GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Alabama, as it has to its first four opponents, should have no trouble with Louisiana this week. But coach Nick Saban is always stressing improvement, and here is one area in which the Tide can be better. Penalties. The team’s youth has been showing, as the Crimson Tide was flagged nine times against Texas A&M — 10 if you count the offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Alabama is tied for 101st out of 129 teams for fewest penalties at the FBS level. Only three teams in the SEC have been flagged more: Ole Miss (tied 104), Auburn (also tied 104), and Mississippi State (tied for 124th).
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 dominated Texas A&M on Saturday with seven tackles, including three sacks and two QB hurries. He has five sacks so far this season. NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst Rob Rang noted Buggs among his draft risers in Week 4 of college football, writing: “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 365 yards and six touchdowns on 17 receptions and is averaging 21.5 yards per catch.
–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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