The Alabama Crimson Tide open the 2016-17 college football season against the USC Trojans on Saturday night.
Free College Football Pick for Saturday, 09/03/2016
8:00 PM ET
College Football
[202] ALABAMA -12
Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide roster is always loaded from top to bottom, but this might just be his strongest team yet.
Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will not let his Alabama offense take their foot off the pedal in this one. Remember, Kiffin was fired as the USC head coach in 2013 in the middle of the night in an airport waiting room. As recently as January, Kiffin admitted he’s still mad about being canned by the Trojans. Therefore, he’s had this game circled on his calendar for quite some time.
Kiffin’s talented group should have a field day against one of the nation’s youngest defenses. The Tide have a strong ground game that should have its way against a young USC defensive front. ‘Bama’s rushing attack will wear down the USC front as this game progresses. In addition, the strong ground game also opens up things in the passing game, and the Tide have a very talented & deep receiving group.
The Alabama defense is always among the nation’s best, and this version is no different. They also have the added benefit of going up against that Alabama offense in practice every day. So, this should seem like a step down in class for them.
USC junior QB Max Browne threw only 19 passes as Cody Kessler’s backup the last two seasons. This Alabama defense is definitely not the one you want to be facing in your first start. Good luck, kid.
Finally, the Alabama Crimson Tide has the coaching edge, which puts this game over the top for me. This is playable up to -14. Take ALABAMA as your free college football pick for Saturday.
