Blog Archives
AJ McCarron settles the argument
From our nosebleed seats at the Florida game, we didn’t get to see Nick Saban aggressively coaching his starting quarterback to settle down. We did see what caused the admonishment.
After AJ McCarron scored on a quarterback draw, he jumped up and waved his arms, pumping up the crowd and drawing his coach’s ire. At this point the game was well in hand. Also settled was something that seemed a matter of controversy and doubt just a few weeks ago: whether McCarron would even be Alabama’s starting quarterback.
Fans debated the merits of starting McCarron over Phillip Sims during the offseason. When it was announced both players would split time for the opener against Kent State, the job still appeared to be up for grabs. Each had mixed results in that game, but since then, McCarron has assumed control of the team, and settled the controversy.
McCarron is playing behind an offensive line that seemed questionable in the early season. But the o-line was rock solid against the Gators, opening huge holes for Trent Richardson, and giving McCarron plenty of time to throw.
McCarron made mistakes, to be sure. He overthrew open receivers and on at least one occasion seemed to tighten up when making a short dump pass. But he managed the game well in a hostile environment, and overall his numbers were respectable.
During the 2009 championship run, Greg McElroy had a 60.6 completion percentage and a 179 QB rating. Through five games this year, McCarron is at 62.5% with a 134 rating. If he stays healthy, McCarron will improve as a passer and, more importantly in a Nick Saban offense – as a game manager.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, the starting job is McCarron’s. He earned it the old fashioned way: by performing on the field and by learning to settle down.
Ready to roll
The family is getting ready to drive up the road to Gainsville this morning. Crimson and white clothing is being set out like combat gear. There’s excitement in the air, but a purposefulness on everyone’s face. It’s gameday.
We’re going into enemy territory today for a game with national implications. Saban vs. Weis. Two SEC powerhouse teams with undefeated records. The Gator fans will be out in force, and we’re expecting no end of trash talk.
The kids have been instructed: no smack, no starting trouble. You’re an Alabama fan, and you’ll show class, right up until the game clock hits zero. Then, along with the other Tide fans, you can yell the Rammer Jammer as loudly as you want.
Let’s get ready to roll.
SEC week 4 predictions
After going 7-0 last week, we’re 16-2 overall for the season. Some big games this weekend in the SEC, including the big one against the Gators. Here’s how we see this week shaping up.
Alabama vs. Florida A season hangs in the balance for both 4-0 teams. Florida under Will Muschamp is shifting from the Meyer aerial attack to a smashmouth SEC team. Muschamp’s mentor will be on the opposite sideline trying to shut down the Gator running game and force Florida to pass downfield into the heart of their violent defensive secondary. Alabama is a little dinged up, but if both teams bring their best game, this one could be a classic. Alabama 37-20
Mississippi State vs. Georgia A couple of .500 Bulldog teams meet in Athens, and we’ll get a chance to see in which direction each team is headed. As last week, we think Georgia will simply out-talent MSU. Georgia 24-12
Texas A&M vs. Arkansas An old SWC rivalry renews with A&M joining the SEC, and we get to see how the Hogs bounce back from being crushed last week in Tuscaloosa. Get ready to chant S-E-C… Arkansas 30-28
Kentucky vs. LSU This thing is going to look like a crime scene for two reasons. LSU is going to slaughter Kentucky, but still the Bayou Bengals will flop all over the field like a schoolbus exploded. LSU 40-10
Buffalo vs. Tennessee Derek Dooley was auditioning for his broadcast job last weekend, but actually gets to look like a decent coach this week. Tennessee 24-7
Auburn vs. South Carolina A rough October for the Tigers begins against Spurrier and the Gamecocks. This one should be fun, Tide fans. S. Carolina 30-16
Ole Miss vs. Fresno State Remember when Fresno State was good? Yeah, we don’t either. Ole Miss 17-9
AG’s Greatest Hits – An Alabama vs. Florida Playlist
When you can’t write, link, we say. And in honor of Florida Hate Week, we’re digging into the archives for you. A couple of the references are now obsolete, given Alabama has added to the trophy case since the Tebow Era, but all told, it’s still pretty damn good.
Recently, Paste magazine ran their list of the 10 best songs to listen to as Florida defeats Alabama in the SEC title game.
Now, we’re not the type to go knocking anyone’s musical tastes. But honestly, the hipster shoegazers that would love the music on this list aren’t the same Florida fans we see shambling about TJ Maxx in their jorts and Gator wife beaters. What, no Molly Hatchet Gator Country?
In the spirit of friendly competition, we offer Gator fans our rebuttal. We’ve tried to avoid most of the obvious song choices, but a few managed to slip in anyway. This weekend, as you watch the Crimson Tide upset the Fighting Tebows, keep this playlist in mind:
Detroit Cobras – Shout Bama Lama
A buzzsaw cover of an Otis Redding rocker, this one should be played Saturday at the Georgia Dome every time Tim Tebow is hit in the backfield. It’ll be played a lot.
