GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: At this point, it’s really about Alabama vs. itself. Coach Nick Saban would sure like to see improvement in the kicking game. Austin Jones began the season as the starter, but missed three PATs in 10 attempts and was replaced by Joseph Bulovas. He has connected on all 27 extra-point tries, but is 4 of 7 on field goal tries, including misses from 24 and 31 yards last week against Louisiana.
DRAFT SLANT
–DL Isaiah Buggs, a senior, is adding his name to the bevy of top-notch Alabama draft prospects. Known as more of a run enforcer before this season, he has team-highs with six tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst Rob Rang wrote: “What Buggs may lack in quick-twitch explosiveness off the snap he makes up for with power and tenacity.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–WR Jerry Jeudy, a sophomore, has a team-leading 423 yards and six touchdowns on 19 receptions and is averaging 22.3 yards per catch.
–LT Jonah Williams suffered a sprained ankle last week and missed some practice early in the week. He is expected to be available Saturday against Arkansas.
–WR Jaylen Waddle, a freshman, scored three touchdowns last week. He scored on a 63-yard punt return and had TD receptions of 20 and 94 yards.
–CB Jalyn Armour-Davis, a freshman who was the fifth cornerback on the depth chart, is out for the season because of a knee injury.
–OLB Terrell Lewis suffered a torn ACL over the summer during a workout and is likely out for the season. He was limited to four games because of an arm injury last season and was expected to be a key part of the OLB rotation.
–OLB Chris Allen, a sophomore, is out for the season because of a knee injury.
–RT Matt Womack, a projected starter, suffered a broken foot during camp and was expected to miss several weeks.
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