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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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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Kell Walker #5 of the Army Black Knights outruns linebacker Ryan Jones #33 of the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

Sept. 7

Army at Michigan

This game is attractive because of what happened last season in Norman, OK. The Sooners survived the Black Knights, barely and in overtime. That game is also why there is little mention of Big 12 teams in this post. Until the conference learns there are two sides to a line of scrimmage, its teams don’t much merit conversation about post-season directions.

Can Army bedevil the Wolverines into a major upset? We doubt it but it will be fun to watch.

Texas A&M at Clemson

The Aggies want to believe there is a chance for an upset. Clemson’s defensive front rebuild may still be unsettled early in the season and Kellen Mond could befuddle them. Can the Aggies stop the Tigers is the big question.

West Virginia at Missouri

Even with a bowl game loss, Missouri finished 2018 strong. A win over a solid Power Five program would boost the Tigers (small) chances to be a factor in the SEC East. replacing Drew Lock was a big challenge for Barry Odom. The solution is former Clemson QB, Kelly Bryant. The Tigers offense will change with Bryant’s ability to run. The new offense could be better suited to the physical style the defense-oriented Odom prefers.

LSU at Texas

This game features two teams looking to leap past numerous predictions of being overrated. The Longhorns get that label more than the Bengal Tigers but both programs need a statement win.

Stanford at USC

Much of the country will ignore this game due to the late start. Nonetheless, it is big for both teams. Washington, Oregon and Utah are predicted to be the class of the Pac 12. The Cardinal and the Trojans will try to change the conversation. Every game in 2019 will be big for Clay Helton as he tries to hold on to his job. Alabama football fans, coveting USC, 2020, verbal commit, QB Bryce Young will be rooting for David Shaw’s team.

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