Kent State vs. Alabama: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

The No. 2-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide are opening their season against the unranked Kent State Golden Flashes. This is a major mismatch and should be an easy victory for Nick Saban’s squad.

‘Bama should come out angry and motivated after finishing 10-3 last season, which was well short of expectations after their 2009 BCS National Championship team returned a number of starters. The Golden Flashes aren’t going to roll over to the Tide too easily to start this season though.

Kent State has an entirely new coaching staff comprised of head coach Darrell Hazell and coordinators Brian Rock (offensive) and Jon Heacock (defensive). Hazell was the wide receivers coach at Ohio State for the past six years and could be running an OSU-style offense. Then again, they may not be, which is exactly what makes this a tough team for Alabama to figure out.

This is the first ever meeting between the two schools, and while it looks one-sided with Alabama favored by 38, stranger things have happened.

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
 

When: 12:20 p.m. ET. September 3, 2011
 

Watch: SEC Network, ESPN Gameplan, ESPN3
 

Listen: Kent State: WNIR 100.1 FM Alabama: WJOX-FM 94.5 AM 690, WTSK-AM 790
 

Betting Line: Alabama -38 

Kent State Injury Report

• Dri Archer (Suspended)—The back-up running back is academically ineligible this season.
• Jacquise Terry (Probable)-—Senior-starting running back has been struggling with shoulder problem and left a scrimmage Saturday. Kent needs him in the lineup as he was the leading rusher and TD scorer last season.
• Roosevelt Nix (Probable)—Nix left practice limping last week with an injured toe. The sophomore defensive lineman should be back in time for the ‘Bama game. He is a major part of the Kent State line and was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.

 

Alabama Injury Report

• Darius Hanks (Eligibility)—Hanks caught one pass his redshirt season in 2007. He will have to sit out two games to get himself eligible again this season. He is a starting wide receiver and will be counted on to replace Julio Jones.
• Dee Hart (Out)—Hart is the reason that two running backs left Alabama, as the freshman was very impressive in preseason camp before injuring his knee. He was expected to be the third back, but now the team has no real option behind Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

Alabama needs a big win to keep their No. 2 ranking. SEC rival and No. 3 LSU is going up against No. 4 Oregon the same day and could make a leap with a huge win. If Alabama actually loses to Kent State, it would send them tumbling down the polls and they would have no chance at making the National Championship Game. Kent State has not had a winning season since 2001 but could consider themselves a Cinderella team if they manage to upset ‘Bama on Saturday.
 

What They’re Saying

Ken Rogers of the Dothan Eagle believes that Alabama is going to have a tricky time preparing for Kent State because of their new coaching staff. He quotes Nick Saban, “They've got a coordinator from Purdue (Rock) on offense, they've got a coordinator from Youngstown State (Heacock) on defense. You see what they did last year, what the personnel is. You don't know if they're going to run Ohio State’s offense (Hazell). There are a lot more unknowns than you usually have in preparation for a game.”

The Kansas City Star is saying that Spencer Keith should be able to improve upon his sophomore campaign where he threw for 2,212 yards, 8 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. These aren’t impressive numbers at all, and the team should be able to help him improve those stats with Tyshon Goode and Sam Kirkland catching the rock.

Kent State Player To Watch

Roosevelt Nix. Nix had a monster year last season as a true freshman, recording 20 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. As mentioned, he was the 2010 MAC Defensive Player of the Year and was also listed on many All-American Freshman teams. If he can pester the inexperienced Alabama quarterbacks, Kent State may have a chance.

Alabama Player To Watch

Trent Richardson. A preseason Heisman hopeful, Richardson should have a monster game running the ball against a weak Kent State defense. He should easily be able to replace the departed Mark Ingram and seamlessly slide into the No. 1 running back spot. Richardson is a beast and should start his Heisman campaign on Saturday

Key Matchup

Roosevelt Nix vs. Alabama quarterbacks. The Crimson Tide have not announced a starter at the QB position yet. Sophomore A.J. McCaron and redshirt freshman Phillip Sims have been battling for the spot and neither have solidified the No. 1 spot for ‘Bama. Neither has any real game experience and could look shaky in their first start. Roosevelt Nix could capitalize on this and get some early sacks to swing the momentum in Kent State’s favor.

Key Storyline

Is Alabama Legit? The Crimson Tide returned nearly everyone on defense, but lost a Heisman running back and one of the most electric receivers in college football. They also lost their stalwart quarterback who didn’t make too many mistakes and will be going with an inexperienced offense into this game.

I don’t think they are that great of a team and certainly not deserving of a preseason No. 2 ranking. This game should show some of their flaws for SEC teams to capitalize on later in the season.

Prediction

Albama 47, Kent State 20

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