College Football Week 1 Predictions: Will Alabama cover vs. Florida State?
Will Alabama cover the spread versus Florida State when the two teams meet in Atlanta tonight at 8:00PM ET?
The Matchup: Alabama vs. Florida State, 8:00PM ET, Atlanta, GA
According to oddsmakers, the Crimson Tide are now 7-point favorites to beat the Seminoles. Alabama had opened as 5.5-point favorites but with public money siding with the Tide, Nick Saban’s team is now -7.
As for the over/under, the number hit the board at 53 but has been bet down to 50.5.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Saban is entering his 11th year in Tuscaloosa. He has compiled an incredible 119-19 record while at Alabama and is coming off a 14-1 season. That lone loss, of course, was against Clemson in the national championship game.
One of Alabama’s biggest strengths is a backfield that features a now-experienced Jalen Hurts at quarterback and Bo Scarbrough at tailback. Calvin Ridley also returns as one of Hurts’ most explosive targets, although youth surrounds the other skill positions.
Granted, this team has plenty of questions to answer heading into 2017, but the Tide remains the most talented team in the nation.
Florida State Seminoles
Jimbo Fisher enters his eighth season in Tallahassee. He has led the Seminoles to a 78-17 record and is coming off a 10-3 record in 2016. Florida State’s defense remains a massive strength, especially with outstanding safety Derwin James back and healthy.
That said, questions remain offensively. Deondre Francois can no longer lean on Dalvin Cook, who is off to the NFL. Francois also won’t have last season’s top three wideouts so the offense will now run through him. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. Francois is a Heisman candidate this season. But he just has to prove that he can lead this offense without his security blankets.
Our Prediction
Saban always has his teams ready to play Week 1. The Tide routed USC last season (albeit without future Heisman candidate Sam Darnold under center) and is 8-1 against the spread in their last nine season openers. Florida State’s defense will keep this game close throughout, but Bama has a habit of flexing its muscles late and pulling away.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide -7
