Fanblogs.com: Utes getting help against Bama from Urban Meyer
PrinceMarko
· 12 months ago
Utes need more speed and better blocking, otherwise Alabama is going to run over them.
Bama 30 - Utes 14
Ben Prather
· 12 months ago
Fortuantely we have improved greatly since that horrible display to start the season
; )
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
My official prediction:
Utah 17 Alabama 24
OU_Ron
· 12 months ago
It didn't help Mizzou to get help from Texas, .......well maybe a little
TampaGator
· 12 months ago
Bama doesn't exactly try to avoid or trick the other team; they pretty much show you what they plan to do, and you're either man enough to stop it, or not. Not much guess work involved.
...and frankly, while Meyer's a great coach, he had his hands full beating Bama with UF's 4-5 star roster. I don't believe any information he shares will make much of a difference.
GO GATORS!!
FSU_Ben
· 12 months ago
Agreed. I don't think it will matter much in the end. What could either saban or meyer know about the other team that isn't clearly visable in tapes anyways. I'm certain stoops and Whittingham are competent enough to see the same weaknesses. They are both great coaches. An understatment.
thebuckstopshere
· 12 months ago
I agree.....
I think the only shot Utah has is to sell out against the run and make JP beat them.
But that's going to be tough to do considering that line, I'm sure Urban will inform them of that.
Maybe he can loan them that buckeye he keeps in his pocket, you know for good luck......
Ben Prather
· 12 months ago
Sell out against the run, and trust our corners to handle man on man...
It helps that we held Air Force's Triple option to 53 yards rushing. Michigan only got 36 rushing yards on us.
More impressively, we held Oregon State to 92, a week after they got 176 on USC. This is the same rushing yardage they got against Penn State.
We held TCU to 50 yards less than their average.
Our weakness is not upfront but in the occasional breakdown in our coverages.
Oh, and to score points. I don't see Alabama getting over 30, but we might not get past 17.
thebuckstopshere
· 12 months ago
I was aware Utah had a stout rush defense against some good competition, if they did or did not wasn't the point. My point was that in order for Utah to have a shot they're going to have to take away what Alabama does best. The fact that Utah just so happens to be pretty good at defending what Alabama does best is great for them. I guess I do sound like captain obvious, but the match up breaks down kinda simple in my view.
Though you have to agree this will be by far and away the toughest challenge in rush defense yet.
"BC"
· 12 months ago
do y'all have anyone that can man-up on Julio Jones?
also, ask florida, the play-action pass to the TE is deadly.
and rushing defense rankings mean nothing. it has more to do with what style offenses you face, and the quality of offensive lines you face. according to the rankings, Nevada is ranked #3 ahead of Alabama and USC... why don't you ask some NFL scouts how Nevada's front 7 stacks up...
basically what i'm saying is....and don't take this the wrong way.... aside from QB, i don't think Utah has a starter at any position that would start over the guy for Alabama. haha
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
I don't think our QB is that good. Sure he had a good year two years ago...
Our kicker, King Louis, could start for any team in the nation.
Smith is tough at strong safety, and Kruger is a monster at defensive end. Asiata would not be too far down the depth chart. Utah has consistently gotten running backs to the NFL.
Utah will handle the run defense competently. It won't matter that much, as you will be able to get it done through the air.
It is obvious who the higher powered team is, but Utah is, IMO, only two or three turnovers from making a game of it.
FSU_Ben
· 12 months ago
Good Luck Ben. Especially if you are spending money to go in person. I kinda like Bama so I won't be rooting for Utah but still Good luck.
Bama_Babe
· 12 months ago
I like you...
I root for Florida State whenever I get a chance to watch their games. One of my uncle's best friends lives in Tallahassee and is a big FSU fan, so we actually took a trip down there last season during Bama's bye weekend to go to a game. Of course, it was Duke, but I had a great time. That was a blackout game and my uncle's friend even bought us black shirts with an outline of Chief Osceola and Renegade on it. I had always thought it would be neat to see the planting of the spear in person, and it didn't disappoint me!
