First of All, I don't beilieve that we have stated that we will be crushing anyone. In fact, the only prediction that a Alcoa fan has made, was Tom's and that was 35-29. Certainly not a crushing.
As for me, I think that this game will be even closer than that. I believe that we may be seeing a game that is decided late, late in the 4th quarter, coming out of tied game. I don't know how good of a kicker Maryville has, but no doubt he is at least decent. I do know that Alcoa has a very good kicker in Reed Guzzo, and that he has probably been one of the most improved over this past off-season. If it is tied up late in the 4th I am confident that Guzzo could deliver us.
Obviously, Maryville has much more depth. They have many more people to choose from. I also know, regardless of what RebelRaider says, that we have more playmakers. In the trenches, Alcoa is extremely physical and talented, especially for their 'size' since apparently they are small. At the wideouts, what we lack in depth and size, we certainly more than make up for it in Speed, agility, and finesse.
At QB, Maryville obviously has a fine QB in Cade, because everyone knows you can't be to shabby to go D-1. Fiegler is not much behind however. He has the power to get it wherever it needs to be, and the vision to see that opening. Where Fiegler has been criticized, is in his accuracy. He has came strides this past year to improve that. I'm thinking that Joei will have 225 yards in the air.
At RB, I know that Maryville has tremendous backs. This is where I actually believe that Alcoa is better. Duck has been absolutely tremendous in any kind of play this year, Scrimmage, Jamboree, or vs. SD. Granted, I know that these kinds of competition will not begin to compare to Maryville, but I still believe that he will rush for 150 yards.
What the game comes down to, is defense. Alex Green and Richeon Bell are lockdown corners. Logan Love is an excellent Safety. Our Linebackers corps of Dante Love, Dominique Brown, and Duck are solid. Our D-line, is without question, very talented. 3/4 of the D-Lineman are Solid D-1 prospects. Rae Sykes could be a force at the next two levels, as well as Brandon Warren.
I expect this game to be closer than any in this rivalry in the past 5 years. Considering all of the facts, I see a mid-range scoring game, with a lot of turnovers both ways, but nevertheless a fundamentally sound game.
Alcoa-31
Maryville-28