Dominic Fazzini
Saturday's plays 20 Dime -- Alabama (minus points vs. KENTUCKY)
5 Dime -- MIAMI (plus points vs. Oklahoma)

ALABAMA

The Crimson Tide defense is ferocious, and seems to be getting better each week.

Alabama is allowing just 202.5 yards per game, including 47.3 on the ground, both of which rank second in the nation. Even with star linebacker Donta Hightower suffering a season-ending injury last week in the Tide's 35-7 over Arkansas, that doesn't fare well for the Wildcats.

Kentucky managed just 179 yards and went 3-for-16 on third downs last week in its 41-7 home loss to top-ranked Florida.

And if Alabama isn't scary enough on defense, its offense is averaging 40.5 points and 490.5 yards per game. QB Greg McElroy heads a balanced attack, and went 17 of 24 for 291 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions last week.

The visitor is 3-0 against the spread in the teams' last three meetings, and the Crimson Tide is just 3-4 ATS in their last seven games vs. Kentucky despite going 6-1 straight up. But after getting a scare last year in a 17-14 victory over the Wildcats, coach Nick Saban is not going to let his team be caught by surprise today. Take Alabama to cover the points in an easy victory.

MIAMI

There were some rumblings that Oklahoma star quarterback Sam Bradford would start today for the first time since injuring his right shoulder in the team's season opener, but redshirt freshman Landry Jones will make his third straight start.

Jones has helped the Sooners win by a combined score of 109-0 the last two weeks against Idaho State and Tulsa, but that wasn't like going into Miami to face a Hurricanes team hungry for a victory after being embarrassed 31-7 at Virginia Tech last weekend.

Hurricanes sophomore QB Jacory Harris suffered some growing pains against the Hokies, going 9 of 25 for 150 yards with an interception and a lost fumble, but I think that experience will benefit him today against Oklahoma. And Miami's offensive line should be able to provide enough support for the 'Canes to penetrate the Sooners' defense.

Miami is 8-1 at home vs. nonconference BCS teams, and have won by an average of 21 points. It is also 5-1 ATS as an underdog. I'm not saying the 'Canes win today, but I do believe they stay within a touchdown of the Sooners, especially with OU starting a freshman QB making his first start on the road. Take Miami to cover the points.