Tag: SEC football

The history behind the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas A&M Aggies

On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide will face off with the Texas A&M Aggies for the thirteenth time in Alabama football history.

On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide will face off with the Texas A&M Aggies for the thirteenth time in Alabama football history.

The Texas A&M Aggies will be headed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to face the Crimson Tide in a game that will, no doubt, be an incredible matchup.

Both teams are coming off of a win.

Dec 27, 2019; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Tyree Johnson (3) celebrates sacking Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Dru Brown (6) (not pictured) in the first half at NRG Stadium. Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Aggies, who defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 17-12 are looking to redeem themselves after a rough season opener. Although the Aggies won, they struggled on both sides of the ball, and only finished with 376 total yards of offense. Aggies’ quarterback Kellen Mond finished the game going 17-28 for 189 yards and 1 TD. This game against Alabama will be a statement game to show what they’re capable of this season in the SEC.

As for the Crimson Tide, who beat the Missouri Tigers 38-19, the Tide is looking to win big in their home opener of the season. Alabama showed room for growth and improvement on both sides of the ball, but they showed to be a much more hungry and determined team than they were last season. Mac Jones put on a show going 18-24 for 249 yards and 2 TDs.

Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, center, pulls down a reception between Missouri’s Tyree Gillespie, right, and Ishmael Burdine, left, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Simply put, for a team like Alabama, this is a chance to prove the hype isn’t unwarranted, and that the Crimson Tide is truly a playoff-contending team.

And for the Aggies, well, it’s simply a game to prove they’re better than they are given credit for, and are a team to watch out for in the SEC West.

This is a game that doesn’t have as mich history as other teams the Tide will face this season, but the Aggies never disappoint to put up a fight against Alabama.

And the series history shows that.

The first-ever time these teams met was back in 1942 in Dallas, Texas where the Tide beat the Aggies, 29-12.

26 years later, these teams met again, And it just so happens that the Cotton Bowl in 1968 between Texas A&M and Alabama is one of the most historical games ever in this series. Why do you ask?

Because it was Gene Stallings vs. Paul “Bear” Bryant. Stallings had played for Bryant while at Texas A&M and was now facing his former coach in a faceoff.

At the time, Stallings was the head coach for the Aggies, and Bear was at the University of Alabama.

The Aggies defeated the Crimson Tide 20-16.

Bryant gave Stallings a bear hug at midfield afterward which is one of the things this matchup is known for.

It would be 17 years before the two teams met again.

This time, in 1985, the Crimson Tide beat the Aggies, 23-10 in Birmingham, Alabama.

3 years later in 1988, Alabama traveled to College Station, Texas for the first time in series history. where the Tide rolled over the Aggies, 30-10.

Alabama and Texas A&M wouldn’t face again for another 24 years until the Aggies joined the SEC.

That year, Texas A&M, led by Johnny Manziel, shocked the Tide at home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 29-24. But it’s okay because Alabama went on to win a national title that season anyway.

November 10, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles out of the pocket against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Vinnie Sunseri (3) and defensive back Dee Milliner (28) during the first quarter at Bryant Denny Stadium. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

And it’s the last time the Aggies have beaten the Crimson Tide.

Alabama has won 7 straight matchups against Texas A&M.

Sep 22, 2018; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball against Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Aggies 45-23. Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

It has been a yearly matchup since the Aggies joined the SEC. Here are the results:

2012- Aggies wins, 29-24, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2013- Alabama wins, 49-42, College Station, Texas

2014- Alabama wins, 59-0, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2015- Alabama wins, 41-23, College Station, Texas

2016- Alabama wins, 33-14, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2017- Alabama wins, 27-19, College Station, Texas

2018- Alabama wins, 45-23, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

2019- Alabama wins, 47-28, College Station Texas.

All in all, Alabama is 10-2 against the Aggies in series history.

Under Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide is 7-1 against the Aggies.

Alabama has outscored Texas A&M, 423- 220, and under Saban, Alabama has also outscored the Aggies, 325- 178.

Simply put, this series never disappoints, and this is a great home opener for Alabama.

Roll Tide!

