After a brief hiatus, Alabama football is back this weekend. The Crimson Tide (6-0) will play for the first time since earning its No. 1 ranking earlier this month as it takes on Kentucky (3-4) at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama is currently favored by 30.5 points heading into the game.
Today we will dive into some of the matchup’s storylines by providing three observations, two questions and one prediction.
THREE OBSERVATIONS
Ray back practicing, status still uncertain
LaBryan Ray is back in the fold at practice for Alabama. Whether the starting defensive end will be available for this week’s game against Kentucky is another story.
During his Wednesday Zoom call with reporters, Nick Saban provided an update Ray, stating the defender’s availability will come down to hoe confident he feels with his ability to use his injured elbow.
“Maybe there’s some role he can play in the game, but it’s going to be strictly up to how he feels,” Saban said. “We’ve kind of cleared him to sort of make progress as he can. This is kind of a different injury when you’ve got an elbow and you’re a defensive lineman and you’re using your hands every play. It takes time to get confidence in your ability to do that when you’ve had that type of injury.”
Ray started Alabama’s first three games, recording 11 stops and .5 sacks with a quarterback hurry. He has been replaced by Christian Barmore and Phidarian Mathis on Alabama’s starting defensive line.
Alabama could use Ray’s ability to set the edge this week as it goes up against a Kentucky team that features a dual-threat quarterback in Terry Wilson as well as running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. who leads the SEC averaging 6.39 yards per carry. The Wildcats rank second in the conference averaging 195 yards per game on the ground.
Alabama’s physical backs pack plenty of punch
A lot has been said about Najee Harris this week, but linebacker Christian Harris probably summed things up the best.
“Najee is incredibly large and fast,” he said of his teammate, “which is unusual.”
At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Najee has been a load for SEC defenders this season. Those able to corral the quick-footed running back are typically met with a punishing blow as he uses his muscular frame to power his way to extra yards. Multiply that over 20 carries a game and, as Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops says, “You’re definitely going to feel him.”
While bringing down Harris is difficult enough, Kentucky will also have to face a healthy Brian Robinson Jr. this week. Like Najee, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound back also offers plenty of power and isn’t shy to lower his shoulder during runs.
“I think that’s one of the reasons why they are so dynamic,” Stoops said. “They’re always good, but I think with the physicality of their running backs and their running game... you certainly feel that. So it takes its toll on you through four quarters with tackling such physical backs.”
Kentucky has struggled against the run in recent weeks, allowing a 100-yard rusher in each of its last four games. With Najee averaging 119 yards per game on the ground, that streak figures to continue this week.
Saban shares story on Stoops recruitment
Kentucky’s inability to hold on to former commit Mac Jones has been highlighted several times this week. However, Stoops isn’t the only one who will be going up against a former missed recruit Saturday. In fact, the Kentucky head coach was once himself a target of Saban’s during the Alabama coach’s time at Michigan State.
Wednesday, Saban, 69, told the story behind failing to land Stoops, 53, who eventually followed his brothers to Iowa.
“Well, Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown (Ohio) was part of my recruiting area for a long time, and you know all the Stoops brothers came through there,” Saban recalled during the SEC teleconference. “That’s where they went to school with their dad who was a defensive coordinator there. Even though they all ended up at Iowa, we still tried to recruit them at Michigan State when I was at Michigan State, and Don Bucci was the coach.
Saban also noted that Vince Marrow, who currently coaches tight ends at Kentucky, also attended Cardinal Mooney and that his brothers were Michigan State targets who ended up going to Wisconsin.
"I’m kind of admitting I wasn’t a very good recruiter back in those days,” Saban said.
The Alabama coach has gotten a bit better at reeling in his targets since then. He also ended up landing a Stoops after all as Mark’s older brother Mike serves as an offensive analyst for the Tide.
TWO QUESTIONS
Will Mac Jones pick up where he left off?
This week’s matchup features the SEC’s top passing offense in Alabama against its best pass defense in Kentucky. The Tide leads the nation averaging 11.8 yards per pass attempt and ranks third with 380 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, Kentucky is holding opponents to 6.5 yards per attempt and 214.1 yards per game through the air.
