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SETTINGS
Game: NCAA Football 11
System: Xbox 360
Difficulty: Heisman
Quarter Length: 7
Sliders: Custom
Rosters: Custom (Carson base, but I edited ratings how I see fit)
Quarterbacks Everyone knows about Greg McElroy, the senior from one of the most prestigious high schools in the entire country. They know he's a poise winner that may not put up the best stats, but he gets the job done, albeit not always in a pretty way. Because of ESPN's constant media coverage after the SEC Championship, they also know how he hasn't lost a game since middle school. He is without a doubt one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
After he's gone however, they may not be a drop off. Actually, they may even be a step up. The next great 'Bama quarterbacks will be either redshirt Freshman AJ McCarron, or true freshman Phillip Sims. The most likely candidate is McCarron, however Sims may surprise and take the starting role. Despite his incredible speed and ball-carrier skills, he is a pocket-style quarterback that only scrambles when necessary. He set Virginia state records for almost every passing category. It's safe to say the Tide has depth in this position.
Running Backs The running back position is one of the deepest and best positions for the Tide, as they have a stable of many capable backs. Last year's Heisman winner, Mark Ingram, considered by many to be the best running back in the country, may not even be the best on his team. It is rare to see a runner with the incredible combination of size, power, and speed that 220 lb. Trent Richardson possesses. His burst from the line is second to none.
Behind these two tanks lies redshirt freshman Eddie Lacy. Lacy would start on many teams in the nation, and his pair of legs are some of the strongest legs in the country. Behind him is the fastest running back on the team, Demetrius Goode, but he lacks the power Coach Nick Saban would prefer in a running back.
Receivers/Tight Ends Alabama has receivers of all different persuasions. They have tall, strong receivers, and they also possess the small and speedy guys. The number one receiver will be the ever-strong Julio Jones, whose hands have come over much scrutiny from Alabama faithful for his consistent drops last season. After an outstanding Freshman season, he was expected to take his spot as the greatest receiver in the country, but he failed to impress as he experienced a huge sophomore slump. Even with all the complaints about his hands, he remains an incredible receiver, but only because he is without a doubt the best blocking receiver in the land.
Behind him is senior Darius Hanks, whose constant hustle and fighting for the ball impresses everyone watching. The slot receiver is Marquis Maze, who once he gets on a roll, no one can stop him. Michael Bowman is another receiver, who like Julio, is strong and very hard to bring down. He might have the best hands on the team, but he is too slow to be a main threat. The fastest receiver on the team is freshman Kenny Bell who suffers from sucking at everything else.
Lineman Alabama has only one elite offensive lineman, and that is left tackle, former JUCO James Carpenter. He might be the best tackle in football, and he excels in run blocking. The Tide has some more lineman that have the potential for greatness in DJ Fluker and Erie Kouandijo, with both most likely future All-Americans.
Linemen The Tide's defensive line is one of the best in the nation, no question. Marcel Dareus is definitely the best defensive end in the nation. Anchored at nose tackle, Josh Chapman will step in nicely to fill in the role of the graduated Terrence Cody. While he doesn't have the size of Mount Cody, as fans call him, he is much stronger with a bench press of well over five hundred pounds.
When Dareus either goes pro early or graduates, taking his place is a great young end in Darrington Sentimore. At left end, the starting job will be fought for between senior Luther Davis and redshirt sophomore sensation Damion Square. Expect fierce competition.
Linebackers Like defensive line, the Tide has one of the best linebacking corps in the land. Led by Donta Hightower, who was injured and taken out for the season against Arkansas last season, is perhaps the best middle linebacker there is. Also starting at the MLB position is Nico Johnson, who is fast enough to cover wide receivers. As for the outsides, Jerrell Harris is a very hard hitter, and what he lacks in intelligence he makes up for in raw talent. Courtney Upshaw has incredible hands for his position, and he has a constant motor with a never-quit, non-stop attitude.
Cornerbacks The corner position is deep for Alabama. Every player is young and talented with good heads on their shoulders. The best of the batch is All-American Dre Kirkpatrick. He didn't play much his freshman season, being backed up by All-conference veterans, but when he did he shined bright. BJ Scott is one of the most athletic young men in the entire SEC, and if he gets the ball in his hands he will know what to do with it.
After those two, there is a small drop off in talent. LSU transfer Phelon Jones has a very high vertical, and is a pro at swatting passes. Then, two true frosh, DeMarcus Milliner and John Fulton, will play very little if at all to take time to learn the playbook.
Safeties Alabama is filled with a very talented safety position led by All-American Mark Barron, who led the entire SEC in interceptions last season. He is one of the hardest hitters in the nation, and probably the best overall defensive back there is. Starting at the free safety position would be standout Robby Green, however he was suspended for the season for marijuana charges (I won't play him until next season). So because of this, just as good Rod Woodson will take on the starting role. Woodson played special teams last year and led all Alabama players in special teams tackles. He quickly rose to fame among 'Bama fans for his great pursuit and hard-hitting.
Kickers/Punters Alabama has two very young kickers that are both true freshman. Cade Foster will most likely kick and punt this year, as Jay Williams just isn't good enough.
(1-0) #17 Penn State Nittany Lions Vs. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)
Here we go, the battle Alabama and Penn State fans alike have been waiting for ever since their game versus each other went official. Penn State is coming fresh off an easy win versus FCS Southeast, while Alabama was caught looking ahead and was nearly defeated by the WAC bottom-feeder San Jose State. Both teams have similar styles, running the ball constantly. Evan Royster is just as good as Mark Ingram, but what hurts Penn State here is not having a backup runner with the capabilities of Trent Richardson.
Impact Player
Evan Royster is one of the best running backs in college football, no doubt. How will he fare against this awe-inspiring Crimson Tide defense though, and does he have enough in the tank to last for sixty minutes?
On the other end, the leader of Alabama's defense is going to be the smart, hard-hitting Dont'a Hightower, who turned down an academic scholarship to Vanderbilt to play for the Tide. Can he stop Royster from running up and down the field?
Trent Richardson (left) stumbles into the endzone after getting tripped up. Player of the Game Nate Stupar (right) played excellent, as he led all players in tackles, TFLs, and got the safety that turned out to be the difference maker.
1st Quarter C. Wagner, 31 Yard Field Goal, 2:56
2nd Quarter D. Moye, 7 Yard Pass from K. Newsome, 1:41
C. Wagner, 29 Yard Field Goal, 0:41
Safety Bama: Team Safety, 0:13
3rd Quarter D. Hanks, 9 Yard Pass from G. McElroy, 2:21
T. Richardson, 23 Yard Run (2-pt failed), 0:28
4th Quarter
Passing Stats Mark Ingram: 1-1, 16 Yards
Greg McElroy: 6-12, 78 Yards, 1 TD, 1 INT Kevin Newsome: 10-20, 121 Yards, 1 TD
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