Alabama at Penn State: Saturday Game Day Preview

Saturday, September 10^th

3:30 PM ET on ABC

Alabama

Alabama looked strong, as expected, against a mediocre Kent State team.  The defense was strong, but inconsistent quarterback play was a little bit worrying for the Crimson Tide.

Trent Richardson will be the key player in Bama’s offense, as they look to set up the run against what should be a stout Penn State defense.  AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims should split snaps once again as Nick Saban looks to find the quarterback that will give them offensive consistency.

The defense is the real star of the show for Alabama.  They have 10 starters returning from a year ago, and will likely be one of the best defenses statistically by the end of the year.  This is the best defensive unit that Nick Saban has had since taking the job at Alabama, and will make it tough for a sluggish Penn State offense to produce points.

Players to watch: RB Trent Richardson, LB Courtney Upshaw, LB Dont’a Hightower, SS Mark Barron

Penn State

Penn State finds themselves in the Top 25 after a blowout win against Indiana State in Week 1.  The offense is the big question mark with this group, as they look to find a way to consistently move the ball against some of the tough Big Ten defenses they will face.

Silas Redd looks like he has serious potential out of the backfield for the Nittany Lions.  The quarterback battle between Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden has left much to be desired, as neither has really stepped up and impressed.  Joe Paterno is going to lean on his defense to keep them in games while the offense works the kinks out.

The defense returns seven starters and has some very talented players lining the depth chart.  This should be the strength of Penn State’s team in 2011, as the offense is very slow moving.  The defense should be able to assist them by creating good field position through turnovers and stout play.  They will need to bring their A-game against Alabama this weekend, who just may be the best team in college football this year.

Players to watch: RB Silas Redd, DT Devon Still, LB Michel Mauti, FS Nick Sukay

For analysis and picks on this game and the other big games of the week, visit Saturdays in the Fall.

Follow Erik Underwood on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/ErikUnderwood