#107
Just a reminder from the preseason preview posts, we came into the year ranked #107 in FBS for returning production on offense. In 2022 as a team we were top 20 in the nation overall in returning production. More often than not teams low on experience tend to make more mistakes and appear to be “off” just a bit. jmo.
My view was we probably wouldn’t know what our team could do this year until we got to the first bye week. Because I don’t think our defense was really tested in the first 4 games I wasn’t sure how we’d stand up once the opponent’s offenses improved. After Arkansas and Florida I think we’re doing pretty okay on defense. ESPN still has our defensive efficiency ranked #1 in the nation so, well, yeah, I think that’s pretty okay. jmo.
I think the strength of Alabama’s team is their offense and Milroe in particular. I think their defense may be okay but may be overrated too. In fact I think they have thus far shown an uncharacteristically weak defense. Against OU, AR, and UF we’ve given up an average of 17.0 points per game, 15, 19, and 17, respectively. Alabama is giving up 33.0 points per game to their 3 conference opponents, UGA, VU, and SC, 34, 40, and 25, respectively.
Taylen Green is the 2nd leading rusher for Arkansas; he had negative 5 yards against us. If we can do that with Milroe and disrupt their passing attack we’re probably in business. jmo.
We’re 5-1 so far and our offense is still gaining experience, incrementally, and this week may have some opportunities against what may be a suspect defense. I don’t know how Saturday is going to turn out and while it may be delusional, truthfully, I feel pretty okay about this game. jmo.
For reference, if I was arguably being truly delusional, I’d say I expect Heupel to unleash the Bluetick Hounds of Hell against Alabama but, realistically, that might just be an old man’s dream. jmo.