VT vs. BAMA (Extensive Write-up)

Based on the media hype TT has received, and based on the fact that he is the top recruit on VT's roster, I think it's a valid point. But I must nevertheless respectfully disagree with it.  TT thus far has shown no ability to be an effective passer in the college game, particular anything 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage (99-173 for 1,036 yards with 2 TDs and 7 INTs aren't going to cause many defenses to tremble).

While Gmac is also a legitimate dual -threat QB, I would certainly give TT the edge with respect to his running ability, but I would give Gmac a big edge as a passer. Perhaps TT will prove me wrong at some point this year, and I hope he does, but being a VT fan, I cringe everytime he drops back to pass. So as ridiculous as it may sound to you, I do not think he would be the starting QB at Bama based on what I've seen with my own eyes.

When the college is half over, let's have this discussion again. At that point we can guage the performance of each much better.

I understand your objectivity argument. But I can promise you that I know more about this Bama team then anyone on this board, and I try to keep it as real as I can. I am also very rarely wrong when it comes to Bama, so take it or leave it.

BOL!!!

the midseason discussion is s different debate, in the first place, since McElroy is not going to be in midseason form for this game... not even close...

still, i believe, just as it is not even a debatable issue now (seriously, this kills any objectivity you might have... even SUGGESTING this kills it)... it won't be a debate at the midseason point... Taylor is finally getting the reigns of this team, and if you watched him down the stretch you know he was coming into his own... TT will be one of the players that shocks a lot of people this year...

appreciate all the info... but again... this is not an issue that can be successfully debated on your end without exposing your bias towards Alabama... you are comparing a complete unknown to a guy that almost single-handedly won the ACC title game and looked outstanding in the Orange Bowl... he is proven, and he is only going to improve this year... he is a better QB than McElroy... no doubt about it... beginning, middle or end of the year...

enjoy the game... no play on the side other than a parlay for me...

I understand that how the QBs are performing 6 weeks from now doesn't help anyone win money on this game, but we obviously don't agree, so I'm suggesting a re-evaluation after 6 weeks.

It is reasonable to think that McElroy will be a better QB in Week 6 then he will be in Week 1, but I think the same could be said about TT.

And I totally agree with you the TT is a guy with a ton of potential, and he is due for a break out season, and I certainly hope he does. But I have watched both QBs extensively, and right now, McElroy is a much better passer, and it's not really close. So I absolutely do not think if TT were on Bama's roster he would start over McElroy today. And for you to suggest that it is ridiculous for someone who has actually seen both play is in and of itself ridiculous.

TT certainly won't be the better QB in Game 1 because he'll have to go against the Bama defense, and Bama's defense will be the biggest, strongest, fastest and most athletic defense he's ever faced, and I 'm certain it won't go well for him.

I will also say that if TT doesn't prove that he is a college caliber passer at some point this season, don't be shocked to see Ju Ju Clayton get a shot. He has been the best passer on the roster so far in camp. The coaches have been raving about him, but he was never really given a shot to unseat TT.

well... i was originally thinking of betting VT, and looking for a SU win... seen enough arguments against it that i have decided to stay away and just enjoy the game...

not gonna see eye to eye with you on the QB situation... for all of the bashing JPW took, McElroy never came close to taking his job... hard to believe he is suddenly a superstar... i'll believe it when i see it...

GL!

Excellent post Bibendi!!!

The reason I say Worilds probably would not start at defensive end at Bama is not because he's not good, but because he's too small to play DE in Saban's 3-4 defense. Bama's starting DL is 6' 4" 290, 6' 5" 354 & 6' 4" 306 while Worilds is 6' 2" 240. So in Saban's defense he would probably be a jack linebacker which is a hybrid LB/DL. There is no question Worilds is an outstanding player who will play on Sundays, but the position he plays at VT essentially doesn't exist at Bama. That was the basis for my remark.

I also agree that Bama had a very tepid pass rush last year, but you'll see a ferocious one this year now that Saban has had another year to put the pieces in place. The person to watch out for in this regard is Marcel Darus (even though he's not yet a starter). The guy is an absolute monster!!!  He will get his fair share of snaps in this game, and will make his presence felt on every one of them.

Your point on Gmac is well taken, however, I don't think I ever said he would be "great" in the first game against VT. Furthermore, gambling is all about making assumptions. We can make those assumptions blindly, or we can make them based on the imperical data we have available to us.

I am almost certain that I'm the only person on this board, or any other board for that matter, that has actually seen Gmac play extensively, and I've seen him live and in person approximately 10 times this spring and summer. Accordingly, I'm confident that I'm the most reliable source available on the subject. And the message I'm trying to convey to the people on this board is that if you're expecting some fragile, rookie QB who will be rattled by anything VT throws at him, you will be very disappointed because that won't happen. Gmac faces an NFL caliber defense in practice everyday, and he will be more than prepared for what he'll face against VT.

Statistically speaking, you are absolutely correct that VT's defense should have their way with Bama's new QB, but I honestly don't think that's how it'll turn out for 4 reasons: (a) I think Gmac will play well and make few mistakes; (b) I think Bama's extremely talented O-line will hold their own against VT's small front 7 (note: Bama's front 7 outweighs VT's front 7 by an average of 35 lbs per person), (c) Gmac won't have to be "great" because he will be surrounded by ridiculous talent which will create mismatches all night long; and (d) VT's offense will not be able to move the ball effectively against Bama's defense, which will put VT's defense under the gun all night long.

Lastly, you are absolutely correct that one of the most critical (and often overlooked) aspects of coaching is developing the personel you have, and Beamer and Saban are two of the best in the business of doing just that. And yeah, I've heard that Thompson has been a beast against the run this summer.

I use to have a friend from the Norfolk area that use to give me the scoop on the highschool players from that area before the internet really took off. I use to hear about Plaxico Burress and Micheal Vick long befoe they became stars thanks to him. Unfortunately, I've lost touch with him over the years.

Best of luck to you this year Bibendi!!!

I posted a link in my write up to an evaluation done by a reporter who was present at the Manning Camp. You should read it.

I've was born, raised and lived almost my entire life in Virginia, but I was a Bama fan from birth. But being from Virginia, I'm also a pretty big Hokie fan as well. I also explain that in my writeup.

Now I live near the beach in Alabama, and I am a Bama homer for sure. But the people who have been around here know that I preached fading Bama for years, and that I rarely miss on a Bama game. I bet on them heavily last year for the first time since I don't remember when. I bet on Bama 7 (or 8) times last year, and bet against them once. I can't recall whether I bet on them when they played Mississippi State or not, but if I didn't, I was an idiot. Nevertheless, the game I bet against Bama on was the Ole' Miss game. My overall record was either 7 & 1 or 8 & 1 with the only loss being the 1-point heartbreaker to Florida in the SEC Championship game.

You will always have some who call you a homer and subsequently dismiss everything you say. That's to be expected. But the bottom line is that my results speak for themselves with respect to Bama games. Those that have ears will hear, and those that don't won't. But in the end, I will be right about this game.

Quote Originally Posted by CalBear:

GL on this game and this year Jimmy

Thanks CalBear!!! Best of luck to you and your Cal Bears this season!!!

Birdsword - No offense was taken whatsoever. I understand people will have opinions that differ from mine. What I am offering you and the others on this board is an inside look at Alabama football that you won't find in a pre-season magazine. My hope is that you'll use that information to make some money.

BOL to you BW!!!