08/31/2018

Is it Christmas Eve?  No but close.  It is the day before Bama plays their first game.   I know some would say it’s silly and some would scoff, who needs them.  This is a day that all College Football fans look forward to, no matter how good or bad your team may be.  And here it is, College Football 2018 Edition.

Bama is coming off it’s 5^th National Championship in 9 years.  Please I beg you, to let that sink in… FIVE National Championships in NINE Years.  Coach Bryant was the Bama coach when I was born.  His legendary run with National Championships was phenomenal.  To think that I have been able to be a fan and witness these two amazing runs…is mind boggling.  As fans it’s easy to forget the times when National Championships were scarce.  One Championship  from the time Coach Bryant left to the time Coach Saban took over, thanks to Coach Stallings.  That again shows just how difficult it is to win Championships, yet Bama and Saban have 5 over the last 9 years.  WOW – just Wow… I digress.

Fortunately I have been fortunate enough to witness in person each of the Championships under Coach Saban, as well as the 92 National Championship under Coach Stallings.  In fact that was an INCREDIBLE game.  I sat in awe of that team as they completely throttled THE U – and no one gave them a chance.  I have often told folks that I would never witness another game that was so exciting that it becomes part of you.  Well… the NCG in Atlanta is either a close second, a tie or noses out that memory in my mind.  The excitement level in the second half easily equaled that of the 92 game in NOLA.   Tua is the version of Teague and his take away.   Plus, being down and coming back was legendary.  I am just thankful that I was at both. 

As has been my tradition since I started Tide Rides site, I pick the games for the fun of it an here I am.   On to this year and the Louisville game Saturday.  Bama comes in as a very heavy favorite.  25 or 26 points, depends on where you look.  Louisville is without Lamar Jackson now with the Ravens, this matchup lacks the luster it would have had last year.

Bama – amid a QB “controversy” or at least a contrived one… has only 4 players returning on Defense who started last year.  Of course you and I know those guys who are playing this year have seen significant playing time … but the fact remains they are younger in experience.  Bama also has a defensive backfield with several NEW NAMES.  Many are suspect of the secondary saying the defensive line must be able to pressure the QB and take some of the pressure off the guys in the defensive backfield.  All of the above is likely true.  Who starts at QB?  Well, I don’t know and that’s ok with me. Many fans and media are all upset because “SABAN” should tell.  I don’t get it, because I think it’s a good problem to have.  Both are great, and one is a much better passer, one a much better runner.  I personally believe Saban will start Hurts, but I know NOTHING.

The Cardinals are returning several seasoned and BIG receivers who just might give that new secondary fits.   And a new QB whose last name is Pass – “what’s in a name” is said to be in the build of one Cam Newton.   He is a big kid too.  St Louis struggled mightily last year giving up sack after sack after sack. Given the fact that Bama is still going to be very strong up front on Defense, it certainly easies my mind.

Finally, Coach Saban has fared well in these opening games on neutral site games, plus Louisville’s players have been very vocal this week about beating Bama.  Though part of me is worried about that secondary… I think Bama will handle business and cover that 25 point spread.

13

40

RTR