It's been a tumultuous start to the 2025 season for Alabama. The loss to Florida State in Week 1 was shocking, something almost no one saw coming. Alabama bounced back with a dominant 73-0 win over the Sun Belt's UL Monroe last weekend, but it's going to take more than a blowout of a Group of Five opponent for fans and pundits to start believing in the Crimson Tide again.
Kalen DeBoer and his team will get an opportunity to get back into good graces this week against a Big Ten challenger. Wisconsin comes to Tuscaloosa in Week 3, and while Alabama is a heavy betting favorite, that has often not mattered since DeBoer took over.
There's been a lot of talk - from coaches and players - about the process and doing all the little things day after day to be the team they have the potential to be.
If this team has really turned the corner and put the FSU loss behind them, we'll find out on Saturday.
Three Bold Predictions for Alabama football against Wisconsin
Ryan Williams breaks out, goes over 100 yards receiving
Ryan Williams is expected to play on Saturday after missing last week's game following a concussion he suffered in Week 1. He's due for a major breakout performance.
It has been almost a full calendar year since Williams produced a 100-yard receiving game. I would've lost the bet last year if you told me his 177-yard performance against Georgia in September would be his last 100-yard game of the season.
Even worse, Williams hasn't produced more than 53 receiving yards in his last seven games. He hasn't reached the endzone against a non-FCS opponent since the Tennessee game last year.
He's long overdue for a monster performance. He returns this Saturday against Wisconsin with a chip on his shoulder following a ton of criticism for his struggles against Florida State. I'll predict Williams eclipses 100 receiving yards and finds the endzone.
Alabama rushes for 120+ yards
Wisconsin's run defense has been stout through two games, but it'll also be facing a steep increase in competition from games against Miami (OH) and Middle Tennessee State.
Alabama's ground game has been inconsistent for over two years now. Against Florida State, the Tide failed to get a consistent push after a dominant opening drive, but OC Ryan Grubb abandoned the run far too early as well. Things were better a week ago, but the Badgers will provide significantly more resistance than the Warhawks could.
How much success the Crimson Tide finds offensively could be determined by how well they run the football. Jam Miller will be a game-time decision, but redshirt freshman Kevin Riley has emerged as a difference-maker in the backfield.
It also wouldn't be a surprise to see some changes on the right side of the offensive line. Jaeden Roberts in place of Geno VanDeMark at RG and Michael Carroll in place of Wilkin Formby at RT could give Alabama a little extra punch up front.
I think Alabama will get a good push against Wisconsin, ultimately breaking through and producing 120+ rushing yards, though they might not quite reach last year's lofty 181-yard total.
Alabama's defense finishes, produces multiple sacks
Despite the 73-point win and his defense pitching a shutout a week ago, Kane Wommack seemed far from satisfied with the performance of his defense. He still wants more from them, particularly with generating a pass rush and finishing on the quarterback. Through two games, Alabama has just one sack. That wasn't produced by a front-seven player, either. Safety Keon Sabb took down FSU's Tommy Castellanos on a safety blitz in Week 1.
Alabama got plenty of pressure against UL Monroe last week - 11 pressures on 18 pass attempts - but they couldn't finish the plays in the backfield. Pressures and hits are important, but sacks can be game changers.
Alabama may have an easier time if Wisconsin backup QB Danny O'Neill plays this week over starter Billy Edwards Jr., who is more of a dual-threat. Though with Edwards recovering from a knee injury, it's unclear how mobile he would be if he played.
I think Alabama gets home a few times this week, producing at least two, if not more, sacks.