Alabama Football: 3 keys for Tide to dominate vs. Miami
By Dakota Cox
What will it take for Alabama football to dominate?
The wait is finally over. Alabama football will play a game this week, beginning the Tide’s title defense tour. It will begin against the Miami Hurricanes in Atlanta, a place where Alabama has plenty of history.
The last time Alabama opened the season in Mercedes-Benz Stadium was when the Tide dominated against Duke in 2019. Their last game in this stadium was when they beat the Florida Gators in the 2020 SEC Championship. Alabama will hope to have similar success against the U.
Nick Saban has yet to lose a season opener since becoming Alabama football’s head coach, and the Tide will likely beat the Hurricanes in Atlanta. For them, winning isn’t enough. Alabama has to dominate.
So, what are the keys to dominating in every facet of this game? If Alabama football can do these three things, expect greatness to follow.
3. Contain D’Eriq King
D’Eriq King is a highly experienced quarterback who decided to return for one more season with the Hurricanes. In the past, he has been seen as an NFL talent and a Heisman hopeful. Over his 45-game career, he has scored 32 rushing touchdowns. He’s a quality passer, but everything stems from his ability to run the ball.
Alabama’s defense has to contain King. If the Tide want to play man defense, the front seven has to keep him from breaking loose. If he stays in the pocket, he will be unable to dominate.
Alabama brings back eight starters from last year’s defense, and they add Henry To’o To’o at inside linebacker. The defense will be strong, but this will be an early test to see how they handle mobile quarterbacks.