2017 Alabama vs. Arkansas

In this episode Tom and Dave from the Alabama Football Podcast breakdown the Tide’s dismantling of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Offensive Personality

Alabama continues to flex and demonstrate its personality on Offense and it’s fun to watch. The ball is being distributed around the lot with more efficiency. The ‘right’ players are running the ‘right’ plays. And the play calling is more reflective of film study and anticipation. Tune is as we call out a couple plays that demonstrate just how dialed in the Tide offensive staff was to this game.

Running Back Rotation

We spend a few minutes talking about the new rotation at running back and how that is serving the team so well. We also speculate on a circumstances that impacted our roster management at the position.

Wide Receivers Emerging

There appears to be a clear passing of the torch at the receiver position on this year’s squad. No one is claims Calvin Ridley’s claim as the best receiver on the team just yet, but the next generation of pass catchers aren’t wallflowers either.

Depth at Defensive Line

We’ve speculated all season about the Tide’s depth at the position and appears we’ve finally reached a consensus. Tune and let us know if you agree.

Healthy Pass Rush

Alabama has demonstrated an ability to get after the quarterback this season and this emergence is due in no small part to the returning health, depth, and form at the linebacker position. Check out why we’re pleased with this position for now and the future.

Fielding Punts

Possessing the ball has become something of a mantra on the podcast – makes sense as teams can’t score without it. But we’re equally parts bull and bear on that to expect out of the punt return position in the Tides upcoming contest.

Mini Game balls

Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune?

Alabama’s Next Opponent

Next up for Alabama is the 100th meeting with the Volunteers of Tennessee.

Kick After – a ‘lil nugget that didn’t make the show

Surprisingly we didn’t spend any time talking about the Hog’s scoring drive near the end of the game. Of course giving up a score is never the objective, but I think this may be an exception. Stick with me.

The defense was comprised of youth and backups, so while any experience is good experience, some experience is great experience. This is the later.

The defense forced Arkansas, who was still playing their starters, into a 4 play goal-line stand before finally allowing the score. The Arkansas drive, to call it such, was largely kept alive by reckless penalties – most notability a pair committed by backup corner Jared Mayden.

But here’s the catch for me. Mayden is likely the future at the corner position next season so the game reps and lessons are critical for his development. It actually reminds me of Dee Milliner seeing some of his first action at corner. He was burned badly for a touchdown against the same Hogs as a true freshman and came back to have an outstanding All America career for the Tide.

While I’m not yet predicting the same heights for Mayden, I think the experience of this drive – including, or perhaps especially, the sting of allowing the touchdown will serve this team well in games and seasons to come.

We hope you’ll check out the Podcast and in the meantime, Roll Tide!