Anyways, just thought I'd share that....back on topic...
I'll be attending the Sugar Bowl. Already have the hotel booked! A little less than a month....hopefully Christmas festivities will keep me occupied. I hate fooball-free weekends....
FSU_Ben
· 11 months ago
Heh, Thanks. I don't know if I am Bowling this year, I'm contemplating the peach bowl as a psuedo GT fan and I'll bring my brother who went there (only one of us that didn't go to FSU). Be nice to see LSU lose to GT!
TigerEducated
· 12 months ago
He had two guys on his depth chart at DL miss the game, and he also had Harvin missing...
With the obvious demolition of the DL in the 3rd quarter on those two straight drives (that netted what I'm sure is a maddeningly insufficient 10 points for Tide Fans), its obvious that those two players could've provided depth, and made a difference in that crucial point in the game...
Also...Isn't Harvin averaging 11 points per game?
You guys had a shaky DL against a team that takes it RIGHT TO a DL...
I was honestly impressed that Alabama stiffened up on defense after the initial drive...The 1st half was bracketed by Florida touchdown drives. That period of time was the ONLY time the Alabama defense stopped Tebow.
It doesn't seem like it, but think about it...Florida had two three & outs in the 3rd quarter, and then after that, went methodically down the field, and even counterpunched Alabama after one scoring drive...
They did that without their most dynamic offensive player...
Zac
· 11 months ago
Heck, he had his hands full beating Ole Miss, and that was in Tuscaloosa!
fosterkeats
· 12 months ago
Bowl games come down to Motivation, whhich team is the more motivated. And being an Alabama Allum, I can say that I believe Utah will be more motivated in this one. With that being said, I still don't think they'll win, but it'll be closer than the 10 pt spread.
Utah is a great team with great coaches, I could give a shit what the national media thinks about this game in terms of ratings.
And I couldn't care less about some whiny Bama fans cries about wanting to play someone "flashier" like Ohio St or Texas...
It's the Sugar Bowl, we went 12-1, no one(including myself) thought we'd win more than 8-9 games... Complete success, and the best is yet to come...
Good luck to the rest of you in your bowl games... well, except for Ben the Ute... lol, I'm kidding Ben...
gosu27
· 12 months ago
Utah is going to get blown away come the 4th quarter, but I will be for the upset
Cougar_Fan
· 12 months ago
Come on Utah... Dont screw this up!! This game and TCU's game are two chances to make big statements for the MWC. I think they'll be up for it though, Utah has a tendency to win games they shouldn't and lose games they shouldn't. oh and by the way does anyone know when the four year cycle to review BCS auto-qualifier status begin, is it this year? I don't really know how that works, I just want to know when to start celebrating the MWC taking the Big East auto-qualifier status.
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
I believe the last time they set up criterion to be evaluated at the end of every year to determine if 5, 6 or 7 conferences would participate.
Based on the criterion the Big East is significantly more likely to lose their bid than the MWC is to gain one. If we add Boise State things improve dramatically, but only after they have played n the MWC for a year.
BigTide30A
· 12 months ago
More than anything I'm excited about meeting some of the Utah faithful. I have two dear friends that hail from that state and they are quality people. Hopefully it will be a better atmosphere than what I have to see on most Saturdays - in the stands that is (Bourbon Street is still going to be a freak show) and we can all watch a great football game.
TigerEducated
· 12 months ago
I'm gonna be honest with you, man...The last time I was in the French Quarter during the same weekend of an SEC game at home at LSU was Auburn in 2003...
We met up with some of the coolest, most laid back Auburn Tiger faithful on Earf on Bourbon...
About three rounds of 3-for-1 drinks at Cat's Meow later, they were best friends...
Good times...
Gotta admit, if I were born another fan of an SEC School, I'd LOVE to travel to LSU and be able to stay in New Orleans, and drive up for the game...Absolutely AWESOME way to spend a weekend, if you ask me...
