Chattanooga vs. Alabama: Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

A week before the anticipated Iron Bowl, No. 1 Alabama gets what is essentially a glorified scrimmage against Tennessee Chattanooga of the Southern Conference in the FCS. 

These two schools have met 11 times, with Alabama winning all 11. They last met in 2009 when Alabama cruised to a 45-0 victory. If the Crimson Tide duplicate that effort, they won't cover the spread. 

Alabama (10-0) is a 49-point favorite in this one. 

Chattanooga (8-3) may be a tad outclassed in this game, but this is a team that knows how to win. The Mocs are ranked 18th in the FCS and earned a share of the Southern Conference title. 

Of course, the Southern Conference is not to be confused for the Southeastern Conference, and even if Nick Saban's team has its eyes fixed ahead to Auburn, it can still win this one.

Game Information

When: Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. ET

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Spread: Alabama -49 (according to VegasInsider)

Injury Report

Injury info via USA Today

Player	Pos.	Status	Injury
Dakota Ball	DL	Out	undisclosed
LaMichael Fanning	DE	Suspended	disciplinary
O.J. Howard	TE	Doubtful	ankle
Alvin Kamara	RB	Questionable	knee
Wilson Love	DT	Questionable	concussion
Nick Perry	S	Out	shoulder
Vinnie Sunseri	S	Out	knee
Bradley Sylve	CB	Questionable	ankle
Dalvin Tomlinson	DE	Out	knee
Brian Vogler	TE	Questionable	ankle
T.J. Yeldon	RB	Questionable	ankle

Chattanooga's injury report is not available.

Key Storyline: Will Alabama come out focused? 

As I said above, even if Alabama comes out lackadaisical, the Crimson Tide will still cruise. However, after a less-than-dominant performance last weekend, I imagine Nick Saban is telling his players they would be well-advised to bring a better effort. 

Playing against Mississippi State last week, the Crimson Tide held just a 10-7 lead midway through the third quarter. Uncharacteristically, Alabama was getting roughed up a bit in the trenches in that game. 

Still, the struggles are relative, and Alabama has a fairly high standard. The Crimson Tide did out-rush the Bulldogs 196 yards to 53 and won by 13 points. 

I wouldn't expect any early struggles in this one, and it is important for Alabama to come out of the gate strong. With Auburn waiting for them next week, Alabama has to take measures to go into that game firing on all cylinders. 

Prediction: Alabama 56, Chattanooga 6

Alabama is going to beat Chattanooga up in the first half. The Mocs just don't have the physicality to match Nick Saban's crew. 

I expect Alabama to take their foot off the gas a bit in the second, which will allow Chattanooga to crack the scoreboard.