Some very impressive numbers in first scrimmage by the offense, particularly qb Greg McElroy. If there was any thought that A.J. McCarron was better than McElroy at this time, McElroy’s numbers proved that he is the entrenched starter and is poised for a huge year. Nick Saban is concerned about his defense particularly his secondary. There were some injuries there yesterday, but some guys also making plays. The hurt guys need to make it back. No one seemed that seriously hurt although Robert Lester may take some time to get back. More later. Some good numbers put up by some guys on defense though.
McElroy was 26-33, 360 yards, 6 tds and 0 ints. McCarron, who is a major talent but not ready to unseat McElroy, was 21-26 for 241 yards, two tds and two ints. Frosh Phillip Sims looked good going 5-10, 97 yards and a score with no ints. He had a 78-yard td strike to fellow frosh DeAndrew White.
Julio Jones had seven receps for 99 yards and 2 tds, Earl Alexander had five catches for 87 yards and two tds and tight end Preston Dial had three catches for 60 yards and two scores. Looks like Dial will be a very capable replacement for Colin Peek. The explosive Marquis Maze had six catches for 51 yards and one td and the Heisman Trophy winner had 3 catches for 75 yards and one td. Ingram and Julio both ran for around 3o yards. The offense seemed a lot more concerned with the passing game yesterday.
On defense, Mark Barron had five tackles and one pass breakup. B.J. Scott had five tackles and one int. Courtney Upshaw looks like he’s primed for a big year as he added five tackles and two sacks. Frosh lb C.J. Mosley had three tackles and one int.
The concern for the Tide is the secondary not because of lack of talent, but because of experience and now injury issues. Doesn’t look like anything is overly serious, but the guys who are hurt need the work.
DeQuan Menzie (db) has a slightly pulled hamstring and is day-to-day. DB Robert Lester has a concussion and not sure about his return. Concussions are tricky and serious. DB DeMarcus Milliner has a twisted ankle and is day-to-day. Running back Blake Sims has a sprained foot, so his return is up in the air. Mark Ingram got the wind knocked out of him, no big deal.
So ‘Bama has a lot of work to do on defense, but the offense is hitting on all cylinders. Need to get some of those guys back and B.J. Scott, Dre and others need to keep improving. Know what Barron can do. There is concern in the secondary. I remember Kirby Smart saying that this summer.
But the offense is going to be putting up the numbers. When the secondary faces Ryan Mallett and Arkansas on Sept. 25 in Fayetteville, they will have to buckle their chin straps and bear down. But it’s a team effort. The pass rush and lbs will have to play a big role as well. And there are three big games before that (San Jose State, Penn State and Duke) just not the prolific passing they will face against Ark. But they’re all big.
If defense can shore up and those guys get healthy, they can be good and offense will be outstanding.
(Greg McElroy pictured with Coach Saban above; Mark Barron making a pick)