MTSU at Alabama Preview

Photo by Kevin Mahoney

Middle Tennessee State University travels to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide to kick off the 2023 season.

broadcast information

• Kickoff Saturday, September 2nd at 6:30 pm CST on SEC Network

• Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, and Cole Cubelic on the call

• Listen at Crimson Tide Sports Network and Blue Raider Network

What's at stake?

Middle Tennessee State looks to break in new starting quarterback Nicholas Vattiato while trying to upset a power five team for the second time in as many seasons after beating Miami last September 45-21. On the other side, Alabama is trying to settle a quarterback battle of its own while trying to bounce back from what many consider a disappointing season last year.

key players

QB Jalen Milroe - Alabama

QB Ty Simpson - Alabama

CB Teldrick Ross - MTSU

WR DJ England-Chisolm - MTSU

Key Match-UPs

Alabama's inexperienced QBs versus Teldrick Ross and the rest of the MTSU secondary that produced 20 interceptions last season will be a matchup to watch. After only averaging 3.1 yards a carry last season, it'll be interesting to see if MTSU can get anything going on the ground against an Alabama defense that gave up over 130 yards rushing a game last year.

Prediction

Alabama is in the middle of a competition to see which quarterback will succeed Heisman winner Bryce Young. This game could start off ugly for the Crimson Tide if the young quarterbacks struggle. Regardless of who starts, the QB should have plenty of time to throw behind an improved offensive line against MTSU's below-average pass rush. This game could be close in the first quarter, but the talent differential alone is enough for Alabama to pull away by halftime. Barring multiple turnovers by the Tide's offense, Alabama cruises to 1-0 beating MTSU 45-10 at home.