If we can adjust to the loss of AJ at the LB position, after all the extra practice time, I think we will be fine and able to stop the run. We struggled, which was no surprise, when we had to unexpectedly replace AJ at the end of the season. Now whoever is in there will have had a lot more first team rep's and feel more comfortable.
Alabama was hurt by injuries and the fact that I think they were looking towards the NC game and really did not focus like they should have on tosu. I said this in another post, I think LSU's D was not focused because I am sure they knew before the game Chief was gone, MSU had to prepare for the toughest offense to stop in GT's without a DC. OM just sucked in their game.
We may get beat today, but I do not think we will. I think we win rather handily in the end. I think unlike some of our SEC breathern who were not excited about the bowl they were in, or were distracted by other outside issues, we are excited to be bowling again and the AJ issue ancient history in the minds of teenagers.
The only concern I have against Iowa that we can not equalize is age. Iowa is a much more Jr, Sr laden team. They have been through the rigors of bowl weeks before, we have not. If our young guys do not lose to much focus eatting ribs and looking at Jag's cheerleaders then we will be fine.
All that said, the D gets it done today. I my concern is still the O line. If they give JD some time and the backs some running lanes, we protect the ball then the VOLS roll. I think the game hinges on the O line and turnovers, not the D.
