Utah State at Alabama Crimson Tide 9/3/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 08/24/2022 at 9:01 PM ET

The Utah State Aggies visit Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Saturday September 3 to play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the opening game of the 2022 college football regular season for Alabama and the second game for Utah State. Last season Utah State was 11-3 overall and defeated Oregon State 24-13 in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl. Logan Bonner returns as the starting quarterback for Utah State and last season passed for 3,628 yards with 36 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Calvin Tyler Jr is the leading rusher returning from last season after gaining 884 yards and scoring seven rushing touchdowns, while the leading receivers will be transfers Brian Cobbs from Maryland and Xavier Williams from Alabama along with Terrell Vaughn joining Utah State via JUCO. Kyle Van Leeuwen and Justin McGriff are two returning wide receivers. Last season, McGriff caught 35 passes and had six touchdown receptions.

Alabama Crimson finished last season 13-2 overall and 7-1 in SEC play. Alabama lost to Georgia in the College Football Playoff national championship game 33-18. Bryce Young returns at quarterback for Alabama. Last season Young, who won the Heisman trophy, passed for 4,872 yards with 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Jahmyr Gibbs, who transferred from Georgia Tech, will be Alabama's top running back.

The top three receivers from last season are now in the NFL. Jermaine Burton, who caught a touchdown to defeat Alabama in the national championship game last season, has transferred from Georgia and will be one of Young’s top targets in 2022. Traeshon Holden will see plenty of action at wideout and last season caught 21 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown. Two tight ends Cameron Latu and Jahleel Billingsley are back after combining for 43 receptions and 667 yards with 11 touchdowns last season. 

Alabama will have a big nut to crack on opening day as the Crimson Tide open as 38-point favorites in this matchup at home on September 3rd against Utah State. Nevertheless, expect Alabama's offense led by quarterback Bryce Young to move up and down the field numerous times and put big numbers on the board. Utah State has a talented quarterback in Logan Bonner, but Alabama has covered the number in 14 of its last 19 at home. Final Score Prediction, Alabama Crimson Tide wins and covers ATS 58-14.

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