With 74,000 plus fans in the Georgia Dome on Saturday night, Alabama made a statement against the consensus best team in the ACC. Who would have thought that this game would have been an offensive explosion? There were many experts that thought a score of 14-7 or 9-3 would have been the norm because of the stellar defenses of Alabama and Virginia Tech. But that was not the case as the scoreboard read 34-24 in favor of the Crimson Tide, at the end of the night.
After last season’s embarrassing loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl, to the tune of 31-17, there was redemption on the mind of Nick Saban and his squad and boy did they show it.
Junior quarterback Greg McElroy was not all-world on Saturday night but showed his mettle as he got over the hump and gained the victory. He had one interception because of the pocket collapsing and a defender hit his arm as he was throwing the ball.
McElroy did well for his first primetime start ending the night 15/30 for 230 yards and one interception. With the departure of John Parker Wilson to the NFL, it was expected there would be a drop-off in the quarterback category, but he delivered a good performance and showed confidence.
Miscues and penalties had allowed Virginia Tech to stay in this one. A dynamic 98 yard return by Dyrell Roberts got the Hokie nation excited, hoping this would sway the momentum in their favor. But a fumble by running back Ryan Williams allowed ‘Bama to score three points.
The Crimson Tide defense has to be noted for its stellar performance as well. ‘Bama defense aggravated quarterback Tyrod Taylor all night. Taylor only had one run play late in the second half; the containment and pressure by Alabama deterred him from using his legs. Even though this defense gave up 24 points, they showed they are one of the best defenses in the SEC. I was rightfully impressed last Thursday night with South Carolina’s defense as well.
Even with the good performance by McElroy and the defense, the stellar performance by sophomore running back Ingram was one for the ages. This compact back ran for 150 yards on 26 carries with an average of 5.8 yards per carry. Ingram display burst and speed shuttling through the defensive line and linebackers of Virginia Tech. He also had 3 catches for 35 yards and the last catch scored the game-winning touchdown for ‘Bama.
In the ’08 season, you could see the potential and game-breaking quality when he shared time with the now departed Glenn Coffee. Watching Ingram, one must say that he probably is the best running back in the SEC: he has the best combination of speed, acceleration and power.
Equally good was Roy Upchurch who was running on a mission until he fumbled and was pulled from the game. Upchurch gained 90 yards on 7 carries with a 12.9 average per carry on the ground.
Alabama had 498 total yards compared to 155 yards by Virginia Tech. This was total domination, and they could have scored more if it wasn’t for penalties or not capitalizing on plays in the Hokies’ redzone. Taylor was 9/20 for 91 yards with no interceptions. The team only rushed for 64 yards on 31 carries, Williams was the only significant runner gaining yards on the ground. The receivers pulled down 9 passes for 91 yards on the night, with a 10.1 yard average per catch. Running back Williams added to this total with 2 catches for 42 yards.
Alabama should their true mettle in their season opener against Virginia Tech. Maybe this will be the year they knock off Florida in the SEC Championship game: with McElroy coming along, a decent running game with Ingram (his left knee was iced at the end of the game, so we will have to keep an eye on him) and Upchurch and a stellar defense, this team could be the second best team in the SEC. Before ‘Bama can think about Florida they have to get past Ole Miss, LSU, and finish the season with Auburn (which they cannot look past).
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Mark Ingram Seals the Win for Alabama against the Hokies
With 74,000 plus fans in the Georgia Dome on Saturday night, Alabama made a statement against the consensus best team in the ACC. Who would have thought that this game would have been an offensive explosion? There were many experts that thought a score of 14-7 or 9-3 would have been the norm because of the stellar defenses of Alabama and Virginia Tech. But that was not the case as the scoreboard read 34-24 in favor of the Crimson Tide, at the end of the night.
After last season’s embarrassing loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl, to the tune of 31-17, there was redemption on the mind of Nick Saban and his squad and boy did they show it.
Junior quarterback Greg McElroy was not all-world on Saturday night but showed his mettle as he got over the hump and gained the victory. He had one interception because of the pocket collapsing and a defender hit his arm as he was throwing the ball.
McElroy did well for his first primetime start ending the night 15/30 for 230 yards and one interception. With the departure of John Parker Wilson to the NFL, it was expected there would be a drop-off in the quarterback category, but he delivered a good performance and showed confidence.
Miscues and penalties had allowed Virginia Tech to stay in this one. A dynamic 98 yard return by Dyrell Roberts got the Hokie nation excited, hoping this would sway the momentum in their favor. But a fumble by running back Ryan Williams allowed ‘Bama to score three points.
The Crimson Tide defense has to be noted for its stellar performance as well. ‘Bama defense aggravated quarterback Tyrod Taylor all night. Taylor only had one run play late in the second half; the containment and pressure by Alabama deterred him from using his legs. Even though this defense gave up 24 points, they showed they are one of the best defenses in the SEC. I was rightfully impressed last Thursday night with South Carolina’s defense as well.
Even with the good performance by McElroy and the defense, the stellar performance by sophomore running back Ingram was one for the ages. This compact back ran for 150 yards on 26 carries with an average of 5.8 yards per carry. Ingram display burst and speed shuttling through the defensive line and linebackers of Virginia Tech. He also had 3 catches for 35 yards and the last catch scored the game-winning touchdown for ‘Bama.
In the ’08 season, you could see the potential and game-breaking quality when he shared time with the now departed Glenn Coffee. Watching Ingram, one must say that he probably is the best running back in the SEC: he has the best combination of speed, acceleration and power.
Equally good was Roy Upchurch who was running on a mission until he fumbled and was pulled from the game. Upchurch gained 90 yards on 7 carries with a 12.9 average per carry on the ground.
Alabama had 498 total yards compared to 155 yards by Virginia Tech. This was total domination, and they could have scored more if it wasn’t for penalties or not capitalizing on plays in the Hokies’ redzone. Taylor was 9/20 for 91 yards with no interceptions. The team only rushed for 64 yards on 31 carries, Williams was the only significant runner gaining yards on the ground. The receivers pulled down 9 passes for 91 yards on the night, with a 10.1 yard average per catch. Running back Williams added to this total with 2 catches for 42 yards.
Alabama should their true mettle in their season opener against Virginia Tech. Maybe this will be the year they knock off Florida in the SEC Championship game: with McElroy coming along, a decent running game with Ingram (his left knee was iced at the end of the game, so we will have to keep an eye on him) and Upchurch and a stellar defense, this team could be the second best team in the SEC. Before ‘Bama can think about Florida they have to get past Ole Miss, LSU, and finish the season with Auburn (which they cannot look past).
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