College Football Futures: The Alabama Crimson Tide were all set for a third straight BCS national championship before a combination of hubris and sloppy play cost them at arch rival Auburn in one of the most miraculous finishes in the history of college football. Alabama enters the season with plenty of respect but also questions starting with who will inherit departed QB AJ McCarron’s slot on the depth chart. Alabama opened as a 13/2 choice to win the 2014 BCS national championship with an over under win total set for 10.5 -120. The Tide opened at 3/2 to win the Southeastern Conference championship and was at 4/7 to win the SEC West Division title.
Yellin’ for Yeldon
RB TJ Yeldon is coming off a 1279 yard season at 6 yards per carry with 14 TD’s and is likely to get plenty of work as Jake Coker and Blake Sims will battle for the starting QB slot. The defense returns just five starters but that has never been a problem in the past as head coach Nick Saban has consistently hauled in the top recruiting classes in the country. Since 2008 Alabama has held opponents to 14 points per game or less each season.
Handicapper’s Notes
Despite being one of the most “public” teams on the betting board Alabama has gone 49-32 against the spread since 2008. The Tide has gone 16-12 ATS as a home favorite, 8-5 ATS as a road favorite, and has paid out in 8 out of their last 10 neutral site games. Alabama is a peculiar 8-17-1 ATS when coming off a straight up loss but is 17-9 ATS in SEC play.
Our Prognosis
Alabama’s national reputation is eventually going to cost them value against the line and the rest of the SEC continues to improve. Handle this team with care.
