The Alabama Crimson Tide is set to kick off the 2022 campaign, where the program will seek a record 19th national title. Alabama arguably returns with the two best players in college football: Bryce Young and Will Anderson.
The main matchup of the season is when Alabama travels to Austin, Texas on September 10 to take on the Texas Longhorns. However, Alabama faces a six-game stretch in October and early November that should worry Tide fans a little more.
On October 1, Alabama travels to Arkansas, where it will face the Razorbacks, currently ranked 19th. A team that took the Tide all four quarters and came just one short kick away from upsetting Alabama in 2021.
The following week, on October 8, Jimbo Fisher and his Aggies will arrive in Tuscaloosa. After a surprise upset in 2021 and a dramatic offseason, this date has probably been marked on Coach Saban’s calendar for quite some time. I think we’re in for a special Crimson Tide performance this day.
The third Saturday of October. Every loyal member of the Crimson Tide knows what that means, Alabama is headed to Knoxville to take on the Volunteers, a quick rebuild program. Even though the Tide have won 15 straight between the two, if Tennessee catches Alabama sleeping after two tough matchups, they could pull off the upset of the season.
After the Volunteers, Alabama will host Mike Leach and his flak offense. While the Bulldogs aren’t expected to finish anywhere near the top of the SEC West, they may be one of the biggest sleeper programs in college football with veteran quarterback Will Rogers at the helm.
After a bye week, Alabama travels to Baton Rouge for its first matchup with national runner-up Brian Kelly. Kelly led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the 2012 national title, where they fell short against Nick Saban and his Crimson Tide. However, he now sits in command of the LSU Tigers this offseason and looks to get them back in contention for the national title.
Ultimately, Alabama ends its challenge with a trip to No. 21 Ole Miss against former offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. The last time Alabama traveled to Oxford, the Tide defense gave up 48 points and held on for a 63-48 win.
If Alabama plays below capacity, all of these teams have the training and talent to give Alabama trouble. Catching up with Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU and Ole Miss along the way is a tough break, but to be the best you have to beat the best. 2022 is going to be special.
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The story originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire.
