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Alabama by the numbers

By JazzyUte

As we inch closer to the Big Game, it's important we actually look at what Utah will be facing Friday. It's not going to be an easy game and if the Utes aren't playing at their highest level, they could get rolled. Fortunately, I think Kyle Whittingham will have his boys ready and that should at least keep them in the game. 

Of course, it doesn't change the fact the Utes are facing a pretty damn good team.

Passing

Passing Rushing Sacks
G Rating Comp Att Pct Yds Y/G Y/A TD INT Rush Yds Y/G Avg TD Sack YdsL
John Parker Wilson 13 123.8 169 293 57.7 2096 161.2 12.4 9 6 60 25 1.9 0.0 5 - -
Greg McElroy 4 178.5 8 11 72.7 123 30.8 15.4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 - -
Alabama's passing game isn't the big concern for Utah. Though Wilson is a decent quarterback, if the Tide's chances of winning come down to his arm, they may be in trouble. 

Rushing

Rushing Receiving
G Rush Yds Y/G Avg TD Rec Yds Y/G Avg TD
Glen Coffee 13 220 1347 103.6 6.1 10 12 78 6.0 6.5 0
Mark Ingram 13 135 702 54.0 5.2 12 6 46 3.5 7.7 0
Roy Upchurch 9 58 350 38.9 6.0 4 9 101 11.2 11.2 0
Terry Grant 7 35 88 12.6 2.5 1 4 36 5.1 9.0 0
Jeramie Griffin 2 6 29 14.5 4.8 0 1 9 4.5 9.0 0
John Parker Wilson 13 60 25 1.9 0.0 5 0 0 0 0 0
Demetrius Goode 2 9 24 12.0 2.7 0 0 0 0 0 0
Marquis Maze 7 1 1 0.1 1.0 0 11 137 19.6 12.5 2
This is where Alabama beats you. The Crimson Tide's dominant running game, centered around Glen Coffee, run all over teams. The Utes' defensive line will have to play their best game of the season if they have any chance of winning this game. It won't be an easy task, but I think Utah is up for the challenge.

Receiving

Receiving
G Rec Yds Y/G AVG TD
Glen Coffee 13 12 78 6.0 6.5 0
Mark Ingram 13 6 46 3.5 7.7 0
Roy Upchurch 9 9 101 11.2 11.2 0
Terry Grant 7 4 36 5.1 9.0 0
Jeramie Griffin 2 1 9 4.5 9.0 0
Marquis Maze 7 11 137 19.6 12.5 2
Julio Jones 13 51 847 65.2 16.6 4
Nick Walker 12 29 299 24.9 10.3 2
Mike McCoy 7 16 191 27.3 11.9 1
Darius Hanks 5 8 88 17.6 11.0 0
Earl Alexander 4 7 116 29.0 16.6 0
Travis McCall 6 7 52 8.7 7.4 0
Brad Smelley 5 6 91 18.2 15.2 0
Nikita Stover 5 5 86 17.2 17.2 1
Will Oakley 2 2 27 13.5 13.5 0
B.J. Scott 2 2 7 3.5 3.5 0
Preston Dial 1 1 8 8.0 8.0 0

Kicking

Field Goals PAT
G 0-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50+ FGM FGA PCT XPM XPA PCT pts
Corey Smith 1 - - - - - 0 1 0.0% 0 1 0.0% 0
Leigh Tiffin 13 - - - - - 19 26 73.1% 44 45 97.8% 101

This game will come down to whether or not the Utes can keep Alabama's running game from exploding on them. That requires playing a very disciplined and heavy game up front. The defensive line can't allow the Tide to overpower them at the line of scrimmage and if Coffee does break loose, they can't miss tackles. Missed tackles kill opposing team defenses when they are trying to stop the run.

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