Crimson Red Sports

Three things to look for

1. Another shutout? Alabama's allowed just one offensive touchdown in two games against West Virginia and Florida Atlantic. The Owls never made it deeper than the Alabama 29 a week ago as the Tide allowed just 145 total yards. Southern Miss was shutout in its season-opener at Mississippi State and managed just 26 points against FCS foe Alcorn State a week ago. Mississippi State held the Golden Eagles to 71 rushing yards two weeks ago.

2. The youth movement: Alabama was in the middle of emptying the bench a week ago when lightning ended the game 7:53 early. Assuming this one goes the distance, expect more of the young players see more of the field against a Southern Miss team that's behind FAU in terms of program development. Positions to watch include the receivers who had quite a few participants against FAU. The secondary also has a host of freshmen who could use some time in the spotlight to develop in advance of more meaningful playing time. This one could get out of hand early, so expect to see full participation.

3. The quarterbacks: There hasn't been quite as much quarterback talk this week after both Jacob Coker and Blake Sims split time against FAU. It'll be interesting to see if there will be enough after the Southern Miss game to determine who'll be the No. 1 moving into the critical part of the season. Florida will bring one of the better SEC defenses a week later so they experimentation window may be closing.

The secondary also has a host of freshmen who could use some time in the spotlight to develop in advance of more meaningful playing time.