The 10th annual FCS Kickoff features North Alabama and Southeast Missouri State. Learn how I use AI Sports Betting to make my prediction. 

Preview of North Alabama vs Southeast Missouri State AI Picks 

The North Alabama Lions don’t have to travel far for today’s clash with Southeast Missouri State Redhawks. Will the Lions defend their home state or will the Redhawks fly back with a win?  Find out in this AI-Powered College Football Prediction. 

North Alabama   

The Lions are playing in the FCS Kickoff for the second straight year. They fell to Mercer 17-7 in 2023. 

Second-year head coach Brent Dearmon hopes to build on his first year that saw the Lions go 3-8. He did a great job getting players to stay. 

North Bama brings back the following: 

• 18 total returning starters 
• 8 defensive starters 
• 7 offensive starters 
• 3 special team starters 

This is a factor in my AI Sports prediction. 

The biggest question will be at quarterback. Grad transfer Ari Patu will get the start. He played sparingly in his four seasons at Sanford. 

The good news for Patu, four of the top five receivers from last year return.  

Southeast Missouri State  

The Redhawks fly south for a clash with the Lions in Montgomery.

Coach Tom Matukewicz, aka Coach Tuke, is in his 11th season at the helm for Southeast. Last year did not go well as his squad finished 4-7. 

Coach Tuke returns 12 starters (seven on offense, five on defense). The returning starters are highlighted by QB Paxton DeLaurent. 

DeLaurent is on the Walter Peyton Award watchlist which is the FCS version of the Heisman Trophy. 

The defense will be piloted by LB Bryce Norman. Norman is attempting to lead the Redhawks in tackles for the fourth straight year. 

How I use Rithmm models for my NA vs SEMO AI Prediction

Rithmm’s AI models are only a part of my handicap. I like to do my research and look at the matchups. 

Last year both these teams had losing seasons. The good news for them is they both return a considerable amount of experience. 

Offensively last year the Redhawks surrendered 29.64 points per game while scoring 26.7. 

Offensively in 2023, the Lions allowed 32.73 points per game while scoring 22.9 points. 

I expect both teams to have issues moving the ball and this be a tight game. 

Currently, SEMO is favored by 7.5 points. I’m leaning toward taking the points with North Bama. 

Week Zero matchups can be difficult, especially in this era of the transfer portal. 

Let's see what my Rithmm models have to say. 

Using Rithmm Models to Solidify My Prediction for NA vs SEMO Prediction

Rithmm allows users to build a minimum of three models. Rithmm runs the necessary simulations and factors in the following ⬇️

For more on AI Tools For Sports Betting click here. 

Let’s look at what my models have to say ⬇️

As you can see all three of my models have that beautiful green star! The green star means there is a high probability of the predicted outcome occurring. e

To learn how to build your own models, click here. 

Rithmm also just added some new tools to their models! Including season trends which is a major asset! 

My North Alabama vs Southeast Missouri State AI Prediction 

I’m backing the North Alabama Lions and taking the points (+7.5). I hope you enjoy your week zero and always gamble responsibly.

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