Wardboy3
· 12 months ago
Myself and a couple of buddies want to come to LSU for a game but those tickets are a little pricey. We looked at the game against Mid TN St last year and the cheap ones were in the $75 range if my memory serves me right.
utes08
· 11 months ago
Thx BigTide i am excited to be going i cant wait. It will be fun meeting Bama fans as well. This is my 1st time down to the Bigeazzy looking forward to having a good time and a good game.
Bama334
· 12 months ago
The only way Meyers can help Utah, is to send his team to play for them. Otherwise, UTAHS' GOIN DOWN!!!
Bama_Babe
· 12 months ago
So Urban Meyer going against the SEC and helping out his former team....hmmm.....interesting..
Ben, Are you planning on coming down to N'awlins?
I've only seen Utah play once or twice this season, so I don't really know much about them - other than they run an offense like Florida. This works in Bama's favor seeing as they just played FL - same offense, better athletes. Not taking anything away from Utah though. They have accomplished a lot in their 12-0 season.
What do you see as the best matchup? I know you have already stated that ya'll have a pretty solid run defense. Is there any weaknesses that you've seen in either team that benefits the others strengths? Just wondering what your thoughts are...
;)
...if anyone is wondering why I'm posting so late- Fanblogs is a good break from studying and writing papers for finals...... :)
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
Finances are to tight to afford the 150+ tickets and 200 mile drive.
I wish this game was a mile high and in the snow. I would be their for sure then...
Alabama's hubris is thier biggest weakness against Utah's zeal.
It will be interesting to see if Utah has any kind of run game. If Utah can get a run game going it will be close. Asiata and Mack will be ready for a battle. If we struglle here the game will be over by the half.
I expect to see a lot of participation from underclassmen who will be starters next year. That is part of Utah's success with bowl games, giving us a month to create looks that are not present on this years tapes.
We are healthy, we won't be missing our best receiver/rusher.
I have already stated that Utah has an occational weakness in the passing coverage. Jones will give us trouble.
If the game is close in the fourth quarter Utah has insane resiliency this year. Johnson average for the first 56 minutes of the game but is Favre like if it is close at the end game.
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 11 months ago
What if we took up a collection here on Fanblogs to buy you a ticket, Ben? Would you go then?
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
If a ticket were made available, I would be there!
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
Updated Financial Planning:
1) Go to sugar bowl, have fun 2) Find Bankruptcy lawyer
thebuckstopshere
· 12 months ago
"So Urban Meyer going against the SEC and helping out his former team....hmmm.....interesting"
I guess he is going against the SEC's three musketeer like code of honor. All for one and one for all..........
TampaGator
· 11 months ago
"...the SEC's three musketeer like code of honor..."
LOL!
SEC fans are just more open and transparent about it, but it happens most everywhere. For e.g.: I distinctly recall y'all's most hated enemy suddently becoming some of your most adament fanatics, leading up to the '06 NC game.
As for Meyer helping out the Utes--I'd call it a tip of the hat to the school that gave him his big chance (and, should Utah win--imagine the dividends on the recruiting trail!!!)
GO GATORS!!
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
1) Whittingham and Meyer have been bouncing ideas off one another all year. This is nothing new.
2) Here is Meyers advice:
I have sent you a floor plan of the stadium, including all thermostat locations. If you can control these points and maintain a temperature of 20 degrees it will be an interesting game.
Ramblin' Gator
· 11 months ago
Florida OC Dan Mullen has accepted the head coach position at Mississippi State.
OU_Ron
· 11 months ago
To show you how things get screwed up, one of our local TV stations reported that Kevin Wilson, OU's OC was MS's next HC....amazing...
Ramblin' Gator
· 11 months ago
Too funny! I first heard it on the radio, but found some online confirmation that it is Mullem:
Former Utah Quarterback Coach Dan Mullen has accepted the head coach position at Mississippi State.
