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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(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Vanderbilt represents Alabama’s first SEC game of the season and a road game no less. Aside from a blowout bowl game and being bewildered by Georgia Tech’s triple option offense, Vanderbilt either scored upset wins (Georgia and Tennessee) or respectable losses last season (Florida by just seven points, Auburn by just seven points on The Plains).

Vanderbilt executes a strategy not too dissimilar from Alabama’s traditional run the ball and let your defense do the rest mentality. Ralph Webb is one of the SEC’s best running backs, although it is hard to imagine him excelling against Alabama’s run defense.

Still, Vandy’s strong defense likely makes this a low-scoring defensive grudge match. Ultimately, Alabama’s offense will wear the Commodores down.

Final score: Alabama 34, Vanderbilt 17 (4-0, 1-0 SEC)

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