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.

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

2021 Alabama vs. Ohio State

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 Pre Ohio State Public non Interview

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.

2021 Alabama vs. Notre Dame

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

2020 Alabama vs. Florida

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. Arkansas

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.

2020 Alabama vs. LSU

Show Notes By: Alabama Football Podcast https://twitter.com/BamaFootballPod 2020 Alabama vs auburn   Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the 2020 Iron Bowl and a visit from the Gus Bussers. Satisfaction A win against any opponent is a welcomed event, but there is just something extra about beating this pride of in state Tigers. So much more so when the victory is a contrast of excellence and ineptitude. Quarterback Competition Of course, quarterbacks do not compete directly against one another during a game but it is no less a competitive arena and all comparisons are fair. Or perhaps not. Comparing Mac Jones and Bo Nix ultimately seems unfair to both parties. But consider the progress each player has made since the 2019 Iron Bowl. Most would agree Nix has regressed while Mac has elevated his game into Heisman and first round contention. Saban Stayed Home? If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t know. Of course, within the SEC footprint and particularly within the Yellowhammer state we might wonder which rock you crawled out from under given all the media coverage, but the game itself offered no clues. It was not just the win, or the margin, or improved defense. Covering Saban’s game time duties, Sark even had the nuances down. Leading the team off the buses, the pregame stadium walk, and the (not always so), faint conservatism in big games. Overall a great, and welcome, impression. Train Kept a Rolln’ Don’t stop me if you’ve already heard the one about the defense improving week to week. Don’t stop me because this Tide defense isn’t finished yet. If it were a cake the pleasing aroma would fill the house, but we’d have to keep it in the oven because its not yet finished developing. Fortunately, these days, the defense is not a cake so we get to enjoy each iteration, each cycle of improvement. Saturday fans were treated to the angry edition. A rare flavor that signals ‘almost ready’ with hinted notes of ‘potential greatness’. Ah, the tastes of the season. Mini Game balls Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune? Next Up The revenge tour continues as the Tide’s foray into Baton Rouge is rescheduled.

2020 Alabama vs. auburn

2020 Alabama vs Kentucky Alabama Football Podcast breaks down Alabama’s return to action after a three-week hiatus to face off with the Wildcats of Kentucky.  In this episode Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tide’s dominant performance against the Kentucky Wildcats.   As Expected The contest with the Cats included many predicted storylines including Alabama’s slow start, Kentucky’s physical attack, first quarter scoring, and the Cat’s tendency to possess the ball and shrink the game. Also predicted, the outcome, or more accurately the Alabama’s margin of victory would depend upon the Tide’s ability to regroup, shake of the rust, and get back to business. By all accounts Alabama responded well in posting a 63-3 final score. Defense Trends Additional predictions pointed to the Tide secondary improving weekly and such would rise the performance of the defense as a whole. With 11shutouts in the last 14 quarters of play, its hard to deny the value of this current trend line. The Beauty of Youth Saturday offered a glimpse of what fans most enjoy from the UTC-esque matchups typically smattered across a non-Covid schedule. A legit chance to see the next generation of Tide players see meaningful action. Let’s just say the offense is in good hands. Mini Game balls Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune? Next Up The Tide hosts auburn.

2020 Alabama vs. Kentucky

A little something extra to get us through a bye week.  Grab bag of topics.  What we observed in the Georgia, Florida game along with the Notre Dame, Clemson game. Predictions for the playoffs, mid season awards, mailbag, and a revist of several preseason predictions. Roll Tide

2020 Bye Week Show

2020 Alabama vs Mississippi State Alabama Football Podcast breaks down Coach Nick Saban’s birthday bash featuring tricks and treats for the Pirate Bullies from Starkville #Hail State.  In this episode Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tide’s balanced and dominant performance against the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. Defensive Uprising The Alabama Defense rose to the occasion against a game and potentially effective Mississippi State Air Raid passing attack. At the least, the game represented an opportunity for the Tide secondary to step up. And step up they did. The Alabama secondary played dime (6 defensive backs), all night, featuring a blend of zone and man coverage principles. 60 minutes and three turnovers later and the Tide defenders recorded their first shut on the season. A feat most considered improbable three short weeks ago. Balanced Offense Alabama continues to feature an effective and balanced offense as well. Scoring only passing touchdowns a week after posting only rushing scores belies the in-game balance over the last four weeks. With or without Waddle, this Tide Offense poses problems. Mini Game balls Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune? Next Up The Tide enjoys a break in the action with a bye week setting up a four game homestretch to complete the regular season.

