Alabama, under new coach Kalen DeBoer, faces South Florida on Saturday. Can USF challenge the Crimson Tide like they did last year? Here’s a game preview and prediction.
Bollywood Fever: After a dominant 63-0 victory over Western Kentucky in Week 1, Alabama and new coach Kalen DeBoer aim to maintain their momentum against South Florida on Saturday night.
Last year, the Bulls pushed the Crimson Tide in a rain-soaked contest, losing 17-3. As Alabama prepares for bigger matchups ahead, including a showdown with Georgia later this month, this game serves as another opportunity for DeBoer to fine-tune his team.
Following Nick Saban’s legacy won’t be easy for DeBoer, but so far, his leadership has been seamless. Alabama finished the 2024 recruiting cycle strong and showed offensive firepower last week, with quarterback Jalen Milroe leading an attack that averaged 9.2 yards per play and racked up 600 total yards.
As DeBoer continues to shape the team, the next two games, including a trip to Wisconsin, are crucial before the high-stakes game against Georgia on Sept. 28.
South Florida, coached by Alex Golesh, comes into the game after a solid 48-3 win over Bethune-Cookman.
The Bulls are much improved from their 1-11 record in 2022 and are one of the favorites to compete in the AAC this season. However, taking down Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium is a monumental challenge.
Why South Florida Can Win
To upset Alabama, South Florida will need to catch some lucky breaks and execute perfectly. The Bulls’ path to victory starts with quarterback Byrum Brown, who averaged 315.5 total yards per game in 2023.
Brown’s dual-threat ability, along with weapons like receiver Sean Atkins and a trio of running backs—Kelley Joiner, Ta’Ron Keith, and Nay’Quan Wright—gives the Bulls a chance to challenge Alabama’s defense, particularly its rebuilt secondary.
The Bulls’ defense, although improved with eight returning starters, will face a much tougher test against Alabama than it did against Bethune-Cookman. If they can withstand the initial onslaught and slow down Alabama’s offense early, they could keep the game closer than expected.
Why Alabama Will Win
Alabama has the talent advantage across the board and enters the game as a 30.5-point favorite. Last year’s close game against South Florida will serve as a reminder that no opponent can be taken lightly.
Quarterback Jalen Milroe and the Alabama offense, with an array of weapons like Jam Miller, Justice Haynes, and an emerging receiving corps led by Ryan Williams, should be more than enough to overpower USF’s defense.
Defensively, Alabama, under new coordinator Kane Wommack, limited Western Kentucky to just 145 yards last week and should have no trouble containing South Florida’s offense. With the Tide’s defense and offense both clicking, it’s hard to envision a scenario where USF can keep pace.
Final Analysis
South Florida may start strong, but Alabama’s superior talent and depth will ultimately prevail. Expect Jalen Milroe and the Tide offense to pull away, while Alabama’s defense eventually slows down the Bulls’ attack.
Prediction: Alabama 45, South Florida 17
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