Alabama, Auburn, South Alabama And Troy Ready For Week 1 College Football Action

MOBILE, Ala. (Buzz Report) — College football is officially back, and fans across Alabama have plenty of reasons to tune in or attend this weekend.

Five of the state’s biggest FBS programs — Alabama, Auburn, South Alabama, Troy and UAB — are part of a packed Week 1 slate. While UAB has already opened its season, the Crimson Tide, Tigers, Jaguars and Trojans will take the field Saturday looking to start their campaigns with a statement.

The weekend features everything from a major SEC-Big 12 showdown to a pair of Alabama-based programs facing Group of Five competition.

Alabama vs. East Carolina

Saturday, Sept. 5 | Bryant-Denny Stadium | 11 a.m. CT

The No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide opens the season at home against East Carolina.

Alabama enters the matchup with high expectations, and the Tide will have an opportunity to establish its identity before the SEC schedule becomes more demanding. East Carolina is capable of creating problems if Alabama starts slowly, but the talent gap heavily favors the Crimson Tide.

Buzz Report Prediction: Alabama 45, East Carolina 14

Prediction: Alabama wins comfortably.

Baylor vs. Auburn

Saturday, Sept. 5 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 2:30 p.m. CT

This is easily the most intriguing matchup involving an Alabama team.

Auburn faces Baylor in Atlanta in a game that could provide an early indication of just how quickly the Tigers’ revamped roster and new-look offense can come together.

Auburn is favored by roughly a touchdown, but Baylor has plenty of offensive firepower and could turn this into a high-scoring battle.

The Tigers will need to avoid giving Baylor short fields and explosive plays. If Auburn can control the line of scrimmage and force Baylor into third-and-long situations, the Tigers should have enough to escape with a victory.

Buzz Report Prediction: Auburn 34, Baylor 27

Prediction: Auburn wins a competitive game.

Southeastern Louisiana vs. South Alabama

Saturday, Sept. 5 | Hancock Whitney Stadium | 6 p.m. CT

South Alabama begins its season at home against Southeastern Louisiana, giving the Jaguars an opportunity to start the year in front of their home crowd.

The Jaguars defeated Southeastern Louisiana 35-17 in their previous meeting in Mobile in 2023, and South Alabama enters Saturday’s matchup as a significant favorite.

South Alabama should have the overall depth and athleticism to control the game, particularly if its defense can limit explosive plays.

Buzz Report Prediction: South Alabama 38, Southeastern Louisiana 17

Prediction: South Alabama wins and covers the gap.

Sam Houston vs. Troy

Saturday, Sept. 5 | Veterans Memorial Stadium | 6 p.m. CT

Troy begins its season at home against Sam Houston in a matchup that could be much more competitive than the names suggest.

The Trojans enter as a strong favorite, with prediction markets giving Troy a significant edge.

Troy should have the advantage at home, but Sam Houston could make things uncomfortable if the Trojans struggle to generate consistent offense early.

Look for Troy to settle down after halftime and gradually pull away.

Buzz Report Prediction: Troy 31, Sam Houston 20

Prediction: Troy wins.

UAB Opens Season Against Illinois

UAB technically kicked off Week 1 on Thursday night, traveling to face Illinois in a Big Ten road test.

The Blazers battled throughout the game and actually outgained Illinois 413-332 while controlling the clock for more than 41 minutes. However, Illinois capitalized on explosive plays and turnovers to secure a 42-23 victory.

Despite the loss, UAB showed enough offensively to suggest the Blazers could be a dangerous team once they get deeper into the season.

Alabama Football Fans Have Plenty To Watch

From Tuscaloosa to Mobile and Troy, Alabama football fans are in for a busy Saturday.

Alabama is looking to begin another national championship pursuit, Auburn is facing a legitimate early test against Baylor, South Alabama is trying to establish itself as a Sun Belt contender, and Troy is looking to protect its home field.

For Alabama fans, the weekend offers something even better: football is finally back.

Buzz Report Week 1 Picks:

🏈 Alabama over East Carolina
🏈 Auburn over Baylor
🏈 South Alabama over Southeastern Louisiana
🏈 Troy over Sam Houston
🏈 UAB lost to Illinois, 42-23

Predictions are for entertainment purposes and are not guarantees of game outcomes.