Saturday, something’s got to give.
So far this season, Alabama has thrown the ball well against highly-touted defenses. Jones completed 24 of 32 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns with an interception against Georgia. In his most recent outing against Mississippi State, he completed 24 of 31 passes for 291 yards while connecting with receiver DeVonta Smith for four scores through the air. Although, it’s worth noting that Mississippi State and Georgia both currently rank No. 61 and No. 99 respectively in pass defense.
Kentucky has allowed just one passer to reach the 300-yard mark this season as Ole Miss’ Matt Corral threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns during a 42-41 overtime win over the Wildcats on Oct. 3. If Jones can replicate that success, it would be another step toward proving himself as a premier Heisman contender.
Will we see Jase McClellan?
Alabama has yet to really dip into its depth on offense. However, that hasn’t quelled intrigue surrounding some of its potential breakout stars. The Tide’s current young player du jour seems to be true freshman running back Jase McClellan.
The former four-star recruit has yet to carry the ball for Alabama and has taken just one snap out of the backfield this season. However, following Trey Sanders’ season-ending injury, there is a thought that McClellan could see his role increase moving forward.
“I think Jase is a guy who’s really stepped up as of late,” tight end Miller Forristall said. “It’s a year where guys can go up and down, in and out not only with injuries but with COVID now, so guys have gotten a lot more reps. I think Jase has done a great job of stepping into that role.
“He runs really, really hard. That’s the first thing that jumps off when you watch Jase play, he runs hard. And he does a great job of finishing, even in practice, and that’s going to pay off in games when he starts to get more and more carries. That guy’s really developed and I’m proud of the way he practices.”
Along with McClellan, Alabama could also turn to fellow true freshman Roydell Williams as its third back. Williams has two carries for 3 yards this season.
PREDICTION
Alabama continues its streak of non-offensive touchdowns
Alabama’s defense has found the end zone in its last two games as Malachi Moore took the ball 28 yards on a strip-and-score against Tennessee before Patrick Surtain II returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown against Mississippi State. We’ve seen the Tide go on streaks of non-offensive touchdowns in the past. With a poor Kentucky offense coming to town this weekend, we might see another.
Today we will dive into some of the matchup’s storylines by providing three observations, two questions and one prediction.
THREE OBSERVATIONS
Ray back practicing, status still uncertain
LaBryan Ray is back in the fold at practice for Alabama. Whether the starting defensive end will be available for this week’s game against Kentucky is another story.
During his Wednesday Zoom call with reporters, Nick Saban provided an update Ray, stating the defender’s availability will come down to hoe confident he feels with his ability to use his injured elbow.
“Maybe there’s some role he can play in the game, but it’s going to be strictly up to how he feels,” Saban said. “We’ve kind of cleared him to sort of make progress as he can. This is kind of a different injury when you’ve got an elbow and you’re a defensive lineman and you’re using your hands every play. It takes time to get confidence in your ability to do that when you’ve had that type of injury.”
Ray started Alabama’s first three games, recording 11 stops and .5 sacks with a quarterback hurry. He has been replaced by Christian Barmore and Phidarian Mathis on Alabama’s starting defensive line.
Alabama could use Ray’s ability to set the edge this week as it goes up against a Kentucky team that features a dual-threat quarterback in Terry Wilson as well as running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. who leads the SEC averaging 6.39 yards per carry. The Wildcats rank second in the conference averaging 195 yards per game on the ground.
Alabama’s physical backs pack plenty of punch
A lot has been said about Najee Harris this week, but linebacker Christian Harris probably summed things up the best.
“Najee is incredibly large and fast,” he said of his teammate, “which is unusual.”
At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Najee has been a load for SEC defenders this season. Those able to corral the quick-footed running back are typically met with a punishing blow as he uses his muscular frame to power his way to extra yards. Multiply that over 20 carries a game and, as Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops says, “You’re definitely going to feel him.”
While bringing down Harris is difficult enough, Kentucky will also have to face a healthy Brian Robinson Jr. this week. Like Najee, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound back also offers plenty of power and isn’t shy to lower his shoulder during runs.
