Pertinent points concerning tonight’s showdown at AT&T Stadium featuring the third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 20 Wisconsin.

Game Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Current Line: Alabama (-12)

What’s at stake: Defending SEC champion and the odds-on favorite to represent the conference in the College Football Playoff, Alabama takes on a formidable Power 5 opponent for the fourth consecutive year at a neutral-site venue to open the season — something that comes with the territory for the Crimson Tide. Last time out, Alabama took one on the chin against Ohio State in a national semifinal that left a bad taste in the mouth of coach Nick Saban, who says he wants this year’s squad to re-establish their identity and return to being ‘relentless and dangerous.’

What to watch for when Alabama’s on offense: Which quarterback trots on the field with the first team — will it be Jake Coker, Cooper Bateman or Alec Morris? Maybe someone else? Alabama’s offense is replacing senior quarterback Blake Sims, tailback T.J. Yeldon, two veteran receivers and three starting linemen in addition to Biletnikoff Award winner Amari Cooper. But weapons linger. Junior Derrick Henry takes the lion’s share of the carries for the first time in his career while Kenyan Drake is expected to be Mr. Versatility for Lane Kiffin. O.J. Howard has All-America potential at tight end, but was lost at times last season. Alabama will stress tempo regardless of who’s playing quarterback and will try and pound the Badgers into submission at the line of scrimmage.

What to watch for when Alabama’s on defense: Do the Crimson Tide possess the best front seven in college football? Nick Saban hasn’t been afraid to put lofty expectations on this year’s group, a collection of talent he considers to be amongst the best he’s ever coached. Led by All-American candidates A’Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen, Alabama defensive line goes seven players deep and linebacker Reggie Ragland steps into a leadership role in the middle. Much of last season’s struggles fell on the secondary. Saban expects that position group to be much-improved thanks to the return of upperclassmen Cyrus Jones and Eddie Jackson. Marlon Humphrey is expected to make his first career start at corner.

What to watch for when Wisconsin’s on offense: Alabama doesn’t have to worry about Doak Walker Award winner Melvin Gordon, who was selected in the first round by the San Diego Chargers. But Corey Clement is an emerging star. He’s a three-down back with potential breakaway speed. Two-year starting quarerback Joel Stave is serviceable but not elite, throwing 31 touchdown passes since the start of the 2013 campaign. Last time out, the Badgers rushed for 400 yards and three touchdowns against Auburn. Alabama’s rush defense, best in the SEC in the last three years, will try and ensure that doesn’t happen.

What to watch for when Wisconsin’s on defense: The Badgers finished second in the Big Ten in total defense last season and a lot of those guys are back including all-conference linebacker Vince Beigel. Wisconsin brings him often on the blitz and at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds with athleticism, Beigel sheds blocks better than most at his position. With three returning starters at the back end, the Badgers won’t be afraid to go man against Alabama’s inexperienced wideouts. That could prove detrimental to the cause considering the Crimson Tide’s talent, but Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda will take his chances.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

5 story lines:

  1. Carousel of quarterbacks and who will start under center
  2. Alabama’s focus vs. Wisconsin’s ‘why not us’ mentality
  3. Crimson Tide’s front seven vs. pro-style ground attack
  4. Junior RB Derrick Henry’s first game as Alabama’s featured option
  5. Alabama’s inexperienced talent pool at receiver and how they’ll fare

WISCONSIN BADGERS

5 story lines:

  1. Who steps up to establish a 1-2 rushing punch post-Melvin Gordon
  2. Will Wisconsin be able to generate first downs, points against athletic defense?
  3. If Alabama forces QB Joel Stave to win the game, can he perform?
  4. Don’t panic on offense if Badgers face an early deficit
  5. Can Wisconsin’s defensive line frustrate first-year starter at QB?