This coming Saturday, Western Kentucky University will find themselves in a foot race against #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. Last week WKU gave up 100+ yards on the ground in a blowout win against Rice, now they face a team that will push their interior defense to limits they can’t match in practice.
In last Saturday’s win over #20 ranked USC, the Tide’s ground game chalked up 242 yards against a tough Trojans defense in a blowout win. If Alabama is looking to run the table, the rushing attack will be vital to their chances. Nick Saban has a vast selection of weapons at his disposal but the carry-overs from the last week will be enough.
WKU must find a way to contain QB, Jalen Hurts. If Hurts and WR, Ardarius Stewart can build on their chemistry against a defense that allowed 183 yards in their first game, this will be over by halftime. With plenty of notoriety being placed on the outstanding play of Hurst, their was a player that got lost in the hoopla. With nine carries, RB, Damien Harris exploded for 138 yards and will look to do more damage this week.
If the Crimson Tide can jump out to a big lead, WKU will see the ball either handed off or Hurts keeping it on end-arounds for much of the game to protect the lead. Nine carries was just the beginning for Harris as his touches should increase going forward. If he can manage to get at least get 20 rushes Saturday we could easily see him surpass 200 yards.
Not to be left out of the fun will be Hurts. Much like Harris he was held back a bit as he only attempted 11 passes. At some point, Saban will be forced to open up the offense and see what the young kid can do. This may be the week he gets his shot, sort of call it his audition for the remainder of the season. Hurts did manage to rush for 32 yards and two TDs, but it’s his arm that everyone wants to see.
If Alabama’s offense is clicking on all cylinders, we should see over 600 combined yards from the Tide’s trio of playmakers. The score will be close for the first 12 minutes then talent will take over.
Final score: Alabama 60- WKU 17