re: Just got the courage to rewatch the first half...

There were also times when Herb was saying, he's wide open. There were instances where receivers were open but he couldn't get the ball out quick enough so he had to run. Somebody on our team was known for having a quicker release.

Spot on assessment. I'd add that Bama deferring the kickoff also helped, as both were probably going to be effective on defense on the first drive more than likely. And finishing the first half, and knowing the offense was going to be right back out and the defense of Lsu on the field probably hurt the mindset too.

I feel Bama did exactly what Lsu did in the first game and this game defensively, and that was to focus on stopping the run, first and foremost, no matter what it took. The offensive philosophy changed for Bama in this game from the first game, and it didn't for Lsu, and that was the difference in the outcome, imo.

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There were also times when Herb was saying, he's wide open. There were instances where receivers were open but he couldn't get the ball out quick enough so he had to run

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not in the first half.

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To call him a turnstile, is an insult to turnstiles.

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Word.

Perhaps he was there?

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How can you tell? You can't see the recievers running routes the cameras focus is on the QB unless the ball is thrown downfield.

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QB play deteriorated in the second half. First half wasn't good, but wasn't the main problem. Play selection and execution were horrible all the way around.

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How can you tell? You can't see the recievers running routes the cameras focus is on the QB unless the ball is thrown downfield.

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because everything was quick routes in the first half...and not once did the announcers mention a missed opportunity downfield in the first half.

He was 6-7 in the first half...longest reception was 8 yards. One incomplete to Ware out the backfield.

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He was 6-7 in the first half...longest reception was 8 yards. One incomplete to Ware out the backfield.

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It's not hard to go 6-7 with the passes he was attempting plus a couple of good catches were made. Also, we don't know what audibles were called by JJ if any.

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no...the play calls were not to throw it deep...it was to throw quick passes...

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"well if you watched the game then you certainly know we did attempt to throw the ball down field"

I hate to admit this but after thinking it over its obvious. Alabama was just better than LSU all year. Before Jefferson came into the game on Nov. 5th we weren't moving the ball either and didn't have any points. Alabama was not ready for Jefferson in that game and not ready for the option. Our first FG came when Bama blitzed Jefferson and he avoided the rush and scrambled for 30 yards and when they had the blown coverage on Shep. Monday night they didn't blitz Jefferson and didn't have to because their front 4 was destroying our offensive line so they could drop back and play coverage and still get pressure. Our other FG in regulation came after Mo's pick that got us inside the 20 yard line to start. In November LSU was able to control the field position due to the missed long FGs and the blocked one that Reid returned to Bama's side of the field. Bottom line is Monday night Bama didn't turn the ball over. They capitalized on most of their FGs this time. And they learned how to stop the option and didn't blow any assignments on defense. Jefferson didn't play his best but anybody that thinks if Lee would have come into the game things would have changed is crazy. Bama would have blitzed like they have against Lee for 4 years now because they know he has no mobility and it would just have been a repeat of Lee's performance in November. Face it Alabama wasn't 1st across the board on defense for no reason.