Legend Gene Stallings predicted his former team, Alabama, would beat Penn State in Tuscaloosa by 20 points. It turns out he was wrong. The Crimson Tide won by 21.
“Going into Tuscaloosa is not a good place to start with a true freshman quarterback,” Stallings said on Monday’s conference call. “Penn State shot themselves in the foot a number of times. They looked like they had something going and Alabama would put pressure on the quarterback and he’d throw an interception or they would fumble.”
Alabama’s defense held Penn State under 300 yards and forced four turnovers, intercepting freshman quarterback Robert Bolden three times as the Crimson Tide rolled to a 24-3 victory.
“Defensively, Alabama is a nightmare for a quarterback,” former West Virginia coach Don Nehlen said.
But the defense wasn’t the only bright spot for the Crimson Tide.
“If you’re going to play against Alabama, you better be able to stop the run,” Stallings said. “(Reigning Heisman Trophy winner) Ingram is out, but I’m not too sure that the second team running back isn’t as good as he is. (Trent Richardson) has gained over 100 yards in both of their first two games.
“Alabama is a very physical football team. And the thing about their quarterback is that he hasn’t lost a game. Confidence breeds confidence.”
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| RK | Team | Record | PV RK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Alabama (19) | 12-1 | 2 |
| 2 |  LSU | 13-1 | 1 |
| 3 |  Oklahoma State | 12-1 | 3 |
| 4 |  Oregon | 12-2 | 5 |
| 5 |  Stanford | 11-2 | 4 |
| 6 |  Arkansas | 11-2 | 9 |
| 7 |  Boise State | 12-1 | 6 |
| 8 |  Houston | 13-1 | 20 |
| 9 |  USC | 10-2 | 7 |
| 10 |  Michigan State | 11-3 | 12 |
2011 Final Gene Stallings Top 5 Poll
| RK | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama |
| 2 | Oklahoma State |
| 3 | LSU |
| 4 | Stanford |
| 5 | Oregon |