SEC Experts Have Clean Sweep in Alabama-Kentucky Game Prediction

Coming into their Week 2 matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats, the Alabama Crimson Tide are in an unfamiliar spot.

Historically, Alabama has been heavily favored to win this matchup, with most not even believing that Kentucky can keep up. Adding in the fact that the Wildcats haven't beaten the Crimson Tide since 1997, and all signs point to Alabama.

But with new head coach Will Stein in Lexington, along with Alabama underperforming in recent years, and things aren't as crystal clear. Both teams come in 1-0 on the season, and whoever wins this game would have bragging rights.

Alabama is still seen as the favorite, but the Wildcats are no joke this year. And playing on the road in college football is never easy, no matter where or what team is hosting.

So, head of the game, the SEC Nation crew made their picks for the Alabama and Kentucky game. Each member of the panel got very close to taking the Wildcats to upset the Crimson Tide, but in the end, it was a clean sweep for Alabama.

This game with Kentucky could have big ramifications for the Crimson Tide in multiple ways. If they can get a win, it could silence some doubters, giving more credit to this team as a true contender.

But if Alabama were to fall in the game, more questions around head coach Kalen DeBoer would arise. DeBoer has been rumored to be on the hot seat, and a loss to Kentucky here could be tough to come back from.

Quarterback Keelon Russell is going to have a lot on his shoulders in this game, and the success of the team could be up to him. Russell will be making his second career start, and this atmosphere could give him a taste of what being the starter for Alabama will be like.

For the Crimson Tide to reach their goals of winning a title, Russell is going to deal with hostile road games. But learning how to deal with these types of situations can help separate the legends of the sport, from those who simply just played the game.

Alabama has been very high on the upside of Russell, who looked good in his first game last week against East Carolina. But going on the road will test him in different ways, putting a new challenge on his back.

If Russell can weather the storm, the Crimson Tide should be fine against Kentucky. But given everything going against Alabama this week, the Wildcats have a feel for being an upset waiting to happen.