Alabama Football: Tide will blowout, cruise by and prevail

There are three games against old and new rivals that are rarely described as games when the Alabama Crimson Tide will cruise to victory. Two of three teams have rosters with talent levels compared to the Crimson Tide, at least in multiple position groups. All three teams have beaten Alabama in the last three seasons.

• Texas A&M is in line for a reckoning in Bryant-Denny. It may have little to do with a backlash against the Aggies’ misuse of NIL deals to lure recruits. Though that will give added energy to crowd noise. Most of the game’s ramped-up emotions will be about payback for last season’s upset. The Aggies have established talent in most position groups, especially in the secondary and on the defensive line. Their biggest question mark is at quarterback and whoever is the October starter will not get many second reads in Tuscaloosa. The game will not be a blowout, but it should be a solid double-digit, Alabama victory.
• LSU might be the biggest unknown team in the SEC. The Bengals Tigers could win nine games or struggle to get more than seven wins. Playing in Baton Rouge rarely gives LSU much of a boost against the Crimson Tide. The plusses for LSU begin with Brian Kelly who has won everywhere he has coached. In addition, Kelly has a roster of elite athletes. By November, LSU could be formidable, but another double-digit, Alabama victory is likely.
• On this list, the Auburn game will be the closest to a blowout. The Tigers may have quit on Bryan Harsin by then, or he may have righted the Auburn ship. Either way, it will be nothing like last season, as the Crimson Tide cruises to a three-touchdown or more victory.