It’s not just NFL odds that will get more attention with the baseball season over. Bowl games loom in college football and we can expect to see lots of action at sportsbooks in the coming weeks. A big game this Saturday pits two top-10 teams against each other as LSU visits Alabama. Can the Crimson Tide stay undefeated and remain a major part of the BCS discussion? (9) LSU Tigers @ (3) Alabama Crimson Tide
Saturday, November 7, 7:30 p.m. ET
Online betting favorite: Alabama -9
Fresh off a bye, Alabama wants to make a statement. There’s clearly nothing wrong with being undefeated – literally nothing wrong – but Alabama still wants a convincing performance this week to leapfrog Texas in the BCS top two. It was fading before its bye week, having barely escaped a home game versus Tennessee. In the Crimson Tide’s mind, the LSU Tigers are pretenders; their best efforts came against pushovers like Tulane while they sputtered against Georgia and Mississippi State. Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide may put the pedal to the metal at home in an attempt to expose LSU.
Offensively, Alabama is the superior team most days of the week. Quarterback Greg McIEroy has experienced growing pains but was likely just tiring in his first season as a starter; don’t be surprised if he emerges from the bye with newfound confidence and, let’s remember, he only has to play a decent second fiddle to Mark Ingram. The standout running back averages 125.5 rushing yards per game and has 11 total touchdowns.
It’s not that LSU lacks athleticism or playmaking ability; it just needs more consistency. The Tigers’ key pieces, like quarterback Jordan Jefferson and running back Charles Scott – put up big numbers against weaker foes but disappear in big games at times. Alabama’s defense is a powerhouse with high-impact players everywhere; LSU, on the other hand, had a strong secondary but struggles to pressure the quarterback; that means McIEroy shouldn’t feel too uncomfortable in the pocket.
It’s been a nice season so far for LSU but it’s simply not on Alabama’s level. Expect the Crimson tide to cover the NCAA football betting spread at home fairly easily. Make them your sports picks.
Pick: Alabama -9
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