Preview and prediction for Alabama vs Arkansas State
Arkansas State will travel to Tuscaloosa Saturday to take on the number one ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. Arkansas State opened their season against Southeast Missouri from the FCS division and came away with a 48-21 victory. Last year Arkansas State finished 7-5 and played one FBS opponent. They were competitive in that game losing 36-43 to Nebraska. last week Alabama opened their season on national television defeating Louisville 51-14.
This is the third time these two teams have met over the course of history. Alabama defeated Arkansas State both times by a score of 34-7 in 1982 and 35-0 in 2008.
By the numbers;
Total offense; Alabama is ranked 34th with 519 yards per game; Arkansas State is ranked 6th with 676 yards per game.
Rushing offense; Alabama is ranked 41st with 222 yards per game; Arkansas State is ranked 64th with 179 yards per game.
Passing offense; Alabama is ranked 39th with 297 yards per game; Arkansas State is ranked #1 with 497 yards per game.
Points per game; Alabama is ranked 23rd with 51 points per game; Arkansas State is ranked 30th with 48 points per game.
Total defense; Alabama is ranked 28th giving up 268 yards per game; Arkansas State is ranked 35th giving up 285 yards per game.
Rush defense; Alabama is ranked 4th giving up 16 yards per game; Arkansas State is ranked 48th giving up 122 yards per game.
Pass defense; Alabama is ranked 79th giving up 252 yards per game; Arkansas State is ranked 34th giving up 163 yards per game.
Points per game; Alabama is ranked 31st giving up 14 points per game; Arkansas State is ranked 56th giving up 21 points per game.
Starting lineup comparison using star ratings from 247 Sports.
Alabama projected starting lineup.
QB - Tua Tagovailoa - 5 star
RB - Damien Harris - 5 star
WR - Jerry Jeudy - 5 star
WR - Devonta Smith - 4 star
WR - Henry Ruggs III - 4 star
TE - Irvin Smith Jr - 3 star
LT - Jonah Williams - 5 star
LG - Lester Cotton - 4 star
C - Ross Pierschbacher - 4 star
RG - Alex Leatherwood - 5 star
RT - Jedrick Wills - 4 star
DE - Isaiah Buggs - 3 star
NG - Quinnen Williams - 4 star
DE - Raekwon Davis - 4 star
JACK - Anfernee Jennings - 4 star
SLB - Christian Miller - 4 star
MLB - Mack Wilson - 5 star
WLB - Dylan Moses - 5 star
CB - Trevon Diggs - 4 star
FS - Deionte Thompson - 4 star
SS - Xavier McKinney - 4 star
CB - Saivion Smith - 4 star
Arkansas State projected lineup.
QB - Justice Hansen - 4 star
RB - Warren Wand - 2 star
WR - Omar Bayless - 3 star
WR - Justin McInnis - NR
A-BAC - Kirk Merritt - 4 star
TE - Javonis Isaac - 2 star
LT - Lanard Bonner - NR
LG - Andre Harris - 2 star
C - Jacob Still - 2 star
RG - Marvis Brown - 3 star
RT - Nour-Eddine Seidnaly - NR
DE - Ronheen Bingham - NR
NT - Tukua Ahoia - NR
DT - Kevin Thurmon - 3 star
BANDI - William Bradley-King - 2 star
WLB - Caleb Bonner - 2 star
MLB - Tajhea Chambers - 3 star
NB - Justin Clifton - 2 star
CB - Jeremy Smith - 2 star
FS - BJ Edmonds - 3 star
SS - Darreon Jackson - 3 star
CB - Brandon Byner - 2 star
Arkansas State enters this game with a very respectable offense that is lead by 4 star quarterback Justice Hansen which leads the nation after week one in passing with 497 yards against FCS opponent Southeast Missouri. The Crimson Tide defense might actually get a stiffer test this week than they did against Louisville. On defense the Red Wolves will have a very hard time slowing down Alabama's high powered offense. Look for the scoreboard to get lit up in this one, but most of that will come from the Tua Tagovailoa led Bama offense. Arkansas State success in the passing game depends alot on the ability to run the ball enough to keep the Bama defense honest. Dont look for that to happen as Alabama's front seven should be able to shut down the run and put enough pressure on the Arkansas State quarterback to keep him uncomfortable in the pocket and limit his play making ability. The Red Wolves might put two or three drives together to score points but it will not be enough to keep up with the Crimson Tide offense that should be able to hang over 50 points from the visitors of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Alabama wins going away 58-17.
