Alabama football: Closer look at Crimson Tide's opener today against San Jose State

Line: Alabama by 37 1/2.

Series Record: First meeting.

What’s at Stake

For Alabama, not much beyond avoiding injuries and a poor showing. San Jose State would love to give new coach Mike MacIntyre a strong debut — and maybe even a monumental upset — after going 2-10 last season.

Key Matchup

Alabama’s defense against an offense that managed just 13.8 points and 284 yards per game last season. The Tide has nine new defensive starters, so the Spartans might be a good way to get started.

Players to Watch

San Jose State: QB Jordan La Secla passed for 1,926 yards last season and goes against a young secondary.

Alabama: RB Trent Richardson fills in for injured Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. Not much drop-off here, though. He ran for 751 yards and had two 100-yard games as a freshman.

Facts & Figures

Alabama is preseason No. 1 for the first time since 1978. The Tide is coming off two straight perfect regular seasons and the 2009 national title. … This is the debut of newly expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium, which now seats 101,821. … It is the second time San Jose State has faced a top-ranked opponent. The Spartans opened with a 49-13 loss at then-No. 1 Nebraska in 2000. San Jose State hasn’t beaten a ranked team since topping No. 9 TCU and LaDainian Tomlinson in 2000, and it hasn’t managed it on the road since 1980 against No. 9 Baylor.