Many college football experts predict Alabama will beat Kentucky. Some others admit that so many questions about both teams leave them unsure which team will win.
Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) is part of the On3 family of sites. It is a solid source for Kentucky athletics. KSR writers are excited about Kentucky's prospects against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nine of them provided score predictions for Saturday's game. Six of the nine predict a Kentucky upset.
For the six who picked the Wildcats, the average score is Kentucky 33 - Alabama 30. The three sources predicting an Alabama win project a four-point margin: Alabama 31 - Kentucky 27.
New Kentucky coach Will Stein is the primary source of optimism about the Wildcats. The former Oregon Offensive Coordinator is outspoken. He once answered a question about why the Wildcats can win big in the SEC by saying, "I think because of me."
If the game could be decided by which head coach wins an interview contest, the Wildcats would win big. But talk does not make less talented teams beat more talented teams. Alabama has a talent advantage over Kentucky. That advantage may have shrunk through Stein's deeper use of Portal additions, and as a result the game might be close.
No Alabama Crystal Ball
Like Stein, no crystal ball is being used here. Alabama must overcome serious doubts at key positions, against Kentucky, and even more so in later games. With Michael Carroll at right guard, the Alabama offensive line will be diminished. Can the Tide O-line knock the Cats off the line enough for the Tide to run the ball effectively? Can the Crimson Tide's pass protection be solid enough for Keelon Russell to produce through the air? Alabama will have to do both to win.
If the Wildcats do not frequently pressure Keelon, I can't see the team with the better defense losing. And the better defense is Kane Wommack's Crimson Tide guys.
Alabama has the potential for an easy win. My guess is that is unlikely, with Alabama winning but not covering the point spread.
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