Staff Predictions for Alabama vs Colorado State

Before the Alabama Crimson Tide begins SEC play next week against Vanderbilt, they have one more non-conference opponent and another Mountain West Conference team when the Tide competes against the Colorado State Rams at Bryant-Denny.

The Rams are coming into Tuscaloosa with a 2-1 record behind their senior quarterback Nick Stevens under center. Stevens leads the FBS in passing yards with 980 in three games with six touchdowns and four interceptions. The Rams also average 509 yards per game while the Crimson Tide defense is only allowing 262 yards per game, only allowing 49 yards rushing.

Here is who our staff thinks will come out on top at Bryant-Denny between the Rams and the Crimson Tide.

Martin Houston, Host of The Blitz

It's week 3 and expect more of the same!  Alabama will continue to restock the defense, after the loss of two OLBs for the season.  However expect a little more aggressive plan of attack from Jeremy Pruitt.  The Jalen Hurts & Brian Daboll show adds a few more highlights this week. Jalen goes over 20 attempts mark for the first time in 2017.  Look for a few more explosive (20+ yds) plays in the passing game. The OL shows some improvement in both the run and pass.  As a result, Jalen, the RBs & WRs hit season high milestones. Alabama will have a 200 yd passer, 100 yd Receiver & at least 1 100 yd Rusher.  With a stout defensive performance, an explosive Offense, added by quality special teams and a non-offensive TD, Bama ruins, former Bama OL, Will Friend return to Bryant- Denny Stadium. Bama rolls over the Rams. Alabama 48 - Colorado State 13

Wimp Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room

Look for Bama to open up a little more on offense. They will continue to build depth to see who they can count on when schedule stiffens. Alabama 42 - Colorado State 14

Barry Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room

I think Bama will be more focused playing under the lights at Bryant Denny. I look for the defense to get more aggressive causing Colorado State to make several mistakes. Look for the passing game to finally open up. Alabama 48 - Colorado State 9

Gary Harris, Host of The Gary Harris Show

Alabama is clearly a better football team than Colorado State, but that doesn't mean the Rams can't keep this game interesting. Head coach Mike Bobo has continued a trend that Jim McElwain started when he was the head coach at CSU. Bobo and his staff have recruited the Southeast region of the United States with success and there are some good football players on the roster. The last time Colorado State came to Tuscaloosa in 2013, Alabama led 14-6 going to the 4th quarter before pulling away to win 31-6. This game might be interesting for awhile as well. Alabama 34 - Colorado State 10

Travis Reier, Host of Southern Fried Sports

Another week, another Mountain West opponent for the Crimson Tide. The last time the Rams came to Tuscaloosa, they were coached by a former SEC offensive coordinator in Jim McElwain. Same circumstance this time around as onetime UGA playcaller Mike Bobo will make his return to the league. The CSU passing game will offer a solid challenge to an Alabama defense still working through some injuries. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts and the rest of the UA running game will continue to roll. Alabama 42 - Colorado State 17

Aaron Suttles, Host of The Suttles Approach

Lots of eyes will be trained on the offensive line as the unit continues to make progress. It's also another opportunity to see  the development of the linebackers filling in for the injured linebackers. Alabama 38 - Colorado State 9

Ryan Fowler, Host of The Game

Alabama gets an opportunity to clean up some things during the final tune-up game before starting SEC play.  Rams provide a good test for the Crimson Tide’s defense.  Rams are an up-tempo offense that averages over 500 yards per game. Look for Alabama’s offense to get into a solid rhythm before heading into Nashville to open up SEC play. Alabama 42 - Colorado State 17 

Ben George, Digital Managing Editor

Alabama took some steps forward offensively a week ago, but this Saturday will present a tougher test. The Rams have forced a nation’s best nine turnovers and will try to keep that trend going on Saturday. I expect Jalen Hurts to have another balanced game through the air and on the ground, but I’m really interested to see how the Tide does against CSU quarterback Nick Stevens. The senior is averaging 326.7 passing yards per game behind a strong offensive line. If Alabama doesn’t do a better job getting pressure, the Rams could find some success offensively. Talent wins out but this could be closer than expected, especially in the first half. Alabama 34 - Colorado State 13

James Hardy, Producer

While Mike Bobo and Colorado State already have a win over Oregon State under their belts, Alabama brings a unique challenge to the table. The Rams have enough talent to make an interesting ball game for three quarters, the Crimson Tide's depth on both sides of the ball will overwhelm them in the second half. Alabama 37 - Colorado State 14

Thomas Paradiso, Producer

Once again, no issues for the Tide this week. Another chance to fine-tune the lineups before SEC play for Alabama kicks off next week. Alabama 35 - Colorado State 7

Marquis Munson, Producer

Unlike Fresno State, this Colorado State Rams team have the opportunity to put up some points in this game. This team is led by a senior quarterback Nick Stevens and he has a ton of weapons including a senior wide receiver Michael Gallup and two talented backs Izzy Matthews and Dalyn Dawkins. But I think Coach Saban will use this team with a ton of offense to challenge his defense before Vanderbilt next week. On the other side of the ball, the Rams allow 378 yards of offense in the first three games. With all this talent on the Crimson Tide's offense, despite their slow start, I think Jalen Hurts and the Crimson Tide get the job done. Alabama 38 - Colorado State 14