Alabama vs. Florida State NCAA Football Preview
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA
When: Saturday, September 2, 2017, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Alabama Crimson Tide (-7) vs. Florida State Seminoles (+7), total 49.5 – view all 2017 NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
College Football News and Previews
- Ohio State vs. Rutgers NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
- Arizona State vs. Stanford NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
Betting on the Alabama Crimson Tide (-7)
Despite another mass exodus of talent on both sides of the ball this offseason, Alabama should still be as good as ever. The offensive line remains rock solid; starting quarterback Jalen Hurts is back for his sophomore season; they are very deep at running back and have more than enough skill position talent; and of course, the Bama defense should remain one of, if not the best unit in the entire nation.
The Tide didn’t ask much from Hurts in the passing game during his freshman year, and instead leaned very heavily on the run. It remains to be seen how new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll uses his sophomore quarterback in the passing game, but the Tide should be able to run the ball with a great deal of efficiency, especially with Hurts’ ability as a runner.
And while the Tide lost a good amount of talent in their receiving corps, Hurts will still have No. 1 man Calvin Ridley and five-star freshman Jerry Jeudy to go against FSU’s strong secondary.
Meanwhile, Bama’s ferocious defensive front can overpower just about any O-line in the country. They are set to face a Florida State line which was shaky for most of last season, so don’t be surprised if the Tide go out and dominate in the trenches. Bama used that domination to demolish USC, 52-6, in last year’s opener.
Nick Saban and the Tide have a habit of starting the season out on the right foot. Bama is a perfect 10-0 in season openers under Saban.
Betting on the Florida State Seminoles (+7)
Florida State’s 10-3 record last season should be considered somewhat disappointing given expectations. They got blown out of the field by Louisville and Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, and lost three-point games to North Carolina and Clemson. However, they did finish the season strongly, going 4-0 and winning their bowl game against Michigan.
Redshirt sophomore Deondre Francois is back after a decent but inconsistent first season as starting quarterback, although he will be without superstar back Dalvin Cook, as well as his top three wideouts from last season.
Francois has a more proven track record as an overall passer than Hurts, and junior receivers Nyqwan Murray and Auden Tate are still capable targets. But they’re set to go up against a terrific Tide secondary led by sophomore corner Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Seminoles, though, will also have a top secondary that will be strengthened by the return of star defensive back Derwin James. James’ season-ending injury in Week 2 last season really hurt the Noles, but he’ll be back against Bama. James is a terrific ball hawk, and has the potential to make some game-changing plays if the Tide decide to challenge him through the air with Hurts.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Noles D has the physicality to hang with the Tide on a consistent enough basis, especially against the run.
Writer’s Prediction
Alabama (-7) maintains its perfect record in season openers under Saban as the Tide win and cover. 31-21.
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