Offense
Advantage: Alabama
Alabama leads the SEC in scoring offense (41.2 points per game) and total offense (492.2-yard average). ArDarius Stewart has emerged as a major threat to give the Crimson Tide yet another weapon. Chattanooga ranks in the top 20 in the FCS in scoring (36.1 points) and rushing (214.7 yards) average.
Defense
Advantage: Alabama
The Crimson Tide tops the SEC in scoring defense (12.2 points per game) and total defense (less than 260 yards allowed per game), and has an unsung hero in lockdown corner Anthony Averett. The Mocs’ defense is a top-10 FCS unit, yielding less than 17 points and only 275.2 yards per game.
Special Teams
Advantage: Alabama
About the only area where UA is average is in field-goal kicking, but Adam Griffith could be the best kickoff guy in Alabama history. JK Scott ranks second in the nation in punting with a 48.4-yard average. Chattanooga is solid in all phases of the kicking game.
Coaching
Advantage: Alabama
Alabama boasts two of the best coordinators in college football in Lane Kiffin and Jeremy Pruitt, who lead UA’s offense and defense, respectively. Chattanooga’s Russ Huesman is one of the top coaches in the Football Championship Subdivision and has the program contending at the national level.
Intangibles
Advantage: Alabama
No intangible could overcome Alabama’s edge in talent in this game, but while Alabama has Auburn, the SEC Championship Game and more looming, Chattanooga has to balance this game with being prepared for the FCS playoffs, where the Mocs have a chance to compete for their national championship.
Prediction
Alabama 48, Chattanooga 3
The Crimson Tide is just too good to be threatened here, even though the Mocs are a top team at their level. Alabama’s defense plays nasty and the offense is packed with explosive weapons. Nick Saban doesn’t like to run it up, but that won’t make this contest a close one.
STAFF PICKS
Joey Chandler
Alabama 52, Chattanoga 0
Alabama records its third shutout of the season, continuing its dominance against opponents. Chattanooga heads into halftime without reaching the red zone once. The Crimson Tide’s offense puts up big numbers, and the second string gets an opportunity to show off its talents.
Caroline Gazzara
Alabama 56, Chattanooga 10
This is an easy game. Chattanooga gets to dip its toes in the deep end and Alabama will give many players the chance to see some action. The Tide will score big in the first half before laying off and giving Chattanooga a score or two.
Drew Hill
Alabama 56, Chattanooga 6
Chattanooga is a very solid FCS team, but the Crimson Tide will roll and then some. The Mocs offensive lineman Corey Levin will likely hear his name called in the NFL Draft this year, and should provide a decent challenge for some of Alabama's defensive lineman. Jalen Hurts' huge performance will help him get closer to the Alabama single-season touchdown record.
Cecil Hurt
Alabama 40, Chattanooga 0
The Mocs are a good FCS team. It's like saying Manny Pacquiao is a good boxer. But if he fought Deontay Wilder, he'd get knocked out.
Ben Jones
Alabama 56, Chattanooga 6
It has been 27 days since the Crimson Tide defense last gave up a touchdown. Alabama is outscoring its opponents 81-3 since then. It's a pretty good bet that Alabama's streak will continue to grow at least through the first half against the Mocs.
Michael Southern
Alabama 49, Chattanooga 3
The Crimson Tide showed its maturity level by focusing against Mississippi State and not suffering a hangover following the win at LSU. Alabama will continue its march toward Atlanta with an easy victory over Chattanooga.
Edwin Stanton
Alabama 59, Chattanooga 3
I know how Nick Saban feels giving respect to a opponent we all consider a 'cupcake,' but I don't think he'll be talking about tin horns after this one. The Crimson Tide can pick their own score and the biggest worry is keeping everyone healthy for next week's Iron Bowl.
Aaron Suttles
Alabama 52, Chattanooga 0
This team is on pace to shatter offensive scoring records. That march continues this week, although with plenty of reserves seeing action.
Terrin Waack
Alabama 45, Chattanooga 0
Regardless of the upsets last weekend, don't expect Alabama to fall to Chattanooga. The Crimson Tide hasn't lost a game in November since the Iron Bowl in 2013. Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts showed great balance against Mississippi State and shouldn't backtrack. Then, the defense will shut down this weekend's opponent, per usual.
Tyler Waldrep
Alabama 51, Chattanooga 3
Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin gives quarterback Jalen Hurts plenty of chances to gain confidence in his ability to throw the ball down the field, and Alabama scores a non-offensive touchdown after failing to do so in the last two games.
