Could USC actually beat Alabama on Week 1?

[TROJAN-MAN]

Sporting News seems to think so


Sporting News Predicts a USC upset over Alabama

 

[bamafan4evr12]

Sporting News seems to think so


Sporting News Predicts a USC upset over Alabama

So we're going to lose because of...bubble screens?

We could lose, but I doubt its solely based on overuse of bubble screens...

 

[7Samurai13]

Well USC apparently has an advantage over us, as Kiffin adopted everything from USC.

Southern Cal OC Tee Martin: 'Lane (Kiffin) pretty much adopted what we do on offense'

So is he under inflating footballs at Alabama now? Well now Michigan State should protest that playoff game because of those cheaters from Tuscaloosa.

 

[UNA Lion]

www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/7/25/12171732/usc-alabama-game-week-1

I know SBNation isn't exactly the most serious of all things but the article does bring up some good points.

Anything is possible

... even the most unlikely things are possible.

 

[BamaDude]

It could happen. For the third straight year, Alabama is having problems deciding on a starting QB and there are no Big Dog running backs with gaudy statistics returning as there has been for the last several years. And when you look back at Bama's spring game, there was very little offense generated in a 7-3 final outcome. And, even though its the first year without Kirby Smart leading the defense in a LOOONNNNGGG time, that side of the field should still be pretty dominant.

Alabama may have the best receiving corp in the college football universe, but that could all go to waste if there is no one at QB who can get them the ball consistently.

On the other side, USC didn't even keep score in their spring game, so you don't really know what their potential may be. Still, give Alabama an edge in the return game & in the possibility for the Tide's ability to generate points on defense. It may be a shaky start, but I wouldn't bet against Nick Saban in an opening game.

 

[4down20]

Here's the Alabama depth chart in recruiting stars.

Embarrassment of riches: Alabama’s depth chart by star rank

Offense:

QB: 4-star or 5-star or 4-star

RB: 5-star or 5-star, 5-star

WR (Z): 4-star, 4-star

WR (H): 5-star, 3-star or 4-star

WR (X): 5-star or 5-star, 3-star

TE: 4-star, 4-star

TE: 5-star, 4-star or 3-star

RT: 5-star, 4-star

RG: 4-star, 4-star

C: 3-star, 4-star

LG: 4-star, 4-star

LT: 5-star, 3-star

Defense:

DE: 5-star, 5-star

NT: 5-star, 4-star

DE: 4-star, 3-star

OLB: 4-star, 4-star or 4-star

OLB: 4-star, 4-star or N/A (walk-on)

MLB: 5-star, 5-star

MLB: 4-star, 4-star

STAR: 5-star, 4-star

CB: 5-star, 4-star

CB: 5-star, 4-star

SS: 3-star, 4-star

FS: 4-star, 4-star

P: 3-star

 

[TigerBait1971]

to the OP....

 

[Bandwagonbo2]

Alabama gonna win on the strength of 3 fake kickoffs for touchdowns.

 

[BamaDude]

Alabama wins 20-10. Two field goals, a defensive TD & a special teams TD vs the Trojans' two safeties & a touchdown with a botched two-point conversion.

 

[4down20]

USC down 1 more man.

USC LB suspended for Alabama game reportedly being investigated for sexual assault


Is he the starter or just a backup?

 

[DJ]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

 

[DJ]

USC down 1 more man.

USC LB suspended for Alabama game reportedly being investigated for sexual assault


Is he the starter or just a backup?

Read the article, man. He lost out on the starting job.

 

[DJ]

"Masina had 25 tackles as a freshman in 2015 and appeared in USC’s first 12 games of the season before suffering a hamstring injury. He was battling for a starting linebacker spot with Michael Hutchings, according to the Los Angeles Times. Hutchings ended up winning the starting job over Masina."

 

[4down20]

Read the article, man. He lost out on the starting job.

"Masina had 25 tackles as a freshman in 2015 and appeared in USC’s first 12 games of the season before suffering a hamstring injury. He was battling for a starting linebacker spot with Michael Hutchings, according to the Los Angeles Times. Hutchings ended up winning the starting job over Masina."

I guess, but that doesn't mean much at Alabama.

 

[DJ]

'Bama wins, 31-14.

 

[4down20]

Most of these sacks are coming back this year.

 

[Brasky]

ESPN just threw up some lame FPI stat saying Alabama only has a 63% chance of winning.

 

[Brasky]

Most of these sacks are coming back this year.

Alabama's front 7 is a wet dream for most other FBS schools.

Especially the LB corps

 

[Brasky]

That's the thing. USC has all the skill position talent you could ever want, but they still have yet to build up their interior. Their scheme on offense doesn't lend itself to being able to overcome a lacking OL. If they ran an all out spread attack like Baylor or Washington State, they would be better.

 

[4down20]

Alabama's front 7 is a wet dream for most other FBS schools.

Especially the LB corps

Can't disagree with that.

But keep your eye out for Tim Williams, the DE. He's going to shine this year I think. He should hit 20+ sacks this year if he plays all 3 downs.