Tide ‘n Waves - Talking with Andrew Zow

September 4, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

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As the Green Wave traveled to Birmingham to commence gameday preparations at Samford University, the Crimson Tide rolled out with a big bang in the ATL.  The test this weekend for the Tide is to show that they can play a consistent, high caliber ballgame after such a performance against a high profile team like Clemson.  Alabama owns a 26-11-3 lead in the all-time series with Tulane, and the teams haven’t met since 1994.  As we learned last year with the 21-14 loss against LA-Monroe,  Bama has got to play smart, tough, physical ball on each down.  Check out former QB Andrew Zow on the show this week.  Andrew talks about his time at the Capstone, the tough times, the good times, and what the Crimson Tide needs to do going into the game this Saturday.

Trivia: What is Andrew Zow’s most yards passed during a single game?

Prize: Crimson Tide one size fits all cap.  Crimson color, white “A” logo on front, velcro adjustable strap on back, “Roll Tide” on the back strap.

Get educated on Bama’s upcoming opponents! Check out Roll Tide Bama’s team capsules: Tulane Green Wave

Enjoy! Roll TIde!

2008 Outlook: Offense

August 27, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

By Tim Nordstom - Contributing Author

With the first full week of practice setting up the first scrimmage Saturday, I am going to take a look at what we might see from the Alabama offense this fall. When you talk about offense you have to look at the quarterback first. In 2008 John Parker Wilson will be entering his third season as the starter. Although he had some good games last season, he had quite a few bad games as well.

Who is responsible is an after thought. Two costly fumbles late in the games versus LSU and Florida State could be the offensive lines fault as much as Wilson’s. The interception right before halftime at Mississippi State could be as well. Wilson has reportedly put on weight and is a lot stronger, which should help with the latter play against Mississippi State.

Wilson’s greatest improvement could come by way of Jim McElwain in the form of play calling. The problems last season were team wide and their lack of commitment was obvious, especially in November. So, what does that mean for 2008?

The 2008 offense will feature more players than the 2007 offense did and by that I mean. The quarterback will have the ball less and the play-makers will have it more. Wilson did not have a problem with decision making, it was throwing form and time to throw.

With DJ Hall moving on in his career, Wilson must find a new guy to throw to. With plenty of guys fighting for the spots vacated by the seniors it is likely he will find a few guys to fill the void left by Hall, Matt Caddell, and Keith Brown. Imagine, if you can, the comeback against Arkansas. The formation Alabama ran was four wide receivers in tight, two to either side. Now imagine that same goal line formation with Julio Jones, Mike McCoy, Earl Alexander, and Darius Hanks.

Is there a bad target in that group? Based on early observations from practice, it opens up a whole new can of worms for the defense to have to cover two guys over 6-4 and McCoy is not a dwarf. Gone are the days of the jumbo package, although it will still be used some. With McElwain in town I look for us to disguise formations like this.

The formation will start out looking like this. Three wide receivers, a fullback, and a running back. The defense believes it will be covering three wide receivers and guarding against the run. The two players in the backfield then motion out to the wide receiver position. Now the defense is faced with guarding five wide receivers, with only four defensive backs to cover them the mismatch is made, linebackers covering wide receivers and a corner back on a fullback.

At offensive line we will be as strong as we have been in years. I am not going to put them in the Wesley Britt, Evan Mathis, and Justin Smiley league yet, but we are close. Right tackle is our biggest weakness and with the emergence of Drew Davis it looks to be improving.

With four starters returning, experience will not be the issue. Can these guys pave the way for the running backs and give Wilson time to throw the ball. The latter will not be all that difficult in the new offense. The offensive line will be a huge asset in 2008.

The wide receiver position will be deep and productive, although I don’t think that there will be the one dominant player in the group like with DJ Hall. I expect single season passing records to be broken once again this season. Julio Jones will get the ball alot, but I don’t believe he will be featured in 2008 like he will be in future season’s.

At running back Terry Grant will not be alone in 2008. Roy Upchurch, Glenn Coffee and freshman Mark Ingram and Chris Jordan will look to add depth and talent to the position. Coach Nick Saban is finally getting his players in and these guys can play.

My expectations for the 2008 offense are high. I believe in Jim McElwain’s offense and how it works. The running back position will be as strong as it has been in years. If the young players on this team are able to mature slowly and grow with the season, a lot of things are possible in 2008 for the Alabama offense.

-Next week I will cover the defensive outlook for the 2008 season.

The SEC; As Seen From The Other Side

September 6, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

How The SEC Is Seen On The Other Side Of The Atlantic By Israel Llata   It wasn't long ago first time I began to proudly support the Crimson Tide. Although, for different reasons than many of you. I always felt attracted to the great state of Alabama and their football team, but ... Tags: alabama crimson tide news

Lowe among Texas Football Classic standouts

September 4, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

Rivals.com recruiting analyst Barry Every breaks down some of the Division I-A talent that participated in the Aug. 30 Texas Football Classic games featuring Katy (Texas) Cinco Ranch vs. San Antonio Reagan and Brownwood (Texas) High vs. Burnet (Texas) High. Here's a closer look at some key players, including four-star OT Stavion Lowe Tags: alabama crimson tide news  Read More →

DOMEination

September 1, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

From RollCrimsonTide.com

For much of the week Clemson coaches made bad jokes about Alabama and appeared to be taking the game less than seriously. The national media gave Alabama little to no chance against the number 9 Clemson Tigers. Alabama and Coach Nick Saban came into the Georgia Dome Saturday with one thing in mind, total DOMEination.

The Crimson Tide heard Clemson’s defensive coordinator insinuate that Alabama cheated to land the number one recruiting class this year, then later recanted stating he was only joking. They heard the Clemson players and coaches alike talk as if they had won the game before it had ever been played. They heard the national media telling them they weren’t ready to take on a team of Clemson’s caliber.

They didn’t listen , but instead they decided they would prove the world wrong by dominating Clemson every step of the game, or should I say DOMEinate? Yes, they DOMEinated the Tigers on the fertile neutral ground of the Georgia Dome. You see, there is a reason the game was played in Atlanta. Atlanta is a hot spot for recruiting and the game gave Alabama a chance to showoff its stuff, and showoff they did.  READ MORE at RollCrimsonTide.com