Alabama Football: Nine interesting week two games for Tide fans
By Ronald Evans
Texas A&M Aggies at Colorado Buffaloes (Denver, CO)
After a 5-7, 2019 season and ending the 2020 season with a bad loss to Texas, Colorado needs a path back to respectability. This game gives them an opportunity. The game will not be a track meet, and not because of the mile-high altitude. Both teams are patient offensively. The Buffs are particularly dependent on a consistent rushing attack. The Aggies are not an easy team to run on.
Jimbo’s team should not replicate the turnover explosion it had against Kent State. It will be interesting to see how well Aggies’ QB, Haynes King handles what could be steady pressure from Colorado.
The Aggies don’t have a stiff challenge early in the season. It is too far out to be looking ahead to an October date with Alabama Football. Jimbo can be patient with some position groups, particularly his offensive line, being a work-in-progress. A talent advantage should give Jimbo’s team a two-plus touchdown win.
Iowa Hawkeyes at Iowa State Cyclones
This series goes back to 1894 and totals 67 games. Iowa leads the series by a 45-22 margin and the Hawkeyes have won the last five games.
In week one Iowa put defensive clamps on Indiana and won easily 34-6. The outcome was a shocker, but the Hoosiers might have been overrated. Iowa State’s offense was productive against Northern Iowa but inconsistencies and problems on third down led to a winning margin of only 16-10.
Beyond the in-state rivalry, the early season game is big for both teams. Iowa seeks a claim as a championship contender. After game one, Iowa State needs to reestablish not being a championship pretender. Neither team rushes the offense. A close, and not particularly high-scoring game is expected.
Appalachian State at Miami
The Canes need a reset and getting one with a win over a Sun Belt team should be a given. Coastal Carolina gets the most buzz for a Sun Belt team, but don’t be surprised if the conference’s best team is the Mountaineers.
App State was impressive beating East Carolina 33-19, with late scores by the Pirates making the game appear closer than it actually was. The Canes did not quit against an Alabama Football onslaught. Manny Diaz’s team should have too much talent and too much incentive to fail at home and start the season at 0-2. Look for the Mountaineers to stay within reach of an upset, but come up short.