PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Tua Tagovailoa has become the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. He was brilliant again against Texas A&M, setting career highs with 22 completions, 30 attempts, 387 passing yards and five touchdowns scored (one rushing). His 230.5 passing efficiency rating leads the nation. He has directed 31 drives this season, resulting in 20 touchdowns and two field goals.
–TE Irv Smith Jr. tied his career high last week with four receptions for a personal-best 74 yards in the win over Texas A&M. Smith, a junior, has made at least two catches in every game this year and ranks third on the team in total catches with 13 for 196 yards and two scores.
“Irv is a really good player,” coach Nick Saban said. “He’s played well this year. He does all phases of what we do well. He’s a good receiver, he’s a good off-the-ball blocker, he’s a good on-the-ball blocker. He’s got really good hands and he’s a good receiver and he’s fast enough to be a threat down the field.”
–PK Joseph Bulovas has started the past two games, replacing Austin Jones. He hit a career-long 47-yarder against Texas A&M, also making all six of his PATs. He should have more time to get comfortable before the schedule turns tougher in November, when the Tide might need a pressure kick.
–DB Deionte Thompson has a team-high 20 tackles, 15 of which have been unassisted. He has two interceptions and four pass break-ups, and those six passes defended leads the SEC.
SERIES HISTORY: Alabama leads Louisiana 8-0. The Tide won the last meeting, 25-6 in 1990.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Billy is a very bright guy and a very good football coach. He works hard, and I think he’ll make a really good head coach. He did a good job for us, and they were very productive offensively at Arizona State last year when he was the coordinator there.” — Alabama coach Nick Saban, on first-year Louisiana coach Billy Napier, a former Tide assistant. Napier was an offensive analyst in 2011 and receivers coach from 2012 to 2016.
