re: Can we hang with Bama in a few weeks?

I think some of those points are valid. I don't think anyone know's yet if our weakness is stopping the run. We haven't played against enough competition yet to know one way or the other. I think we are more capable than last year. Now, we are going to have to run the ball or have some type of run game in order to win this one I think. If we don't, they will drop their safties deep and make it hard for Bo to get the ball downfield. As for us missing Scott, that is not the reason at all. We are deep at RB, and yes they could be producing more, but I still think it is largely an OL problem. If we can get some chemistry on the OL this will help. We need to give Bo time in the pocket or it will be a long day for us because he will start forcing throws.

Three things that need to happen in order to win:
1) Stop/Maintain Bama's run game with front 7. Doing so will allow you to keep Prewitt and Elston deep and may force Sims to make some uncomfortable throws resulting in turnovers.
2.) Keep Bo Upright. If Bo has time in the pocket, we have seen what he is capable of. If this OL gives him time, he should be able to find some holes vs. this Bama secondary and limit the turnovers
3.) Drop that Hammer on Alabam-er. Ole Miss has to come in an establish some sort of run game. If not, they are in serious trouble. Becoming one-dimensional is not a recipe for success for any team, let alone our's with Bo at QB. Having a good balance should open things up on offense.

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Even if we don't run it with great success, just staying true to trying to run is big.

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And that's easier to do when you are playing ahead the majority of the time and with lesser opponents. If we do that against Bama though, that probably means it is either a real close game or we have a good balance going.

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All of my bama friends insist the Kiffin-Saban duo is not going to work, so I think your defense can hold Bama under 20.

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If we hold them under 20 then we win by 2 TDs cause our offense is gonna eat.

I re watched the first half of the ULL game last night. We are explosive on offense if Bo has time. Our PA stuff is really effective. But we need to at least show the runs early. A lot of our motion stuff moves the LBs and we normally has a route that fills where they vacate. Or we move them one way and throw a swing pass/ screen the other way. Then once the DBs start to creep up we hit them deep. I love our offensive scheme. The threat of running is huge though.

I'm not confident in our run game being able to keep them honest.

I hate to sound like a State fan and I know it isn't a big deal in the run game but I would like to think we have shown very little of the playbook in the last 2 games. I hope we have more complexity to open up the run game. Maybe not but I hope we do.

What wasn't needed?

I think everyone focus is on the wrong thing. The key to our success is not the run game. There are two keys to success at Ole Miss.

1. Staying on schedule. It doesn't have to be runs. 1st downs are critical. We have to be able to get three or four yards on first down. Watch the Boise St. game first half. We had alot of penalties and got off of schedule. The offense just isn't set up for that and Bo begins to press. But watch the 2nd half and you see a team on schedule, able to speed up, then able to stretch the field down the middle.

Many times the quick throws open up the middle of the field for Engram in the middle and the RBs to have lanes to run.

2. Ole Miss goes as Bo goes. Its that simple. If Bo plays well we win. He doesn't have to WIN the game. He just can't lose it. Just manage the game, TAKE WHAT IS GIVEN, and let the playmakers make plays.

If I had a 2a it would be Evan Engram/Core/Attaboy have to have a big game. It is one of the weaknesses of the Bama defense. That seam has been a weak point. That is where we attack, along with the back shoulder throw when in one on one situations.

I disagree. I believe you are looking at a result that has to happen instead of a cause. If they can stop our run with 3 guys and can drop 8 on a regular basis we are boned. We have to continue to show we are willing to run to keep the 5th, 6th and 7th guy in the box so that our quick passing game can be effective.