It's not fishy. The coaching staff is trying to peak in final game vs bama. They sit starters early and try to play a million people and get everyone touches. Their co oc's have also wet the bed in their play calling a lot and the o-line has not dominated like last year. Effort and motivation issues I guess. But this team had like 32 first downs and 550 yds against bama last year and held their own on both lines vs them. This year, venables has seemed to keep d line motivated (have had some injuries with bryant and pagano, etc). But the oline which theoretically should be better is playing softer than last year for large spells of games. Plus deshaun was intent on not being labeled a dual threat qb which he deemed an insult, his run game threat (1100 yds and 12 tds last year) has dwindled taking away a major curve ball for d's. Plus probably a little concerned about pro $ and injury. In the process, he has turned it over at a higher rate actually costijg him draft stock. And all these factors have screwed with their rhythm. When they need to, they can look like last year (or even better) for stretches or series. But invariably, tbeir rhythm does not keep pace for the whole game and it allows teams back in. Either the coaches are going to blow it by not just trying to play as well as possible all the time or they are really going to "save their best for last," play an A+++ game, continue their improved kick coverage and give bama a game. Otherwise, tbey may lose to whoever they play before they even get to bama because they are playing with fire. But they are not intentionally messing with betting line. Dabo is building a program that has won 10 games 6 times, won 5 atlantics, a couple acc's, beaten auburn, uga, lsu, ohio st, fl st, louisville, oklahoma, etc and he wants to be there in the playoff every year. The problem is next year will be a transition year with qb even with phenomenal 5 star qb recruiting and sometimes you just need to play to win now! Not promised anything tomorrow. We'll see !
