Bama looks to build on strong opener

By Staff
Following last week's impressive win against a top-10 team, Alabama – currently ranked fourth – plays its first home game, as the Crimson Tide welcomes Florida International to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
It will be the second time in school history Alabama has played the Panthers. The Crimson Tide won 38-3 in 2006.
Florida International coach Mario Cristobal has not coached against Alabama, but that does not mean he is a stranger to the Crimson Tide.
Cristobal played for the University of Miami, which met Alabama in a pair of Sugar Bowls. The former offensive lineman won a national title in 1989 when the Hurricanes defeated Alabama. The Crimson Tide returned the favor in 1992 by defeating Miami for the national title.
Florida International does have some good players, but nowhere near the quality of the Tide's previous opponent, Virginia Tech.
Greg McElroy completed 15-of-30 passes for 230 yards last week, and the rushing attack gained 293 yards on the ground.
Expect those numbers to go up this week.
The defensive numbers should be impressive this week as well. Alabama limited Virginia Tech to only 155 yards of total offense.
The Crimson Tide became only the sixth team in Football Bowl Series history to win 800 games last week. They should move up to 801 this week.