Vanderbilt vs. Alabama: Complete Preview, Radio, Game Time and More

Alabama vs. Vanderbilt pits two top defenses against each other. Alabama is first in the nation allowing just 8.6 points per game. Vanderbilt is 15th allowing 15.8 points per game.

However, Vanderbilt hasn't played the best teams. They had their first game against a ranked team their last time on the field, and they allowed 21 points to South Carolina. They also scored only three points in this game.

And that right there is why this is expected to be such an easy win for Alabama. Vanderbilt has little hope of moving the ball on Alabama.

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

When: Saturday, October 8th at 7 p.m. EST

Radio: Full list of Vanderbilt radio networks, full list of Alabama radio networks

Betting Line: Alabama -29 according to Bodog Sports 

Injury Report for Vanderbilt

Injury information via USA Today

Probable: QB Larry Smith (neck)

Questionable WR John Cole (leg), TE Brandon Barden (ankle), RB Warren Norman (knee)

Out: LB Tristan Strong (knee)

Injury Report for Alabama

Probable: RB Eddie Lacy (foot), LB CJ Mosley (elbow)

Questionable: DB DeQuan Menzie (back), LB Chris Jordan

Out: WR Duron Carter (eligibility), RB Dee Hart (knee)

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

There is nothing good coming from this game, in terms of the polls, for Alabama. They are expected to win big. If this game is at all close, they will likely slide in the polls, and if they want a chance to play for the championship, they absolutely cannot afford a loss.

Key Storyline: How much will Alabama win by?

Plain and simple, this game is about how great Alabama can look.

What They're Saying: ESPN gives us a quick look at how one-sided this matchup looks on paper.

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"After shutting down a couple of high-powered offenses each of the last two weeks, Alabama's formidable defense now sets its sights on dismantling a Vanderbilt unit that was held below 80 yards in its last game. If that isn't enough of an obstacle for the Commodores, they're also trying to end more than 25 years of frustration in this one-sided series.

The second-ranked Crimson Tide try to avoid a letdown and seek their 21st straight win over Vanderbilt on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa."

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Player to Watch for Vanderbilt: MLB Chris Marve

Vanderbilt has a solid defense. They are 15th in the NCAA allowing just 15.8 points per game. Marve is the leader of this defense. He leads the team in tackles and has four tackles for loss this season.

In 2010, he was voted to the second team by the coaches on the All-SEC unit, and this was despite playing a portion of the season with a knee injury.  

Player to Watch Alabama: LB CJ Mosley

Mosley missed last game with an elbow injury. He is probable for this game. It will be worth watching to see how he has recovered.

He is a centerpiece to this dominant defense. Last year, Mosley was named a first-team Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC performer.

He is a versatile, athletic and talented linebacker.

Key Matchup: RB Trent Richardson vs. MLB Chris Marve

Alabama brings a dominant run game. They are 13th in the nation in rushing yards. Trent Richardson is the center of the rushing attack.

He has totaled 622 yards at impressive clip of 6.5 yards per carry. He also has 10 touchdowns.

If Vanderbilt is going to slow Richardson down, then Marve is going to play the best game of his stellar career.

Prediction

Alabama 31, Vanderbilt 3