Alabama football’s 2023 season doesn’t begin with a prime-time matchup against a ranked opponent on a neutral field. However, that shouldn’t lead fans to believe this is just another “tune-up game” as some would put it. This game has plenty of meaning that goes beyond how it impacts the record.
Middle Tennessee is a solid team that proved as recently as last season they can do some damage on the road against quality opponents. In 2022, the Blue Raiders walked into Miami Gardens and handed the Miami Hurricanes a 45-31 loss.
There are major questions that have loomed over this Alabama team all offseason and there still won’t be many answers at the time of kickoff.
This first game of the season for Alabama sets the tone. Here are five things to look out for.