Even with all focus being on this year there’s nothing wrong about planning for the future.
The Southeastern Conference office in Birmingham (Ala.) released the 2019 football regular season schedules for all 14 schools, with the University of Alabama program issued out first.
Its non-conference slate is a little better with New Mexico State, Southern Mississippi and Western Carolina; however, SEC play next season will be entertaining. As always, the Crimson Tide will start with a neutral site game against Duke of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is a perfect 9-0 in season-opening matchups – including four victories over ACC opponents (Virginia Tech, 2009 and 2013). Two weeks after facing the Blue Devils, the Tide will have a shot at revenge against South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium.
It has been eight years since the Tide’s last meeting with the Gamecocks. During the 2010 season, Saban’s travel to Columbia, S.C. ended in disappointment as Alabama took a 35-21 embarrassing defeat at the hands of quarterback Stephen Garcia and receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Tide fans will see its team at Bryant-Denny Stadium for games against Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana State University and Arkansas. Alabama has fared well versus these programs at home, excluding the 2015 loss to the Rebels – 43 to 37 – where it had five turnovers.
As for the road games, the Tide will travel to play Texas A&M, Mississippi State and in-state rival, Auburn. While it was strong in its recent trips to Kyle Field, Saban and company had to fight for a victory last season at Davis Wade Stadium versus the Bulldogs. After losing to the Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2017, Alabama knows what to expect next time around.
For now, the men of crimson and white prepare for Texas A&M on Saturday.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
