Another year and another title in 2015 for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. That's become routine for the Tide under Saban and they have won at least 10 games every year since his first season in 2007. With several losses on both sides of the ball, the question is can Alabama make it five titles in eight years?
While there is still plenty of talent, the Tide have a major question mark at QB and lost some of their best players. No one reloads like Alabama does, but can they make it back to the College Football Playoff? Find out what we think with our game-by-game prediction of Alabama Football's record in 2016.
Week 1 - vs. USC Trojans
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
This is a neutral site game at Jerry World, but Alabama should have more fans. The Tide are the better team, and should come out on top. It might not even be close.
Week 2 - vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Prediction: WIN (2-0)
This would be an easy win even if QB Brandon Doughty was back for WKU. This should be a blowout.
Week 3 - at Ole Miss Rebels
Prediction: WIN (3-0)
Here's the first real challenge. Ole Miss upset Alabama, and the Tide want revenge. Playing on the road will be tough, but Ole Miss might not have totally replaced several of their key players this early in the season. It's a close one, but Alabama wins.
Week 4 - vs. Kent State Golden Flashes
Prediction: WIN (4-0)
Kent State is one of the worst teams in the MAC. If this isn't a blowout, something is seriously wrong.
Week 5 - vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Prediction: WIN (5-0)
Is Mark Stoops doing some impressive thing at UK? Yes. Is Kentucky anywhere near ready to bet Alabama on the road? No.
Week 6 - at Arkansas Razorbacks
Prediction: WIN (6-0)
I'm still not totally sure what to make of Arkansas under Bret Bielema. But I do know they aren't going to beat the Tide, even at home.
Week 7 - at Tennessee Volunteers
Prediction: LOSS (6-1)
This could be an SEC title game preview. Playing at home will be a massive boost for the Vols. At least one coach thinks Tennessee is better, since the Vols got one No. 1 vote in the coaches poll. The Vols might not live up to the hype surrounding them, but for now, I'll go with them to win at home. It will be a close one either way.
Week 8 - vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Prediction: WIN (7-1)
Which Trevor Knight shows up for the Aggies? Regular season Knight or bowl game against Alabama Knight? If it's the latter, the Aggies have a shot. If not, this one belongs to the Tide.
Week 9 - BYE
Week 10 - at LSU Tigers
Prediction: LOSS (7-2)
This game can, and likely will, determine the SEC West winner. The Tigers are at home, but Alabama is coming off a bye week. I think this is LSU's year and they finally beat Saban and Alabama.
Week 11 - vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Prediction: WIN (8-2)
No Dak Prescott really hurts Mississippi State. Win or lose against LSU, Alabama will win this one.
Week 12 - vs. Chattanooga Mocs
Prediction: WIN (9-2)
Duh. Easy win.
Week 13 - vs. Auburn Tigers
Prediction: WIN (10-2)
Auburn might struggle again this year. It's the Iron Bowl, which means it will probably be close once again. But, the Tide should come out on top. Playing at home will only help Alabama.
Week 14 - SEC Championship Game
Prediction: DNQ
Even if the Crimson Tide beat the Vols, which could easily happen, I don't see them getting to the SEC Championship game. I think this is LSU's year. But the CFP committee could face a tough question if 1 or even 2-loss Alabama should get in to the Playoff this year.
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