Alabama Vs Clemson NCAAF Odds & Betting Preview

DeShaun Watson and the unbeaten Clemson Tigers will look to deliver when they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide and their stout defense in the 2016 College Football National Championship on Monday, January 11 at 8:30 PM ET, live from University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Now, let’s find out if the Tigers can bring home the bacon as near touchdown underdogs.

How To Bet The Alabama vs. Clemson Tide Vs Clemson Tigers NCAA Championship Game Odds & TV Info

When: 8:30 PM ET, Monday, January 11, 2016 Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona Line: Clemson +6.5 O/U: 50.5 Alabama is currently favored by 6.5 points after opening as a 7-point favorite. If you want to bet the Total, the game’s Over/Under is sitting at 50.5 after opening at 53.5. The Crimson Tide are a -245 pick against the Moneyline while the Tigers can be had as a +225 pick against the Moneyline.

14-0. All we do is win. #ALLIN https://t.co/9B0fLoglyf

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) January 1, 2016

Why Bet The Clemson Tigers Odds at +6.5

There are numerous reasons to back the Clemson Tigers in this affair, but none any bigger than quarterback DeShaun Watson. Clemson’s athletically-gifted dual-threat signal-caller has completed a blistering 68.2 percent of his passes for 3,699 yards with 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding a dozen rushing scores for good measure. The Tigers also have elite, if underrated, running back in Wayne Gallman. The speedy sophomore has rushed for 1,482 yards and 13 touchdowns coming into this contest, including a 150-yard, two-touchdown effort against Oklahoma in the CFP semifinals. Defensively, Clemson is really underrated. The Tigers raked sixth in the nation in total defense, ninth against the pass and 16th in points allowed (20.0 ppg). The Tigers will also likely have standout defensive tackle Shaq Lawson back on the field for this contest after the All-American suffered a sprained MCL against Oklahoma after just two snaps in the Tigers’ semifinal showdown against the Sooners.

Why Bet The Alabama Crimson Tide Odds at -6.5

The first reason to back the Alabama Crimson Tide is their stupendous defense! Alabama ranked second in total defense, 18th against the pass, first against the run and first in points allowed (13.4 ppg) and has not allowed more than 16 points in each of their last seven games. Another reason the Tide look like a great wager is the powerful running of Heisman Trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry. Henry has rushed for a whopping 2,061 yards and 25 touchdowns, including a two-touchdown effort against Michigan State in the CFP semifinals. Crimson Tide quarterback Jake Coker has completed an impressive 67.1 percent of his passes for 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions and has an elite wide receiver in freshman Calvin Ridley, a gifted talent that torched the Spartans for eight catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns in the semis. For the season, Ridley has recorded 83 catches for 1,031 yards and seven touchdowns.

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction

I know Alabama has an elite defense and a gifted running back, but for me, I think the difference in this contest will be the play of virtually unstoppable quarterback DeShaun Watson. While Alabama shuts down everyone’s rushing attack, I expect the fact that Watson can make game-changing plays whether throwing the ball or running it, to keep the Crimson Tide on its heels defensively. I also like the Tigers up-tempo offense and believe it will hurt Alabama’s ability to make defensive substitutions. 57 percent of the betting public like the Tigers to cover the spread and so do I, but I like Clemson to get the job done by winning outright! Alabama has gone 4-0 ATS in their last four games against ACC teams and 7-1 ATS in their L/8 games against a team with a winning record, but the Crimson Tide are also just 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following an ATS win and 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 non-conference games. Conversely, the Clemson Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last four bowl games and 6-0 ATS in their last six neutral site games. Cementing my pick for Clemson is the fact that the Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against a team with a winning record and 5-2 ATS in their last seven non-conference games. My Final score prediction: Clemson 31 Alabama 27