Alabama Football: What to expect from the Arkansas State game

Alabama football is a five touchdown favorite over Arkansas State. Let’s review what Crimson Tide fans can expect from the game.

Alabama football fans are correct in knowing Saturday will be victory number two for the Crimson Tide. They also know it is going to be very hot in Bryant-Denny. Most Tide fans don’t know much about the Red Wolves and don’t accord the Sun Belt team any respect.

Let’s quickly review the history of the ASU program. The football program began in 1974. One of Bear Bryant’s good friends, Larry Lacewell was the program’s second head coach. Ray Perkins was the head coach for one season in 1992. Gus Malzahn and Hugh Freeze also had single-season stints with the Red Wolves.

ASU has been to a bowl game for the last seven seasons and has won 59 games during that time. They were Sun Belt champions in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. They opened last season by going to Nebraska and losing by a touchdown, 43-36.

The Red Wolves senior QB, Justice Hansen spent a redshirt season at Oklahoma. At ASU, he has passed for over 7,000 yards. In an early preseason ranking, Sporting News rated Hansen as the No. 22 QB in the nation. Suffice it to say, Hansen can sling the rock. Can ASU give him enough time to do it is a doubtful prospect?

Even more daunting for Arkansas State will be stopping the Crimson Tide rushing attack. Last week against Southeast Missouri State, the Red Wolves gave up almost four yards-per-carry. Alabama football may be content to pound the Red Wolves into submission. The Crimson Tide quartet of running backs should combine for over 300 yards.

Arkansas State is working with a rebuilt front seven on defense. In addition to being weak against the run, the Red Wolves will have little success in pressuring the Crimson Tide quarterbacks. Alabama football can pretty much pick the score in terms of offense.

It is not known if Jalen Hurts will play against ASU. There have been rumors all week he will choose to sit out the game. That is not all bad for the Crimson Tide. Mac Jones needs game action. Saturday will be a perfect opportunity for Jones to get lots of work. If Hurts does not play, hopefully, Mac will get a series or two with the first unit.

ASU will look to get the ball out of Hansen’s hands quickly. They will go fast and spread the field. It will be good preparation for the Tide’s still learning secondary. The Red Wolves will be outmatched but could hit several big plays, enough for a couple of touchdowns.

Our game prediction is a blowout. Look for the Tide to produce at least one pick-six.