Alabama Football: Five Bold Predictions for Tide versus Blue Devils
By Ronald Moody
Knockout Special Teams Play
Whenever an Alabama football kicker lines up for a field goal or an extra point, fans say a small prayer, followed by holding their breath. After the missed attempt, fans shake their head and curse Nick Saban under their breath for not finding a decent kicker.
Smile, Alabama fans. Saban has heard your cries, and your prayers are answered. True freshman Will Reichard will nail two 50 yarders Saturday.
Sophomore Skyler Delong, replacing the popular, all-time UA record holder for career punting yards in JK Scott, struggled mightily last season. He only averaged 34.4 yards per attempt with his longest going for 51 yards. JK Scott delivered a career average of 45.6 yards per attempt with a career-long of 66 yards. Delong will only punt twice, and both will average over 50 yards, showing Alabama nation how improved he is this season.
Lastly, Duke will not fear the electrifying Jaylen Waddle during punt returns. They will not kick it away from him, daring the sophomore to return the ball. Waddle will accept the challenge and leave the special team defenders grasping for air on his way to a celebratory punt return TD.