Alabama and Louisville Square Off In Primetime Orlando Showdown – Preview

Written by Ernie Casanova

Well, there you have it.

 

Another offseason in the books, and a memorable one to say the least. We argued the status of victors and super-teams in other sports, see many trades occur and new contracts signed, but most inevitably we saw the Alabama Crimson Tide quietly hit the sunset after their Championship victory and stay afloat behind the scenes during a busy offseason.

 

Coming off of their fifth championship with Nick Saban at the helm, Alabama looks more poised than ever for a repeat run at the title. This time, the journey will begin early against an unfamiliar opponent as the Crimson Tide battles the Louisville Cardinals this Saturday at 8 PM ET at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. Alabama is 2-1 against Louisville all time, with Louisville victorious in their last meeting at the Fiesta Bowl in 1991.

 

With week one already having some heavy implications, let’s take a look at what’s in store for the Camping World Kickoff. With a total of 15 starters from last year not returning, the Tide still bring a top-10 recruiting class and roster depth that should lead them on a similar path this season. Alabama is coming in as a 25-point favorite but still may have some questions to answer. There are concerns of a depleted secondary due to the departure of many in the NFL Draft and the mysterious handling of their quarterbacks.

 

After Tua Tagoviloa’s heroic three-touchdown performance to capture the national title eight months ago, he and Jalen Hurts have switched roles. With Hurts on the verge of a speculated transfer, Tagoviloa may bring this offense to a new level. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley is gone, and the Tide’s offense now will have to grow with three sophomores at the position. Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jerry Jeudy are in the position to lead and create an impact and a chance to groom with Tagoviloa proves beneficial for the future to come.

 

As for the Cardinals, Bobby Petrino is now Lamar Jackson-less. In comes first-year starting quarterback Jawon Pass, who shares many similar characteristics in his game quite like Jackson. With a formidable offensive line who’s returning four starters from last year, Louisville will have to rely on their big men to get the job done up front. Alabama’s defense is steadily ferocious, and Petrino and offensive line coach Mike Summers must devise a game-plan to free up pocket space for his signal caller to try and connect with a superb group of receivers. The Cardinals are furnished with one of the most standout receiving corps in college football, headlined by the talented core of Jaylen Smith, Dez Fitzpatrick, and Seth Dawkins. Smith and Fitzpatrick both caught more than six touchdowns last year, while all three caught more than 40 passes and tallied up north of 600 yards. The three of them are in the mix to help the growth of Pass and create another special offensive squad similar to the Bridgewater and Jackson days.

 

On the contrary, Alabama has a powerhouse of running backs that could potentially produce a couple of All-Americans. With Tagoviloa adding a boost, and Damien Harris returning along with non-relative Najee Harris, this Crimson Tide team might be too much on both sides of the ball. Plus, Nick Saban’s has played in six straight neutral site openers and has won by double digits each time. Numerous individuals that think a Crimson Tide triumph in the opener won’t be a quality win at first. Nevertheless, it would come into play not far off if the Cardinals create some commotion in the ACC.

 

With the wonderful climate that is forecasted for Orlando, this will wind up being a phenomenal opener with some fantastic football.

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