3 storylines for Alabama vs. Kentucky in Week 2 SEC road showdown

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Talked about back in the preseason, this Saturday's Week 2 matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington has a bit of a different feel going into it.

A series Alabama has owned historically, the Crimson Tide and Wildcats have not played since 2023, as well as only six times dating back to 2008. The Wildcats have also defeated Alabama only twice ever, the most recent of which came back in 1997.

This latest game Saturday though is certainly a potential "trap game" for Alabama, despite the Crimson Tide being a big favorite going into the matchup. Not only will it be a conference game in a tough environment, but it is against a team certainly capable of giving the Crimson Tide troubles.

Here are three storylines to follow as Alabama travels to Lexington in Week 2.

How will Keelon Russell perform in first road, SEC start?

After making his first collegiate start last week, Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell is now set to make not only his first road start this Saturday, but also his first against a SEC opponent. This is likely to be the toughest defense that Russell has played against yet, and it will be key for the sophomore to have a strong showing to silence what will be a packed Kroger Field on Saturday afternoon.

Will AK Dear, Jireh Edwards make season debut?

Both listed as "questionable" on Wednesday night's initial Week 2 Availability Report, will AK Dear or Jireh Edwards be available for the Crimson Tide against Kentucky? Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer hinted at the possibility that both could be nearing a return earlier in the week, and a potential debut from both Saturday would be huge for the Crimson Tide on both sides of the ball.

Can Alabama avoid the upset in road game as big favorite?

When looking back at Kalen DeBoer's first two seasons in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has dropped a few road games that they entered as big favorites such as Vanderbilt and Oklahoma in 2024, as well as Florida State a year ago. This is a matchup similar to those where Alabama is considered the favorite, and will certainly have to be their best to avoid a potential upset.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 storylines for Alabama vs. Kentucky in Week 2 SEC road showdown

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