Alabama v. Utah: really this simple?

[SeattleUte]

Alabama's offensive front averages 50 pounds a man heavier than Utah, and Alabama has a great tail back. So the Tide thinks its offensive line can smash open huge holes and run at will. Whit has been free with information that Utah plans to dedicate 8-9 guys to stopping the run virtually every play (one pundit noted FL was also light compared to Alabama). The Utes will invite John Parker Wilson to beat them throwing the ball. Wilson, who seems a mediocre passer, throws to one receiver 80% of the time--big and fast all-confernce freshman Julio Jones. Rangy, cocky Sean Smith has been designated to cover him mano a mano (Smith in the press conference: we can jump as high, run as fast, and bench as much as they can).

I've read several press reports say that Andre Smith's suspension is a big blow to the Tide. They universally call him Alabama's best offensive player.

On the other side, the fronts are more evenly matched in terms of weight. Alabama wants to bottle up Utah's run and force it to rely too heavily on BJ, forcing him to commit errors. I know that "trick plays" are out of fashion among Utah and BYU fans. But I'm thinking Ludwig needs half a dozen big play attempts that Alabama hasn't seen all year.

[Hallelujah]

Alabama's offensive front averages 50 pounds a man heavier than Utah, and Alabama has a great tail back. So the Tide thinks its offensive line can smash open huge holes and run at will. Whit has been free with information that Utah plans to dedidace 8-9 guys to stopping the run virtually every play (one pundit noted FL was also light compared to Alabama). The Utes will invite John Parker Wilson to beat them throwing the ball. Wilson, who seems a mediocre passer, throws to one receiver 80% of the time--big and fast all-confernce freshman Julio Jones. Rangy, cocky Sean Smith has been designated to cover him mano a mano (Smith in the press conference: we can jump as high, run as fast, and bench as much as they can).

I've read several press reports say that Andre Smith's suspension is a big blow to the Tide. They universally call him Alabama's best offensive player.

On the other side, the fronts are more evenly matched in terms of weight. Alabama wants to bottle up Utah's run and force it to rely too heavily on BJ, forcing him to commit errors. I know that "trick plays" are out of fashion among Utah and BYU fans. But I'm thinking Ludwig needs half a dozen big play attempts that Alabama hasn't seen all year.

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The key will be the mental attitude of Alabama. Will they show up for the game or not. My guess is that they will with Saban at the helm. Wilson is better than a mediocre passer. I think Utah has a chance.