Alabama Football: Five Bold Predictions for Tide versus Blue Devils
By Ronald Moody
Defense pitches a shutout and allows less than 200 yards total offense
The last time the Alabama defense was on the field, Trevor Lawrence shredded them to pieces. No consistent pass rush and receivers were running unimpeded through the defensive backfield.
Alabama always has the talent, but injuries in the past two seasons have robbed the team of its great depth, especially on defense. The Blue Devils are in for a painful first game. Last year’s starting quarterback, NFL first-rounder Daniel Jones, is battling Eli Manning for the starting position for the New York Giants, leaving Quentin Harris who played some significant minutes whenever Jones left the game.
Senior quarterback Harris is an experienced mobile quarterback, throwing for 437 yards and seven touchdowns. Harris also rushed for 213 yards and five scores. Unfortunately, the senior has not faced a defense like Alabama at practice. Only four starters return on offense.
Dylan Moses, Raekwon Davis, and Terrell Lewis will ensure the defense is ready to go. If the linebacker corps (Moses, Lewis, Christian Harris, and Anfernee Jennings) can stay healthy, not only will they obliterate Duke but they will create havoc the entire season.
The secondary is full of savvy, grizzled veterans so covering two receivers who combined for 17 catches last season should not be a problem.
Expect Alabama to play lightning-fast and hellish, furious intensity because all offseason, they have heard exclusively about Trevor Lawrence and 44 points allowed.