vs.

August 31, 2002
Legion Field
Birmingham, AL

The Coaches
Alabama - Dennis Franchione, 2nd season, 7-5 (.583)
Middle TN State - Andy McCollum, info N/A

The Series
First Meeting

Game Summary
Alabama will open off in Birmingham, having been slapped in the face with NCAA sanctions. QB Tyler Watts faded in the late season, and was replaced by Andrew Zow, who graduated last year. The question for Bama will be if a) Watts can roll with the option again, and b) will the passing game still be strong. Alabama's offensive and defensive lines will play a big role in this game and in this season. On defense, the man to stop on Middle TN State is RB Dwone Hicks. Hicks is a SEC-calibur type runner with explosive speed, and if he gets loose, could create a lot of trouble. Bama's secondary will again be under the gun, as Middle TN State will look to throw often, to balance the run and give Hicks space to work with.

Prediction
Watts will have the option running smooth because the Alabama OL is one of the SEC's best. The running game for the Tide should roll along smoothly without any trouble. Hicks will get his yards, but not many. The DL of Alabama is also a big strength for them. Look for Middle TN State to make it interesting, as the passing game will produce a couple of big plays against Bama's still-suspect secondary. But the Tide should win this game, with a trip to Norman right after.

Final - Alabama 27, Middle TN State 13

<small>[ July 09, 2002, 02:27 PM: Message edited by: calling_the_hogs ]</small>

I agree with almost everything in your notes. But I think you may have the predicted outcome backwards.

Why? The Big Boys.

MT is returning their entire offensive line (affectionately known as The Big Boys). This is the same line that enabled Dwone Hicks to perform like, as you say, a SEC-calibur runningback in 2001.

Granted, Andrico Hines (QB) hasn't taken a 1-A snap, but he did play JUCO and he did travel with the team every game last year and studied under Wes Counts, who finished with a ranking of #5 among the NCAA QBs. Counts currently plays in AFL2 in Huntsville until a slot comes open in the NFL.

So Hines should know the offense inside/out, plus the kid is so athletic, he could probably go out and play w/o even studying the playbook.

I hope this game is close, but those Legion Field spirits are difficult to overcome for visiting teams.

Four reasons I think MT stands a very good shot at knocking off Bama:

1. Dwone Hicks
2. The Big Boys
3. More aggressive defense than 2001

and the biggest reason...
4. MT is due for win in these David/Goliath matchups, and they'll get it against Bama unless they are caught looking ahead to Tennessee, who they play the following week.

Guess who's back and ready for controversy. See you all in that pit of hell you call Legion Field.

Go Blue Raiders!

Good summary Josh. The game will be interesting, but Bama will come out strong. We have a lot to prove this season after all the NCAA crap. MTState better not look beyond us, then we will destroy them! Ok, I'm dreaming, but I'll be happy with a win!!

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />

Adrianne points out my biggest worry as a MT Blueblood.

I'm worried Bama will come out with a big 'ol elephant chip on their shoulder after all this NCAA stuff.

Then again, MT has a pretty big bluechip on their shoulders also. Those guys are getting tired of people using words like "almost" and "will someday be".

They are the real deal today and it won't be long before they smack someone. They'd do it sooner if they could get a home game matchup against these primadonnas.

Watch out, Bama. The Big Boys are coming to B'ham with their Hicks and Hines elephant gun, and they want another SEC to hang in their stadium.

Be proud, be loud, be blue... and be a Blueblood!
Go Blue Raiders!

UMTRaider

Let's talk about them "big boys." Guess who else returns their entire O line? ALABAMA! Every starter (including all-SEC center Alonzo Ephraim) is back on a line that helped lead the way for the SEC's #1 rushing offense last season. Bama also returns their entire starting backfield and 2 veteran WR's. On defense, Bama returns the entire D line (incuding all-SEC DT Jarret Johnson) and 2 starting LB's. The DB's all return but they need to improve.

My prediction:
BAMA 40
MTSU 21

This should be an easy win for Bama despite Mid Tenn having a great little running back.