ALABAMA  HOSTS AUBURN TUESDAY AT 6:00 PM IN COLEMAN...

   

Be like this guy tomorrow night - Superfan.

      There are two games left in Alabama's regular season. It has been a great, although unexpected, year for Tide fans. The Crimson nation is looking forward to an even better finish. What happens next? Alabama needs to beat Auburn and Georgia to improve their record to 21-6, and it's always great to whip the farm. It's crucial for instate and regional recruiting. You don't get the JD Davison's of the world by finishing second to your archrival. AU has an upcoming date with the NCAA, which could set the Tigers back.

     The Auburn game will be a war. Bruce Pearl has reported that Shariff Cooper will travel with the Tigers to Tuscaloosa but refused to disclose whether he will play. That's Bruce Pearl engaged in coach speak.  Cooper will probably play, or he wouldn't travel. Good for him. Alabama wants to beat the Tigers when they are at full strength. Keep in mind that Auburn just beat Tennessee without Cooper. Auburn's record is now 12-13 overall and 6-10 in the Conference. 

     Once again, the Tide must try to stay even on the boards with a bigger and stronger Tiger team. The Tigers lead the nation in blocked shots. They have the height, length, and hops to dominate the inside. Bama's offensive game plan is to take the ball inside from Shackleford or Quinerly and draw perimeter defenders to stop them from shooting lay-ups.  The Sweatbirds may not have to help out that much.  The Tigres trio of Thor, Williams, and Akingbola is averaging four blocks per game. Alabama's perceived weakness is a lack of the power game inside. I think it is better than some believe, but Bama's lack of size inside will be visible. Alabama needs big games from Jones, Bruner, Gary, and Rojas on the inside. 

     The big question on the minds of fans for both teams is whether Shariff Cooper will play. I think if he travels, he'll play.  I talked to two people in Lee County who are very close to the program. Each thinks he'll play. Cooper did not play in the Tiger win over Tennessee this past weekend. If he plays, will Alabama man-up on him, or will the Tide try to man and play the gap to keep him out of the lane? I think the gap defense might be more effective. Bama is going to lose some of the lane wars if Cooper plays. He's a good player. We'll see how good he scores. Cooper plays 33.6 minutes a game. Allen Flanigan, who will play the point if Cooper can't go, averages 31 minutes a game. Both of those are a lot of time on the floor. Can Bama wear them down? 

    What Alabama needs to do is to score from downtown. The Tide has been throwing up bricks lately. They are due for a big game. I'm betting they will. If the Tide can make 10 threes, make 75% of the free throws, keep the turnovers around 15, and come close to breaking even on the inside,  they win. I think Bama will be  10 point favorite tomorrow.    I'm taking Alabama to win and to get the offense on track again.