Alabama football's Kalen DeBoer era begins with a Week 1 non-conference home game against Western Kentucky Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the Crimson Tide 's first game since Nick Saban's retirement will feature a familiar face on the other side.
Western Kentucky will start transfer quarterback TJ Finley , who came to the Hilltoppers via Texas State, LSU and Auburn. Finley also played against Alabama while at Auburn and LSU.
DeBoer takes over as coach at No. 5 Alabama beginning with the 2024 college season on the heels of a 12-2 campaign last year in which the Crimson Tide lost to eventual national champion Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Though Alabama features double-digit new starters this season, the return of veterans like quarterback Jalen Milroe , linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive back Malachi Moore gives the Crimson Tide enough talent to compete for another SEC championship.
Western Kentucky , of Conference USA, went 8-5 last season under coach Tyson Helton and had one of the nation's top 15 passing attacks.
Here's everything else to know about the Western Kentucky vs. Alabama college football game on Saturday:
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College football 2024: Western Kentucky vs. Alabama predictions
ESPN : Take the over (59.5)
Pamela Maldonado writes: "Alabama might have an SEC defense, but they are not immune to high-scoring affairs, putting up 56 points against Middle Tennessee and scoring 40-plus points in five games last year. Don't be surprised if (quarterback Jalen) Milroe and the Bama offense put up 56 on their own against this defense."
Sports Illustrated : Take the over for Alabama's team total
Reed Wallach writes: "The Crimson Tide offense should have a field day in the opener of a new offense. Alabama can name its number in this game, and I struggle to see WKU holding up against an SEC defense."
Pete Fiutak writes: "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."
Chris King writes: "Alabama should win this game, especially at home, but until we see how all the new faces blend in for the Crimson Tide, you have to tread cautiously. Alabama is the easy straight up pick but take the points and the Hilltoppers here if you’re playing the spread, just due to the uncertainty of Alabama’s squad."
HERO Sports : Alabama beats the spread and take the over
"TJ Finley will be a good quarterback for the Hilltoppers, and I expect he’ll help put some scoring drives together. But I think Alabama still ends up winning by 35 points at least."
Western Kentucky vs. Alabama odds, lines
The Alabama Crimson Tide are favorites to beat the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in Saturday's Week 1 college football matchup, according to the BetMGM odds. Looking to wager? Check out the top college football betting apps in 2024 offering the top NCAA football betting promos and bonuses in 2024.
Odds as of Thursday afternoon
- Spread : Alabama (-31.5)
- Moneylines : Not available
- Over/under : 59.5
How to watch Western Kentucky vs. Alabama
Date : Saturday, August 31
Where : Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Time : 7 p.m. ET
TV : ESPN
Stream : Fubo , Sling TV
Watch college football with a Fubo subscription
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Western Kentucky vs. Alabama football: Predictions, odds and how to watch Saturday
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