Alabama vs. Clemson Odds

Written by Jason Lowry

Football is finally here, and what a great way to get the season kicked off, than have two of the best teams in the country do battle on opening weekend. This Saturday night the #9 Clemson Tigers will host the #24 Alabama Crimson Tide. Both teams have some pretty lofty expectations, and a win this weekend could go a long way in the overall success of both these teams seasons. To make sure you stay up to date with the latest odds, be sure to continue to check our live NCAA football lines.

The Tigers come in not only as the favorites to take home the ACC title this season, but talks of a national championship can be heard floating around from time to time. Many of the Tigers players remember that tough loss they suffered in overtime against Auburn in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, and are ready to get out on that football field. On the other hand the success of the Crimson Tides seems to be coming sooner than later as head coach Nick Saban led this team to a 7-6 season, and a win over Colorado in the Independence Bowl. The talent will continue to come as Saban remains in charge, and its likely to only get better and better over the next few years.

Starting with the offense of the Crimson Tide you get a unit that looks like it is poised to improve on the field this season. Helping get things going will be the play of senior quarterback John Parker Wilson, who Saban thinks is going to have an even better year than his 2,846 yards and 18 touchdowns from 2007. One reason for Wilson to get excited is the Tide brought in what many are calling the best freshman receiver in the country in Julio Jones. Saban is looking for some improvement in the ground game as well, as sophomore Terry Grant is expected to pick up the workload in his second season as a starter after rushing for 891 yards and 8 touchdowns as a freshman. For Clemson the offense is absolutely loaded with talent at the skill positions, and it all starts with the play of ACC Preseason Player of the Year quarterback Cullen Harper, who threw for nearly 3,000 and and 27 touchdowns last season. Harper gets all his weapons back at receiver, which includes the dynamic duo of Aaron Kelly and Tyler Grisham. While Grishman totaled over 650 yards and 4 TDs, Kelly was the go to guy grabbing 88 balls for over 1,000 yards and 11 TDs. The ground game is full of talent as well, as both James Davis and C.J.Spiller have the talent to play at the next level. The only question that surrounds this unit is the offensive line, as only 1 starter returns from a year ago.

When we take a look at the other side of the ball, we start off with the Tide, where its unclear just how effective this unit will be with only 6 starters back for sure. The unit could get a big boost if linebacker Ezekial Knight is able to over come a heart problem and get on the field. Up front the team is counting on the play of juniors DE brandon Deadrick and DT Lorenzo Washington, while Javier Arenas and Rashad Johnson should bring plenty of talent at the corner spots. The Tigers defense doesn’t get much credit with all the hype the offense brings in, but this unit is pretty solid all around. There are a few questions up front with the injury of junior tackle Rashadd Jackson making the depth chart a little weaker, but they are expecting senior linebacker Cortney Vincent to have a big season this year. As far as the secondary goes it is likely going to be the strength of this unit, as safeties Michael Hamlin and Chris Clemons are the two leading tacklers from a year ago.

Predicted Score:
Alabama 22
Clemson 26

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