Sep 22, 2018; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) pushes away Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Debione Renfro (29) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Aggies 45-23. Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

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BREAKING: Alabama vs. Ole Miss kickoff time announced

On Monday, the SEC Network announced the kickoff time of Alabama’s matchup with the Ole Miss Rebels on October 10th.

On Monday, the SEC Network announced the kickoff time of Alabama’s matchup with the Ole Miss Rebels on October 10th.

Alabama will once again have another night game as the kickoff time for the Tide vs. Rebels will be at 5 p.m. CT at Vaught- Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.

The week 3 matchup is going to be incredible to watch for many reasons, including the fact that it will be the first time that Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin have faced off since Kiffin’s departure from Alabama as offensive coordinator.

Kiffin has spent the past 2 seasons as head coach at Florida Atlantic University.

Here’s the Crimson Tide’s updated schedule:

(BOLD indicates home game)

October 3rd- vs. Texas A&M, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS

October 10th- at Ole Miss, 5 p.m. CT, ESPN

October 17th- vs. Georgia, 7 p.m. CT, CBS

October 24th- at Tennessee, game time and network TBA

October 31- vs. Mississippi State, 6 p.m. CT, ESPN

November 7th- open date

November 14th- at LSU, 5 p.m. CT, CBS

November 21- vs. Kentucky, game time and network TBA

November 28- vs. Auburn, game time and network TBA

December 5th- at Arkansas, game time and network TBA

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date with the latest schedule updates as they occur!

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Alabama football still ranked No. 2 in latest AP Poll

The Alabama Crimson Tide is once again the No. 2 team in the latest AP Poll

The Alabama Crimson Tide is once again the No. 2 team in the latest AP Poll after beating Missouri 38-19 in the first game of the SEC conference- only schedule this season.

Sixty-two sports writers and broadcasters from around the country vote on the poll weekly.

The Crimson Tide has stayed in the same spot since the week 2 poll was released.

There were several teams who saw drastic changes after their loss on Saturday such as Oklahoma and LSU.

Here is how the rest of the poll looks following Week 4 action:

1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Georgia
5. Notre Dame
6. Ohio State
7. Auburn
8. Miami
9. Texas
10. Penn State
11. UCF
12. North Carolina
13. Texas A&M
14.Oregon
15. Cincinnati
16. Mississippi State
17. Oklahoma State
18. Oklahoma
19. Wisconsin
20. LSU
21. Tennessee 
22. BYU
23. Michigan
24. PITT
25. Memphis

There were seven SEC teams who made the top 25.

Stay tuned for more updates from Roll Tide Wire, part of the USA TODAY Sports College Wire network!

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Postgame report: Alabama vs. Missouri

This game was full of unknowns due to the coronavirus outbreak, but the Alabama Crimson Tide showed up and showed out. 

The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Missouri Tigers on Saturday in Columbia, Missouri with a final score of 38-19 to start the SEC conference-only season.

This game was full of unknowns due to the coronavirus outbreak, but the Alabama Crimson Tide showed up and showed out.

Led by senior quarterback Mac Jones, the Tide had a combined 414 offensive yards. Jones himself went 18 of 24 for 249 yards, and 2 TDs. True freshman Bryce Young also saw action in the game and went 5 for 8 for 54 yards.

Sep 26, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.  Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

As for the running game, Alabama was able to move the ball well, and more often than we’ve seen in previous seasons. Najee Harris, who decided to return for his senior season, had a stellar performance as well. He finished the game with 17 carries for 98 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

Sep 26, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is tackled by Missouri Tigers linebacker Nick Bolton (32) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Also offensively, Jaylen Waddle emerged as one of the best players of the night. Waddle finished the night with 8 receptions for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns. DeVonta Smith also put on a show with 8 receptions for 89 yards. John Metchie III also had 2 receptions for 42 yards. This trio is going to be amazing to watch this season.

Sep 26, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches a pass for a touchdown against Missouri Tigers defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively, Alabama showed a much stronger and faster defense than last season, which has a lot to do with being healthy and being led by Christian Harris, and Dylan Moses. The Tide held the Tigers to 322 total offensive yards. Missouri quarterback Shawn Robinson finished the game going 19 of 25 for 185 yards and 1 TD.

