My 2 cents worth a fast read.....

[Conan]

First off I have to point out that Clemson has played the tide better than anyone else
in this game. Last year's 5-point loss left a few wondering "what if" in more than just
one living room when all was said and done.

That alone should make Clemson worth a serious look here.... a chance to atone.

But I also have a bit of West coast knowledge that could easily tip the scales here.
I started out pretty sure that I'd be behind the Tide... now some legitimate doubt fills
my mind.

It boils down to Kiffin vs Sarkisian, and a critical difference between them as I have
clearly seen things. I have mentioned this many times before... Sarkisian is a definite
downgrade compared to Lane Kiffin. I first noticed this 10-12 years ago when Sarkisian
replaced Kiffin as Pete Carrol's OC at USC. The Trojan offense definitely slipping a notch
No mistaking it. Then came their chance taking turns as HC for USC. At least Kiff came
with an excuse including tons of sanctions to contend with. Sarkisian left in a drunken
stupor. But that aside they are not equals and I'm afraid Nick Saban may find this out
soon himself.

 

[DesertNole]

Good insight, and i agree with everything you said. However, a drunk Sark is an upgrade over that bullshit game that Kiffin called last week.

 

[PeePee]

Good insight, and i agree with everything you said. However, a drunk Sark is an upgrade over that bullshit game that Kiffin called last week.

One game doesn't define him. It's the distraction that lead to it and his lack of focus due to leaving... Hence the reason saban canned him.

 

[bigwang]

One game doesn't define him. It's the distraction that lead to it and his lack of focus due to leaving... Hence the reason saban canned him.

Excellent post.

Thanks for the great thread Conan. As a fellow PAC 12 follower, you are dead on with the Kiffin/Sark contrast.

 

[MLB]

Can you blame kiffin? Who among us would be that focused when you have higher paying job waiting for you? Human nature. You can say be professional and blah blah blah but he is only human. Plus, Kiffin probably knew he could sleep walk through that game with the Defense Bama has!

 

[Serbone]

I would think they will use the same Saban-Kiffin offense but Saban will help tweak it a bit this week for Clemson and give Sarkisian specific parameters for his approach to play calling.
I respect Conan's knowledge and yes wonder how Sarkisian will do over the course of a full season but for one game I think this change will have minimal effect. I think Saban will be very very close to the play calling.
It is an issue and could hurt Bama but might be a positive because IMO Kiffin was very very way way off against Washington, Bama seemed very very discombobulated.
We shall see!

 

[mws]

Can you blame kiffin? Who among us would be that focused when you have higher paying job waiting for you?

Doesn't his new job pay less than his old one?

 

[pathologist]

Doesn't his new job pay less than his old one?

Wayyy less

 

[phantom888]

New OC for Bama, but a excellent defense, points to maybe a play on the UNDER?

 

[varkeyboy]

Over.

 

[MackDonald]

Does Kiffin's departure mean that Saban will take a more-active roll involving the offensive play-calling ?

 

[crazykind]

I think Kiffin may have been better at in-game adjustments than ol' Cuttysark...we shall see

 

[varkeyboy]

Conan, u got your $$$ on CLEMSON!?!?!?

 

[BigTonyC]

Can you blame kiffin? Who among us would be that focused when you have higher paying job waiting for you? Human nature. You can say be professional and blah blah blah but he is only human. Plus, Kiffin probably knew he could sleep walk through that game with the Defense Bama has!

Kiffen will be making less at FAU then Alabama. 900k+ vs 1.4M

 

[bobbyjones2]

I am surprised at the lack of respect that Kiffin receives. Though he did some strange things last week, he had been outstanding during his tenure with Bama. How many titles did Bama win with a first year qb including the game tonight? I really think that his personality defects devalue his worth as an offensive mind. Which is strange cause Saban not exactly Will Rodgers.

I already stated that I think Lane KIffin being replaced a WEEK before the tile game is a really big deal. Especially with an 18 year old qb.

 

[Conan]

Good insight, and i agree with everything you said. However, a drunk Sark is an upgrade over that bullshit game that Kiffin called last week.

Conan, u got your $$$ on CLEMSON!?!?!?

Yup, but not real heavy.

Something people have forgotten was
that UDub has the best defense on the
west coast. I can think of just 2 better.
both of whom are playing tonite. Chris
Peterson is known for frustrating the
best offenses so last week wasn't just
about Kiffin. Petersen made him look bad.
Sarkisian needs no one's help in that way.

I like the points here.
Bama just may pull this one out but
I think if they do, it won't be by a lot.

 

[Denist.Lemieux]

Kiffin definitely deserves more respect. Hell, anyone would crack after being yelled at all the time. He appreciates the opportunity Saban gave him, sure. But yelling at him in front of team , nation etc. wears on anyone