Quick notes since y'all gone and had your own thing without me:
Auburn
- Most important improvement I noticed last night was the defensive strategy. I think last night showed why we're paying Muschamp so much money. The defense had multiple opportunities for big plays in the backfield. One of the best calls of the night was the blitz off the end when they were on the goal line. We got contact with the running back three yards behind the line of scrimmage. I also saw improvement in the secondary on long passes. Some of those throws and catches were highlight quality, which for some reason ALWAYS happens against us.
- But you can't coach talent, and one area we lack severely is in tackling. I counted four times where we should have had a huge stop in the backfield thanks to great play calling by Muschamp and instead, we saw an arm tackle or whiff and the running back made it down field. I also noticed that if the QB could complete a pass three to four yards past the line of scrimmage, the receiver could muscle or juke his way for at least five more yards.
- The improvement was there. We just need the players.
- I'm going to take the contrarian stance about the offense. While we were more productive, I thought Sean White's arm strength and accuracy was off. Timing and accuracy can be improved through coaching and experience. But some of those deep balls were just floaters that will be picked off by better defenses. Louis had a huge night, and I think he bailed out White quite a few times.
- White also has an issue of staring down receivers. He looks a bit jittery back there as well. But again, I don't necessarily fault White for this. He's young and he's not an NFL prospect yet. He's learning the ropes and I hope to see him improve over the rest of the season.
- Gus Malzahn has some serious bonehead issues, which we know already. Why in the hell is Jeremy Johnson on the field? Ever? Why did we spend the 1st half driving the field and scoring points with an open playbook and come out of the half with conservative boring shit calls?
- This was our halfway point. Here's what I expect to see the rest of the season based on what we've seen so far:
Arkansas
I think we have a good chance to win this game IF we can catch a few lucky breaks on offense. Do not have any false ideas about the Razorbacks: Bielema keeps his players playing extremely hard no matter what. This is also his Super Bowl - he hates Malzahn. He knows his job is in jeopardy. He will have them ready to play.
We cannot stop their running game. Alex Collins is a great back, and they have a strong offensive line. Their defense is stout as well, and I think we need to connect on a long pass to Louis or Smith for a touchdown. We've got to put them on their heels because we won't just muscle Barber down the field, and I don't think we have the speed to hit the edge.
I expect to win this one in a close game. 21-17 or something like that.
Ole Miss
Loss. Don't even kid yourself. Ole Miss stunk it up against Florida for whatever reason, but I doubt they have that kind of showing again. They are still in the driver's seat for the SEC West. They have a great defense with speed, strength, and big play potential. They can beat LSU, win out, and go to Atlanta.
They also have great receivers and a wide open offense. Our defense sucks, especially in tackling.
We lose. 31-17 or something like that.
Texas A&M
Loss. Probably a big loss. Again, our defense can't tackle. We give up big plays. We get out of position. Texas A&M has a wide open offense with playmakers all over.
I think our offense can slow the game down some against them, but I can't see us staying on the field with them.
35 - 14 or something like that.
Georgia
Potential win. Georgia's going to be hurting. I really hope they lose to Florida. Their quarterback isn't all that great, and without Chubb, I don't think they'll gash us like they did last year.
Auburn fans are also resilient. The stadium will be packed and ready to make things really difficult on the Bulldogs.
Because I am an Auburn fan, I'll call it a win. 24-21, all timer kind of game. Or something like that.
Alabama
Loss. Kinda close loss that just feels like shit. Their run defense is at their 2011 level. Their secondary sucks, but they're athletic enough to take advantage of White's weak arm. We won't run against them at all.
Luckily their offense blows monkey balls, so I don't expect it to get out of hand.
Loss. 17 - 3 or something like that.
Other Thoughts
- Ole Miss represents the West. I think they can win out and they'll have the tie breaker against Alabama.
- LSU is vastly overrated. Alabama is going to beat them easily. Alabama's run game will stuff LF much like they did Chubb, and LSU's quarterback is about as bad as ours. I also think LSU's defense is overrated. I also also think LSU loses to Ole Miss, who has the defense to stop a one dimensional offense.
- Florida's going to represent the East because the other teams in the East blow monkey balls.
- Your four team playoff: Ole Miss, Michigan, Baylor, and Utah. Clemson fans bitch but no one cares.
Ole Miss will get revenge against Florida's quarterback-less team that sneaks in with three losses.
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