I was off by two TD's last week and I am still a bit in disbelief that Bama didn't score more than 24 against the Hawgs.  Was everyone wrong about Alabama's offense?  Is Ark D better than advertised?  I suspect there is a modicum of truth in both.  But.. Bama did something it has not done all year, TURN THE BALL OVER... and GAVE UP A TD ..not only in the First Qtr but in the first fifty seconds. 

Cliche' ... Good teams find a way to win, and chalk up another W for the Tide.  That is the most important Stat.

This stretch of three SEC opts.. Ark, Fla and SC is going to be a daunting task.   And now that Ark is out of the way FLA.

Tebowless the Gators have struggled in some situations so far, but seemed to find a renewed spark in the running game against Kentucky.   Freshman phenom Trey Burton found the endzone 6 times against the Cats mostly from the WILDCAT formation... I imagine the Gators will continue the same strategy  against the Crimson Tide.  Fla has also implemented a special D (a 5-2) against the Tide to try to slow down, Ingram and Richardson.  Ingram who by the way is back in the thick of the Heisman Race, gained over a buck fifty against the Hawgs last week, and hopefully we will see more of the same this week.

 The line on the game started at 9 and is now 7.5.

Bama's secondary was exposed a bit in the first Half against Ark, and I think Fla will try to do the same.  I do however think the younguns grew up a bit in the 2nd half against Ark, and that will certainly help against the Gators.   If Fla loads the line of scrimmage trying to stop the run, McElroy should be able to find some man coverage and take advantage of that.  Bama's D is going to have to find a way to get pressure on Brantley and at the same time...contain the run.

This one is a scary one ... but I think Bama will take the Gators in a close one.

 BAMA 31

Well, I missed my prediction last week.. as Bama scored early and often.  Duke looked very bad and Bama looked GREAT.  I thought this team would test Bama at times in the secondary.   I was wrong.  Bama came away with almost 600 yards in offense, as Mark Ingram's return was better than anticipated with his first jaunt going for almost 50 yards... and subsequent ones similar.   He had 9 rushes for more than 100 yards and looked like the Mark Ingram we all know and love.  Bama won 63-13 and could have scored more.

This week the Tide is on the road against the Arky Razorbacks.  Ryan Mallett is a worrisome foe with a strong arm.  I think as most that The Hawgs are one dimensional and this will be their weakness.

Bama still worries me in that the defensive secondary has not been tested and the defensive line hasn't gotten pressure.  Mallett has trouble moving to the left, so I suspect Saban and staff will surely have a plan to make him do so.

I don't think the Razorbacks can handle Ingram and company...thus Bama should be able to score.
The line is 7 but I think Bama will win by more.

I am a bit nervous, but I always am :)

Fearless prediction ... 38  20

So now the question is... "Is Bama that good? Or is Penn State that bad?

The Tide continues its quest for a successive National Title and made a Penn Statement (HA HA) with a decided victory.  In front of the record crowd at home last Saturday Bama out scored JoePa's team 24- 3. 

With Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram sidelined because of injuries... Trent Richardson looked to be a man among boys.

Bamas D allowed several 3rd down conversions, but forced turnovers and kept the Nittnay Lions out of the end-zone. 

Bama is on the road this week for the first time, squaring off against the Duke Blue Devils.

Mark Ingram will be back (I suspect for limited duty..and to get him in game shape as Bama turns the corner for SEC action) as will Darius.  That in itself should help the D in two ways.  Ball control with Ingram and pressure from Darius.

Bama is favored by 23.5 in the game in Wallace Wade Stadium and I suspect they will cover the spread.  I also suspect Bama will be stretched in the secondary in what should be a good prep for upcoming Arkansas and Mallett.  I don't think Bama will get caught looking ahead.

  51  17