Tuscaloosa, AL — The Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up for their season opener in just under three weeks when they take on the Duke Blue Devils of the Atlantic Coast Conference, August 31st.
Preseason conversations have suggested the Tide’s strength of schedule leaves much to be desired when looking at its non-conference schedule in particular. While the Blue Devils leave much to be desired themselves after posting a 8-5 2018 record (3-5 conference), they’re projected to finish this year’s regular season a respectable 8-4 per ESPN’s FPI projections.
With three more non-conference games against New Mexico State (3-9), Southern Miss (6-5), and Western Carolina (3-8) — all of each who give Alabama no real meaningful threat — Saban is all in favor of having his team, as well as all Power 5 teams, play each other throughout the regular season for years to come.