Last Updated on January 1, 2011 1:00 pm by drew
Capital One Bowl Odds
ORLANDO, FL (TheSpread) – No. 7 Michigan State looks to cap off a great season by beating its former head coach in Nick Saban when the Spartans face No. 15 Alabama in the 2011 Capital One Bowl.
Michigan State is 11-1 this season and 7-5 against the point spread odds while Alabama is 9-3 on the season and 7-5 against the spread. Trends show that Michigan State is 5-1 against the point spread odds in their last 6 games against a team with a winning record while Alabama is 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a loss.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com have given Alabama point spread odds of -10 against Michigan State on Saturday. The over/under total has been set at 51.5 (View Matchup)
Opening odds had Alabama favored by 10.5 points. The spread climbed to 11 points and was as low as 9.5 before settling in at 10 points. The over/under total opened at 51 points and climbed to 52 points before closing at 51.5.
Michigan State lost just one game this season, 37-6 to Iowa to lock up a share of the Big Ten title. The Spartans has a roller coaster season with head coach Mark Dantonio suffering heart attack following a win over Notre Dame. The Spartans won five games by 10 points or less and average 31.3 points and 406.7 yards per game on offense while allowing 20.1 points and 337.8 yards per game on defense. The running game is the strength of both sides as the defense holds opponents to 121 rushing yards per game while the team has been led by Edwin Baker, who has rushed for 1,153 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Alabama is the defending national champion and started this season 5-0 before losing to South Carolina. The Tide also lost to LSU and Auburn by a combined four points for a disappointing season. Alabama averages 34.6 points and 435.6 yards per game on offense while the defense is giving up just 14.1 points and 296 yards per game. Alabama is holding opponents to just 172 passing yards per contest while the offense has been led by quarterback Greg McElroy, who has thrown for 2,767 yards and 19 touchdowns with just five interceptions.
In terms of injuries, MSU cornerback Darqueze Dennard is questionable with a knee injury while Alabama linebacker Jonathan Atchison is doubtful with a biceps injury.
Over 26,600 public bets have been placed on this game with Alabama getting 57% of the wagers with point spread odds of -10 against Michigan State on Saturday.
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