2020 Alabama vs. Mississippi State

Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tides’ trip to Knoxville to vanquish the Volunteers for a staggering 14th consecutive victory in the series.  In this episode Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tide’s dominant performance against the Volunteers of Tennessee. Pyric Victory? Losing Jaylen Waddle to injury on the game’s opening kick-off is incredibly unfortunate. We well up with empathy and compassion for the young man and we are heartened by the early medical reports. We’re a little angry, prone to second guessing, and our initial concerns for the season’s balance are overstated as a sort of grief-stricken homage to the young man. While all responses are valid, the Tide offense still requires eleven players to take the field and trust they intend to compete, avenge, and honor while also continuing the fight for their original goal. Najee’s Big Day This may have been one of Najee’s best performances. Sure, he’s had more highlight reel moments, but his balance, vision, and redirect within compact spaces for extra yards time and time again are the backbone of a fluid and functional offense. While there was indeed a coaching moment for the young man, I believe Najee cemented his status as the top runner in the college game. Slade’s Day Out With zero warning Slade Bolden was pressed into starter action and acquitted himself quite well. His pre-snap motions and short-to-medium route running provided a close enough facsimile to Waddle that it allowed the in-place game plan to function according to design. No single player will replace Waddle’s skill set and production, such is the nature of his talent. However, a piece of the puzzle was confirmed Saturday in the person of Slade. Secondary is Primary The preseason prediction was and remains – the Tide defense will go as far as the secondary can take it. Saturday, we caught sight of the unit’s continued progression and it was of little surprise the Tide defense overall registered one of its best performances on the season. Saturday the secondary gets another test and watch for it quickly to become a game of cat and mouse. Mini Game balls Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune? Next Up The Tide hosts the swashbuckling pirate Mike Leach and his band of Bullies from Starkville. Together we’ll celebrate Coach Saban’s birthday with a big win and cake. There will be cake, right? Nick Saban and Alabama are College Football

2020 Alabama vs. Tennessee

2020 Alabama vs Georgia   Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tides’ smashing success against its very own funhouse mirror image, the Georgia Bulldogs.    In this episode Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tide’s reversion to the mean with guests Kirby Smart and his cuddly lapdogs.     Styles Make Fights As predicted, Alabama rose to the occasion and did work against Georgia. Yes, some of the improved effort was motivation for the big game, but credit is also due the matchup itself. Georgia’s 2020 mystique is (was?), rooted in its defense. While praiseworthy, the defense was a diversion, a distraction from an offense sporting a rebuilt offensive line and under performing offensive stars, or 5 stars to be more specific. Oh, and let’s not forget a former walk on QB, who, while sporting the endearing backstory and clever nickname, lacked the requisite gravitas to pilot a top shelf program through the true rigors of an SEC schedule.   Alabama’s Made for TV All Stars If Georgia’s offense was conducting Star Search competitions on an Athens hillside, Alabama’s was completing an AGT-styled exhibition on the field in Bryant Denny, mystifying the Bulldog defense in the process. Mac passed for 400, Najee ran for 150, and both Smitty and Waddle compiled 160 receiving. It was as if godmother Oprah delivered the pregame speech – you get a career day, and you get a career day, and you get a career day. . Habits and Goals Progress with Small Steps Even the previously traumatized Alabama Defense had its Stuart Smally moments in the first half with an interception, forced punts, and a couple near misses on Georgia scoring plays. In the second half the confidence soared to full blown Tony Robbins levels as the Tide shut out the increasingly weary and defeated dogs.     Mini Game balls Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune?   Next Up The Tide travels to Knoxville for a little leaf peeping in the mountains and time permitting may squeeze in an afternoon frolic with the Volunteers in the area. A good time is predicted for the visitors from Title Town.

2020 Alabama vs. Georgia

This is our pregame interview show for the Ole Miss game.  So far we've been doing interview shows for all 4 of our opponents - the GA show dropped mere minutes before this one.   These shows are bonus materials for our support team members but I wanted to share this one with you.  Its not too late to get all the benefit out of this seasons support team so check us out at AlabamaFootballPodcast.com for all the details.   Roll Tide

