GeorgiaOwl said

We will cover the spread again! ;D

Not so sure about that this time.  When a team is #1, they have something to prove….to the pollsters.

BeastOwl said

GeorgiaOwl said

We will cover the spread again! ;D

Not so sure about that this time.  When a team is #1, they have something to prove….to the pollsters.

Well, since opening, the line has only gone down 1 measly point.

Figured three for sure by now…

BeastOwl said

GeorgiaOwl said

We will cover the spread again! ;D

Not so sure about that this time.  When a team is #1, they have something to prove….to the pollsters.

I think they proved that lastweek!

Here's some tidbits' from Alabama Coach Nick Saban's weekly presser, in which he discusses the Arkansas game, and a litle on FAU as well.

"After watching the film, I was really pleased with some of the areas that we made progress in as a team at Arkansas. I thought we competed well in the game in a tough circumstance, being on the road and in not good weather conditions. We knew that we would have to persevere. There was an emotional surge in the beginning of the game. I thought as the game went on we played better and better, which was good that we could keep our poise and stay focused. I still think we always see things that we can improve on. We probably had a few too many penalties in all areas. We still need to continue to work on developing some kind of consistency in some areas of our game."

"I was not pleased with some of the backup players when they got an opportunity to play and what their readiness was to play. Nobody really cares about this but for young players to learn how to prepare for a game and how to motivate themselves for a game, and for the older players to take some of the responsibility for helping them do is probably an important aspect of developing your team. That’s something that we need to get the young guys, and maybe this experience will help them, to understand. Being average is contagious."

"We don’t really have any personnel issues or injuries. We have guys that are bruised up like you always do on Monday but nothing that is of any significance that we need to talk about.

"We respect every team that we play. Carl Pelini, who is a very good coach, has done a good job with this team (Florida Atlantic). They are much improved relative to where they were a year ago. I think the way they played against Georgia last week sort of shows that, being 14-14 in the second quarter and moving the ball and creating a lot of problems. The guys play hard, and they are well coached. We certainly need to respect them and focus on what we need to do to improve as a team".

Nothing he says really surprises me although the fact that he is paying attention to us is unsettling.

voss749 said

Nothing he says really surprises me although the fact that he is paying attention to us is unsettling.

I wouldn't read too much into what he says but he certainly does not want to give any doubts to the pollsters by letting FAU be in the game at half time.  But 50+ points is a huge spread.  Vegas pretty much believes we're getting shut out.

Alabama began Western Kentucky week with a lousy practice. It's currently trying to prevent that from happening…

Monday Alabama practice Report

Heading into its weekly preparation for Florida Atlantic, Alabama is focused on creating turnovers on defense and ball security on offense.

Three games into the season, Alabama has forced 12 turnovers – six interceptions and six fumble recoveries – and only committed one, a fumble against Michigan.

Tide prepares for Florida Atlantic with focus on turnovers

Rick said

Owls open at +51, yes +51, point dogs for Saturday.

???

I'd take the points, but spreads like that are a sucker bet either way (apparently that makes me a sucker).  If FAU can get a consistent short passing game going, they will take away a little bit of the blow out possibility this week.  Just getting 30-40% 3rd down conversions would be a complete victory unto itself and set the tone for the season.

Alabama is so tough on defense, but they do occasionally over-pursue the action, and some success may be had on play action and screens, bubble screens, and quick hits over the middle.  I like the idea of counter plays from formations you have already run, quick short passes, but nothing that takes long to develop - way too much speed and talent to make that work.

If you run right at them or throw right them, they will crush you (or really anyone it appears right now).  It will be fun to see what FAU does this game, their is nothing to lose, so letting it all hang out should be fun to watch.

Update on Dukes and Curtis via Dieter from practice today…

William Dukes practiced with a compression sleeve on his right calf. Stephen Curtis was wearing a boot on his right foot. DNP