Alabama vs. Clemson (August 30)

[pags11]

usc, thanks man...I appreciate you saying that...

I am leaning towards Alabama in this game but would prefer +7.5 or more...Clemson is absolutely loaded this year, no doubt about it...also they have an advantage in that they played their bowl game last year in the Georgia Dome...on the other hand, Alabama has had two good recruiting classes in a row...I love the Julio Jones kid (WR)...I do like Saban over Bowden here, but Bowden does have the more talented, deeper team...the biggest thing keeping me off the game at the moment (other than the 25 days or so until the game is actually played) is QB John Parker Wilson's tendency to make poor decisions in the red zone...the Alabama offense settled for far too many field goals last year, and that was with DJ Hall and Keith Brown (whom are gone this year)...it is definitely a game I'm keeping my eye on at this point...more to come as the game gets closer...

on another note, this is an excellent thread...it's extremely important that we have threads like these all season where we can have all different opinions in them...keep up the good work fellas...

[seaborneq]

usc, thanks man...I appreciate you saying that...

I am leaning towards Alabama in this game but would prefer +7.5 or more...Clemson is absolutely loaded this year, no doubt about it...also they have an advantage in that they played their bowl game last year in the Georgia Dome...on the other hand, Alabama has had two good recruiting classes in a row...I love the Julio Jones kid (WR)...I do like Saban over Bowden here, but Bowden does have the more talented, deeper team...the biggest thing keeping me off the game at the moment (other than the 25 days or so until the game is actually played) is QB John Parker Wilson's tendency to make poor decisions in the red zone...the Alabama offense settled for far too many field goals last year, and that was with DJ Hall and Keith Brown (whom are gone this year)...it is definitely a game I'm keeping my eye on at this point...more to come as the game gets closer...

on another note, this is an excellent thread...it's extremely important that we have threads like these all season where we can have all different opinions in them...keep up the good work fellas...

Pags, I hope it gets down to -5 for Clemson. I am all over it. Bama's inability to score, and depending on Freshman, and lack of LB depth, just seems too much to overcome. I love Bama, went there, but I love money more. I hope these Kool Aid drinking hillbillies are betting on Bama and not just talking so that the line can come down to my satisfaction.

[pags11]

seaborn,

you have some good points about this game...at this point it's a no play for me...as easy as it looks on paper to lay the points with Clemson, I just can't knowing that I'd have Bowden and would be on the other side of Saban...Clemson may very well cover this game, but its Bama at +7.5 or more (which we probably won't see anytime soon if at all) or I'm on the sidelines...keep the good info. coming though...

[BadNina]

I think Bama's offensive woes will be helped with the shorter passing game.

[fastball00]

I shall simplify this game in a unique perspective…

In my perspective Clemson is a better overall team than Alabama (probably worth -5). However, if you do not agree with my pervious statement than you must at least agree that Alabama is less than or equal to Clemson.

Clemson’s team leadership will limit mistakes during the game. In addition, upper classmen will not let the “bright lights” of Atlanta distract them from their on-field duties – as was the case last Dec. in the Auburn OT Loss in the same venue.

Alabama has several inexperienced players attempting to fill key positions. The team has lost many leaders and has an influx of young talent. The younger players will progress as the season moves forward. Although, I expect them to have some continuity issues from the start – especially since ¼ of the roster is very young. This is probably their first time to Atlanta and to a Black male growing up in the south this is “the spot”. Expect half the team to miss curfew and get wasted.


Conclusion:

Clemson will be prepared, fresh and know what to expect.

Alabama will be tentative, a step slow and wishing the game had been played in Bryant Denny.

[JRS21386]

I shall simplify this game in a unique perspective…

In my perspective Clemson is a better overall team than Alabama (probably worth -5). However, if you do not agree with my pervious statement than you must at least agree that Alabama is than or equal to Clemson.

Clemson’s team leadership will limit mistakes during the game. In addition, upper classmen will not let the “bright lights” of Atlanta distract them from their on-field duties – as was the case last Dec. in the Auburn OT Loss in the same venue.

