The Alabama Crimson Tide come into this week’s matchup against the South Florida Bulls looking to bounce back after an embarrassing home loss to Texas last week. The Tide were expected to cruise through their non-conference schedule after being ranked #1 to start the season, but they came out flatter than day old beer against the Longhorns.
Now Nick Saban’s crew has to try and regain their mojo against a USF team that barely beat lowly Florida A&M last week. This should be just what the doctor ordered for Bama to get their confidence back before SEC play starts. But given the way they’ve played so far, nothing is guaranteed.
Against Texas, the Tide offense was more anemic than grandpa’s fake hip. Quarterback Jalen Milroe accounted for all of Bama’s touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. The running game was nonexistent, with the team gaining just 79 yards on the ground.
And the defense made the Longhorns look like Vince Young was back under center. Texas QB Quinn Ewers threw for over 300 yards and the Horns scored 34 points, the most allowed by Alabama in a home opener in 94 years.
So needless to say, the Tide have some issues to sort out. Meanwhile, South Florida comes in 1-1 after sneaking by Florida A&M 38-24. Quarterback Gerry Bohanon had a modest day, passing for just 140 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The Bulls relied on their ground game, rushing for 163 yards.
But their defense leaves much to be desired, giving up over 400 yards to the Rattlers last week. And this is the same group that got scorched for 406 yards and 41 points by Western Kentucky in their opener. So on paper, this looks like a total mismatch.
Of course, we said the same thing before Texas came to town last week. Will the Tide take the Bulls seriously and avoid falling into another trap game? Or will they come out flat again and make this a nail-biter?
My money’s on an Alabama blowout. There’s no way Nick Saban lets his guys overlook USF after the Texas debacle. Expect the Tide to come out breathing fire and take out their frustration on the poor Bulls.
Milroe should have a field day through the air and Alabama’s backs will finally get going against USF’s porous defense. Meanwhile, Will Anderson Jr. and the Tide defense will make life miserable for Bohanon. By halftime this will be a boat race.
Final prediction: Alabama 56, USF 10. The only intrigue will be if Saban decides to pull his starters in the second half or keep pouring it on. Because if last week taught us anything, it’s that you should never underestimate Saban’s ability to harbor a grudge.
So get ready for the Tide to take out their frustrations on the hapless Bulls this Saturday. It may not be pretty, but it will be just what Alabama needs to exorcise the demons from the Texas loss and get back on track before SEC play starts.
The only question is whether Saban will show any mercy once his team starts rolling. My guess is no, because he enjoys running up the score about as much as he loves Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies.
This beatdown has been a long time coming for the Bulls. Hopefully they have good insurance coverage, because they’ll need it after the Tide is done with them.
