Alabama vs. USF game preview, prediction

Making our predictions for what to expect as Alabama takes on USF in this Week 3 college football game

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide find themselves in the unusual position of coming off a regular season loss as Alabama goes on the road against USF in college football's Week 3 action on Saturday.

Not once in 111 attempts had a Saban team lost at home at Bryant-Denny Stadium by double digits, but that changed last Saturday when Texas upended the Crimson Tide in a 10-point decision, leaving plenty of questions for the team as it looks to pave a way towards SEC West contention and a return to the playoff.

This week gives the Tide a chance for a tune-up, against a USF team that is 4-29 in the last three seasons and looking to start over again under first-year head coach Alex Golesh.

What can you expect from the matchup? Here's what you should watch for as Alabama and USF square off along with our Week 3 game predictions.

Alabama vs. USF prediction, preview

Alabama meets USF in Week 3 college football action / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 16
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 p.m. CT
TV: ABC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Alabama vs. USF odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Alabama -33.5
Total: 61.5 (O -111, U -111)
ML: Bama N/A | USF +1200
FPI pick: Alabama 98.6%

Related: Alabama vs. USF picks, predictions, Week 3 college football odds, lines

What to watch for

1. Battle at the line. Alabama did not look its usual self generating pressure defensively at the line against the Longhorns, a key weakness that helped contribute to the loss. USF should give it some good practice, though: the Bulls have struggled to protect redshirt freshman quarterback Byrum Brown, who has already been sacked 11 times in two games. Bama's three-man front averages 309 pounds and should be able to bully the Bulls' line with ease.

2. USF will spread it out. To counter the Tide's advantage at the line, the Bulls will try to move with tempo and get as many options in space as possible. Head coach Alex Golesh, who called the Tennessee offense that beat Bama a year ago, will employ a three-wideout, one-back look that wants to exploit its mobile quarterback. USF ranks 11th in rushing offense as Brown has been able to get some quality gains on QB keepers and leads the team with four touchdown runs.

3. Target practice. Alabama's receivers need to work on getting consistent separation from defenders when working in the middle third of the field and going against USF's tacklers should provide the unit with a return to form before going into the SEC schedule. Jermaine Burton is starting to blossom, leading the team with 24 yards per catch and he has 2 of the team's 5 TD catches. Isaiah Bond is developing into a deep threat, and tight end Amari Niblack, who has 2 more TD grabs, can create mismatches as a downfield threat. But who's the quarterback?

Alabama vs. USF prediction

A road trip away from campus against an overmatched opponent is just what the doctor ordered for Alabama coming off that loss. And judging by reports, it looks like Nick Saban is ready to make a change at quarterback, in favor of Tyler Buchner over Jalen Milroe. What that means is really anyone's guess. There's precious little film of Buchner in action and what there is, is mixed.

But Alabama's receivers have the speed advantage working on the perimeter against the Bulls' coverage options and both lines should dominate in their respective phases, opening up running lanes on the inside and giving Buchner, or whomever, more time to connect downfield and rebuild their confidence going into the SEC slate.

College Football HQ picks...

• Alabama wins 45-10
• Covers the spread
• And hits the under

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