Alabama vs. USF Predictions

Alabama football is set to welcome the USF Bulls to Bryant-Denny Stadium for its second game of the 2024 season.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CST. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

The staff at Touchdown Alabama provide their predictions and analysis of the game.

STEPHEN M. SMITH / SENIOR REPORTER

Key Analysis: “Alabama has its get back game from last season. Jalen Milroe puts on a show in the passing game. Look for him to total 5 to 6 touchdowns. Alabama should be able to dominate in the run game, especially if Tyler Booker and Geno VanDeMark start on the left side of the offensive line. Defensively, look for more sacks and more turnovers from Kane Wommack’s defense.”

Prediction: Alabama: 45 USF: 3

JUSTIN SMITH / SCOUTING/RECRUITING ANALYST 

Key Analysis: “Alabama would benefit from having more establish drives in this one as it tries to learn more and more about its offense in the early season. It will be interesting to see if the Tide’s defensive rotation is deep in this one again. They rotated early and often on defense last week against Western Kentucky. Will they do the same against USF? The Bulls’ quarterback, Byrum Brown is a true talented dual-threat quarterback. If Alabama plans to make a run at a National Championship, it is likely they will face quarterbacks like him in the future. Running quarterbacks have traditionally given Alabama problems. How Kane Wommack attacks Brown will be worth watching. Another question mark is Alabama’s running back room. It is clear Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are the lead backs. Is Richard Young going to get meaningful runs is the question.”

Prediction: Alabama: 48 USF: 17

Patrick Dowd / Alabama Beat Reporter

Key Analysis: “With the unveiling of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, it’s difficult to imagine Alabama would come out the gates uninspired like a season ago vs. USF. Redemption will likely be on the mind of quarterback Jalen Milroe who didn’t see any action against the Bulls last year and has now turned into the unquestioned leader on offense. But one of the main concerns will be the Crimson Tide’s offensive line against the blitz packages of the Bulls defense which gave it fits in its previous matchup. The battle could be a bit more difficult with left tackle Kadyn Proctor doubtful for the game. However Alabama is has a much more clear identity than 2023 and will take down the Bulls with ease today.”

Prediction:  Alabama: 48 USF: 14

Trevion Ware / Alabama Beat Reporter

Key Analysis: “In week 2, the Alabama Crimson Tide will look to carryover their dominate defensive performance against the South Florida Bulls. Turnovers are a key emphasis at all three levels of the defense in their preparation for this weeks matchup. Expect defensive coordinator Kane Wommack to aim to take away the dual threat ability of USF QB Byrum Brown. This will be paramount after Brown ran for 92 yards on the ground in last year’s matchup. Alabama’s secondary will also look to eliminate any big plays as Brown looks to get the ball down the field vertically to weapons Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen and Sean Atkins. Offensively, along the offensive line look for tackle Elijah Pritchett to look more comfortable in the absence of starter Kaydn Proctor. You can also expect to see guard Tyler Booker to be used in a variety of facets upfront. Alabama will look to be clean offensively as they aim to eliminate bad snaps and false starts. Expect Jalen Milroe to be more aggressive through the air as a passer as offensive coordinator.  On the ground, expect Alabama to have success in the run game as the Tide OL look to wipe out USF top defenders Rodney Hill and Dinellson Exume at the second level. Alabama’s three headed running back rotation of Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, and Richard Young should all find success on the ground as the Tide are expected to dominate the trenches. Milroe will also look to be decisive as a runner as well, so expect him to be a threat on the perimeter throughout this matchup. Lastly, look for more fireworks from freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams as he will draw more attention wherever he lines up. Special teams wise, look for Cole Adams to continue to find his stride in the return game after averaging 8.5 yards a return last week. The speedster Adams seems to just need a crease to possibly take it ti the house. The Tide will possibly also look to Jaylen Mbakwe to display his abilities as a returner.”

Prediction: Alabama: 52 USF: 14