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1. We lose to the " ogres " ( Alabama, Clemson, and Ohio St. ) when it comes to star wars. They have way more 4 and 5 star guys than we have.
2. We can't afford to have a track meet with them. Our hope is to grind it out: have our lines win the line of scrimmage; use multiple tight end sets; run the ball; and eat up the clock.
3. Ironically, this used to be Nick Saban's MO; however, he was flexible enough to see that scoring lots of points would be the trend of the future, so he has targeted elite QBs and WRs.
4. We're not there. That is why it is so important that we start fast and try to get a quick lead. Our margin for error is so small and we aren't built for catch up football.
5. As a result, we can't squander possessions: be better in the red zone; score TDs, not FGs; be better on getting enough yards on first down; don't be so predictable-- mix in jet sweeps, screens, use the middle of the field in the passing game; use our excellent TEs more as receivers; use more misdirection; throw 50/50 balls to our taller receivers; use a special gadget play. Keep them guessing.
6. We can't play press coverage with our mediocre CBs. We have to keep them in front of us in various zone coverages.
7. We can't miss chip shot FGs.
8. It can be done!