Coach ,

It’s only week two, but a game with playoff implications is our featured game of the week.

A game that was decided with under two minutes to go by a field goal saw the Crimson Tide come out on top. This year the Longhorns will have to make the trip to Tuscaloosa and look to return the favor. This is shaping up to be a game that holds more stake than simply in the win-loss column. 

2024 will see the alignment of the new SEC with Oklahoma and Texas joining the conference. With Georgia having recently taken prominence in the conference this game appears to hold more weight whether it is just media babbling or not. Texas is looking to stake their piece in recruiting and show they can hang with these teams again. 

Alabama is Alabama as long as Nick Saban is there they will recruit well and win games. But, this season and this game can be an indication of whether others are gaining ground or how much more of a fight this is going to become for the Tide. Either way, this is going to be a red letter game for both teams and will dictate whether there is an uphill climb for the rest of the year or not. 

Let’s take a look at som insight from coaches of each staff.

Texas Longhorns

Developing a championship defense is always built upon the players, and as Co-DC Jeff Choate points out in this video, the health of the players is paramount. He explains their 4 Pillars of developing their players.

Video: Pillars of Player Development

Defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach Terry Joseph believes in putting together a solid plan through their weekly process, and he will have to deal with a talented Alabama receivers corp. 

They surely will have some “alerts” and Coach Joseph shares how they develop their weekly “Alerts” in this video: (click image for video):

Video - What do we look for?

The Longhorns will need to establish the run and for Coach Flood that begins with establishing the inside zone play. The fundamentals developed in camp will have to carry over to the game field at Darrel K Royal Stadium this Saturday.

Coach Flood gives you an easy, simple drill, “Fit and Walk” his offensive line uses for 

• Getting defensive lineman off the ball
• First step fundamentals 
• Moving up to the second level

(click on image for video)

Video - Run Game Fundamentals

Counter is a big scheme for the Longhorns as well. It starts with the line calls which Coach Flood explains here:

Video: Gap Calls

Of course, the third phase can be the difference in a big game, and Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Banks. In week one cornerback  D’Shawn Jamison blocked a punt which was recovered for the Longhorns' first score of the season. Coach Banks will look to create more big plays against Bama.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Nick Saban looks to return the Tide to the top in 2022. Despite the frequent changes he sees in his staff, he finds a way to bring continuity to the program to maintain its standard of excellence.

It all starts at the top and any Q&A that Coach Saban does is full of gold nuggets that you can learn from.  

Here he talks about “and players” and “but players.” This is a great one to share with your team or position group. (click on image for video):

Video: “And” and “But”

Here is a video from the Alabama Football Coaches Association that went viral this past clinic season about being ready for the opportunity. It’s another that every player on your team needs to see (click on image for video):

Video: Prepare for the Opportunity

Tonight should be a great game to watch! Enjoy it and good luck in your preparations for next week!

-The CoachesClinic Team

P.S. All clinic presentations (and bundles) with current NFL coaches are on sale to kick off the NFL season. You can find those here NFL Road to LVIII 58% Off Sale

More Clinics from these staffs:

All Gas No Brakes - Steve Sarkisian, HC

DB Play - Terry Joseph, PGC/SEC w/ Steve Sarkisian, HC

Texas Zone Run Game - Kyle Flood, OC/OL w/ Steve Sarkisian, HC

1&2 Back Counter - Kyle Flood, OC/OL

Inside Zone Play with Variations and RPO - Kyle Flood, OC/OL

Run Game Fundamentals - Kyle Flood, OC/OL

Running the Ball with Multiple Schemes vs. Tite Front - Kyle Flood, OC/OL Texas Special Teams: Punt Return Organization - Jeff Banks, AHC/STC/TE

2022 Angelo Clinic Replays - Blake Gideon, SAF and More

Developing a Defensive Passing Game Planning - Terry Joseph, PGC/SEC

Developing Relationships with Your Players - Terry Joseph, PGC/SEC

Q&A with Nick Saban, HC

WR Fundamentals/RPOs - Holmon Wiggins, AHC/WR