NCAAF Betting: Gators vs Crimson Tide Game Preview

Posted by Aaron . on November 30, 2015 in

The last four times Florida and Alabama have met, the Crimson Tide have gone 4-0 both straight up and against the spread. The last time they met in the SEC championship was 2009, when Alabama both won and covered. This year they face off on Saturday afternoon in the Georgia Dome. Alabama opens as 17-point favorites.

Florida Gators vs Alabama Crimson Tide NCAAF Betting Game Preview

Date: Saturday, December 05, 2015
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Venue: Georgia Dome

Betting on the Florida Gators

Florida’s offense has been putrid at times this year, which makes their ten wins even more amazing. This is a team that eked by Vanderbilt, 9-7, and got whipped by Florida State last week, 27-2. The Gator defense is stout – they did hold Florida State to 13 points until there were six minutes left in the fourth quarter and the floodgates opened – but they will have a hard time compensating for the offense against the Crimson Tide. Against Florida State, the Gators only made it into the end zone three times – and they didn’t get any points. They only average 353 yards per game of offense. On defense, they only allow 284 yards per game – and 16 points. So if Florida’s defense can limit the Tide, and their offense can even show up to the game, they can stay within 17.

Florida will face off against Alabama.

Betting on the Alabama Crimson Tide

Remember that Alabama is playing for a spot in the College Football Playoff, now that their 29-13 win over Auburn in last week’s Iron Bowl has solidified their spot in that final four. The game was closer than that final score, as Alabama was only up 19-13 at the end of the third period. They did score the game’s final 10 points, scoring the last touchdowns with 25 seconds left. That’s the only reason they covered as 15-point favorites. On the day, the Crimson Tide outrushed the Tigers 286-91 and outgained them over all 465-260, winning the time of possession battle by nearly 11 minutes. If the Tide had not settled for three chip-shot field goals, this could have been much worse. When Florida and Alabama met last year, the Tide won 42-21, covering a two-touchdown spread and gaining almost 500 yards more than the Florida offense.

Sure, Florida’s defense could keep things interesting for a while. However, Alabama’s style is designed to wear down the opposition. I would take the Tide and expect them to cover.

Gators vs. Crimson Tide Key Betting Trends

Florida is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games
Florida is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Florida is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida’s last 5 games
Florida is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Alabama
Alabama is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Alabama is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Alabama’s last 9 games
Alabama is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Florida
Alabama is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida

What Should You Consider Before Placing Your Bets?

In their last nine meetings, Florida is 1-8 against the spread with Alabama. Florida is 7-1 straight up and 6-2 against the spread in its last eight SEC games, but this game will be an exception.