2020 Ole Miss Pregame Interview - Public Bonus

2020 Alabama vs. Ole Miss Alabama Football Podcast Breaks Down the Tides’ rain and offense drenched foray into Oxford to take on the Rebel Land Bears of Ole Miss.  In this episode Alabama Football Podcast breaks down the Tide’s 2020 laser light show with the Rebels of Ole Miss. Credit Lane Ole Miss took Alabama to the wire Saturday night. Lost in the Alabama angst is an outstanding game plan by former Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. From the opening kick, the Ole Miss offense had Alabama on their heels. Yes, errors and poor play were factors working against the Crimson stop squad, but so too was a brilliant plan and full throttle attack executed masterfully by what may be college football’s most underrated signal caller, Matt Carrol. Every play had multiple well executed fakes that played tricks on the eyes of the defense. Of course, this makes the faithful nervous, but allow room for excellence on the other side and recognize the Tide may not face an offense so prolific, and motivated, until at least the post season. It will help with your sleep. Offense Production Under Pressure Meanwhile, the Alabama offensive stat lines are both brilliant and record setting. Mac Jones passes for over 400 yards, again, while completing nearly 90% of his throws, 28 of 32. Najee Harris uncorks the running game to the tune of 206 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 9 yards per carry and finally cementing the win on a 39 yard burst that was at least partially powered by the collective exhale of Tide followers around the globe. Record setting or tying performances both individually and collectively. Perhaps most impressive, and overlooked, is the pressure heaped onto the offense. The mandate of having to score on every possession or risk losing the ballgame is serious business, and uncommon for Tide offenses. Intensity is escalated as each next mistake could play an outsized outcome. Eventually this same pressure capsized the Landsharks. Defense Under Construction By my count there are 8 or 10 factors that conspired against Alabama’s defense on this night. It is not a single or binary circumstance and as fans we would do well to recognize and appreciate it. But that is not to say we should just grin and bear it – last Ole Miss mascot joke, I promise. Rather, let’s recognize Ole Miss has managed to give Alabama fits for years, including handing the Tide a pair of losses that many bemoaned as harbingers of an ending era. Let’s recognize the challenges of this game were somewhat unique and educational while also maddeningly frustrating. This game will bring change, even if not as swift and pointed as some want for. This season is a long game, let’s play it. Mini Game balls Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune? Next Up The Tide hosts the Georgia Bulldogs in Tuscaloosa for the first time since 2007. With the recent post season matchups, it doesn’t seem like its been 13 years but a lot of great football and nearly the entire Saban regime, to date, has elapsed in the interim.

2020 Alabama vs. Ole Miss

2020 Alabama vs TAMU   Alabama Football Podcast Breaks Down the Tides’ 2020 home opener against the Aggies of Texas A&M   In this episode Tom and Dave from the Alabama Football Podcast break down the Tide’s 2020 home opener against the Texas A&M Aggies.     Mac Strikes Again In case there were any doubts, Mac Jones again proved himself capable behind center, this time against the Aggies from Texas. Nearly perfect, as quarterback play goes, Mac connected on several down field strikes in posting an all-time top four yardage mark and leading the Tide to 35 first half points, and 52 overall.   Metchie Makes Three In the spring we predicted John Metchie would win the third receiver spot. A call quietly validated against Missouri was loudly vindicated Saturday as the Canadian receiver hauled in 5 passes for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. Consider yourself on notice SEC.   Offensive Line Strong in Pass Pro The Tide line held strong all night as Mac had time to read the defense and wait for his targets to flash open. The line performed less admirably in sustaining a running attach and was at times poor in avoiding the pre-snap errors. Both areas for improvement.   Chi is a Star Malachi Moore isn’t only manning the Star position, he is threatening to emerge as a star in the Tide defensive backfield. In only his second collegiate game, Chi stuffed the stat logs with 6 tackles, 2 pass deflections, and an interception. Keep an eye on this one.   Tide Remains a Work in Process As the slate will affirm, this squad is not yet in mid-season form, but the trendline is promising. Individual performances are blooming across the roster and on both sides of the ball. With all of the early success, Alabama has much room for growth and development as the season continues to unfold. As Tide fans, let’s enjoy the process while appreciating it remains a process.       Mini Game balls Anyone can read a headline, but which players contributed in more subtle ways to the Tide’s fortune?   Next Up The Tide travels to Oxford to match wits with another former Saban assist in the person of Lane Kiffen and his band of Rebel Land Sharks. Join the support team for an early look at the matchup.

2020 Alabama vs. TAMU

Hello and Welcome to the Alabama Football Podcast! We’re glad you found us. But who are we? Fair question. We’re Tom and Dave, Alabama graduates and big college football fans. However, we have a unique and intense passion for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Over the years we’ve spent countless hours talking about the Alabama Football team and one day in 2010 we got the idea that we should turn our idle talk into a podcast, and so was born the Alabama Football Podcast. The original podcast branded as such. In early 2014 we were offered the opportunity to merge our football podcast with BamaHammer dot com, one of the leading Alabama sports sites around and we’re looking forward to using this platform to help us reach and forge relationships with even more Alabama fans who enjoy a little intelligent and opinionated football talk. We trust you’ll enjoy our show and we welcome your feedback. We’re reachable via the BamaHammer website or directly at AlabamaFootballPodcast (@) gmail dot com. In the meantime, Roll Tide.

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