TampaGator
· 11 months ago
Ben:
Ok, this is a bit off topic per se, but related in an indirect sort of way--about Utah. Check out the article linked below; it's from a Notre Dame cite, about Notre Dame--but the anaylsis is very well done, and very objective (the author doesn't spin anything at all; he simply reported his findings, good, bad and ugly...). I thought you'd like it though, because 1. it's numbers/stat intensive; and 2. Utah is #1 over the time period covered, in terms of getting best results out of its recurits (you can scroll down to bottom for graph of results, if you don't want to spend too much time reading the article). Enjoy!
Note to others: UF, USC, Penn State, Alabama, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, North Carolina, and Boston College (among others), also mentioned conspicuously.
GO GATORS!!
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
Taking all comers and giving them a chance, then expecting them to excel, is what Utah does.
This is true in athletics and academics. Utah suffers in some college rankings due to its low admitssion standards and entrance scores. They excel in producing quality graduates.
Taking what is left after the cream has been skimed off and developing it into exceptional candidates is what they do. Besides, the cream is used to being treated like they own the place, and Utah doesn't have the time to deal with that. Prove it or step aside. Its the tempo of the campus, not just the football team.
Zac
· 11 months ago
Ben, here's my advise to your Utes. Take it for what it's worth.
Take some advise from Houston Nutt; even in a loss, his team had some answers for Bama.
Bama is gonna come hard and fast. That's their M.O. Your boyz need to prepare for that, yet be disciplined enough to pace themselves. If they stick to the fundamentals, if they play mistake free ball, even if they're down by as much as 10 at the half, they got a solid shot.
Offense: Everything, ASOLUTELY EVERYTHING, from the get-go needs to be done off play-action. Solid, well executed fakes are a must. The split second their defense is frozen to determine run or pass will make all the difference. More to the point, UT can't tip em off to run or pass until the last split second. The linemen have to hit hard from the get-go and not let up. Given Bama's speed, plays involving straight up blocking or mis-direction are a must. Even straight up plays need to involve designed cut-backs or naked boot legs. Early on, pass plays need to be quick - NO DROPING BACK; just take the snap and let er go. Even should UT take or maintain a lead, they shouldn't let up; they should be throwing down field, or pulling the reverse, or triple option zone reads. If your boyz wanna win, they're gonna hafta earn this one.
Defense: JPW has grown and matured into a fine young man. He was every Bama fan's weak link; the guy they wanted thrown off the island. Now he's everyone's unsung hero. He can still be had, if Ut's line and LB's can get to him early and often. If the "D" doesn't put a spy on him every play and communicate where the play is going, he'll single handedly riddle UT's "D". KNOW who's gonna carry the mail: Glenn Coffee, Mark Ingram, Roy Upchurch - solid backs ALL! When one or all are in the backfield, for the duration of every play, someone has to be punishing everyone of these players whether they have the ball or not. When one of them has the ball, long run or not, they have to be hit and hit hard and brought down hard - gang tackling is a must. Shake off the big plays, but make these guys earn every inch.
Pass Defense: If someone isn't assigned to chucking Julio Jones every time he comes off the line, intended receiver or not, he'll run roughshod through the 2ndary. Now, he may be their only go-to guy, but that doesn't mean ignore the likes of Nick Walker, Mike McCoy, or Marquis Maze. They have to be on their toes back there. Tackling has to be crisp and low, none of this high shouldering stuff; wrap em up for crying out loud. FUNDAMENTALS!!!
They should have put the TCU game out of their minds by now; learned from it (I hope.) and moved on. They need to pretend Bama is BYU, is riding a 30 year winning streak over them, and this is the only shot they'll have over the next 30 years to beat them. Otherwise, they may just as well sit and watch the game, because it'll likely look just like it looked against Clemson. I think they can do it. Will they? That's up to them. Enjoy one; enjoy ALL!!!
Ben Prather
· 11 months ago
I agree with almost everything. Fortunately that is the offense we try to field every week. Unfortunately the offense has stretches of lackluster performance. That can not happen in New Orleans.
