Could Alabama Be TCU 2.0? (I hope not.)

dukesteer

dukesteer

5,000+ Posts
I’ll get some grief for this take but so be it.

With the best running back in college football last November, TCU completely shut us down, in Austin. The offense was stunningly inept. Based on what I saw Saturday, I have to wonder if the same thing could happen in Tuscaloosa.

Other than Worthy, did anyone see an improvement “at any position” in the offensive last Saturday? Sure, we added Mitchell, but neither Ewers nor the OL showed any growth. This, against a team that should have presented no challenge whatsoever.

We heard during the fall camp that the defense was ahead of the offense. Most of us discounted this information, believing that with the talent available, it was just a matter of time. And frankly, it may still be. But to say I’m not very concerned would be the epitome of delusion.

So unless the OL and Ewers make a big leap from week one “and” Sark calls a brilliant game, I fear that we may see a repeat of what happened last November 12th at home. Even if the Defense plays the game of their lives – a big ask, they will need help from the other side of the ball.

I sure hope I’m wrong.
 
dukesteer said:
I’ll get some grief for this take but so be it.

With the best running back in college football last November, TCU completely shut us down, in Austin. The offense was stunningly inept. Based on what I saw Saturday, I have to wonder if the same thing could happen in Tuscaloosa.

Other than Worthy, did anyone see an improvement “at any position” in the offensive last Saturday? Sure, we added Mitchell, but neither Ewers nor the OL showed any growth. This, against a team that should have presented no challenge whatsoever.

We heard during the fall camp that the defense was ahead of the offense. Most of us discounted this information, believing that with the talent available, it was just a matter of time. And frankly, it may still be. But to say I’m not very concerned would be the epitome of delusion.

So unless the OL and Ewers make a big leap from week one “and” Sark calls a brilliant game, I fear that we may see a repeat of what happened last November 12th at home. Even if the Defense plays the game of their lives – a big ask, they will need help from the other side of the ball.

I sure hope I’m wrong.
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This is my fear also.
 
Good point by the OP, but our OL performed really well vs Alabama last year. And that performance came out of nowhere it seemed

Could be Alabama is a tad over rated now. I thought we out played them last year and bama didn't make game changing adjustments that I was used to seeing. Wouldn't surprise me if we won

Didn't the sec refs work last year in Austin? I recall that but could be wrong. B12 officials will get another chance to shoot us down in Tuscaloosa
 
I thought in games between 2 difference conferences a 3rd conferences set of officials worked the game.
Would not want Big 12 refs in Tuscaloosa
 
dukesteer said:
I’ll get some grief for this take but so be it.

With the best running back in college football last November, TCU completely shut us down, in Austin. The offense was stunningly inept. Based on what I saw Saturday, I have to wonder if the same thing could happen in Tuscaloosa.

Other than Worthy, did anyone see an improvement “at any position” in the offensive last Saturday? Sure, we added Mitchell, but neither Ewers nor the OL showed any growth. This, against a team that should have presented no challenge whatsoever.

We heard during the fall camp that the defense was ahead of the offense. Most of us discounted this information, believing that with the talent available, it was just a matter of time. And frankly, it may still be. But to say I’m not very concerned would be the epitome of delusion.

So unless the OL and Ewers make a big leap from week one “and” Sark calls a brilliant game, I fear that we may see a repeat of what happened last November 12th at home. Even if the Defense plays the game of their lives – a big ask, they will need help from the other side of the ball.

I sure hope I’m wrong.
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A defense can shut down a run-centered offense easier than shutting down a big play offense that the Horns have this year. Teams will have to gamble by blitzing etc to slow down the Horns. It’s higher risk. That’s not to say it can’t be effective but watch the Horns score at least 2 TD’s on Bama due to aggressive defensive calls.
 
I share some of the same concerns that OP expressed.

My biggest concern is the OL. Missed blocks and not picking up pressure and blitzes. Rod Babers talked about what Rice did and why it was effective post game Sat. He suspects Bama will be greatly influenced by what the owls did.

