Alabama vs Western Kentucky Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

The Kalen DeBoer era gets going at Alabama, and it should be a whole bunch of fun. More offense, more downfield passing, more pressure to try following THAT guy. No one’s expecting a national title in Week 1, but it’s Bama … the team had better look the part.

Western Kentucky isn’t a pushover. It’s a talented team with a ton of firepower to test out the Tide defense right out of the gate.

Alabama vs Western Kentucky Preview

Alabama vs Western Kentucky How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
How to Watch: ESPN
2023 Records: Alabama (12-2), Western Kentucky (8-5)
- Week 1 Schedule, Predictions

Why Western Kentucky Will Win

The Hilltoppers have the passing game, and they have an SEC quarterback winging it around.

TJ Finley has been America’s quarterback, moving around from Auburn, to LSU, to Texas State, and now to WKU where he’ll get to run the high-powered attack.

The Alabama secondary hardly has a weakness, but you don’t get better by losing Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and several other key parts from last year’s group. More good players are coming in, but Finley should make them all work.

Why Alabama Will Win

If DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan want to test out the ground game, this is the time to do it.

DeBoer will want to get his O going right away - Jalen Milroe and the downfield passing game will be strong from the start - but WKU is counting on a slew of transfers to step up in the secondary and the defensive front that got pounded on will have to hold up.

The Hilltopper offense will be strong, but generate any pressure from the front and the timing will be thrown off immediately. WKU won’t bring any semblance of a ground game in this.

Alabama vs Western Kentucky: Who Will Win

Expect a bunch of fireworks.

WKU will have a few moments. The passing game will keep winging it, and there will be a few big plays to go along with a few big misfires and picks, but Alabama will look even better.

It’ll be a work in progress, but at least for Week 1 the new guy will do just fine.

Alabama vs Western Kentucky Prediction, Betting Lines

Alabama 52, WKU 13
Line: Alabama -31.5, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Alabama vs Western Kentucky Must See Rating: 3

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