Alabama Crimson Tide 2024 Schedule Prediction: How likely is a return to the SEC Championship Game?

The Alabama Crimson Tide are in the middle of fall camp , with their eyes set on returning to an expanded College Football Playoff.

But before that, they need to take care of business in what figures to be the best conference in all of college football yet again: The SEC.

Better than ever with the additions of Texas and Oklahoma, the SEC will take no prisoners in 2024.

But when analyzing the Tide's schedule, there is reason to believe that a return to the big dance in Atlanta is more than feasible:

Week 1: Alabama vs. WKU

Prediction: Alabama 50, Western Kentucky 10

The Tide kick off the next era of football by welcoming the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky to Title Town. WKU has been one of the better group of five schools over the past few seasons, but this game is a tune-up for the Tide.

Week 2: Alabama vs. USF

Prediction: Alabama 60, USF 22

After far too much of a close call in Tampa last season, Jalen Milroe and the rest of Alabama's offense are going to come out motivated against the Bulls, putting up a statement in Tuscaloosa this time around.

Week 3: Alabama @ Wisconsin

Prediction: Alabama 24, Wisconsin 15

The Tide will face their first true test of 2024 when they travel to Camp Randall to take on the Badgers on Saturday morning. Wisconsin was unranked in the AP's 2024 Preseason poll, but that could change by the time they play on September 14th.

Week 4: Bye

Week 5: Alabama vs. Georgia

Prediction: Alabama 17, Georgia 20

A rematch of the 2024 SEC Championship, it's going to be tough for the Tide to double down against Georgia but it doesn't mean it's impossible. Georgia and Alabama are both going to be coming off bye weeks and of course, the home-field advantage of Nick Saban Field at Bryant Denny Stadium will be a factor.

Week 6: Alabama @ Vanderbilt

Prediction: Alabama 40, Vanderbilt 10

Coming off a predicted loss, I expect the Tide to bounce back in resounding fashion when they head to the country music capital of the world, trouncing the Commodores.

Week 7: Alabama vs. South Carolina

Prediction: Alabama 33, South Carolina 20

South Carolina may be behind in the race for SEC stardom following the departures of players like QB Spencer Rattler and WR Xavier Legette. Alabama should have no problem with the Gamecocks at home.

Week 8: Alabama @ Tennessee

Prediction: Alabama 45, Tennessee 40

The Tide vs. Volunteers has become one of the better fixtures on the schedule as of late, with plenty of explosion and high-flying offensive tactics. Welcoming a highly anticipated but green QB into Knoxville, I'm betting on the Tide's experience to win out.

Week 9: Alabama vs. Missouri

Prediction: Alabama 27, Missouri 20

The Tigers of Missouri have high expectations heading into 2024. Ranked 8th in the AP's preseason top 25 , Missouri boasts arguably the top WR in the nation via Luther Burden, setting up a test for the Tide's secondary, but one they should pass.

Week 10: Bye

Week 11: Alabama @ LSU

Prediction: Alabama 43, LSU 30

LSU is looking to bounce back after an underwhelming 2023 season, but with questions about QB Garrett Nussemeier, if the team couldn't beat the Tide with players like Heisman trophy-winning QB Jayden Daniels and WR Malik Nabers, it's going to be hard to do it without them.

Week 12: Alabama vs. Mercer

Prediction: Alabama 53, Mercer 12

The Tide are going to have to work to get up for this one, but once the juices get flowing, it will be over for the Mercer Bears before they even know it, with the Tide gearing up for their stretch run.

Week 13: Alabama @ Oklahoma

Prediction: Alabama 25, Oklahoma 19

The Sooners are making their debut in the SEC, and while HC Brent Venables is familiar with the Tide thanks to his time as DC with Clemson, he is going to get some similar treatment when the Tide comes to Normand.

Week 14: Alabama vs. Auburn

Prediction: Alabama 35, Auburn, 15

This year's Iron Bowl shouldn't need the same kind of excitement as last year's Gravedigger play on 4th and 31 but the Iron Bowl is always a fun one, even if Alabama dominates the Tigers in this scenario.

Related: Nick Saban has a theory on why young QBs bust at such a high rate and the NFL needs to listen before it's too late