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Alabama Football: 22 September ‘make or break’ games among 22 teams

By Ronald Evans

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: The Alabama Crimson Tide mascot "Big Al" is seen prior to the CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: The Alabama Crimson Tide mascot "Big Al" is seen prior to the CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 01: Confetti falls after the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 35-28 in the 2018 SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Alabama football will begin 2019 with a less stressful schedule but 22 other teams have 22 September games that may not make but can break their season.

A couple of quick notes before we dive in. Alabama football will not be unchallenged in September. The Crimson Tide is not invulnerable to the danger of traveling to Colombia. A hot QB has ripped out Crimson Tide hearts there before.  The focus of this post is other teams, primarily the nine other SEC teams who had winning records in 2018. Thirteen more teams are discussed from other Power Five conferences.

The 22 September games mentioned above actually include two August games. Combined with the two Aug. 24 games, the college football schedule through the end of September actually has six weeks.

Those six weeks will not qualify any team for post-season play. But among the 22 teams discussed, early wins and losses can alter the direction of a season.

Aug. 24 – Opening Weekend; Florida vs. Miami

In Orlando, Florida and Miami will face off in a game with more significance than its impact on recruiting battles in the Sunshine state. The Gators, coming off a 10-win, No. 7 in the nation 2018 season will seek to continue the momentum. Manny Diaz and the Canes will be looking for a statement win against an SEC foe.

Aug. 31

Auburn vs. Oregon in Arlington, TX

A statement game for both teams. Some experts are picking the Ducks to win the Pac 12 and have a chance to make the CFB Playoff. Auburn will look to re-define itself as something other than a second-tier SEC team. Mario Cristobal has a huge advantage with an experienced, future NFL QB, while Gus will field a youngster with no experience. The challenge for the Ducks is whether its offensive line can hold its own against Auburn’s defensive front.

South Carolina vs. North Carolina in Charlotte

Mack Brown is not expected to deliver a sudden turnaround with the Tar Heels. This is a game Will Muschamp’s team should win. Given how tough a schedule the Gamecocks face in 2019, losing the opener would be a body blow.

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