Alabama vs. Miami Prediction
No. 1 Alabama is a massive favorite in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon when it takes on No. 14 Miami at 3:30 p.m. ET. Will the Crimson Tide cover as a 19.5-point favorite or is that number too big?
Game Snapshot
179 Alabama Crimson Tide (-19.5) at 180 Miami Hurricanes (+19.5); o/u 61
3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, September 4, 2021
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
TV: ABC
Alabama Crimson Tide Game Notes
Alabama WR John Metchie is drawing high praise from Miami HC Manny Diaz. Alabama junior WR John Metchie (6’0 /195) has received no shortage of recognition ahead of the 2021 season, and that extends to the head coach of the Crimson Tide’s first opponent of the year. Miami HC Manny Diaz went so far as to say that Metchie would have been the No. 1 WR on 95% of college teams last year. When considering how talented Alabama seems to always be at the position and the success Metchie has had, that bold statement no longer seems quite so bold. Metchie is the leading returning receiver for Alabama, after he reeled in 55-of-76 passes for 916 yards, 16.7 YPC and six touchdowns.
Miami Hurricanes Game Notes
Miami safety Avantae Williams reinstated but will sit at least six games. Williams has been officially reinstated to the Hurricanes roster. Williams was facing three counts of aggravated battery stemming from an incident with him and his ex-girlfriend. The charges were dropped on August 23rd after the alleged victim refused to answer investigators as she felt “she is not a victim…” Williams still has to go through university set benchmarks before he can see the field, and coach Manny Diaz said he will be out at least six games. For the time being, Williams will complete a conditioning program in the coming month before returning to full practice.
Alabama vs. Miami Betting Prediction
Before the pandemic-shortened season last year, the Crimson Tide had covered the spread in 12 of their previous 13 season openers. They’re also 9-4 against the spread in their last 13 non-conference games, whereas the Hurricanes have only covered in five of their last 14 games under Manny Diaz.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 PREDICTION: ALABAMA CRISOM TIDE -19.5