Auburn
- I'm still grumpy. I'm happy. But I'm grumpy.
- Jeremy Johnson did a great job last night. He didn't set the world on fire, but I do think he showed that if needed, he could keep the wheels going this season. Those wheels are kinda boxy, rickety, and worn, but I think we can still beat Idaho if JJ starts. Unlike a few weeks ago when, you know, we almost couldn't beat Jax State with him starting.
- Play calling felt better, but I think that's because our basic run plays were working with Jovon Robinson. I still don't understand what Gus is thinking.
- JJ threw the ball 9 times in our first two drives, both of which ended with touchdowns. He only threw the ball 14 more times the rest of the game. In fact, in the 1st half after going up 14-3, JJ threw the ball one more time and we ran the ball the rest of the half. Half time score? 14-3.
- We also started the game by stretching the field. Lots of end runs. Some quick throws. It opened up the run game. Then we shut it down by becoming predictable.
- Why? I mean, it worked, sorta. We finished the game with 443 yards of total offense but after the two touchdowns to open the game, we had to settle for four field goals.
- Defensively, we looked a lot better. A whole lot better. Guys were in position to make tackles, and they made them. We took advantage of the opposing team having issues, which is something most of our opponents haven't seemed to have. Still some issues in the front 7 stopping the run game, but I can't complain about our team having three interceptions and keeping their athletes from making big plays.
Alabama-LSU
- Anyone surprised? Five straight victories for Saban over Miles.
- It's the same game plan every year. Really, it's the same damn game every year. Miles runs his tailback right into Alabama's strength and then wonders why he's losing.
- You cannot defeat Alabama playing muscle ball. You definitely cannot move your offense against Alabama playing muscle ball. In fact, I don't think since 2008 that Alabama has lost a game of muscle ball outside of 2011 LSU. And even then, Alabama's defense shut down LSU's offense. LSU's defense just so happened to be comparable to Alabama's that year.
- Going back to 2008, Alabama has lost to the following teams (plus offensive system):
Florida (spread)
Utah (spread)
South Carolina (more pro-style but Spurrier likes to throw)
LSU (muscle ball)
Auburn (spread)
LSU (muscle ball)
Texas A&M (spread)
Auburn (spread)
Oklahoma (spread)
Ole Miss (spread)
Ohio State (spread)
Ole Miss (spread)
- If I were a betting man, I would have placed the largest bet I could muster on Alabama last night. It's too obvious that if a team is going to slam helmets as their game plan that Alabama is going to win. In fact, if you asked me to pick between these two BEFORE yesterday: LSU winning @Alabama or Auburn beating Alabama at home, I'd probably say it's safer to go with Auburn. At least Gus knows how to move the ball against a Saban defense.
The Melt
- I'm so over watching Alabama have the same goddamn season every year. Every year I'm told that Alabama looks a bit weaker than before. That you can look at the Ole Miss or Tennessee games. Look at the Arkansas game! Oh, their running back is overrated. Their QB actually sucks. But every year, they get better each week, catch a loss that doesn't affect them at all, and eventually go on to have a 1 or 2 loss season with a good shot at a championship.
- It's gotten so boring that I'm numb to it. Maybe Miss State or Auburn can catch them sleeping. Maybe. Probably not.
Going Forward
- Like I said, I'm grumpy. I don't think we'll beat Georgia or Alabama. I love our players giving it their all though. They seem to really care about getting better, achieving something for themselves, and making sure that Auburn doesn't fall completely off the map.
- We're going bowling. That's good. I just hope we can get one more victory over a rival and stay away from Birmingham.
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