Alabama vs. Eastern Illinois Expert Score Predictions: Crimson Tide down to its last chance to fix major issue ahead of Iron Bowl
Can Alabama finally fix it’s major offensive issue?
The Alabama Crimson Tide are on a de facto bye week this Saturday. Eastern Illinois is a fine program, but if this game is a contest after the first quarter, something has gone massively wrong for Alabama.
So this game serves as a tune-up for Alabama. A chance to finally build some momentum in the run game and head into a must-win Iron Bowl feeling good about the state of the team as they aim to make a CFP run.
So the question shouldn’t be if Alabama wins, rather by how much. Here is a pair of predictions from myself and Josh Taylor of A to Z Sports.
Alabama 63, Eastern Illinois 10
I thought about throwing up a goose egg for the Panthers, but come the second half, Alabama should be beyond its two-deep in terms of the players on the field, and that could allow for a few slips up for the defense.
But this game will be about fixing the ground game for Alabama. Even if starting center Parker Brailsford is unable to go, Alabama needs to run the ball at will with Daniel Hill and Jam Miller…At will. I’m talking over 30 attempts and ending the game with 200 yards plus on the ground and multiple touchdowns.
The team needs as much positive momentum as they can find after the OU loss, especially when it comes to reasserting dominance in the trenches.
We’ll see if Alabama can get it done.
Alabama 55, Eastern Illinois 7
“Eastern Illinois will be getting an Alabama team ready to let out its frustrations after losing to Oklahoma at home and being ranked behind Notre Dame. Every game counts this season, no matter the opponent, and this matchup gives Alabama a chance to lean on one player who needs more snaps after last week.
“Alabama and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb need to work on establishing the run more, which won’t be the most exciting game for the home crowd, but it’s needed for the rest of the season. Daniel Hill showed last week that he should be the leading back from here on out, and getting those first-team reps will go a long way for the Iron Bowl and potential playoff run. Alabama wins this game 55-7, and Hill finds the endzone three times with 200 yards on the ground, since rushing stats matter to the College Football playoff selection committee.” -Taylor
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