where's the love for the Huskers? Pelini's first year 9-4 is not too bad, ey? With very winable games going into the last minutes with VT and overtime with TT, they could have realistically been 11-4. I believe RG owes the Big Red at least a little acknowledgment after his gloomy gus predictions about our rookie coach...

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

BamaBorn — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:20:17 -0000

Haven't seen this posted on the blog yet.

Smith made it official on Saturday.

http://sports.espn.go.com/n...

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

1Tomcat — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:39:41 -0000

Thats a real good Idea, ya hope they do that- run it down their throats.
The Texas D is all about stop the run
This game is going to be a geat one an tOSU is gonna play hard, these teams really matchup well and I just hope Texas brings their A game because if they do the Bucks will be in for a surprize.
Hookem-Horns

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Zac — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:11:39 -0000

I have to wonder how TCU feels, knowing they arguably should have won that game against the Utes. Woulda, coulda, shoulda...it's the scoreboard that counts.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Kevin @ Fanblogs — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:16:31 -0000

No can do. Danielson gets paid to prime the SEC pump, otherwise CBS might not break even on those billions to the SEC.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

burn_after_reading — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:07:31 -0000

Can we come to an overwhelming understanding now that this 'week in week out' difficult SEC schedule is a worthless argument. Utah struggled to beat TCU in the Mountain West, and then destroyed Alabama. The same Alabama that walked through the SEC. The south needs a reality check. And it should start with CBS's Gary Danielson.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Bama_Babe — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:37:21 -0000

Actually, I was out in New Orleans...I was sitting at Cafe du Monde on my iPhone waiting on a server when I posted that above...had just left bourbon and my cousin and I had a craving for some beignets...

So ok, TE...I want the truth. What did you do with my Crimson Tide boys? Where did you lock them up? And where in the world did you find their replacements? Wal-Mart? Because those players on the field last night were NOT the same ones who played the previous 13 games this season. I don't even know where to begin...

ANDRE ANDRE ANDRE. I was right about the pass protection problem. And the loss of Mike Johnson was a KILLER. They had been practicing all week with him at LT and the rest of the line moved around, and then when he went down, I knew it was going to be an even longer night for the offense. Drew Davis did a good job at RT all season, but there is a reason the LT is the 2nd highest paid position in the NFL...and he is simply not made for it. Everyone knows that JPW is not the QB that can make plays when he has pressure....actually, pressure doesn't even begin to describe what the Utes were bringing. John Parker simply had no time whatsoever. He's not to blame for the entire offense's flop, but he didn't help the situation. I could have strangled him when he overthrew WIDE OPEN Stover. Hate for him to have to leave with a performance like that though..and that goes for all 9 seniors.

The story of the game was the 1st quarter. After Utah's first drive, I had that horrible feeling in my stomach - that feeling that you know you are in trouble. Props to Whittingham and staff for putting together an awesome gameplan. They struck fast and hard. They beat us at our own game : the line of scrimmage.

31 rushing yards you ask? There wasn't even time to get a running game going...Utah knew if they got up, it would be hard for Bama to come back with a passing game. I was way off when I said I thought Coffee and Co would still run for 100 yards, but 8 sacks for 53 yards did not help at all...

I can't come up with an explanation as to why the entire team was so off. No one came to play, with the exception of Bobby Greenwood, Javier (at points), and maybe a few others. There were signs of life in 2 minute spurts throughout the game, but that was it. Kareem Jackson totally forgot how to tackle. That play was right in front of where I was sitting and almost made me puke. Marquis Johnson forgot how to cover. He was beat all night long. I was very surprised at the poor performance of the defense. But I guess Utah's offense gets much of that credit. Everyone underestimated them, except for maybe Mr. Prather.

With all that said, I am still proud of this team for accomplishing the things it did this season. WAY overachieved. The future is looking bright (even though I may have to wait til 2010). I'll take 12-2 over 7-6 ANYDAY. It just hurts that we couldn't win the games that mattered...

