Quality competition. It’s something that Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban loves.

The Crimson Tide continues to schedule intriguing season openers.

According to ESPN, Saturday Down South and other media venues, Alabama will open the 2018 season against the Louisville Cardinals. Orlando’s (Fla.) Citrus Bowl is the setting.

The Crimson Tide is 2-1 all-time against Louisville, however, the Cardinals did defeat Alabama 34-7 in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl. The matchup is set for Sept. 1, 2018.

Alabama’s neutral site games

• Alabama vs. Wisconsin- Sept. 5, 2015 (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
• Alabama vs. USC- Sept. 3, 2016 (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
• Alabama vs. Florida State- Sept. 2, 2017 (New Atlanta Falcons Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.)
• Alabama vs. Louisville- Sept. 1, 2018 (Orlando’s Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Fla.)

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.