Alabama Football: Bold predictions for Louisiana-Monroe game

The Texas game did not go as I expected. Most Alabama football fans were likely surprised as well. As a result, last week’s bold predictions were more wrong than right.

Prediction misses came from Xavier Worthy who I said would cause the Crimson Tide problems as a punt returner. He did not. As predicted, Worthy did not lead Texas in receptions but he did lead in receiving yards.

I was half right about Bijan Robinson with a less than 80 yards rushing prediction. He gained 57 yards on the ground. Badly wrong was the prediction Robison would not be a factor as a receiver. He was, catching passes for 73 yards.

Another half right, half wrong was three sacks by the Tide – but the predicted seven QB hurries were way off, with the Tide credited with one.

The biggest miss was predicting Bryce Young would pass for 350 yards. He passed for 213 yards.

A correct prediction was Texas field goal kicker, Bert Auburn would miss once.

Seven Alabama Football Bold Predictions for ULM Game

• Alabama backup quarterbacks, Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson will pass for a combined three touchdowns. The scores will not be needed but backup receivers need to work on being sure-handed in games.
• Bryce Young will pass for three touchdowns. The number would be higher but establishing a consistent running game will be a priority for the Alabama football offensive staff.
• The Alabama Crimson Tide defense will record at least seven sacks. Among SEC teams, only Missouri (2) and Georgia (1) have fewer team sacks than the Crimson Tide’s three.
• The Crimson Tide defense will gain its second shutout of the season. If ULM does score, it will not be by scoring a touchdown.
• Either Jase McClellan or Jahmyr Gibbs will rush for 100 or more yards. The one who doesn’t, will not be far behind.
• Even with an established rushing attack as a priority, at least nine Tide receivers will catch passes, along with at least two running backs.
• Unlike the first two games, Bryce Young, needing to do little with his feet, will rush for less than 25 yards.

A statement, rather than a prediction, is the game will be a blowout. That will not be because Nick Saban will choose to run up the score on ULM. It will result because the Alabama Crimson Tide offense needs to show consistent improvement in both the rushing and passing games.

One more frivolous prediction is during Terry Bowden’s post-game review he will not be asked anything about his experience as the Auburn head coach. Some Crimson Tide fans will be disappointed.