| 06 January 2010
Alright folks, I’ve got to come clean.Much to the disappointment of many of you, I haven’t written much over the holidays. Sure, I told you all it was because of reasons like, “I was sick,” and “I was spending time with my family,” but we all know those are lies. Honestly, my family doesn’t even like me.
Instead, I actually spent the holiday season studying. Studying for my doctoral degree. No seriously.
I’ve been in the film room the last three weeks, breaking down Alabama and Texas, participants in Thursday night’s BCS National Championship game, with none other than, you guessed it, “Dr. Lou,” Holtz of ESPN fame.
You see, Dr. Lou is getting old, and he is looking for someone to take over his thriving practice, so he can relax, play some golf, and attend more Notre Dame fundraisers. And, luckily, somehow, inexplicably, he hand picked me.
And after spending a month studying by candlelight, and getting hit on the hand with a ruler every time I misread Alabama’s blitz package, or Texas’s Cover 2 defense, Dr. Lou has decided that I’m finally ready to take over.
As a matter of fact, he even let me answer some questions from participants in Thursday’s game, to prove my worth.
So without wasting anymore time, here are my answers, to the burning questions in this year’s BCS National Championship Game.
Enjoy.
Dr. Aaron, all year long everybody said that my team was winning despite me, not because of me. Of course, we went undefeated in the regular season, and I’d like to think that I played a pretty big part in that right? Then we get to the SEC Championship Game, and all I hear all week is “Tebow this,” and “Tebow that.” And come on, Timmy’s a nice guy, but I totally outplayed him. Now I’m going against Colt McCoy, the winningest quarterback in college football history, and all the talk is about him. When am I going to get a little love? When will it be “Greg’s,” time?
Greg M., Tuscaloosa, AL
Well Greg, all I can say is this: You’re the most important offensive player for Alabama in this game. More important than Julio Jones, Mark Ingram or Colin Peek. No. Stop blushing, I’m being serious.
Your team was good all year, but didn’t play at a championship level until you picked up your level of play.
Believe me, I watched every game you played all year. I watched you mature with joy, as if you were my own child. And since my biological clock is starting to tick, and I’m not so sure I’ll ever be able to trick a woman into marrying me, you might be the closest thing I get to having a son. Needless to say, I enjoyed seeing you go from a boy to a man on the field.
Look, I’m not going to sugar coat things. You left a lot to be desired early in the year. Mark Ingram and the defense carried your team against South Carolina, and Jonathan Crompton outplayed you a week later, when Tennessee came to town (I’m sorry Greg, its true).
But then the bye week came, and after, you were a totally different quarterback. I don’t know what you did during that off week, and I don’t want to know (wait, don’t tell me, it had to do with those Kappa girls, didn’t it?), but you haven’t been the same since. In a good way.
In the five games after that bye, you’ve thrown eight touchdowns and just one interception. You mastered, “The Drive,” against Auburn, maybe the single best series anyone in college football played all year. And as you said, you outplayed your buddy Tebow in the SEC Championship Game. By the way, where’d you learn those sideline dance moves?
The way I see things, as long as you just keep doing what you’re doing, your team is going to be fine. Direct this offense, make the short safe passes, and hand the ball off to Ingram and Trent Richardson. Throwing the ball out of bounds is better than forcing it into a spot that’s not there.
And don’t worry about McCoy or any other quarterback. If you win that crystal ball, you’ll be the envy of them all. And it’ll definitely get you some more attention from those Kappa girls.
Wait a second Dr. Aaron. Doesn’t that seem like a little bit too easy of an answer? ‘Throwing the ball out of bounds is better than forcing it into a spot that's not there?’ Isn’t that what every coach told their quarterback before they played us? And we still led college football with 24 interceptions as a team!
Earl T., Austin, TX
Oh Earl, don’t get me wrong. You have what will likely amount to the best defensive backfield Alabama has seen all year. I like Florida’s athletes a little bit better (sorry it’s true), but nobody makes more plays in the defensive backfield than you, Aaron Williams and your teammates.
