Alabama Football
Betting Preview
Odds and Analysis
2015 Season
It’s the same thing every year for Alabama. They lose a ton of talent, but also have a ton of guys waiting to step in or coming in fresh. The difference this season is that they aren’t expected to be the best team in the country, or even in the SEC (at least in the preseason rankings), as Auburn is looking to take that spot once again. But there are other teams nationally that didn’t lose as much talent like Ohio State and TCU.
Alabama is listed at odds of 8-1 to win the National Championship as of late April when this article is being written (yes, we know, it’s early). They are also listed at odds of +160 to make the 4 team playoff and they are favored to in the SEC at odds of 3 to 1.
Oh, and if you can’t wait to bet an Alabama Game, their September 5th Game against Wisconsin is alredy on the board. The Alabama is listed as -12.5 point favorites over the Badgers for their Game which will be played in Arlington Texas. All of the odds quoted above are available at 5 dimes sportsbook.
The Crimson Tide lose every significant skill player on offense as well as a few linemen, plus some important guys on the defensive side. Their biggest question, which was the issue last year, is the empty space at quarterback. Blake Sims took that role from Jacob Coker last year. Will someone do it again in 2015? That hasn’t been the case… yet, as Coker finished with the best numbers in Bama’s spring Game. Then again, he also played with the better offense against the weaker defense. Sophomore David Cornwell is a possibility, or even any of three other guys. It’s really a toss-up if Coker doesn’t come through.
Wide receivers ArDarius Stewart and Robert Foster look to fill the void left by Amari Cooper and company. Both looked solid in spring and could be set for nice seasons. They should be fine at running back even with T.J. Yeldon gone. Derrick Henry will be the starter, but Kenyan Drake is looking good after a return from injury and stud freshman Bo SCarbrough could even see touches throughout the season.
The defensive side should be in almost the same position as a year ago. The front seven is already being labeled as one of the best in the country and that falls in line with previous versions of this team. If they can dominate the line, then the secondary will eventually work itself out (somewhat). The corners played well in the spring Game, but against inexperienced QBs, it doesn’t mean everything, but there is talent.
If the secondary can come around more so than last season, Alabama’s defense will contend with everyone, which should in turn help as the offense works out the kinks at quarterback.
Alabam’s Schedule doesn’t help, getting to play Wisconsin and Ole Miss in their first three Games, but the Tide probably aren’t too worried about it, since none of their first Four are true road Games. But their road Schedule is pretty rough, going to Georgia, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Auburn. The season finale could decide the SEC West against the Tigers, but a lot can change during the season. The Tide will need quality quarterback play to win their road Games, and that could be what threatens their title-Game chances. Then again, never underestimate Alabama with Nick Saban. Everyone knows that. Double-digit wins is to be expected as usual, just because of a solid rushing attack and top front seven.
2015 Alabama Football Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Wisconsin (AT&T Stadium)
Sept 12 vs. Middle Tennessee
Sept. 19 vs. Ole Miss
Sept. 26 vs. UL Monroe
Oct. 3 at Georgia
Oct. 10 vs. Arkansas
Oct. 17 at Texas A&M
Oct. 24 vs. Tennessee
Nov. 7 vs. LSU
Nov. 14 at Mississippi State
Nov. 21 vs. Charleston Southern
Nov. 28 at Auburn