As an outsider that roots y’all on, especially against OU, that’s where I’m at. I think the line is reflective of objective reasoning and the general public’s expectations, but I see a few opportunities…mostly rehashing old shit but I wanted to participate here:
DKR will be an absolute madhouse, and yeah the ‘that’s every Saturday in the SEC bro’ folks may disagree but this is a once per generation event here in Austin. I’ve been there when it’s full tilt boogie time, and expect it to be 1.5x that at kick.
Sark won’t be intimidated and has inside knowledge. If he doesn’t out-clever himself with a freshman QB and keeps the troops focused, the chess game should be fascinating. Hopefully he’s comfortable with risk taking on 4th/short, potential fake punts, baiting a flea flicker with Bijan, etc. Got nothing to lose and fortune favors the bold.
Sanders. Huge advantage to have a flex TE like that with good hands that can play into all kinds of scenarios that offset their DL pressure. You’ve gotta mix him in unexpected places like a PA fake with Bijan or put him in as hybrid FB, and not just on 3rd down.
Everyone knows they’re going to key on Bijan but your RB room is such an embarrassment of riches I hope to see some 21 personnel or diamond. Keep complex RPO plays out of your freshman QB but focus on getting the ball to proven players quickly outside of the box. Give the same basic look with a pop pass to Xavier or someone on a slant to put them in space.
Defense has to have the ball bounce their way. ULM seemed to insist on running up the gut for 1-2yds a pop for half their plays though so not sure what was learned. Alabama will get theirs, so I guess your D needs to be Johnny on the spot for a lucky TO and otherwise tackle well to keep it manageable. Loved Overshown’s nose for the ball.
Who knows about Ewers, my gut says that ‘settle in’ shit won’t work to start with Alabama like it did ULM. Theoretically you’ve got horses to stretch the field in both dimensions with RB, TE and WR…just hoping he can connect on a few bombs early on to make them adjust. Big time players make big time plays in big time games.
Overall I’m jealous of the opportunity laid in front of you. Young players tend to let the moment get too big for them…but you’re at home, you’ve worked your whole career for this moment, and it’s time to lay it all on the table. Take it seriously as a measuring stick and maybe you surprise the nation. Rooting for y’all.