By now, you heard the news about the complete beatdown that No. 1 Alabama gave No. 20 USC. Now, the Crimson Tide returns home for the season opener in Bryant-Denny to face Western Kentucky this Saturday.
Western Kentucky vs. Alabama 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule and 3 things to know
Alabama just hung 54 on a ranked USC team, so I am literally frightened to see how many points Lane Kiffin can put on Western Kentucky.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Crimson Tide will be facing the Hilltoppers for the third time in history this Saturday -- Alabama, as you probably could have guessed, is 2-0 in both previous meetings. Alabama won the initial meeting by a score of 41-7 in 2008 before shutting out WKU, 35-0, in 2012. Both games were played at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
However, it's important to note that this is just one week before arguably Bama's biggest game of the season -- a road game against the Ole Miss Rebels on Sept. 17. But before we get into that matchup any further, let's take a look at what lies ahead for this game between Western Kentucky and Alabama on Saturday.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2. Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht and Rocky Boiman will be on the call.
Radio: Alabama, Western Kentucky
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Alabama is currently a 24-point favorite over WKU.
Make friends: For Bama fans, head on over to Roll ‘Bama Roll.
Three big things to know
1. Western Kentucky’s offense can put up some major numbers. The Hilltoppers opened with Rice -- and the WKU offense did some damage on the Owls’ defense. The Hilltoppers put up a whopping 649 yards and 45 points last Saturday. Yes, Alabama’s defense is obviously in an entirely different atmosphere, but these numbers certainly jump out at you. WKU’s offense is led by junior quarterback Mike White, who threw for 517 yards last week.
2. Alabama has a chance to sort out its quarterback situation. Facing the Hilltoppers this week may give either Jalen Hurts or Blake Barnett a chance to separate themselves -- something they didn’t do in the USC game -- before traveling to Oxford, Ms. for Ole Miss. WKU’s defense returns just four starters from last year, but they added former Louisville linebackers Keith Brown and Nick Dawson-Brents this offseason. Fun fact: LSU running back Leonard Fournette’s longest run last year against the Hilltoppers was just 18 yards.
3. Nick Saban doesn’t lose home openers. The Alabama head coach is undefeated in Bryant Denny opening games since his arrival to Tuscaloosa, Al. in 2007. Don’t expect that trend to change against Western Kentucky.
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