Let?s take a look at the positional matchups for Saturday?s SEC showdown.
Quarterback
Advantage Alabama. Greg McElroy has people wondering if he?ll make a trip to New York after a phenominal start to the season, while Mike Hartline is wondering why the SEC scheduled his team arguably the two toughest defenses in the country, back to back. Look for McElroy to use a lot of receivers on Saturday to open up the Wildcat defense.
Running Backs
Advantage Alabama. Alabama has four backs who have rushed for over 100 yards this season (Ingram-347, Richardson-280, Grant-166, Upchurch-107), while Kentucky has just one, Derrick Locke (169 yards). The Tide have one of the most formidable backfields in the country and should expose this Kentucky defense.
Wide Receivers
Advantage Alabama. McElroy has spread the ball around to fourteen different receivers this year (10 are receivers or tight ends), and it?s because he has so much talent and depth at the position. Marquise Maze ((8 rec, 194 yds, 2 TD) is looking like on of the best deep threats in the SEC this season. Julio Jones is still one of the best receivers in the country and will cause some serious matchup issues for the Wildcats. Look for Hanks, Peek, and McCoy to get some looks, as well. Randall Cobb ((18 rec, 191 yds, 2 TD) looks to be the only real threat for Kentucky. The athletic Cobb, who played mostly quarterback last season, has responded well to the switch to wideout.
Offensive Line
Advantage Alabama. This unit has been great this year in both the running game, as well as protecting the passer. They have been able to get a great push on the opposing front seven, and seem to be really meshing well together as the season progresses. Kentucky returns three senior starters, tackles Zipp Duncan and Justin Jeffries, and center Jorge Gonzalez.
Defensive Line
Advantage Alabama. I think this is the best D-line unit in the nation, and they show no signs of changing my mind. While Cody seems to steal much of the spotlight (literally and figuratively), many of the other members of the line have played exceptional this season. Marcel Dareus looks to be one of the most unblockable players the SEC has seen this year, while Lorenzo Washington and Brandon Deaderick give the Tide consistent play against both the run and the pass. Kentucky only returns senior tackle Corey Peters from last years starters, but keep an eye on freshman end Collins Ukwu.
Linebackers
Advantage Alabama. Obvoiusly the Hightower loss is a pretty big hit to this unit, but because of their depth (and Rolondo McClain) they should be able to overcome his absence. Look for Eryk Anders to slide over and fill Hightower?s role for the most part, while Courtney Upshaw will most likely take over in Anders? spot. Look for Chris Jordan, as well as freshmen Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick to be in the mix as well. Kentucky?s linebacking core is highlighted by Micah Johnson, who passed up the NFL to return for his senior season.
Defensive Backs
Advantage Alabama. I thought that with Arkansas heavy pass attack that the Alabama secondary would get tested and possibly show some signs of weakness. Well they got tested and received about as good of scores as you could hope for. With the exception of the lone touchdown pass, Arkansas wasn?t really able to do anything through the air thanks to lockdown coverage from Kareem Jackson, Javier Arenas, and Marquis Johnson. Arenas was also able to record two sacks, while safety Justin Woodall added an interception. Woodall and fellow safety Mark Barron played exceptional against the run and pass, while Robbie Greeen helped on obvious pass situations and looked great. Kentucky brings back corner Trevard Lindley, who also passed the NFL to return for his senior season. Lindley will most likely be assigned the heavy burdon of trying to cover Julio Jones.
Special Teams
Advantage Alabama. Javier Arenas has looked great in the return game this season, and is still looking to get into the endzone. Punter P.J. Fitzgerald has been punting really well this season and has been providing the Alabama defense with good field position. While Tiffin has been a little shaky to start the season, he is still a better kicker than the Wildcats? Lones Seiber (1/2 FG). The area that still concerns me is kickoff coverage (Alabama allowed 2 TD?s in first two games). Alabama will have to sure it up against Kentucky?s Derrick Locke, who already has a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown this season.
Alabama should be able to win this game with relative ease. I am interested to see how they play in their first real road game. I see the Tide taking this game 38-7.
