USC Trojans head football coach Lincoln Riley mentioned the Alabama Crimson Tide at Big Ten Media Day. Riley credited the Crimson Tide of constructing a schedule that wins national championships and not a schedule designed for fan satisfaction.
Over the years, Alabama has seemed to schedule tough non-conference games to begin the season. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban was known for giving his team a challenge early on in the season. Usually, it was effective as the team was able to make a strong statement in Week 1.
Riley and the Trojans will face a more difficult schedule than usual as they transition to the Big Ten. The Trojans will meet the LSU Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, Penn State Nittany Lions, and Wisconsin Badgers in the first six weeks of the 2024-2025 season.
Much like the Trojans, Alabama will also face a difficult schedule this season. The Crimson Tide have games against the Wisconsin Badgers, Georgia Bulldogs, Missouri Tigers, Tennessee Volunteers, and LSU Tigers.
It seems like both programs have scheduled with the intent of building a strong resume for College Football Playoff consideration. Only time will tell if either team is equipped to reach the playoff in December.
Lincoln Riley cited Alabama while speaking on scheduling for a 12-team College Football Playoff:
“Bama was ahead of the curve for years… They didn’t schedule for their fans. They scheduled to win championships.”https://t.co/3YZbwRPbwb pic.twitter.com/bshBLVaxzU
— On3 (@On3sports) July 24, 2024
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama football program.