AUBURN COMES TO TOWN TODAY - LET'S WELCOME THEM TO TOWN IN THE TYPICAL BAMA TRADITION

   

  If Alabama wants to be a part of the NCAA Tournament, it starts tomorrow with Auburn. Saturday is going to be a great game with two teams that are fairly even in talent in my opinion. Tyler Harris is due to return to the starting lineup for AU, and he's a nice solid player. He was kept out due to concussion protocols. His insertion into a game gives the Tigers a seven-man rotation. It's been quite a few games since that happens. T.J. Dunnins has been back in the lineup since injuring a knee earlier in the season. Bowers seems to have some big games when playing Alabama. Talk on the AU campus is that the Tigers are going to sweep the Tide for the first time since Noah was eligible. 

     In reality, this is not a game about the Auburn Tigers. It is a game about Alabama and whether they can start a new winning streak. The Tide was thumped by Kentucky and played their worst game since Xavier. Alabama's NCAA chances are getting dim. If the Tide as any chance they have to win their last three games, and I feel the need to get one or two more in the SEC Tournament. No one can honestly say what it will take to get into the Field. There are far too many games on the bubble, and who knows what those teams are going to do.

     Alabama must regain their confidence, which appeared to disappear in the Kentucky game. It also seemed that everyone but Retin Obasohan went brain dead. Auburn is a spirited and highly competitive bunch. They beat a more talented Georgia team in Auburn earlier in the week. The bottom line here is what I said about State. We have to ready. Alabama is an 11 point favorite. This Alabama has knocked to the canvass. Now we will find out if they can get back up. They did earlier in the season. They've lost only two games which we should have won. Those games were Auburn away and State at home. My source who was once on the Selection Committee, tells me that at minimum Bama needs to win its last three games. One is a road game in Georgia. Our RPI is not going to rise much due to the low RPI of our opponents.  When I asked if he thought the Tide need to win a game or two in the SC. "He said every team would like to do that. The wild card is upsets in postseason league Tournaments and what bubble teams play well going down the stretch." He went on to say that the Tide is  "really" on the bubble. Look for other bubble teams which lose while you win is the key. Perhaps the best post I've seen is by BAMA16, who gives us an excellent breakdown of what's what in Bubbleville. Kudos to him or her for their hard work.
Here's today's menu for success:

1. Bama must shut better. Both teams shoot around 42%. We need to be the team who does better.
2. Up the ante on defense. Auburn finally have 7 go to players in their rotation, but a lot of those players have played a lot of minutes.
3. Will anyone help Retin? I'm talking about Hale, Edwards, or Riley. Someone care to chips in?
4. Hope that Jimmie Taylor stays out of foul trouble, and he keeps Bowers in check.
5. I'm almost afraid to mention making free throws.
6. Let's hope the refs give us our fair share of home cooking.
7. Fan support must be proud, loud, and never let up. Visit the Cameron Crazies for further instructions. I'm talking about non-students. Remember we are the sixth man.

Tide by 5 or more as the tractor takes a hit today.