Is it possible the Tide peak too early? It's starting to look that way after three straight unimpressive victories. They beat South Carolina 20-6, Tennessee 12-10 and LSU 24-15 all at home in Tuscaloosa. While the defense has been terrific all season long the offense is showing plenty of weakness. Alabama hasn't surpassed 24 points since October 3rd at Kentucky. They seemed to get every call last week against the Tigers and the week before that they survived the upset a number of times against the Volunteers. This is an overrated team right now that simply should not be a favorite of this magnitude.
We really like backing quality first year coaches off a bye week. The extra week of preparation is extremely valuable. Last week Dan Mullen and his boys sat on the sideline while Alabama slugged it out with the physical LSU Tigers. Now we catch a rested squad that has cashed three straight games looking to pull off the shocker. Keep in mind they easily covered the spread just three weeks ago hosting top ranked Florida. The Bulldogs have cashed 13 of 18 in this series and have won outright twice in the last three meetings. That includes a 17-12 upset victory the last time Alabama invaded Starkville.
Alabama clinched the division title last week with the LSU victory. Coming off that physical game we simply can't see the Tide winning this one by a margin. The well rested up and coming dog takes the cash here as Alabama struggles for the outright win once again.
Bryan Leonard 11/14
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