Cover1Key
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re: Bama making more history
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/29/26 at 12:58 pm to Dawg4Life47
quote:
How do you reconcile that with having Deboer as your head coach?
How do you reconcile that Kirby is 1-2 vs CKD?
0
Teams are getting an absurdly high number of possessions vs the defense.
The offense is extremely explosive, but tends to go 3-and-out when they do get stopped, and also will end drives on incompletions (which also stop the clock).
When P-4 opponents get 14+ possessions, then they are going to make plays at some point. A crappy defensive holding penalty to keep a drive alive, Sellers escaping out of the pocket after being wrapped up and running for his life to pickup 2 yards on 4th down just to get to the sticks, etc…..
The ONLY two things that legitimately concern me are the injuries to Zulu and J Hill. The pass rush was LETHAL with Yhonzae and Zulu/Hill on the two Edges and Thompkins sliding inside to a very quick 3-tech who can push the pocket.
Sellets escapes the pocket almost exclusively to his left (opposite Yhonzae) bc Thompkins and a rotation of rotational players were rushing from that side.
#5 is obviously struggling to find (and play) the ball in the air in both Zone and man coverage. This is plainly obvious. He is a very talented player and was fantastic as a TF.
I personally think it’s a confidence issue at this pinky and he is panicking a bit when he knows the WR is being targeted deep down the friend. I think he will be fine personally, bc he is simply too talented not to, and Linquist has been phenomenal coaching the Secondary.
If it continues, then Chuck McDonald certainly deserves a chance outside. He’s very good.
The biggest thing for me, is that no one has consistently driven the football, especially by picking up 5-7 yards a carry consistently. The 55yd run was a rookie mistake by Thompkins who looked a little too hyped up to hit Sellers and ran up the the field on the zone read. It never happened again.
No one has SUSTAINED drives. It’s been a 1-off play where a DB (primarily #5) losing on a 1-on-1 deep ball.
Again, mistakes will happen and the opponent will make a play on occasion bc they all have playmakers and if given that many possessions then you are going to miss a tackle on a 3rd and 16 that leads to a 1st down, get out-jumped on a fade ball to a 6’6 WR, take the QB on a zone read instead of staying square to the LOS.
At the end of the day, if they tackle on that screen where Latham (would’ve been Zulu or Hill on that play) make the tackle on the 3rd and 16 when they had the screen snuffed out and allowed the guy to break 3 tackles and they scored in garbage time.
Bama D has given up 7, 15, 36, and 18, which is just under 20ppg.
They also have scored twice on their own.
If they hold opponents in that 17-24 point while forcing a couple timely turnovers, then they will not lose.
IMO, the time to be concerned is when they consistently allow 7 minutes 13 play drives for scores and allow teams to keep our offense on the bench. So far that has not been an issue.
The offense is extremely explosive, but tends to go 3-and-out when they do get stopped, and also will end drives on incompletions (which also stop the clock).
When P-4 opponents get 14+ possessions, then they are going to make plays at some point. A crappy defensive holding penalty to keep a drive alive, Sellers escaping out of the pocket after being wrapped up and running for his life to pickup 2 yards on 4th down just to get to the sticks, etc…..
The ONLY two things that legitimately concern me are the injuries to Zulu and J Hill. The pass rush was LETHAL with Yhonzae and Zulu/Hill on the two Edges and Thompkins sliding inside to a very quick 3-tech who can push the pocket.
Sellets escapes the pocket almost exclusively to his left (opposite Yhonzae) bc Thompkins and a rotation of rotational players were rushing from that side.
#5 is obviously struggling to find (and play) the ball in the air in both Zone and man coverage. This is plainly obvious. He is a very talented player and was fantastic as a TF.
I personally think it’s a confidence issue at this pinky and he is panicking a bit when he knows the WR is being targeted deep down the friend. I think he will be fine personally, bc he is simply too talented not to, and Linquist has been phenomenal coaching the Secondary.
If it continues, then Chuck McDonald certainly deserves a chance outside. He’s very good.
