Alabama Football Podcast - College Football Talk dedicated to the University of Alabama Crimson Tid‪e‬ Tom and Dave

2021 Alabama vs Ohio State – The 2020 National Championship
Alabama Football Podcast delivers unique insights into the Tide’s dominating performance against Ohio State in route to an 18th National Title. Yeah, Alabama Does.
They Are Who We Thought They Were
One could argue the outcome of this game was never up for debate. Yes, Ohio State won their conference but surely no one mistook the 2020 BIG as a land of giants. The Buckeye’s best regular season wins were close games to Indiana and Northwestern, which looked about right. Sure, the Clemson game stood out, but ultimately only as the outlier it truly was.
They Too Are Who We Thought They Were
The shoe fits the other foot as well. Alabama laid bare the ten-game conference only schedule setting performance records on a nearly weekly basis. This in the SEC, a conference boasting three playoff contenders until the final week of the regular season and two until the final ranking.
I Will Break You
While cordial and officially regarded as the home team, the Tide made for lousy hosts in Miami. Breaking both Ohio State game plans and collar bones on the first defensive play of the game. While later, and routinely, abusing the Buckeye’s linebacker heavy defensive scheme.
Esprit De Corps
If nothing else was on display, the pride of the Tide was in full effect. Multiple players battled through injury to make an impact or even just an appearance in the game. Waddle most looked the part of a wounded player but ‘most’ is relative. Metchie and Mac were visibly compromised. But the heartstring tugs were all Landon Dickerson. A giant who begged and pleaded his way onto the field for a pair of victory formation snaps.
Dominant Performances
Najee, Devanta, and Mac each put up stat lines you want to roll around with like the villain who covers the bed with stolen money. Christian Barmore was similarly impressive along the defensive front. While many other players donning the crimson and white for the last time registered outstanding performances.
Mini Game balls
Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune?
Next Up
So quickly the off season returns but there’s still plenty to do and discuss. We’ll be back to discuss coaching changes, departing players, and spring drills. Meanwhile, enjoy the championship.

2021 Pre Ohio State Public Non Interview... the title is a mouthful to be sure.  Let me break it down for you.
Prior to most or at least several games this season we've done interviews with a reporter or podcast from our opponent.  20-30 minutes of good discussion and perspective from the other side.
We've released all but one, now two, of these exclusive to our listener support team on a secondary private podcast feed.  Today we actually dropped our 41st show over there, wow.  In case you're interested in checking it out, drop me a line and we'll do an off season special rate.
So that covers the pre and interview parts.  What about the 'non' you ask.
Twice, including the Ohio State interview we were prepped and ready to go but the schedule fell through in the end and we weren't able to reschedule.  Life happens even to your intrepet podcast team.
In these events, since we've already done the prep, we improvise and ultimately do what we do best.... talk to ourselves.  Basically I run through the questions and topics I wanted to cover in the interview.  I answer some of the questions and point to the discussion I was hoping to provoke with others.
Its not as good as the two sided interview would be, but its some discussion thats better than none.
Since this next game is kind of a big deal, I wanted to share it with everyone on Saturday - we released it to our support team Thursday night.
So there you have it... enjoy and Roll Tide
 

2021 Rose Bowl Alabama vs Notre Dame
Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tide’s opening round victory against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
The End is in Sight
In his post-game comments Saban indicated Alabama “didn’t come here to end here”. An indication that Notre Dame, while certainly respected, was perceived only as an obstacle to be cleared, much like a running back sets up his next move with little regard for the tackler at his feet. Alabama played the game with this ‘next move in mind’ clearly on display. The offense turtled in the second half while defenders were rested or shelved altogether. A clear indication that this team understands there is more work to be done.
Jahleel Breaks the Matrix
Twice Billingsley made plays that appeared as cut and paste reels from prior games. A DeVonta deep cross draws the safety while effectively land granting Jahleel the left quarter of the end zone was plucked from the LSU game. Meanwhile, a chain moving catch on a left to right shallow cross with a defender draped on his back was a dead ringer for a play against Florida. The only difference is the Gator defender was flagged while the Irish got away with one.
Knife to a Gun Fight
Notre Dame had a solid offensive game plan for Alabama. The only hitch is that it lacked explosiveness. Recognizing Alabama can struggle with running backs and tight ends in coverage, Notre Dame doubled down allocating 58 of 80 offensive plays to either these positions or quarterback runs, another Tide soft spot. Meanwhile, the Irish conceded a 3rd of the field in willfully not attacking corner Patrick Surtain for most of the ballgame. It was a strategy that worked in some regard but never demonstrated an ability to keep pace with Alabama’s full arsenal.
Clever Move
A full breakdown of my breakdown is available on the pod, but the Tide defense unfolded a clever wrinkle in starting strong safety DeMarco Hellams ahead of regular starter Daniel Wright, electing to go with he 210lb thumper in anticipation of the Irish tight end attack.
Mini Game balls
Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune?
Next Up
Alabama takes flight to Miami for a matchup with Ohio State with the National Championship on the line.

2020 Alabama vs Florida... full show notes forthcoming.  Roll Tide

2020 Alabama vs Arkansas
Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tide’s cookoff with the Razerbacks of Arkansas
Plan B for the Win
Arkansas mixed it up in electing to take away Alabama’s deep passing game, forcing the Tide into shorter routes and a more methodical approach on offense. And this approach worked, at least to a point. While Alabama logged only two plays greater than 17 yards, and the Hogs enjoyed an early 3-3 tie. However, eventually the Tide's outstanding defense and special teams coupled with an opportunistic offense yielded a result in line with expectations.
Offensive Defense
Apparently, Alabama’s stop squad needed only a retreat to the Arkansas mountains to realize its full potential. The results were impressive with 8 sacks, 4 turnovers and 188 yards allowed spread over 3 glorious quarters of shutout ball.
Will not be Denied
With Arkansas’s 3-deep shell and selective double coverage, Alabama’s passing game played it safe, only taking advantage of the available routes. This largely left DeVonta out in the cold. Or so we thought. Smitty shattered a tied score and jump started the Tide’s scoring in racing 84 yards for a punt return touchdown. Another Heisman moment? Time will tell.
Mini Game balls
Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune?
Next Up
Alabama returns to Atlanta to face the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship.

2020 Alabama vs LSU
 Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tide’s 2020 revenge tour as it takes to the road for a game day in Red Stick.
Big Three
Alabama fields a big three on offense of nearly epic proportions. Looking for the best QB in college football, look no further than Mac Jones. Hankering for the best running back, checkout Najee Harris. Need the best receiver to round out the ensemble, DeVonta Smith is all the rage this season.
Speaking of Heisman Candidates
While each of Alabama’s big three is a worthy candidate, there is a time-tested path for Smitty to walk away with the trophy. DeVonta has incredible stats and added a singular moment to go along with his apparent sudden emergence on the scene – voters like to think they are being original – but there is one element he can add to his resume very soon that would virtually guarantee him the hardware. Sorry, gonna have to listen in for this nugget.  (but its towards the beginning!)
Red Leader, Stay on Target
Hold.  Do not allow two singular in nature busted plays accounting for 28% of LSU’s yards (82% of their points), loosen your grip or lessen your confidence in the Tide’s defense. Granted, this is not 2012 incarnate, but this unit continues to improve and is good enough for 2020.
Mini Game balls
Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune?
Next Up
Appears the Tide is traveling back in time to play the Hogs… wait, I’m looking at the old schedule. This week, Alabama travels to Fayetteville to do business with the Razerbacks of Arkansas.