ESPN has weighed in with a matchup predictor prediction for the Alabama Crimson Tide against Kentucky.
The Alabama Crimson Tide and head coach Kalen DeBoer were able to take care of business in their season opener. When all was said and done, they dominated East Carolina by a final score of 48-10.
No one should have expected anything less than that. If the Crimson Tide want to get back to being a respected National Championship contender, they need to be making early games look dominant.
Heading into Week 2 action, Alabama will face a much more difficult test. DeBoer and company are set to face off against the Kentucky Wildcats on the road in their first SEC matchup of the season. Kentucky won't be nearly as easy to beat as East Carolina.
As for the Wildcats, they were able to defeat Youngstown State by a final score of 45-13 last week.
With Saturday's SEC showdown coming up quickly, ESPN has weighed in with their thoughts on the matchup.
ESPN's matchup predictor has given the Crimson Tide a favorable outlook for this week's game. They have Alabama sitting at an 84.6 percent likelihood of coming out with a win. That obviously leaves Kentucky with a 15.4 percent chance.
Heading into this week's game, all eyes will be on the Crimson Tide offense once again. Keelon Russell will be making his second start for Alabama at quarterback. Last week in the win over East Carolina, he threw for 256 yards and completed 18 of his 30 pass attempts, while also chipping in 86 yards and a touchdown on 13 rushing attempts.
In addition to the passing game, Alabama will need to continue proving that it can run the football at a high level. Last week as a team, the Crimson Tide mustered up 49 carries for 227 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Being able to head into Kentucky and come out with a win would be a nice step for the Alabama football program. It's an opportunity for the Crimson Tide to start quieting down the negative outside noise of doubt.
For DeBoer, it's the kind of game that must be won for job security. Losing to the Wildcats would immediately bring more pressure down on his shoulders.
All of that being said, the game is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon. Fans will be able to tune in to watch the game on ABC and Disney+.
