Alabama Football: Early betting line and prediction Tide vs ULM and other key games

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Without a wager, there would be little drama in an Alabama Football game against Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks’ win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2007 is part of history but it means nothing more.

Even Alabama fans, choosing to not make a bet on the game, are far more interested in the contest than they were before the Texas game. Crimson Tide weaknesses against Texas will be under the microscope Saturday afternoon in Bryant-Denny.

In an earlier post, I pointed out the Crimson Tide won’t so much be playing against ULM, as it will be competing against itself.

Alabama Football vs. Louisiana-Monroe Spread Week Three

FanDuel has the Crimson Tide as an early week, 49.5 point favorite. The over/under is set at 60.5 points.

That’s a bunch of points. Whether the Crimson Tide covers or not depends on how Nick Saban approaches the game. If he takes many of his starters out after the Tide reaches a four-touchdown lead, the Tide might not cover. A big factor will be how soon Bryce Young exits the game. Getting Jalen Milroe a couple of series with the first unit could be a priority for Saban before the second and third units take over.

Alabama Football vs. Louisiana-Monroe Prediction

The Tide’s starting offensive line should be highly motivated to blow Warhawks off the ball allowing Alabama running backs to gobble yards. The situation is so fluid with the wide receivers, each of them will be trying to strengthen or solidify their roles. The result could be a five or six-touchdown explosion before Bryce sits down.

Backup offensive units should also produce points on the ULM defense.

After last Saturday, Will Anderson Jr. will be motivated to return to his normal self. Assuming Terrion Arnold starts at corner, rather than Khyree Jackson, Saban may want to build Arnold’s game experience by playing him deep into the game.

The above situations could lead to a 52-10 game or 59-7. It will be no shock if the Tide pitches a shutout and scores in the 60s.

Point Spreads for other SEC teams in key games

  • Penn State is favored by 3.5 points at Auburn
  • Texas A&M is a 5.5 favorite at home against Miami
  • Vanderbilt is a 2.5 points home underdog against Northern Illinois
  • Georgia is favored by 24.5 points at South Carolina
  • Mississippi State is a 2.5 points favorite against LSU in Baton Rouge

Alabama football fans will also be interested in how Texas performs at home against UTSA. The Longhorns are favored by 10.5 points and many Tide fans would like to see a Texas blowout.