Alabama vs. Clemson – Does Nick Have New Tricks
BetUS Sportsbook bettors who wager on college football will get to see one of the most potent offensive teams in the country on Saturday, August 30, when the Clemson Tigers (9-4 SU, 6-6 ATS in 2007) take on the Alabama Crimson Tide (7-6 SU, 3-8-1 ATS in 2007) in an inter-conference game that will be played at a neutral location – the Georgia Dome in Atlanta – and slated for kickoff at 8 PM ET.
BetUS NCAA Football Betting Odds: CLEMSON -5
Here are some of the NCAA college football betting trends as they relate to this matchup:
* ALA is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games
* ALA has lost four of its last five games SU
* ALA has covered two of its last seven games
* CLEM has won five of its last seven games SU
* CLEM has played four of its last six games UNDER the total
We understand how competitive the SEC is, but the University of Alabama did not entice Nick Saban to flee Miami in the middle of the night in order to go through 7-6 seasons, which is exactly what the Crimson Tide was reduced to in 2007, Now, with nine starters returning on the offensive side of the ball, plus prize freshman receiver Julio Jones, Saban has no excuses. John Parker Wilson is a quarterback who is highly regarded by some, having completed 55% of his passes as a junior. He will be well-protected by the outstanding left tackle, Andre Smith. And Terry Grant heads up a group of running backs who should more than hold their own. But Wilson needs to be a quick study, as he is playing for his third offensive coordinator (Jim McElwain) in three years. So far he’s looked good, throwing for 309 yards in the first scrimmage.
The problem here is that Alabama’s defense does not have many playmakers on it, and that leaves it vulnerable to an offense for which there are very few question marks. It is quite possible that Clemson brings more to the table in terms of its skill personnel than any team in the country. The trigger man, Cullen Harper, might be the first senior QB taken in the NFL draft. Last season he threw for 27 TD’s with only six interceptions, and is said to have a big upside. His favorite target is Aaron Kelly, who was on the receiving end of 88 passes last year for 1081 yards. Kelly will be an All-America and Biletnikoff Award candidate. he is joined by Tyler Grisham, who caught 60 passes in 2007, and Jacoby Ford, who averaged 18 yards a catch.
Then there is the backfield, which is the best in all of college football. In the last two years, James Davis and C.J. Spiller have combined for almost 4000 rushing yards. They are the “Thunder and Lightning” of the ACC, and give this team the kind of balance it needs to possibly contend for a national title, especially if the offensive line develops.
Clemson also brought back eight starters on a defense that ranked ninth overall in yards allowed. This includes the entire secondary, which rates among the best in the country. And that’s really the story in this game – it’s like a fight between two heavy punchers. Both can pitch, but one is the better catcher. In this case, it is Clemson, hands down.
We’ll lay the points with the Tigers, the five-point favorite in the BetUS NCAA college football betting odds.
JAY’S PLAY: CLEMSON (-5) ***
Posted under Free Sports Picks, NCAA Football Picks
This post was written by admin on August 30, 2008
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