Lately it has been hard to even think about football but slowly but surely the pain is begining to wane. So in that vein I would like to share the latest at the rumor mill which has it that Connor Brewer was offered and committed to Bama. This is one of those I heard it from some one who heard it... That being said the someone is a local (Phoenix Metro area) HS coach for whatever that's worth. This is what I heard:

"Connor was at the IB, after the game he had a one on one with Saban in his 'suite' and he gave his verbal"

Has anyone else heard rumors along these lines? There is an article at BOL but I don't have access, can anyone assist with more info? I have to say his youtube highlight reel is pretty impressive, but his footwork is a bit quircky imo. He has an impressive offer list and initially looking at this this I would say it would be a great pickup.

youtube linky

Along these lines, what are the rumors going around T-town and elsewhere about recruiting? I know there were a bunch of big time recruits at the game last week but I have not heard much since then.

I am going to be in LA this weekend and don't want to miss our beloved Crimson Tide. Can anyone recommend a good bar for me to catch the game at? It does not have to be a Bama bar, just a place to catch the game.  Also, I am staying in the Sherman Oaks area, if that helps narrow down a region.

P.S. My wife is pregnant and will be coming with me. So please don't send me to a Hells Angel bar cause I don't want her to have to watch neutralize a bunch of bikers. Thank you and RTR!!!

I was watching the Tony Barnhardt show from this week and I think it was Gary Danielson who was talking about how Florida needs to run a spread with no backs. I think he might actually be on to something (amazing I know). If bama has to get into a nickel formation to stop the passing game then Tebow could light us up on the ground. Normally I would say, make him throw it and shut down the run, cause our corners can cover. But, as Tebow proved last year he can put it where only his guy can get it. He thrives in the big game...

I don't mean to go all T-boner, but how would you go about scheming up on this guy? Because of his size, we need to keep our larger linebackers in. But in doing so we are more prone to giving up the pass against their tightends etc. There in lies the obvious catch-22. So how/what would you do if you had to draw up a game plan for Florida?

I'll take first stab...

Hit Tebow every ####ing play. Even when our offense is on the field, we should be sure to have a reciever come accross the field, run out of bounds and go helmet to helmet on this dude (jk Florida fans).  But seriously, if Tebow fakes a hand-off and keeps the ball then he should expect to get plowed*. Same goes when he does hand-off and then fakes the keep. In other words, if there is a chance he has the football, then lay him out (thats part of the game right?)! He has obviously been shaken up this year and I think we can really get in his head (see middle part of the season). We can't sit back and let him play his game. Last year there were some plays that our players let up on him, when they should have let him have it. If it costs us 15 yards here or there, then so be it. God knows people will be crying about us being too ruff on him though. What else to you guys and gals got? Am I way out of line?

*getting plowed could get him excited ; )

So what is up with the TERRIBLE fake field goal call? I know Tiffin was out but how about playing for field position hmmn (BTW Tiffin needs to grow a sack if he is going to strap on pads). If you know Tiffin is out then why not try a draw play on third and nine to get yourself in short yardage in four down territory? Or just punt the ball and play D. That play killed our mo! Thats the worse call I have seen by this Saban team.

Also, we should of hit Tebow on every play. The play when he hit his wide out in the endzone in goal line, we had someone coming from the other side. The dude totally let up instead of laying him out. I am not saying we should of hurt him, but if they rely on one player so heavily than punish him and wear him out in every opportunity.

Lastly, Arenas. I know this guy is breaking records (and has tons of talent) but he's also breaking our back. We have a number of quick players that can return balls, hopefully one of them has more brains than Arenas. Don't you think Maize and or Scott could return some punts? My brother gets p'd when I bring this up, but I think he's flat wrong. I love Javy, I just don't trust his decision making anymore.

Not to get negative. Great season, great team, great game, and I can't wait till Utah!

So I have been pretty negligent so far at looking at our stats but this morning I was checking them out.

Is it really possible that we have not given up any sacs?

Is Coffee really averaging 7 yards per carry and on pace for nearly 1500 yards with 12 td's?

Do we really have three backs who are all averaging over 5 ypc?

Does JPW really have a 6 : 1 Tds/ints?

We have 11 receivers that have at least caught one ball?

Why are they using Upchurch for so many passes? I am assuming those are screens and I for one would like to get a smaller scat back in for those types of plays like T Grant (Upchurch is doing great don't get me wrong).

Ok finally how is that Tiffen is 8 for 10 but has zero attempts from 0 to 50+ yards?

JP's numbers are not great except for the Int column. I think the parallels being drawn between him and J Barker are spot on so far. He just needs to make sure he is not making mistakes and let the skill players make up for the lack of athleticism. He is doing a great job so far fulfilling the role of the cerebral qb. Hats off to JPW (MIP award so far).