As excited as I am about the Iron Bowl, I am equally saddened by the fact – the season is ending.  I truly love College Football.  I enjoy the enthusiasm, the excitement the anticipation and the FUN of it all.   So much has happened this year, and among the things that have happened, Bama remains undefeated and Auburn has surprised everyone by coming into this game having lost only to LSU. 

 

Both teams have a lot ridding on this.  Obviously Alabama has more to loose, with the possibility of a 3^rd National Championship in a row.   Auburn is at home, and that will (like it or not) affect Bama, how much depends on how well Bama can move the ball.  Of course quieting the crowd means Bama is doing well – and I really have an odd feeling about this game. 

 

Auburn is a “spread” team that runs first to throw, Bama uses more of a power, throw to run formation.   Who can stop who?  If I could answer that, I’d bet the house, but I don’t know the answer, but like the many pundits, I will speculate.

 

I’m guessing Bama may struggle with the Auburn Offense…on the first couple of possessions, et al… TAMU – I think Bama will adjust and the tempo of the game will change.    I look for AJ McCarron to be the “guy” for Bama, on Offense and CJ Mosley, to be much the same for Bama D.  If those two guys have the games they are capable of having, Bama wins going away.   As I type this, it is hard to imagine, AJ McCarron has accomplished so much in his career, which is coming to an end this year.  AJ truly phenomenal, with 3 more wins, will have 40 wins, 4 NC and 3 in a row.  But there are monumental wins in the balance.  The first is Auburn, and I think that will happen…. Tomorrow, as the Loveliest Village, becomes the Den for the Battle of #1 AND #4 … reminiscent of 2010 when Bama had the role of “spoiler” … and we know how that went, Bama lost –after a miracle 2^nd half comeback. 

Most say, “Throw out the record books” in this game, well I say not true, the favored team usually wins.   Bama is favored by 10 – and I look for them to make good of that and mover a step closer to #16 with a win over Auburn.

 One other small note - Bama since Saban has lost to Auburn 2 times, by a total of 8 points, and won 5 by at combined total of 78 points. 

 

Bama 35 Auburn 20
ROLL TIDE  

The Bama LSU rivalry lived up to expectations…. well it did at least for a half, then Bama seemed to say, “Ok here we go” as the stalwart Defense allowed only 52 total yards with All American DJ Mobley garnering the SEC Defensive player of the week award for his outstanding effort, and inspiring the entire defense to rise up after a very lackluster first half.  Bama outscored the Tigers in the 2^nd stanza 21 to 3, behind the arm and head of AJ McCarron.  The bevy of receivers continues to have outstanding games.  Freshman TE OJ Howard shined with a beautiful touchdown reception where he simply outran the LSU dbacks to get to the end zone.  Howard is destined for greatness.  The tandem of Yeldon / Drake pounded the LSU defense time and time again, behind what is becoming an outstanding offensive line.  Final score Bama 38 LSU 17.

This week, the #1 ranked Crimson Tide takes it’s traveling show to Starkville, to challenge the Bulldogs.  State is a bit of disappointment, in my opinion, struggling to become bowl eligible with a record of 4 – 5.  Under HC Dan Mullen, many think the bullies have underachieved.  Most thought Mullen would bring respectability.  But instead of being contenders, they will try to become spoilers. 

Odds makers think Bama wins by 25, and in spite of tbe fact that history says Miss State normally plays Bama touch, I think Bama will cover with a TD to spare.

 

Bama 41 Miss State 13.  RTR

Before I get into the normal BLAH BLAH BLAH, I would like to invite you to check out what the folks at Reese's have done.  The official candy of NCAA football, contacted me with interest in doing a story about "TIDE RIDES" and the fan who would have such a collection.  Yours truly obliged, and it was a good decision.  The crew spent a few hours with Michele and me and were the nicest people.  The entire crew was fantastic, but special thanks to Joey, Sarah and Marty.  You are welcome back anytime !!! There is a link at the bottom for you to enjoy the segment..entitled, "BAMA'S BIGGEST FAN"  ....yeah, I know.....  keep the comments about the title to yourselves...

 

So, here we are, that time of year again. Where the LSU coach and the former LSU coach square off into a duel… for SEC supremacy… OH Wait, LSU has lost two games thus far in the 2013 season….so has this game, once labeled “Game of the Century” lost its luster?  As a fan of the Crimson Tide, I say NO, absolutely not!!! 

 

Bama of course is ranked #1 and undefeated, and LSU has losses to Ga, and Ole Miss.  I’m still not sure how they stumbled to Ole Miss but looking back I did notice that Ole Miss plays LSU tough almost every season, running up lots of yards in the process., and actually beat the Tigers in 3 of the past 7 contests.  Given that bit of history, it is asinine to base this game on that score.

 

I think the Crimson Tide is in for a war.   Bama is favored by Vegas odds makers by 10.5/11.5 , the largest since the Miles Vs Saban era.  So how has this game faired against the spread?  Curiously, I found these stats.

 

 

2007
Spread: LSU (-6.5)
Result: LSU 41, Alabama 34    COVERED

2008
Spread: Alabama (-3)
Result: Alabama 27, LSU 21 (OT)  COVERED

2009
Spread: Alabama (-7)
Result: Alabama 24, LSU 15   COVERED

2010
Spread: Alabama (-6.5)
Result: LSU 24, Alabama 21  NOT COVERED

2011
Spread: Alabama (-5.5)
Result: LSU 9, Alabama 6 (OT)  NOT COVERED

NCG   Spread: Alabama (-2.5)
Result: Alabama 21, LSU 0   COVERED

2012
Spread: Alabama (-7)
Result: Alabama 21, LSU 17   NOT COVERED

2013
Spread: Alabama (-11)
Result:  ??????????????????????

 

What does all that mean?  Well, the favored team in those years won 5 games, covering in 4 of them.   Remember Vegas is not picking the winner, they are picking to get people to bet…

This Bama team does remind me of the 09 group, who had that “Get it done” attitude.  Too, I think AJ wants that 3peat really bad.  He seems to be more focused than ever and out to prove to the doubters that he is great QB, not a “Game Manager”.  That’s why, I believe Bama wins but doesn’t cover.   Though conventional wisdom says, DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE… I’m throwing conventional wisdom out the window…. Bama 31  LSU 23.

Roll Tide…
Enjoy the segment from          "LETS GO REESE'S"