Alabama football is set to open the 2024 season and start the Kalen DeBoer era Saturday in Bryant Denny Stadium against Western Kentucky.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
The staff at Touchdown Alabama provide their predictions and analysis of the game.
STEPHEN M. SMITH / SENIOR REPORTER
Key Analysis: “Jalen Milroe shows the nation his improvement as an overall quarterback. He will look clean in the short to intermediate passing game while taking deep shots.
Alabama will rotate several offensive linemen, but I think they find the answer at right tackle between Formby and Pritchett.
The Crimson Tide’s running backs and wide receivers will have success, especially Kendrick Law.
Law could be in for a marquee game to open the season.
Defensively, the Tide will knock off rust but the group should be able to dominate the Hilltoppers.”
Prediction: Alabama: 45 WKU: 10
JUSTIN SMITH / SCOUTING/RECRUITING ANALYST
Key Analysis:
Prediction: Alabama: 52 WKU: 20
Patrick Dowd / Alabama Beat Reporter
Key Analysis: “A new era of Alabama football begins Saturday under Kalen DeBoer and after an offseason of anticipation we will finally be able to see what he has in store as the new head coach. Western Kentucky may not pose much of a challenge but the Crimson Tide still have a lot to iron out before conference play.
Namely who will step up in the wide receiver room. DeBoer and his staff have noted several will take the field today but there isn’t quite a clear cut too option.
Securing the second starter at cornerback will be another area to watch Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbakwe and Deshawn Jones are just a few in contention for that last spot.
The battle at right tackle between Wilkin Formby and Elijah Pritchett will be another battle that likely leaks further into the season to sort out as well.
Even with all the competition littered throughout, the Crimson Tide will still overwhelm the Hilltoppers.”
Prediction: Alabama: 48 WKU: 10
Trevion Ware / Alabama Beat Reporter
Key Analysis: “Alabama is prepared to play five to seven different wide receivers in their season opener against Conference USA’s Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Expect Jalen Milroe, Kobe Prentice and others to build their rapport early as the Alabama offense comes out striking, aiming to be aggressive vertically downfield. The Crimson Tide’s blocking at the second level in the run game will also be a big area of emphasis as Justice Haynes is expected to have a big day on the ground.
Defensively, expect the Alabama secondary to be tested early on as Western Kentucky QB TJ Finley also aims to rocket the ball down the field to weapons Koy Moore, River Helms, Dalvin Smith, etc. The Tide’s defensive line will to generate pressure, with LT Overton’s and Tim Keenan’s size and athleticism expect them to be game wreckers. Also you can expect some fireworks in the return game on special teams for the Tide from Kendrick Law.”
Prediction: Alabama: 44 WKU: 10
