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The Alabama Crimson Tide (10-0) will face FCS opponent Chattanooga (8-2) this Saturday from Bryant Denny Stadium at 7 p.m. Although we have seen multiple upsets as the weeks dwindle away from us, don’t expect one coming from this matchup Saturday. The Tide is No.1 in the College Playoff rankings and head coach Nick Saban has made it crystal clear to his team they must remain focused to earn their National Championship spot.
The University of Alabama
Head coach Nick Saban wants his team to keep building on their success. Last week Alabama rolled over Mississippi State 51-3. Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts has blown fans away with 2,003 yards, 15 TDs and rushing for 735 yards and 11 TDs. Sophomore Damien Harris is the team’s leading rusher with 759 yards. With receivers like ArDarius Stewart and Calvin Ridley both earning 6 TDs, they round out the options their offense has used all season to prove they are among the best. Offensively it is clear to see the threat, but to match it their defense is just as bold. Key players are defensive end Jonathan Allen who has recorded seven sacks and outside linebacker Tim Williams, who has recorded eight sacks. Senior outside linebacker Ryan Anderson has a team best 14.5 tackles for loss. Bama is ranked 23rd overall in offense and 2nd in defense in the FBS.
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga
Chattanooga shouldn’t be disrespected. Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield has punched in impressive numbers of his own with 2,067 yards and 23 TDs through the air. Running back Derrick Craine is his team’s leading rusher with 772 yards and 9 TDs, and right behind him is Richardre Bagley with 508 yards and 5 TDs. Receivers Xavier Borishade and C.J. Board both have over 30 receptions and have a combined 12 TDs. Head coach Russ Hesman is in his eighth season at his alma mater currently with a 58-35 record all time. UTC is second in the SoCon and No.15 in the FCS in scoring offense. They are currently fifth in the nation in total defense and eighth in scoring defense.
All previous 12 meetings with the Mocs have ended with the Crimson Tide coming out on top. In their last two meetings they shut the Mocs out completely, in 2009 and 2013. With the SEC West division clinched with extra padding, the Tide should confidently check in another W on their impressive 22 game winning streak, which is the longest winning streak in the FBS.
