Alabama Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Louisville

Alabama football faces Louisville in the first week of the season from Orlando. Here’s a preview and prediction for the game.

The defending national champions Alabama Crimson Tide begin their title defense against the Louisville Cardinal from Orlando Saturday night. This match-up would be more interesting if Lamar Jackson was still playing quarterback for Louisville. Alas he is not and Alabama is a huge favorite.

There is not a ton of history between the two schools on the gridiron. Alabama holds a 2-1 series lead, but the last time the two teams squared off was in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl won by Louisville.  Cardinal head coach Bobby Petrino has a little more history against the Tide when he was the coach at Arkansas, but he could never beat them in four attempts.

On paper this game could be over early. Games are not played on paper though and there’s always a chance Louisville could be competitive. Here’s everything you need to know about the prime time matchup.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 1
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Venue: Camping World Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

For Louisville, the key to pulling the upset will be to sling the ball around. The Cardinal are breaking in new starting quarterback Jawon Pass, who redshirted in 2016 and sat behind Lamar Jackson last year. The former four star dual threat out of Georgia will be put to the test against Alabama’s excellent defense. However if there is one place Alabama can be exploited, it’s their secondary that is replacing key players from last year’s squad.

Pass must take advantage of his skills and get the ball to one of the best wide receiving corps in the country. The tandem of Jaylen Smith, Seth Dawkins and Dez Fitzpatrick must help out their new quarterback and find open space against the Tide defense.

Alabama’s key to the game will be to attack the mediocre Louisville defense on the ground. Tide rushers Damien Harris and Najee Harris should have field days against the the Cardinal defensive front. The Tide’s advantage in the running game should help them control the clock.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Oddshark

Point Spread: Alabama -24.5
Over/Under: 60

Prediction

In regards to the Alabama quarterback situation, it really does not matter who Nick Saban chooses, either Jalen Hurts or Tua Tagovailoa. No matter who starts, the Tide will roll over the Cardinal through the air and on the ground. Louisville hangs around for about a half using their advantage with their wideouts. The Cardinal defense is not good enough though to keep the Tide from scoring pretty much at will, especially in the second half. Alabama has never lost a season opener under Nick Saban and there is no reason to think Saturday night will be any different.

Final Score: Alabama 42, Louisville 17