LSU vs Alabama odds - Tide refreshed, ready for win after bye week
The LSU vs Alabama odds sets up a top 10 matchup in the BCS, but there is a wide disparity in talent between these two teams. The LSU Tigers are very much a paper tiger while the Alabama Crimson Tide are for real. The Tide were fading a little bit prior to their bye week, but now that they’ve had a week to clear their heads, online betting cappers should expect to see a team ready to make a statement.
LSU vs Alabama odds: Alabama -9
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LSU vs Alabama odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The Tigers (7-1, 4-1) finally had an offensive explosion last week, but unfortunately for them, that was against Tulane. As such, nobody takes the Tigers seriously just yet, because they can’t seem to beat elite competition. They lost to Florida and have struggled against teams like Mississippi State and Georgia. This contest might be too much for them. Meanwhile, the Tide (8-0, 5-0) needed a bye in the worst way. Quarterback Greg McElroy was fading and the offense was struggling. They even needed last-second blocked field goal to stop Tennessee at home. This is an important game for the Tide as they were leap-frogged by Texas in the BCS standings; a win here should get them back into the No. 2 spot. Betting Edge: Alabama
LSU vs Alabama odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Tigers offense has weapons, but they are inconsistent ones. The Tigers finally got their ground game going last week, but it’s unlikely that Charles Scott or Keiland Williams churn out many yards this week against a top-flight defense. The game will again be in the hands of sophomore Jordan Jefferson, but the 18-year-old quarterback may be a little star-struck as he was against Florida. For Alabama, NCAA football betting fans should see an improvement from quarterback Greg McElroy. This is his first year starting and he looked like he was getting a little burned out in the previous few weeks. Now that the team has had a week to rest and regain their focus, expect a much sharper performance from him. The Tigers don’t get much pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so he should have adequate time to make decisions. With Heisman candidate Mark Ingram running the ball, the Tide have the edge. Betting Edge: Alabama
LSU vs Alabama odds maker breakdown: Defense
The LSU defense has an excellent back seven, but unfortunately they can’t get enough pressure on the quarterback. That could turn out very poorly for them in this contest, as Alabama is a run-first team and LSU doesn’t figure to have the edge on the line of scrimmage. The back seven will have to come into the box and make plays if LSU is to win this game. The sportsbook odds makers know that the Tide have one of the best defenses – if not the best – in the country. LSU will have a tough time moving Mount Cody out of the way, and if he's standing tall, LSU will have to ride on the inconsistent arm of Jordan Jefferson. The Tide have playmakers at every level and while the LSU wideouts may be tough to contain, the Tide should be able to get pressure on Jefferson and make him uncomfortable. Betting Edge: Alabama
LSU vs Alabama odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Both teams are relatively healthy, but keep an eye on Alabama tight end Colin Peek, who probably won’t be 100% for this contest. He has a knee sprain warm-ups in the Tennessee game. Betting Edge: Even
LSU vs Alabama State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Tigers haven’t looked good on the road this year, and now they have to face a rested, refreshed unit that needs to produce an impressive performance. McElroy will make the smart throws and the offense will again hop on Ingram’s back. Meanwhile, the defense will hold down LSU adequately. BLAKE’S PICK: Alabama -9
For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit us in the BetOnline.com Betting Edge every day. For more on the LSU vs Alabama matchup, check out our stats center. Blake Frazier is one of BetOnline.com's college football experts.
