I have been "detached" from things for awhile, I am curious what the fans of these two programs think about this one. Personally, I feel as though you stand a better chance against these Bama powerhouse teams early in the year before they get their feet under them. I think FSU has the horses to be in this one but the number seems high to me @ 7 which is cause to pause..
Personally, I believe everyone should BET who their research gives them the best opportunity
to win.
2016 Alabama -13.5 (Southern Cal)
2015 Alabama -12 (Wisconsin)
2014 Alabama -22 (West Virginia)
2013 Alabama -21 (Virginia Tech)
2012 Alabama -13 (Michigan)
2011 Alabama -39 (Kent State)
2010 Alabama -40 (San Jose State)
2009 Alabama --6.5 (Virginia Tech)
2008 Alabama +4.5 (Clemson) Saban's first year.
The only opener Saban hasn't covered was in 2014 when he didn't cover the -22 against
West Virginia. Bama won the game 33-23. Saban is from WV and some old timers think
he cost Bama fans money in that game. I'm one of them.
Just talking..................................
to win.
2016 Alabama -13.5 (Southern Cal)
2015 Alabama -12 (Wisconsin)
2014 Alabama -22 (West Virginia)
2013 Alabama -21 (Virginia Tech)
2012 Alabama -13 (Michigan)
2011 Alabama -39 (Kent State)
2010 Alabama -40 (San Jose State)
2009 Alabama --6.5 (Virginia Tech)
2008 Alabama +4.5 (Clemson) Saban's first year.
The only opener Saban hasn't covered was in 2014 when he didn't cover the -22 against
West Virginia. Bama won the game 33-23. Saban is from WV and some old timers think
he cost Bama fans money in that game. I'm one of them.
Just talking..................................
I don't discount trends when handicapping a game but I also don't go all Marc Lawrence. I believe the tangibles of this game will have a lot more influence on the outcome than something that happened in 2008.
Being a barner, maybe my disdain for everything crimson is clouding my judgment, but I don't see any scenario where an educated handicapper would give up 7 points to either side in this match-up.
Bama may have a slight talent advantage but the experience factor heavily favors FSU. In a match-up of relatively even teams (which I think this game is) I give the nod to the team with the best QB and less question marks. FSU comes out on top in both of those areas.
Last year Kiffin did a remarkable job utilizing Hurts skills while masking his deficiencies - mainly his inability to throw the ball down field. Hurts passing numbers were more than respectable but a close look at those numbers show most of his passes were completed within 5 yards of the LOS - and an outrageous number were no more than a hand-off (shovel pass) to a wide receiver running a sweep. Ridley and Stewart may have been bama's most productive receivers yardage wise, but OJ Howard was the one who bailed Hurts out the most. He was also bailed out by a D that outscored many offenses.
Unfortunately for bama, Howard and over half the D starters are now in the NFL, Kiffin is chasing skirts in S Florida and Hurts still can't throw the ball down field.
I don't give a damn how many openers saban has covered - FSU will not be intimidated like USC last year or be completely out talented like Wisconsin the year before. For what it is worth, I played bama in both those games. This year, however, I look for a different outcome. I expect a close, fairly low scoring game.
I'm not betting the house but I have a small play on FSU. If the line moves above a TD I'll play more. Will also play the money line and under if the numbers are favorable.
Does either team have any type of home field advantage with the game being played in Atlanta? Bama probably travels better, but its not that far from Tallahasse. On a pure neutral my number is Bama -4, hate playing against Saban coming off a loss but would probably take Fla St. if I can get 7.5 with reduced juice come game day.
new fsu rb gonna have to be able to pick up his blocks week 1, dalvin cook was a great rb and gonna be tough to replace. fsu qb has talent, but may not have time. should be low scoring but saban the difference in the game imo. he is like belichick, just the best coach and has the better gameplan. alabama was an atm last year, gonna ride them this year as well.
camp to date:
Bama will have an inexperienced but impressive dline. Everyone is pushing each other for a starting job and playing at a super high level. for better, or worse, the D has been dominating the O in fall camp. another Saban defense that you won't be able to run on but the big question is if they can produce the pass rush that the 2016 line led. those guys last year were in the qb face on every throw (except 4th quarter vs clemson)
starting 5 in secondary are really talented and probably most athletic in country. only one of the 5 has limited experience and he actually has no experience as he made the switch from WR to CB this year. still this is a crazy fast and athletic back 5
right side of Oline will again be the Tide's weak spot, at least to start the year. Cotton and Womack cannot cement their starting jobs and now Womack getting pushed by a pair of freshman plus Lashley. can probably flip a coin to figure out who will start at right guard and tackle but been this way for 5 years now
Hurts got some big press for offseason camps and A-day but he hasn't really impressed so far in fall camp.
the RB depth here is insane. both freshman robinson and harris look terrific and the 3 guys coming back (harris, boscarb, jacobs) all improved although the last two been missing a couple days with injuries. best rb group in nation
nobody really stepping up at WR after Ridley. Foster and Sims are presumed other starters and have excellent experience but Ridley clearly a class above everyone. After that the group is very young but could have some game breakers in shavers and jeudy
Bama will have an inexperienced but impressive dline. Everyone is pushing each other for a starting job and playing at a super high level. for better, or worse, the D has been dominating the O in fall camp. another Saban defense that you won't be able to run on but the big question is if they can produce the pass rush that the 2016 line led. those guys last year were in the qb face on every throw (except 4th quarter vs clemson)
starting 5 in secondary are really talented and probably most athletic in country. only one of the 5 has limited experience and he actually has no experience as he made the switch from WR to CB this year. still this is a crazy fast and athletic back 5
right side of Oline will again be the Tide's weak spot, at least to start the year. Cotton and Womack cannot cement their starting jobs and now Womack getting pushed by a pair of freshman plus Lashley. can probably flip a coin to figure out who will start at right guard and tackle but been this way for 5 years now
Hurts got some big press for offseason camps and A-day but he hasn't really impressed so far in fall camp.
the RB depth here is insane. both freshman robinson and harris look terrific and the 3 guys coming back (harris, boscarb, jacobs) all improved although the last two been missing a couple days with injuries. best rb group in nation
nobody really stepping up at WR after Ridley. Foster and Sims are presumed other starters and have excellent experience but Ridley clearly a class above everyone. After that the group is very young but could have some game breakers in shavers and jeudy
