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

By Dakota Cox

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 7: Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils scores a touchdown past Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers during a game at Scott Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 7: Quentin Harris #18 of the Duke Blue Devils scores a touchdown past Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers during a game at Scott Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

3. Alabama will hold Duke to 10 points or less

Alabama is ready to open the season with one of the best defenses in the country. Their secondary will be improved, they have freshman DJ Dale on the defensive line to make things interesting, and Dylan Moses will lead the linebacker room. With multiple players coming off of season-ending injuries last year, they will be looking to prove that they are back 100 percent.

This prediction also has history on its side. Alabama has played plenty of games in neutral sites, and they have held their opponents to less than 10 points in two of their last three season openers. The exception was last year against Louisville, but the Tide gave the Blue Devils too many opportunities with good field position to start drives.

I don’t think Duke has a great chance to upset the Tide with their offense. They are replacing their star quarterback, and they were still bad last year with him. Duke might spiral this season much like how Louisville did last year. If that is the case, Alabama might start the process.

Alabama will have their ears pinned back in this game. Unless some new starters make too many errors, I see Alabama holding Duke to only a few scoring drives. If they score more than 10 points, it will likely be after Saban pulls the starters.

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