Quote Originally Posted by Boom_Boom:
I want to throw something out there and see if anybody in here can come up with the correct answer.
Where is the biggest weakness on the Alabama team?
I know the answer without question.... I want to know if anybody else knows....
Boom,
Glad to see you posting here once again. I have off and on read these forums from the shadows, not posting much as my post count shows I am sure. However, I do read many opinions on here mostly from the more respected opinionated posters as yourself. You have always been a "realist" and always liked that about people.
I myself, like to think of myself as a "realist". I am admittedly an Alabama fan and have been born and raised to be one. Chiming in on some things said this thread.
First off for your question, it is a good one. There are 3 areas that have concerned me over the past I would say 3 - 4 years. Field goal kicker, secondary, and the O-line. All of 3 which I feel can earn the title as "weakest link of Bama team". If i was to choose just one, I would have to say the O-line, closely followed by the kicker, and then the secondary. All of which I have yelled at a considerable amount these past few years. Cristobal is a hell of a recruiter, but our O-line since hiring him has just not been the same. I think the clemson D-line gives us fits this game.
On to my 2 cents of the game and matchup. I will say I was considerably nervous last year as I am for most any big matchup. This year's game is the most nervous I have been since 2009 SEC Championship against Tebow and company. It is no secret that it took everything out of Alabama last year to win the game. Bama won the game but did not out-play Clemson by any means. It took: broken OJ Howard play(s), onside kick, ridiculous kickoff return, plus more to score more than Clemson last year.
Do I think Alabama deserved to win last year... ehh sure maybe but I think the better term to describe it was "relieved" we pulled it off.
Any team can be beat on any given day and here we are again with another heck of a game on the horizon. Thus Alabama pulled it off last year in a one for the ages victory with a little bit of everything on defense, offense, and special teams.
These are my main points of focus this years game:
1 of 2 if not honestly both of these things has/have to happen for Bama to win: O line play lights out. Secondary steps up.
1 of 2 if not honestly both of these things has/have to happen for Clemson to win: Watson continue to be best player and pass well. Clemson D-line contain/make Jalen Hurts average.
Alabama good points:
D-line one of the best
Defense is overall faster
dual threat qb adds a new element
freak athletes all around
The old saying "defense wins championships" has deemed true
Nick Saban
Alabama bad points:
secondary is still the same secondary. refer to Ole Miss
kicker is still iffy
O-line play has been sloppy
recent surge of penalties
Clemson good points:
Deshaun Watson is the best player out there
Mike Williams is going to score and is the best WR out there
D-line is crazy good yet again
Revenge game/Motivation
Overall experience
Offense SHOULD be able to pass over bama comfortably again
Clemson bad points:
Can defense contain Hurts, OJ, and stable of RBs?
"New" OC at Bama could throw defense off
Defense can be suspect at times (refer to V-tech, Pitt,FSU, Louisville)
SHOULD not be able to run on Bama
Overall I love the matchup. I would be lying if I did not say I wanted Michigan this year in the title against us but I honestly believe the two best teams are playing this year (again). Best of luck to both teams. Excited to watch.
Roll Tide, good luck tigers.