'Bama Preps for Florida International

The Alabama Crimson Tide return to the gridiron Saturday night to tangle with the Golden Panthers of Florida International. The #4 ranked Tide are coming off a hard fought 34-24 win against the Hokies of Virginia Tech in the second annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Although 'Bama should dominate both sides of the ball, FIU returns quarterback Paul McCall who threw for over 2,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2008. Following dreadful seasons in 2006 (0-12) and 2007 (1-11), the Golden Panthers have their sites set on becoming bowl eligible for the first time in school history. FIU did not play in the "traditional" opening weekend, so the contest with Alabama will be the first time the Golden Panthers have taken the field in 2009.



On the Alabama side of the ball, the "flu bug" has hit Tuscaloosa. Starting running back Mark Ingram and back-up quarterback Star Jackson have been kept out of practice during the early portion of the week due to the flu. However, for 'Bama fans, Ingram is expected to be in action Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

For the second week in a row 'Bama fans can expect to see the newly added "wildcat" and "pistol" formations against Florida International. These new offensive "wrinkles" have been quite the topic of conversation amongst fans this week. Look for Mark Ingram, Roy Upchurch, and possibly highy touted freshman Trent Richardson to be the centerpiece of the "wildcat" formation Saturday night against FIU. Also, expect the Crimson Tide to dig through the depth chart against the Golden Panthers in order to get much needed playing time for back-ups and newcomers.

FIU head coach and former Miami Hurricane offensive tackle Mario Cristobal should have his hands full against the Crimson Tide. Will this game remind him of the 1993 Sugar Bowl? Unless pigs fly...this game will be ugly and the 'Bama defense will remind him of a sad and miserable night in the Superdome. Cristobal won't see "Curry and Copeland" but look for the FIU offensive line to wish for "sun and sand" come Saturday night at Bryant-Denny.

Kickoff for 'Bama/FIU is set for 6 p.m. central time. The game is available on pay-per-view and ESPN360.com for those outside Alabama. For 'Bama fans unable to attend or watch the game, you can always listen to the Crimson Tide Sports Network and hear Eli Gold, Phil Savage, and Barry Krauss call all the action. Be sure to check the local radio affiliate in your area for live coverage of University of Alabama football.

Prediction: Alabama 49 Florida International 10