Alabama vs Arkansas State Game Preview: Everything You Need To Know Before Kickoff
After a 37-point opening night win over Louisville, the Alabama Crimson Tide returns to Tuscaloosa to make its 2018 debut inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
It will be another non-conference matchup as Arkansas State rolls into town with an upset on its mind.
No. 1 Alabama (1-0, 0-0 SEC) vs Arkansas State (1-0, 0-0 ACC)
When: Saturday, Sept. 8 at 2:30 PM/CT
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL
Weather: It'll be another hot one inside BDS on Saturday. Forecasts call for highs in the low 90s but humidity that could push the heat index over 100 degrees. There's also a chance for a shower or two so plan accordingly.
TV: ESPN2 (Play-by-play: Kevin Brown, analyst: Andre Ware, sideline reporter: Alex Corddry)
Radio: Crimson Tide Sports Network (Play-by-play: Eli Gold, color analyst: John Parker Wilson, sideline reporter: Rashad Johnson). Listen on 95.3 the Bear and Tide 102.9/100.9 in Tuscaloosa or download the station apps to stream the game for free.
Spread: The Crimson Tide opened as a 36.5-point favorite this week while the total sits around 66 points. Alabama easily covered last week's 26-point spread against Louisville.
Series History: This will be the third meeting between these two programs. The series dates back to 1982 when Alabama took a 34-7 victory over Arkansas State in a game played at Legion Field in Birmingham. The Crimson Tide won both of the previous meetings by a combined score of 69-7.
Last Meeting: Nick Saban was only in his second season when these two teams last met in 2008. Behind quarterback John Parker Wilson, the Crimson Tide rolled up 357 total yards of offense to take the 35-0 victory on Homecoming. Freshman running back Mark Ingram led the team with 113 yards rushing and two touchdowns while safety Rashad Johnson took an interception back 32 yards for a touchdown.
Last Week: The quarterback question was answered when Tua Tagovailoa took the first snap of the game for Alabama. He would go on to lead the Tide on touchdown drives in five of his six possessions, finishing the night 227 yards passing and two touchdowns. Alabama scored on the ground, through the air, on a kickoff return and on an interception return en route to a 51-14 win over Louisville.
Arkansas State's offense was clicking on all cylinders in the season opener against Southeastern Missouri State. Quarterback Justice Hansen threw for 423 yards and six touchdowns while 11 different Red Wolves had at least one reception on the day. With nearly 400 more yards of total offense and twice as many first downs, Arkansas State moved to 1-0 with a 48-21 win.