The 2016 college football season is here. That means that it’s time for Nick Saban and Alabama to begin the quest for back-to-back national titles.
Unfortunately, the Crimson Tide have the toughest schedule in the SEC.
Will Saban be able to navigate his team through such a difficult slate?
Let’s get to the game-by-game predictions for Alabama this season.
vs. USC (Sept. 3 in Arlington, TX)
There’s plenty of tradition in this game, but tradition doesn’t guarantee success.
The Trojans have a new coach in Clay Helton and have unknowns in other key positions. Alabama will take advantage of this and pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Win (1-0, 0-0 SEC)
vs. Western Kentucky (Sept. 10)
Replacing Brandon Doughty at quarterback won’t be easy, so this is a tough task for the Hilltoppers so early in the season.
Western Kentucky will be pretty good by season’s end, but they aren’t winning in Tuscaloosa.
Prediction: Win (2-0, 0-0 SEC)
at Ole Miss (Sept. 17)
Here we go. The “Alabama doesn’t have a quarterback and Ole Miss does” takes will be hot.
Yes, the Rebels will be a good team. But from top to bottom, Alabama is better. And I don’t see Hugh Freeze besting Saban three straight times.
Prediction: Win (3-0, 1-0 SEC)
vs. Kent State (Sept. 24)
This will be over by the second quarter.
Prediction: Win (4-0, 1-0 SEC)
vs. Kentucky (Oct. 1)
The Wildcats will have an offense that can score points, but the defense will be shaky.
There’s not enough experience on that side of the ball for Kentucky to win this game.
Prediction: Win (5-0, 2-0 SEC)
at Arkansas (Oct. 8)
Arkansas is my sleeper team in the SEC this season. The Razorbacks did lose their three biggest producers on offense, but there’s still a lot to like about this team.
There’s a good chance that the Crimson Tide will be a week away from meeting an undefeated Tennessee team in Knoxville and overlooking Arkansas would be a mistake.
However, Alabama scores late to win a very close game.
Prediction: Win (6-0, 3-0 SEC)
at Tennessee (Oct. 15)
Here’s why this won’t be a battle of undefeated teams: because Tennessee will lose at Texas A&M the week prior.
Still, this is the biggest game of the year for the Vols. They should have won in Tuscaloosa last season, but like several other games during the year, found a way to lose.
Although we have no clue what Alabama’s quarterback situation will look like at this point, until Butch Jones proves he can outcoach Saban, I’ll stick with the champions.
Prediction: Win (7-0, 4-0 SEC)
vs. Texas A&M (Oct. 22)
Just like Tennessee, Alabama plays the Aggies in a difficult spot. After the emotional win in the Knoxville, Saban’s squad must prepare for a dangerous A&M offense.
This will be a battle from start to finish, but the undefeated streak rolls on for the Crimson Tide.
Prediction: Win (8-0, 5-0 SEC)
at LSU (Nov. 5)
The most anticipated SEC game of the season takes place on the first Saturday of November in Baton Rouge.
I initially picked Alabama to win the West back in July. However, I’ve since made the switch to LSU. Even after the bye week, this is a huge challenge for the Crimson Tide.
Brandon Harris will have a big game and help the Tigers remove Alabama from the ranks of the undefeated.
Les Miles will celebrate by eating grass.
Prediction: Loss (8-1, 5-1 SEC)
vs. Mississippi State (Nov. 12)
I wouldn’t wanna be Mississippi State here. A week after losing to LSU, Saban will not be happy.
Alabama runs the Bulldogs off the field in a convincing victory.
Prediction: Win (9-1, 6-1 SEC)
vs. Chattanooga (Nov. 19)
Unfortunately for the Mocs, they don’t stand a chance.
Prediction: Win (10-1, 6-1 SEC)
vs. Auburn (Nov. 26)
Gus Malzahn is on the hot seat, and by this point, he may be all but officially fired.
I just don’t see Auburn having a great season. There are too many question marks on both sides of the ball, and that doesn’t bode well for the Tigers in this game.
Alabama wins the Iron Bowl, but LSU captures the SEC West crown with a win over Texas A&M two days before this one.
Prediction: Win (11-1, 7-1 SEC)
Overall Thoughts
Picking Alabama to win 11 games may not be smart. This schedule is rather unforgiving, and there are stumbling blocks all across the board.
The Crimson Tide could legitimately lose every SEC road game that they play (at Ole Miss, at Arkansas, at Tennessee, at LSU).
But obviously, that’s not what I see happening.
Every year there have been questions as to whether Saban could work his magic yet again. He’ll find a way to do it this season.
The question is, after going 11-1 and missing out on the SEC title game, will it be possible to get into the College Football Playoff?
Season Prediction: 11-1, 7-1 SEC
How do you see Alabama’s season unfolding? Log into Facebook to comment below or hit me up on Twitter (@theblakelovell) to share your thoughts.
Blake Lovell has worked in sports media for over 10 years. He currently covers SEC football and basketball for various publications.