The biggest thing for me, is that no one has consistently driven the football, especially by picking up 5-7 yards a carry consistently. The 55yd run was a rookie mistake by Thompkins who looked a little too hyped up to hit Sellers and ran up the the field on the zone read. It never happened again.
No one has SUSTAINED drives. It’s been a 1-off play where a DB (primarily #5) losing on a 1-on-1 deep ball.
Again, mistakes will happen and the opponent will make a play on occasion bc they all have playmakers and if given that many possessions then you are going to miss a tackle on a 3rd and 16 that leads to a 1st down, get out-jumped on a fade ball to a 6’6 WR, take the QB on a zone read instead of staying square to the LOS.
At the end of the day, if they tackle on that screen where Latham (would’ve been Zulu or Hill on that play) make the tackle on the 3rd and 16 when they had the screen snuffed out and allowed the guy to break 3 tackles and they scored in garbage time.
Bama D has given up 7, 15, 36, and 18, which is just under 20ppg.
They also have scored twice on their own.
If they hold opponents in that 17-24 point while forcing a couple timely turnovers, then they will not lose.
IMO, the time to be concerned is when they consistently allow 7 minutes 13 play drives for scores and allow teams to keep our offense on the bench. So far that has not been an issue.
Again, Thompkins teeing off on Sellers on the first play of the game instead of staying square and forcing a give on the zone read, he mistakenly ran up the field to hit Sellers and opened up the backdoor/jump-cut for the RB.
He played it correctly 2 plays later (for a 1yd gain).
Then you had the USCe offense with 13 possessions and Sellers had the majority of his “rushing yards” by escaping the pocket and avoiding sacks and then turning the corner to get to the sticks.
If the 200 rushing yards came via 5-7 yard consistent rushes off power/counter/mid-zone/etc and the Bama DL was getting pushed off the ball then it would be cause for concern.
They allowed 18 points and also scored 7 of their own. Bama is very explosive on offense this year and the defense will have to defend a lot of possessions.
The only concern I have defensively right now are the injuries to Zulu and J Hill and the poor play by #5.
Thankfully, it sounds like Hill is closer to being back in 2 weeks rather than 4, and I believe #5 will get his confidence/level of play back up. He was very good last year.
If he continues to struggle than Chuck McDonald deserves an opportunity imo.
He played it correctly 2 plays later (for a 1yd gain).
Then you had the USCe offense with 13 possessions and Sellers had the majority of his “rushing yards” by escaping the pocket and avoiding sacks and then turning the corner to get to the sticks.
If the 200 rushing yards came via 5-7 yard consistent rushes off power/counter/mid-zone/etc and the Bama DL was getting pushed off the ball then it would be cause for concern.
They allowed 18 points and also scored 7 of their own. Bama is very explosive on offense this year and the defense will have to defend a lot of possessions.
The only concern I have defensively right now are the injuries to Zulu and J Hill and the poor play by #5.
Thankfully, it sounds like Hill is closer to being back in 2 weeks rather than 4, and I believe #5 will get his confidence/level of play back up. He was very good last year.
If he continues to struggle than Chuck McDonald deserves an opportunity imo.
re: Think of this roster now and compare it to what CKD inherited in 2024
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/27/26 at 2:58 am to Roll Tide Ravens
Yep. That is the single most crucial factor to CKD’s offense, and it’s very obvious.
It seems that the prototype QB for CKD’s offense is a mobile QB who can escape the pocket and extend plays, and also possesses great touch and accuracy when throwing the ball down the field. There are very few quick/short throws (other than a few RPO’s) used in this offense.
Milroe was the antithesis of a CKD QB, and it showed, as they only averaged 19.7 pass attempts in 2024 after averaging 44 the year prior at UW.
I thought Ty suffered from a lack of a running game, but also did not have the touch on balls thrown deep down the field that you see from KR and Penix. Ty had tremendous arm strength, but was unable to throw the ball vertically with much consistency, and that also was not a major emphasis last year like it was with Penix at UW and now with KR.
At UW, for two consecutive seasons they led the nation in completions where the ball traveled 31+ yards in the air (not sure why they base it off 31+ yards as opposed to “30 yards or more”.)
His offense’s did the same thing at Fresno (#5 and #6 respectively during his final 2 seasons there).
