Alabama vs. Western Carolina: Game Preview With TV Schedule
By Connor Muldowney
@Connormuldowney
Getty Images
It’s that time of year when the Alabama Crimson Tide get stronger and prepare themselves for a national title run — as well as an SEC title run. There’s no better feeling for the tide than coming off a big win against No. 1 Mississippi State and getting to face an FCS opponent like Western Carolina before their big showdown against Auburn to finish the year.
The Crimson Tide are led by budding star Blake Sims on offense as the senior quarterback has been stellar for Alabama this season, passing for 2,454 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for another 280 yards and five scores. Sims has developed an unbreakable bond with star wide out Amari Cooper who has 87 catches for 1,303 yards and 11 touchdowns as the next closest target, DeAndrew White, has 30 catches for 319 yards and two scores. No other receiver has more than 14 catches or 200 yards receiving this year. T.J. Yeldon leads the strong run game with 758 yards and six touchdowns while Derrick Henry is right behind him with 590 yards and five rushing scores.
Western Carolina began the year 6-2 with a 4-0 record in conference play, but have since lost two of three games to drop to 7-4 with a 5-2 conference record. The offense hasn’t been extremely impressive, averaging just over 400 yards per game to go along with just 28 points. Quarterback Troy Mitchell has been solid through the air this year, passing for 2,320 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions while also running for another 572 yards and six touchdowns. Mitchell sits behind only Darius Ramsey‘s 753 yards and six rushing touchdowns in the run game. Terryon Robinson and Spearman Robinson lead all receivers with 643 yards and one score and 526 yards a nine scores, respectively.
Defensively, the Catamounts have been a bit above average this season against fellow FCS schools. Western Carolina allows just 24 points and 385 total yards per game this season. Alabama has been one of the best defensive teams in the nation, allowing just 14.5 points (2nd) and 291 yards per game (6th).
Western Carolina will travel to Alabama to take on the Crimson Tide at 4 p.m. EST on Saturday, Nov. 22. The game will be broadcasted on the SEC Network.
PREDICTION: Western Carolina 0, Alabama 62
Want to see the Crimson Tide take on the Catamounts in week 13? Check out ScoreBig for tickets.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].
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