SEC Football: Top 15 Out of Conference Games for 2016

2. Alabama vs. USC

Alabama won its fourth national title in seven seasons a year ago. Tide fans are obviously hoping to make it five in eight this year. Whether they do so or not depends on some new faces in the offensive backfield. At quarterback, it’s a three-way competition at this point between Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts. Bo Scarbrough will take Derrick Henry‘s place at running back. The receivers are amazing and the offensive line should be solid. On defense the Tide is loaded again.

USC will also be breaking in a new quarterback on September 3rd. Junior Max Browne will get the start for the Trojans. Fortunately, Browne will have ample talent around him. USC returns its entire offensive line, All-American caliber receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and stud tailbacks Justin Davis and Ronald Jones.

On defense, USC is essentially in the complete opposite situation. They have to completely rebuild their line, and the linebacker corps is raw as well. The secondary should be good however.

Prediction: Alabama will win in a closer game than most Tide fans expect. USC has a lot of talent, but their weaknesses can be exploited by Alabama’s strengths. Look for Alabama to run right at the Trojan front seven and lean on their defense to stifle the USC offense.

Next: Rebels vs. Seminoles