Game Preview: Western Kentucky vs. Alabama
In a very bland week two this is a game that could draw some interest. Alabama is coming off of a 52-6 throttling of, then, No. 20 USC and Western Kentucky is coming off a 46-14 win which they put up 649 yards on Rice, including 552 passing yards.
Many people are going to overlook this matchup given Alabama’s very strong showing last weekend, but don’t overlook the Hilltoppers. They finished the season ranked 24th last season with a 12-2 record and finished with the fifth ranked offense in terms of total offense.
Despite losing quarterback Brandon Doughty to the NFL, they appear to have not missed a beat with junior Mike White stepping in and throwing for 517 yards and three touchdowns. Despite going against Rice, they have proven to be a force against SEC teams dropping Kentucky and Vanderbilt in two seasons.
Sep 1, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Mike White (14) throws the ball during the first half against Rice Owls at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky: Western Kentucky’s offense heavily relies on the passing game, and that will put the game on the shoulders of their quarterback. White faces an uphill battle against the best defense he will see all season long, and a fast and talented secondary. If he can sling the ball like he did last Saturday the Hilltoppers could keep it close.
Jalen Hurts/Blake Barnett, QB, Alabama: For the first time in a long time Alabama has two very talented freshman quarterbacks to choose from to start, and they will both see adequate playing time on Saturday to help end the battle. Expect a lot of chances for both of them to shine and make their cases to start against Ole Miss in week three’s SEC opener.
Nicholas Norris, WR, Western Kentucky: With the air raid the prerogative of their offense, Norris will be a key Saturday. He caught seven passes for 147 yards and two scores last Saturday and will face a tough task in getting into space against a talented secondary. If he can get going he can open things up for their passing game.
Alabama Secondary: The secondary will be put to the test on Saturday to deal with an offense that threw the ball 35 times in the opener and 554 times last year. This will be a good tune up and preparation for week three’s showdown in Oxford.
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a ball for a touchdown during the first half against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Staying focused: Alabama’s biggest enemy as of right now is themselves, they can’t afford to get complacent and overlook a good Hilltopper team. With a massive matchup looming they can’t look ahead. This will be a tougher game than people believe, and if the Crimson Tide come out and play like they did in the first quarter last week they could end up on upset alert.
Limiting turnovers: Western Kentucky will be slinging the ball all around the yard on Saturday, and to have any chance they need to limit their turnovers. They didn’t turn the ball over last week, but they will face a much tougher defense full of future first rounders and All Americans.
Taking advantage of the QB carousel: Western Kentucky can throw a wrench in Alabama’s plans by dialing up pressure and not allowing either Barnett or Hurts to get into a rhythm like USC did early last week. If they can limit Alabama’s ability to run, and get after the quarterbacks they can stay within striking distance.
Get the run going early: Alabama has four very talented running backs in Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Joshua Jacobs, and BJ Emmons, and if they get going it opens up everything for Alabama. Not to mention that both of Alabama’s quarterbacks can run, if they can get the running game going early it allows the play action, passing, and read options to open up.
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) reacts during the first half against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama is the clear favorite, and it’s hard to make a case against them given their unreal showing against USC in Dallas. However, it’s a realistic possibility that this game remains relatively close down to the wire.
Western Kentucky’s high powered offense is no joke, and their team returns 15 starters from a team that went 12-2 and finished rank, they’re no pushover. Expect to see some big plays from their air raid approach.
Alabama on the other hand needs to get their quarterback situation figured out. Don’t expect the Crimson Tide to break out their whole playbook, but expect them to allow both Jalen Hurts and Blake Barnett to take shots downfield and see who is their starter even if the score’s very one sided.
Alabama will ultimately pull away victorious, but in a contested effort. Jalen Hurts will finally pull ahead for good in the starter competition, and Bo Scarbrough will have his coming out party. Mike White will throw 40+ passes and three touchdowns on the day, but in a losing effort.
Final Score: Alabama 52 Western Kentucky 21
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