Iron Bowl game of year

Florida State has incredible speed across the board. The problem with comparing speed is that most look at the wide outs and the corners and then the backers. Florida States defensive line will run circles around the O-line at OSU. Team speed will negate the offense at OSU and the OSU defense can't keep up across the board. OSU will lose to any of the top five/six teams. Their best shot has to be down around Ok. State or Stanford.

I am a huge Meyer fan. Although he did finish undefeated the last two years these teams are not as good as an undefeated record indicates. He only has one year of his own players. Those Florida kids. And while at Florida he could swipe those kids out of Texas as well. Next year I think OSU will be the odds on favorite to win the national championship. They will be bigger and faster up front as the Meyer recruits gather. With that said, they will still have a weak schedule. Next year with that team speed and athleticism more so across the board they should dominate teams to a great record, much like FSU has done this year. They have not really played anyone but there has not been anything in question mid way of the 2nd quarter.

I watched the 30/30 Roll Tide/War Eagle show again yesterday. It is hilarious at the things they say. I can only imagine what gets left off the air. S

 

I do not think Urban Meyer is the best coach, nor do I think Saban is the best coach. The two best recruiters in America, maybe. Look at what Saban built at LSU. He left enough for Les to win, and Les has three run plays and one screen pass in the entire playbook. When those Saban kids passed thru Miles has 8-3 and 9-2 legacy written all over him. Florida looked good the year after Meyer but faded fast afterwards.

College football is much more about recruiting than coaching. When I can have my top 11, and then 6-8 on both O and on D that would be the top 6-8 on any other team in America, that can't be beat. Alabama has been the best team in America for the last five years because of that. I understand they have lost a game or so here and there but none of the teams they lost to could beat them 2 out of 3.

I don't think Saban is all that good of a 'coach'. They lost to South Carolina. They give the ball to Ingram and leads them down the field for two scores to get in the game and then they throw the ball the entire second half. Against A&M they ran the ball very well, but chose to pass which stopped the clock and gave multiple possessions to Manziel & Evans. Plain dumb. They lost to Auburn by throwing the ball mid way thru the second half. Even if they ran the ball three and out there is no time for Auburn to make their last two scores. Saban has to be responsible for horrible play calling in each of the seasons he did not win the title.

The years they won they just out recruited, had more players, and bowled over people. I could coach those type teams. S

 

In that pro style pounding offense you see O-lineman down field making blocks not only on linebackers but on corners and safeties. Fla. State, Alabama, Auburn, Mizzou have defensive lineman going across the field hash to hash making plays. OSU does not. Mich. State does not. Wisconsin does not. OSU will next year and the year after. Everybody has fast corners and fast receivers. That speed negates each other. When my linemen can run down your back or my O-line can get down field and prevent pursuit...that is speed.

 

Saban has four rings. One with LSU and three with Alabama.

 

Part of my point. Mike Shula was a heck of a recruiter as well. And I agree Saban inherited a really talented team. From that point on he has out recruited every team in America. Granted some blue chippers go elsewhere, but Alabama always gets the kid that fits into the spot they need next year. There is no let off. Numbers leave every year and go pro but the next guy up is of the same caliber and two more coming behind him.

That is a year to year comparison. Now imagine when your #1 guy has to battle three or four throughout the game and those 3 or 4 would be the #1 on your squad.

 

great topic. I can almost hear that alarm clock in the morning right now. will check back tomorrow. later. enjoyed it. S

 

Two types of recruiting...The elite/ESPN Top whatever and then being able to get the player that you want that fits into what you are doing. I think that is where Saban out recruits all. That is his separation. Not only does he gets the better share of the Top whatever recruits but he gets that perfect player that fits into what he is doing two years from now, maybe even three. There is no longer 'practice hard, develop and be ready to play as a junior/senior'. The blue chippers of today are looking to be impact Freshman/automatic starters coming in. Saban finds a way to get these kids to come knowing there is two people in front of him. That is a hard sell in todays world. He recruits kids that ill fit what he is doing.

Other Top 5 classes land the blue chippers that do not fit, and then most be molded into what the program is doing. Others nails down the two of the top two receivers in the country, true 4.3/4.4 guys, great hands, great route runners, with blocking as their weakness and then runs the ball 35-40 times a game and their abilities are no more utilized than a threat. Same with getting a 325 guard who can block his ass off but can't run (team speed) and then ask him to pull/screen and block down the field. Not his forte. Still a Top whatever class but not the perfect fit. I think Saban picks the kids that fit and then gets 90% or so of them.