Alabama’s next opponent recorded the highest Week 1 QBR of the last 10 years
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You may roll your eyes this week if Alabama head coach Nick Saban goes off on a rant, urging his top-ranked team to take its preparation of Western Kentucky seriously – something he’s done in the past with this very same opponent.
Of course the Hilltoppers have about the same chance as a snowball sitting out in the Tuscaloosa sun during September of surviving the game victorious, but that doesn’t mean Western Kentucky won’t put up some points. In fact, WKU’s first-year starting quarterback Mike White put up some impressive numbers last week after completing 25 of 31 passes for 517 yards and three touchdowns.
Putting White’s Week 1 performance into perspective:
According to @ESPNStatsInfo, @WKUFootball QB Mike White's QBR of 98.3 was the best by an FBS QB in a week 1 game over the past 10 years.
— Phil Steele (@philsteele042) September 6, 2016
However, those numbers were put up against Rice and the Tide’s defense locked down USC, allowing only 130 passing yards and no touchdowns Saturday night. While this may not have appeared to be the case heading into the season, Alabama’s defense very well could face a step up in competition this week.
Aside from the productive White, Western Kentucky returned eight offensive starters from last season high scoring team. In fact, WKU has averaged over 44 points of offense each of the last two seasons under head coach Jeff Brohm.
While the Tide should win easily at home don’t be surprised if the Hilltoppers add a late score or two and earn the backdoor cover by the game’s conclusion.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
