Alabama and Southern Cal to open 2016 season

The rumored University of Alabama versus Southern Cal match-up is rumored no more. It's reality.

The Crimson Tide will face the Trojans Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016 in the Cowboys Classic in Arlington, Texas, UA released Wednesday.

The game would be the fifth marquee neutral-site contest in a row for Alabama and the seventh overall under Nick Saban (2008 Clemson, 2009 Virginia Tech, 2012 Michigan, 2013 Virginia Tech, 2014 West Virginia, 2015 Wisconsin, 2016 Southern Cal). It will also be the third time for UA to play in the Cowboys Classic, which began in 2009.

Alabama and Southern Cal last played in the Aloha Bowl in 1985, 1 24-3 Alabama win. UA leads the series history 5-2.

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.