The Crimson Tide are 23-1 straight up and 15-6 against the spread in September under coach Nick Saban.
They were big 19 ½-point favorites over a Virginia Tech team that has taken a step back from its peak in the early 2000s. (That line has swelled to 21 at some sportsbooks as of Thursday). Alabama is 19-1 straight-up and 12-8 against the spread as a double-digit favorite over the last several years.
They are also 6-0 SU & ATS away from home as a favorite of 20 points or more since 2002.
The Hokies are 7-4 against the spread as double-digit underdogs. Hokie QB Logan Thomas needs to have the best game of his up-and-down career, if Virginia Tech is to have any chance against the Crimson Tide. The Hokies do have nine starters returning on defense.
They must contend with one of Saban’s best offenses at Alabama, led by senior QB A.J. McCarron, running back T.J. Yeldon and wide receiver Amari Cooper.
View Alabama vs Virginia Tech Odds and Stats.
Alabama Betting Line: The Crimson Tide were listed as 18.5-point favorites on the Sportsbook NCAA football line at Sportsbook and most sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark. The total was 45.5 earlier at Sportsbook.
Alabama Crimson Tide Trends:
When playing in August are 5-0
When playing on grass are 9-1
After outgaining opponent are 10-0
When favored on the road are 9-1
Virginia Tech Hokies Trends:
When playing in August are 3-2
When playing on grass are 4-6
When an underdog at home are 4-2
When playing outside the conference are 7-3
A few Crimson Tide at Hokies trends to consider:
Alabama is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games
Alabama is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 6 games
Virginia Tech is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 games
Next up:
Alabama at Texas A&M, Saturday, September 14
Virginia Tech home to Western Carolina, Saturday, September 7
