Florida Atlantic-Alabama Preview Capsule

By The Associated Press

(AP) -- No. 1 Alabama (3-0) vs. Florida Atlantic (1-2), 5 p.m. (pay per view)

Line: Alabama by 50.

Series Record: First meeting.

KEY MATCHUP

Florida Atlantic's offense, which is 116th nationally in scoring, against an Alabama defense allowing the nation's third-fewest points. The Owls are averaging 14.67 points a game, slightly more than the 14 the Crimson Tide has given up collectively through three games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Florida Atlantic: QB Graham Wilbert. The senior has completed 68 percent of his passes and ranks fourth in the Sun Belt Conference in passing efficiency (143.6).

Alabama: RB Kenyan Drake. The freshman isn't particularly high on the Tide's depth chart but he has displayed some power and nifty moves in a deep backfield when called upon. If this game becomes the expected blowout, Drake could see plenty of action after averaging 11.4 yards on eight carries with two touchdowns.

FACTS & FIGURES

Alabama has scored 94 unanswered points in the last three games, a span of 145 minutes. ... The Tide is tied for first nationally with Mississippi State in turnover margin at plus-3.67. ... Alabama's first-team offensive line outweighs Florida Atlantic's No. 1 defensive front by an average of 314-248. ... Florida Atlantic coach Carl Pelini is the brother of Nebraska coach Bo Pelini.

Updated September 20, 2012