GAME NOTES: The 22nd-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide of the SEC and the Florida State Seminoles of the ACC will collide in Jacksonville this weekend. Alabama jumped out to a 3-0 start under first-year head coach Nick Saban, creating a great deal of buzz around a program that has toiled in unfamiliar mediocrity in recent years. The Crimson Tide figured to have a strong chance of beating Georgia in Tuscaloosa last weekend, but the result of that tilt was a heart- breaking 26-23 defeat. With Houston on the docket next, Saban's troops get an extended break from league action. Florida State opened the season with a narrow loss to Clemson, but the club has rallied for back-to-back wins. The Seminoles were idle last weekend, as their most recent outing took place on September 15th and resulted in a 16-6 decision over Colorado. Alabama has won the only two previous meetings with Florida State, and the programs have not met since 1974.

Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson is not much of a threat as a runner, but he did score a pair of rushing touchdowns in the loss to Georgia last weekend. As a passer, Wilson avoided throwing any interceptions, but he completed just 17-of-35 passes for 185 yards. Keith Brown and DJ Hall, the two best receivers on the team, were limited to three catches apiece. The ground attack was paced by Terry Grant, who racked up 80 yards on only 11 carries. Alabama is averaging 35.0 ppg despite the modest offensive effort against Georgia. The running game is producing 205.2 ypg and 5.1 ypc for Saban's group, and Grant has rushed for 483 yards and five touchdowns while averaging a stellar 6.6 ypc. Wilson has connected on 54.1 percent of his passes for 851 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. DJ Hall and Mike McCoy have both made 16 catches, but it is Hall who is the game-breaker.

The Crimson Tide came up with a pair of interceptions against Georgia last weekend, but the defense surrendered a touchdown pass on the Bulldogs' first play in overtime that ended the game. While 'Bama did yield 153 rushing yards in the contest, it took Georgia 40 attempts to reach that mark. As for the pass defense, Alabama allowed 224 yards and a pair of scores. Opponents are scoring 20.0 ppg against the Crimson Tide, which is allowing 326.5 total ypg. Of the nine touchdowns that 'Bama has surrendered to opposing offenses, six have come through the air. The club has generated eight takeaways, but the total of four sacks in four outings is unacceptable. Rolando McClain has made a team-high 32 tackles thus far for Alabama.

For years, Florida State lit up scoreboards with ease under the guidance of legendary coach Bobby Bowden. Considering that the Seminoles are averaging 22.7 ppg and 332.3 total ypg through three outings, it is obvious that this year's squad is far from explosive. Quarterback Drew Weatherford has played mediocre football so far. Sure, he has only thrown one interception in three games, but his modest total of four touchdown passes and a 54 percent completion rating won't scary any opponents. There is plenty of talent among the receivers, but many have yet to reach their potential. As for the ground attack, Antone Smith leads the club with 218 yards and a pair of touchdowns. In the win over Colorado two weeks ago, Smith rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Weatherford completed only 8-of-18 passes for 126 yards. Florida State only managed 10 first downs in the tilt.

Florida State is allowing 18.0 ppg and 305.3 total ypg to its opponents thus far. Clearly, the strength of the defense has been its play against the run, as the unit is yielding a mere 74.7 ypg on the ground on 2.4 ypc. The pass defense, while not quite as impressive, has been solid overall. With five sacks and five takeaways, the defense has made a decent number of big plays, but there is plenty of room for improvement in that area. Derek Nicholson leads the club with 26 total tackles. In the win over Colorado, Florida State put forth an unbelievable defensive effort. The Buffaloes finished with minus-27 yards on 25 rushing attempts. Even though Colorado threw for 306 yards, they club was only able to score six points with the one-dimensional attack.

Expect this matchup to be close on a neutral field. In a game that should be decided in the closing minutes, give a narrow edge to Florida State.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Florida State 23, Alabama 20