As a matter of fact, I think this is one of the keys to this game, how you and the rest of the defensive backs handle Alabama’s passing attack. Can you turn the Tide into a one-dimensional running team, or will Greg McElroy be able to move the chains with his arm as well?Also, let’s be real here for a second. Your offense isn’t going to score a ton of points, because honestly, nobody scores a lot of points against Alabama’s defense. Which means that Colt McCoy and the guys on the other side of the ball are going to be relying on your defense to make plays.
Here’s my prediction, if you want to win, your defense needs to pick off at least one of McElroy’s passes. Pick off two, and I like your chances that much more.
Dr. Aaron, we watched the film from the Big XII Championship Game 100 times. And then Coach Saban made us watch it 100 more. Then Rolando (McClain) made us watch it 40 times after that. Is Texas’ offensive line really as soft as it looked on that film? Because that Ndam… what’s his name...really made it look like amateur hour out there. We’re going to absolutely lay waste to them, aren’t we?
Terrence C., Tuscaloosa, AL
Terrence, if you ask 100 Alabama fans what the biggest advantage your team has coming into this game, 99 of them would say “our defensive line against their offensive line.” And the other one wouldn’t know what he or she was talking about.
But, let me throw out this disclaimer: Don’t judge this team by one game.
The fact is, Nebraska was as physical as virtually anyone in college football this year, and that includes all those bullies you guy’s played in the SEC. I saw most of their games, and in each and every one, I noticed a recurring theme. Namely that it took the opposition at least a quarter (and usually a full half) to adjust to the aggression Nebraska brought. Some teams like Arizona in the Holiday Bowl were never able to.
My point? Playing Nebraska in the Big XII Championship game was the best preparation Texas could have possibly gotten to play against your frontline. Well, short of playing the Minnesota Vikings anyway.
Look, nobody is ever going to claim that Texas’ offensive line is historically good. But they aren’t 13-0 by accident either. They’ll be ready to play Thursday night. Make sure you are too.
Dr. Aaron, I need some help. This is the best defense we’ve seen all year. The only one even comparable was Oklahoma’s and let me tell you, that game wasn’t pretty. I know Muschamp is going to have our defense ready, and I’m a little worried about my offense. You have any quick pointers?
Greg D., Austin, TX
Greger, you had the third highest scoring offense in college football. Do you really need my advice?
If you do insist, here's what I've got.
Don’t try to beat Alabama with the deep ball. It isn’t going to happen against this defensive backfield, they’re too fast, and their closing speed is too good. Honestly, I think that was Oklahoma’s biggest strategic mistake in this game last year, Sam Bradford threw deep too much, and the plays just weren’t there.
Hit Jordan Shipley, Malcolm Williams, James Kirkendoll and everyone else with crossing patters and short throws to keep the chains moving, and to keep the defense off Colt McCoy’s back.
Speaking of which, I heard you plan on letting Colt run a little more in this game. Is that true?
Because I like the idea a lot. As we saw a few years ago with Vince Young (you remember that game right?), the only thing a defensive coordinator can’t prepare for is a quarterback who makes plays with his feet.
Hope that helps!
Look, I’ve got nothing but respect for Alabama’s defense. But Dr. Aaron, why aren’t we getting more love? We were the No. 1 ranked rushing defense in college football!
Sergio K., Austin, TX
Sergio, thanks for writing in.
Here’s the problem: As someone who has no true allegiance in this game, and doesn’t live in a college football hotbed, I feel comfortable saying this: The national perception of the Big XII is that it’s too much of a “finesse,” league. I’m sorry, it’s true.
Look at you who played this year: Missouri (spread offense), Kansas (spread), Texas Tech (spread), Baylor (spread). Hell, I’m saying spread so much, I just suddenly felt the urge to go bet $100 on the Jets this weekend. Excuse me for a minute…
…
…
Ok, I’m back, what were we talking about? Oh right, your defense.
Anyway, who were the best running teams you faced all year? Especially power running, like what Alabama will bring on Thursday?
Oklahoma State? Well, Kendall Hunter was hurt, and they still picked up 134 yards on the ground. Oklahoma? Their offensive line was so beat up, the kid who played Michael Oher in The Blind Side could have started for them by the end of the year. Nebraska. No comment.
