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ESPN’s Desmond Howard shares thoughts on LSU-Florida State and Alabama-Texas
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
Desmond Howard, much like all college football fans, is excited for the upcoming 2023 season.
During an appearance on “Get Up,” the ESPN analyst shared some of his must-see college football matchups early in the slate. Amongst them were LSU-Florida State and Alabama-Texas.
Howard believes LSU will be inspired after losing by 1 point in last season’s opener against Florida State. Howard said he thinks the reigning SEC West champs are motivated to prove their staying power.
“I think LSU, they want revenge…” Howard said. “You’re looking at an LSU team that beat Alabama a year ago. They want to show you it was not a fluke.”
Meanwhile, Howard notes that the contest against Alabama will be Texas’ chance to make a pivotal statement.
“Quinn Ewers is back. He has Xavier Worthy. They have some weapons,” Howard said. “This is a really, really big year for the head coach Steve Sarkisian.”
The fact that Alabama is only a 7-point favorite isn’t startling to Howard despite the program’s illustrious history under head coach Nick Saban.
“Georgia has supplanted Alabama right now. People are thinking Georgia, Georgia, Georgia. Don’t forget, Alabama just lost their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback too, Bryce Young,” Howard said. “Now they’re trying to replace him in the most important position in football. Nick Saban, they do a tremendous job of recruiting. He’s an excellent coach. The best we’ve ever seen.”
However, Howard warns against taking the Crimson Tide lightly. Howard is steadfast in his belief that Alabama will be on mission to prove the doubters wrong.
“I’m not overlooking Alabama. I think they’re going to come into the 2023 season with a chip on their shoulder and they’re going to be out to make a point,” Howard said. “Every game is going to be a statement game for Alabama … I can’t wait to see them play Texas in Tuscaloosa.”
