Iron Bowl: A Battle of Mirrored Teams?

[Crimson Kicker8]

Thought I'd start an Iron Bowl thread early to talk about this. Granted, this discussion is based on the premis that the Crimson Tide actually beat LA. Monroe (I don't take any games for granted anymore, I admit I did with MSU and that was a mistake).

But lets compare the Tigers and Tide going into November 24th. Both teams will be 7-4 (4-3) going into the game (again, assuming Bama beats La. Monroe). Both teams have lost to the same SEC teams; MSU, LSU, and Georgia. Both teams have one non-conference loss with what seem to be relatively even teams (South Florida and FSU). Finally, both teams have QB's that have shown athletic genius one week yet sheer disappointment the next.

I can't remember an Iron Bowl with this much parity since the 1994 game where both schools were undefeated going into Birmingham. I concede a slight defensive advantage to the Tigers but ultimately I think this game will be won or lost on the arms of Wilson and Cox.

Which QB will show up against each team? Cox vs Florida or Cox vs. South Florida? Wilson vs Tennessee or Wilson vs MSU? I hate to discount each other's respective teams but as much as these two QB's have meant to their team this season I really can't see it any other way. Thoughts?

[gatorunvrsty]

I think you hit the nail on the head. These two QB's are about as confusing as they can be. Even their play is a mirror image of the other's. When they play poorly, they make the exact same mistakes. Clearly, pressure is a huge problem for both of them, and they both seem unwilling to throw the ball away when that's the obvious move. JPW gets a little bit of a break, because he's a junior, while Cox is like a 6th year senior; but, honestly, some of these mistakes aren't even acceptable for freshmen. I think the commentators last night said those are the first things QB's learn, and that those kinds of mistakes aren't acceptable at any level of football. That may be overstating it a bit; but you'd expect them both to have better decision-making skills by this time, for sure. Neither is particularly fleet-of-foot, either; or big enough to shed would-be tacklers. If your QB can't run from, or run over the pressure, he better be smart, and good at getting rid of the ball. Because pressure is the main culprit in determining whether or not these two play or pray, I think the game will be won or lost on the defensive line. The team that gets in the other's backfield the most wins. They both have competent RB's, receivers, and offensive lines. Whoever puts on the best pass-rush should win... unless one of the QB's has a sudden epiphany regarding his choices about what to do when he has the ball.

[BamaFreak]

Biggest difference in the game: three returning starters from the "textbook five." Our offensive line is pretty much an experiment in patchwork at this point. Coffee is our only "power back" (except for Johns, and I don't know what to tell you about his disappearance.) These guys have been practicing, but they will be lacking their gameday speed for at least several snaps. Overall, this should help.

Now, if JPW is going to have any kind of effective game, we have to protect him and try to keep him from getting rattled. Also, we need to pray that the Auburn defense plays man instead of zone. JPW can't read a zone to save his life, but he can burn the living hell out of you if our WRs are getting man coverage. Basically, that's it in a nutshell.

[UAfan]

^So those guys are officially back for the Auburn game?

[BamaFreak]

^So those guys are officially back for the Auburn game?

Officially? No. Has it been hinted? Yes. Time will tell.

[UAdan]

Nice thoughts on this game so far from everyone. I also concur with the statement that this is the most evenly-matched Iron Bowl in a long, long time. Auburn will likely be favored by just a few points because they play at home, but I think that we are due for an instant classic on the Plains. One of the most exciting, close, hard-fought Iron Bowls in years. I'll say it right now: It would not surprise me one bit if this game were decided on the final play.

It's a complete toss-up as to how the quarterbacks will perform. Both Brandon Cox and John Parker Wilson have engineered game-winning TD drives, and both have also put their teams in terrible situations with their usual 1-2 turnovers per game. The key for both quarterbacks may not be who makes the big throw, but who makes the fewer mistakes, and who manages the game the best. Brandon Cox has the experience and the home-field advantage. John Parker Wilson has the better receiving corps. You are all exactly right when you say their performances have mirrored each other, and they might end up with similar numbers when they face each other, meaning that the difference-maker could be...

...the running games for Alabama and Auburn. For you folks who love to hear about stats, here's a doozy for you: In 9 consecutive Iron Bowls, and 23 of the last 28 Iron Bowls, the team who wins the rushing game wins the football game. With the play of the quarterbacks being as inconsistent as it is, it would probably benefit both the Tide and the Tigers to establish a strong running game. Both sides have some good ones: Brad Lester, Ben Tate, and Mario Fannin for Auburn. Terry Grant, Jonathan Lowe, and (hopefully) Glen Coffee for Alabama. Whichever team can get the running game established will be able to put together nice, long, stustained drives, keeping the other offense off the field. Ball-control offense. Not to mention that it would greatly take the pressure off of that team's starting quarterback.

[BamaFreak]

...the running games for Alabama and Auburn. For you folks who love to hear about stats, here's a doozy for you: In 9 consecutive Iron Bowls, and 23 of the last 28 Iron Bowls, the team who wins the rushing game wins the football game.

If this is an attempt to make me feel better about the game, it isn't working.:laugh:

[the Paradox]

I think both teams should replace their qb's with a fullback and direct snap.

RTR

[Chivas]

Even with both of these teams out of the spotlight, I can't wait to watch this game. Some of the hits I see in the Iron bowl are just sick.

[Sabanocchio]

This game is shaping up to be one of the best all year, as both teams have had their ups and downs, but you know each will bring their A game. Preseason I thought that Auburn would handle them easily, but I think I'm gonna do a 180 and say that JPW has a good game and Bama wins by 10.

[sheluvsbama]

It is seemingly true that if JP has a good day, Bama will. And if he does NOT, then may we be lucky enough to watch our receivers take up the slack. They have done it before! And may we be thrilled to some defensive steals! :happy:

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Home field advantage wins it for AU, probably a very close game.

[bigsexxxy]

Home field advantage wins it for AU, probably a very close game.

Its going to be a very tight game. Coming into the year, it looked like we would have the offense, while you guys were going to have the defense. Neither one of those look too accurate today though.

I think its going to boil down to whether Auburn kicks to Arenas, which they probably won't do.

[Slick Ric]

Slick Rick says Slick Rick predicts AU to win. Slick Rick says that Bama was humilated this weekend. Slick Rick says maybe Saban is all that he is supposed to be.