Alabama Football: Bama Hammer staff Louisville game predictions

Check out the Alabama football vs. Louisville game predictions made by the Bama Hammer staff writers.

Alabama football fans, a word of caution. Don’t use the following game predictions to make any big-dollar bets. The Bama Hammer writing staff gladly shares our best guess about what will happen against Louisville. Last season’s staff picked the winners of every game correctly, except one. We missed on Auburn. Of course, we picked Alabama football to win every game.

Don’t be misled by this disclaimer, we task this task very seriously. These predictions are given careful consideration based on our (cough-cough) educated opinions.

Bama Hammer Contributor, Ronald Moody

A tough Crimson Tide squad will prove too much for the Petrino led Cardinals. Damien and Najee Harris will run roughshod over the young Louisville defense. All the hype surrounding uber talented Tua Tagovailoa will prove true as he leads the Tide to victory with 300-plus yards and three touchdowns.

Prediction: Alabama 48 Louisville 14

Bama Hammer Contributor, Chris Dodson

As far as openers go, this one might be the most understated in recent memory. One year ago, there would be more reason for the attention with Lamar Jackson under center. The fact this game is a prime-time ABC kickoff is beyond my understanding, but that’s why I’m here and they are there.

If Tua goes under center like I think he will, you can expect a quick offense for the first half. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Alabama put in Jalen in the second half, even if the halftime lead isn’t massive. (Hint: It will be)

As for defense, I think it will take some time to get warmed up. Louisville will have a few tricks up its sleeve that could take advantage of some mishaps in the D. Won’t last long, however, and it won’t matter on the scoreboard. Alabama only gets better with time, much like a fine, but extremely-violent wine.

Expect Alabama to roll this week. I’m calling for a 42-7 beatdown of the Cardinals.

Bama Hammer Contributor, Jonathan Waldrop

Here’s the deal. I’m a pessimist, so my tendency is to see the question marks with the Tide and go from there. That being said, there are some question marks, mostly on the defensive side of the ball. A depleted defensive line unit and two injuries already at outside linebacker, along with an overhauled secondary give me pause against any Bobby Petrino-coached team, no matter the QB.

However, I truly believe that Tua or Jalen could do damage to Louisville’s defense and I also think the Tide defense recovers from some first-half gaffes. Louisville scores some points, but ‘Bama definitely scores more and covers the spread.

Prediction: Alabama 45 Louisville 20

Bama Hammer Lead Writer, Ronald Evans

For those who read an earlier post of mine, you know I think Louisville does not have a chance. Nothing from last season indicates there is anything to fear from the Louisville defense. A few JUCO transfers may have helped but new defensive coordinator, Brian VanGorder is a negative for the Cardinals.

Still, the game should be interesting as the coaches parry schemes. Petrino knows he must outscore the Tide. He will try to take advantage of not only an inexperienced Tide secondary, but also a new Tide defensive coordinator, with no experience calling plays. There will be Tide miscues.

Otherwise, I expect pain to be widely administered by the Tide on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Tua, then Jalen or Jalen, then Tua – it will not matter. Mac Jones should get most of the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Alabama 45 – Louisville 17

Alabama football fans, check in with us each week for our staff predictions. We try not to take ourselves too seriously but we certainly take Crimson Tide football most seriously.