Charleston Southern-Alabama Preview Capsule

Posted November 19, 2015 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

Charleston Southern (9-1) at No. 3 Alabama (9-1), 4 p.m. (SEC Network)

Line: OFF.

Series Record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Alabama's trying to sustain momentum, avoid injuries and maybe give some starters extra rest if the Crimson Tide can build a big lead. Charleston Southern is trying to pull off a huge upset before heading into the FCS playoffs.

KEY MATCHUP

Alabama's No. 2-rated run defense against an offense averaging 230 rushing yards per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charleston Southern: RB/RS Darius Hammond is 19th nationally in all-purpose yards, rushing for 734 yards while also returning kicks and punts.

Alabama: RB Damien Harris. The highly touted freshman could see the most action of his career. Heisman Trophy candidate Derrick Henry has averaged 29 carries over the past six games and could probably use a break. Backup Kenyan Drake is out with a broken arm.

FACTS & FIGURES

Charleston Southern is 0-16 against FBS teams but lost just 21-20 to Vanderbilt last season. ... Alabama has won seven straight games, while the Buccaneers are riding an eight-game win streak. ... Charleston Southern is 31-11 since snapping a 15-game losing streak that was the nation's longest at the time. That includes a 27-8 mark under third-year coach Jamey Chadwell. ... The Tide had nine sacks against Mississippi State last week and is averaging a Southeastern Conference-best 3.8 sacks per game. ... Charleston Southern offensive coordinator Gabe Giardina is a former Alabama player and graduate assistant.

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