For the third time in the last three years it will be the Alabama Crimson Tide taking on the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoffs. This year’s game is a semifinal matchup in the College Football Playoffs in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day on ESPN. Two years ago it was Alabama beating Clemson to win the national title, while last year it was Clemson beating the Crimson Tide for the title. This time around the game is a semifinal matchup with the winner facing the winner of the game between Georgia and Oklahoma on January 8 in the College Football Championship Game.
Alabama vs. Clemson
Many people don’t think that Alabama deserves to be in this game, as they think Ohio State should have gotten the spot. The oddsmakers sure don’t agree, as they think Alabama is a very deserving team. Bettors also agree, as they have been backing Alabama since this line came out and now Alabama is a 3-point favorite.
Both Alabama and Clemson feature strong defenses, as the Crimson Tide gave up just 11.5 points per game, the best mark in the country. Clemson gave up just 12.8 points per game, 2nd best in the nation. Clemson has the best defensive line in the country with Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence, while Alabama has the best linebacking group led by Mack Wilson, Christian Miller and Terrell Lewis.
Both teams have good offenses but Clemson has the edge at quarterback with Kelly Bryant against Jalen Hurts. Bryant has six TDs in his last three games with just one interception, while Hurts has struggled to make plays.
Motivated Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide are not only playing with revenge, they are playing to prove they belong in the College Football Playoff. Alabama is coming off a loss in the SEC title game and they will be very motivated to avenge last year’s loss to Clemson.
Sugar Bowl Odds
Alabama -3, total 47
Game Trends
The Crimson Tide are 4-1 ATS at top betting sites reviews in their last 5 neutral site games. The Crimson Tide are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. the ACC. The Crimson Tide are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in January.
The Tigers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 bowl games. The Tigers are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games. The Tigers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 neutral site games.
The Under is 7-2 at top betting sites reviews in the Crimson Tide last 9 non-conference games. The Over is 10-3 in the Crimson Tide last 13 bowl games. The Under is 7-2-1 in the Tigers last 10 games overall.
Sugar Bowl Picks
There is no question that Alabama is getting a lot of action from bettors who look at the best sportsbook reviews. Whether or not Alabama deserves the respect is another story. Alabama was just 5-7 ATS this season, while Clemson was 8-4-1. The Crimson Tide are definitely good enough on defense to win this game but is Hurts a good enough quarterback? He wasn’t good enough last year and he really doesn’t look any better. Clemson is now getting a field goal and the points look to be worth taking. Making a play on the total at top betting sites reviews is also worth doing as both of these defenses are excellent. This should be a low scoring game that goes under the total.
