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Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0, 0-0 SEC) @ Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
3:30pm, September 10, 2011
Beaver Stadium (Capactiy: 107,282)
Now that we actually have some 2011 stats to go on, the Objective Primer can be properly filled out. Unfortunately, the numbers for Penn State and Alabama were put up against Indiana State and Kent State, respectively. As such, not too much stock can be put into the numbers. The stats and some quick analysis after the jump.
| Penn St. | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| 245 (16) | Rushing Offense | 183 (43) |
| 114 (97) | Passing Offense | 299 (22) |
| 107.88 (86) | Passing Efficiency | 111.98 (81) |
| 359 (70) | Total Offense | 482 (24) |
| 41 (33) | Scoring Offense | 48 (17) |
| 65 (21) | Rushing Defense | -9 (1) |
| 105 (14) | Passing Defense | 99 (13) |
| 170 (12) | Total Defense | 90 (2) |
| 7 (T14) | Scoring Defense | 7 (T14) |
| 2 (T37) | Sacks | 4 (12) |
| 3 (T83) | Sacks Allowed | 2 (T58) |
| 7 (T40) | Tackles for Loss | 7 (40) |
| 3 (T9) | Turnover Margin | -4 (111) |
| 5.17 (59) | Punt Returns | 13.45 (24) |
| 55.5 (1) | Kickoff Returns | 31.5 (20) |
Again, the Week One opponents for each team did little to answer many questions. However, Alabama's defense put up some serious numbers last week. Negative nine yards rushing? That doesn't bode well for Silas Redd and Co., but then Penn State's running backs are slightly better than whomever the Golden Flashes put on the field last week.
Other than that, not much stands out. Alabama apparently had some turnover issues against Kent State, which is good, as this type of game is won by field position, turnovers, and special teams. If Penn State can figure out its kicking game in short order and continue to find ways to force turnovers, this game just might turn out OK for the good guys.
The Rankings - Week One
BCS Rankings and the six computer rankings that help makup the BCS will not be included until the week of October 16th.
| AP | Coaches | Pre-Snap Read | CBS | BCS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State | 23 | 20 | 18 | 23 | N/A |
| Alabama | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | N/A |
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