Expect a lot of touches for Derrick Henry in this game as the No. 12 University of Alabama Crimson Tide compete against a University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks team that can defend the passing game better than the running game. Players will take the field Saturday, Sep 26 at 11:00 a.m. ET and the game will air on the SECN.
Alabama was defeated by Ole Miss 43-37 last week. Richard Mullaney had an outstanding performance in the loss, totaling seven receptions for 63 yards and two TDs. Derrick Henry also had a big day, contributing 127 yards and a TD on 23 attempts. Louisiana-Monroe is hoping for a similar result to their last game when they routed Nicholls 47-0 in its matchup. Garrett Smith had a big game passing the ball for the Warhawks, completing 26 of 33 passes for 370 yards and three TDs. Ajalen Holley had a big game as well, totaling 155 yards and two TDs on eight receptions.
Alabama is a considerable 39-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently uavailable.
The Crimson Tide enter the game with records of 2-1 Straight Up (SU) and 1-2 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. A vital source of success for the Crimson Tide this season is the running game, where they average 5.7 yards per carry. As for the Alabama defense, there are important areas to keep an eye on. Expect the ninth-ranked Crimson Tide run defense to cause headaches for the Warhawks run game. The Crimson Tide give up 72.7 rushing yards per game. Keep an eye on Alabama to turn it up a notch during the third quarter, when they average 11.7 points per game.
On the other side, the Warhawks have 1-1 SU and ATS records this season. The Warhawks usually find their targets in the passing game, owning the third-best completion percentage in the nation at 76.1%. Switching gears to the Louisiana-Monroe defense, it has some favorable matchups that it may be able to take advantage of as well. If the Crimson Tide aren’t careful with ball security against Louisiana-Monroe’s defense, they are going to be in some trouble. Its defense has recovered the 22nd-most fumbles on the season with one per game. The Warhawks usually get a boost in the second quarter, when they average 18.5 points this year.
Predictions: SU Winner – Ala, ATS Winner – Ala
Notes
Alabama is 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 games.
Alabama is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Alabama’s last 6 games.
Alabama is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games at home.
Louisiana-Monroe is 1-0 SU when leading at the half this season. Alabama is 2-0 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
According to national passing ranks, Louisiana-Monroe has an advantage on both offense and defense. Its passing attack (ranked 31st in the nation) will face the 93rd-ranked pass defense of Alabama, while its 15th-ranked pass defense will look to limit the 33rd-ranked passing game of the Crimson Tide.
