What Should Alabama Fans Expect Against South Florida?

We are now going into Week 2 of the 2024 College Football Season and Alabama along with many others, looked dominant in the first game of the season. Here we are, already a week later and Alabama is looking to make a statement with Kalen Deboer at the reigns of the Crimson Tide now.

Last week was a very nice showing of what this Crimson Tide offense and defense could look like, however I think it was also a smidge of what is really to be seen throughout the season. Something that we have not seen in a few years from Alabama was a truly dominant and swarming defense. However, Alabama decided last week with a shutout, that this is the right time to change that. With that being said, here are a few things I think we should expect to see tomorrow against South Florida:

1.) More open air attack:

Its true-- Game 1 was a lot of the Ryan Williams show with the amazing true freshman gaining almost 200 yards through the air for 2 touchdowns in his first collegiate game. I am confident we are going to see first year offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan start to mesh with his offense and open things up a little more, more open concepts, maybe a jet sweep or two, who knows, a reverse to Kendrick Law who throws to Kobe Prentice? Overall, I see this being a good time and a good opponent to watch Alabama start to put things in gear, start showing what the country is really going to see this season

2.) Special Teams finally hits its stride:

It may come as a surprise to see WR Cole Adams at punt returner, however he showed some flashes last week that could end up proving to be really beneficial down the line. It could be a little similar to how former Bama WR Slade Bolden evolved, but I think Adams can be even better. It also seems to be only a matter of time before we see true freshman DB Jaylen Mbakwe take some reps at punt returner. Mbakwe brings a truly different type of speed, which as we all know is a key component of a highly explosive special teams group. Either of these guys are going to explode sooner than you think.

3.) Defense continues to feast:

What do we think of the first efforts against Western Kentucky? Well done fellas, well done. This Kane Wommack defense looks like its back to old form as Alabama pitched an opener shutout, all while controlling the game from start to finish, especially on the defensive side of the ball. DB transfer Keon Sabb exploded with 2 interceptions and looks to continue his hot streak against USF tomorrow. Look for linebackers Qua Russaw, Deontae Lawson, and Jihaad Campbell to swarm the Bulls ground game from the get go. I dont see South Florida rushing for more than 65 yards, especially with a chip on the Tide's shoulder after such a close game last season. We will also see more experience from the younger defensive backs like Jaylen Mbakwe, Zabien Brown, and safety Red Morgan as these guys start to get more reps and get their full groove.

There is zero doubt tomorrow will be a great game, as we ALL are ecstatic college football is back. However, the phrase Joyless Murderball will be reinstated with Alabama thriving, and winning 55-13.