Alabama football game-by-game record prediction
Sept. 26 at Missouri
There are some nice pieces on the Missouri defense but not nearly enough to contain the Alabama offense, particularly Najee Harris running behind this offensive line. Throw in some potential offensive inefficiencies for the Tigers and this should be a relatively comfortable season-opening win for the Crimson Tide. Prediction: Win, 45-9
Oct. 3 vs. Texas A&M
Texas A&M is a team that I struggle to figure out what to do with this season. Jimbo Fisher is a proven coach with talent on every level on both sides of the ball. The question comes down to if Kellen Mond can make the leap from good to big-time, namely stepping up against opponents like Alabama. My guess is he doesn’t take that jump. Prediction: Win, 31-14
Oct. 10 at Ole Miss
If you don’t think Lane Kiffin is going to have a sneaky-potent Ole Miss offense ready for this game, you’re out of your mind. And the fact that it’s in Oxford will only add to the excitement. Even if he’s ready to try and challenge, though, there seems to be little path for the Rebels stopping the Alabama offense and some path for Bama’s defense to get stops. That spells road win for the Crimson Tide. Prediction: Win, 49-28
Oct. 17 vs. Georgia
The early cross-divisional matchup against Georgia is one of the Crimson Tide’s biggest overall tests of the season. A somewhat inexperienced quarterback will face a defense that led the nation in scoring last season. Having said that, the Bulldogs have some offensive questions of their own and Bama should ride that to pick up a hard-fought win. Prediction: Win, 17-6
Oct. 24 at Tennessee
You’ll likely see me say this often but Tennessee is going to knock off a heavy-hitter in the SEC this season. They have a talented roster, a good direction under Jeremy Pruitt and a recipe for success before them. This game being in Knoxville gives the Vols a chance but, though they’ll put up a fight, Alabama will push through late to avoid the upset. Prediction: Win, 27-24
Oct. 31 vs. Mississippi State
Mike Leach coming to Starkville at least adds some intrigue to Mississippi State this season and moving forward but, all told, the quality of the roster just isn’t there. The only question here is if Leach’s stylings on offense will lead to any type of success on the scoreboard in what will otherwise be a blowout for the Tide. Prediction: Win, 51-13
Nov. 14 at LSU
While you could talk about revenge in this game, the truth of the matter is that 75 percent of the key contributors from LSU last season are now suiting up for NFL teams. Ed Orgeron’s club is still going to have some firepower and won’t lay down for the Crimson Tide but a motivated Alabama team should pick up a signature road win in Baton Rouge. Prediction: Win, 24-13
Nov. 21 vs. Kentucky
There’s a good chance that Kentucky is, as has been the case under Mark Stoops, better than people expected. They have a ton of experience throughout the roster and some talent that can turn heads on both sides of the ball. Is that enough to keep up with Saban’s team in late November? Probably not. Prediction: Win, 34-16
Nov. 28 vs. Auburn
Not only will Alabama be out for some measure of revenge in the Iron Bowl after losing in Auburn last season but, point blank, the Crimson Tide are simply the better team. With the defense improved from a year ago, Bama should be able to give Bo Nix fits for 60 minutes and come out with a gritty rivalry win to complete a perfect SEC-only season. Prediction: Win, 27-20
Dec. 5 at Arkansas
Eventually, Sam Pittman might be the guy to get Arkansas back to being competitive in the SEC. If that’s to happen at all, though, it most certainly won’t be in the 2020 season. The Razorbacks should barely be a hurdle for the Crimson Tide. Prediction: Win, 54-7
Predicted Final Record: 10-0
Even with the SEC-only schedule putting Alabama in somewhat of a tough spot given the transition at quarterback from Tagovailoa to Jones, the overall roster is too good and experienced throughout to think they can’t navigate the 10-game slate to a perfect record. The question is if they can then handle either Georgia or Florida in the SEC Championship Game after either team gets rolling and what then happens to the Tide’s College Football Playoff aspirations.