Alabama Crimson Tide vs Louisville Cardinals: Preview and Prediction

Date: Saturday, September 1
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
Venue: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
Network: ABC

The last time these teams met the Howard Schnellenberger led Cardinals manhandled the Tide 34-7 in the 1991 Fiesta Bowl. Let’s just say things have changed since that time. One thing that has changed for the Cardinals is that all-everything quarterback Lamar Jackson is now in the NFL and because of that the Cardinals are sort of an unknown factor entering this game.

Alabama is not an unknown factor as they are the dominant program in the country and have been for a decade under Head Coach Nick Saban. They look to be a big-time contender to win yet another National Title this year.

How can Louisville win this game?

Throw the ball! The Cardinals are loaded at the receiver position and they have a quarterback that has been in the system in Jawon Pass. Pass could be a big-time quarterback in Louisville and NFL teams are already noticing the NFL build and arm. The other factor here is the Tide lost some hard to replace studs in guys like Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary. While I know the Tide usually reload, guys like Fitzpatrick are hard to replace.

How can the Tide win the game?

That’s easy, just be Alabama! Damien Harris and Najee Harris will allow the Tide to batter the Cardinals defensive line and the defensive line is a question mark for the Cardinals. Throw in two big-time quarterbacks and a solid offensive line and the Cardinals are going to have a hard time keeping up with Alabama.

Prediction

The Cardinals do have enough on offense to keep this game somewhat respectable and score some points. In the end, the Alabama offense will be too much on the ground and through the air for the Cardinals to keep up.

Alabama 45  Louisville 20