Jurassic Five – Twelve
Like most every song in Mr. Killingsworth’s article (Coldplay? Seriously?), this choice has nothing specific to say about football, but the title alone refers to the number of the Tide’s national titles… at least until January.
The Doors – Alabama Song
A weird little ditty originally performed in German opera houses in 1927. By that time, Alabama had already won its first two national championships, and had established itself as a football powerhouse. This Saturday night, Atlanta’s whiskey bars will be filled with Tide fans celebrating their win.
Drive-By Truckers – The Southern Thing
Being from Alabama always seems to require defending your existence. We’re all supposed to be inbred, racist yokels, and it’s easier for Yankees to dismiss us as such, rather than face the skeletons in their own closets. The Truckers gave voice to this frustration in haunting fashion.
Steely Dan – Deacon Blues
Strictly a palate cleanser, this mellow ’70s groove namedrops the Crimson Tide. Intended as a diss of the championship teams (notice a pattern here?) of the 70s, the most famous band named after a strap-on instead provided Tide fans a reason to listen to jazz fusion.
The White Stripes – Conquest
Alabama has made a living this season by crushing teams who were more hype than substance. Clemson, Georgia and Auburn – among others – thought showing up would be enough to win, and ended up notches on our belt. The Gators seem to be the real deal, so this conquest will be especially sweet.
Connells – Choose A Side
Football is overflowing with martial symbolism and language, and most music played at games fits the narrow Jock Jams category. Going the opposite direction, this beautiful Celtic-tinged college rock conjures up battle imagery without bombast.
My Morning Jacket – The Bear
It’s impossible to talk about Alabama football without mentioning Paul “Bear” Bryant. A legendary figure among the Tide faithful, his memory has cast a long shadow. Tide coach Nick Saban intends to step out of that shadow, and wins against Florida and – likely – Oklahoma will help him do just that.
Public Image Ltd. – Rise (I Could Be Wrong)
Hedging our bets through music, we’ve chosen a track by John Lydon’s second band. In doing so, we’re allowing for the slight possibility that, through the miraculous skills of the Great Circumsisor Himself, Florida might be able to… nah…
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
You thought we’d leave this one out? The anthem to the Heart of Dixie is sung lustily in every bar in the country, by people of all stripes. Ironically, it took a group of southern rockers from Florida to capture the rebellion, self-examination and redemption at the heart of Alabama’s character. After winning the SEC championship, Tide fans will return the favor by serenading the vanquished Gators.
What’s on your gameday playlist?
Alabama vs Arkansas details
2 Alabama vs. 14 Arkansas will be broadcast from Tuscaloosa on CBS at 2:30pm CST. Here’s a list of radio stations broadcasting the game.
Bleary Thoughts – SEC Realignment
“I willingly believe that the damned are, in one sense, successful, rebels to the end.” – CS Lewis
The Twitter feed was blowing up all evening as news of Mizzou’s soft invitation to join the SEC made waves across fandom. Auburn to the SEC East! End of traditional rivalries! At moments like this in the endless news cycle, everyone needs to take a deep breath.
If you’ll recall, last year Texas was a dead lock to join the SEC. It didn’t happen. Now the Aggies are all but in, and a madcap game of musical chairs has begun, with conferences imploding and no school wanting to be left standing when the music stops.
SEC Commissioner Mike Slive has proven time and again he’s about one thing: money. He kept the Cam Newton controversy as hushed as he could during Auburn’s championship run, not because he’s a closet Barner, but because it meant millions in payouts to the conference. Bama fans, listen carefully: the Iron Bowl isn’t going anywhere. It’s one of, if
not the most important rivalries in all of sports. And it generates untold dollars for the SEC. I don’t care if we add every college west of the Mississippi to the SEC West; the annual Alabama/Auburn game isn’t going anywhere.
Where’s this all going to end up? Who knows? If I had to make a moderately educated guess, I’d say we end up with a 14-team SEC by the end of next season. Texas A&M is probably a good fit due to the history it shares with Alabama.
I may be proven wrong by the end of the day, but I don’t think Missouri fills the other slot. There’s an argument to be made (@infobabe makes it quite well) that they’re a good fit – financially, if not geographically. But since nobody asked, I’ll make a bleary-eyed morning prediction.
Look for either Virginia Tech or FSU to be the final entrant. Both are cash cows, have rabid fanbases, and in the case of the Seminoles, bring with them a traditional rivalry with an SEC team.
Who would you like to see join the SEC? What potential matchup gets your motor running? Leave us your best guesses in the comments.
Disciples of Saban
Alabama fans bicker; it’s what we do. We argue whether the Tide deserves to be ranked second or third in the polls.
We discuss offensive blocking schemes and personnel. But as we’re puffing out our chests, it’s easy to forget how far the team has come. A look at the landscape of college football makes one realize just what a grand slam home run it was to acquire the services of one Nick Saban.
Post-game impressions – North Texas
Another solid outing by the Alabama defense tonight, shutting out North Texas. The offense, while putting up points, is still trying to find its rhythm. A few assorted thoughts on the game after the jump.
