I think it will be interesting to see defense chess match on Saturday. Doesn't mean we've got a real shot, but our chances to keep the game reasonably close may hinge on it.
For Saban, he always tries to take away the other team's strength. So, he'll want to shut down our passing attack. The question is, whether he'll go man to man and blitz like Auburn, or go more zone, taking away big play opportunities, forcing us to drive the distance of the field. I wouldn't be surprised to see us in a lot of quick pass plays to dilute the rush and keep JG healthy and try to get the ball on the perimeter, in open space, and take calculated shots downfield when we can. Pruitt likes to stay balanced, so you know we'll try to run it 25-30 times, or so.
On our side, I think Job 1 is to not allow any of those 1 minute or less drives they've had in every game, specifically on the first possession. But, it's really a "pick your poison" type of a thing, because they can also gash you in the run and short passes. Pruitt likes to attack, but my guess is that he'll play some soft zone to keep the ball in front of us, but blitz when the time is right. Not that it may show on the score board, but Pruitt knows the tendencies of every player on the team better than anyone not on the Bama sidelines. Just as we saw vs Auburn, there's a value in Pruitt being very familiar with the other team. Regardless of the strategy on offense or defense, I think Pruitt is going to be aggressive, if for no other reason than to show the team we're not backing down from anyone.
For Saban, he always tries to take away the other team's strength. So, he'll want to shut down our passing attack. The question is, whether he'll go man to man and blitz like Auburn, or go more zone, taking away big play opportunities, forcing us to drive the distance of the field. I wouldn't be surprised to see us in a lot of quick pass plays to dilute the rush and keep JG healthy and try to get the ball on the perimeter, in open space, and take calculated shots downfield when we can. Pruitt likes to stay balanced, so you know we'll try to run it 25-30 times, or so.
On our side, I think Job 1 is to not allow any of those 1 minute or less drives they've had in every game, specifically on the first possession. But, it's really a "pick your poison" type of a thing, because they can also gash you in the run and short passes. Pruitt likes to attack, but my guess is that he'll play some soft zone to keep the ball in front of us, but blitz when the time is right. Not that it may show on the score board, but Pruitt knows the tendencies of every player on the team better than anyone not on the Bama sidelines. Just as we saw vs Auburn, there's a value in Pruitt being very familiar with the other team. Regardless of the strategy on offense or defense, I think Pruitt is going to be aggressive, if for no other reason than to show the team we're not backing down from anyone.