I remember a specific comment during CKD’s post game conference last year after beating LSU 20-9, where he lamented (out of character for him when questioned by the media) about their inability to connect on the deep ball all season.
His exact quote after being asked to comment on the Brooks 50yd TD reception that sealed the win over LSU, and he specifically stated, “We caught a couple balls thrown down the field tonight but that number should be closer to 7 or 8.”
CKD also had a pair of elite WRs at UW who were capable of stretching the field vertically and making plays 1-on-1, which forced defenses to play a lot of soft zone coverages while only rushing 3 or 4.
Those intermediate range throws were exactly what Ty excelled at last season through the first 8 weeks, until defenses starting playing lots of man coverage and sending a lot of pressure, while also closing of the middle of the field.
From that point on, the offense mostly struggled to find any consistency for the remainder of the season.
In 2024, his top targets were the 17 year old version of RW and Germ Bernard, who was obviously a transfer from UW.
Germ was very good at Alabama, but only played as the 4th WR in UW’s offense the previous season.
Now in 2026, I would put Bama’s group of WRs and TEs up there with anyone else in the SEC, possibly even Nationally.
I believe from this season on, that CKD will always have HIS type of QB (Elijah Haven is going to be fun), and 3-4 WRs who are all extremely talented.
It seems that the prototype QB for CKD’s offense is a mobile QB who can escape the pocket and extend plays, and also possesses great touch and accuracy when throwing the ball down the field. There are very few quick/short throws (other than a few RPO’s) used in this offense.
Milroe was the antithesis of a CKD QB, and it showed, as they only averaged 19.7 pass attempts in 2024 after averaging 44 the year prior at UW.
I thought Ty suffered from a lack of a running game, but also did not have the touch on balls thrown deep down the field that you see from KR and Penix. Ty had tremendous arm strength, but was unable to throw the ball vertically with much consistency, and that also was not a major emphasis last year like it was with Penix at UW and now with KR.
At UW, for two consecutive seasons they led the nation in completions where the ball traveled 31+ yards in the air (not sure why they base it off 31+ yards as opposed to “30 yards or more”.)
His offense’s did the same thing at Fresno (#5 and #6 respectively during his final 2 seasons there).
I remember a specific comment during CKD’s post game conference last year after beating LSU 20-9, where he lamented (out of character for him when questioned by the media) about their inability to connect on the deep ball all season.
His exact quote after being asked to comment on the Brooks 50yd TD reception that sealed the win over LSU, and he specifically stated, “We caught a couple balls thrown down the field tonight but that number should be closer to 7 or 8.”
CKD also had a pair of elite WRs at UW who were capable of stretching the field vertically and making plays 1-on-1, which forced defenses to play a lot of soft zone coverages while only rushing 3 or 4.
Those intermediate range throws were exactly what Ty excelled at last season through the first 8 weeks, until defenses starting playing lots of man coverage and sending a lot of pressure, while also closing of the middle of the field.
From that point on, the offense mostly struggled to find any consistency for the remainder of the season.
In 2024, his top targets were the 17 year old version of RW and Germ Bernard, who was obviously a transfer from UW.
Germ was very good at Alabama, but only played as the 4th WR in UW’s offense the previous season.
Now in 2026, I would put Bama’s group of WRs and TEs up there with anyone else in the SEC, possibly even Nationally.
I believe from this season on, that CKD will always have HIS type of QB (Elijah Haven is going to be fun), and 3-4 WRs who are all extremely talented.
They gave up 55 on the first play, then the rest of it was largely off of Sellers scrambling or pulling the ball off of a mesh read and out-running a defender who was in good position to make the tackle.
They have done a good job at the LOS and not allowing offense's to get much of a push so far.
Kentucky was completely shut down, FSU had close to 70 net rushing yards, then tonight it was largely the first play of the game combined with Sellers escaping the pocket and turning the corner and just getting to the sticks.
On that 55yd run to start the game, Thompkins ran straight up the field and hit Sellers immediately on the Zone Read, and Sellers made the correct read by giving it to the RB and he hit the “jump-cut’ that forms when a DE is the dive key and gets too far up the field.