Our defense will be competent. Alabama can move even on a competent defense but our showing will be respectable on this side of the ball.
The part I disagree with the the part about BYU and TCU. The TCU game was known to be intense going into it and they gave us a run for the money, where by the time BYU came around we were the solid favorite ready to avenge the beatings of the recent past. They have won games ruining great seasons and streaks in the past. Their defense is the only thing we saw that is really comparable to Alabama, maybe better. TCU stopped us, but we know what kind of defense we will be facing. The dog fight against TCU, and the determination and resilience we displayed, is exactly the kind of game we should be remembering over a lopsided win over a storied instate rival.
This is the biggest game and opponent Utah has ever faced in its 100+ year history and we have a chance to make a game of it, or a buffoon out of ourselves.
All Comments
Bama 30 - Utes 14
; )
Utah 17 Alabama 24
...and frankly, while Meyer's a great coach, he had his hands full beating Bama with UF's 4-5 star roster. I don't believe any information he shares will make much of a difference.
GO GATORS!!
I think the only shot Utah has is to sell out against the run and make JP beat them.
But that's going to be tough to do considering that line, I'm sure Urban will inform them of that.
Maybe he can loan them that buckeye he keeps in his pocket, you know for good luck......
Sounds like what we usually do...
We are the #14 rush defense in the nation
It helps that we held Air Force's Triple option to 53 yards rushing. Michigan only got 36 rushing yards on us.
More impressively, we held Oregon State to 92, a week after they got 176 on USC. This is the same rushing yardage they got against Penn State.
We held TCU to 50 yards less than their average.
Our weakness is not upfront but in the occasional breakdown in our coverages.
Oh, and to score points. I don't see Alabama getting over 30, but we might not get past 17.
Though you have to agree this will be by far and away the toughest challenge in rush defense yet.
also, ask florida, the play-action pass to the TE is deadly.
and rushing defense rankings mean nothing.
it has more to do with what style offenses you face, and the quality of offensive lines you face.
according to the rankings, Nevada is ranked #3 ahead of Alabama and USC...
why don't you ask some NFL scouts how Nevada's front 7 stacks up...
basically what i'm saying is....and don't take this the wrong way....
aside from QB, i don't think Utah has a starter at any position that would start over the guy for Alabama.
haha
Our kicker, King Louis, could start for any team in the nation.
Smith is tough at strong safety, and Kruger is a monster at defensive end. Asiata would not be too far down the depth chart. Utah has consistently gotten running backs to the NFL.
Utah will handle the run defense competently. It won't matter that much, as you will be able to get it done through the air.
It is obvious who the higher powered team is, but Utah is, IMO, only two or three turnovers from making a game of it.
I root for Florida State whenever I get a chance to watch their games. One of my uncle's best friends lives in Tallahassee and is a big FSU fan, so we actually took a trip down there last season during Bama's bye weekend to go to a game. Of course, it was Duke, but I had a great time. That was a blackout game and my uncle's friend even bought us black shirts with an outline of Chief Osceola and Renegade on it. I had always thought it would be neat to see the planting of the spear in person, and it didn't disappoint me!
Anyways, just thought I'd share that....back on topic...
I'll be attending the Sugar Bowl. Already have the hotel booked! A little less than a month....hopefully Christmas festivities will keep me occupied. I hate fooball-free weekends....
With the obvious demolition of the DL in the 3rd quarter on those two straight drives (that netted what I'm sure is a maddeningly insufficient 10 points for Tide Fans), its obvious that those two players could've provided depth, and made a difference in that crucial point in the game...
Also...Isn't Harvin averaging 11 points per game?
You guys had a shaky DL against a team that takes it RIGHT TO a DL...
I was honestly impressed that Alabama stiffened up on defense after the initial drive...The 1st half was bracketed by Florida touchdown drives. That period of time was the ONLY time the Alabama defense stopped Tebow.
It doesn't seem like it, but think about it...Florida had two three & outs in the 3rd quarter, and then after that, went methodically down the field, and even counterpunched Alabama after one scoring drive...