Look, I think your defensive front is better than people realize. I do. You yourself could be playing in the NFL right now, and Rodderick Muckleroy probably could be as well. Lamarr Houston is one of the best kept secrets in college football. Sam Acho has nine sacks.
But you haven’t seen an offensive line this talented, and this aggressive all year. You just haven’t. And when they throw Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson and a now healthy Roy Upchurch at you, well, that’s just scary.
Like I said, you’ve got a good group up front. I’d put your front seven right there with all the great rushing defenses, Nebraska, Florida, even Alabama.
Remember though, Alabama’s got some hosses coming at you too. I’m not saying that you can’t handle them, just that they’re by far the best group you’ve seen all year. Mark Ingram didn’t win the Heisman Trophy by accident.
Dr. Aaron, admit it. I’m the single biggest game-changer in the sport. Texas does not want to kick to me!
Javier A, Tuscaloosa, AL
Javy, what’s up my man! You know I’m supposed to remain unbiased, but you may be my single favorite player in college football. Yes you. I’m serious!Buuuuuuuut, with that being said, I hate to admit it, you’re not the most important return guy in this game.
D.J. Monroe is going to play (after being suspended for a few games), and he’s one of the most dangerous kickoff guys in the country (No, no Javy, you are too. Let me finish my point!). He averaged over 35 yards per kickoff return this season, and even took back two for touchdowns. And remember, he didn’t even play in half of Texas’ games!
And while your kickoff coverage was much better toward the end of the year, it still ended the season ranked 117th out of 120 FBS teams. Which would concern me if I was on your coaching staff.
So I’ll tell you what I told Earl T. earlier, your (Alabama) defense doesn’t give up many points or yards. Which means if Texas is to stay in this game, they’ll need to get their points from somewhere else. And this might be where they’ll do it.
I’m not saying that he’s better than you Javier, I would never dare. Just that against this coverage unit, he could be the difference in this game. That’s all!
Dr. Aaron, you watch as much, if not more college football than maybe anyone I know. When you look back in 10-15 years, what’re you going to make of my career?
Colt M., Tuscola TX (by way of Austin)
Wow Colt, what an absolutely compelling question. When I saw this in the mailbag, I didn’t even know where to begin. For my money, you’ve had the most fascinating career of anyone I can remember.
Here are the facts: When we think of the winningest quarterbacks of the last few decades, names like Ken Dorsey, David Green and Matt Leinart pop into our heads. Only you won more than any of them (I know you don’t pay attention to numbers, so let me tell you. You’ve got 45, and may end this whole thing with 46).
When we think about your contemporaries, Sam Bradford had the best statistical year, and Tim Tebow won two National Championship’s, but you were the most consistent of the three. You’ll likely leave college football as the game’s most efficient passer, and with a win Thursday will join Pat White as the only guy ever to win four bowl games as a starter.
And I’d argue that maybe you did more with less talent than anyone I’ve ever seen. No disrespect to your teammates, but remember, Leinart had Reggie Bush, Lendale White and Mike Williams amongst others. Dorsey played with more All-Pros in college than he has in the NFL. Bradford had an NFL offensive line blocking for him, and the best tight end in the game in his Heisman year. Tebow had Percy Harvin as his wing man for three years, and looked pretty human without him in 2009.
But with that, there are a few things working against you.
One is history, and it’s out of your control. We’ll always remember Tebow for the Heisman and National Championship’s. And we’ll remember Bradford for his 2008 season when he put up video game numbers. Which is a shame, because if I had a Heisman vote (think you could pull some strings for me?), you would have gotten it that year. Remember, that whole more with less thing.
And you had the unfortunate task of following Vince Young who didn’t have your career, but won a National Championship, and played in one of the five best college football games of my lifetime. He was also the single most dominating player I’ve ever personally seen.Your other problem is that you were better overall as a junior than you were as a senior. Whether it was just looking at the numbers or seeing you with my own two eyes, it’s true.
