Alabama vs. Penn State: 5 Takeaways From Power Conference Clash

Alabama ended up beating Penn State this past weekend a lot easier than most people thought they would, as the Tide won 27-11.  It wasn't even that close, though, as Alabama was in control of this game almost the entire time.

We learned quite a bit from both teams this weekend, but here's a look at the five most important things to take away from this game.

5. Somebody Other Than Derek Moye Has to Step Up at Wide Receiver

Obviously, Penn State's quarterback situation is a huge mess, but the receivers aren't doing them any favors either.  Derek Moye has been good so far, as expected, but somebody else needs to step up.

Justin Brown had a decent performance on Saturday, as he caught three passes for 40 yards, but had only one catch in the opener.  He just needs to be more consistent.

In fact, most of the receivers need to be more consistent.  Devon Smith, the speedster, didn't even have a catch on Saturday.

Teams will start to focus in on Moye, and that would cause Penn State's passing attack to suffer even more.

Moye needs to just keep doing what he's doing, but somebody else has to step up.  The most likely candidate certainly seems to be Justin Brown.

4. Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy Form One of the Best RB Duos in the Nation

Honestly, to say that Richardson and Lacy form one of the best running back duos in the country isn't a surprise.  They just solidified that statement even more against Penn State.

You could actually debate that Lacy was more impressive than Richardson on Saturday.  Although Richardson rushed for 111 yards, Lacy rushed for 85 and averaged almost eight yards a carry.

What two backs form a better duo than these two?  James White and Montee Ball at Wisconsin?  LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner at Oregon?  Michael Dyer and Ontero McCalebb at Auburn?

You could certainly make a case for these three, but there aren't many others that you can compare.

3. A.J. McCarron Is Just Fine as Alabama's Quarterback

To say that quarterback is a problem for Alabama isn't true.  A.J. McCarron isn't going to win games with his arm for the Tide, but he won't need to.

All he'll need to do is be efficient and not turn the ball over, similar to how Greg McElroy played.

It wouldn't be a surprise if we don't see Phillip Sims take a meaningful snap the rest of the year, barring injury.

McCarron will feed Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy the ball, and throw it when he needs to.

2. Penn State's Quarterback Problems Are Going to Cost Them

It looks like Penn State still has not figured out their problems at quarterback.  On Saturday, the two quarterbacks went a combined 12-39.  12-39!

What's worse? Rob Bolden's 11-29, or Matt McGloin's 1-10?  At least Bolden did throw for 144 yards on a tough Alabama secondary.

Silas Redd wasn't as effective in this game as some had hoped, so it was up to the quarterbacks to make plays.  Neither could, and that's a big reason this game got out of hand.

Penn State better figure out the problems at quarterback, or they could end up losing as many as four games this year.

1. Alabama, Not Oklahoma, May Be the Best Team in the Country

Coming into the season, the case could have been made for Alabama, not Oklahoma, to be preseason No. 1.  Well, Alabama is making that look like it would have been a smart move.

Their schedule sets up favorably, as LSU looks to be their toughest game, but it's at home.  Road trips to Florida and Mississippi State won't be easy either.

Oklahoma, on the other hand, could certainly lose one, maybe even two games.  We'll learn a lot more about Oklahoma this weekend when they travel to Florida State.

Their road trip to Oklahoma State to close out the year looks to be their toughest game.

At this point, Alabama's chances of making the national title look a lot better than Oklahoma's.