They did that without their most dynamic offensive player...
Utah is a great team with great coaches, I could give a shit what the national media thinks about this game in terms of ratings.
And I couldn't care less about some whiny Bama fans cries about wanting to play someone "flashier" like Ohio St or Texas...
It's the Sugar Bowl, we went 12-1, no one(including myself) thought we'd win more than 8-9 games... Complete success, and the best is yet to come...
Good luck to the rest of you in your bowl games... well, except for Ben the Ute... lol, I'm kidding Ben...
oh and by the way does anyone know when the four year cycle to review BCS auto-qualifier status begin, is it this year? I don't really know how that works, I just want to know when to start celebrating the MWC taking the Big East auto-qualifier status.
Based on the criterion the Big East is significantly more likely to lose their bid than the MWC is to gain one. If we add Boise State things improve dramatically, but only after they have played n the MWC for a year.
We met up with some of the coolest, most laid back Auburn Tiger faithful on Earf on Bourbon...
About three rounds of 3-for-1 drinks at Cat's Meow later, they were best friends...
Good times...
Gotta admit, if I were born another fan of an SEC School, I'd LOVE to travel to LSU and be able to stay in New Orleans, and drive up for the game...Absolutely AWESOME way to spend a weekend, if you ask me...
Ben,
Are you planning on coming down to N'awlins?
I've only seen Utah play once or twice this season, so I don't really know much about them - other than they run an offense like Florida. This works in Bama's favor seeing as they just played FL - same offense, better athletes. Not taking anything away from Utah though. They have accomplished a lot in their 12-0 season.
What do you see as the best matchup? I know you have already stated that ya'll have a pretty solid run defense. Is there any weaknesses that you've seen in either team that benefits the others strengths? Just wondering what your thoughts are...
;)
...if anyone is wondering why I'm posting so late- Fanblogs is a good break from studying and writing papers for finals...... :)
I wish this game was a mile high and in the snow. I would be their for sure then...
Alabama's hubris is thier biggest weakness against Utah's zeal.
It will be interesting to see if Utah has any kind of run game. If Utah can get a run game going it will be close. Asiata and Mack will be ready for a battle. If we struglle here the game will be over by the half.
I expect to see a lot of participation from underclassmen who will be starters next year. That is part of Utah's success with bowl games, giving us a month to create looks that are not present on this years tapes.
We are healthy, we won't be missing our best receiver/rusher.
I have already stated that Utah has an occational weakness in the passing coverage. Jones will give us trouble.
If the game is close in the fourth quarter Utah has insane resiliency this year. Johnson average for the first 56 minutes of the game but is Favre like if it is close at the end game.
1) Go to sugar bowl, have fun
2) Find Bankruptcy lawyer
I guess he is going against the SEC's three musketeer like code of honor. All for one and one for all..........
LOL!
SEC fans are just more open and transparent about it, but it happens most everywhere. For e.g.: I distinctly recall y'all's most hated enemy suddently becoming some of your most adament fanatics, leading up to the '06 NC game.
As for Meyer helping out the Utes--I'd call it a tip of the hat to the school that gave him his big chance (and, should Utah win--imagine the dividends on the recruiting trail!!!)
GO GATORS!!
2) Here is Meyers advice:
I have sent you a floor plan of the stadium, including all thermostat locations. If you can control these points and maintain a temperature of 20 degrees it will be an interesting game.
http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20081210/NEW...
Former Utah Quarterback Coach Dan Mullen has accepted the head coach position at Mississippi State.
Ok, this is a bit off topic per se, but related in an indirect sort of way--about Utah. Check out the article linked below; it's from a Notre Dame cite, about Notre Dame--but the anaylsis is very well done, and very objective (the author doesn't spin anything at all; he simply reported his findings, good, bad and ugly...). I thought you'd like it though, because 1. it's numbers/stat intensive; and 2. Utah is #1 over the time period covered, in terms of getting best results out of its recurits (you can scroll down to bottom for graph of results, if you don't want to spend too much time reading the article). Enjoy!
http://www.blueandgold.com/content/?aid=6406
Note to others: UF, USC, Penn State, Alabama, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, North Carolina, and Boston College (among others), also mentioned conspicuously.
