Brian Kelly Names Alabama Powerhouse Flying Under Radar

Brian Kelly highlights Alabama's physical dominance as a college football team overlooked after two weeks.

Sep 16, 2026

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Brian Kelly Names Alabama Powerhouse Flying Under Radar

Brian Kelly highlights Alabama's physical dominance as a college football team overlooked after two weeks.

In brief

Brian Kelly highlights Alabama's physical dominance as a college football team overlooked after two weeks. Brian Kelly says Alabama's physicality in wins over Kentucky shows potential despite being overlooked in early polls. Originally reported by CFB-HQ On SI.

Week 1 and 2 results

LSU dominated Clemson 51-10 in Week 1, Texas knocked off No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 after trailing 20 points.

Alabama's overlooked status

Alabama was No. 13 in preseason AP poll but not generally a team getting overlooked.

Kelly's analysis

Kelly's analysis

Brian Kelly said Alabama showed physicality on both sides of the ball in their win over Kentucky.

“They played great in the second half, "The physicality wore out in that game, although Kentucky has some energy and I certainly think Will Stein's going to do a great job there. Alabama kind of showed me something with their physicality on both sides of the ball."”

Alabama's offensive struggles

Alabama was abnormally unproductive on the ground in 2025 and lacked proven wide receiver options beyond Ryan Coleman-Williams.

Alabama's defensive strength

Alabama generated consistent pressure, stifled opponents for 185 yards per game, and scored touchdowns against East Carolina and Kentucky.

Kentucky game issues

Alabama didn't lead until late in the third quarter, threw two costly interceptions in first half, and was ineffective running the football.

Other teams flying under radar

Notre Dame, Indiana, Miami, and BYU are teams flying under radar after two weeks of the season.

BYU's conference impact

BYU quietly put together a strong team in the offseason and beat Arizona, impacting Big 12 championship race.

The key point

Brian Kelly says Alabama's physicality in wins over Kentucky shows potential despite being overlooked in early polls.

Read the original on CFB-HQ On SI

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