What happened, I’m still not sure. I know there was a lot more pressure this season to match last year’s absurd 76 percent completion percentage, and realistically that was never going to happen. It didn’t help that you lost Quan Cosby, a totally underrated wide receiver. Plus you had to overcome that weird thing when Rick Reilly called your girlfriend “Hotter than Shrimp Vindaloo,” and I speak for everyone when I say, no worries, we all thought that was weird.
So ultimately, what does this all mean? I’m afraid you might not be remembered properly.
You’ll obviously be remembered for the wins, but without a Heisman Trophy or signature game (there’s still time to change that), your career might not be given its due diligence.
You know what the whole thing reminds me of? My friends and I have a theory called the “Rosario Dawson effect.” Weird I know. Ok, maybe really weird.
Either way, have you ever seen a movie with Rosario Dawson? He Got Game? Seven Pounds? Men In Black II? Ok, I didn’t see Men In Black II either, but still, here’s my point: When you watch a movie with Rosario Dawson, you might not think much of her the first half hour, or even hour. But by the end, after seeing her for two hours straight, you’re thinking, “Man she’s hot.” Not hotter than Shrimp Vindaloo but still.
That kind of reminds me of your career. If somebody catches one of your games on ESPN Classic in 2018, they might not be overwhelmed. But as someone who watched you week after week for 13 weeks over four years like I have, you start to realize, “Man he’s hot.” Woops, I mean, “Man That Guy’s Really Good.” Freudian slip. I swear.
So unfortunately, while college football junkies like me might get misty eyed when thinking about your career in 10 years, I’m not sure the average fan will.
Of course, there’s one way to change that: By winning Thursday.
Dr. Aaron, I liked your advice to Colt, now give me some. If you were giving my pregame speech, what would you say?
Coach M. Brown, Austin, TX
Wow coach, I’m honored that you’d even ask. Quite frankly, I don’t think you really need my help, considering that you’ve won at least 10 games the last nine years. Which is absolutely staggering.
If I were to though, it’d go a little something like this:
I’d start by mentioning that no matter what happens for the next 60 minutes, whether it’s fumbles, missed tackles, or Terrence Cody falling on Colt McCoy and literally crushing him into a pile of dust, it cannot be worse than your team’s performance in the Big XII Championship game. It can’t be. And you know what, as bad as it was, you still won. As a matter of fact, you won all 13 games you played this year, which is something not many teams can say.
I’d mention how everyone all year (and I was partially guilty of this as well) called the Alabama-Florida SEC Championship game, a de-facto National Championship. So there’s really no pressure on your guys. Alabama came out of the big, bad SEC. Everyone expects them to win.
While saying “Just go out there and have fun,” sounds a little too Little-League-ish to me, I’d just tell them to go out and play loose, because the pressure is on the team in the other locker room.
So I hope that helped.
And oh by the way, congratulations on your raise. Think I could borrow 20 bucks?
Dr. Aaron, I’m terrified. Two of my former assistants are on the other staff. My star running back has been on the banquet tour for a month, and on the cover of more magazines lately than that Kardashian person I’ve been hearing so much about. Look, I’ve done all I can. I haven’t slept in 10 days, haven’t eaten anything in four. I even forgot my own anniversary Dr. Aaron. No seriously, my own anniversary! I’m losing my mind. We can’t lose this game, can we? Can we?
Coach N. Saban, Tuscaloosa, AL
Honestly coach, if your team is as prepared as you say they are- and we all know they are- you’ll be fine.
Look, I could sit here all day and break down the statistics, but just know this:
You’ve got the most talented team in the country. They haven’t played down to the competition once all year, and in a sport where kid’s focus varies as much week to week as the stock market, that’s saying something. You beat nine teams that went to bowl games, six by double digits.
As for your former coordinators, yes you were Will Muschamp and Major Applewhite’s boss at one point, but a lot has changed since then, right? We all know you’ve come up with some new wrinkles for this one.
Again I’ve seen both teams play virtually every snap of their respective season’s. You’ve got the better players, who’ve played the tougher schedule. If your boys just follow the game-plan you and your staff came up with, you’re going to win.
It’s going to be closer than a lot of people think, but again, you’re going to win.
My prediction? Alabama 20, Texas 17.
You will be celebrating Thursday night. Now relax.
And oh, go buy your wife some flowers.
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