GO GATORS!!
This is true in athletics and academics. Utah suffers in some college rankings due to its low admitssion standards and entrance scores. They excel in producing quality graduates.
Taking what is left after the cream has been skimed off and developing it into exceptional candidates is what they do. Besides, the cream is used to being treated like they own the place, and Utah doesn't have the time to deal with that. Prove it or step aside. Its the tempo of the campus, not just the football team.
Take some advise from Houston Nutt; even in a loss, his team had some answers for Bama.
Bama is gonna come hard and fast. That's their M.O. Your boyz need to prepare for that, yet be disciplined enough to pace themselves. If they stick to the fundamentals, if they play mistake free ball, even if they're down by as much as 10 at the half, they got a solid shot.
Offense: Everything, ASOLUTELY EVERYTHING, from the get-go needs to be done off play-action. Solid, well executed fakes are a must. The split second their defense is frozen to determine run or pass will make all the difference. More to the point, UT can't tip em off to run or pass until the last split second. The linemen have to hit hard from the get-go and not let up. Given Bama's speed, plays involving straight up blocking or mis-direction are a must. Even straight up plays need to involve designed cut-backs or naked boot legs. Early on, pass plays need to be quick - NO DROPING BACK; just take the snap and let er go. Even should UT take or maintain a lead, they shouldn't let up; they should be throwing down field, or pulling the reverse, or triple option zone reads. If your boyz wanna win, they're gonna hafta earn this one.
Defense: JPW has grown and matured into a fine young man. He was every Bama fan's weak link; the guy they wanted thrown off the island. Now he's everyone's unsung hero. He can still be had, if Ut's line and LB's can get to him early and often. If the "D" doesn't put a spy on him every play and communicate where the play is going, he'll single handedly riddle UT's "D". KNOW who's gonna carry the mail: Glenn Coffee, Mark Ingram, Roy Upchurch - solid backs ALL! When one or all are in the backfield, for the duration of every play, someone has to be punishing everyone of these players whether they have the ball or not. When one of them has the ball, long run or not, they have to be hit and hit hard and brought down hard - gang tackling is a must. Shake off the big plays, but make these guys earn every inch.
Pass Defense: If someone isn't assigned to chucking Julio Jones every time he comes off the line, intended receiver or not, he'll run roughshod through the 2ndary. Now, he may be their only go-to guy, but that doesn't mean ignore the likes of Nick Walker, Mike McCoy, or Marquis Maze. They have to be on their toes back there. Tackling has to be crisp and low, none of this high shouldering stuff; wrap em up for crying out loud. FUNDAMENTALS!!!
They should have put the TCU game out of their minds by now; learned from it (I hope.) and moved on. They need to pretend Bama is BYU, is riding a 30 year winning streak over them, and this is the only shot they'll have over the next 30 years to beat them. Otherwise, they may just as well sit and watch the game, because it'll likely look just like it looked against Clemson. I think they can do it. Will they? That's up to them. Enjoy one; enjoy ALL!!!
Our defense will be competent. Alabama can move even on a competent defense but our showing will be respectable on this side of the ball.
The part I disagree with the the part about BYU and TCU. The TCU game was known to be intense going into it and they gave us a run for the money, where by the time BYU came around we were the solid favorite ready to avenge the beatings of the recent past. They have won games ruining great seasons and streaks in the past. Their defense is the only thing we saw that is really comparable to Alabama, maybe better. TCU stopped us, but we know what kind of defense we will be facing. The dog fight against TCU, and the determination and resilience we displayed, is exactly the kind of game we should be remembering over a lopsided win over a storied instate rival.
This is the biggest game and opponent Utah has ever faced in its 100+ year history and we have a chance to make a game of it, or a buffoon out of ourselves.