Alabama Crimson Tide Odds - Why Crimson Tide can repeat 2008 success
Nobody talked up the Alabama Crimson Tide odds prior to the 2008 season, which is what made them one of the biggest surprises in college football last year. A year later, after nearly winning the SEC and a BCS bowl, a lot of online betting sharps want to know if Alabama can duplicate their success.
Alabama Crimson Tide odds: Nick Saban focused on continuing last year’s success
- Third-ranked scoring defense returns stronger, deeper
- Julio Jones is one of the best wide receivers in the nation
- Offensive line is the main issue on this team
The Alabama Crimson Tide odds put them on the same pedestal as the LSU Tigers and Mississippi Rebels, and while there are reasons to like each one, the reasoning for the Crimson Tide states that they have the best defense. The Alabama Crimson Tide betting community is frothing at how deep their defense is, particularly the defensive line. They are practically two deep at every position and most of the backups could start for a lot of other SEC teams. Tackle Terrance Cody has All-American potential, as does linebacker Rolando McClain. This is a unit that was ranked third in scoring last year and college football betting pundits simply expect them to get better.
The main concerns on this team will revolve around the offense, particularly the front line. Replacing tackle Andre Smith - who was drafted fifth overall in the 2009 NFL Draft - and leader Antoine Caldwell will be a big chore. Quarterback John Parker Wilson will also be replaced by Greg McElroy, and considering that Nick Saban has been raving about him so much, we’ll trust Saban. He seems to be a pretty good talent evaluator (at the college ranks anyways), wouldn’t you say? The Crimson Tide odds will be contingent on McElroy and the line, but there are some playmakers around. Wideout Julio Jones is one of the best receivers in the nation while Marquis Maze, Mike McCoy and Darius Hanks round out a good corps.
The sportsbook odds makers know that the Crimson Tide’s offense will look similar to last year’s: They’ll run the ball and try to wear their opponents down while making the necessary passes to keep opposing defenses honest. That might work, but it failed against Florida and it failed against Utah. With a better defense, though, the Crimson Tide could be BCS-bound again, but they will have to get a lot of the breaks that went their way last year. A pessimist would say that they’re unlikely to get those breaks two years in a row, but an optimist would expect a Nick Saban football team to be competing for a BCS bowl every year.
For more analysis on sports betting and matchups, check out the BetOnline.com Betting Edge regularly throughout the season.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