After that, the played it correctly the rest of the game (including Thompkins 3 plays later after screwing up on the 1st one).
I commented prior to the game that I was/am very concerned about Hill AND Zulu both being out. Bama’s pass rush was ferocious with 1 of those 2 coming off the edge well enough to compliment Yhonzae on the opposite side and forcing the QB to have to remain in the pocket.
It also was allowing CKW to slide Thompkins inside in obvious passing situations to help push the pocket from the interior.
If you noticed tonight, Sellers almost exclusively escaped the pocket to his left, which was the side opposite Yhonzae and was able to get around Thompkins, who at 300lbs is not an Edge rusher the way a 250lbs guy like Hill/Zulu/Yhonzae who all play from a 2-point/stand-up as opposed to putting their hand on the ground like Thompkins does as a true 5-tech/DE.
On a positive note, I saw #14 (K. Henry) get off the ball pretty well off the Edge and got very close to dropping Sellers behind the LOS s couple of times. I thought he looked the best out of the group that combined to rush from the Edge opposite of Yhonzae.
The defense is playing a lot of possessions as a result of the offense being extremely explosive, and if they can continue to force multiple turnovers (they don’t all have to be returned for TDs) and ESPECIALLY not allow opponents to chew 6-7 minutes off the clock by running the ball consistently for 4-5ypc, then I think as long as they keep opponents in the neighborhood of 17-24 points (along with forcing a couple turnovers as well) Bama will be VERY tough to beat.
Bama is now 21-0 under CKD when the offense has scored 21+ points.
They have done a good job at the LOS and not allowing offense's to get much of a push so far.
Kentucky was completely shut down, FSU had close to 70 net rushing yards, then tonight it was largely the first play of the game combined with Sellers escaping the pocket and turning the corner and just getting to the sticks.
On that 55yd run to start the game, Thompkins ran straight up the field and hit Sellers immediately on the Zone Read, and Sellers made the correct read by giving it to the RB and he hit the “jump-cut’ that forms when a DE is the dive key and gets too far up the field.
After that, the played it correctly the rest of the game (including Thompkins 3 plays later after screwing up on the 1st one).
I commented prior to the game that I was/am very concerned about Hill AND Zulu both being out. Bama’s pass rush was ferocious with 1 of those 2 coming off the edge well enough to compliment Yhonzae on the opposite side and forcing the QB to have to remain in the pocket.
It also was allowing CKW to slide Thompkins inside in obvious passing situations to help push the pocket from the interior.
If you noticed tonight, Sellers almost exclusively escaped the pocket to his left, which was the side opposite Yhonzae and was able to get around Thompkins, who at 300lbs is not an Edge rusher the way a 250lbs guy like Hill/Zulu/Yhonzae who all play from a 2-point/stand-up as opposed to putting their hand on the ground like Thompkins does as a true 5-tech/DE.
On a positive note, I saw #14 (K. Henry) get off the ball pretty well off the Edge and got very close to dropping Sellers behind the LOS s couple of times. I thought he looked the best out of the group that combined to rush from the Edge opposite of Yhonzae.
The defense is playing a lot of possessions as a result of the offense being extremely explosive, and if they can continue to force multiple turnovers (they don’t all have to be returned for TDs) and ESPECIALLY not allow opponents to chew 6-7 minutes off the clock by running the ball consistently for 4-5ypc, then I think as long as they keep opponents in the neighborhood of 17-24 points (along with forcing a couple turnovers as well) Bama will be VERY tough to beat.
Bama is now 21-0 under CKD when the offense has scored 21+ points.
You probably weren’t “sold” in 2024 either, yet they allowed the fewest points in the SEC and top10 Nationally.
Doubt you were “sold” last year either, and they finished top10 in Total D.
Again, they aren’t going to shutout everyone they play.
Again, they have allowed fewer yards AND points than Kirby and Georgia’s defense over the past 2+ seasons.
I suppose you aren’t sold on Georgia’s defense either then.
Clearly #5 is struggling right now, but I personally don’t think it will last.
Doubt you were “sold” last year either, and they finished top10 in Total D.
Again, they aren’t going to shutout everyone they play.
