To get a better feel for this Saturday's opponent, we reached out to someone who is around Alabama on a regular basis: Tony Tsoukalas.

Tsoukalas covers the Crimson Tide as a beat writer for BamaInsider.com, the Alabama Rivals site.

HawgBeat: How is Alabama's offense different with Tua Tagovailoa under center? Also, what are your thoughts on how Nick Saban has handled the quarterback situation with him and Jalen Hurts?

Tsoukalas: The biggest difference with Tagovailoa under center is his ability to distribute the ball to all of Alabama’s playmakers. Last season, we saw Hurts zero in on Calvin Ridley, often missing wide-open targets. That doesn’t happen much anymore which forces defenses out of double teams and creates favorable matchups downfield.