NCAAF Lines and Expert Score Prediction: Alabama vs. Vanderbilt

Since Nick Saban took over as coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, his team has essentially stated as the favorite to win the National Championship, and NCAAF lines favorites week after week. This is more than fair, especially when you consider that they have won 4 of the last 8 championship games, whilst also being on the losing end last year, which was one that they let slip to the Clemson Tigers. It certainly helps when you have a coach and a program that can routinely recruit the most talented players in the nation, but the problem here is that this team is often held to a ridiculously high standard. Alabama have had little problem winning their opening 3 games of the season, including the opener against a Florida State Seminoles team that started the season ranked #2. Despite those wins, there are college fans and media out there saying that this team is lacking on defense, or that they are not as strong offensively as they were in seasons past. This week, they will head to Nashville to face a resurgent Vanderbilt Commodores team who have started the season a perfect 3-0. Alabama is an 18 ½ point favorite for this one, with the O/U set at 43 points.

NCAAF Lines and Expert Score Prediction: Alabama vs. Vanderbilt

Nick Saban Monday press conference opening statement. https://t.co/R9UeQYvxYk #RollTide

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) 18 de septiembre de 2017

When: Saturday, September 23 at 3:30 PM EST Where: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville TV: CBS Radio: 102.9 FM (Alabama) / WLAC-AM – 1510 (Vanderbilt) Live Stream: SEC Network NCAAF Lines: Alabama -18.5 (43)

Series History

• Total Meetings: 81
• First Meeting: Alabama 0 – Vanderbilt 0 (1903)
• Last Meeting: Alabama 34 – Vanderbilt (2011)
• All-Time Series: Alabama 58-4-19
• Largest Margin of Victory: Vanderbilt +78 points
• Longest Win Streak: Alabama W14
• Current Win Streak: Alabama W10

Why consider Alabama NCAAF Betting Odds?

All the talk about Alabama somehow being less potent than before seem a little ridiculous when you consider that no-one has really been able to seriously test them, other than in the National Championship Game last season. This is a team that is now 24-1 in their last 25 games, and who are once again looking like the team to beat this season. A lot of the talk has been about how they suddenly look beatable defensively, yet they have only given up 40 points through their opening 3 games of the season. There is also talk about how they aren’t able to go deep through the air on offense, yet Jalen Hurts continues to carve up every defense that he faces. Alabama don’t face Vandy very often, but they have won the last 5 games against them. Where they have historically struggled against the Commodores is ATS, where they are just 2-4-1. The last meeting with Vandy came 10 years ago, so it’s pretty easy to dismiss those stats, as they all came prior to the Saban era.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Average Score For: 35.3
• Total Yards: 417.6
• Rush Yards: 239
• Passing Yards: 178.6

Defense:

• Average Score Against: 13.3
• Total Yards: 304.9
• Rush Yards: 80.6
• Passing Yards: 224.3

Why consider Vanderbilt NCAAF Betting Odds?

The Vanderbilt Commodores have not really made any sort of impact in the SEC in recent years, but there are definite signs that this team is on the rise. It’s not just that the Commodores have won their opening 3 games of the season, it’s the manner in which they have done it. They have only given up 13 points in their 3 games thus far, and delivered their best win of the season last week when they knocked off Kansas State 14-7 as a 4 ½ point underdog. As good as that win was, it is going to be this weekend that serves as the true test of this Vanderbilt defense. Even if they can keep Alabama somewhat in check, are they going to be able to move the ball on the Crimson Tide. Vandy put up some big points in their opening two games, but those were match-ups that they were expected to win. Vanderbilt are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games, so they might just be able to keep this thing closer than most people expect.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Average Score For: 28
• Total Yards: 345.9
• Rush Yards: 103.3
• Passing Yards: 242.6

Defense:

• Average Score Against: 4.3
• Total Yards: 198.3
• Rush Yards: 103
• Passing Yards: 95.3

Expert NCAAF Lines Pick and Final Score Prediction

The key to Vanderbilt keeping this one relatively tight is going to be their ability to frustrate the Alabama offense in the early going. If they can stop Jalen Hurts from running, they will force him to throw, which is where things might get rough. I have a sneaking suspicion that Vandy might cause Alabama some problems. I am taking the Commodores to cover, and also taking the UNDER. Score Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 27 Vanderbilt Commodores 14

Latest NCAAF Lines Trends

-Alabama is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games on the road -Alabama is 5-0 SU in the last 5 games on the road -The total went OVER in 5 of Alabama’s last 6 games on the road -Vanderbilt is 4-2 ATS in the last 6 games -Vanderbilt is 5-1 SU in the last 6 games -The total went UNDER in 5 of Vanderbilt’s last 5 games when playing Alabama