I'm trying to get as many positive things out of this as possible, but it's tough. Maybe Saban can use his "finish" speech for motivation for 2009. Maybe it will make the players even more hungry than they already would have been. Whatever it may be, ending with this disappointment is going to be tough thing to get me through the offseason.

Bring on National Signing Day....

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

AUtigerman — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 23:08:35 -0000

Wea

Did you hear the new running backs coach hire? Chris Luper from oklahoma State.(great hire)

Well ill admit i was rough on Chizak but he sure is putting together quite a staff.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

BamaBorn — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:47:18 -0000

Thanks to TE's extensive coverage of Alabama football, (especially the losses), no need for Bama fans to ever have to Google anything. I'm thinking that he's a closet fan.

:-)

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Hotty_Toddy — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:15:06 -0000

I really don't know, Tom. All you hear from Arkansas fans is that Nutt is a terrible recruiter, won't do it well and we'll be regretting that decision in a year or two. But we've already picked up alot of great comittments, including one I think from Raymond Cotton, a dual-threat QB that was originally committed to Auburn.

So time will tell, we'll have to see.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

-TE- — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:34:20 -0000

Matt Flynn had a ridiculous amount of experience in games by his senior year. He'd also played almost the whole way in the 2005 SEC Championship Game, as well as starting and winning the 2006 Peach Bowl (Where he won the MVP).

AJ McCarron weighed in at the Under Armor game under 175 pounds. He's simply too small. This is the word I get from your staff and your people. Not mine. So, when you're disagreeing with this opinion, then you're telling Alabama folks they're wrong, not me.

As for Nick Saban telling him he's got an opportunity to start next year...BC...Do you really think he'd tell him anything else? Better yet, he also told him he'd be a part of a 1 QB class, and then AJ's family found out he's still actively looking for a JUCO warm body as well as trying to get on some HS QB's late.

The way to tell if Saban's lying to a recruit is to see if his lips are moving. AJ's family loves Alabama too much to renege, but his dad let Saban have it for the lies he told the family during the recruiting process.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

aVoiceInSC — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:21:36 -0000

Both are new to me. They're sweater cows to me. I think I actually stole that one off of Stewie Griffin, but it's been in my active vocabulary for quite some time now.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Tom_Blogical — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:12:48 -0000

I still saw that TD pass in the game highlights. Orgeron did a great job getting Snead to come to Ole Miss; do you think Nutt will do as good of a job at recruiting? (Side note...the book Meat Market...if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.)

Anyway, I'm becoming more of a Ole Miss fan as time goes by, since they're always the underdog and have an incredible amount of talent around there. Too bad Orgeron couldn't put that talent to good use.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Mr2Bits — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:14:30 -0000

Yea they have always been sweater kittens or dos chi chi's to me

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

ROLLTIDE_73 — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:09:56 -0000

Thanks I know that we are better than what we showed on the field tonight but hey it is what it is.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

ROLLTIDE_73 — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:07:38 -0000

No doubt the early no huddle killed us. they had a great game plan and a much better team than I think most of them gave them credit for.I wont trash talk the players on the team. the loss of smith turned out to be huge I think he could have man handled Krueger.
But with two Starting O linemen out it was two much.JPW isnt the Guy you want to have to win the game for you.His roll all season has been more dont loose the game.....I end with this Im happy of the turn around this season 12-2 is a great season no matter what anyone says and we will get better...Roll Tide and everyone have a great off season.

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

"BC" — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:26:52 -0000

god. im still on new year's eve schedule.

first off, last year y'all won a NC with a first-year starter at QB. look at how much Ole Miss improved with Snead. don't tell me a new starter at QB automatically means a less productive offense.
Personally, i believe that AJ McCarron and Greg McElroy will both develop into MUCH better QBs than JPW.
i'm prepared for the growing pains. the stupid throws, the INTs. but god, after 3 years of watching JP, im just desperate to see a pass hit a receiver in stride. i know i'll see it next year. the only times i saw it this year were when McElroy entered the game.
and also, i dont see why everyone thinks McCarron needs to bulk up. he's 6' 4" and has a powerful arm. he's also pretty quick. i mean, why does a QB need to be big? it certainly helps (Tebow), but isn't necessary (Colt McCoy)
AJ McCarron is listed as 6'4" and 190 lbs.
Colt McCoy and Graham Harrell are both 6'3" and 200 lbs.
and i've been told McCarron has been working out a lot since his commitment, as well as learning the offense.
according to his interview, nick saban told him he has the ability to start next season. so that's what he's striving for. it may happen it may not.

