Alabama vs. Clemson - Upon Further Review
August 31, 2008 by TonyOrlando
Killer instinct. Rather than building a lead, then coasting and letting the opponent back in the game, this Tide team never took its foot off the gas. Near the end of the half, Alabama got the ball back with little time remaining. Rather than run a couple of draws and heading for the locker room, this team marched down the field for another score.
Answering adversity. After Clemson took the second half kickoff 96 yards to the end zone, the Tide could have been deflated and let the Tigers back in the game. Instead, they came right back at them. This is a team of character and leadership.
Trusting players to make plays. Leigh Tiffin is the feel-good story of this team. Coach Saban believed in him, despite the critics, and has been proven right. Saban has also ignored the calls for John Parker Wilson to be benched, and instead retooled the offense to fit Wilson's strengths. The result: a near-flawless game by the quarterback.
Coaching 'em down. Emotion is for fans. Getting hyped up only takes you as far as the coin toss. Once the game starts, you have to execute. Coach Saban has instilled a businesslike ethic in this team, and it was evident the entire game. This team went out to do a job, and did it. They acted like they've been there before.
The same things win. We heard all summer long about the spread offense. But smashmouth football still wins games. You can have the gaudy passing stats; we'll take a bunch of big guys knocking you off the ball, and see who wins.
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