Leading up to this week’s season openers, Saturday Down South breaks down scouting reports for the SEC’s out-of-conference opponents and what makes them click:

WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
Opens Saturday vs Alabama (3:30 p.m. ET; ABC)

THE SKINNY: We do know one factoid concerning the Mountaineers — quarterback Clint Trickett has kissed Nick Saban’s daughter. In all seriousness, the Mountaineers come into this game ready to put points up on the board behind the coaching of Dana Holgorsen. Of course, that’ll be easier said than done against this Alabama defense.

KEY PLAYER: Alabama will need to account for quarterback Clint Trickett. He’s entering his second season as the start for West Virginia and he’ll lead the charge for the Mountaineers’ up-tempo offense. Ideally, Trickett will look to replicate the success that Oklahoma had against the Crimson Tide in last year’s Sugar Bowl with the hurry-up offense. Trickett may be lean, but he’s got the arm strength to make some plays down the field.

WHAT TO WATCH: West Virginia has a solid group of running backs to play against Alabama today. Between Andrew Buie, Dustin Garrison, transfer Rushel Shell and Dreamius Smith, the Mountaineers could make several rotations between running backs. All of the tailbacks for the Mountaineers are capable of doing some damage, so the Crimson Tide front seven will have their hands full containing all four of them.

FINAL SAY: Despite West Virginia’s up-tempo offense, there’s no consolation game mentality for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Alabama is just too dominant at practically every position for this game to be very close. The only way the Mountaineers have a chance is if the Alabama quarterbacks – Jacob Coker and Blake Sims – struggle to develop any consistency. More than likely though, Alabama’s defense will be too strong for West Virginia’s offense to score enough points anyway.