Alabama Football: Way-too-early 2021 game-by-game predictions

Alabama will play the Florida Gators for its SEC opener and it will be a rematch of the 2020 SEC title game. The last time these two teams met, they lit the scoreboard up and one of the more entertaining SEC championships ever. Most of the talent on both offenses is gone, but this will be an early tone-setting game in the SEC and a must-win for both teams.

The Gators will be missing quarterback Kyle Trask, tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receivers Trevon Grimes and Kadarius Toney on offense. That is a lot of explosiveness to replace, but with LSU tight end Arik Gilbert transferring in, that will make it easy on new starting quarterback Emory Jones.

Dan Mullen is one of the best play-callers in the country and will suit the offense to fit Jones’ strengths, but he has been inconsistent as a passer up to this point. I think Alabama wins this game with their defense making some big plays and creating turnovers.

Final Score: Alabama 34, Florida 24 (3-0, 1-0 SEC)

Alabama will get another breather after a big game when they head home to face Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles are coming off of a 3-7 season and this once proud program has now stumbled onto some hard times. Those times will not get any easier in 2021 and having to travel to Tuscaloosa will not bode well for them. Expect Alabama to cruise in this one and get some younger guys some playing time.

Final Score: Alabama 48, Southern Miss 13 (4-0)