College Picks Record: 2-0 +5units

Saturday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ABC

SBG Global Opening Line: Clemson  -  6  ,  Total  46

 

A matchup of two Top 25 teams takes place at the Georgia Dome on Saturday as #9 Clemson takes on #24 Alabama. The Tigers are one of the favorites in the ACC this season but head coach Tommy Bowden has continually disappointed Clemson followers in recent seasons.  Saturday’s opener is a major test for Bowden and Clemson after last season’s failure. “There’s always that frustration of not winning the championship. You’ll have to carry that label,” said Bowden.  SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Alabama on the Road.

 

The Tigers return a lot of talent this season, especially on offense. Quarterback Cullen Harper and tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller lead a powerful offense.  The question mark is on the offensive line where four starters must be replaced. “I think everybody’s saying, ‘Oh, they don’t deserve to be in the top 10. They always find a way to lose a game,’” Spiller said. “I think when we hold up that ACC trophy, we’ll be fine.” The Tigers also have an excellent defense but they do have to replace all four linebackers.  Last season the Tigers finished in the Top 10 in scoring defense and total defense.  Freshman Da’Quan Bowers is expected to make an immediate impact. 

SBG Global Current Line: Clemson  -  4.5  ,  Total  46

 

Alabama finished last season at 7-6 under Nick Saban but they have a very highly touted recruiting class and much is expected from the Crimson Tide this season. Receivers Julio Jones and B.J. Scott are expected to contribute right away. “They’re good. They’re really good,” quarterback John Parker Wilson said. “Julio’s going to make some big plays this year. He can go up and get it. He can run by guys.”  The Tide returns only five starters on defense so that could be a concern. 

 

Here are the NCAA Football betting stats for Saturday’s game.  The Tide leads the all-time series with Clemson 11-3 although the teams haven’t met since 1975. The Crimson Tide are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. The Crimson Tide are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

 

The Tigers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. the SEC.

 

The Under is 13-6 in Alabama’s last 19 non-conference games. The Under is 6-1 in the Tigers last 7 vs. the SEC. The Under is 12-5 in the Tigers last 17 non-conference games.

Pick: Alabama 2units