Bumpndnite

As a Bama fan, I've been able to watch Jalen Hurts for the past four years. He is a great athlete, and a tough competitor. He has improved dramatically as a passer in the last two seasons; he took a major leap upward this year in Lincoln Riley's system. But I still don't see him as a game changer like Tua, or Joe Burrows.

If LSU doesn't shoot themselves in the foot (turnovers, stupid penalties, etc..) I can't see OU hanging with them.

Anyway.....good luck.....hope you go all the way.

A take from a Bama fan:

Neither Alabama or LSU have shown the typical suffocating defenses, that is usually their calling card. Both defenses have improved substantially in the past few weeks, but both still show weaknesses that you normally don't see from these two squads (I have a theory on that, but that is for another discussion).

I am expecting a contest that resembles the national championship games between Clemson, and Bama (i refer to the first two games in that series). I expect a 45-42 type contest. I have no idea who wins.

You're right. Bama doesn't have big receivers. They do have four of the best WRs I've ever seen at Tuscaloosa. Last year Bama had Irv Smith at TE, and he was a force. This year Miller Forestall has been the goto TE, but he mainly is a blocker. Against LSU, he won't be that. He suffered a throat injury against Arkansas that puts him out for six weeks. That leaves Major Tennison as the only TE with any significant playing time. So the Bama offense won't be TE heavy in the passing plays.

It's gonna be fascinating to see how all of the matchups play out.

I'm a Bama fan, but think you make some good points.

I would not be that shocked if Tua does a "Nick Bosa" and calls it a career. NFL scouts have tons of tape to review, plus the combine(s). They'll probably know all they need to know about Tua's ability from those two sources.

On the other hand....

I can't imagine Saban not playing him, if he is able to go. Alabama cannot afford to lose a single game. Their schedule this season comes down to LSU, AU, and TA&M (sort of). If they lose to LSU, even if it is a great game, they're done for this year. The remainder of their schedule is just too weak.

Anyway....hope it is a great game. Have safe travvels to Tuscaloosa.

Every now, and then you see someone who handles themselves with class; this is certainly the case with Mike Locksley. Since he was first announced as a candidate for the Maryland job, and up to the present, he has set the bar when it comes to how to handle a difficult situation.

The guy has not generated all of the drama we saw with Lane Kiffin a couple of years ago. He has even avoided contacting players he had previously recruited for Bama. He has just kept his head down, and concentrated on being the OC for the Tide, for one more game.

Best of luck to Coach Locksley, and his family. I know I'll be pulling for Maryland in the future.

[quote]Like Georgia but on steroids only difference is they have 2 national championship since Georgia last won theirs so does Lsu,auburn,Florida, Usc, Texas, oklahoma,Fsu, Georgia tech, Miami, Ohio State


Couple of points to ponder: (a) What does UGA National Championships have to do with anything in this game? (answer is Nothing). (b) Since you have three players sitting out due to positive testing for PEDs, I think I'd tread lightly on the steroid analogy.

Other things that don't matter: How the games in 2015, 2016, or 2017 turned out. These are new teams with new players, and every game is unique.

Just be glad you have an outstanding team, and coaching staff, going up against an outstanding team, and coaching staff. Great time to be a Clemson, or Alabama fan.

Yes ticket prices are down. Attendance for the National Championship will probably be down. There may be a general malaise about watching Bama vs Clemson IV, so the TV audience may be down.

One cure for the CFP would be to announce the location of the Natty, after the semis are played. They could have three or four potential locations ready to host the game. The selected location would be something that makes sense for the two school's fanbase. Northern California....in the winter......for two southeastern teams.....makes zero sense for anyone.

As far as watching Bama and Clemson play the title for the third time (fourth counting the semi game last year), you really can't ask for better football. If people are tired of it, beat one, or both of those teams.

Bama vs Clemson IV

This may be the best matchup of the four.

In 2015 Bama rode Derrick Henry to a NC. Jake Coker was a baller (and maybe my all-time favorite QB at the Capstone), but he was no Deshaun Watson. But Coker made enough plays that Henry, and Special Teams were able to get a "W" for the good guys.

In 2016 Watson gets all of the credit. But I thought the Clemson "D" actually won it. They held a one dimensional Bama offense to three-and-out for most of the third, and fourth quarters. When the Alabama defense absolutely needed a stop in the last two minutes, there was no gas left in the tank.

Last year was a one-sided event. Clemson just didn't have the offense to beat the Tide.

This year brings the best matchup.....at least on paper.....of the four. Both teams are good on both sides of the ball. Lawrence is as good as Fromm, but is bigger, and faster. Tua is hands-down the best QB Clemson has faced. As good as the Clemson RBs are, I think Bama's four-headed beast is better. I think Bama has the best receiving corp in the country, and it isn't close. If Bama can find a way to cover 16th year redshirt junior Hunter Renfrow, then Bama should have the edge. Clemson is deeper in the DL, and I think Bama is deeper in the back seven. Have to give Clemson the edge in kicking.

Bottom line: two great teams playing for all of the marbles

I watched several of Notre Dame's games (thought that Bama might get them in the CFP). On the whole, this is a much better football team than Bama played in 2012.

They are extremely well coached, especially on defense; rarely out of position.

Book is a top-notch QB. He reminds me a lot of Charlie Brewer (Baylor).

ND's problem is team speed. If you watch them, then put on a Clemson game, it just jumps out at you.

I look for them to keep it close for the first two-three quarters, but suspect Clemson will put it away in the 4th.

These guys are engaging in a cut-throat business. Whether I like Kirby Smart's recruiting tactics, or not, is irrelevant; Bama (and all of the other schools) have to out recruit him, because the guy is a force.

As far as being ranked 1, 2, 3, or 4 in recruiting, it doesn't seem to matter to me. I think you could throw a towel over the recruiting classes of Bama, UGA, A&M, and LSU and not know the difference.

We'll have a better idea who won the recruiting race in a couple of years....on the field.