Second concern is Ewers. He had a good day overall stat wise and a couple of critical runs for first downs. However, he is slow in the pocket and he stares down receivers far too often. Bama will have had plenty of time to study tape of his tendancies & weaknesses from '22 season & the Rice game. Last year they didn't have video on him outside of the ULM game. Unless the OL steps up like they did in 2022, I fear Ewers will be pressured often when he tries to pass.
 
WorsterMan said:
Second concern is Ewers. He had a good day overall stat wise and a couple of critical runs for first downs. However, he is slow in the pocket and he stares down receivers far too often. Bama will have had plenty of time to study tape of his tendancies & weaknesses from '22 season & the Rice game. Last year they didn't have video on him outside of the ULM game. Unless the OL steps up like they did in 2022, I fear Ewers will be pressured often when he tries to pass.
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Agree. My buddy made an observation that I think is valid. While Ewers was certainly an elite quarterback in high school and extremely highly rated, he is unproven in college. Outside of the first quarter last September against Alabama and a few series in Dallas, he has not shown elite skills. So just because he was highly rated in high school does not necessarily translate at this level.

I haven’t finished re-watching the game, but so far, through his first ~ ten throws, a number of them were not particularly good. His recognition was not good either. I just watched someone break down our first third down, when he bailed out way too quickly — under no pressure, and missed a breaking open JT Sanders who would probably have had a long gain on the play. Then, on 4th down, he missed a room service toss for an easy first down.

My feeling is that if he doesn’t evolve quickly (and I really hope that he does), Sark may have a decision to make.
 
Texas football: Officiating crew vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Referee: Scott Campbell

Umpire: Rick Podraza

Head Linesman: Andy Warner

Line Judge: Keith Garmond

Field Judge: Matt Mills

Side Judge: Mario Seneca

Back Judge: Tyree Walton

Center Judge: Corey Long

Replay Official: Jeff Hansen
 
H2 You remember correctly.
"Conference referees call intraconference games, but two teams playing an out-of-conference matchup decide who will supply the officials by agreeing on a contract before the game — in most cases, the onus lies on the road team to supply the referees."
Column | NCAA’s conference-affiliated referee system must go - The Pitt News


But I swear I remember more than once hearing refs from Mountain west or MAC etc calling Horn games against out of conference opponents
Since we are the road team I wonder if CDC would consider using another's conference refs
 
I know it’s sad when I can see opportunities on the field before Sark and/or Ewers but I told wife several plays before the TD to Mitchell that he was outside one on one in man coverage and it’s a score of Ewers goes to him. Then finally he gets the call for an easy 6 points. Not a good thing when I can see it and coaches don’t. It was a real easy call.
 
dukesteer said:
My feeling is that if he doesn’t evolve quickly (and I really hope that he does), Sark may have a decision to make.
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Really? Did Murphy look like he was the answer? He threw some laser beams but I didn't see anything to suggest he is a completely viable replacement for QE.
 
mchammer said:
Bama starting DBs uncertain for Texas showdown
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Right. A Saban game; they will be on the field. Besides, when you don't have to worry about a downfield game, LBs can play the corner positions. Somehow someway Sark has got to either crack QE's downfield issues or have MM ready to go to get the Alabama CB's to move back from the LoS.

The Texas D has improved over the end of last season, but they cannot play 80% of the snaps in the humidity of Tuscolussa so the O has to find a way to get points and keep Alabama's O off the field.
 
Texas has to put 10 in the box. Stop the run. Make their QB beat you in the air. Everyone is ripping Ewers. However, his best stat of the day was zero turnovers. If he has zero turnovers versus Alabama, we have a great chance to win.
 
we almost had bama QB Milro when we recruited him. was disappointed when he decided on Bama.
who would you like QBing our team this year Milro or Ewers?
i would definitely take Milro.
 
