Another fantastic season of Alabama Crimson Tide football ended in unfamiliar fashion: losing in the national championship game. That doesn't sit well with the players, fans and coaching staff. But one thing is clear for the 2017 season, Alabama will once again be one of the best teams in the nation. Will they be able to repeat as SEC champs and win another national title? Here's a game-by-game prediction of Alabama's schedule this year:
Week 1: vs. Florida State Seminoles (in Alabama, GA)
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
Projected preseason No. 1 (Alabama) against projected preseason No. 2 (Florida State) in the first game of the season. Does it get much better than that? Unfortunately for the Seminoles, these are games that Nick Saban doesn't lose.
Week 2: vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
Prediction: WIN (2-0)
Fresno State isn't exactly a cupcake, but they will provide the Tide with a relatively easy win in their first home game.
Week 3: vs. Colorado State Rams
Prediction: WIN (3-0)
Another solid non-conference test, Colorado State is certainly good enough to test Alabama. However, they aren't good enough to beat them.
Week 4: at Vanderbilt Commodores
Prediction: WIN (4-0)
Vanderbilt is still one of the worst teams in the SEC and are no match for the Tide, even in Nashville. Alabama's defense will probably score more than Vandy's offense in this one.
Week 5: at Ole Miss Rebels
Prediction: WIN (5-0)
Ole Miss has played Alabama as well as anyone over the last three years, winning two in a row before nearly pulling off the upset again in 2016. The Rebels don't have the highest expectations next season, but given their history against the Tide, this will be a game worth watching.
Week 6: at Texas A&M Aggies
Prediction: WIN (6-0)
Alabama has owned Texas A&M since Johnny Manziel left College Station, but the Aggies are still a good team that can provide a stiff test. Remember, the Aggies actually led the Tide in the second half this year before Alabama's defense took over. You can expect TAMU to put up another game effort at home.
Week 7: vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
Prediction: WIN (7-0)
Arkansas loves to line up and play power football - and Alabama does it better. The Razorbacks have played the Tide incredibly well over the last few years, but Alabama still has significantly more talent.
Week 8: vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Prediction: WIN (8-0)
Many around the Tennessee program aren't expecting big things from the Vols this year. With Butch Jones on the hot seat, Tennessee could be falling to uncertainty at this point in the year. Plus, as is the case with virtually every team Alabama plays, the Tide have a major talent advantage.
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: vs. LSU Tigers
Prediction: WIN (9-0)
LSU is getting closer and closer to ending the streak and beating Alabama. However, that won't happen on the road and won't happen until they get reliable quarterback play. I predict another close loss for the Tigers.
Week 11: at Mississippi State Bulldogs
Prediction: WIN (10-0)
This will be a tougher than expected road test for the Tide. Mississippi State is a talented team with a proven quarterback in Nick Fitzgerald. However, they're a one-dimensional offense and Alabama defends the run as well as anyone. It will be a shock if the Bulldogs pull off the upset.
Week 12: vs. Mercer Bears
Prediction: WIN (11-0)
This is going to be a bloodbath.
Week 13: at Auburn Tigers
Prediction: WIN (12-0)
Auburn's defense and running game have always been good. Now, they're getting a top quarterback in Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham. His ability to fit this system could make Auburn a surprise team in 2017, making them a tough test against Alabama - especially since that game is at Auburn. The Tide will win, but it'll be close.
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