Friday, September 26, 2008

Cooper's take

Cody Effect
It’s tough to say who Alabama’s MVP is through the first four games, but right now it might be nose tackle Terrence Cody.
None of Alabama’s opponents have had an answer for the giant junior college transfer as he has stuffed up the middle and opened up lanes for the Tide’s defensive players.
Arkansas, with its All-America center Jonathan Luigs, still needed to double-team the 6-foot-5, 365-pound Cody. Going against a ground attack like Georgia’s with running back Knowshon Moreno will be a challenge.
Said Georgia coach Mark Richt, “I don't think we will knock him back."

Air Tide
Quarterback John Parker Wilson hasn’t been the most productive player on offense, but then again he hasn’t needed to be.
So far the Crimson Tide has out-rushed its opponent 947-220. Meanwhile, Alabama’s opponents have thrown for more yards, 753 to 603. In his first two years at Alabama, Wilson showed the ability to make plays throwing the ball, but this year Alabama coach Nick Saban has asked that his quarterback simply manage the game. The Bulldogs are ranked third in the country in rush defense, so if the run isn’t there, the Crimson Tide will ask Wilson to find receivers and beat Georgia that way.
“We're a good passing team,” Wilson said. “But when you're running the ball like you do, there's no need to throw the ball.”

— Josh Cooper

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