The common link among champions

[sfcane2]

This Monday should be a test for DMoneys theory as Alabama has a so so line with only one draftable prospect Jesse Williams (2nd round projection) while ND is stacked with elite NFL bodies.

 

[WhatTheHell]

I agree.. same with Ricardo Williams

When was this picture taken? Did he have little baby Ricardo yet?

 

[RiDLer80]

This Monday should be a test for DMoneys theory as Alabama has a so so line with only one draftable prospect Jesse Williams (2nd round projection) while ND is stacked with elite NFL bodies.

That may be true, but ND's OL isn't on the level of their DL so Bama's lack of star payers on the DL shouldn't make as big a difference as you think.

 

[sfcane2]

Looks like the theory didn't hold this year. A lot of different ways to win in an era when there are no great teams.

 

[Larry]

'Bama's front seven is as good as any team's in the country. Scheme doesn't allow the D-Line to put up the numbers that would otherwise highlight first round picks.

 

[sfcane2]

The original post related to defensive line talent being the determinant for National Championships. There's no argument that Alabama has a great defensive line. It was shown through the year by the lack of pass rush and lack of elite NFL prospects.

 

[Harrisonford]

I would amend the original statement to say that it is not DL per se, but rather being able to control the LOS, being with a dominant front four, front seven, bear front, whatever. Controlling the LOS and getting consistent penetration on both sides of the ball.

 

[DMoney]

Looks like the theory didn't hold this year. A lot of different ways to win in an era when there are no great teams.

The theory held up without a problem.

First, we learned an elite front four can carry a flawed Notre Dame team all the way to the title game.

As for Bama, they have a nose tackle who will go in the top two rounds (Williams), a sophomore pass rusher who could be a first round pick (Hubbard), and experienced DEs that two-gap and do the dirty work. They have a strong defensive line just like every top SEC team does.

 

[dg151]

A team that averaged 190 yards on the ground a game ran for 32. That didn't happen by accident.

(obviously getting blown out didn't help, but Bama's DL controlled the LOS the entire game, 1.7 ypc isn't good no matter what)

 

[Madbugger]

The original post related to defensive line talent being the determinant for National Championships. There's no argument that Alabama has a great defensive line. It was shown through the year by the lack of pass rush and lack of elite NFL prospects.

I would amend the original statement to say that it is not DL per se, but rather being able to control the LOS, being with a dominant front four, front seven, bear front, whatever. Controlling the LOS and getting consistent penetration on both sides of the ball.

Clearly the first or second anomalies in 12-13 years disprove the OP.

 

[DMoney]

Bumping this thread from May 2012 in light of the championship game last night.

Defensive line play is still the most important factor in college football success. FSU and Auburn have war daddies up front.

 

[Dan E. Dangerously]

Bumping this thread from May 2012 in light of the championship game last night.

Defensive line play is still the most important factor in college football success. FSU and Auburn have war daddies up front.

We have Cory King

 

[caneaddict]

will you be my valentine?

 

[jruiz]

We need valentine

 

[Hurracanes]

Losing Valentine will set us back even further. The DT position is a god **** mess.

 

[OBLIVION]

but, why didn't the 2002 team win it? that was an arguably more talented team.

1) The 2002 defensive line got lazy.
2) The Ohio State defensive line was the better unit in the Fiesta Bowl.

Looked that way with Clarett getting trashed in the backfield.

Willis was starting to hit his stride when he got hurt.

Yet if you want to say anyone one got lazy it was our OL.

 

[Gamineal]

yes the D lines were great but the hard hitting Safties stole the show....

 

[eleganttomcat]

Valentine makes our very good DL class elite IMO. Don't think we can convince him to come back unfortunately

 

[eleganttomcat]

Ps **** keif, I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that douche rustled our fanbase pretty hard last season

 

[nofxandslayer]

Valentine aint coming here. His tweets about the fans made that crystal clear. Just have to hope Hamilton, Mcord, AQM, Thomas, and the others step up big. I would expect a graduate transfer or 2 on the line this year.