Alabama Looks to Redeem Itself Against South Florida

The Alabama Crimson Tide travel to Tampa to take on the South Florida Bulls this Saturday at Raymond James Stadium. After suffering a rare home loss last week to Texas, Nick Saban’s 10th-ranked Tide are under a lot of scrutiny to improve. A convincing win against the Bulls is necessary to keep ‘Bama’s national championship hopes alive.

Game Week Central – USF https://t.co/IiFjof8okM#RollTide pic.twitter.com/uAwzGOjc9M

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) September 11, 2023

Alabama’s Early Season Woes

Alabama has been a college football powerhouse ever since Saban’s arrival. This dynasty has created an expectation of greatness that is hard to live up to.

Then-No. 3 Alabama’s 34-24 loss to then-No. 11 Texas last Saturday was a historic moment, ending the Tide’s 21-game home win streak. Winning in Tuscaloosa has been about as difficult a task as any in college football since 2007.

In the game, Texas was able to post 349 yards passing and three passing touchdowns. A strong defense is one aspect Alabama prides itself in, and allowing nearly 500 total yards is not acceptable for Saban’s Tide.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was another sore spot for the Crimson Tide. Milroe passed for 255 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions and was sacked five times. Alabama simply was outplayed by the Longhorns.

Here is what Saban had to say about improving after the loss.

Alabama enters the game against South Florida with a 1-1 record and has little room for error the rest of the year, if it hopes to make the playoffs.

The Bulls’ Big Break

Playing in the American Athletic Conference, USF is relishing a chance to play a top team like Alabama. With few expectations heading into the game, the Bulls have nothing to lose and can be dangerous.

South Florida’s rushing attack has been a major point of emphasis this season. The Bulls are averaging 241 rush yards per game spearheaded by quarterback Byrum Brown and Florida transfer running back Nay’Quan Wright. USF’s offense also averages 200 passing yards per game and 31 points. Although USF hasn’t played competition to par with Alabama, if the Crimson Tide don’t prepare they could be shocked.

USF was able to pull out a 38-24 win against Florida A&M last week. The high-scoring offense has plenty of potential to bring that momentum into next week and spoil the week for ‘Bama.

https://twitter.com/USFFootball/status/1700688991798820917

Here is what Saban had to say about South Florida’s play.

Although it is a heavy favorite in this game, Alabama will have to focus in practice and fix some of the areas it is lacking in to come out of this game successful.

The game is set for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff and will be broadcast on ABC.