Sep 26, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Shawn Robinson (3) is sacked by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Christian Harris (8) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

All in all, Alabama played their hearts out and showed they’ve hungry to make it back to the college football playoff. Mac Jones showed his ability to be consistent and how much of a leader he is. And Alabama’s defense looks to be a threat to all of the SEC.

Simply put, this was an incredible way for the Crimson Tide to start the season.

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WATCH: Jaylen Waddle has impressive 23 yd TD catch in double coverage

In the first 2 quarters, Waddle has already recorded 7 receptions for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

Wow. For real. Wow.

That’s basically all you can say about this catch. It’s just that amazing and impressive.

And if we’re being honest, Waddle is having one of the best games of his career so far.

In the first 2 quarters, Waddle has already recorded 7 receptions for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns.

His first touchdown catch of the game came from an easy 18-yard pass from Mac Jones to Waddle to give Alabama a 14-0 lead.

This time, it was even better.

Jones throws an incredible pass to Waddle who has two defenders right on top of him, and Waddle is still able to come up with it for his second touchdown reception of the night.

It’s a 23 yard TD catch that looks nothing short of impressive.

During his first two seasons for the Crimson Tide, Waddle recorded 1,408 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. But he’s also been one of the best punt and kickoff returners in the nation. In just two seasons, he has 36 punt returns for 720 yards and  2 touchdowns. Waddle also has five kickoff returns for 175 yards and a touchdown.

Simply put, he’s incredible, and he’s quickly becoming a name more often mentioned in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

There’s no doubt that with Waddle’s more dynamic role on offense, Alabama has a great chance to make it back to the College Football Playoff this year.

WATCH: Najee Harris scores first Alabama TD of 2020 season

Alabama running back Najee Harris punched it in from the one-yard line after 6 touches during that series. 

The Alabama Crimson Tide started off a little shaky going 3 and out during their first series, but the Tide recovered and drove down the field for the first touchdown of the 2020 season for Alabama.

Alabama senior running back Najee Harris punched it in from the one-yard line after 6 touches during that series.

So far in the first quarter, Harris has 8 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.

But let’s be honest, he’s just getting started.

We knew coming into the game that Alabama would be more dominant on the ground than in previous seasons due to the depth in the running back position as well as the role of quarterback Mac Jones.

Last season Harris’ role became more dominant on offense, especially after Tua Tagovailoa endured a season-ending injury. Harris finished the season with 1,224 yards rushing off of 209 carries. He also had a career-best 13 touchdowns.

In his career, he has over 2,300 rushing yards and 20 TDs, as well as over 350 receiving yards with another 7 TDs.

It will be exciting to see what Jones, Harris, and the Crimson Tide can do this season.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date with the very latest!

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5 Alabama class of 2021 commitments who showed out on Friday Night

Here are 5 Alabama commits who showed up on Friday night in a big way.

As the Crimson Tide opens up their 2020 college football season on Saturday against the Missouri Tigers, it’s important to remember that Alabama commitments have been playing at the high school level for weeks.

Here are 5 Alabama commits who showed up on Friday night in a big way.

1.Tommy and James Brockermeyer

The Brockermeyer twins were able to help lead the Fort Worth All Saints to a huge 70-50 win over the Azle Hornets.

The Brockermeyer twins helped the All Saints offense record 723 yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns.

It’s also important to note that according to reports, Tommy Brockermeyer had to be helped off the field by two trainers after suffering either an ankle or knee injury. There is no update on his condition or what actually happened.

Tommy is the top-ranked tackle among the Class of 2021 while James is the No. 1 ranked center.

2. Agiye Hall

Wide receiver Agiya Hall had a stellar game on Friday night for Bloomingdale. Hall helped his team beat Tampa Bay Tech 25-22 with an incredible game winning TD catch.

Hall is rated the No. 10 wide receiver and the No. 68 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings.

3.Damon Payne 

Five-star defensive lineman Damon Payne put on a big show to start his senior season for Belleville on Friday night against Fordson.

Just watch. These two videos of an interception and sack should excite Alabama fans for what he’s capable of.

Payne is rated the No. 2 defensive tackle and the No. 17 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings.

4. Jacorey Brooks

IMG Academy had a big win on Friday night against Ravenwood, 45-14.

5 star wide receiver Jacorey Brooks was one of the offensive staples who helped lead his team to a victory.

