WHOOP!!1!~ Football is here! I love BAMA!!
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BY: DANIEL RASMUSSEN 8/30/03 Shaud Williams ran loose for 98 yards in Bamas 40-17 rout of the Bulls.
It was a disgrace. It was ridiculous. And just about anything that could have gone wrong went wrong.
That was the first quarter of play for Alabama. It carried on for some of the second quarter too, but then we all started to witness some Alabama Football. Taking advantages of others mistakes and thinking positive. It very quickly went from a near upset, to the annihilation of the South Florida Bulls.
Blocks were missed, passes were dropped, and the secondary struggled staying with their receivers. The Bulls jumped out to an early 7-0 lead, but Bamas defense looked as though it was coming around after a 51-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Charlie Peprah.
But everybody, including new head coach Mike Shula, began to wonder about Alabamas sputtering offense. The saying that was Run the ball last year was looking like Get at least a first down, please in the first quarter. But with time, Shaud Williams settled down and ran loose.
It was all about getting Brodie Croyle comfortable. If that happened, there would be little reason to worry. And towards the end of the second quarter, he definitely looked that way. And he got a lot of help.
Lets not under appreciate the Bama receiving crew, who were almost automatic on anything that came close. Zach Fletcher led the way for the air-attack with three receptions for 79 yards, as well as Triandos Luke who hauled in four passes for 45 yards, and a touchdown.
After a USF fumble on a kickoff recovered by the Tide, Brian Bostick came through with a 40-yard field goal to tie the contest up at the half.
From then on, it was no contest. 33 unanswered points. That says it all.
Shaud Williams gets my game ball this week. He provided a huge 73-yard punt return that just about sealed the deal in the third quarter, putting the tide up by 10. Maybe it didnt seal the deal, but Mr. Momentum found a new address after the big-time runback by Williams. And it stuck for the rest of the game.
Alabamas surprising explosive offense was the hot topic, but the defenses performance, in my opinion, was an indescribable relief. After losing so many stars to the NFL or to graduation last year, there were too many questions left unanswered about the Tides D.
Hats off to the linebackers for the Tide. Most noticeably, Freddie Roach and Derrick Pope. They showed great penetration on the rush defense, and were there every play. Its a good feeling to have to see those guys playing well.
Of course, the defensive line was Alabamas strong spot last year, but it may have been the biggest question coming into this year. But holding the opponent to only 51 yards rushing on 22 carries, you might mistake these guys for last years bunch. They played hard, gutless, and determined.
Penalties were limited, special teams was good, the secondary struggled early but got better, and Brodie Croyles leadership led the Mike Shula era off to a good start. Im pleased.
Are we where we want to be? No. Are we getting there? Definitely. If Bama plays 4 quarters of solid football like they did the second half today, then No. 1 Oklahoma might want to be a little bit concerned about their national title run. We arent there yet, but Bama fans leave peacefully knowing the Bull stopped in Birmingham. Roll Tide Roll!!!
-Daniel Rasmussen August 30, 2003
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