Essentials WHAT #1 Michigan (13-0) vs #4 Alabama(12-1) WHERE Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA WHEN New Year's Day 2:10 Pacific 5:10 Eastern THE LINE M –1.5 (Vegas) M –9 (Bill C) TELEVISION ESPN PBP: Chris Fowler Color: Kirk Herbstreit TICKETS from $533 WEATHER sunny, mid-60s minimal wind Overview This has to be the largest gap between the Vegas line and the SP+ line I have entered into the above table since I started putting both in the game column. These days it is rare to have a gap of more than a couple points. More than a touchdown is unheard of without a plague of locusts hitting one team. What's the deal? Well, Alabama beat Georgia. The end. That win has turned the Crimson Tide from a talented but wobbly team into a juggernaut in the eyes of the public, which has bet massively on Alabama. The books have barely moved the line; it opened at Michigan –2.5. They're taking a position on Michigan. And, you know, it's not too hard to see why. The week before Bama won
Essentials WHAT #1 Michigan (13-0) vs #4 Alabama(12-1) WHERE Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA WHEN New Year's Day 2:10 Pacific 5:10 Eastern THE LINE M –1.5 (Vegas) M –9 (Bill C) TELEVISION ESPN PBP: Chris Fowler Color: Kirk Herbstreit TICKETS from $533 WEATHER sunny, mid-60s minimal wind Overview This has to be the largest gap between the Vegas line and the SP+ line I have entered into the above table since I started putting both in the game column. These days it is rare to have a gap of more than a couple points. More than a touchdown is unheard of without a plague of locusts hitting one team. What's the deal? Well, Alabama beat Georgia. The end. That win has turned the Crimson Tide from a talented but wobbly team into a juggernaut in the eyes of the public, which has bet massively on Alabama. The books have barely moved the line; it opened at Michigan –2.5. They're taking a position on Michigan. And, you know, it's not too hard to see why. The week before Bama won
Previously: Alabama Offense While 'Bama's offense has had its ups-and-downs, the 'Bama defense has been a rock solid unit all season long. Boasting a hyper talented, NFL-ready secondary, the Crimson Tide have SP+'s #9 defense in the country. There are some weaknesses in the middle compared to past years, but the pass rush and secondary is legit and there's plenty to be frightened of here: The Film: We're sticking with the Georgia-Alabama tape for the defensive charting as well. Most recent game, a good performance for the defense, and it came against a high-level offense. Checks all the boxes. I will use some tape and reference observations while reviewing film from the other Alabama games this season, including Ole Miss, LSU, Tennessee, Texas, and Auburn as well. Personnel: Click for big. Alabama's defensive line is headlined by its superstar EDGE talent, although we should point out that their two blue chip rushers don't play toge