Staff Predictions for Alabama vs Fresno State

There is no place like home, and this weekend Alabama will play their first home game of the season. Although the Crimson Tide has made Atlanta their home through SEC Championships and season-openers, there is no greater feeling than running the fields of Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time of the season.

The Fresno State Bulldogs will travel halfway across the country to play in the historic Bryant-Denny stadium against the Crimson Tide. The Bulldogs finished last season 1-11, 0-8 in the Mountain West conference, however won their season-opener this past weekend 66-0 against an underdog Incarnate Word.

With the Bulldogs going into this game the underdogs in this scenario, here is who our staff thinks will come out on top at Bryant-Denny between the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide.

Martin Houston, Host of The Blitz

This week's game comes at the perfect time!  Even though the Tide had a big win against FSU, they suffered several key losses on defense. Coach Saban, Pruitt & Lupoi will try several different combinations of young and/inexperienced LBs. This will give Fresno State a little success early, but not enough to make a dent in the point spread. Also look for Daboll and Jalen Hurts to get to know each other a little better. Tua will also make a contribution to the total score. Jalen spreads the ball around a little more, tossing 2 TDs and rushing for 1 TD in just over 2 Quarters and then gives way to Tua, who tosses 2 TDs.  Alabama more than covers the spread. Alabama 58 - Fresno State 6

Wimp Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room

Nick Saban does a better job than any coach in the country having his team ready to play. Look for Jalen and the offense to have a big day. Alabama 48 - Fresno State 3

Barry Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room

The fans will see a huge talent gap between these 2 teams. Alabama will take this chance to get some young guys work to develop much needed depth. Alabama 45 - Fresno State 6

Gary Harris, Host of The Gary Harris Show

The only question in this game is will Alabama cover the 44 point spread? Fresno State hung 66 points on Incarnate Word last week, but the Bulldogs will move up in class this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. There are some interesting story lines in this one for the Tide. Expect Tua Tagovailoa to make his collegiate debut at quarterback and there will be some new faces on defense, since Bama will be missing four linebackers because of injuries. Oh by the way, I'll take the points. Alabama 48 - Fresno State 10

Travis Reier, Host of Southern Fried Sports

The Bulldogs have an 0-7 record all-time vs. SEC opponents. That will change on Saturday when they move to 0-8. Alabama 45 - Fresno State 7

Aaron Suttles, Host of The Suttles Approach

Look for Alabama to try to get into rhythm on offense to build confidence for Jalen Hurts and first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Alabama 45 - Fresno State 3

Ryan Fowler, Host of The Game

Bryant-Denny Stadium is always a fun place to watch a game, it feels like has been forever since the Crimson Tide have played at home. Alabama’s offense needs a wake-up call and Fresno State is the perfect opponent  to allow the offensive to establish some confidence before some stronger opponents appear on the schedule. Look for Alabama to get more wide receivers involved in the passing attack and the defense should continue their style of play.  Alabama 42 - Fresno State 10

Ben George, Digital Managing Editor

The Bulldogs haven’t beaten an FBS team since November of 2015 while Alabama hasn’t lost to an unranked opponent since 2007. There’s not much more I need to say about this matchup. Today is all about gaining experience and improving consistency, especially after a physically demanding game last week. Outside of linebacker, I’m interested to see how some of the young receivers perform in this one. Alabama 45 - Fresno State 6

Thomas Paradiso, Producer

No issues for Alabama here. Great opportunity for the Tide to test different players to see who can fill the gaps for the injured players from the Florida State game. Alabama 41 - Fresno State 7

James Hardy, Producer

Despite the injuries to key defenders against Florida State, look for Alabama's defense to pick up where they left off in Atlanta, for Jalen Hurts to have plenty of chances to work on his overall passing game and for Tua Tagovailoa to earn much needed playing time in this weekend's home opener. Alabama 44 - Fresno State 10

Marquis Munson, Producer

This is not a Fresno State offense with Derek Carr under center, Davante Adams out wide, and Ryan Matthews in the backfield. This team struggled to win games last season going 1-11. However, this is a new team under a new head coach and I think they will be on the right path in the future to compete in the Mountain West conference. But one of their wins this season won't come at Bryant-Denny. This Crimson Tide team has too much talent on both sides of the ball. Every player on that field is on scholarship so that says something about how talented these players are, however the players on scholarship here are far more superior and I don't think Jeff Tedford is Nick Saban. Alabama 42 - Fresno State 9