Alabama has several inexperienced players attempting to fill key positions. The team has lost many leaders and has an influx of young talent. The younger players will progress as the season moves forward. Although, I expect them to have some continuity issues from the start – especially since ¼ of the roster is very young. This is probably their first time to Atlanta and to a Black male growing up in the south this is “the spot”. Expect half the team to miss curfew and get wasted.


Conclusion:

Clemson will be prepared, fresh and know what to expect.

Alabama will be tentative, a step slow and wishing the game had been played in Bryant Denny.

This is by far the worst analysis i have ever seen on a game...

[fastball00]

LOL - We could go back and forth through the numbers, statistical categories and each team’s players/positions. Ultimately, in a contest such as this it will come down to intangibles and off-the-field items in which we will not hear about until weeks after the game.

Think what you may... it’s the truth

[MartinBlank]

I don't understand the idea that Saban is a "great" coach.

In his entire time at LSU, he had one..one...season where his team had fewer than 3 losses, and that was the NC year of 2003.

If that is a "great" coach, then you have to include Phil Fulmer as equally great. Fulmer's resume is stronger than Saban's.

If you include Saban's Michigan State record, he has 2 seasons of fewer than three losses in the last 9 years.

Saban lost AT HOME to UL-Monroe. UL-Monroe.

Saban is a good coach, not great, and I think Alabama will lose 4-5 games a year until Saban moves on to his next coaching stop in 2011.

[seaborneq]

I'll be at the game. Yessssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BadNina]

I am officially jealous of seaborneq

[nysmoneyman]

Clemson Tigers
2007 SEASON IN REVIEW:
The Tigers won nine games for the first time since 2003, going 9-4 last year, including taking part in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Tommy Bowden's squad won eight of its first 10 games and had a spot in the ACC Title game all but secured, but could not close the deal at home against Boston College down the stretch, falling to the Eagles in a tight affair (20-17). The team rebounded with a narrow win over instate foe South Carolina (23-21) in the regular-season finale, but finished things on the losing note, falling to Auburn in the postseason in an overtime affair (23-20).

2008 ANALYSIS
OFFENSE:
This side of the football is the reason for all the optimism in Death Valley this year. The Tigers finished second in the ACC in total offense (403.3 ypg), ranking second in rushing (161.2 ypg) and third in passing (242.1 ypg). All that offense is back in the fold, led ACC Preseason Player of the Year Cullen Harper. The senior signal-caller had a stellar junior campaign, completing just over 65 percent of his passes, for almost 3,000 yards, with 27 TDs and just six INTs.

The top five pass catchers from 2007 are back as well, including standout WR Aaron Kelly. The 6-5 senior finished with huge numbers last year, amassing 88 receptions, for 1,081 yards and 11 TDs. Fellow wideout Tyler Grisham (60 catches, for 653 yards, four TDs) should get plenty of attention as well this season, as will speedster Jacoby Ford, who enters the season healthy.

Harper is that much more effective in the passing attack thanks to a lethal ground game, spearheaded by tailbacks James Davis (1,064 yards, 10 TDs) and C.J. Spiller (768 yards, three TDs). Both have NFL-type talent and could put up 1,000-yard campaigns in 2008.

Although the skill positions are set, the Tigers will need to revamp an offensive line that returns just center Thomas Austin and must find a way to replace Second-Team All-American tackle Barry Richardson and All-ACC guard Chris McDuffie. The cohesiveness up front is a real concern for Bowden.

"A big reason we are the preseason favorite is our returning offensive skill position players. But, we have holes to fill in the offensive line - we must replace four starters, including two All-Americans."

DEFENSE:
The Tigers' offense got a lot of the press clippings last year, but the defense had a stellar campaign as well, ranking in the top 25 nationally in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense and pass defense. The team returns seven starters from that group, with playmakers all over the field.