Just check out his speed and footwork.

Brooks is rated the No. 2 wide receiver and the No. 29 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings.

5. Devonta Smith

Nope, this isn’t the same DeVonta Smith that’s already on the Crimson Tide roster. Smith, who is a 3 star cornerback out of Ohio, still had an impressive game on Friday night, even though his team lost.

Here’s what 247Sports said about his performance on Friday night,

“A quick, hard-hitting defensive back, Smith lined up all over the secondary and sometimes came down into the box. He’s a sound tackler, typically arriving with a thud. The 6-foot, 180-pound Smith is smooth in coverage and was only challenged once in that capacity, an incompletion against a team that is now 6-0 and coming in had been having a lot of success through the air.”

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date on all of the latest news!

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What all Nick Saban said during his College Gameday appearance

Nick Saban made another appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday morning, and here is what all he said.

Alabama head football coach Nick Saban made another appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday morning where he spoke about the transformation of his team this season, how they’ve handled the adjustments, and so on.

When asked about Saturday’s matchup against Missouri, Saban shared that:

“After all this time, as a coach, you really just want to find out where your team is,” “Who are we? What’s our competitor spirit? I think this is something players are looking forward to and we have a lot of respect for this Missouri team.”

Rece Davis went on to ask Saban specifically about Mac Jones, and Saban was quick to give Jones praise:

“I think consistency. Mac’s big thing has always been if he can stay in front of himself and focus on the next play..He seems to do much, much better (when that happens). When he focuses forward, he does better. He’s gotten a lot better at that and has been (consistent) this fall.”

Davis also asked Saban about the Crimson Tide’s defense who endured a lot of injuries last season and had to rely on younger guys to step up in big games:

“The good news is all those guys were freshmen a year ago, so they gained a lot of knowledge and experience. Getting Dylan Moses back, a confident, competitive leader who can impact the rest of the players of the defense in a positive way. We’re excited to see if we can make improvements on defense.

Biggest question for us is whether we have four out of five new starters in the secondary.”

Lastly, Saban was asked when the last time was that he either coached or played in front of a crowd less than 12,000, and his answer was awesome.

“Probably back when I was in the MAC. But when you coach a game, I see the DNA of players as competitors. They want to win and play well and create value for themselves.

I know as competitors, these guys want to do a good job, so hopefully the (lack of a crowd) won’t be a factor in how they go out there and play.”

All in all, Saban has made it clear that the Crimson Tide is excited to play on Saturday, and that his players have done their best to make the best out of the current situation.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date with the very latest!

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Alabama-Missouri: How to watch/listen

Alabama is starting their conference only schedule by traveling to Columbia, Missouri on Saturday to open up their 2020 CFB season. 

The Alabama Crimson Tide is starting their conference only schedule by traveling to Columbia, Missouri on Saturday to open up their 2020 college football season.

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) carries the ball past Missouri Tigers defensive back Kenya Dennis (7) in the fourth quarter of the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Missouri 42-13. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The last matchup between the Tide and Tigers took place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where Alabama beat Missouri for the 4th time in a row, this time 39-10. Alabama is also 4-2 against the Tigers in series history as well.

Over the series history, Alabama has outscored Missouri, 178- 108. And during the Saban era, the Tide has outscored the Tigers, 123- 33.

Here’s all you need to know about Saturday’s matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Missouri Tigers:

When: Saturday Sept. 26 at 6:00 p.m. CT

Where: Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium (Columbia, Missouri)

TV: ESPN (Play-By-Play: Sean McDonough, Analyst: Todd Blackledge, Analyst: Allison Williams)

ONLINE: ESPN+

Follow along: ESPN App

Listen: Crimson TIde Sports Network (Play-By-Play: Eli Gold, Analyst: John Parker Wilson, Sideline: Rashad Johnson)

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5 reasons Alabama covers, and 1 reason they won’t

Could the Tide cover the spread? Yes and no. Let’s find out why and how.

On Saturday, the Alabama Crimson Tide will face off with the Missouri Tigers in the conference- only season opener for just the seventh time in Alabama football history.

Alabama is 4-2 in the overall series with the Tigers and is 3-0 against Missouri under Nick Saban. Not only that, but over the series history, Alabama has outscored Missouri, 178- 108. And during the Saban era, the Tide has outscored the Tigers, 123- 33.

