’Bama gets set for up-tempo Middle Tennessee offense

Published 4:03 am Saturday, September 12, 2015

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s defense is facing Middle Tennessee at a good time.

The second-ranked Crimson Tide will get a look at an up tempo offense that bears some resemblance to the one run by No. 17 Mississippi, which just happens to visit Bryant-Denny Stadium a week after Saturday’s game with the Blue Raiders.

Alabama coach Nick Saban bristles at any suggestion that this game will be about anything but winning and improving. Still, it could be fortuitous timing in giving the defense a little head start in preparing for the fast-paced style of offense ‘Bama will face in that Southeastern Conference opener.

“There’s a lot of similarities to sort of the Ole Miss, Auburn type (offense),” Saban said.

Alabama (1-0) is a five-touchdown favorite over the Blue Raiders (1-0), who torched Jackson State for 70 points in their opener. The Tide is seeking to extend a 13-game win streak in home openers, including an 8-0 record under Saban.

Alabama moved up a spot in the polls with an opening win over Wisconsin, but carries a quarterback competition into Game 2. Jake Coker started the first game but is still trying to secure the job over Cooper Bateman.

Saban fumed over a reporter’s question that this could be a chance to focus on that battle because the game itself is regarded as a mismatch.

Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill wants his players following his lead and tuning out talk that they can’t win.

“Why go down there and play if you have no chance?” Stockstill said.