Up front, the team will rely heavily on rush end Ricky Sapp (6-4, 240) and monster nose guard Dorell Scott (6-4, 320), who combined for eight sacks last season. A wildcard along the defensive line could be talented freshman end Da'Quan Bowers (6-5, 265). The team's depth up front took a big hit recently with senior tackle Rashaad Jackson going down in practice. A productive interior lineman, Jackson has 16.5 career TFLs, more than any other active Tiger. He will be sidelined for at least half the season with a knee injury.

Senior Cortney Vincent (68 tackles, two sacks) will lead the way in a retooled linebacking corps. The secondary is the real strength of this defense, with all four starters returning, including seniors Michael Hamlin (97 tackles, four INTs) and Chris Clemons (94 tackles, two INTs) at the safety spots and juniors Crezdon Butler (61 tackles, three INTs) and Chris Chancellor (52 tackles, four INTs) at cornerback.

SPECIAL TEAMS:
The kicking game is not a concern for Clemson with the return of seniors Mark Buchholz at placekicker and Jimmy Maners at punter. Buchholz made all 48 of his extra-point attempts last year, and connected on 22 field goals, including a long of 52 yards. Maners averaged almost 43 yards per punt last year, placing 16 of his 55 punts inside the 20-yard line.

OUTLOOK:
For the first time in Bowden's 10 years at Clemson, the Tigers are picked as the preseason favorite. While the adoration is certainly with merit, Bowden is quick to point out that nothing is earned in the preseason.

"We appreciate the respect, but the objective is to earn it on the field by the end of the season. We have a lot of work to do to achieve that."

That work begins right away with a season-opening clash with Alabama in Atlanta. Other non-conference clashes include home games against The Citadel, South Carolina State and finally rival South Carolina in the regular-season finale. Winning the Atlantic Division won't come easy, especially with road games at Wake Forest, Boston College, Florida State and Virginia. ACC foes that come to Death Valley include NC State, Maryland, Georgia Tech and Duke.

By Scott Haynes, Senior College Football Editor

[nysmoneyman]

Alabama Crimson Tide
2007 SEASON IN REVIEW:
Nick Saban took over the Alabama program last season and brought with him a renewed sense of optimism. After all, Saban is a proven winner with a champion's resume.

Things certainly started well, including a pair of wins of SEC foes Vanderbilt and Arkansas in the first three weeks. The victory over the Razorbacks came by a 41-38 final, and the Tide proved that it could generate some offense. The fourth game of the season saw 'Bama push a strong Georgia team to overtime, but the result of that clash was a three-point defeat. The following week, Saban's troops were knocked off by Florida State. Fortunately, three consecutive wins followed, elevating the Crimson Tide to 6-2. They were eligible for a bowl before November arrived, and fans and players alike were feeling good. Unfortunately, that is when the season took a turn for the worse. Four consecutive losses ensued, all by seven points or less. The Tide was able to hang tough with eventual national champion LSU, but lost to UL-Monroe during the skid.

The slide relegated Alabama to the Independence Bowl where it met Colorado, and a solid effort warranted a 30-24 victory over the Buffaloes. For a program with the tradition and accompanying expectations of Alabama, a 7-6 season simply isn't good enough. Fortunately, the head coach doesn't take losing lightly and is a master recruiter.

2008 ANALYSIS
OFFENSE:
Entering his final year at Tuscaloosa, John Parker Wilson is expected to run the show at the quarterback position. The accomplished signal caller holds the program records for both passing yards and touchdown passes in a single season.

"John Parker has had an outstanding off season," says Saban. "I think it was contributed largely to having a great Bowl game, kind of restored his confidence." Under new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, Wilson will be given every opportunity to succeed but may not have a very long leash.

The wide receiver group lost a few accomplished players, but the presence of star freshman Julio Jones on the outside should more than make up for the departures. Considered by many recruiting evaluators to be the top wide receiver in the freshman class, Jones has the talent to be a star without question.

The passing game should be aided by a ground attack that is spearheaded by Terry Grant. Last season, Grant ran for 891 yards and eight touchdowns, and it would come as no surprise if he is a 20-carry per game back. The offensive line returns a wealth of talent and experience.