Oddsmakers at BetMGM have Alabama listed as a 28-point favorite against Missouri.

Could the Tide cover the spread?

Yes and no.

Let’s find out why and how.

These are 5 ways the Crimson Tide could easily cover:

1. Mac Jones and Alabama’s offensive weapons

Mac Jones
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Mac Jones finished last season 3-1 as a starter.  And by end of the season, Jones had a quarterback rating (186.8) that ranks as the highest of any returning signal-caller (minimum four starts) in the SEC for 2020. He also finished the season with 1,503 yards passing, 14 TDs, and 3 INTs.

All that to say, Jones not only has the experience, he also has the respect of his teammates, and that will be a game-changer for the Crimson Tide. He also showed up in big games last season against Auburn and Michigan. Jones also showed his resiliency, even after making a bad throw, he was also able to keep his composure.

When you also take a moment to remember that Alabama also has DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle returning in the receiver position. 

Alabama is loaded with talent on offense, and you can expect Mac Jones and the Crimson Tide to make big plays on Saturday. 

2. Najee Harris

Najee Harris
Nov 30, 2019; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium.  John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Last season Harris’ role became more dominant on offense, especially after Tua Tagovailoa endured a season-ending injury. Harris finished the season with 1,224 yards rushing off of 209 carries. He also had a career-best 13 touchdowns.

Najee Harris deserves to be recognized on his own. Afterall, there’s a reason he’s a contender for the Heisman trophy this season, and expected to be one of the best running backs in the SEC.

You can also expect to see Alabama run the ball more this season than they have the last few years. Part of that is due to Mac Jones, but also, Alabama is loaded in the running back position.

If Najee is able to find holes in the pocket that the offensive line creates for him, you can expect him to find the end zone several times on Saturday, which will make Alabama covering the spread super simple.

3. Alabama’s defense 

Alabama football
Photo Credit: Mark Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, there may be younger guys on Alabama’s defense this season, but don’t count them out just yet. Afterall, the Crimson Tide faced a lot of adversity on defense last season after many older leaders suffered injuries.

This season, Alabama is on a mission to prove they truly deserve a shot for the national title. Led by Dylan Moses, DJ Dale, LaBryan Ray, and more, the Crimson Tide has the experience and talent to put on a show this season, starting at Missouri.

If the Crimson Tide can shut down Missouri’s running game as well as stop Shawn Robinson, Alabama has a great chance of shutting down any chance Missouri has of scoring.

Alabama will be faster and stronger this year, and thanks to the new strength and conditioning program, Alabama’s defense also has a good chance of staying healthy this season.

4. The fact that both coordinators are returning for the Crimson Tide 

Alabama football-Pete Golding-De'Rickey Wright
Photo Credit: Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

This in and of itself is huge.

Think about it.

Alabama has continuously had either a new offensive or a defensive coordinator each season for quite a while now.

This will be a game changer for Alabama this season, especially as they open up the season on the road in Missouri.

Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian are going to work together again this season to get Alabama back to the CFB playoff.

5. Missouri’s unknowns on offense

Nov 23, 2019; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Tyler Badie (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Not only is Missouri getting used to Eli Drinkwitz as the new head coach, but Missouri still has so many unknowns, including who is starting at quarterback against Alabama.

Alabama has been in this position so many times. It’s very common for the Crimson Tide to enter the opening game without naming a starting quarterback. But this year, Mac Jones is the QB1 for the Tide, and rightly so.

These unknowns for Missouri could help the Tide cover the spread, especially if Alabama can capitalize on any mistakes the Tigers make.

Okay, and now for the one reason why Alabama could struggle to cover the 28 point spread:

The fact that the season opener is an away game, with only 20% fan capacity.

This will be a trick situation for many SEC teams this season.

Not only does Alabama have to travel to Missouri for the season opener, they’ll also be playing in a stadium with only 20% capacity.

Will this affect the Tide’s energy?

Will Missouri use speakers for crowd noise that could make it hard for Alabama to communicate?

These are just a few of the many unknowns surrounding Saturday’s game.

And this will be one of the only factors preventing the Crimson Tide from covering the spread.

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