It's fun to imagine a world in which Alabama football is in peril against anybody other than four specific teams, but it's not the reality. Sure, the Tide have question marks entering 2021, but they still have far more answers than Miami does. D'Eriq King is returning from a torn ACL, and Alabama's defense is capable of keeping him in the pocket and forcing Miami to move the ball through the air. That's not Miami's strength. The Tide begin another death march to the playoff on Saturday.

Yes, Alabama reloads instead of rebuilds. Sure, the Crimson Tide historically own their Week 1 opponents. Still, even Nick Saban cannot immediately paper over a mass exodus on offense led by seven players who paraded to the NFL. QB Bryce Young has logged all of 31 snaps in his collegiate career. And while new coordinator Bill O’Brien is accomplished, he last dabbled in college coaching eight years ago. In contrast to Young, Miami QB D’Eriq King is richly experienced, already having played five seasons. The Hurricanes’ defense regressed late last season, prompting head coach Manny Diaz to name a new coordinator - himself. Miami can keep the deficit below 20 points.

I'm a tad biased as a Canes fan, but this line feels quite a bit too high. I realize Alabama always wins these Kickoff Games in blowouts and I'm not saying Miami wins -- although I don't think it's impossible. In terms of returning experience/starters, UM is among the national leaders and Alabama near the bottom. Nick Saban lost a TON of talent off last year's championship team. Sure, he simply reloads with five-stars, but it might take a few games to get going. I'll be stunned if the Tide cover this number. Wish I had gotten it when it was 20.