week 7 thoughts: the flat earth society

Nothing much to say about this week: much like last year's game, this one reminded me of the Gene Stallings days, when the offense would look lethargic, the crowd wouldn't be totally into it, the defense would make a play or two, the outcome would never really be in doubt and everybody would go home unhappy.

A few scattered thoughts, before we start thinking about Tennessee:
— The best thing about Saturday's defensive performance: much, MUCH better tackling. The fear that Jeremiah Masoli and the rest of the Bears'Rebels' backs would beat us to death with the zone-read never really came to pass. And yes, as RBR notes, we did struggle to get off the field on third downs in the second half. Baby steps, man. Baby steps.
— Things that seem to have inexplicably disappeared from the offense in the last few weeks: the illegal picksshallow crosses that we've lived and died by the last few years; the multiple Wildcat looks allegedly in the playbook; our sense of tough, physical football.
— The crowd was remarkably flat Saturday, the most deflated I've heard a 'Bama crowd for an SEC game since maybe 2006. The explanation is (probably) multi-faceted: Homecoming was a healthy distraction for everybody; Ole Miss is sort of a nondescript opponent ("Ho hum"); the weird start time threw everybody for a loop (at halftime it was already 10 p.m.). A good number of fans bailed before the fourth quarter, and this game wasn't exactly in the bag at that point.
— Dad came to the game with me, his first time in the stadium this season — meaning his first time listening to all the ridiculous pumped-in noise, the multiple videos for no reason and the rest of the general idiocy dreamed up by whatever jackhole decided fans can't be content just watching a football game. Let's just say, he's not a fan.
— The best part of Trent Richardson's game-sealing screen pass: William Vlachos, 50 yards downfield, attempting to throw a block. I don't think he blocked anyone else the rest of the game, and frankly, I don't blame him.
— In the second quarter, after Marquis Maze's fumble set up the Rebs deep in 'Bama territory, coach Saban spent a timeout in frustration, owing to improper personnel on the field. This is significant because the play Ole Miss was attempting to run was a screen to an offensive tackle lined up in the slot. Had to watch this play 3 times on DVR to realize what was happening.
— If we were to play Auburn right now, we might be getting 14. Seriously.
— That bye week can't get here fast enough.

That's all for tonight. It's Tennessee Week. Roll Tide.