Weather the Storm
Playing at home, the revenge factor, our history there, etc can not become a factor in this game. Alabama is going to try to jump on the Rebels early. There are normally two critical 5 minute periods in a football game, the last 5 minutes of the first half and the 1st 5 minutes of the 2nd half. In this game, with all of the external factors that are present, the 1st 5 minutes are possibly more critical. We must not allow a big play, such as Kenyan Drake isolated on a linebacker, or make a critical turnover early.
The Replacements
Laremy Tunsil is not playing. How his replacement, Fahn Cooper, and his replacement, Sean Rawlings, perform against Alabama's front will likely decide the Rebels fate. If we can get a draw at those two positions we will be in good shape. If we get dominated at either position, a night reminiscent of that night at South Carolina in 2009 is a possibility.
First Things First
We need to win 1st down on both sides. Winning 1st down on offense will enable us to be multi dimensional and greatly improve our ability to get our wide receivers down the field, where we have a matchup advantage. Winning 1st down on defense will force Jacob Coker to beat us and make play action less effective.
These are my 3 keys to victory. Much shorter and less detailed than usual, which most of you probably appreciate. I got a house full of Rebel fans, (and 1 bandwagon Tide fan) over to watch the game, so I will hop back on after the game. Go Rebels! Beat Alabama!
Playing at home, the revenge factor, our history there, etc can not become a factor in this game. Alabama is going to try to jump on the Rebels early. There are normally two critical 5 minute periods in a football game, the last 5 minutes of the first half and the 1st 5 minutes of the 2nd half. In this game, with all of the external factors that are present, the 1st 5 minutes are possibly more critical. We must not allow a big play, such as Kenyan Drake isolated on a linebacker, or make a critical turnover early.
The Replacements
Laremy Tunsil is not playing. How his replacement, Fahn Cooper, and his replacement, Sean Rawlings, perform against Alabama's front will likely decide the Rebels fate. If we can get a draw at those two positions we will be in good shape. If we get dominated at either position, a night reminiscent of that night at South Carolina in 2009 is a possibility.
First Things First
We need to win 1st down on both sides. Winning 1st down on offense will enable us to be multi dimensional and greatly improve our ability to get our wide receivers down the field, where we have a matchup advantage. Winning 1st down on defense will force Jacob Coker to beat us and make play action less effective.
These are my 3 keys to victory. Much shorter and less detailed than usual, which most of you probably appreciate. I got a house full of Rebel fans, (and 1 bandwagon Tide fan) over to watch the game, so I will hop back on after the game. Go Rebels! Beat Alabama!
