UAdan
06-15-2008, 03:15 PM
Well, as we try to find more topics to discuss and satisfy our football fix, I thought it might be interesting to focus on something that we don't normally focus on. :)
With all the talk we see on here about each SEC team's offensive and defensive units, the third aspect that often gets overlooked is the special teams. It's a shame that it's always like this, because good special teams play is very significant, and in a few games each year, it could be the deciding factor between a win and a loss.
So since we all already have a pretty decent idea as to what each SEC team's offense and defense will be like, how about we talk some special teams? What are your strong/weak points? Which guys will emerge as playmakers, possibly in the return game? Are you confident in your special teams unit coming into the season?
Here's my take on Alabama.
Kicker - Leigh Tiffin probably has a good hold on the starting job, and I don't see him losing it. I really think this guy is underrated as a kicker. When people hear his name, they automatically think back to the nightmarish Arkansas game of 2006, but Tiffin has grown from that. He finished last season 7th in the nation in most field goals per game and his accuracy percentage was improved. He made two 50 + yarders in the Mississippi State game, and accounted for all 12 of our points scored that day. I think this guy could end the season as a legit top four or five kicker in the SEC.
Punter - This is perhaps Alabama's greatest concern on the special teams unit. PJ Fitzgerald's performance has been very average thus far. He averaged only 38.7 yards a kick last season. He either needs to step up his game and do a better job with his hang time to help flip the field position, or true freshman Corey Smith could make some noise in the depth charts.
Return - One of our strongest aspects, not only in special teams, but for our entire team. Javier Arenas is arguably the best return man in the SEC, and even if he goes down due to injury, or if teams start kicking away from him, we have plenty of other emerging threats. Jonathan Lowe has plenty of experience in the return game, and younger speedsters like Marquis Maze and Burton Scott could also make an impact. But overall, Arenas will lead the way and is definitely of Alabama's top playmakers.
With all the talk we see on here about each SEC team's offensive and defensive units, the third aspect that often gets overlooked is the special teams. It's a shame that it's always like this, because good special teams play is very significant, and in a few games each year, it could be the deciding factor between a win and a loss.
So since we all already have a pretty decent idea as to what each SEC team's offense and defense will be like, how about we talk some special teams? What are your strong/weak points? Which guys will emerge as playmakers, possibly in the return game? Are you confident in your special teams unit coming into the season?
Here's my take on Alabama.
Kicker - Leigh Tiffin probably has a good hold on the starting job, and I don't see him losing it. I really think this guy is underrated as a kicker. When people hear his name, they automatically think back to the nightmarish Arkansas game of 2006, but Tiffin has grown from that. He finished last season 7th in the nation in most field goals per game and his accuracy percentage was improved. He made two 50 + yarders in the Mississippi State game, and accounted for all 12 of our points scored that day. I think this guy could end the season as a legit top four or five kicker in the SEC.
Punter - This is perhaps Alabama's greatest concern on the special teams unit. PJ Fitzgerald's performance has been very average thus far. He averaged only 38.7 yards a kick last season. He either needs to step up his game and do a better job with his hang time to help flip the field position, or true freshman Corey Smith could make some noise in the depth charts.
Return - One of our strongest aspects, not only in special teams, but for our entire team. Javier Arenas is arguably the best return man in the SEC, and even if he goes down due to injury, or if teams start kicking away from him, we have plenty of other emerging threats. Jonathan Lowe has plenty of experience in the return game, and younger speedsters like Marquis Maze and Burton Scott could also make an impact. But overall, Arenas will lead the way and is definitely of Alabama's top playmakers.