Alabama will open the 2019 season Saturday, Aug. 31, in the Chick-fil-A kickoff against Duke the two teams announced on Monday. Alabama has a 3-1 record against Duke in its history with the Tide winning the most recent matchup 62-13 in 2010.
"The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is an outstanding event and we are excited to open the 2019 season in Atlanta," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. "We have had the opportunity to play in this game on multiple occasions and it is like a bowl game in terms of the competitive venue that's created. David Cutcliffe has done an excellent job at Duke, and they will be a really good challenge for our team.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be a part of this first-class event hosted by the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Playing in this game has provided great exposure for our football program and has been something our fans have enjoyed attending."
Alabama has worked to schedule a marque out of conference opponent to kick off every season, but Duke? Duke has been a program on the rise under coach David Cutcliffe and who's to say what the state of their program will be in 2019, but DUke hardly has the name appeal to fire up fans. No matter what however Alabama will come to play and Tide fans will once again be at home in Atlanta.