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Alabama vs. Penn: 3 key storylines for 2019-20 matchup

By Donovan Darlington

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 19: John Petty #23 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defended by Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of their game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 19, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 19: John Petty #23 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defended by Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of their game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 19, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 19: Alex Reese #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots a free throw during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 19, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 71-68. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 19: Alex Reese #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots a free throw during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 19, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 71-68. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

Alabama vs. Penn will bring college basketball fans lots of fun on opening night (Nov. 5). The two teams clash in Tuscaloosa in a must-watch mid-major vs. high-major contest.

On a night that features four National Title contenders slugging it out to gain early season glory in the Champions Classic, there are plenty of other great games that should not be overlooked. This matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Penn Quakers is certainly one of them, and it is not getting the attention it deserves.

This game could honestly end up being one of the best ones of the night. This Alabama team has lots of doubt surrounding them, so the Tide will be out trying to prove they are capable of accomplishing great things. On the other hand, this Penn team has collected some hype and is projected to be the second-best team in the Ivy League behind Harvard.

Last season, both teams were left disappointed as they watched the NCAA Tournament from home. Alabama and Penn both competed in the 2018 NCAA Tournament but were out rather early. This year, they are now looking to take steps toward getting back and the victor of this matchup will have its resume greatly benefited.

This game is intriguing because Penn returns lots of depth and despite the fact that Alabama has returned some key players, they have lost a few key pieces due to transfers and injury. They also have a new Head Coach in Nate Oats.

On Tuesday, Penn will come in with fire and attempt to leave Alabama with a huge road win. Alabama will try to answer questions regarding their depth and ability to play in close games under Nate Oats.

Alabama vs. Penn is one of the most intriguing non-conference games of 2019-20. It will be a war, and it will go down to the wire. Now, let’s take a look at the notable storylines for this great and highly underrated matchup.

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