The 2024 college football season has now officially arrived for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program is set to take the field for the first time this fall Saturday where a matchup with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers awaits.
Led by new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide will be playing the first game of the post-Nick Saban era in Tuscaloosa, one in which they are a heavy favorite over the visiting Hilltoppers.
Here are our staff predictions at Roll Tide Wire for Week 1 between Alabama and Western Kentucky, which includes a score, as well as a reason behind it.
Matt – Alabama 45, Western Kentucky 10
Alabama has never lost to Western Kentucky head-to-head, and that will not change Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide will open the Kalen DeBoer era in a big way, cruising to a Week 1 blowout victory.
Sam – Alabama 52, Western Kentucky 10
After one of the craziest off-seasons in Alabama football history, Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide kick off their 2024 campaign against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in primetime. QB Jalen Milroe is the highest returning vote-getter from last year’s Heisman Trophy race and will be in the thick of it again this year. Ultimately, the Crimson Tide roster is simply too talented for WKU and they’ll make a major statement in Week One. Saban may be gone, but the dynasty may not be.
Brody – Alabama 42, Western Kentucky 10
The Alabama Crimson Tide will kick off a new era on Saturday — the Kalen DeBoer era. It will be a good opening test for the Crimson Tide as they play host to a Western Kentucky squad that won eight games a season ago. The Hilltoppers welcome in multiple key transfers including former Auburn quarterback TJ Finley and former Auburn wide receiver Koy Moore. While Western Kentucky could pose some early challenges, Alabama’s offense will be too much to handle in the end. I look for Alabama’s offense to strike early and often.