A couple things to look for in Bama-Clemson game
August 30, 2008
Hours before Saturday night’s kickoff, I feel like a kid standing in the queue for the giant roller-coaster he’s just now tall enough to ride.
This game is a little scary, but impossible to resist.
The big-picture key, of course, is not to let a win or a loss affect the next game. It’s the first of 12 games, and none of Alabama’s reasonable preseason goals will be eliminated with a loss..
But wouldn’t knocking off the No. 9 team in the country change the outlook on this season?
Here are a few things to look for early.
First, Alabama’s offensive line needs to get a push on running plays and protect John Parker Wilson. Clemson’s experienced secondary will have a lot less ground to cover if Wilson is throwing to his “hot” receivers in the wake of an effective pass rush.
Second, instead of relying on the touted freshman class, Alabama’s experienced players need to set a good example. Wilson, of course, and tight ends Travis McCall and Nick Walker, as well as that offensive line have been in these games.
Finally, if a freshman does step up and make a big play, Julio Jones and Mark Ingram are two good candidates on offense. Don’ta Hightower and Mark Barron are the playmakers on defense. But keep an eye on receiver B.J. Scott, who may benefit greatly from the attention Jones will get from that secondary. Scott is the freshman I’ll pick to deliver in the clutch tonight.
