Trends since Nov. 5th and what they may reveal about Jan. 9th

Great Observations and Great thread CC and fellow Tigers.
I am wondering if we have the advantage playing on turf vs natural grass. I can just see those linebackers trying to keep up with our RB's going from side to side. Or perhaps one of our TE's going down the field.

 

Great post, CC. As you point out, except for the start of the UGA game (I think our heads just weren't in it, and UGA did everything we like to do from the outset of the toss), we are improving on an already outstanding team and season. What really separates us from Bama, is that our offense is overall a little better (they have the best single back, but we have a harum of backs, and better QBs), and our STs are much better. STs will be the difference maker in this game, yet again, and not just by them missing FGs (from distances they should not have been trying in the first place). Agree, that TM7 will have a much greater impact, too. Second half, we separate ourselves from them on the scoreboard, just like we have with all other teams all year long.

Edit: did not mean to quote Sourdoughman. inadvertent.

 

I tend to agree. While we were outstanding with Lee, we're more dynamic with Jefferson taking snaps. With Lee, the run game was almost strictly power. We still have the power with JJ, but now we can run it all over the place. This gives the oppposing defense a lot more to think about, and it can wear them down more quickly.

That's one reason that I like JJ on the roll-out plays. It keeps their over-sized LBs on the run even when we're not running the option. The more that we can make them have to run to the play (as opposed to bringing the play to them), the better off we will be. Plus, it allows the plays to develop and gives our WRs more time to try and get open. bama's secondary is very, very good just after the snap. That's why Lee didn't fare so well against them. He gets rid of the ball very quickly, but that doesn't work against a secondary like theirs. JJ is patient (sometimes too much so), and that just may pay dividens against the tide.

I also think that Hilliard will have a huge impact on the game. UGA is very, very big up front, and he destroyed them. I think that he is strong & powerful enough to be effective.

 

Excellent post CC, enjoyed and agreed.

 

Slants scare me, especially if the QB has a tendency to throw high, I'd rather see us run some quick outs and deep come backs. I also would like to see us run a few screens with Shep or Randle to help JJ get into a rhythm. Spread Bama out and pound them up the middle.

 

Excellent post CC and I agree with the delay when JJ is throwing. I think thats what helped when RS caught the long one. If not for the mistake by ODB, Shepherd may have walked in. He should have kept his route to the outside instead of bringing the defender to the play. Any way this may help with TE routes up the seam if we can pull the LB in with play action.

Again great post.:thumb:

 

Nice post. One thing I'm almost scared of is with Jefferson at QB, whether or not we regress to the 2008/2009 offenses where we couldn't buy a 1st down. We saw flashes of it in the 1st half against UGA. The one advantage this team has is a stronger defense, MUCH better special teams (better suited to play field position battles), and a stronger offensive-line.

It also helps to realize Bama's offense ain't all that either. Stop Trent and you win.

 

If not the starting tailback, one that gets a larger percentage of the carries. He's a great talent and was underutilized in Bama, round one.

 

I don't understand it BUT look at JJ in bowl games, he is a total different QB.
Its like his game has gone up a notch vs Penn St, Georgia Tech and Texas ATM.
For some reason as this game gets closer I just constantly think and see more reasons why we will win this game and Bama will lose. I don't believe McCarron can play in this game and NOT make mistakes. He is a first year player and is about to play in the biggest game of his life. We have the experience at QB. The difference is McCarron will cough up the ball at some point and JJ shouldn't.
BUT it is crucial that we send a message early in this game and knock McCarron on his can the way they did to JL in the last game if that opportunity is available. I love the Idea of utilizing Hilliard inside the 20 yard line.