“I think that’s one of the reasons why they are so dynamic,” Stoops said. “They’re always good, but I think with the physicality of their running backs and their running game... you certainly feel that. So it takes its toll on you through four quarters with tackling such physical backs.”
Kentucky has struggled against the run in recent weeks, allowing a 100-yard rusher in each of its last four games. With Najee averaging 119 yards per game on the ground, that streak figures to continue this week.
Saban shares story on Stoops recruitment
Kentucky’s inability to hold on to former commit Mac Jones has been highlighted several times this week. However, Stoops isn’t the only one who will be going up against a former missed recruit Saturday. In fact, the Kentucky head coach was once himself a target of Saban’s during the Alabama coach’s time at Michigan State.
Wednesday, Saban, 69, told the story behind failing to land Stoops, 53, who eventually followed his brothers to Iowa.
“Well, Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown (Ohio) was part of my recruiting area for a long time, and you know all the Stoops brothers came through there,” Saban recalled during the SEC teleconference. “That’s where they went to school with their dad who was a defensive coordinator there. Even though they all ended up at Iowa, we still tried to recruit them at Michigan State when I was at Michigan State, and Don Bucci was the coach.
Saban also noted that Vince Marrow, who currently coaches tight ends at Kentucky, also attended Cardinal Mooney and that his brothers were Michigan State targets who ended up going to Wisconsin.
"I’m kind of admitting I wasn’t a very good recruiter back in those days,” Saban said.
The Alabama coach has gotten a bit better at reeling in his targets since then. He also ended up landing a Stoops after all as Mark’s older brother Mike serves as an offensive analyst for the Tide.
TWO QUESTIONS
Will Mac Jones pick up where he left off?
This week’s matchup features the SEC’s top passing offense in Alabama against its best pass defense in Kentucky. The Tide leads the nation averaging 11.8 yards per pass attempt and ranks third with 380 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, Kentucky is holding opponents to 6.5 yards per attempt and 214.1 yards per game through the air.
Saturday, something’s got to give.
So far this season, Alabama has thrown the ball well against highly-touted defenses. Jones completed 24 of 32 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns with an interception against Georgia. In his most recent outing against Mississippi State, he completed 24 of 31 passes for 291 yards while connecting with receiver DeVonta Smith for four scores through the air. Although, it’s worth noting that Mississippi State and Georgia both currently rank No. 61 and No. 99 respectively in pass defense.
Kentucky has allowed just one passer to reach the 300-yard mark this season as Ole Miss’ Matt Corral threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns during a 42-41 overtime win over the Wildcats on Oct. 3. If Jones can replicate that success, it would be another step toward proving himself as a premier Heisman contender.
Will we see Jase McClellan?
Alabama has yet to really dip into its depth on offense. However, that hasn’t quelled intrigue surrounding some of its potential breakout stars. The Tide’s current young player du jour seems to be true freshman running back Jase McClellan.
The former four-star recruit has yet to carry the ball for Alabama and has taken just one snap out of the backfield this season. However, following Trey Sanders’ season-ending injury, there is a thought that McClellan could see his role increase moving forward.
“I think Jase is a guy who’s really stepped up as of late,” tight end Miller Forristall said. “It’s a year where guys can go up and down, in and out not only with injuries but with COVID now, so guys have gotten a lot more reps. I think Jase has done a great job of stepping into that role.
“He runs really, really hard. That’s the first thing that jumps off when you watch Jase play, he runs hard. And he does a great job of finishing, even in practice, and that’s going to pay off in games when he starts to get more and more carries. That guy’s really developed and I’m proud of the way he practices.”
Along with McClellan, Alabama could also turn to fellow true freshman Roydell Williams as its third back. Williams has two carries for 3 yards this season.
PREDICTION
Alabama continues its streak of non-offensive touchdowns
Alabama’s defense has found the end zone in its last two games as Malachi Moore took the ball 28 yards on a strip-and-score against Tennessee before Patrick Surtain II returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown against Mississippi State. We’ve seen the Tide go on streaks of non-offensive touchdowns in the past. With a poor Kentucky offense coming to town this weekend, we might see another.
