Remember LEONARD POST TOASTIES ?  If he were broadcasting it would be something like... " The pachyderms from Tuscaloosa - made BBQ out of the Hogs from Ozark Country .... making them little piggies squeal wee wee wee all the way home" ... I do miss Leonard's Loser's... 

 Bama D was everywhere on Saturday making the highly vaunted Ark offense, down right offensive.  38 - 14 and it really wasn't that close.  The Pigs could muster a bit above 200 yards while Bama flirted with the 400 yard mark.

 Bamas running game was great, and the passing of McCarron was a measley 75% for an even 200 yards.  But Bama has no time to gloat as the plot as they say , thickens.

 Alabama is on the road this week, for it's first SEC road game to visit --again channeling Leonard - "THOSE GIANT WATER LIZARDS IN GAINESVILLE"  ok ok, no more ...   

 Bama and the Gators are ranked extremely high in all defensive categories in the SEC.  Bama is a bit higher than the Gators, but hardly enough to mention.   Muschamp must be very anxious to coach against his former mentor and boss, Nick Saban.  No doubt the Tide will have it's hands full with the D of Fla and with the tandem of Rainey and Demps carrying and catching the ball out of the backfield. Bama counters with Trent Richardson  and Eddie Lacey 

 If you are bored enough that you happen to read this occasionally, you know I get nervous on all games but especially those of a magnitude like this one.  Bama is favored by 4.    My thoughts for what they are worth. Most are saying this will be a defensive battle, and i do tend to agree.  Given both teams have a very stingy defense and given Fla is at home, makes me very very very nervous.  But logically looking at Ark and the fact that they were the top Offense in the SEC and Bama stopped them C O L D, I think Bama's D will have similar success against the Gators.  There is one area I am extremely concerned about... Bama's inconsistency in the Punting game.  Defensive games are often decided due to Field position and that makes me even more nervous.  I look for this one to be close, and Bama pulling it out with the Defense. 

Bama 23 Florida 16 

ROLL TIDE!!! 

WOW - Bama ran ran and ran against the MEAN GREEN OF NT.  Richardson and Lacey had their way with the MEAN GREEN D, as they both ripped off long TD runs.  Final Score BAMA 41 - North Texas 0

Bama's D remains in the top 5 in the nation in almost all categories.  This week as Bama takes on the HOGS of Arky, that D is expected to be put to a bit of a test.  

Bama will face and offense capable of putting up points under  Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino.  Many speculate that Petrino will challenge Bama's D and stretch what is vaunted as the best secondary in the nation.   

I think Bama will certainly rise to the occasion but I think they will have a hiccup or two early on, before settleing in and ultimately dominating in the final quarter.

I look for Bama to have a big day throwing the ball, after setting that up with a pounding running game as AKRY loads the box...

LOOKING FORWARD TO BAMA's first of many SEC wins in 2011

 BAMA 31 ARKY 16  

Before I get into this weeks game I have to say a few things about my Trip to Happy Valley.  I have traveled with the Tide over the years and had the great fortune of visiting many venues.  None compare to the hospitality, kindness and genuine respect shown by the PS fans. 

I know many Bama fans will equate this to their lack of production on the field, but it is genuine and it made me stop and think.  No mater if it was at the game, or at a pub in Harrisburg, the fans were just great.  They have a knowledge of the game similar to an SEC fan, but ... most were equally looking forward to the game the next day ... STEELERS.   

I also was fortunate enough to have seating near the coaches boxes and was pretty close to Coach Paterno.   I remember the day when folks would clamber to get a look at Coach Bryant and while most of the PS fans have a tremendous amount of respect for JoPa, you can sense they are ready for him to step aside.  Most I spoke with about this, feel his staying (especially the past 2 years) has caused more damage than good.

As for the Game.... Bama dominated on both sides of the ball.  More so than the score indicated, and when I watched the replay, I realized they played a more solid game than I had thought watching live.

The one area we seem to have struggled in was PUNTING.  Hopefully with time that will get better.
Bama finds itself ranked #1 in Total Defense in the SEC going into Saturday evenings game with NTS.  I suspect this should be a great time for the Coaches to again, experiment and give some of the younger guys experience.

I look for the Tide D to continue domination, and the Offense to score early and often.

BAMA 56 - NTS 6  Roll Tide

Bama took care of Kent State in the fashion many people suspected they would, covering the spread predicted of 38 points.  But the next one on the schedule "Aint" Kent State.  The Nittany Lions - with Jo Pa at the helm are hosting the Crimson Tide at 230 Saturday, with the game on ABC TV.

 Bama is a favorite in the game, currently ranked #3 in most polls -

 Against Kent State, Bama played extremely well on Defense allowing only 6 first downs... but the offense using both QBS, McCarron and Sims did well, but .. both turned the ball over and both sputtered at times. PS also uses two QB's.  I thought McCarron did a great job in his first 3 possessions, but once Sims came in Mc seemed to loose his rhythm...at his next opportunity. 

Bama's O line didn't play up to expectations of some, but - I think that may have been due to the rotation of different players - seemingly for the coaches to assess them in a real game setting.

Penn State likewise disposed of their opponent Indiana State 41 to 7.  

************************

Bama should live up to their pre season hype in this one, given the opportunity on the National Stage - I look for the Defense to perform like most Saban defenses, and this week I look for Bama to run the ball with more success.  The addition of Carter at WR should help spread the field a bit. 

I am fortunate enough that I will be viewing this one in person... RTR 

PREDICTION - Bama 31 - 13 

BAMA VS KENT STATE

Greetings everyone!!! Roll Tide !!! I have caught some heat from various folks for not updating my site form last year.  I must admit (as bad as I hate to) I was in such shock over the loss at the Iron Bowl, that I never could muster the motivation to post .. but I digress.

It's a new year, and the Bama fans know with each year the expectations are for Championships.  Bama is lauded in many polls as the favorite or contender for the BCS NC game.. and I must say looking at this D ...wow.

We should know a bit more next week after our visit to HAPPY VALLEY.

This week, Bama takes on Coach Saban's alma mater The Kent State   Golden Flashes.

KS D was rated high in last years rankings, but I think everyone knows Bama will be too much for them.  This should be a great opportunity for the coaches to get some game time looks at the Offense, including the QB's and the defense a chance to shine.

I look for Bama to open up the Offense a bit, in order to give both QB a chance to get a feel for the game.

Bottom line, BAMA 42 KS 6

I will be surprised if Coach Saban will run the score up too much on his former team.

ROLL TIDE   see you in Happy Valley