Entering the 2024 season, there is one question that seems to be dominating the college football world. Is Alabama still Alabama?
This offseason, the Alabama Crimson Tide have seen not only the greatest head coach of all-time retire in Nick Saban, but also saw their roster undergo a mass exodus of players through the transfer portal as well, along with losing a few key names to the NFL draft.
However, in steps Kalen DeBoer as the program’s new head coach, coming off a season at Washington in which the Huskies reached the national championship game. With the arrival of DeBoer, the Crimson Tide have also brought in a talented transfer portal class and coaching staff, combining that group with a few key returning pieces at some prominent positions.
As a result of that, Alabama is once again expected to be among college football’s best teams in 2024, as well as a legit national championship contender. However, will those expectations now become reality for DeBoer in year one?
To attempt to answer that question, let’s take a look at Alabama’s 2024 schedule, and give some game-by-game predictions for each regular season contest.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers – 8/31
Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
Prediction: Alabama 49, Western Kentucky 13
Alabama will begin the Kalen DeBoer era in a big way with a 49-13 route of Western Kentucky. The Crimson Tide have never lost to the Hilltoppers, and that will not change in 2024.
USF Bulls – 9/7
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 38, USF 10
The Bulls gave Alabama a major scare last season in Tampa, a game in which the Crimson Tide eventually went on to win by a final score of 17-3. This time around, expect Alabama to take care of business easily on their home field.
Wisconsin Badgers – 9/14
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 28, Wisconsin 17
Alabama’s first road trip of the DeBoer era comes September 14 when the Crimson Tide travel to face the Wisconsin Badgers. This trip to Madison could provide a test for Alabama, one that the Crimson Tide should however pass.
Georgia Bulldogs – 9/28
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 27, Georgia 24
A game that could go either way, the home field advantage could play a role for Alabama against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Crimson Tide owned this matchup during the Saban era, and I’ll say that the first meeting under DeBoer is an Alabama victory by a close margin.
Vanderbilt Commodores – 10/5
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 48, Vanderbilt 13
Alabama has not lost to Vanderbilt since 1984, and that will likely not change once again this year. Expect the Crimson Tide to cruise to a victory over the Commodores in Nashville.
South Carolina Gamecocks – 10/12
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 35, South Carolina 17
This will be only the third meeting between Alabama and South Carolina since 2010, as well as the first in Tuscaloosa since 2009. Expect the Crimson Tide to win this contest as well, as Alabama will eventually pull away in the second half.
Tennessee Volunteers – 10/19
Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 33, Tennessee 30
A result that could honestly go either way, Alabama leaves Knoxville with a close victory over the rival Tennessee Volunteers. However, this game has the potential to be an offensive showcase similar to their 2022 meeting in Knoxville, a game that Tennessee won by a final score of 52-49.
Missouri Tigers – 10/26
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 28, Missouri 20
One underrated matchup on Alabama’s 2024 schedule comes October 26 in Tuscaloosa when the Crimson Tide host Missouri. The Tigers have not defeated Alabama since joining the SEC in 2012, and that will likely not change this season, even despite Missouri giving the Crimson Tide a close game.
LSU Tigers – 11/9
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 27, LSU 28
A road game in Death Valley, this will be Alabama’s first loss of the 2024 season. The LSU Tigers defeated Alabama in Baton Rouge, 32-31, back in 2022, and it would not surprise if this game is just as close in what will be DeBoer’s first trip to Tiger Stadium.
Mercer Bears – 11/16
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 54, Mercer 7
The Crimson Tide have never lost to Mercer in football, and that will not change in 2024. Expect a big Alabama win here.
Oklahoma Sooners – 11/23
Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 30, Oklahoma 21
Alabama will make their first trip to Norman since 2002 in what is the Oklahoma Sooners’ first year as a member of the SEC. This will be a hostile road environment, but the Crimson Tide should still leave with the win.
Auburn Tigers – 11/30
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Alabama 35, Auburn 17
The in-state rival Auburn Tigers have not defeated Alabama in Tuscaloosa since 2010, and that will likely not change this season. Auburn will be improved compared to a year ago, where they gave Alabama a scare at home, but it will not be enough to beat the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/alabama-crimson-tide-2024-game-predictions/