No. 3 Alabama (1-0) at No. 23 Penn State (1-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Line: Alabama by 10.
Series record: Alabama leads 9-4 (defeated Penn State 24-3 in 2010)
WHAT'S AT STAKE:
Both teams get a much tougher test after double-digit romps in week 1. Coach Nick Saban should have a much better gauge on Alabama's unsettled quarterback situation and what he called an inconsistent offensive line. Penn State counterpart Joe Paterno is dealing with similar issues, plus a worrisome kicking game. A Penn State win would be a huge confidence boost for a team seeking to erase memories of last year's turnover-filled, 21-point loss in Tuscaloosa.
KEY MATCHUP
Alabama's seasoned, speedy defense vs. Penn State's offensive line. Against FCS school Indiana State, Penn State gave up three sacks and had relatively spotty pass protection. Some of the blame can be placed on the Nittany Lions' QB tandem of Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin, but the line must step up no matter who is behind center.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alabama: RB Trent Richardson. Scored three TDs last week in limited time as the Tide's top back. The 5-foot-11, 224-pound Richardson bowled over Penn State last year for 144 yards, and another big day will ease the pressure on new QBs AJ McCarron and Philip Sims.
Penn State: Bolden and McGloin. With Bolden at the helm, Penn State moved the ball fairly easily last year at Alabama but was foiled by three turnovers inside the 30. Now, Bolden and McGloin each hope to create some separation in their duel for the starting job.
FACTS & FIGURES
A sellout crowd of more than 108,000 is expected ... Philip Sims and Penn State freshman DT Evan Hailes attended the same high school in Chesapeake, Va. ... Alabama has held opponents to negative rushing yards in its last two contests, dating back to the 49-7 win Jan. 1 over Michigan State at the Capital One Bowl. ... Nittany Lions sophomore Silas Redd is off to a promising start as the featured back after running for 104 yards on 12 carries last week, including 94 yards by the second quarter.