As far as our line, DJ Fluker will be all-SEC as a freshman. believe that.
i don't think it will be as good as it was this year, but certainly head and shoulders above what you saw out there tonight.

We'll also have a better HB lineup with Glen Coffee, Trent Richardson, and Mark Ingram.
remember there were only 9 seniors on this year's team, and only 3 that we'll really miss...

i think we're going to win the national championship next year

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

-TE- — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:56:51 -0000

2:58am CST and you're NOT OUT IN NEW ORLEANS?

All I can is wow...

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

Bama_Babe — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:46:27 -0000

I'll post more tomorrow, but I just wanted to congratulate Ben and his Utes. They looked pretty darn good tonight, and their undefeated season is one to be proud of.

As for Bama, my thoughts on the game will come in the morning...

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

-TE- — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:29:55 -0000

Good job of owning up...I'm very amazed the "best coach in the world" was outcoached, myself.

Saban's good for about an egg-or two-per year, and it happened in the worst possible time.

You hearing anything about what happened in the locker-room at the half, BC?

I'm hearing Saban melted down on Kevin Steele over the 1st half defensive performance.

NOT a good situation, and it shows your boys attitude, and ego. I've seen the no huddle and the back out of the backfield/underneath sit-down routes eat his defenses multiple times.

Running Cody out there early is also just begging a team to go no-huddle as well.

Saban needs to develop an adjustment for the playcalling and the substitution patterns for the no huddle issue. It is one he has not developed a solution to in 5 years.

As for your worries about the spread, face it, BC, it's a fad that's sticking. Everyone's going to have issues with it. I think your biggest problem was the start and the turnover by Wilson.

10 points by your offense was more of a result of them having to go away from their bread and butter run to set up the pass philosophy. The good news is, as you say, you get to make a fresh start at QB. The book on JPW read verbatim tonight.

You hit the kid, you keep your safeties back to help out the corners on passing downs, and you hit him early, pressure him regularly, and he folds after he gets hit. He stops stepping into throws, he checks down, and he starts to feel the pressure. Decent athlete, live arm, bad intangibles.

Pretty fitting that his last collegiate pass attempt was an interception.

A word of warning to you regarding 2009. Don't-not for an instant-bet your season on a first year starter. I've given you words of warning in the past, and this one's from the heart, man.

The rumor is that Star is moving to WR in the Spring, and Saban & Coach Mac actually went after our 4-star guy out of MS, Chris Garrett, who just said on a Scout Video at the Under Armor game, "They couldn't pay me a million dollars to play for Alabama." AJ did not grow this season like they hoped he would, and between this McElroy guy and McCarron, you are going to be shorthanded heading into '09 at QB.

With AJ having to redshirt (He's way to sleight to play next year), and Star not being the guy, they're going to HAVE to sign a JUCO as most of the good talent at QB is gobbled up already.

Your QB situation is secondary to OL concerns (as I'm guessing Smith as well as Caldwell are gone). You need to look to hang your hat on your defense next year. It should improve a good bit. But, don't hope your greenhorn QB position is about to magically start winning games with a line in a state of flux.

Great season, bad ending, hope for the best on February, and good luck in '09....except when you face us in Tuscaloosa!

Re: Fanblogs Open Thread - Champagne Wishes Edition

"BC" — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:07:14 -0000

great point Kevin.

Bobby Bowden is still a head coach.
he can still chew you out for making a mistake. he still knows what's going on. he has the same ability as he did at 50. as far as i can tell, he isn't losing touch.