Anyone who knows me can tell you I am a proud resident of the state of Alabama. They could also tell you that I love sports, especially college sports and find it hard not to cheer for or support the instate teams. With that in mind I am doing a college football preview of the five in-state FBS schools without bias.
University of Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide are entering the season as the reigning national champions despite not winning the SEC last season. The team is looking to continue the dominance they have established since the hiring of head coach Nick Saban and will be looking to win their third national championship in four seasons. With a tough neutral site opener in Dallas, Texas against the Michigan Wolverines, Alabama will be tested early in the season. If they can get by Michigan to start the season I honestly believe Alabama will be sitting at 7-0 going into the road game at LSU. A win against LSU would carry the Crimson Tide to another undefeated regular season and an SEC championship game appearance. My prediction for Alabama 12-0
University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers
New UAB Head Coach Garrick McGee will be looking to start the rebuilding of the Blazers program and take them to the top of Conference USA where many a UAB fan believes they belong. With 11 returning starters the Blazers could be a contender for the C-USA Eastern Division. Coach McGee will get his first test at home against in-state rival Troy. I have UAB and Coach McGee winning against Troy before losing on the road at Ohio State and South Carolina. The Blazers will finish strong this season and have a lot to build on in year two for Garrick McGee. My prediction for UAB 7-5
Auburn University Tigers
Now a year removed from their first national championship in 53 years the Auburn Tigers are ready to win another one soon. Unfortunately for the Auburn Family I just don’t see that happening this season. With only six starters returning on offense and looking to replace both running back Michael Dyer and Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn the Tigers will need to rely early on a defense that last season allowed on average 28.9 points per game. The Tigers will start the season in Atlanta with a neutral site game against Clemson before hitting the road against Mississippi State. These two games could be the tale on how the season will go for the Tigers. My prediction for Auburn 7-5
Troy University Trojans
Last season the Troy Trojans suffered their first losing season in five years going 3-9. Head Coach Larry Blakeney and the Trojans return 15 starters from last season’s disappointing team including nine on offense. The Trojans will be looking to return to the top of the Sun Belt conference and back to another bowl game. With three of their first five games on the road Troy will be tested early and a home game against Mississippi State could be the difference in a great early start or another early season struggle. My prediction for Troy 7-5
University of South Alabama Jaguars
Head Coach Joey Jones will lead the Jaguars into only their fourth football season and first as an official Sun Belt Conference team. South Alabama has built a history of winning against a mixture of teams from various FCS, Division 2, NAIA and prep teams going 23-4. This season however will be a different test for the Jaguars as they will play 12 FBS schools including a full Sun Belt schedule for the first time. Starting the season off South Alabama will play another FBS newcomer in University of Texas-San Antonio at home. For the Jaguars I do not see them continuing the winning season streak as the schedule will be the hardest it’s been in school history. My prediction for South Alabama 5-8
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope that your school has the success that you want them to have this season. Until next time……
