Bama, FSU Clash In Playoff-Worthy Matchup

Schedule makers have been kind to college football fans thirsty for action. No. 1-ranked Alabama faces off against No. 3 Florida State in their season openers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. Barring a plethora of action coming in, the Crimson Tide will close as a single-digit betting favorite for just the second time since December 2015.

SHARK BITES
  • The total has gone OVER in 17 of Florida State’s last 24 games as underdog.
  • Alabama is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games in Week 1.
  • Bo Scarbrough rushed for six touchdowns in the final three games last season.

Many people are going to be talking about the playoff implications of such a massive matchup. There is no doubt that a victory in this one means a lot to a playoff resume but a loss doesn’t necessarily doom a team. It’s an uphill battle but four teams since 1936 have lost their season opener and gone on to win the national championship.

The quality defense Alabama traditionally brings to the table is back but so too is an offense that could be one of the best during Nick Saban’s tenure. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts has more potential than any signal-caller Saban has had in Tuscaloosa, as the pivot is coming off an efficient campaign with both his arm and legs. The defense has a lot of holes to fill in the front seven, but the pure talent is clearly there. That being said, the secondary should be in good hands with the group returning Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison and Anthony Averett.

Deondre Francois returns to Tallahassee but this time it will be his show. Running back Dalvin Cook, receiver Travis Rudolph and left tackle Rod Johnson are all gone, but the coaching staff believes that this offense can be built around Francois. A lot of hype surrounds five-star recruit Cam Akers but junior Jacques Patrick should not be overlooked in the backfield. The defensive front seven should be solid but the secondary could be something special. With all-American safety Derwin James back, FSU might own the most talented secondary in the country.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Oddsmakers at Sportsbook had the Florida State Seminoles as 6.5-point underdogs in the matchup, while the betting total had not been set at press time (check Sportsbook for the latest on the OVER/UNDER).

Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and analytics picked a 39-30 win for the Crimson Tide. That value could change during the week, if injuries or other factors alter the numbers, so check the college football picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.

Alabama Crimson Tide vs Florida State Seminoles Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

This season the Florida State Seminoles are 0-0 overall and 0-0 ATS against the spread, while the Crimson Tide are 0-0 and 0-0 ATS. As for the totals, Florida State is 0-0 on the OU, and Alabama is 0-0 Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Florida State vs Alabama injuries news.

The OddsShark Power Rankings have the Florida State Seminoles at No. 27 and the Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 1 heading into this contest.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up the Florida State Seminoles No. -ranked offense ( PPG) against a Alabama Crimson Tide defense that ranks No. at PPG. The Florida State Seminoles passing attack has averaged yards per game, more than the Alabama Crimson Tide give up through the air ( YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the Alabama Crimson Tide owned the league's No. 1-rated front 7 last season in terms of stopping the run, allowing 48.8 yards per game when on the road. Florida State, on the other hand, rated No. 70 in generating rushing yards at home.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Alabama lost its last outing 35-31 against Clemson, getting a 106-yard receiving performance from O.J. Howard in a losing cause at Raymond James Stadium.

Dalvin Cook ran through the Michigan defense for 145 yards in Florida State's last game, handing the Wolverines a 33-32 setback at Hard Rock Stadium.

Betting Trends
  • Alabama is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
  • Alabama is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games
  • Florida State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
  • Florida State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida State's last 9 games

Next Betting Matchups

Alabama home to Fresno State, Saturday, September 9
Florida State home to Louisiana-Monroe, Saturday, September 9

The total has gone OVER in 17 of Florida State’s last 24 games as underdog.home Alabama is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games in Week 1.away Bo Scarbrough rushed for six touchdowns in the final three games last season.away
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