A New Era for Alabama Football
Alabama’s football program kicks off its third season under head coach Kalen DeBoer on Saturday, opening the year with a home matchup against East Carolina at 11 a.m. Central Time.
The Crimson Tide enter the game ranked No. 13 in the preseason AP Top 25, the lowest preseason placement since 2008, and will rely on sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell, who edged out senior Austin Mack for the starting role.
Returning standouts such as Ryan Coleman‑Williams, Bray Hubbard and Yhonzae Pierre are joined by a wave of transfers and freshmen, giving the roster depth as the team looks to improve on an 11‑4 record from last season that ended with a College Football Playoff loss.
East Carolina, seeking its first victory over an SEC opponent since 1999, arrives in Tuscaloosa after a 9‑4 campaign that culminated in a win of the Go Bowling Military Bowl over Pittsburgh.
The contest will be televised on ABC, with play‑by‑play by Bob Wischusen and analysis by Louis Riddick, while Stormy Buonantony reports from the sidelines. Radio listeners can tune into the Crimson Tide Sports Network, where Chris Stewart provides play‑by‑play and Tyler Watts offers color commentary. SiriusXM will carry the game on channel 81.
Forecasts call for temperatures in the 90s, with heat‑index values exceeding 100 degrees, adding an extra layer of challenge for the players and fans alike.
Alabama holds a 1‑0 edge in the all‑time series, having edged East Carolina 23‑22 in 1998 at Legion Field, with Shaun Alexander leading the rushing attack.