While it means nothing to the 2023 Alabama football team, playing at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa rekindles disappointment for Crimson Tide fans. In January 2017, the Crimson Tide lost a national championship game on the same field. The pick play that gave Clemson the win will never be forgotten by many Alabama football fans.
Alabama and South Florida have a bit of history as well. The Crimson Tide played the Bulls in the opening game of the 2003 season, The Alabama Football win was the Tide’s last game at Birmingham’s Legion Field.
South Florida was a fledgling college football program in 2003. Alabama was a floundering one. In Mike Shula’s first season, following Dennis Franchione letting go of the rope he implored his players to hold onto – the Crimson Tide was 4-9.
The situation Saturday afternoon in Tampa in no way compares to 2003. Unless it is claimed that after 23 seasons, the USF program has not yet matured AND that against Texas, Alabama did some floundering.
Alabama Football Viewing Details
The game will be broadcast by ABC at 2:30PM CST. Bob Wischusen will do the play-by-play for ABC, with Robert Griffen III as the analyst. The sideline reporter will be Kris Budden.
On the Crimson Tide Sports Network, the radio team will be Chris Stewart and Tyler Watts, along with Roger Hoover on the sideline.
Hulu Live, along with fuboTV will provide streaming.
According to weather.com the Tampa weather between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM will have a more than 70% chance of thunderstorms. The temperature at kickoff is expected to be near 90 degrees. Florida thunderstorms often have heavy lightning that could cause lengthy delays in the game.
Game Odds and Player Injuries
Alabama will be without wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson. There has been no confirmation on the availability of defensive back, Devonta Smith who is yet to play this season.
USF quarterback Gerry Bohanon injured a shoulder last October and has not played since. He is not expected to return to the field against Alabama.
Depending on the sportsbook, Alabama is favored by 32.5 to 34 points and at -105, to -115 on the Moneyline. Betting odds and lines are subject to change.
What to expect in the game
Before becoming a head coach during the 2023 offseason, USF coach Alex Golesh held an offensive coordinator title for Josh Heupel at Tennessee and UCF. Trying to be like Tennessee, USF is the fastest of the FBS, fastball teams.
The pace of the game will be good practice for the Crimson Tide defense. For USF, going faster will likely mean too many short possessions, with too few points.
Much more Alabama Football vs. South Florida game information is available at rolltide.com