Alabama Football: 3 bold predictions for season opener vs. Duke

The college football season opens with Duke hoping to upset Alabama football in Atlanta. What should we expect against the Blue Devils?

Although college football has officially started, this week feels like the true kickoff to the season. For many fans, it is only game week when your team plays. In Tuscaloosa, fans are prepared for the start of another potential title run with Alabama football.

The Tide‘s season was strong last year, but they ended it unceremoniously. This season, the Tide hope to get revenge. Although they hope their season ends against Clemson, their first game will be against another ACC opponent. This Saturday, Alabama will open the 2019 college football season against the Duke Blue Devils. Duke lost their quarterback from last season, and they appear to be in a rebuild.

In games like these, it’s not enough for the Tide to win. They have to win convincingly, cover the spread, and look good on all sides of the ball. If they win by 40 but miss a couple of extra points, the Tide will focus on the misses.

Alabama hopes to improve on all sides of the football this year. Their offense returns almost all of their starters, and they appear to be happy with the new guys stepping up in starting roles. Najee Harris will finally start at running back after two great years as a reserve. Although he might not officially start, look for Jaylen Waddle to make all sorts of plays.

On defense, the Tide will likely start two freshmen in their opener, and both appear to be prepared. Even on special teams, Alabama might finally have a kicker.

With all that being said, what can we expect from this game? Here are three bold predictions that might just pan out this Saturday in Atlanta.