Again, they have allowed fewer yards AND points than Kirby and Georgia’s defense over the past 2+ seasons.
I suppose you aren’t sold on Georgia’s defense either then.
Clearly #5 is struggling right now, but I personally don’t think it will last.
re: South Carolina 18 @ Alabama 49 Final - ESPN
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/26/26 at 8:06 pm to UltimaParadox
They scored 7 points of their own defensively.
Other than the 1st play of the game, USCe has done nothing on the ground either.
Now, if you want to talk about #5’s play in the past 6 quarters then I can agree with that. I still think he will back on track bc he is extremely talented and teams are taking shots his way bc #2 in on the otherside of the field.
When your offense is scoring quickly on one explosive play after another, then the defense is going to have to defend several drives.
Before #5 got beat right before the half, Bama would’ve been leading the game 7-3 without the offense doing anything.
I’m sure his confidence took a hit last week vs Deuce Robinson and he might be pressing/panicking a bit with the ball in the air right now.
Other than the 1st play of the game, USCe has done nothing on the ground either.
Now, if you want to talk about #5’s play in the past 6 quarters then I can agree with that. I still think he will back on track bc he is extremely talented and teams are taking shots his way bc #2 in on the otherside of the field.
When your offense is scoring quickly on one explosive play after another, then the defense is going to have to defend several drives.
Before #5 got beat right before the half, Bama would’ve been leading the game 7-3 without the offense doing anything.
I’m sure his confidence took a hit last week vs Deuce Robinson and he might be pressing/panicking a bit with the ball in the air right now.
re: Think of this roster now and compare it to what CKD inherited in 2024
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/26/26 at 7:56 pm to LovetheLord
Indeed
Think of this roster now and compare it to what CKD inherited in 2024
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/26/26 at 7:45 pm
Tyler Booker is the only guy that would start on this offense.
The 2024 roster had serious deficiencies.
The entire roster from top to bottom is drastically improved at every single position group. They even have solid Kickers and Punters now.
Brown and Crowell make-up a 2012 level Bama RB duo, the WRs are electrifying, and the TE room is deep.
The 2024 offense had more problems than even I can list in just one post.
It’s apparent that CKD just needed 2 seasons to bring in the pieces necessary to make this offense look like the ones he had at UW.
Btw, that 2024 team was still just 1 win away from the Playoffs, and last years group found ways to win close games and make it to Atlanta/Playoffs/Rose Bowl.
This is CKD’s team now. These are his players that he brought in. I am quite pleased.
The 2024 roster had serious deficiencies.
The entire roster from top to bottom is drastically improved at every single position group. They even have solid Kickers and Punters now.
Brown and Crowell make-up a 2012 level Bama RB duo, the WRs are electrifying, and the TE room is deep.
The 2024 offense had more problems than even I can list in just one post.
It’s apparent that CKD just needed 2 seasons to bring in the pieces necessary to make this offense look like the ones he had at UW.
Btw, that 2024 team was still just 1 win away from the Playoffs, and last years group found ways to win close games and make it to Atlanta/Playoffs/Rose Bowl.
This is CKD’s team now. These are his players that he brought in. I am quite pleased.
re: Justin Hill and Desmond Umeozulu out this week
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/26/26 at 2:48 pm to Hawaiian Punch
I know exactly the play you are referencing. You are most certainly correct, that is a routine play that had to be made (just like the missed tackle on the screen pass).
That’s why I’m trying to figure out exactly when both of them (especially Hill) went down.
That’s why I’m trying to figure out exactly when both of them (especially Hill) went down.
I hope so.
I am very concerned about this situation. Pierre has zero depth behind him now, nor can CKW bring on 2 edge rushers together in obvious passing situations when he only wants to rush 4.
Most damaging of all though, may be the loss of Hill’s versatility. CKW was using him as a “Big Nickel” on early downs/run downs vs 11 personnel, then was playing as both a true Edge (stand-up) and was also pitting his hand down on occasion when Thompkins slid inside.
I wonder exactly when Hill and Zulu went down in the game?
