For the first time in over a decade, Alabama has a new head coach.
Kalen DeBoer will take the field as the Crimson Tide’s head coach, and Alabama’s first test will be against a Group of Five program.
Western Kentucky lost some talent from a year ago, like quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corley. But WKU is still expected to be one of the top squads in Conference USA this year after adding one of the top-ranked transfer portal classes in the league.
But will it be enough to challenge Alabama?
Western Kentucky vs. Alabama Betting
Alabama is a -31.5 college football betting odds favorite against Western Kentucky, with the Over/Under being 59.5.
Western Kentucky vs. Alabama On TV
The matchup between Western Kentucky and Alabama will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31. The contest is taking place at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
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Western Kentucky vs. Alabama Prediction
I predict Alabama will win and cover the spread at -31.5. I also project the game will go Over 59.5 total points.
I don’t think Alabama, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, will have much problem with WKU’s defense. Although Nick Saban is now gone, this is still Alabama we’re talking about. And in a season opener at home, I expect the Crimson Tide to begin the year with plenty of energy and prove they are still capable of being one of the best teams in all of college football.
However, I also think WKU will be able to score once in a while. I think TJ Finley will be a good quarterback for the Hilltoppers, and I expect he’ll help put some scoring drives together.
But I think Alabama still ends up winning by 35 points at least.
