Alabama safety Jordan Battle on opening vs. Miami

The Alabama Crimson Tide begin its quest for back to back championships with a game against the Miami Hurricanes. It’s the first time the two universities will play since their memorable matchup in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, a game where Alabama completed a perfect season.

Alabama safety Jordan Battle, who’s from South Florida, spoke about whether the game will have some extra juice to it for him.

“It’s the same feeling for every game,” Battle said, via Rivals.com’s Alabama football YouTube page. “But being out of Miami, it’s gonna be a great experience. My hometown team. It’s gonna be a great game, and a great one for the fans as well.”

In addition, Battle was asked whether it was tough for him to choose Alabama over staying home and playing for the Hurricanes. 

“Miami is a great school, Coach Diaz is a great guy. But Coach Saban came along and recruited me very well,” Battle said. “He’s a DB coach. A DB guru. So, that’s what made me choose Alabama.”

Of course, Battle’s decision to choose to play for Saban’s program doesn’t need an explanation. The defensive back’s ring from winning the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship speaks loud enough.

Although Battle was ejected from said game due to targeting, his contributions throughout the season were invaluable. In 2021, he projects to take on an even bigger role inside the Crimson Tide’s defense. 

If Battle can help lead the Alabama defense to another victory-filled season, he could join former Alabama safeties Xavier McKinney and Landon Collins as high picks in the NFL Draft. In addition, Battle is among the top talents in the SEC, as Pro Football Focus ranks him in the Top 10 among draft-eligible prospects.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Miami Hurricanes

While Battle may have a soft spot for South Florida, it won’t matter when September 4th rolls around. Alabama is currently 17 point favorites over Miami entering the game, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

The biggest challenge for the Tide defense in their opening game will be keeping Hurricanes quarterback D’Eriq King at bay. While King tore his ACL at the end of the 2020 season, he’s expected to be ready for 2021’s opener. 

Still, it may not be enough for Miami. While King may be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the nation, Alabama may simply have too much firepower. 

The Tide offense was legendary in 2020. As they move forward in 2021, the task for Saban is replacing multiple premier players in the unit. Still, quarterback Bryce Young and running back Brian Robinson Jr. are up to the task.

While simply playing against Miami may be memorable for Jordan Battle, defeating them and showing out would be even sweeter.

Image courtesy of Wesley Hitt / Contributor via Getty Images