It clearly resulted in 1 TD (Latham missed tackle on the screen pass), and I wonder if that factored into CKW’s decision to continue to play FAR more man coverage and continuing to send pressure and leave Z Brown/D Lee 1-on1 with the big WRs that they both had problems with….maybe he felt like he couldn’t get much pressure only rushing 4 with Zulu/Hill both out?
I am very concerned about this situation. Pierre has zero depth behind him now, nor can CKW bring on 2 edge rushers together in obvious passing situations when he only wants to rush 4.
Most damaging of all though, may be the loss of Hill’s versatility. CKW was using him as a “Big Nickel” on early downs/run downs vs 11 personnel, then was playing as both a true Edge (stand-up) and was also pitting his hand down on occasion when Thompkins slid inside.
I wonder exactly when Hill and Zulu went down in the game?
It clearly resulted in 1 TD (Latham missed tackle on the screen pass), and I wonder if that factored into CKW’s decision to continue to play FAR more man coverage and continuing to send pressure and leave Z Brown/D Lee 1-on1 with the big WRs that they both had problems with….maybe he felt like he couldn’t get much pressure only rushing 4 with Zulu/Hill both out?
re: Noah Rogers and the Offense
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/26/26 at 2:31 pm to Diego Ricardo
I agree. 11 personnel has been okay, and much better recently.
I agree that they should never have be in 10 personnel unless it’s a 2-minute situation.
Edwards and Pritchett at TE are both very good.
I agree that they should never have be in 10 personnel unless it’s a 2-minute situation.
Edwards and Pritchett at TE are both very good.
re: Noah Rogers and the Offense
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/26/26 at 1:15 pm to PuertoRicanBlaze
He’s allowed 30 points 3 times out of their past 24 games. For comparison, the 2020 defense allowed 40+ points 3 times in 12 games.
They allowed 17.8ppg on 2024 and only 291ypg last year.
Since CKW has been here, Bama has allowed fewer points and yards than Georgia.
I don’t know what else people expect.
They gave up 30 on the 1st game last year and in the 15th game last year, in the other 13, no one did anything and they were responsible for getting the team to Atlanta.
The only program in the entire SEC to allow less points over the last 2+ seasons than Bama is OU, and is extremely close.
People forget about Heupel dropping 43 and 48, Ole Miss scoring 46, losing 51-48 to tBarn, allowing 47 to Florida in the SECCG, etc….
The defense is very good and will finish top 10 in Scoring or Total D or both for the 3rd consecutive season
They allowed 17.8ppg on 2024 and only 291ypg last year.
Since CKW has been here, Bama has allowed fewer points and yards than Georgia.
I don’t know what else people expect.
They gave up 30 on the 1st game last year and in the 15th game last year, in the other 13, no one did anything and they were responsible for getting the team to Atlanta.
The only program in the entire SEC to allow less points over the last 2+ seasons than Bama is OU, and is extremely close.
People forget about Heupel dropping 43 and 48, Ole Miss scoring 46, losing 51-48 to tBarn, allowing 47 to Florida in the SECCG, etc….
The defense is very good and will finish top 10 in Scoring or Total D or both for the 3rd consecutive season
re: Noah Rogers and the Offense
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/25/26 at 12:33 pm to LovetheLord
I feel really good about the defense and think it might be a good thing in the long run for them to have struggled after getting a lot of Press for how dominating they have been.
CKW is in his 3rd season now, and his defenses have finished top10 Nationally in Scoring and Total Defense.
This is by far the most talented and deepest group he has fielded.
That was only the 3rd time in the past 25 games that the defense has allowed 30 points.
They dominated the LOS, FSU was limited to less than 70 yards on the ground, and they got tremendous pressure on the QB the entire game.
Dijon Lee and Z Brown are a really good duo at CB, and Bama’s pass defense has been one of the very best in the nation the past two seasons (#4 last year).
They were both in excellent position (Sabb too) and simply didn’t make a play on the ball.
FSU only completed 14 passes, but of course it was the 1on1 “jump balls” that did the damage.
The play that CKW said he was most ticked off about was the missed tackles on the screen when it was 3rd and 16. They should’ve been off the field. I think if they make that play and FSU finished with just 28 points (outscored 44-7 after the 1st quarter), I don’t think it would feel as bad as it does.
