Alabama Crimson Tide (#2) would be wise not to underestimate or look past #18 Florida Gators but it might be a stretch to say the Gators are any real threat to Alabama’s hopes of returning to the college football playoff (4pm ET, Saturday).
Their lone loss, against a #15 Ole Miss team is the one blemish on an otherwise perfect season complete with dominant wins over five top -20 teams. Florida meanwhile, has two losses and even if they do knock off Alabama in the title game, won’t have enough on the resume to put them into the playoff.
Florida will contend with an Alabama defense that ranks 2nd in the nation in total defense (264.4 yards per game) and 3rd in opponents’ points per game (14.3). The Gators come in with a struggling offense as well that hasn’t really been the same since QB Will Grier was suspended before Florida’s first loss of the season against LSU.
Florida will also meet Derrick Henry (pictured), the Heisman frontrunner by most standards. Henry, with a big game on Saturday, would be on the precipice of history, with a chance to become the SEC’s first ever 2,000 yard runner.
- Betting Pick for Game: It’s no surprise the Crimson Tide are massive favorites but the 18-point spread does seem a little high. Expect Alabama to win on the moneyline but the bet has to be Florida Gators +18pts @ -110 betting odds with either 5Dimes Sportsbook or Bovada.
- Betting Pick for Total Points: As for the total game points, given the lack of scoring by the Gators and the defense of Alabama, it seems a pretty safe bet to take the under 40pts @ -110 with either Bovada or 5Dimes.
Marilee writes on NFL, MLB, NBA & tennis for USA Betting. Another area of her sporting journalistic expertise is pro wrestling. A native of Philadelphia and a big Eagles fan, she has been a sports writer for many major websites including Bleacher Report and Rant Sports. She started her journalistic career early, as sports editor for her college newspaper.