Got a chance to catch up with Paul Holley of RollBamaRoll.com and he was gracious enough to spend some time talking about Thursday's game and a few other thoughts.
PantherTalk.com: How do Tide fans view this game? The reason I ask is when it was announced many Tide fans groaned. When it was moved by Alabama even more were upset because it was a rare weeknight game in Tuscaloosa.
PH: I think some 'Bama fans are upset about the scheduling of the game on a Thursday night throwing a kink in their normal weekend routines and travel plans, but on the whole I don't think there are any great complaints here. Admittedly scheduling a Division 1-AA upstart is not the most intriguing match-up for late November, but clearly the idea is to create as easy of a game as possible to help preparations for the Iron Bowl. I think the bulk of the fan base, while not overly excited about the opponent or the date, realizes that this is probably a necessary evil.
PantherTalk.com: What do you believe Saban's plan for the game will be? I beleive the Mississippi State will likely be a very physical battle and you guys already have a few players, including Trent Richardson and others on defense knicked up before facing Auburn 8 days later.
PH: I would expect a pretty vanilla game plan where we attempt to do those things that we normally do on both sides of the football. I'm sure we'll try to establish a big lead early and then pull the starters from there. A year ago in this game against Tennessee-Chattanooga, the starters played the first half but few saw action in the second half, and I would imagine that is the ideal scenario for our coaching staff again this year. I think you might see some extra precaution with a few players that are ailing -- Trent Richardson will be unlikely to play, for example, even though he probably could if absolutely necessary -- and clearly the goal is self-preservation with the Auburn game eight days away.
PantherTalk.com: What are fans saying about Bill Curry's return? His last game in Tuscaloosa was a 35-7 loss in 1996 when he was coaching Kentucky (his last year with the Wildcats).
PH: Justified or not, the bulk of the UA fan base has never liked Curry for a variety of reasons. Having said that, though, Curry hasn't coached at Alabama in over 20 years now, and for the most part it's largely irrelevant. Most fans thirty-five and under have little or no memory of Curry's three seasons in Tuscaloosa, and the ones who can remember it vividly have probably moved on at this point. I doubt any tears will be shed if Curry gets taken to the woodshed once again like he did in 1996, but I honestly don't think anyone will really care all that much one way or the other. The goal is to win the game with as little effort and human cost as possible, and anything involving Curry is just a sideshow at best.
PantherTalk.com: Has Georgia State gained any respect in Tide's fans eyes since the preseason after taking Jacksonville State in OT in Week 3 and not showing that they'll roll over and die like many expected this first year program to do?
PH: I think those that have really paid attention to Georgia State this season are probably a bit surprised that there haven't been quite as many struggles as you typically expect with start-up programs, and at this point I really don't think that anyone legitimately expects them to just roll over for us. Having said that, though, that still doesn't change the fact that we are probably one of the best ten or fifteen teams in the country and that anyone in that position should handle a Division 1-AA upstart with ease, even if they have surprised some people in their inaugural season. I don't think anyone lacks respect as much as they just have a legitimate expectation for how this game should turn out.
5. We are expecting approx. 7500 Georgia State fans in Tuscaloosa next week and would love some insight on seeing one of college football's legendary stadiums. What are your best bets for fans to see while in town? Best places to eat/visit?
PH: In terms of college football history, a stop by the Bryant Museum is an absolute must. For food, my suggestion is Dreamland, but there are quite a few other places worth trying like the Waysider for breakfast or Chuck's for a bit more of a pricey meal. A lot of people prefer Archibald's in Northport for BBQ, but you really cannot go wrong either way. If you're looking for a drink, the best bet is to go to the Strip given its proximity to Bryant-Denny Stadium, and if you can make sure you hit up Egan's. Tell 'em you found out about them through RBR.
Thanks again to Paul and check out the best Alabama fan site on the web. RBR Link
