2021 football season opener a “blast from the past” for Alabama and Miami

Defending national champion Alabama will face number 14 Miami as the Crimson Tide and the Hurricanes open their seasons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The match-up represents a historic “blast from the past” for fans of both teams that dates back to the 1993 Sugar Bowl, the last time these two programs met up. The 2021 Hurricanes are led by quarterback D'Eriq King. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Young makes his first career start tonight for preseason number one ranked Alabama. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has won all 14 season openers at Alabama. But the Tide is replacing Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith and fellow finalists Mac Jones and Najee Harris. Longtime fans of both teams may recall this is the first match-up between the Tide and the Canes since the 1993 championship game, where Alabama won its first national championship since the retirement of legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Click below for more on APR’s award-winning coverage related to that game.