9/4/12 Michigan Game
Our 2012 college football season got off to a roaring start as Bama demolished 8th ranked Michigan 41-14. This game was a dismantling from start to finish, and at the end, it really felt more like we were playing Florida International than the 8th ranked team in the nation. But enough of the buildup; let’s get to the action.
The game actually started a little bit slow as Michigan stuffed us on three consecutive plays. Well, they stuffed us on one and then we threw two incomplete passes, but regardless, we had to punt after a three and out. In one of the biggest surprises of the game, Cody Mandell then came in and boomed what seemed like a 90 yard punt (it was really 51). Michigan got a first down, but got pushed back and had to punt it back to us. That was the majority of the highlights for the Michigan side, because in a little bit more than a quarter, the score was 31-0, and we treated the rest of the game like a glorified scrimmage.
Instead of going through a play by play summary, I want to talk about a few things that stood out in my mind. First, let’s discuss TJ Yeldon. As you might recall, TJ was a late flip to us from Auburn, and enrolled early to participate in Spring practice. I know it’s early, and I don’t want to go too far, but I think he could very well be the best running back we’ve ever had at Bama. What I saw on Saturday night from him was absolutely amazing. He has a combination of vision, patience, and moves that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before, at least not at Bama. We’ll certainly know more as the season progresses and we start facing some SEC defenses, but Yeldon looks like he’s going to be special - VERY special.
There were several other standout performances on Saturday night. Jalston Fowler looks equally impressive at both fullback and tailback, and to be honest, I’m not sure he’s not our second best RB behind Yeldon. That’s unfair to Lacy who is still fighting injuries, but I’m very impressed with Fowler. Demarcus Milliner was tested time and time again in man to man coverage, and with a few exceptions, did very well. I’m hoping that against Arkansas we’ll be able to give Milliner a little more safety help on the deep routes. I was going to single out Barrett Jones, but in reality, I need to credit the entire offensive line. After the first series, our offensive line opened some nice holes for our backs, and honestly, I think we could have scored 50 on them if we just ran Yeldon or Fowler every play.
Before I wrap up my thoughts on Saturday’s game, I want to give a little recognition to the Michigan play callers. I know it sounds crazy, but I thought they attacked Bama in the best way possible (for them); launching deep pass after deep pass. They weren’t terribly successful, but at least they took some shots unlike LSU in the BCSCG, and did hit on two of them that ultimately resulted in their only two scores. And along those lines, I couldn't help but admire the effort by Michigan’s QB Denard Robinson. That dude got rocked several times, but stayed in the game, even when there was no hope of winning. Michigan has a lot to be proud of in that guy.
So we enter Week 2 ranked the Number 1 team in the nation, the first time any team has been ranked Number 1 during 5 consecutive seasons since the late 80’s / early 90’s Miami Hurricanes. We did suffer a few injuries against Michigan, including Robert Lester (shoulder), Jesse Williams (concussion), Trey DePriest (ankle), and Reggie Ragland (ankle). All are minor, but Reggie’s might keep him out for awhile. Hopefully the others will heal quickly. Our next opponent is the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, and unless something really bizarre happens, they shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully we can put the game out of reach to give our younger guys, especially Phillip Ely, some valuable experience. After that, our schedule gets really tough really fast. But that’s for another time. For now, we’re the Number 1 team in the nation, and the future couldn’t look brighter.
As always, feel free to send me any questions or comments.
Kenny