The game of the College Football season is here as we have #2 vs #3 in a classic SEC battle. The top ranked LSU Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the second ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. This game has both SEC – West implications and College Football Playoff implications, but there is still a good chance both teams can get into the playoffs.
The Tigers are currently ranked second in the initial College Football Playoff rankings and are also in second place in the SEC – West as they have played one less conference game than 5-0 Alabama. The Tigers have an easy road the rest of the season, so if LSU can pull off the upset Saturday they will be in a prime position to get to the College Football Playoff. Alabama is also in a good spot to make the College Football Playoff if they win Saturday night as they will be 6-0 in conference and have a matchup with #11 Auburn to end the season.
Below is my pick for #2 LSU at #3 Alabama. All lines are from the William Hill Sportsbook.
#2 LSU at #3 Alabama (-6): O/U 62.5 points (-110/-110)
#2 LSU had a bye last week, but before that came away with a 23-20 home win over then #9 Auburn. The score was much closer than the game was as LSU outgained Auburn 508-287 and were leading 23-12 early in the fourth quarter. LSU have already played three Top 10 teams this season and have outscored those three opponents 110-86. The Tigers went to Austin, Texas earlier this season and walked away with a 45-38 win over then #9 Texas and hosted then #7 Florida and came away with a 42-28 prior to the win over Auburn. LSU is 5-2-1 ATS and the over has hit four of their seven games with a total listed.
#3 Alabama also had a bye week last week and it couldn’t have come at a better time as QB Tua Tagovailoa had a minor ankle surgery and is a game-time decision Saturday. Prior to the bye Alabama blew the doors off Arkansas, 48-7, with backup QB Mac Jones under center. The Crimson Tide have played just one ranked team this season and they came away with a 47-28 road win over then #24 Texas A&M. Alabama is 4-4 ATS and the over has hit in four of their eight games this season.
Series History: This will be the 84th meeting between these two schools and it is Alabama who holds a 53-25-5 advantage and are currently on an eight game winning streak in the series.
Game Prediction: I expect this to be a field goal game, so I am backing the LSU Tigers +6 Saturday afternoon.
YTD College Football Results: 33-26-1