Using ESPN’s FPI (Football Power Index) as a guide, Alabama has a 99.7 percent chance to beat Southern Mississippi on Saturday.

ANOTHER TUNEUP GAME BEFORE HEADING INTO SEC SCHEDULE

Southern Mississippi has a proud history and is coming off a long run of success, recording 18 straight winning seasons before 2012. The program has hit some hard times brought on by a bad coaching hire, and while they may be on their way back to respectability, winnings two out of three games after a 23-game losing streak, they only have the slimmest of chances to upset the Crimson Tide.

For Alabama, this could be an opportunity to work out some kinks in the gameplan before clashing with a resurgent Florida team at Bryant-Denny Stadium next week. O.J. Howard has yet to make an appearance on the score sheet, a shock to most of the college football world. Howard was expected to play a big role in Lane Kiffin’s offense, but so far hasn’t caught a single ball. There are some ways for Bama to get him going this weekend, which would go a long way in diversifying their offense even further.

Nick Saban will also get a chance to evaluate his two quarterbacks. Blake Sims has been efficient through two games, while Jacob Coker could certainly use a little more seasoning. Getting both some reps with the first team before this game gets out of hand should be a priority.

The Tide’s defensive front should have no problem shutting down any attempt at a running game by the Golden Eagles, and the improved pass rush will have plenty of opportunities to pad its sack total. After the shortened shutout last week, it would probably be a surprise if they didn’t pitch another one this week.