(video courtesy of CBS Sports Network)
Western Kentucky (1-0, 0-0 Sun Belt) at No. 1 Alabama (1-0, 0-0 SEC)
Kickoff: Saturday, 3:40 p.m. ET (SEC Network)
Spread: Alabama by 40
Watchability: If you want to see perhaps the best team in the nation and numerous star players, this is a great game to flip on. Looking for a close game? Turn the channel away from this one.
Shining stars: Alabama: CB Dee Milliner, the SEC Defensive Player of the Week, was all over the field in the Crimson Tide’s season-opening 41-14 win over Michigan. He had five tackles, four pass deflections and an interception that he ran back 35 yards. WKU would be smart to avoid his side of the field. Western Kentucky: QB Kawaun Jakes is one of the most prolific passers in school history with over 5,000 career yards through the air. He completed 18 of 23 attempts for 296 yards and four touchdowns in the Hilltoppers’ 49-10 win over Austin Peay last week.
Who could steal the show: Alabama: RB T.J. Yeldon burst onto the scene against Michigan in the season opener, and he’s poised for an even bigger day on Saturday. He had 11 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown last week, and he should get even more touches against Western Kentucky. Look for the freshman to top the century mark again. Western Kentucky: TE Jack Doyle is called “Mr. Reliable” by teammates. He is in the top-10 of the school’s history with 114 receptions. He led WKU in receptions (52) and yards (614) in 2011. He got 2012 off to a good start with five catches for 76 yards in the opener.
You going? Ranking the road trip: Alabama can sell out Bryant-Denny Stadium for a spring game, so don’t think a Sun Belt opponent will mean that nobody will show up. It’s not the best trip you could take this week, but it’s a home opener and there might be an opportunity to leave early in the second half and get some more tailgating in. It could be worse.
Magic number for Alabama: 38. That’s how many individual 100-yard rushing performances Alabama has in coach Nick Saban’s tenure at Alabama, which in its seventh season. That Tide might have two backs rack up 100 or more on Saturday.
Magic number for Western Kentucky: 120. That’s how many games it has gone without being shutout. Alabama will certainly test that steak on Saturday.
The game comes down to: There’s not much Alabama could do to blow this one. It would be the upset of the year if it does. The Crimson Tide should be able to run right through the WKU defense and build an early lead. Look for many of the reserves to take over by the third quarter.
Prediction: Alabama 52, Western Kentucky 7
For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.