Key questions heading into Alabama’s opener at Florida State

Roughly nine months ago, Florida served as the final resting place for Kalen DeBoer’s first Alabama team. After failing to reach the new expanded College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide stumbled to a loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl, capping off a disappointing 9-4 season. 

This weekend, No. 8 Alabama will head back to the Sunshine State with a bit more optimism, as it kicks off Year 2 under DeBoer with an opener at Florida State. 

Alabama is a 13.5-point favorite for Saturday’s game, which will mark the first time in 25 years that the Tide has opened its season in a true road environment. 

Here are a few questions we have heading into the matchup. 

Will injuries trip up the Tide? 

The bumps and bruises are already beginning to build up for Alabama. 

The Tide entered the week knowing that it would be without starting running back Jam Miller, who suffered a collarbone dislocation during the second scrimmage of camp. Meanwhile, starting right guard Jaeden Roberts is still working through concussion protocol.