Spring Game Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in the ‘Shoe on Saturday! Despite being pelted with trash, it was still fun! And by pelted, I mean the wind was the culprit. After the crowds started thinning, the trash they left behind was picked up and tossed about the stands. So, empty water bottles, nachos cases, Donatos pizza boxes, and napkins were on the move! There wasn’t anything I could really do but laugh!
First of all, I am beyond stoked about breaking ‘Bama’s National Spring Game Attendance record. The crowd erupted when that was announced! Then, shortly thereafter, they started leaving! It was really hot for those in direct sunlight. They shouldn’t feel so bad about leaving as Mr. Terrelle Pryor was done for the day at halftime. So while they missed a half of the game, they missed none of the clinic TP2 put on.
I enjoyed the liveblog/tweeting I was doing. I’m pretty sure I won’t be doing that at every home game, but it was something fun to try out!
I wasn’t nearly as close as I was during last season’s games. I got extremely spoiled being down in the AA deck. In order to have those seats Saturday, I would have had to show up at the ‘Shoe 3.5 hours earlier than I did. Then I’d have to sit in the sun that entire time while watching the men’s Lacrosse game. Not an LAX fan. I would have completely drained my iPhone’s battery before the game started; then no liveblog! I found a spot in the C-deck (first time up there ever!) with a patch of shade, so everything worked out!
So while I felt pretty far away from the action, TP’s passing looked great to me. I haven’t looked over my copy of the game yet, but I will shortly. I predicted a slight edge for the Scarlet based on their squad having all the offensive tackles + Thad Gibson. Well, I couldn’t have been more off with that prediction. Gray simply owned Scarlet. I wondered aloud if Scarlet would ever get on the board, and fans around me laughed in agreement.
I could have pretty much slept through that first quarter. Boring! But things got a little more lively once the black jerseys were shed. But then again, I knew that would be the case. The last minute, right before haltime, was simply electric.
TP showed vast improvement in his passing game. I didn’t expect him to turn into Peyton Manning in just 4 months, but the progress was evident. There was much more zip on his passes and he threw with authority. That TD pass to Ray Small was a thing of beauty! I’ve never seen him throw a more perfect pass! He also seemed to connect often with Taurian Washington. Building up chemistry that hopefully translates into points this fall.
But back to my prediction. Gray’s Oline held its own for the most part. It appears that Justin Boren is an animal anywhere on the line. Seeing him at left tackle was great! There were some “doh” moments when all the QBs were sacked. I flashed back to last year’s USC game and had the urge to curl up in the fetal position. I gave the Oline a little more slack seeing as how they were all divided up and some were out of position. Brew Crewer JB Shugarts, who I expect to start by the end of the season (at the latest), was out with an injury. So, that TP was given as much time as he was, to pass, was impressive to me. I also liked the emphasis on passing and not necessarily running.
IN A NUTSHELL:
- Flash Thomas cannot drop kickoff/punt returns come fall. That needs to fixed ASAP!
- DeVier Posey also looked great at receiver. Missed seeing Dane S. out there.
- Brandon Saine looked great! If he stays healthy, having him and Boom available will be huge!
- Defense is going to be our forte next season. We should call that unit Old Faithful. You can almost always count on them!
- After reading media reports on our corner situation, I was feeling pretty confident. After the Spring Game, not so much. I don’t know if Chekwa is being haunted by the Texas game, but he left much to be desired. Wouldn’t it be sweet if Corey Brown rolled into C-Bus this summer and ended up starting? I think he’s going to be special.
- I’m not sure if I should be concerned about the punting/kicking situation…
- I love that our #1 recruit for the 2010 class got to see such an electric environment. Can’t hurt!
FINAL STATS:
TP went 13-of-18 for 191 yards passing and 2 TDs.
Score: 23-3, Gray (recap)
GOODIES!
Pictures: Ozone, Official Site
TP’s 2 TD passes:
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