Alabama Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Alabama Crimson Tide mascot Big Al waves a flag in the end zone during the second half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 01: Wide receiver Jamire Jordan #1 of the Fresno State Bulldogs runs for yardage against the UNLV Rebels during their game at Sam Boyd Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV won 45-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Nick Saban will swear up-and-down all week that this is the most important game of the year. He’ll talk about how Fresno State is capable of beating Alabama. Don’t believe him for a minute.

Alabama will win this game handily. If they don’t, I will obviously have to eat my words. However, this is the second easiest game of the year for Alabama, so if the team loses, the Crimson Tide’s season will essentially be over. Alabama has won 15 straight home openers. With all due respect to the Bulldogs, Fresno State isn’t even the best team Alabama faces out of the Mountain West.

I don’t think Alabama will score 73 points, as Ole Miss did against Fresno State in 2015. Saban likes to throw in the backups against inferior competition once his team is up by four touchdowns or so.

Final Score: Alabama 45, Fresno State 10 (2-0)

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