Game Thread 2015 Sugar Bowl: (1) Alabama vs. (4) Ohio State, Jan 1st @ 8:30p ET, ESPN (civilized thread)

[jwinslow]

Also have to keep in mind that he was thrust into action as the starter mid game. Cardale will have had 3 weeks of prep as the starter before this game.

I'm referring to Garrett's play after being the starter the following year

 

[shiloh]

Here's an interesting and somewhat off-topic question: If Urban somehow wins the NC, does it surpass Tressel's win over Miami?

No, because the 2002 NC win came after 34 years of futility!

Edit: A 42-14 OSU win may change my mind.

 

[beau]

Serious Question: Who is the better RB: E. Elliot or TJ Yeldon ?

 

[beau]

Definitely true. I'm very happy that OSU has cut way back on the quick-hitters and screens to him out on the edge. His first step was always backwards and he very rarely made people miss in traffic. He was just getting too cute out there instead of taking the easy 5-7 yards. A much better downfield receiver. In my IMO.

As a Tide fan, I was hoping that was true. Alabama has been burned a few times by speedy receivers, who are really good at making yardage after the catch.

 

[muffler dragon]

Serious Question: Who is the better RB: E. Elliot or TJ Yeldon ?

I'd say their equal for their years of experience. TJ's a year ahead of Eze, correct?

 

[beau]

I'd say their equal for their years of experience. TJ's a year ahead of Eze, correct?

Yeldon is a junior.

 

[Gcashwell]

Serious Question: Who is the better RB: E. Elliot or TJ Yeldon ?

Ezekiel has better stats both running and receiving.

 

[buckeyeintn]

Serious Question: Who is the better RB: E. Elliot or TJ Yeldon ?

I have watched very little of Yeldon. I do know Zeke excels at yards after contact and also blocking (both picking up blitzes and run blocking).

 

[Gcashwell]

Bama started practicing for OSU today.

Bo Scarbrough (just enrolled) was acting as Elliott at RB
Derek Kiel was acting as Devin Smith
Core McCarron (recongnize that name?) was acting as Nick Vannett

 

[jwinslow]

I watched a few youtube replays of Devin. Great speed and great hands. Judging by only few videos, his tackle breaking ability in space was somewhat average...true or false.

Correct. He has improved this year by getting upfield quicker and lowering his shoulder instead of hesitating and dancing. He's still not very good in space but he is playing within those constraints more on the rare times he does catch it underneath.

I'd also amend his "great hands" rating. His big play potential and spectacular catch ability is elite. His consistency in past years was very spotty, though it has been a lot better this year. I would call it focus more than an issue with his hands.

 

[scarletngray]

Here's an interesting and somewhat off-topic question: If Urban somehow wins the NC, does it surpass Tressel's win over Miami?

JMO - I don't think so. But close.

 

[jwinslow]

Serious Question: Who is the better RB: E. Elliot or TJ Yeldon ?

There are a small handful of backs who run the football as well as EzE. There are few if any with the full package of skills. Not just a good blocker in pass pro but a lethal lead blocker on rushing plays. He had soft hands and is adept at making one handed catches as well.

 

[Onebuckfan]

JMO - I don't think so. But close.

if tOSU wins two more games that is better than 2002.

 

[kujirakira]

As a Tide fan, I was hoping that was true. Alabama has been burned a few times by speedy receivers, who are really good at making yardage after the catch.

Unfortunately we don't have anyone like that.

 

[scarletngray]

Serious Question: Who is the better RB: E. Elliot or TJ Yeldon ?

Best all around RB (running, blocking, receiving, speed, power combined) I would go with EE. That is no disrespect to Yeldon. He's a very good back. Regardless, how well they do will be dependent on which team wins the battle in the trenches.