The Alabama Crimson Tide and the USF Bulls meet in week 3 college football action from Raymond James Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Alabama Takes First Loss Of Season

The Alabama Crimson Tide had a chance to nab a marquee win, but instead fell short for their first loss of the season, dropping to 1-1 on the year after a 34-24 loss to Texas last time out. Jalen Milroe has thrown for 449 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 60% passing while also rushing for a team-high 92 yards and 2 scores as well. Jase McClellan also has 84 rushing yards and a touchdown while Jermaine Burton has a team-high 120 receiving yards with 2 TDs and Isaiah Bond has 110 receiving yards and a touchdown as well. On defense, Caleb Downs has a team-high 18 total tackles while Jaylen Key has an interception and Alabama’s defense as a whole has combined for 3 sacks this season.

Alabama Crimson Tide Team Facts

– Alabama has won each of its last 13 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
– Alabama has covered the spread in five of its last six September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
– Alabama has won the first quarter in 10 of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
– Alabama has won the first half in 31 of its last 36 games against non-conference opponents.
– Each of Alabama’s last four games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

USF Takes Down Florida A&M

The USF Bulls got in the win column for the first time this season, improving to 1-1 on the year after a 38-24 win over Florida A&M last time out. Byrum Brown has thrown for 363 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 51.5% passing while also rushing for a team-high 183 yards and 4 touchdowns. Nay’Quan Wright and Michel Dukes each have 100+ rushing yards as well this season. Khafre Brown has a team-high 109 receiving yards and 2 TDs while Sean Atkins has a team-high 10 catches for 100 yards this season.

USF Bulls Team Facts

– USF has lost each of its last 16 games against AP-ranked teams.
– USF has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games against AP-ranked teams.
– USF has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
– USF has won the first half in three of its last four home games against non-conference opponents.
– Each of USF’s last six September games against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

– USF was one of only two FBS teams to lose 5+ games when leading after Q1 last season.
– USF was one of only six FBS teams to lose 4+ games when leading after Q1 last season.
– Alabama ranked 1st among FBS teams for H2 win percentage last season (.923).
– Alabama ranked T2nd among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (23.0).

Chris’ Pick

I’m on Alabama here. Is this one of the less exciting Alabama teams in recent memory? Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean they’re not talented, and I have to think that Nick Saban drilled his guys in practice all week after that frustrating loss to Texas. USF has some nice pieces to maybe compete for a bowl bid this season, but for this game? I think the Bulls are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Give me Alabama in a rout.