No. 1 Alabama faces FCS Chattanooga in Iron Bowl tuneup

Posted November 17, 2016 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

Chattanooga (8-2) at No. 1 Alabama (10-0), 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

Line: No line.

Series record: Alabama leads 12-0.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Alabama should get a chance to rest and heal up a few key players while trying to maintain the strong play of late. The Mocs, ranked 11th in the FCS coaches poll, close the regular season hoping for a good showing.

KEY MATCHUP

The Southeastern Conference's top offense faces a team that ranks fifth in the FCS in total defense and first in pass defense. Alabama QB Jalen Hurts is coming off his best passing performance, 347 yards against Mississippi State.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chattanooga: QB Alejandro Bennifield is the sixth-rated passer in the FCS and has thrown for 23 touchdowns and 2,067 yards.

Alabama: Freshman RB Josh Jacobs ran for 89 yards against Mississippi State and is third on the team in rushing. He could log extra carries if Bo Scarbrough doesn't play after missing the last game with a sprained knee.

FACTS & FIGURES

Tide coach Nick Saban could break a tie with Ohio State's Woody Hayes and Florida State's Bobby Bowden for most wins as the No. 1 team. It would be his 41st against five losses. ... The Mocs lead the FCS in passing yards allowed per game, 139.3. Alabama leads the FBS in run defense and sacks. ... Alabama has won the previous two meetings under Saban by a combined 94-0. ... Chattanooga DB Lucas Webb, a native of nearby Northport, has returned three interceptions for touchdowns in his career.

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AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org

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