Tide has a big opportunity tonight

A win in Columbia would move Tide to 3-0

 

Bama needs some big defensive
minutes from Obasahan...

     South Carolina is 0-2 in the SEC. If you have any doubt as to whether Frank Martin's much improved Gamecock team will be ready just look at that start. It is tough to dig your way out of a 0-3 start in the SEC. The game tips off tonight at 8CST. That means it will tip off at 9PM local time in South Carolina. Let's hope the late start might keep a few fans away.

   South Carolina got off to a great start early on this season. The Gamecocks now stand at 9-5. That includes  four point loss to Florida at home and a 16 point road thumping in Oxford, Miss. Las Vegas line makers have the Gamecocks as a 4 point favorite. That's not surprising. The road has historically proven to be a tough place to win in the SEC. The Tide is coming off an absolute crushing of Tennessee on the road. The Vols scored zip for a period of 12 minutes in the second half in face of an inspired Alabama defense. The over/under is a whopping 124.5 points. That essentially means that the first team to 63 is projected to be the winner.

     Carolina has beaten some good teams. They beat ISU by four on a neutral floor. The Tide lost a road game to the Cyclones. Carolina took down Oklahoma State by 16 in Columbia, and Clemson by 23. Those are three good teams. The Gamecocks certainly have better wins that Alabama, and have no real embarrassments either. This game would probably be a pick 'em on a neutral floor. Last season the Gamecocks beat Alabama 66-65 in Columbia. It was not a good game for Bama as they managed to snatch a defeat from the jaws of victory. 

The Match ups: 

1. The last ten games have been decided by less than ten points;
2. Free throws - Bama has won every game they have been able to get to the linen more often than the opponent. That means that Randolph, Cooper, and Tarrant must creat situations that put them on the line. 
3. South Carolina is going to start three guards. All are good shooters from the outside. Sindarius Thornwell might be the best of the three even though he is not their top scorer.
4. Alabama is going to extend their zone to cover those outside shots. That means that Taylor and Kessens will have the burden of helping on penetration. The Gamecocks are not as tall as Bama but have quickness on the insider that might cause the Tide problems
5. Alabama guards are going to have to wear down their defenders. They need to press and keep South Carolina's legs a little tired, especially in the last ten minutes. 
6. Alabama is going to need some help from Justin Coleman in this game. Not only can help on defense, he is quicker than anyone on the floor.
7. Rodney Cooper is going to get some match-ups with a Carolina guard.He might have the opportunity to abuse someone down low. On the other side of the coin he is going to depend on length to offset Carolina quickness.
8. Taylor and Kessens will need to offset the insider game of Laimonus Chatevicus, a former three star recruit. He is 6-11 and weighs 260. He's not the least bit shy about throwing his weight around.
9. Bama would be in great a place with no more than 12 turnovers.
10. A fast start. And some though defense from Obasahan. 

       I think Bama can win this game. That's not the same as winning however. Prior to the Florida loss the Gamecocks had won seven straight games. Frank Martin and his team were getting a lot of notice from ESPN as one of the most improved teams in the NCAA. The question is whether Bama can bring the same energy and focus as they did against UT. You'd believe that SC will be ready with their backs against the wall. 

       This road game is going to tell us a great deal about the Tide's future this season. I hope Bama can find some really carryover from the UT game. I never feel good about a road game. Tonight is no exception. We do have three upperclassmen. That helps. Two of those players are backcourt players. Guards win games. I think the experience of Randolph and Tarrant could be the edge.