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SEC Football: 10 best games to watch in 2016

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Michael Nysewander (46) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Florida Gators in the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Alabama won 29-15. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Michael Nysewander (46) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Florida Gators in the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Alabama won 29-15. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) makes a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) makes a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Alabama vs. USC 

Sept. 3 – Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

This very well could be the most evenly matched of the top non-conference games this season. Alabama and USC both have key positions to replace particularly at the quarterback position.

Alabama will most likely start Cooper Bateman at quarterback and then ask him to hand the ball off to Bo Scarbrough as the Tide hope that Scarbrough can be the next star running back from the University of Alabama. When Bateman is asked to throw the ball he will have OJ Howard and Calvin Ridley to get the ball to, so Bateman isn’t without weapons.

Many would point to the losses on Alabama’s defense as a weakness but the Tide lose valuable players on defense every year. While the defense may need some adjusting to begin with, you can bet that they will still be strong.

USC returns nine starters on offense, the most glaring hole is at quarterback where Max Browne will take the reigns from Cody Kessler. Browne has weapons of his own in the form of wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and Justin Davis at running back. USC’s defense

USC’s defense loses six starters from last season which if Alabama had not lost so much on offense, might be a huge problem. With losses on both sides, it becomes more of a manageable situation. USC’s defensive backfield should be able to keep Alabama’s passing game in check.

Prediction: Alabama not only usually wins these huge non-conference games but they usually thoroughly dominate the opposing team. Don’t expect that here. USC is not a pushover and will do their best to prove their mettle against one of the best teams in the nation; as well as try to prove that they will be a force in the Pac-12. When the clock hits 0:00, I would still expect to see Alabama come out on the winning side but this will not be a cake walk.

Score: 28-24 Alabama wins 

Next: 5. Ole Miss at LSU

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