After surviving a week two scare on the road, defending SEC Football champion Alabama returns home to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday afternoon where a matchup with the UL Monroe Warhawks’ awaits. The first meeting between the two teams since 2015, this is also the third matchup since Nick Saban took over in Tuscaloosa, with the Warhawks having beaten the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa back in 2007.
As mentioned previously, Alabama (2-0) survived their first road test of the 2022 season last Saturday afternoon, defeating Texas 20-19 on a late field goal from kicker Will Reichard. Dropping to No. 2 in the AP Poll as a result, the Crimson Tide now return home where they were simply dominant in week one, defeating Utah State by a final of 55-0.
Averaging 37.5 PPG, the Crimson Tide are led offensively by reigning Heisman winner Bryce Young at quarterback, while running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Jase McClellan are both coming off notable performances against Texas. Gibbs and Traeshon Holden have emerged as two of Alabama’s top receiving targets, as has Kobe Prentice, a freshman who has caught nine receptions for 87 yards so far this season.
Defensively, Alabama (allowing 9.5 PPG) has gotten strong play from linebacker Jaylen Moody, who currently leads the Crimson Tide with 16 tackles, while defensive backs Brian Branch and DeMarcco Hellams are tied for second with 12 total. Will Anderson Jr also has double-digit tackles on the year with 10, with the junior outside linebacker also leading the Crimson Tide with three TFL.
UL Monroe (1-1) however are coming off their first win of the 2022 season as the Warhawks defeated Nicholls State, 35-7. The Warhawks are currently in year two under head coach Terry Bowden, and have even faced an opponent familiar to Alabama so far this season as UL-Monroe actually faced Texas in week one, falling to the Longhorns on the road, 52-10.
The Warhawks offense comes into this game averaging 22.5 PPG, a group led by sophomore quarterback Chandler Rogers. In addition to Rogers, Malik Jackson and Andrew Henry are UL Monroe’s top two producers at running back, while Jevin Frett, Boogie Knight, and Tyrone Howell are the top options at receiver.
Allowing 29.5 PPG to opponents, UL Monroe’s defense is led by linebacker Tristan Driggers, who leads the Warhawks with 11 tackles and two interceptions on the year. Carl Glass and LU Tillery are also prominent tacklers, as is experienced safety Jabari Johnson.
Alabama vs UL Monroe Odds: Line, Spread, Over/Under
As of Wednesday, Alabama is a 48.5-point favorite over UL Monroe according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 60.5.
Alabama vs UL Monroe SEC Football Prediction
Long story short, this will not be a repeat of the 2007 showdown between the Crimson Tide and Warhawks. Alabama should claim a sizable lead early in the first half, and eventually win by multiple touchdowns. Prediction: Alabama 56, UL Monroe 7
What Channel is the Alabama vs UL Monroe Game On?
Alabama vs UL Monroe will be played at 4:00 PM ET on Saturday, September 17 from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL, with the game available on SEC Network.
Alabama vs UL Monroe Live Stream
A live stream of Alabama vs UL Monroe courtesy of fuboTV can be found here.