What do you guys think about the "Jalen" packages?

Probably more time is spent practicing these packages then opposing defenses will spend preparing for them. If this were a movie franchise, it would probably be considered “fan service”.

The time would probably better be spent developing the pocket passing of Jalen and Mac Jones.

I’m typing this on my mobile so the terseness of my response may make it sound overly negative - that is not how I mean it. CNS obviously sees value in the package.

It’s nice for a wrinkle here and there but our offense is too damn good to waste too much time on it.

they are giving other teams a sneak peak at these looks so they have something to prepare for. I think we will see Jalen and Tua in the future games a lot more than we have. Maybe not in the UT game but surely in the LSU game.

I was hoping they would have both been in the game for the opening snap vs Lville.

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Maybe not in the UT game but surely in the LSU game.

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I think the opposite. Saban always plays the LSU very conservatively. I would think most every play in that game will be very "pro" set like.
Perhaps the UT will be more open.

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It gives the opposing DC's more formations and "possibilities" to have to contend with,

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Does it really though? I don't remember all the plays, but aren't we basically just putting a different guy out there and running the play? I doubt defensive coordinators are spending a ton of time how to stop Jalen Hurts as a slot receiver or on a toss sweep. I get that he could take a handoff then pass, but that's a "standard" trick play that every team prepares for - don't leave your man until the runner crosses the LOS.

I think our normal offense is a well-oiled machine. I'm fine with Jalen wrinkles, but I really don't think they add much except making the fans and Jalen happy.

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I doubt defensive coordinators are spending a ton of time how to stop Jalen Hurts as a slot receiver or on a toss sweep. I get that he could take a handoff then pass, but that's a "standard" trick play that every team prepares for - don't leave your man until the runner crosses the LOS.

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That's the beauty of it, a minuscule amount of prep vs the trick plays Bama has already shown.

The play that will matter from that formation will not be put on tape until they need it, forcing defense to play it based off what they've seen so far.

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Does it really though?

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I would say yes it does!! We have run with him in Jet sweep motion twice, once Jalen ran it and the other was a bootleg and pass to Damien. We've run an RPO and hit Jalen with it. We split Tua out wide and Jalen ran the QB power. It is the unknown that drives a DC batshit crazy!! Who's to say that there isn't a double pass in there somewhere or even a throw back, or an option look and pitch to either one and they throw it. The beauty of it is, you would have a QB that can throw it and put touch on it if needed and not a RB or WR that would be moonlighting as a QB for one play. Defense has to be more disciplined too. A lot more expensive "eye candy" out there for a defense to get caught looking.

Again, DCs like the known and what they will have to combat against. When you go throwing more formations and personnel groupings that may or may not be used and plays that may or may not be used PLUS plays not seen on tape yet, it gives DCs a bad case of heartburn. When I coached, our DCs literally ate bottles of TUMS because of this. At the college level with these kinds of athletes, the stress has to be worse.

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Can't wait to see Tua and Jalen lined up on the outside in the wildcat.

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I don't want to ever again see Tua going downfield for a pass.

I imagine the water boy play when Bobby throws to the QB

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I think the opposite. Saban always plays the LSU very conservatively

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He’s also used gadget plays against LSU. The fake punt in Bryant Denny, the tackle eligible in overtime in BR both worked. The Maze pass almost worked...I agree he usually calls it tighter than other games but I think a lot of that had to do with LSU always having no passing game, and Alabama having the best run defense in the country by a wide margin. Our defense has been miles better than their offense since he got here. I still think they’re a middle of the pack team offensively, but this isn’t an elite defense we have. They’re good, but it’s a far cry from the ‘11, ‘16 defenses.

Plus he’s never had Tua. If Tua is healthy then I don’t really expect the game to ever be close. Their passing game is still average and from what I’ve seen there are several factors as to why. The offensive line being poor in pass blocking has a lot to do with it, and their receivers just aren’t that good. They drop balls and can struggle to get open. Burrow is a tough kid and a good leader, reminds me a lot of JPW in ‘08. Decent enough quarterback that has a little scrambling ability. Can make some throws, but he’s not a game breaker. Texas A&M has better weapons on offense than LSU, that’s just the truth. Their defense is good, especially in the back 7. They aren’t mistake free by any means though, and they aren’t more talented than the guys we have on offense. Hell, Greedy Williams is their star corner and Ruggs ran right by him last year and was open enough that even Jalen hit him deep down the field. Their nickel guy can’t play with Jeudy, and Fulton can’t play with Devonta all game. They’ll lose Irv or Jacobs consistently. They don’t rush the passer well. Truth be told they just don’t match up with us well. I think the only way to disrupt what we do offensively is to play in our backfield. An elite pass rush could slow us down. There isn’t one on the schedule. Give Tua time and somebody will get open because our guys are better than their guys from top to bottom. Jaylen Waddle is our 4th receiver. Their dime back isn’t covering him all game. We’re just a matchup nightmare. Don’t care how good someone’s DBs are, nobody has enough talent to keep up with our top 5 guys all game with Tua throwing the ball