[Stoney]

Who here is brave enough to to go out on a limb for the Clemson game predictions?

Personally I think Bama rolls 42-10 in a big preview for Julio & JPW.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Who here is brave enough to to go out on a limb for the Clemson game predictions?

Personally I think Bama rolls 42-10 in a big preview for Julio & JPW.

Talk about no respect for rankings I like Bama to win but it will be a little closer like 34-24.

[Stoney]

Alabama has a golden opportunity to dot that eye for Clemson and send Bowden back to reality.

[Stoney]

1standGoal's Game Breakdown:
Alabama v. Clemson

- Maturity: Usually, young players who crack the two deep have a lollipop game at the beginning of the season in order to get their feet wet. That won't be the case this season. Several freshmen are slated to get playing time against the Tigers, and although mistakes will definitely be made, it's imperative that the youngsters learn from them quickly, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Clemson is expected to have one of the top offenses in the ACC in 2008, and with so many freshmen getting time on the defensive side of the ball for Alabama, how they play will ultimately determine the overall play of the defense. One missed assignment could mean 6 points with the play makers on offense for Clemson. Limits those mistakes, and not only does the defense play better, but the confidence goes through the roof for a very young but talented defense. That's a factor that's very important.
And you know I can't make it through this article without mentioning Julio Jones. He and McCoy make a pretty dangerous pair opposite each other in practice, and if they can translate that into a game, things could be very easy for not only John Parker, but it could open up the running game as well.

- Clemson has major question marks on the offensive line. With backs like Spiller and Davis running at them, it will be imperative that the Alabama defense find ways to penetrate the line, and stop the backs momentum. If the line can get pressure and force Clemson to throw the ball, I like our chances. If Spiller are Davis find big holes, it could be a long night.

- John Parker Wilson is finally a senior, and it's time that he shows not only the leadership factor, but also the maturity to make good decisions for an entire game. He doesn't have to be spectacular for Alabama to win. He just has to manage the offense and not turn the ball over. If he can throw for between 200 and 250 yards with a couple of scores, and limit his turnovers, he'll put Alabama in great shape.

- This goes back to the last point, but the play of Alabama's offensive line will be key. Games are won in the trenches, and the line will need to not only protect the quarterback, but also attempt to put some life into a running game that was stagnant in the home stretch of last season. A major concern is right tackle, where Drew Davis will likely be the starter, and in his first game, he'll have to block the likes of Ricky Sapp and Dequan Bowers. Not an easy task for even the most veteran linemen. How Davis performs will be crucial to the overall success of the Alabama line. Terry Grant will look to return to his early 2007 form, where he torched defenses with his speed. He and Glen Coffee are bigger, faster, and more experienced this year, and hopefully that will translate to bigger numbers in the stat column.

- Coaching: Few doubt Saban's coaching ability when compared to others from around the country, but it won't be the head coach that people have their eyes on in this game. Coach Jim McElwain was brought to Alabama to revive a troubled offense, and inject some life into the play calling duties. Although Saban has made mention that the offense will be similar to last years, I can't help but think that it's just a smoke screen for the opener in Atlanta. I think we see a lot of changes in formations and personnel, and if McElwain is as good as advertised, we should see results on the scoreboard.

- Special Teams: Clemson is a top 10 team. If you want to beat teams like this, every aspect of your game needs to be top notch. Two names that Bama fans need to remember. PJ Fitzgerald and of course, Javier Arenas. These two specialists will ultimately be who controls field position, and hopefully the two that give the Tide an edge. Fitzgerald's knock has been inconsistency. If he ready to put that behind him and give the Tide a reliable punting option? If he and Javy can handle business, it will alleviate some pressure on Alabama's young defense.

- I'm going to throw this into the mix too. Nick Saban is hungry for a signature win on a national scene, and it looks like he's finally got a team of players who are 100% committed to his system. It took some attrition to get this far, but the product that he puts onto the field August 30th will be 100% Sabanized. If Alabama can pull out a victory, the amount of momentum that will be carried into the start of the SEC schedule will be unbelievable. Alabama will enter as the underdog, so all of the pressure should be on Clemson to perform and finally live up to their lofty expectations. Lose, and not only do you start the season 0-1, but you have to rebuild the confidence that ran so high throughout the spring and summer. Either way, it will be a learning experience, and the team will get better....but a win would certainly quench the thirst of Bama fans who have longed for an upset win over one of the nations elite -- to signal a return to prominence in college football.

You guys that have seen pieces like this from me before know it's a little out of character for my keys to victory to be so long, but the implications of this game are going to be bigger than most realize. Clemson is a great football team from top to bottom. Sure, there are some depth issues on their offensive line, but you can't overlook the talent they have at the skill positions. Will Alabama be ready for the challenge, and send Clemson back to Carolina in tears...or will it be the Tigers who ruin the debut of the nations top recruiting class, and send Saban and Company back to Tuscaloosa unsatisfied?

Key match up: Drew Davis vs. Clemson DE's

Prediction: Alabama 31, Clemson 27

[Stoney]

Well Lee we were each half right You had Alabama scoring 34 I had Clemson scoring 10. Man that was a fantastic game by mid way through the third quarter the only orange you could see was the chairs the fans for Clemson got disghusted and left.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Well Lee we were each half right You had Alabama scoring 34 I had Clemson scoring 10. Man that was a fantastic game by mid way through the third quarter the only orange you could see was the chairs the fans for Clemson got disghusted and left.

Well I have to say i was impressed with the defense and how they manhandled Clemson total domination and the O line man what a game this is the way Bama use to do it old in your face smashmouth football Roll Tide!!!!!!

[Stoney]

If I didn't know any better I would say this reminded me of the 1978 team. They were physical and in your face all night long. They literally beat the orange off Clemson last night. Notice has been served to all of Alabama's opponents The Crimson Tide of Alabama is back in the hunt for National Titles.

[Stoney]

It looks like playtime is over... Alabama is for real.