Alabama faces Kentucky in early conference road test

Alabama prepares to face Kentucky at Kroger Field in an early-season SEC matchup. Coach Kalen DeBoer enters the game seeking improved performance from his rushing attack, which averaged 3.9 yards per carry against East Carolina in the season opener. Alabama enters the contest as a 10.5-point favorite while holding a 39-2-1 historical advantage over the Wildcats. Kentucky coach Will Stein has urged fans to create a record-breaking noise environment for the game, which marks Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell's first road start. The Wildcats are coming off a 45-13 victory over Youngstown State in their debut under Stein. Alabama players continue to focus on fundamental blocking and ball security to avoid negative plays after failing to generate multiple explosive runs in Week 1.

• 8:30 PMCBS Sports — Alabama's new-look run game seeks proof of concept in SEC opener against Kentucky