Had FSU controlled the LOS and put together several 10-12 play drives, then that would certainly be cause for concern, but that wasn’t the case.
This defense is very physical, they are big and deep on the DL and have been very stout against the run, and they have pressured the QB consistently.
There weren’t blown coverages, confusion and guys running wide open. I think Z Brown and D Lee (Sabb too) won’t play that poorly again (imo).
The only concern that I have, are the injuries to both Justin Hill and Zulu.
Bama is thin at the Edge position, and Justin Hill was being used as the “Big Nickel” that would bump out like a DB/OLB vs 20/11 personnel sets, then play in the box as a stand-up and could also put his hand in the dirt and play as a true DE.
That may have contributed to how much man coverage and pressure CKW continued to send.
However, he did adjust and go back playing a lot if single-high “spot drop” “zone” coverage in the 2nd half that was much more effective.
I just hope they are able to continue to get pressure when only rushing 4 with Hill and Zulu both out.
CKW is often perceived as being very aggressive, but in reality Bama was 13th/16th in the Conference in blitz %.
He is good at disguising it and also coming up with creative ways to only get 4 into the rush, while mixing their match/spot zone coverages behind it.
Again, I think the defense is extremely good, and CKW has proven himself imo over the past 25 games, and I don’t think 1 game where most all the points and yards came via 1-on-1 balls should be a cause for concern at this point imo.
Just keep stuffing the run and pressuring the QB and good things usually happen.
CKW is in his 3rd season now, and his defenses have finished top10 Nationally in Scoring and Total Defense.
This is by far the most talented and deepest group he has fielded.
That was only the 3rd time in the past 25 games that the defense has allowed 30 points.
They dominated the LOS, FSU was limited to less than 70 yards on the ground, and they got tremendous pressure on the QB the entire game.
Dijon Lee and Z Brown are a really good duo at CB, and Bama’s pass defense has been one of the very best in the nation the past two seasons (#4 last year).
They were both in excellent position (Sabb too) and simply didn’t make a play on the ball.
FSU only completed 14 passes, but of course it was the 1on1 “jump balls” that did the damage.
The play that CKW said he was most ticked off about was the missed tackles on the screen when it was 3rd and 16. They should’ve been off the field. I think if they make that play and FSU finished with just 28 points (outscored 44-7 after the 1st quarter), I don’t think it would feel as bad as it does.
Had FSU controlled the LOS and put together several 10-12 play drives, then that would certainly be cause for concern, but that wasn’t the case.
This defense is very physical, they are big and deep on the DL and have been very stout against the run, and they have pressured the QB consistently.
There weren’t blown coverages, confusion and guys running wide open. I think Z Brown and D Lee (Sabb too) won’t play that poorly again (imo).
The only concern that I have, are the injuries to both Justin Hill and Zulu.
Bama is thin at the Edge position, and Justin Hill was being used as the “Big Nickel” that would bump out like a DB/OLB vs 20/11 personnel sets, then play in the box as a stand-up and could also put his hand in the dirt and play as a true DE.
That may have contributed to how much man coverage and pressure CKW continued to send.
However, he did adjust and go back playing a lot if single-high “spot drop” “zone” coverage in the 2nd half that was much more effective.
I just hope they are able to continue to get pressure when only rushing 4 with Hill and Zulu both out.
CKW is often perceived as being very aggressive, but in reality Bama was 13th/16th in the Conference in blitz %.
He is good at disguising it and also coming up with creative ways to only get 4 into the rush, while mixing their match/spot zone coverages behind it.
Again, I think the defense is extremely good, and CKW has proven himself imo over the past 25 games, and I don’t think 1 game where most all the points and yards came via 1-on-1 balls should be a cause for concern at this point imo.
Just keep stuffing the run and pressuring the QB and good things usually happen.
Noah Rogers and the Offense
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/25/26 at 12:06 pm
Getting him back is a really big deal that is kind of going under the radar imo.
I think he possesses the potential to be a 2nd-3rd round Pick if he can stay healthy.