DEFENSE:
There were some key losses on the defensive side of the ball, so it remains to be seen if this group is up to the challenge of slowing down opposing SEC offenses.

In the defensive backfield, Javier Arenas brings a wealth of talent and speed to the cornerback position. He has plenty of speed but lacks ideal height for the position. He will get plenty of help from Rashad Johnson, who tied for the SEC lead with six interceptions a year ago.

"I definitely think guys know what Coach Saban wants, more this year than last," said Johnson. "Now, we know what he wants, and when it's time to meet, he'll say something, and everyone will start laughing sometimes. So there's more of comfort level there that there wasn't last year."

One of the major questions surrounding the defense heading into this season is whether or not linebacker Ezekial Knight will be able to play. The starting linebacker is dealing with a heart ailment, and it remains to be seen if he is given the green light to participate on the field. Rolando McClain is back at the middle backer spot after learning on the job as a freshman. Up front, defensive end Brandon Deadrick and tackle Lorenzo Washington will be counted on to get the job done.

SPECIAL TEAMS:
Arenas is a dangerous return man who proved to be one of the nation's best at returning punts a year ago. Kicker Leigh Tiffin is experienced and possesses plenty of leg strength. He set the program record for points in a season a year ago and will be relied on plenty in 2008. P.J. Fitzgerald will handle the punting duties.

OUTLOOK:
Saban is doing exactly what college football fans knew he would do, which is recruit top talent to restore Alabama to contention. Unfortunately, fans of the program will have to wait at least one more year to see those efforts pay off. The Tide simply are not ready to contend with conference heavyweights like Florida and Georgia. Don't expect more than eight wins from 'Bama, which would be a one-game improvement.

By Pat Taggart, Associate College Football Editor

[mtneer1212]

I'm here in Atlanta, and seats for the game are going for $175 per ticket in the upper endzones, and $325+ per ticket in the better seats. Kinda wild for an August non-conference college football game.

The Falcons seats are still available for $15 and a can of soup, however.

[seaborneq]

How can Clemson not be the play at -4.5? Better hit it now.

[onthewhat]

pags says bama +5, he knows more than you pal

[seaborneq]

pags says bama +5, he knows more than you pal

It is OK to disagree with Pags, unless you are betting with Pags money.

[bmsOHST11]

i was on the fence and prob a no play with this one, and then at about mid night last night ESPNU aired the clemson v fsu game from sept 3rd,2007 (bowden bowl 9 i believe), after seeing that team with pretty much the same weapons on offense (harper, ford, davis, spiller, kelly, big blocking TE's) and pretty much junior line. and on defense they lost phillip merling and some LB's well plug in bowers and alexander i cant see a diff and soph LB scotty cooper looked brilliant in their chick fil a bowl. i actually see an upgrade in the LB unit this year. secondary is the same well add a year of battle and experiance and look out nick saban and tide i am for sure taking clemson in this one i dont mind the line now but i would be fine with a clemson -9.5

[ZBOIZ]

Bama plus the points is the play for me!

[masr]

I think saban pulls it off...
Roll tide + 4.5

[purecarnagge]

I'm taking bama ML for a small play. I'm taking the points and tossing them into some teasers I'm pounding this weekend.

[topcat]

Lol.. Alabama I think will surprise people this year. I would never doubt a Saban coached team. As his recruits start to saturate the system, you will see a new Alabama than in recent years

my dad loves nick saban as a coach,with the exception of him coaching the dolphins.hes on bama big time,so anybody thats on bama here good luck.i do hope bamas defense holds up,because they will be tested with thunder,and lightning.

[Aces]

Over !!! I think both teams will score frequently. I'll parlay the Alabama money line with the over. But I'll hit the over as a stand alone. I cant see either team with the weapons they have in the receiving corps attempting to grind it out. I think this is going to look like a WAC game. Alabama +170 and Over 47 1/2