Citrus Bowl Prediction
Will No. 13 Alabama take out some 2019 season frustrations out on No. 14 Michigan when the two meet up today at 1PM ET in the VRBO Citrus Bowl?
Game Snapshot & Odds
VRBO Citrus Bowl
263 Michigan vs. 264 Alabama
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
1PM ET – Camping World Stadium
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Alabama is favored in this game, as the Crimson Tide are getting odds of -7.5 points against Michigan. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 58.5 points The public betting currently has 84 percent going on Alabama as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Alabama misses out on playoffs
Alabama had a down year by its standards, suffering a pair of losses to LSU and Auburn this season. However, the two losses were by a combined eight points. Bama is 10-2 on the season, 6-6 against the spread and 7-5 with the over.
The Crimson Tide are one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. Bama is averaging 48.3 points and 513.5 yards per game. Defensively, Alabama hasn’t been as dominant as usual, but still allows just 18.8 points and 318.8 yards per game. The Tide lost Tua Tagovailoa to a hip injury. He had thrown for 2,840 yards and 33 touchdowns this year. Mac Jones has proven to be a capable fill-in. He has thrown for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns in his place. DeVonta Smith is the team’s leading receiver with 65 catches for 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Najee Harris is the top rusher with 1,088 yards and 11 scores. Anfernee Jennings is leading the defense with 73 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
Wolverines coming off lopsided loss
Michigan had built some momentum toward the end of the 2019 season, but the Wolverines were still dominated by Ohio State at home, 56-27. Michigan is 9-3 on the season, 7-5 against the spread and 9-3 with the over.
The Wolverines have been a solid defense this season, allowing just 19.5 points and 293.9 yards per game. Josh Uche is leading the defense with 34 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Offensively, Michigan is putting up 33.0 points and 402.7 yards per contest. Shea Patterson has led U-M this season by throwing for 2,828 yards and 22 touchdowns. Nico Collins is his top receiver. He caught 33 passes for 681 yards and seven touchdowns. Zach Charbonnet is the top rusher with 642 yards and 11 touchdowns.
College Football Betting Trends
Alabama
The Tide are 2-5 against the spread in their last seven against a winning team, but 6-1 ATS in their last seven games against Big Ten opponents.
Michigan
The Wolverines are 3-8 against the spread in their last 11 games following a double-digit loss at home and 1-4 ATS in their last five bowl games.
Prediction:
Alabama is a team that gave LSU its toughest game and also narrowly lost to a pretty good Auburn team. The Tide are now some pushover team that should be overlooked. Michigan had a good second half of the season, but then completely looked overwhelmed against Ohio State. I think Alabama has similar talents to Ohio State in terms of athleticism and explosiveness. Jones should be just fine under center and the Alabama offense is still capable of stopping the Michigan offense. Michigan has come out flat in recent bowl games and I could see that happening again today. Alabama will punch them early and I don’t think the Wolverines will respond.
Citrus Bowl Prediction: Alabama -7.5
Related: Citrus Bowl Total Prediction