When you add him, to go along with:
- RW
- Brooks
- Cederian Morgan (he needs to stay on the field imo)
- then add Noah Rogers with those 3
That’s a very explosive group of WRs.
(Rico and Meadows provide quality depth).
Also, this group of RBs is the best Bama has had in a long time imo. You have to give D Hill credit for the work he put in to make himself into a solid Back instead of a short yardage/FB type runner that he was this past season.
Then of course, Crowell and Brown are the first duo of young RBs that can be compared (just my opinion) with the caliber of Backs CNS had from 2008-2021. They will both play on Sundays imo.
Those guys, plus Kaleb Edwards and Pritchett at TE, give Alabama several big time playmakers.
I believe KR is the real deal and thought he had a chance to be the best QB in the Conference heading into the season, and he is getting better each week.
It looked like the game is starting to “slow down” for him, and I thought he looked extremely comfortable to the point of having fun out there making plays.
The guy can make any throw, has tremendous arm strength and also the touch to throw the ball down the field, and he appears to be working through his progressions in the intermediate passing game a lot quicker after just 3 starts.
He is going to end up being a nightmare for any DC because he can also hurt you with his to try and defend.
He can really hurt you with his mobility when he decides to take off, but he also extends plays when he escapes the pocket and can create on his own.
The added dimension of legitimate RPO’s is something I did not anticipate Grubb incorporating, and KR has been fantastic pulling it and getting the ball out quickly when he gets a “pass read”. The TD to C Morgan was high level.
There is not a way for a defense to takeaway one aspect of the offense and it cause the entire offense to stall out like the previous two seasons.
I think this team is for real.
I think he possesses the potential to be a 2nd-3rd round Pick if he can stay healthy.
When you add him, to go along with:
- RW
- Brooks
- Cederian Morgan (he needs to stay on the field imo)
- then add Noah Rogers with those 3
That’s a very explosive group of WRs.
(Rico and Meadows provide quality depth).
Also, this group of RBs is the best Bama has had in a long time imo. You have to give D Hill credit for the work he put in to make himself into a solid Back instead of a short yardage/FB type runner that he was this past season.
Then of course, Crowell and Brown are the first duo of young RBs that can be compared (just my opinion) with the caliber of Backs CNS had from 2008-2021. They will both play on Sundays imo.
Those guys, plus Kaleb Edwards and Pritchett at TE, give Alabama several big time playmakers.
I believe KR is the real deal and thought he had a chance to be the best QB in the Conference heading into the season, and he is getting better each week.
It looked like the game is starting to “slow down” for him, and I thought he looked extremely comfortable to the point of having fun out there making plays.
The guy can make any throw, has tremendous arm strength and also the touch to throw the ball down the field, and he appears to be working through his progressions in the intermediate passing game a lot quicker after just 3 starts.
He is going to end up being a nightmare for any DC because he can also hurt you with his to try and defend.
He can really hurt you with his mobility when he decides to take off, but he also extends plays when he escapes the pocket and can create on his own.
The added dimension of legitimate RPO’s is something I did not anticipate Grubb incorporating, and KR has been fantastic pulling it and getting the ball out quickly when he gets a “pass read”. The TD to C Morgan was high level.
There is not a way for a defense to takeaway one aspect of the offense and it cause the entire offense to stall out like the previous two seasons.
I think this team is for real.
re: SEC QB QBR after Week 3
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/23/26 at 1:11 pm to Gatorbait2008
Correct.
They spam this board with “broken”, melt, cope, obsessed, rent free, and half a dozen more “gamer/youtube” slang that makes any rational/objective conversation impossible.
They are absolutely convinced that the other 15 SEC programs are “obsessed” with their trashy program.
They spam this board with “broken”, melt, cope, obsessed, rent free, and half a dozen more “gamer/youtube” slang that makes any rational/objective conversation impossible.
They are absolutely convinced that the other 15 SEC programs are “obsessed” with their trashy program.
re: Is LSU the most insecure fanbase on the rant?
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/23/26 at 1:08 pm to charliethehun
re: What happens if A&M beats LSU this weekend?
Posted by Cover1Key on 9/23/26 at 6:40 am to ForeverGator
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