Pomspoms said:
we almost had bama QB Milro when we recruited him. was disappointed when he decided on Bama.
who would you like QBing our team this year Milro or Ewers?
i would definitely take Milro.
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Milroe will be flustered and throw 3 INT’s on Saturday.
 
i initially have Bama beating us by ten. But after further reflection of our oline and Ewers performances, i am thinking a 3 td loss.
Ewers simply doesnt have the "it" factor. He may have the physical "tools" to get by but just doesnt have it in his psyche. His deep throws are atrocious as everyone can see.(the underthrow to Mitchell was not that deep) I am wondering why our coaching staff hasnt coached him up on footwork. I am also wondering about his courage and tenacity in the pocket. He does seem determined on his runs. i think its because he feels he has more control during the run.
And the oline, oh my goodness, they stink at picking up blitzes and stunts. Is this a coaching issue? Protect your gap and the inside gap. Campbell didnt look good. Hes not ready.
If it werent for our defense we would finish the reg season with 7 or 8 wins. We are just above mediocre until we find a better QB and the oline is better coached.
 
Pomspoms said:
i initially have Bama beating us by ten. But after further reflection of our oline and Ewers performances, i am thinking a 3 td loss.
Ewers simply doesnt have the "it" factor. He may have the physical "tools" to get by but just doesnt have it in his psyche. His deep throws are atrocious as everyone can see.(the underthrow to Mitchell was not that deep) I am wondering why our coaching staff hasnt coached him up on footwork. I am also wondering about his courage and tenacity in the pocket. He does seem determined on his runs. i think its because he feels he has more control during the run.
And the oline, oh my goodness, they stink at picking up blitzes and stunts. Is this a coaching issue? Protect your gap and the inside gap. Campbell didnt look good. Hes not ready.
If it werent for our defense we would finish the reg season with 7 or 8 wins. We are just above mediocre until we find a better QB and the oline is better coached.
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What I keep saying. Just because he CAN make all the throws doesn't mean he WILL.
 
Sangre Naranjada said:
Really? Did Murphy look like he was the answer? He threw some laser beams but I didn't see anything to suggest he is a completely viable replacement for QE.
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You’re not wrong about Murphy. Heck, we just don’t know. Same with Arch. But frankly, I’m high on both.

All I am saying is that “if it becomes apparent” that Ewers may not be what we had expected, perhaps we need to start thinking about going to Plan B. The sooner we do so — if that conclusion is reached — the sooner that second quarterback gets up to speed. I’M NOT OFF THE EWERS TRAIN YET, but I am thinking about getting off at the next station, so to speak.

I want QE to be great in Tuscaloosa, and he just might be. But obviously, this guy is like Forrest Gump, “a box of chocolates, and you never know what you’re gonna get.”
 
dukesteer said:
You’re not wrong about Murphy. Heck, we just don’t know. Same with Arch. But frankly, I’m high on both.

All I am saying is that “if it becomes apparent” that Ewers may not be what we had expected, perhaps we need to start thinking about going to Plan B. The sooner we do so — if that conclusion is reached — the sooner that second quarterback gets up to speed. I’M NOT OFF THE EWERS TRAIN YET, but I am thinking about getting off at the next station, so to speak.

I want QE to be great in Tuscaloosa, and he just might be. But obviously, this guy is like Forrest Gump, “a box of chocolates, and you never know what you’re gonna get.”
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Oh, I'm high on both too.

May I presume that "if it becomes apparent" implies several losses (not just one), such that experimenting with talented but unproven guys cannot possibly do more damage to our prospects for the remainder of the season?
 
Sangre Naranjada said:
Really? Did Murphy look like he was the answer? He threw some laser beams but I didn't see anything to suggest he is a completely viable replacement for QE.
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I think all the points are valid. QE gives better interviews but he is not a polished qb yet and may never be (yet to be determined). MM has a canon but not sure there is a velocity governor on his arm so that also creates some issues. He was so limited last year I dont think anyone knows what they have there other than a world class arm and also built a lot like VY. Since Colt left ages ago, you have not seen any QB's /WR combo with the ability to check down a play based on the d they see. Not sure if that was something that Greg Davis taught or if VY and Colt just had it. Either way its glaringly missing for many years. Hoping with the troubling line play we dont have a repeat of last year with the QB getting hurt. I heard another analogy and perhaps on here that our OL is taught to help others if they dont have a rusher directly in front of them. I would like to think our OL recruiting has gotten enough talent that we can build and hold a pocket to give the qb a chance to throw. Maybe this is all wishful thinking but hoping we dont lay an egg on national tv this week.
 
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