Alabama Win Total Prediction
The Alabama football program has been the standard bearer for college football over the last decade. Will the Crimson Tide see a setback this season, or will they continue to Roll Tide?
Odds
Nick Sabam comes into his 13th season as head coach of the Crimson Tide. He is 141-21 over his career with Bama, including five national championships. Last year, Bama went 14-1 while losing in the national championship to Clemson. Alabama has recorded at least 13 wins the last four years. According to oddsmakers, Alabama is listed with an over/under of 11 wins during the regular season in 2019. The over is listed at -110, while the under is listed at +110.
Bet on College Football Futures Odds
Offense
Usually known for defense, Alabama displayed a top-level offense last year that only one team was able to figure out. Bama average 45.6 points and 522 yards per game last season and this year’s unit has six starters back. Leading the charge is junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He was a Heisman finalist last season and threw for 3,966 yards and 43 touchdowns last year despite playing in mostly just first halves. He returns his top receivers as well in Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle and Henry Ruggs III. They combined for nearly 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns. In the backfield, Najee Harris is back. He was second on the team in rushing last season with 783 yards. Up front, Bama returns both starting tackles, but will have to replace the middle of the line. That shouldn’t be a problem for this program.
Defense
The Alabama defense wasn’t quite as dominant last year, but still very strong. The Tide gave up 18.1 points and 320.3 yards per game. This year’s team brings back six starters on the defense. Leading the way is play-making linebacker Dylan Moses, who had a team-high 86 tackles with 3.5 sacks last year. The Tide doe lose a lot up front, to the toon of 26 sacks between three players, but Alabama has been able to consistently crank out top-flight defensive linemen and linebackers. Three starters are back in the secondary, led by junior safety Xavier McKinney, who had 74 tackles, 10 pass deflections and two interceptions in 2018.
Schedule
Bama opens the season on Aug. 31 against Duke in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Tide will then host New Mexico State, Southern Miss and Western Carolina in other non-conference games. In SEC play, Alabama has to travel to South Carolina, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Auburn. It will host Ole Miss, Tennessee, Arkansas and LSU.
Prediction
The 11 is tough because you basically have to decide if you think Alabama will go unbeaten or lose twice. Alabama is definitely going to be one of the top teams in the nation, if not the best once again. Three games stand out this year on the schedule. Those three games are road trips to A&M and Auburn, as well as the rivalry game at home with LSU. It’s certainly possible Bama could lose one of those three games, but I highly doubt they lose two. I feel confident that there is a better chance Alabama goes unbeaten as opposed to losing twice. Coming off a beating in the national championship, Saban and the Tide had plenty of motivation this offseason.
College Football Prediction: Alabama Over 11 Wins -110