Staff Predictions Alabama vs. Florida Atlantic

Alabama kicks off its 2014 home schedule with Florida Atlantic University on Staturday, fresh off of a 10-point victory over West Virginia.

The Crimson Tide didn't win as convincingly as some were hoping, however. The defense allowed 393 total yards, 365 of which came through the air. Alabama will look to use this game to work out the kinks, many of which are on that side of the ball. For now, let's take a look at what our staff expects out of the team.

Ryan Fowler (Host of the "The Game")

Alabama needs to get their swagger back on defense. Florida Atlantic University is a good opponent to do that against. However, I do not think we will really know if they have it back until the date with Florida later this month. I am sure Nick Saban hopes Eddie Jackson and Trey DePreist were the missing pieces of a defense that has led the conference in total defense since 2009 and who did not perform up to par against WVU. I am not sure what Florida Atlantic is getting paid to play Alabama, but if I was Nick Saban I would have called on Sunday and offered $200,000 more for them to run a hurry-up offense against Alabama.

You can’t expect a defense secondary to change overnight, so Alabama’s D-line needs to help a young and upcoming group out.Alabama wins easily over the inferior team and regains the swagger back on defense. Alabama 45, FAU 7

Chris Stewart (Host of "The Chris Stewart Show")

Ordinarily, you'd be concerned with a heavily favored team like Alabama taking FAU lightly. I don't think that's an issue this week. There too many key guys that are excited to play, and will come out ready to go. Alabama 42, FAU 7

Ryan McMunn (Executive Producer)

I hate to point out the obvious, but Alabama's strength is its running game, although quarterback Blake Sims played much better than some expected last week against West Virginia. Florida Atlantic's weakness, based off last week's performance versus Nebraska, is stopping the run on defense. These two factors will clearly be prevalent yet again, and Bama rolls through with a breeze. Alabama 45 FAU 7

Trey Brooks (Producer)

Expect Blake Sims to start again, but also expect to see a lot more of Jacob Coker. Kenyan Drake will lead all rushers (situation did not call for him last week, Saban will make up for that here). Alabama 42 FAU 3

Ben George (Digital Managing Editor)

Alabama’s home opener serves as the first of two tune-up games before SEC play begins against the Florida Gators. Don’t expect the Crimson Tide to run up the offensive numbers that Nebraska did against Florida Atlantic last week (784 yards), but there shouldn’t be much trouble moving the ball. I’m most interested in seeing Jake Coker perform in a game situation after hearing all of the offseason hype. Alabama 45, FAU 3

Filed Under: Alabama Football, Crimson Tide Football 2014, Florida Atlantic Owls, Staff Predictions

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