The Alabama Crimson Tide may have gone 6-0 in the 2022/23 NCAAF season last week, but it was their second disappointing campaign result, so can they bounce back this week? Let’s take a look at our NCAAF betting picks.
Yes, just when the Crimson Tide seemed to have gotten their Week 2 result out of their systems, they had another dodgy performance last weekend. Back in Week 2, Alabama needed to win the 4th period by ten points to six to defeat the Texas Longhorns 20-19.
It was a win that was treated more like a defeat, and one that prompted head coach Nick Saban to go on the offensive, taking on all comers in the media that week. He even had the audacity to have a go at the odds compilers, claiming the spread of 20 was wrong. How dare he!
All joking aside, last weekend’s result bore similar hallmarks to the Longhorns match, with one exception. Yes, Bryce Young was missing from the team. The influential player was there in Week 2, but his absence doesn’t excuse all the turnovers and other sloppy play we witnessed again from Saban’s team last weekend.
Another thing to note was that it wasn’t just Alabama who missed their key quarter-back, as the Aggies had to replace Max Johnson with Haynes King. Although it could be argued King did a better job.
Eventually, the Crimson Tide did what all great teams do and held on for the win. They were scoreless in the fourth quarter but just about already had enough points in the bag to hold out for a 24-20 win.
A more pensive Nick Saban was quoted as saying it wasn’t our best football there tonight. He suggested that others step up to the plate when your main quarterback isn’t playing.
So, how has this affected the betting to be the National Championship winners in the 2022/23 season?
Well, it has led to quite a change. Having been +200 last week, the Crimson Tide have seen their odds drift out to +260 to be crowned champions again this year with the best NCAAF Vegas odds betting sites.
The favorites are now Ohio State at +200, with the Georgia Bulldogs next at +225. Full odds can be found below. These odds are provided by BetOnline, who you can read more about in our BetOnline sportsbook review.
| NCAAF 2023 National Championship Betting |  |
|---|---|
| Ohio State Buckeyes | +200 |
| Georgia Bulldogs | +225 |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | +260 |
| USC | +1600 |
| Clemson Tigers | +2000 |
| Michigan | +2000 |
| Utah | +5000 |
It’s no wonder that Ohio State is now the outright favorites, as they have been the most impressive college side this season. They went 6-0 last weekend, with a 49-20 win away to the Michigan State Spartans.
The win by 29 points only just pipped the 27-point spread put down by the top Vegas odds setters, but it was more confirmation that Ryan Day’s team is where they are expected to be.
The Georgia Bulldogs also beat the spread last week, this after looking touch of color the week before. The spread was set at 29.5 points, and the Bulldogs managed a 42-10 win over the Auburn Tigers.
It was a more than a welcome solid win for Kirby Smart and his team after questions were asked in the wake of their stuttering 26-22 win over Missouri the previous weekend.
Now, onto our NCAAF picks for this weekend, and there is only one match everybody seems to be talking about.
Yes, the fixture in question is Tennessee against Alabama. Plenty are expecting an upset, and with doubts about Bryce Young’s availability, it’s easy to see why.
Tennessee is the 6th ranked team, Alabama the 3rd, and the Volunteers smell blood.
Tennessee is the only side that has to play Alabama every year, and since Nick Saban arrived at Alabama, it’s been 15 defeats from 15 for the Volunteers. And some of the matches have been more than just defeats, they’ve been hammerings.
So is this finally the time for the Volunteers’ long suffering fans?
BetOnline is giving Tennessee seven points on the handicap, at -105. From a -7 start, Alabama is -115. On the moneyline, the Volunteers are +235, the Crimson Tide is -280. The total points spread is set at 65.
It’s a tough match to call, and to be honest, one I’m not too sure about. It’s like a trial match for the Volunteers to see how far they have come. But as I’m expected to make a call, I’m going for the Crimson Tide to beat the handicap.
They’ve already bounced back from a bad performance this season, and I can see them doing the same again. I make Alabama (-7) my betting pick.
I’m also expecting a lot of points in this match. A total points spread of 65 might seem high, but I’m expecting plenty of offensive play from both teams, and I can see over 65 points coming in this Saturday.
