W. Kentucky/Alabama: Ironing kinks critical for Tide

Saturday afternoon the Alabama Crimson Tide will play host to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Not only will the contest mark the first home game of the 2012 season, but thanks to ideal scheduling, the game will also allow ‘Bama to physically heal and advantageously improve.

While the opening week clash against the Michigan Wolverines proved to be fruitful for the Tide, the lanes for further growth and development are always open.

Western Kentucky, out of the Sun Belt Conference, will enter the game with a record of 1-0 after thumping Austin Peay to the tune of 49-10. While the Hilltoppers are clearly no match for Alabama’s talent, they can play a catalyst in helping the Tide prepare for future opponents.

Western Kentucky QB Kawaun Jakes

Led by quarterback Kawaun Jakes, WKU runs an “air raid” offense, but also features a solid running back in the person of Leon Allen. The WKU offensive style will allow the Alabama defense, most notably the secondary, to prepare for the Arkansas passing and running attack, which the Tide will encounter Sept. 15.

The final verdict

Thanks to the destruction of Michigan, the Alabama Crimson Tide have obtained the No. 1 spot in both the AP Poll, and the USA Today Coaches Poll.

Alabama has now been ranked in the top 25 every week since the start of the 2008 season. In respect to the AP Poll, the Crimson Tide have been ranked No. 1 for the fifth consecutive season. Alabama and Miami
(1986-1992) are the only teams to garner this status in the last 50 years.

So what's the verdict? Alabama is good, the Tide will use this game to improve, and Western Kentucky will receive a nice check for playing the defending national champions.

Alabama 49
Western Kentucky 3