With a week two bye and a no home game for the first three weeks, it finally feels like the football season is officially underway as Bryant-Denny Stadium opens its gates on Saturday. 

After an offensive shootout against Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M, Alabama welcomes former offensive coordinator Jim McElwain and his Colorado State Rams to Tuscaloosa. With the Tide favored by nearly 40 points, most people don't expect much of a game, but McElwain's experience with Alabama's system will give him a leg up that most opposing coaches don't have.

That appears to be the only bit of good news for Colorado State when this game gets underway at 6 p.m. on ESPN2 Saturday night. You've heard us discuss the game all week so it's time to put our predictions down on paper.

Baron Huber (Host of Houston & Huber) - Too much talent and too much depth. Coach Saban has too much respect for Jim McElwain to run the score up, but even if we run the ball the entire second half our running backs can line could score at will. The Rams head back to Ft. Collins with a loss and a full checkbook. Alabama 52, Colorado State 17

Martin Houston (Host of Houston & Huber) - I see the Tide rolling easy on Colorado State, but the score will not reflect the dominance. The Tide will continue its march towards the 3-peat, by playing the first complete game of the year! All 3 phases working and contributing. Saban will use a lot of players in order not to run up the score on an old friend! Alabama 45, Colorado State 10

Chris Stewart(Host of The Chris Stewart Show) - Much like the Va. Tech game, I think Colorado State is probably better than they are given credit for coming into the matchup with Alabama. That being said, this game is much more about Alabama getting better defensively, than it is strictly a win or a loss. Jim McElwain will draw up a nice offensive game plan that may give the Tide some 1st quarter issues, but even with some young guys playing more snaps, Bama will eventually wear down the Rams and win this one going away.

Ryan Fowler (Host of The Game) - Alabama dominates from the opening kick. Defense builds confidence against inferior competition. Tide will roll through the Rams. Alabama 45, Colorado State 6.

Chad Haynie (Producer of Houston & Huber and The Chris Stewart Show) - Colorado State simply cannot compete with the talent Alabama puts on the field. This game will not be close at all, but at the same time I don't see Nick Saban running up the score on Jim McElwain. I think the Rams will be able to move the ball a little better than most teams on their level simply because McElwain has an insight into the minds of Kirby Smart and Nick Saban that few people do. It still won't bring them remotely close though. Alabama 38, Colorado State 6

Ryan McMunn (Producer of The Game) - Coach McElwain can do a great job at Colorado St., but this is a junior varsity team taking on a varsity team. The score could be worse, but Saban respects McElwain not to run the score up. Alabama 40, Colorado State 7

Ben George (Digital Managing Editor) - The Crimson Tide will look to jump on Colorado State early and create some comfortable separation allowing younger players to get some reps. I'll be most interested to see how the defensive backs rebound from College Station and which running backs get carries later in the game. Alabama 42, Colorado State 10

More From Tide 100.9