Alabama Football will get a win on Saturday night. According to FanDuel, the Crimson Tide is a 36.5-point favorite. The Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks are ranked No. 113 in Bill Connelly's Top 766 that covers every team that can afford a full set of uniforms and a few balls. According to the Top 766, the weakest SEC football team is Mississippi State at No. 72.
Yes, ULM knocked off the Crimson Tide in 2007, but history will not repeat on Saturday night. Alabama needs a win and will get it. The only other benefit from the contest will be game reps for Alabama's less-experienced players.
In no way can it be a 'get right' game for the Crimson Tide. Alabama needed this game in Week 1 rather than Week 2.
Kalen DeBoer and his staff may preach playing to Alabama's standard against ULM. First, this Crimson Tide needs to find that standard. A 5-5 record since Sept. 28 last season shows all elements of the Nick Saban - Alabama Standard have vanished. The Crimson Tide must climb its way back. There is scant indication that climbing back will proceed quickly.
Slings and arrows aimed at Alabama Football from all directions
Verbal and written barbs, and maybe even poison-tipped arrows, are zipping around DeBoer, his assistants, and Alabama football players. Even if the avalanche of criticism is 100% deserved, it only creates a tougher slog for Alabama to wade through. Criticism will not abate because of a win over ULM.
With the season-ending loss of defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman, the Tide's defensive front has become seriously thin. The ULM game should help London Simmons and Isaia Faga prepare for key rotational roles against Georgia and beyond.
At least two quarterbacks need work Saturday night with the first unit offense. But Ty Simpson also needs many snaps, during which his composure can grow.
Seven days later, Alabama will be a better team than it was against FSU. After what will hopefully be another tune-up against Wisconsin, Alabama must be much improved against the Georgia Bulldogs.