No. 1 Alabama-Utah State live stream (9/3): How to watch online, TV, time

No. 1 Alabama hits the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3 against Utah State. The game will be live streamed on DirecTV Stream (free trial) and fuboTV (live stream).

For Alabama coach Nick Saban, it’s all about “setting a standard for how we want to play.”

That’s the top-ranked Crimson Tide’s focus heading into the opener against Utah State (1-0) on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium after an offseason of looking at that so-called participation trophy staged as a message in the team’s cafeteria.

This game won’t go far toward determining Alabama’s final destination in its bid for a national title after a runner-up finish. Not against a six-touchdown underdog.

But it’s a chance to showcase the new playmakers surrounding Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young.

And Utah State did go 11-3 in coach Blake Anderson’s debut season. The Aggies finished with a No. 24 ranking and then opened with a 31-20 win over Connecticut.

When is Alabama-Utah State?

Alabama plays Utah State at 6:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET) Saturday, Sept. 3.

Live stream options DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream offers a free trial.

There are three options of DirecTV Stream:

The Choice Package has more than 90 channels and is $74.99 during the promotion. The channels in ENTERTAINMENT, plus MLB Network, NBA TV, college sports networks, and more. Enjoy Regional Sports Networks with no additional fees.

The Ultimate Package has more than 130 channels and is $89.99 during the promotion. Everything in CHOICE, plus Oxygen, Golf Channel, NHL Network, Universal Kids and more.

The Premier Package has more than 140 channels and is $134.99 during the promotion. Everything in ULTIMATE, plus HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax and more.

DirecTV Stream offers a free trial that doesn’t require much effort.

To sign up, enter a phone number, email address and credit card, and you’ll receive five days of the service without charge.

In addition, enhance your experience with the DirecTV Stream device. While it doesn’t include a free trial, it give you access to thousands of apps like Netflix and more on Google Play. You can search using the voice remote with Google Assistant, and you can enjoy a traditional live TV channel guide. It is sold separately.

FuboTV

The game will be live streamed on fuboTV, which offers a free trial. The most basic of plans is the “fubo standard” package, which comprises 121-plus channels for $69.99 per month. Like all cord-cutting alternatives, there are plenty of options, especially for sports. It comes with more than 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR, and up to 10 screens at once.

Will it be televised?

Alabama-Utah State will be televised on SEC Network.

Preview

PORTAL PLAYMAKERS: Young emerged as the nation’s top player — per Heisman voters — last season, but now he’s relying on largely different playmakers. Georgia transfer receiver Jermaine Burton instead of Jameson Williams. Ex-Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs not Brian Robinson Jr.

Gibbs has drawn rave reviews from coaches and teammates — and Blake Anderson, too.

“The challenge is real,” Utah State’s coach said. “They just transferred in maybe the best running back in the country from Georgia Tech. Put that behind maybe the best offensive line in the country and a quarterback that can do it all.”

HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE: Alabama has been unbeatable in its home opener the past two decades. The Tide are riding a 20-game winning streak in the annual Bryant-Denny Stadium debut, including 15-0 under Saban. Alabama has outscored opponents in those games under Saban by an average of 40.7-11.7 points.

YOUTH MOVEMENT: A couple of true freshmen moved to the top of Alabama’s depth chart. Wide receiver Kobe Prentis is the starting slot receiver with JoJo Earle out with a broken foot. Noseguard Jaheim Oatis, a 6-foot-5, 370-pounder, is listed as a co-starter with incumbent DJ Dale. Meanwhile, Utah State has four offensive line starters listed as graduate transfers, with freshman Weylin Lapuaho listed as a potential starter at right guard.

TOUGH TO BLOCK: Both defenses have been adept at knocking opposing offenses backward. Alabama has the nation’s top sack leader from 2021 in linebacker Will Anderson, along with Dallas Turner among other pass rushers. Utah State had 11 tackles for loss against UConn and finished tied for second-most nationally last season with 114.

BAMA SECONDARY: The competition continues for Alabama’s cornerbacks. Kool-Aid McKinstry and LSU transfer Eli Ricks are listed as co-starters at one spot. Terrion Arnold or Khyree Jackson will get the nod at the other.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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