Week 2: Alabama welcomes USF after low-scoring 2023 game

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Alabama returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium, soon to be named Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday to take on the USF Bulls.

The two teams meet again after last season’s meeting, which was an ugly win for Alabama, 17-3. In that game, Alabama started former quarterback Tyler Buchner who was eventually replaced by Ty Simpson. It was the defense and run game that carried the Tide over the Bulls, with Roydell Williams running for 129 yards and a score. Bama’s defense held Byrum Brown to 87 passing yards and caught an interception.

The Crimson Tide started the season 1-0 after a dominant win over Wester Kentucky, 63-0. Ryan Williams made his much anticipated debut and didn’t disappoint after catching two passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Justice Haynes finished with 102 yards and a score on four carries. Keon Sabb also had an impressive debut with two interceptions.

USF also began its season with a win after beating Bethune-Cookman, 48-3. Byrum Brown led the way with 152 yards through the air and another 74 yards on the ground. Running back Kelley Joiner Jr. had 14 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. on ESPN. Here’s what to look for in Tide versus Bulls:

Bama must contain Byrum Brown

• The Alabama defense must contain Brown and keep him in the pocket as much as possible. He’s a dual threat quarterback who can give defenses problems when he breaks contain and gets outside the pocket. In the game last season, he ran for 92 yards on the Crimson Tide defense. Expect defensive coordinator Kane Wommack to dial up a ton of pressure in their 4-2-5 defense to make Brown uncomfortable and make quick decisions.

Will Alabama attempt to throw the ball more?

• Jalen Milroe completed seven passes on nine attempts in Week 1 for 200 yards and three touchdowns. The Crimson Tide didn’t have to air the ball out as much because they dominated the line of scrimmage. They’re expected to dominate the line of scrimmage in this game, but it’ll be interesting to see if they let Milroe throw the ball more to develop timing with his receivers before the first road game next week.

Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium

• Nick Saban’s name will be further etched into Alabama’s history with the renaming of the field set to take place Saturday. The first ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the Walk of Champions and an on-field recognition will take place at halftime, following the conclusion of the Million Dollar Band performance.
• Saban led the Crimson Tide to six national championships in 17 seasons and is considered arguably the greatest college football coach of all time.

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